Messages

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: TG16 retro button/pin...]

Pretty cool.  I hope your buddy asked if they had any other TurboGrafx stuff!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Turbo Gouging on Ebay ( r.i.p. - gouging much )]

https://www.ebay.com/p/56276839?iid=112053086837
ebay.com/itm/Ghost-Manor-TurboGrafx-16-1992-/112053086837

Christ, you want $1200 and you can't even post photos of the actual item?
Only a stock photo screen shot is on the listing at the time of my posting.
I will watch in horror and disbelief if this actually sells.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Turbo Gouging on Ebay ( r.i.p. - gouging much )]

What's up with Turboexpress and GT?  Seems nowday they are going for over $300 recapped and there's a couple with box for $500.  It seems like the price doubled since I got my TE a year ago.  Kayne effect?

The Kayne Effect?

Is that when you are playing your TE and some random douchebag runs up, swipes it and starts ranting about how Beyonce deserves to play Turbo?

[Buy/Sell/Trade / Mysterious Song on eBay again.]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mysterious-Song-PC-ENGINE-TURBOGRAFX-16-2014-Release-Version-/201616675851?hash=item2ef14a540b:g:xSUAAOSwzJ5XedDy

If you missed out on it the last several times, it's back...but probably not for long.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: PC Engine CD/TurboGrafx CD Vs Mega-CD/Sega CD - which is better?]

Sega had some good cd games, but I feel they tried to stick with FMV too long.  NEC on the other hand, seemed to understand sooner where the real power of cd enhanced games could take the gaming experience and then came out with some truly incredible games.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Turbo Gouging on Ebay ( r.i.p. - gouging much )]

Yes but I have pounds so it makes no difference to me!

Well, yeah.  Then there is that!

Yup, I definitely need more coffee this morning.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Turbo Gouging on Ebay ( r.i.p. - gouging much )]

the hyrule rupee has remained steady since 1986 or so.
a blue ring then cost 250.  even today, the price hasnt changed.
its crazy.

LOL!  Love it!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Turbo Gouging on Ebay ( r.i.p. - gouging much )]

Bit steep
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172244546056

With the trending value of the Pound due to Brexit, if you wait a bit, it might be more reasonable.

I don't understand?

Before Brexit, the US Dollar was trading at roughly at $1.50 to 1 British Pound.  Now, it is trading at about $1.33 to 1 British Pound.  A week ago, that game would have cost me about $173US.  Today, it would cost me about $153.  If the Pound continues to fall, the game would actually become reasonably priced.

This about as far as my understanding of global economics goes...at least until I have a few more cups of coffee this morning!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Turbo Gouging on Ebay ( r.i.p. - gouging much )]

Bit steep
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172244546056

With the trending value of the Pound due to Brexit, if you wait a bit, it might be more reasonable.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: IFU-30A - RGB Mod quality limited?]

If you aren't using the NEC power supply, try a laptop style power supply.  I'm using a brand name one from a old NAS I had laying around (12V 3A).  I first tried some Amazon wall wart 12 2A supplies... pure crap that caused horrible video noise.

Good Luck

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: BitHead1000 YouTube channel]

A new one is up.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: New to Turbo, Recommend me some Good Fun Games!]

If price isn't a major concern, I would add Cadash and Dragon's Curse to the list. 

I enjoyed Boxy Boy too, but really loved Puzzle Boy.  It is a PCE game, but if you go the Everdrive route, there is an English translation available.

Have fun!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Introducing myself and Turbo Views......]

All of his reviews are excellent.   Glad to see a new one released!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Hucard / SuperCD are NOT the same system...]

Christ, that is a huge difference in sound quality...maybe I don't want a CDX after all...

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Hucard / SuperCD are NOT the same system...]

funny you say that about the caps.  i have owned 2 cdx systems over the last 5 years and they have always worked perfect.  never had an issue and i never heard of cap problems with them.  but you are the second person in like 2 weeks to say that to me.  i play it regularly, so maybe that helps?

I don't know how accurate the purported cap issue is.  I have watched GameTech US  on some of the repairs he has done on the units and he made mention of it being common.  Now that could be just the common repair he does on them...not necessarily a common issue with the units.  Someday I will have to pull the trigger on one.  But, for now, I think my next acquisition will be a Duo...if I can find one for the right price.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Hucard / SuperCD are NOT the same system...]

