Messages

[Console Repair/Mod Center / PCE Super Cd-ROM 2 Sound Issues.. and more!]

Hi guys. I've got a Super CDROM2 which has been acting strange lately. At first there was very soft CD music from the AV port of the SCD2 unit. I thought it was a cap somewhere that's died and I replaced 2 caps and that didn't cure it. So one of the guys here suggested I try using the AV port from the PCE unit.. and that worked great.. Both PCE and CD sounds came through at even volume! That is until recently though. What happened was I started noticing that the CD music is getting softer and softer and now.. there's no CD sound AT ALL..  I opened up the unit again.. and if you guys have seen the insides of the SCD2. You'll notice that the sound board is separated into 2.. There's another tiny board which has the audio balancing chip, Mitsubishi M51131L and I thought this time.. one of the caps on that board has really died. So, I replaced every cap on it.. and guess what.. Still no sound... and worst thing is.. no sound and video!! If I unplug the board though.. I could still get the sound from the PCE... If I plug that board in... bam!.. total silence... There's no Video at all coming out from the AV port of the SCD2 unit.. just total darkness... It used to have Video and PCE sound previously....

Any suggestions? Do you think a chip is broken somewhere? Any suggestions to troubleshoot it? I spent the whole night hoping to get perfect sound.. and now...  Any help is much appreciated...

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: TODAY IS MY HAPPIEST DAY EVERRRRR~~~]

NICE!!!!!!! I've just picked up an LT mint condition, box is a bit tattered but the unit is brand new. the previous owner never used it by the looks of it. cost me an arm and a leg though. £650.00 around $800.00 I think. (scratches head).

well worth it though, I mean if you want to buy one of these of someone you have got to through some serious money at them. This guy wasnt letting it go for nothing.

Wow! Congrats dude! Post some pix here will ya? Be proud of her and show her off!!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: TODAY IS MY HAPPIEST DAY EVERRRRR~~~]

Finaaaally... I'm able to shoot some pics of the LT. Amateur shot so please bare with me She's a pleasure to spend time with. Her screen is too beautiful, it has to be seen in real life. She was originally dirty and I had to clean her up quite abit, but I didn't mind that of course :p




SO ever loving the PC engine...

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: TODAY IS MY HAPPIEST DAY EVERRRRR~~~]

Got mine for USD 370. Damnit, I'll find time tonight to post some pics of her.. 

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Overpriced PCE LT?]

BIN for 50000Yen?! and boxless? Wow.. Has the price gone up again? 

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: TODAY IS MY HAPPIEST DAY EVERRRRR~~~]

I don't think this was the original author's intent. 

I believe he wanted to share his joy for owning such an awesome piece of hardware as opposed to have the perception that he was just showing it off.

This also assumes he has loads of money to spend, which in his defense, he probably saved for a long time.

Anyhow great purchase!  I hope to save alot of money and own one myself one day.   Question, what is more comfy?  onboard controls or seperate controller?

Thanks man, that's definately true.  I really wanted to share with you guys the happiness as we here all love the PC Engine products.  And I'm also happy that this is my first POST that ever had this much of replies.  heh. 
For the controls; ya I do prefer a seperate controller; as I want keep the machine in tight conditions. 

By they way; does any one know how many LT's did NEC produced in the past ??

Hmm..  Not sure the exact figure. But definitely less than 10k units? Not many were sold because of its extreme price tag.. 99800 Yen.. Only the rich could afford it..

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: TODAY IS MY HAPPIEST DAY EVERRRRR~~~]

Hey Wilson.. First, I'd like to congratulate you on owning the BEST version of PCE ever!!  You must've been spending too much time with her lately eh?  Well.. Do you mind if I also share my happiest moment with everyone here as well? (Actually wanted to post this when I first got it last 2 weeks, but was super busy)

Here's my most proudest PCE artifact acquisition :



I got it for a good price off eBay. Not complete though. Missing the protective pad plugs and the small car adapter cable..

Will post more pics of her when I get back tonight!..  High Five Wilson!!! 

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Overpriced PCE LT?]

Lol.. That fella's quite adament on his price too.. Turned down 3 offers..

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Overpriced PCE LT?]

