Nintendo RF Switch Problems

NES, SNES, N64, Gamecube, Wii
User avatar
BRIK
Next-Gen
Posts: 1449
Joined: Wed Mar 23, 2011 7:20 am
Location: Perth, Australia
Contact:

Nintendo RF Switch Problems

Post by BRIK »

I'm trying to figure if the one I have is broken, or if I'm doing something stupidly wrong. Please keep in mind I was part of the composite generation, and I'm only getting into RF switches now >.<
Anyway I have one for my SNES, and I can't get it to display a picture. I know the SNES is fine, because I usually connect it via AV and I never have had any problems.
I plug the cable that is labelled "(S)NES control deck" into the "RF Out" on my snes. I then plug the cable labelled "TV" into the antenna port of my television.
I've done automatic scans and manual ones, but none seem to be able to pick up my SNES. Am I doing something obviously wrong? Also for the record I've tried this on two TV's, one older than 15 years and the other around the 25 year old mark.
Retro Game On's YouTube Channel << Featuring reviews, features and repair videos.
Jontendo
64-bit
Posts: 339
Joined: Fri Dec 09, 2011 1:30 am

Re: Nintendo RF Switch Problems

Post by Jontendo »

Here it's just a matter of setting your TV to channel 3 or 4 (depending on which one the console switch is set to). I'm not sure how/if things are different for the PAL regions though.

And since someone's gotta ask... Why do you want to use RF instead of composite or better? :)
User avatar
flojocabron
Next-Gen
Posts: 4155
Joined: Thu Aug 19, 2010 2:15 am
Location: on the border

Re: Nintendo RF Switch Problems

Post by flojocabron »

not to say the obvious but have you checked the channel?

US consoles have a channel 3/4 switch. Does your AUS console have the same?

Also the same for your TV. Put it to one of those channels and do the same for the console.

Do you also have an nes?

Try out the Rf plug with the nes as well. They are compatibe with each other.

If that doesnt work, then your rf plug may be busted.
2600 and jr,5200,nes/top loader, master system, intellivision, TG-16, genesis 1,2,3, SNES, snesJR, CDX, 3DOfz10, gamegear, gameboy and pocket, GBC, sega saturn, PSOne w/screen, Virtual Boy, N64, NGPC, Gameboy Advance sp, Dreamcast, Black Dreamcast, oXBOX, Playstation 2, PStwo, Gamecube, gameboy player, DS lite,DSi XL, PSP1000/3000,Wii,PS3 120gb,3DSXL, xbox 360, PSvita, PS4
User avatar
BRIK
Next-Gen
Posts: 1449
Joined: Wed Mar 23, 2011 7:20 am
Location: Perth, Australia
Contact:

Re: Nintendo RF Switch Problems

Post by BRIK »

Jontendo wrote:And since someone's gotta ask... Why do you want to use RF instead of composite or better? :)
I have my first Famicom game coming in the mail, and I wanted to check if the RF Switch at least worked with the SNES first.
flojocabron wrote:not to say the obvious but have you checked the channel?

US consoles have a channel 3/4 switch. Does your AUS console have the same?

Also the same for your TV. Put it to one of those channels and do the same for the console.
I can't see any channel switcher on my console :?
Retro Game On's YouTube Channel << Featuring reviews, features and repair videos.
User avatar
flojocabron
Next-Gen
Posts: 4155
Joined: Thu Aug 19, 2010 2:15 am
Location: on the border

Re: Nintendo RF Switch Problems

Post by flojocabron »

you have a minor problem now. That money and time can solve.

you may need one of these guys...

Image

Dont know if they are compatible for AUS models. but this is an adapter that goes into the back where it says "multi out"

This same thing works on an N64. And Possibly a Gamecube. Its to make the console work off of the antenna input.

The channel 3/4 switch is on this adapter.