Gynt,

There have been so many times I have thought about getting a CDX.  Like you said, for everything that it is, it has a nice small foot print.  The only thing that has stopped me is that I hear mixed things about it having cap issues.  And, from the videos I have seen, it looks like a bear to mess with.  I have a model 2 Genesis/CD unit that I need to fix the CD on...need new laser.  I have been holding off because the gears in it look suspect and I don't want to throw good money after bad.  Might have to pull the trigger on a CDX... would free up a lot of room that that model 2 is taking up.

For $250, sounds like you got a sweet deal on that lot.  The one main reason I like the SegaCD is for Popful Mail.  Now, if there was an English translation for the Turbo...

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Hucard / SuperCD are NOT the same system...]

I think for a system that had such small market share, NEC did a decent job transitioning to the all in one Duo.  I think the Duo helped homogenize HuCARDS and CDs into just Turbo games.  Using your example of Sega, they stuck with the Frankenstein mash of parts that was the Genesis/CD/32X that each required its own power adapter and had patch cords going everywhere for too long.  While NEC had their period of doing somewhat the same, I think they moved on to an all in one unit sooner.  When looking at both systems today, the Duo is much more readily available than the Sega CDX or X'Eye units.

I get the finance side of being able to jump in and get a CD unit just because you want it.  But, when you can, I would suggest it.  As stated, great games available.  Like you, I love the PCE briefcase.  That was the direction I wanted to go.  But, I was able to obtain a broken dock and broken CD unit for pretty much nothing.  Fixed both and so, here I am.  As Gypsy stated, emulation is a route to experience CD games...I don't think emulation is the sin that some categorize it into.  Emulation made me decide that I wanted the original hardware. 

But hell, what do I know...I haven't even had a cup of coffee yet this morning, so I am pretty much babbling on.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: What Turbo game are you currently playing?]

Playing Ys Book I&II.
Pissed off because I lost my saved games.
Pissed off because I am getting my ass handed to me by the mantis boss on floor 8 of the tower.
But, other than being pissed off, I am having a blast!

At least Ys 1 is pretty short, so you can get back to where you need to be.

Go grind Adol until the monsters are only giving 1-2 points. This is a Ys tactic I always employ. The bosses are much easier, sometimes with just 1 level gained.

Enjoy! I love all the Ys series.

Yeah, just about done with the tower now.  I wanted to complete I&II because I did the English text and audio patch for IV and am anxious to play it. 

Didn't use the codes because, frankly, I need the practice!  Plan to knock it out this weekend and start on IV hopefully.  I just love the action rpgs on the TurboGrafx!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: What Turbo game are you currently playing?]

Playing Ys Book I&II.
Pissed off because I lost my saved games.
Pissed off because I am getting my ass handed to me by the mantis boss on floor 8 of the tower.
But, other than being pissed off, I am having a blast!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Just... Bad, Turbo Ebay Auctions (Not Gouging)]

If you have the time to sit on something, all it takes is one overly anxious person who wants it now.  Of course, if you're running a business, it seems that volume would make you more money in the long run.

[Buy/Sell/Trade / Re: WTB: Set of capacitors for cd-rom2]

You bet!  Their on line resources are a great reason to give them business.  Plus, you get an Atomic Fireball in your order.  I am a sucker for candy!

[Buy/Sell/Trade / Re: WTB: Set of capacitors for cd-rom2]

Console5 offers cap kits for very reasonable prices.  Additionally, they have cap maps available on line as well.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Blazing Lazers Audio Popping?]

You can just access the sound test by holding select and pressing left then right repeatedly until it comes up.

Well, yeah...sure, you could do that...
lol!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Blazing Lazers Audio Popping?]

I tried playing Blazing Lazers today on my Turbo Express. Sadly I couldn't reach Area 5. I am very rusty on this game. Of what I did play it sounded fine.

Oh yeah, I just plain suck at a lot of games.  But, it doesn't hinder my ability to enjoy the games!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Blazing Lazers Audio Popping?]

You got me curious now.  I'm going to have to play some Blazing Lasers on my Everdrive to see if I get the same popping sound.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: My "overengineered" logo backlight mod.]

Good to know about the sticker.  Always been nervous about doing the mod because I was afraid the sticker would get stress marks from being removed.  I like the Velcro attachment for the led panel.   Too bad it has to have a hole cut in the shielding to fit.  Thanks for posting pics and info of your mod.   I love looking at this kind of stuff.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: My "overengineered" logo backlight mod.]