Hey guys, I found an auction on eBay recently:

http://cgi.ebay.com/PC-Engine-LT-Nec-good-working-condition-Very-Rare_W0QQitemZ150321677350QQihZ005QQcategoryZ123439QQssPageNameZWD2VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em122

Isn't the BIN price an overkill?? I bought mine boxed at half the price...

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PCE GT - Earphone Sound Issue]

as Nat has stated, just replace all the caps in the audio circuit. It simply is not worth replacing one or two at a time, just shotgun the sucker. I have replaced a batch of these and different caps in that circuit go bad. For 100% fix, replace all of them.

Yeah, my bad for not listening to him  Nyways lesson learned and will know what to do in the future 

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Turbo Express total cap replacement chart]

Hey guys, this chart should be put as a sticky. Simply invalueble info 

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PCE GT - Earphone Sound Issue]

Damn, that cap is NASTY looking...haven't seen anything close to that in all my recent exploits.
Be sure to CLEAN THE BOARD in that vicinity after you've removed that leaked-all-the-place-looking mess...
Good luck!!

Oh yeah, before this whole 33 and 100 uF caps replacement went on, I replaced this 470uF cap first and didn't noticed any improvements to the audio. I'm still wondering what does this particular cap functions in the circuit. Since it's located near the dials. Could it be used by them? I also cleaned up the leaked electrolite juices with rubbing alcohol.. Uggghh...

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PCE GT - Earphone Sound Issue]

Hey guys, remember I was complaining about this earphone issue? Well... I HAVE FIXED IT!! I took the plunge and decided to try the surgery out myself (with big hopes that I won't screw anything up!) Actually I was planning to perform a surgery on my other Sega White GG which had a display problem, so I decided to try this simple operation for the GT first for starters (isn't any easier than I thought!)

So, here's how my sound caps looked like before the operation :



As you can see, someone had already replaced a pair of 100uF and 33uF. I'm guessing that these pair corresponds to the Left audio channel which also sends out signal to the internal speaker.

With that in mind, I thought all I needed to do to restore the Right channel was to replace the other 33uF. I tried it with the remote mounting technique (it was my very first attempt doing it!!! I was so scared I'd fried something) Luckily it was a success, but it didn't restore the Left channel's volume level. I did noticed that the Left channel had a slight humming sound, indicating that maybe the new replacement cap had already open up the channel, but the volume level was still very low.
So, I thought it could be the last cap standing that could be the big culprit to this whole mystery. And I went ahead and changed it. This time I tried soldering the cap on the pad itself.. Thank god it turned out well. The spot there is so tight.. And yeah, I almost burnt the headphone port and the 100uF cap next to it!!!

Here's the end result



It looked like a mess, I had to used tapes to shield the exposed 33uF caps, my bad for not trimming it shorter :p. The new 100uF cap is also installed.

Here is a pic of the culprits!



The headphone audio is now PERFECT!! I can know here SFII's intro music in STEREO with the headphones!!!! I just love when the tomtom rolls from the right to left.

Being a total newbie in electronics soldering, I think I'm quite proud with my work I need more practise, and plan to get more of those mini DIY electronic kits in prep for my White GG operation.

Thanks for watching. Oh yeah, I'd like to say a BIG THANK YOU TO RED GHOST for his TurboExpress Total Caps Replacement Chart!! Please download this chart and save it for future reference!!!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: How high can it go??]

That's an INSANE collection. Only for the extreme PCE collector :p

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: PC Engine Console Dilemma. Help Me Decide]

Nice rigs brettlee!!  I've always had a thing for the SuperCDROM2. Enjoy!

Thank you ceti, I'm diggin' it. Just took it out last night for another spin. This time with Dragon Saber. Awesome soundtrack!. Oh one thing I noticed (that is with the crappy PS2 monitor though) is that the audio tracks from the CD are somewhat softer than the PCE's sound. Is this normal? I have yet to try in on a proper TV. Hoping to do it this weekend when I get back..

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: PC Engine Console Dilemma. Help Me Decide]

Nice setup.  If you want a "wow" piece for you ACD card, get a hold of Sapphire.  Though you'd probably want to go with the bootleg version of the game, since the real deal is gonna cost you double what you paid for that whole setup.  That game's definitely a technical tour-de-force for an 8-bit system.

