DExx-vd_isl board

The DExx-vd_isl board (Dexx for short) is an add on board for the DE10 Nano FPGA development board (and other FPGA based development boards, check the Wiki for compatibility information). Dexx turns the DE10 Nano board into a fully featured retro gaming scaler with some of the most advanced features available on the market at this time. This is not a stand alone product, the following items are required in order to use it.

• DE10 Nano FPGA board (or other compatible board)
• Blank MicroSD card (of any size). This must be a blank card, it is not possible to share the same SD card that contains the MiSTer system software, for instance
• Access to a PC with an SD card reader. This can be a Windows, Linux or Mac machine
• An OSSC Classic remote control

The DE10 Nano is popular for use with the MiSTer project, which means many gamers have access to this particular board. While using the DExx does mean disassembling the MiSTer setup, it is useful for people who have a spare DE10 Nano, or who only occasionally need a scaler (or perhaps who only occasionally need their MiSTer). It is also a good purchase for anyone who wants to start developing for the OSSC Pro project, as the DExx shares almost all the same open source code with its big brother the OSSC Pro.

When assembled, the DExx becomes a fully featured scaler with the following advanced features

• Two devices in one! Choose between lag-free line multiplication or the more flexible, low lag scaler modes
• Digitizes analogue video sources – Accepts RGBS, RGBCS (TTL csync), RGBHV and YPbPr formats via SCART connector
• Analogue and digital audio inputs – via SCART and TOSLINK* respectively
• Industry leading compatibility with retro consoles and computers
• Flexible scanline engine and pre/post processing controls
• Zero input lag in line multiplication modes, low lag in scaler mode
• OSD menu – For easy user interface control and configuration. Control remotely using the standard OSSC Classic remote control
• Optional character LCD can be connected if required

New features and improvements over the OSSC Classic include:-

• Adaptive line multiplication – Better compatibility with a wider range of displays and more flexible output
• Auto phase detection for adaptive and scaler modes (work in progress)
• Full video scaler mode with custom upscaling options
• Motion adaptive/flicker free deinterlacing
• Scaler mode can prevent picture drop in games which switch between 240p and 480i
• Optional black frame insertion for 720p output resolution
• Noninterlace restore mode – This mode can restore the original 240p format of certain titles. For example, some arcade ports on the PlayStation 2 output incorrectly at 480i.

The DExx has 1 x RGB SCART socket input which accepts RGB with composite sync, sync on luma or sync on composite video. Supported formats also include YPbPr component video and RGBHV with an appropriate adapter (not supplied). Composite video and S-Video are NOT supported and will require transcoding.

The unit also has 1 x TOSLINK/SPDIF* input which passes through digital audio via SPDIF.

* Note – The TOSLINK/SPDIF* input requires a small hardware modification in order to work. Details of this will be available on the Wiki. Note that performing hardware modifications to your DE10 Nano board may invalidate your warranty.

Video output is via the HDMI socket on the DE10 Nano. The DExx is powered using the DE10 Nano PSU, no other power supply is required.

Documentation, support and returns

Quick start guide

Support Forum

Firmware updates

DExx Wiki

In addition to the standard 1 year EU warranty, we’re also giving a one-month no quibble return for all units. Test the DExx in your setup and if it doesn’t work, return it to us for a full refund. All we ask is that you pay return postage and send the complete unit with packaging and any accessories undamaged. Contact us here if you need to return a unit.