Looks good!  I sure like the way that TurboGrafx16 logo glows.
Does the sticker come off pretty easy without damaging it?

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Blazing Lazers Audio Popping?]

I also keep thinking I want to do the LED mod to the logo.  Did you use an LED strip or just single LEDs?

As for the LED mod itself, I bought out my local Radio Shack of white four-pin 3mm LED packages. Wanted 8 but they only had seven so I had to make do with what I got. I later realised I got robbed pretty bad buying all seven square mount LEDs they had, paying $5 each for parts I could have ordered online for 25 cents. I installed the LEDs on a perfboard PCB and supplied each one with a 100 ohm resistor because I don't trust them to stay in tolerance when parallel connected. The perfboard was cut to size, roughly 1x3.5 inches, and the whole assembly was covered in several layers of black electric tape. The PCB is held onto the case with velcro so it can be repositioned if need be. I used leftover pieces from the perfboard I originally cut to build up a platform for it to rest on so the LEDs didn't poke the backside of the decal. Because the LED board is too thick, I had to cut a rectangular hole in the top side shielding to allow the assembly to fit. I ran the black and red wires and soldered directly to the 7805 regulator. After I installed everything, I looked up a video tutorial on Youtube from Game-Tech

and realized I had way over-engineered my backlight mod. I took photos of it but haven't uploaded them online yet. I'll eventually upload them to a Flickr album and make a thread about it later.

Good deal.  I look forward to the thread with photos.  To OP, sorry I derailed your thread!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Just... Bad, Turbo Ebay Auctions (Not Gouging)]

Kanye's influence is mighty.

It certainly is!  Ever since he made his TurboGrafx announcement, I have been hording copies of Keith Courage.  I just know it is going to be the next $100+ title.  I have over 100 copies now.  Yup, it's gonna go up in value...any day now...just waiting...

There's a store near me that has a 5 loose copies of Kieth Courage that it hasn't sold for years for $5.  I went in recently and they upped the price to $20.  I asked why, and they said "Turbo Grafx games are very popular these days."  There were still 5 copies. 

They weren't selling at $5, but maybe they'll sell at $20!?  Good luck, store!

How can you possibly argue with that kind of logic?

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Blazing Lazers Audio Popping?]

StarDust4Ever,

The TurboGrafx16 units do not have as bad of an issue with caps as the Duos.  The Duos are sitting time bombs if the caps haven't been replaced.  While it is not the best sample size to make judgments by, only one-third of the 20 or so TurboGrafx16s that I have replaced caps on actually had issues caused by the caps.  The two-thirds that didn't really needed the caps replaced were done so just because people like the idea that the caps have been replaced.  I think some of it is paranoia carried over from the Duos.   So, I don't think the cap issue with the TG16s is at an epidemic level...just something cheap and easy to do if you are inside working on one at the time.

You are dead on with the NES, SNES and Genesis.  I haven't seen those needing to be replaced too often.  My own Atari, Coleco Gemini, Colecovision, Genesis, and PSX all have their original caps and show no sign that they should or need to be replaced.

You are lucky with the RF connection.  I have a pile of RF modulators that I have removed to perform A/V mods.  Most of those don't work or don't work well.  The material that they made the RCA jack from is the cheapest material I think they could find.  They are either so oxidized or corroded that they fail to work.  I am sure that what part of the States they were in and the humidity levels there probably had a lot to do with the oxidation and corrosion.

I also keep thinking I want to do the LED mod to the logo.  Did you use an LED strip or just single LEDs?

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Blazing Lazers Audio Popping?]

Have you tried another TV yet?

My guess would really be that your TV is the culprit.  Capacitors can cause audio issues in bass, but most often this is seen in the amp section where larger voltages are required to drive bass frequencies.  Given the age that CRTs are getting to, you could have an issue in the audio amp section of the TV or it could be the old age of the speaker.

I am not an expert by any stretch, but I have recapped over 20 TurboGrafx now.  Of those about a third truly had sound issues due to bad capacitors.  None of the units exhibited roll off of bass frequencies.  You generally see a decline across the full frequency spectrum.

Given the fact that TurboGrafx seem to have a pretty "quiet" audio pre-out, one generally has to increase the volume on the TV above normal listening levels.  Driving the amp section of the TV this much harder could result in the amp section clipping lower frequencies due to failing capacitors or simply causing a bad speaker to crackle. 