I can't recall the number of output pins on the DIN plug of the Coregrafx, but I'm sure someone else can confirm here.

Hey termis, thanks for your suggestion. I've played Sapphire before, but that's on the recent PCE compilation series for the PSP. Hmm I might consider getting the bootlegged one just to see how it shines on the real system. 

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: PC Engine Console Dilemma. Help Me Decide]

Yea as long as its in good shape,thats a good deal. Let us know how it goes.

Hey guys, I received the PCE package 2 days ago, and boy am I sooo happy with it. Not many games I've got, but when I first popped in Pomping World, I was instantly hooked! The other Fatal Fury 2 port isn't that great (though I got it brand new sealed) The graphics OK, but the sound effects is just lame. They could've done better like what they did for SFCE. Here's a pic of my temporary PCE rig



Another game I got hooked wast CyberCore. I'm just a sucker for shooters. Anyway, I kept dying at the first boss. I think I suck. LOL

Overall, this is my first experience with the PCE, and I'm amazed at what this little console can pull off. Amazing graphics and sound for an 8-bit machine.. I'm loving it so much.. Now what I need is more titles. Any good Arcade CDROM games to recommend?

Another thing I noticed is that the AVouput of the CoreII had 8DIN instead of 5DIN, so I'm guessing it is already RGB modded? The seller couldn't confirm that as he got it from his supplier. But I don't think I can confirm either, because I don't have an RGB monitor or Scart ready TV..

Cheers guys.. I hope you now welcome me as one of your aligible PCE members here..

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Duo-R / RX owners represent!]

$30?!!!  *Faints*

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Duo-R / RX owners represent!]

Wow! Congrats Tatsujin! Looks like an awesome used set. With Art Of Fighting too! Woo.. How many PCEngine consoles do you own btw?

[General Gaming / Re: If you were me, which one will you bid?]

The white GG is now almost USD250..  

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Duo-R / RX owners represent!]

Not at all- If I remember correctly it was around 200 shipped from Doujindance (sp?)- came with bomberman 94 and some random super CD game, hookups, controller, yada yada- I'd like a duo-r controller though as it came with a pc engine one 

I see. That's a pretty good deal for that kinda condition. Was it boxed? I came across many of his auctions before. He's known for his RGB modded DUOs

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Duo-R / RX owners represent!]

no doubt- I've tested her out and she plays like a dream. Just have to find a composite tv or CRT monitor at this point. I'm ok with AV right now though.

Haha. Awesome. Mind if I ask you how much did you pay her?

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Duo-R / RX owners represent!]

New here, but this is my Duo-r with RGB mod. Haven't had a chance to try out the pic quality (no tv or monitor for it.).

/pce.jpg

Wow. Congrats! Looks awesome. Betcha can't wait to hook her up and see what she's got installed for you 

[General Gaming / Re: If you were me, which one will you bid?]

Hey guys. Here's another great deal I found on eBay today

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280292668058&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:us

US Box with Columns pack-in and 6 brand new sealed games! You guys living in the US should grab it  Unfortunately they don't ship internationally

[General Gaming / Re: If you were me, which one will you bid?]

Depends on what your looking for, a collectible or something to play that's in nice condition, the white game gear with case and tv tuner is one of the most sought after, there might be one other color that is more so, I'm not sure though, but that particular one has some issues as you can see/read.

For me, i would go for the boxed black one that's described as mint, i bought one that was described as mint but the screen had allot of scratches, i sold that one( accurately described) so the black one is actually tempting me , any particular reason your wanting a Jpn version?

Plus, there is no telling how high the white one might go and the black one has a best offer option.

Hi awack. Your points are all valid Thanks for your input. I'm into Jp version because I'm from Malaysia (located in South East Asia) And we mostly get Jp imports during the earlier days (even now as well). When I was a kid, these were the only GG packaging I saw in stores. Believe or not, US versions are considered rarer and was priced a little higher than Jp version. The White GG has been my most desired item ever since I first saw it in an obscure video game outlet here. I thought it was the darness coolest thing ever put up by Sega.

The only slack about this one on eBay is the ugly missing plastic at the control pad. It looks nasty. Maybe I can find a replacement for the front cover in the future? But I doubt it :p Other than that, I think all others are looking good. The screen problem can be fixed. The TV Tuner and 'suitcase' are looking good just need alot of cleaning. Still one more day. Lets see how it goes. If I win this one maybe you can go for the black JP version? ;) I'll let you know..

