• Since APRIL 2023 - revised version with power switch and extra fuses

Fully automatic SCART switch with full galvanic inputs separation

  (bold - new features comparing  to HYDRA2)

• 8 scart inputs ( RGB, s-video, composite) - easily expandable to 16 or 24 inputs with HYDRA HEADS device
• 2 scart ouput -  now, You can connect Your 2 ouput devices !!
• "Knight rider" style active scart detection
• full ROHS
• expandable with 2 additional HYDRA HEADS devices to offer outstanding 24inputs scart functionality
• AVR controller with firmware future updates
• HQ plexi transparent ( made by me ;-) at my laser machine)
• STEREO RCA audio output 
• IR controlled
• Improved signal detection histerisis / all cables shall work now/
• 3 independant audio buffers for each audio output 
• SYNC ON GREEN  mode for scart input 2 (SW7 - SOG SWITCH)
• RGB ONLY / AUTO mode for scart input 8 (SW8 )
• fully compatible with HYDRA2 firmware
• manual/automatic mode
• DUAL POWER INPUT :  REGULAR MICRO USB MOBILE CHARGER 5V (preffered, sugegsted, asked, etc...)  or  power supply: 
  • 2.1 / 5.1 barrel jack
  • 7.5V-9V AC/DC - 10V is MAX !! 
  • DC polarity independant
• TTL SYNC can be switch on on both outputs the same time, even if one receiver is 75ohm capable only
• added extra protection at SCART INPUTS to protects NCS chips
• DIMENSIONS DRAWING - CLICK

DISCLAIMER:

• if You supply 9V to barrel jack as power supply:
  • hydra power zone will get hot . IT IS NORMAL !
  • every hydra heads unit connected, power zone will become even hotter ! IT IS NORMAL !
  • Hydra has a polimer fuse - more hot it gets, quicker it will act and power off device
  • I really do suggest use micro usb 1500mA mobile phone charger; in that situation Hydra needs no step down volatge regulating and doesnt emit lost energy as a heat
  • All step down voltage is done with OLD SCHOOL low drops to avoid interefrences.
  • You cannot cheat / beat  physics !!!
  • Power consumption (one input/one output):
    • HYDRA 2 - no HHeads unit   ~ 0,55 A
    • HYDRA 2  + 1 HHeads unit   ~ 0,77 A
    • HYDRA 2  + 2 HHeads units  ~ 1A 
  • Check You setup and coressponmdnig values. Mentioned values are nominal and power supply shall supply at least 50% more  current for peace of mind 

Do not use garbage power supply – any decent micro usb mobile charger will do the work.. and please be careful with USB SOCKET 😉

How doees it work ?

      Imagine, You have many retro system in use. Amiga, Atari ST, ZX spectrum, etc... And You have only one classical TV/Monitor with one SCART INPUT. Each time, You want to switch system, You have to connect Your machine to Your monitor. Everytime, You do it - You damage scart socket inside. Those days are over. Connect up to 24 computers/consoles to HYDRA, then connect HYDRA to Your TV/Monitor and power on hydra. Since now, HYDRA will detect active scart input and forward all signals to Your monitor. Simple and efficent.

Please, remember:

NEVER connect / disconnect SCART PLUGS 

when HYDRA is ON

especially when CONSOLE/SYSTEM is ON !

USE SIMPLEST SCART CABLES POSSIBBLE

• No tricky electronics inside as NOT NEEDED. Hydra has built in all necessary features
• Hydra accepts following sync signals at pin 20 of scart:
  • composite video 
  • luma
  • composite sync  ( please, read FAQ tab above)

BUTTONS:

• left SW3  - scan for active source to the left from active one (if active is far left, no action) /  next scart in manual mode
• right SW1 - scan for active source to the right from active one (if active is far right, no action) / previous scart in manual mode
• middle SW2 - HD/LOW PASS filter (led on/off) - default ON; more details HERE, page 11
• left+right pressed - disables "knight rider led effect" 
• middle + right - Automatic/manual mode
• middle + left - mute audio
• SW4/SW5 - TTL / 75Ohm switch sync ( do not use on 75Ohm receivers !). LED ON = TTL SYNC OUTPUT
  • SW4 for scart output J2 (left)
  • SW5 for scart output J3 (right)

SWITCHES:

• SW7 - SYNC ON GREEN  mode for scart input 2 ; DEFAULT OFF, LED OFF
• SW8 - RGB ONLY / AUTO mode for scart input 8 ( Amstrad Computers, ZX 128 +2/3), DEFAULT AUTO

Soon - more info about remote codes learnig

CONNECTING HYDRA HEADS TO HYDRA2

Hydra2  8port scart switcher, may be “easily” expanded with 2 additional HYDRA HEADS devices to offer outstanding 24inputs scart functionality.

How does it work ?

       After establishing connection with flat cables between HYDRA (master unit) and HYDRA HEADS (slave unit), user  forces HYDRA to work with HEADS expansion and 8 additional scart inputs it offers.  BOTTOM SWITCH MUST BE SET IN 16P mode.

How about connecting another Hydra Heads to already connected one ?

Additional Hydra Heads unit may be added to previously  installed one to achieve 24 inputs. BOTTOM SWITCH MUST BE SET IN 24P mode.

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