Now, if your TurboGrafx hasn't been recapped, it would be a good thing to do anyhow given how notorious the units are for leaking caps.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Just... Bad, Turbo Ebay Auctions (Not Gouging)]

Kanye's influence is mighty.

It certainly is!  Ever since he made his TurboGrafx announcement, I have been hording copies of Keith Courage.  I just know it is going to be the next $100+ title.  I have over 100 copies now.  Yup, it's gonna go up in value...any day now...just waiting...

[Localizations, Games, Apps, Docs / Re: Ys IV: The Dawn of Ys English Dub Patch Released!]

I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to give a big thank you to Burnt Lasagna and NightWolve for their time and effort on this English version of Ys IV.  All your hard work is appreciated!  I have had both patches on my hard drive for quite a while, but finally got a round to performing the patches today.  Absolutely incredible!  The voice acting is top notch!

Thanks
Chad

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Turbografx 16 Controller]

Common problem.  Unfortunately, I don't think there are entire cord replacements available.   If you know how to solder, you can purchase a replacement 8 pin din connector and put a new one on.  Worst case scenario, it is time to spend $25 to $30 for  a new one on ebay.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Blazing Lazers Audio Popping?]

Sounds like it is on the drum beats to me.  As mentioned, try a different TV.  Could be just the speaker on the TV has crapped out or it is bottoming out on the bass.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Best Turbo shooter under $50?]

Not my favorite, but it has a following.  Space Harrier can be found for less then $50 CIC.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Just... Bad, Turbo Ebay Auctions (Not Gouging)]

24 completed auctions and 0 sold. 

And most (if not all) of his prices were WAY lower than his current auctions..

TG16 doesn't sell at $117?  Try $999!

The funny part is he didn't even try to sell them, all those listings were taken down because "there was an error in the listing."

My original theory still stands.  My guess is that his wife first listed the items.  He saw it, freaked and ended the auctions.  Holy hell broke out at his house and he relisted the items at the correct prices (ahem).

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Le TurboDoodle (Episode #YB)]

Love it! 
Only an obsessed Turbite would look at a dumpster with "Go Pro" on it and think "Yo' Bro" or "Yo, Bro"

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Just... Bad, Turbo Ebay Auctions (Not Gouging)]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-1989-NEC-TurboGrafx-16-Gaming-System-/182159388025?hash=item2a698bad79:g:CmwAAOSwZJlXNeGP

Just take a minute to look at what items are selling for before listing fever hits.

"Also included with the system is the controller and the original AC Adapter (only works for older model televisions of the 20th century)."

If you look at his other auctions, he wants a grand for a NES and has Keith Courage listed for $50.  I think his old lady told him to get rid of all his collectibles.  He told her that if he could sell them on ebay, he would.  If not, he would keep them.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Just... Bad, Turbo Ebay Auctions (Not Gouging)]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-1989-NEC-TurboGrafx-16-Gaming-System-/182159388025?hash=item2a698bad79:g:CmwAAOSwZJlXNeGP

Just take a minute to look at what items are selling for before listing fever hits.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Are "Home Made" TG-16 Composite cables dangerous?]

If you are careful, you won't jack up your TG16.  If you were considering a Turbo Booster, I would suggest looking at a CD Dock instead.  The CD Dock can be a little more expensive than the Turbo Booster, but it gives you expandability options down the road.  The CD Dock has AV outputs and also has memory back up for games that support it.  Just be sure you get one that includes a power adapter.  They use a different adapter than the TG16 and can be somewhat difficult to obtain at a reasonable cost.  Now getting a working CD unit down the road is a different story...they can be flaky as hell...

Stick with what you have now, as ghetto as it may be, but if you totally fall in love with the TG16 and move that Nintendo to your second shelf, then follow my advice above.

Have fun.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Are "Home Made" TG-16 Composite cables dangerous?]

I have seen two types of these soft mods.  One has a large connector that plugs into the expansion port.  The other that seems to be more common is just loose individual connectors.  I think that this second type holds the most peril for your TG16.  The possibility exists that you could simply plug the connectors into the incorrect pins.  Since the expansion port has audio, composite, rgb, address bus and voltage; the potential for permanent damage exists by mixing up the connections.  And at the very least, you could simply trip on or snag that cable and jack your expansion port pins up.