[General Gaming / Re: If you were me, which one will you bid?]

It was a Japan-only exclusive and is limited to 10000. Very rare.

[General Gaming / Re: If you were me, which one will you bid?]

Hi guys. Appreciate your feedbacks here! Well, I'm in a big dilemma for that same reasons. White gamegears are not easy to come by often, and even if they do in good working condition, it will definitely cost a bomb! The white gamegear has a history and I remember seeing it in a local videogame shop here in Malaysia when I was a kid and boy, I drooled so badly hoping one day I'd own that awesome looking kit. Sigh. But yeah, this particular set isn't perfect, however I read somewhere that the screen issue can be fixed by replacing certain caps. If the price is affordable, I might go for it. On the other hand, the boxed black Jp GG is as tempting as well. Boxed, with original paperworks and a good price.. Arrrghh!.. Decisions decisions..

[General Gaming / If you were me, which one will you bid?]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=280291253648

OR

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=280291240752

Been wanting to get a GG japan system(AGAIN) for a long time. I just couldn't resist a White gamegear. But also can't resist the original black Japanese gamegear packaging with all the paperworks

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: PC Engine Console Dilemma. Help Me Decide]

Hey guys. I worked out a deal with the seller. Here's the package :

PCE Core II
Super CDROM 2
2CD + 2HU games
Arcade Card Pro Duo

All for USD 200. Good price? I think it is. But unfortunately the US currency is quite high at the moment

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Now you want TRUELY RARE on Ebay...]

Speaking of rare stuff.. I just came across 2 PC Engine LT auctions on eBay :

http://cgi.ebay.com/PC-Engine-LT-Console-Boxed-Import-JAPAN_W0QQitemZ360112534282QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item360112534282&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=280289156746

What you guys think of the BuyItNow price for the first auction?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PCE GT - Earphone Sound Issue]

Hi Duo_R, that's the blue/red wire that takes power from the battery compartment.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PCE GT - Earphone Sound Issue]

Phew.. What a relief. A little update, turns out that the SFII:CE HUcard was dirty (even though the contacts looked shiny at first, a transparent gummy grime was the culprit) I took some Q tips with rubbing alcohol and wiped those grime out and it's now working like new again.. Double relief!!!

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PCE GT - Earphone Sound Issue]

Hi Nat, appreciate your feedback on this. Yeah, I can't help but noticing that that's the only caps that's gone bad.. Anyhow I'll leave it for now. Does leaving bad caps on the board affect other circuitry? Just abit worried what harm it'll cause in the long run...

Also, when you turn on the GT/Express, how long it takes before you see the game's boot screen ? Mine when i first power on will be all white screen, followed by a 1 second delay and then only the game screen shows.. I wonder its normal. I have to note that mine's modded with a JP/US switch.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PCE GT - Earphone Sound Issue]

Hey guys. Today I decided to open up my GT and clean its casing and I noticed that there was one leaking cap that is located between the vol and brightness dial as seen in the pic below.




Any idea what that cap affects? So far I've only got the low right earphone vol issue with this unit. Others work perfect. However, Street fighter II Hucard which was working all the time whenever I inserted it is now not booting. But I guess that could be the HU card cause I tried others and they all work.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Now you want TRUELY RARE on Ebay...]

Well now is your one and only chance to buy it on eBay!

http://cgi.ebay.com/EXTREMELY-RARE-NEC-PC-ENGINE-PC-KD863G-14-RGB-FULL-SET_W0QQitemZ220309756814QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item220309756814&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: PC Engine Console Dilemma. Help Me Decide]

Do you want 2 AC adapters or do you want 1? Do you want a more expensive Arcade CD card, or a cheaper one?