This is the best answer I can think of.
2600 and jr,5200,nes/top loader, master system, intellivision, TG-16, genesis 1,2,3, SNES, snesJR, CDX, 3DOfz10, gamegear, gameboy and pocket, GBC, sega saturn, PSOne w/screen, Virtual Boy, N64, NGPC, Gameboy Advance sp, Dreamcast, Black Dreamcast, oXBOX, Playstation 2, PStwo, Gamecube, gameboy player, DS lite,DSi XL, PSP1000/3000,Wii,PS3 120gb,3DSXL, xbox 360, PSvita, PS4
Jontendo
64-bit
Posts: 339
Joined: Fri Dec 09, 2011 1:30 am

Re: Nintendo RF Switch Problems

Post by Jontendo »

BRIK wrote:I can't see any channel switcher on my console :?
Image
It's the tiny slider (black square) just to the right of the RF-Out port.
User avatar
BRIK
Next-Gen
Posts: 1449
Joined: Wed Mar 23, 2011 7:20 am
Location: Perth, Australia
Contact:

Re: Nintendo RF Switch Problems

Post by BRIK »

flojocabron wrote:you have a minor problem now. That money and time can solve.

you may need one of these guys...

Image

Dont know if they are compatible for AUS models. but this is an adapter that goes into the back where it says "multi out"

This same thing works on an N64. And Possibly a Gamecube. Its to make the console work off of the antenna input.

The channel 3/4 switch is on this adapter.

This is the best answer I can think of.
I may have to go this route, but keep in mind I did buy the RF Switch for my Famicom. I don't want to have to spend anymore money when I maybe don't have to.
Jontendo wrote:
BRIK wrote:I can't see any channel switcher on my console :?
Image
It's the tiny slider (black square) just to the right of the RF-Out port.
Mine has everything shown there except the little slider. Must be a PAL or Australian thing as my Super Famicom has one.
Retro Game On's YouTube Channel << Featuring reviews, features and repair videos.
Jontendo
64-bit
Posts: 339
Joined: Fri Dec 09, 2011 1:30 am

Re: Nintendo RF Switch Problems

Post by Jontendo »

BRIK wrote:Mine has everything shown there except the little slider. Must be a PAL or Australian thing as my Super Famicom has one.
RF-Out, but no channel selector on the console? In that case, you might have to opt for the separate RF modulator flojocabron mentioned. Otherwise, you might have to find an RF cable with the channel selector built in (to test the console's RF-Out port).

(hopefully that made sense)
User avatar
BRIK
Next-Gen
Posts: 1449
Joined: Wed Mar 23, 2011 7:20 am
Location: Perth, Australia
Contact:

Re: Nintendo RF Switch Problems

Post by BRIK »

Jontendo wrote:
BRIK wrote:Mine has everything shown there except the little slider. Must be a PAL or Australian thing as my Super Famicom has one.
RF-Out, but no channel selector on the console? In that case, you might have to opt for the separate RF modulator flojocabron mentioned. Otherwise, you might have to find an RF cable with the channel selector built in (to test the console's RF-Out port).

(hopefully that made sense)
I may have to, but then what was the point of the RF Switch I have being made? It's an official Nintendo one after all.
Also I might try it on my Super Famicom, and see if I get anywhere.
Retro Game On's YouTube Channel << Featuring reviews, features and repair videos.
Jontendo
64-bit
Posts: 339
Joined: Fri Dec 09, 2011 1:30 am

Re: Nintendo RF Switch Problems

Post by Jontendo »

BRIK wrote:I may have to, but then what was the point of the RF Switch I have being made? It's an official Nintendo one after all.
Also I might try it on my Super Famicom, and see if I get anywhere.
Just a guess, but since the console has a dedicated RF port but no channel switch I'm thinking there's an alternate cable made specifically for this model. One that will have the channel selector built into it like the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis cables.

I'm not sure why they would change it up like that though... :?

[Edit] -
Apparently the switchless RF system has wrecked someone else's day here before.
http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 4&start=10
Funny to see the exact same picture was linked 5 months ago. :)
Post Reply