Use with caution...or get a TG16 that has been internally modded...or a cd dock.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Repair: TG16 Green Screen]

Hey, thanks!  I was worried about the crack spreading when I recapped the board.  That was part of the reason why I ran extra jumpers for traces that weren't broken.  However, it survived the the recap and the AV mod with out any issues.  Now that it is screwed back down into the case, there shouldn't be any problems.  I have had the unit running the last several hours while I have played...er, tested the unit...

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Repair: TG16 Green Screen]

Hope this might help someone or at least somebody might find it interesting.

I picked up a lot of TG16s and found that one of the units would only display a green screen regardless if there was a HuCARD present or not.  As with most solid color screen issues, possible causes could be cpu, ram, traces or a combo of any of the above.  As I was about to give up looking for broken traces, I felt a ridge by the HuCARD slot.  Sure enough, on the right side by the 6280 there was a break that took out 10 traces.

I fixed the four traces that went from the card slot to the 6280.  Just in case the crack were to telegraph further, I went ahead and ran jumpers on two more traces.  Just to see if I was on the right path, I fired it up.  I was welcomed by the Keith Courage title screen!

The remaining 6 traces that were broken, ran to the controller port.  Installed jumpers from the vias to the 6280.  Fired it back up and was able to control Keith.

I can only assume that the unit was dropped and this caused the board to crack where it did.  If you are experiencing solid color screens or no response on your controllers, the areas I repaired on my board might be some place to start looking on yours.

My next step with this TG16 is to recap the board and install a AV mod for composite out.  I will replace the tape that is holding down my jumper wires with hot snot once I am sure everything is still working.

I have photos posted here https://goo.gl/photos/P2NaLCVJXcrhCd4w7




Thanks
Chad

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Anybody else using cheap aftermarket extension cables with your Turbografx?]

I only saw the 5 pin din at Monoprice.  They do have the 8 pin mdin. But, those are Mac based products and are beige.   Be OK for PCE I  suppose.  If I am missing the black 8 pin din stuff, please let me know as they do have great prices!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Dumb Buyers]

This is very arguable. Even if every pce and Turbob gMe was $0.50 USD it would be cheaper to get a Ted.

Also, the main reason I and many others purchase flash drives is for the functionality of testing and playing homebrews.

Also, it's a huge space saver, one would argue that if the games were completely devalued the physical space would not be justified.

Everdrive are the best option for someone who just wants to enjoy the software and doesn't care about any packaging or collecting.

Sure, I will give you that on the TED.  I wouldn't say that the development and release of the TED is exclusively based on high prices of software.  However, the high prices are driven mostly by recent popularity vs rarity (sure a few titles have limited runs).  Popularity drives much of the development of multi-carts beyond the scope of homebrew devices.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Anybody else using cheap aftermarket extension cables with your Turbografx?]

I have used these to repair controllers with shorted cables.

http://www.amazon.com/Large-Black-Cable-Male-Male-Audio/dp/B00X3MDM48?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

Cut in half you can repair two controllers.  The connector ends seem to be of good quality.
They were $12.95 last time I ordered, but I see now they  have gone up to $14.95.

But of course, there are going to be some folks that only want the original NEC branded products...

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Just... Bad, Turbo Ebay Auctions (Not Gouging)]

i bet Evol buys this...

http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/172222563767

A damp cloth and a few minutes... how hard is it?

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: TG-16 arcade joystick: Durability? Like it? Use it?]

Thanks! My larger than life arcade controllers are surprisingly comfortable to use. Retro Pie is awesome. I need to get a Pi3 and upgrade to the latest version.

I would imagine that the large controllers would have the feel of an arcade cabinet.  To an old fart like me, that would feel like being home.  I have a Pi3 I stuffed into a SNES mini running Recalbox.  The Pi3 gives you a noticeable boost on N64 games, but nothing earth shattering.  I think once the kernel is optimized for the 64bit processor, we will see a nice increase.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: TG-16 arcade joystick: Durability? Like it? Use it?]

I picked up a Turbo Stick in a recent lot.  It definitely improves my game on shooters (and I need all the help I can get).  However, since it uses membrane contacts instead of micro switches, it feels like you're moving a spoon around in a bowl of oatmeal.  I dug out some micro switch joysticks and buttons from my arcade stuff.  If I have the right TTLs, this weekend I plan to try and hack together my own version.  StarDust4Ever, I love your attached photos.  The PiMame rocks!