I want something that's compact and doesn't take much space, so ideally one AC adapter to power both console and cd unit. I really like the DUO cause of the shape and color. But I've heard about problems with it and ideally I should get one that's just been refurbished (new caps + new lens)
The Core II and SuperCDROM2 setup isn't that bad, cause it's using a single AC Adapter (Core is getting power from SuperCDROM2) and if in the future, if I ever get a SuperGrafx, I could also use the SuperCDROM with it.. Hmmmm, but then again, I don't really see the point of getting a SuperGrafx since there were only like 5 games released for it and they aren't that great. Maybe just for collection sake.. :p

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: PC Engine Console Dilemma. Help Me Decide]

Hey guys, thanks for the feedback. I'm getting some offer for a Core II + Super CDROM2 with 2 HU and 2 CD games for USD 180 (Plus EMS shipping)
Is it a good deal? I must admit the setup look rather big and bulky, but heck, still it looks cool..

Get one of those headphone jack to composite out cable things for your GT and then make some kind of mod to hook up a CD system to it. Or spend half a grand on a PC Engine LT.

Haha. Would that be possible to output Video from a earphone jack?? LT is just out of the question for me. Beyond my reach

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / PC Engine Console Dilemma. Help Me Decide]

Hi Guys,

I've been wanting to own a PC Engine console for years. Having recently owned a GT, I just can't wait to see those great games on the big TV screen. My dilemma now is, which should I go for? I just want a system that plays HU Cards and all CD games.

I'm thinking between these 2 options..

PC Engine Core II + Super CDROM 2

OR

PC Engine DUO

I've heard that DUO's aren't that reliable. Reason I'm favoring it over DUO RX is the sleek black color and the extra headphone jack.
On the other hand, having a combo option would also be a good thing, in case the CDROM goes kaput, I could still easily get a replacement unit w/o any surgery..

What you guys think?

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: New Online Magazine - PC Engine Retro Magazine]

Wowie.. Fresh new materials to read for our beloved retro box! Well done!

 

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Soukoban World - I'm stucked!]

Sorry about the screenshot. I had trouble uploading it. It says the upload folder is currently full. And it still is. Anyhow I managed to solve it already! I was just taking a break from fixing my PC, decided to fire up the game, and got it solved in my first try! Talk about luck. Phew. I'm now on to Lvl 25.

Yeah, this game is tough as hell as it progresses further. But it's fun :p

That's the best way to solve any problem. Walk away from it. heh

Haha.. Yeah dude, sometimes that works!! Just put it aside for a long while.. And when you suddenly get back to it.. And in the spur of the moment... Bang! you solved it in the first try!! I havent touched it for like days already, and I think I'm stucked in 26... Oh well..

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PCE GT - Earphone Sound Issue]

Wowie. Thanks for the replies here guys. I'm not in favour of opening up my GT (at the moment) let alone do some soldering on it! It doesn't seem so bad listening to only one channel with headphones Anyhow I really appreciate and respect those who have shared their hardware knowledge for fixing this problem! Maybe not now but in the future, I will eventually have to get those caps replaced myself..

THANKS!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Soukoban World - I'm stucked!]

Sorry about the screenshot. I had trouble uploading it. It says the upload folder is currently full. And it still is. Anyhow I managed to solve it already! I was just taking a break from fixing my PC, decided to fire up the game, and got it solved in my first try! Talk about luck. Phew. I'm now on to Lvl 25.

Yeah, this game is tough as hell as it progresses further. But it's fun :p

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Soukoban World - I'm stucked!]

Hey guys, Any Soukoban experts here? I just got hooked at this game and now burning with frustration at Level 24 (screenshot below)  Was wondering if any of you here has got a solution for it? Thanks!!

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PCE GT - Earphone Sound Issue]

Someone did the GT "audio fix" on this but only repaired the left channel (the channel that affects the speaker), apparently.

You have two options-- put a shunt in that jumps the two channels together, or, for a proper fix you can replace the caps that affect the right channel.

Hey Nat,

Thanks for the reply. I've read that somewhere in this forum. Hmm.. since I don't have experience in soldering, I think I'll just let it be for now. 
I noticed the GT heats up quite abit after an hour's play. Will this affect the components in the long run? Geez.. I'm quite paranoia after hearing so many failed GT stories..

[Console Repair/Mod Center / PCE GT - Earphone Sound Issue]

Hi fellow PCE freaks,

I just acquired a GT from eBay. It's my first ever PC Engine!! Always wanted one as a kid. Looks sweet. Everything is in working order. The speaker is also loud. However when I plugged in an earphone, the right channel seem very soft compared to the left. Is there a problem? Or can it be fixed? Thanks guys.