The Official Pioneer LaserActive Player thread-

[BlueBMW]

LOL guess you never read the Tech threads.  Both BMW and myself have RGB modded our LAs.  It's useless for LDs of course, but MD/MCD/PCE/PCECD games all look fantastic.

Do you have a link to this? I'm interested in the exact circuit used. If it requires trying dozens of cap/resistor combinations, I frankly no longer have the patience for this anymore.

I'll get you some pics when I open up another system.  The signals are actually pretty easy to tap, and you can do it all the the two boards that attach to the rear panel.  I added a DIN8 jack below the a/v jacks and used the same RGB cable as my duo.

[SignOfZeta]

all you do is tap the signals.  you will need an amp, but there are multiple ways to do this.  i just use pots on the color lines as a few games had super strong red (like on a raw pce rgb mod).

None of my amps ever work. If this mod needs any kind of interpretation on my end (I don't see why it should, we all have the same LA) then I'm going to fuck it up. I have learned this.

BTW, I fucked around with the LA some more tonight and learned a few things.

First off, there seems to be a problem with the Sega PAC. While playing LDs with the Sega PAC in, or while playing an LA game the system randomly resets. I suppose I should open this thing up and check the caps.

Another thing, and this is a big deal, IMO: if you run the LA with no PAC in it...IT PLAYS LDS LIKE A NORMAL PLAYER!!! The system has a regular video overlay for time display, etc that isn't used when a PAC is installed. The stupid shitty "digital" button doesn't turn on when pausing CAV discs, fucking up the video and whatnot. This can now be used as a regular player for fans of CAV discs. Big deal, for me anyway.

[BlueBMW]

First off, there seems to be a problem with the Sega PAC. While playing LDs with the Sega PAC in, or while playing an LA game the system randomly resets. I suppose I should open this thing up and check the caps.

I have some parts coming in to make some very simple RGB amps, I'll test one on a laseractive and take lots of pictures to make it easy

As far as your sega pac... if it resets after a while of playing, somewhat at random.... you've definitely got cap issues.  Please change them ASAP.  Once these units die from cap corrosion, they seem to die for good.  I've only revived 1 in 3 completely dead Sega PACs.  If its not something you want to handle yourself, let me know and I'll help you out on it.

[SignOfZeta]

I can change dead caps no problem. Getting video signals to magically sync by swapping out dozens of resistor/cap combinations though...I'm pretty much done with that, at least until I get a scope. That bullshit is 0% fun.

I look forward to your RGB amp info!

BTW, I also learned that with the PAC removed you can actually turn the system on and off with the remote.

[SignOfZeta]

OK, I need some help here. I'm (probably) going to buy a Laseractive from a friend and we are trying to figure out what its worth. Here is a description:

The actual A-100 itself: this seems to be fine. Doesn't have the dummy plug for the PAC socket. Was jamming and such when I first started using it but I've managed to get everything working well enough to play some games and quite a few movies. Its basically VG.

The remote: present, functional, has a tiny cracked out corner missing, nothing major, 3x3mm. I'll be using another remote anyway.

The Sega PAC: Functional but glitchy. I've arranged for BlueBMW to do a cap swap on it. Currently resets the system and the cart slot doesn't work. The PAC is the biggest problem here, and it doesn't seem that hard to rectify. He has the original Sega Laseractive controller. I assume the condition is good, but I haven't actually seen it.

Media: Pyramid Patrol (can you believe it!?!?) and Triad Stone (pretty fun!)

So what is this lot worth? Right now eBay isn't a very good indicator. Not a lot of LA stuff there and some of the prices are just Sofa King Retarded. Hit Japan wants $600 BIN for a non-working unit?

[BlueBMW]

It seems like one can expect to pay $150 to $200 for the base CLD-A100 and another $75 - $100 on a sega pac.  One a PAC has been recapped, im not sure.  I havent seen a capped PAC for sale on its own.  Pyramid patrol is maybe a $30 - $40 game but triad stone is more like a $100 game (and a good one at that!)  An original LA branded sega pad is usually around $40 -$50.  Hope these numbers help!

[TheClash603]

Based on condition:

CLD A100 + Sega Pac = $200.  This might seem a little low, but there seems to be some condition issues.
Controller = $30, boxed controllers just sold for $45 each.
Pyramid Patrol = $30
Triad Stone = $100
BUT!  If either of the games are incomplete (missing obi, instructions, etc), take off from that price.

So I would say, $350 for the whole set is a fair price.  Add $50 to the hardware if it is in better shape than you've described and subtract up to $50 from the games if they are incomplete.

[xcrement5x]

Wow, cool thread!

I really enjoyed SignOfZeta's LD format comments and I'm still working through the Australian experience PDF which was written up.

I was wondering if creating a wiki or something for all the various LA information would be worthwhile?

[McKie1]

I wonder if one of us should write up a similar PDF for our experience with the LA on the American side...  clash or saibot would be better candidates than me as their collections are much more extensive than mine   I'll just cover the repair side of things...

McKie.. do you know if any of your sega or NEC pacs have had their capacitors changed?  If not, please get it done ASAP.  These units all suffer from the same capacitor problems that other systems like the Turbo Duo etc have had.  They leak and it will destroy the pac over time.  I have two completely dead unrepairable PACs already.  The NEC pacs are less prone than the Sega ones, but still should be done as soon as possible.

Here's some info I wrote up concerning the CLD-A100 repair...

http://nfggames.com/forum2/index.php?topic=4434.0

Finally dropped off my four pacs to the local Pioneer authorised repairer. Thanks to your schematics he said he should be able to replace the caps. Cheers. Does the karaoke pac need any work?

[BlueBMW]

I took a karaoke pac apart but didnt find leaking caps.  The karaoke one doesnt use the SMT caps like the other pacs.  They will eventually fail due to age but they wont be destructive like the leaking SMT caps are.

[McKie1]

I took a karaoke pac apart but didnt find leaking caps.  The karaoke one doesnt use the SMT caps like the other pacs.  They will eventually fail due to age but they wont be destructive like the leaking SMT caps are.

Good to know. Thank you

[Neurosis138]

I wonder if one of us should write up a similar PDF for our experience with the LA on the American side...  clash or saibot would be better candidates than me as their collections are much more extensive than mine   I'll just cover the repair side of things...

McKie.. do you know if any of your sega or NEC pacs have had their capacitors changed?  If not, please get it done ASAP.  These units all suffer from the same capacitor problems that other systems like the Turbo Duo etc have had.  They leak and it will destroy the pac over time.  I have two completely dead unrepairable PACs already.  The NEC pacs are less prone than the Sega ones, but still should be done as soon as possible.

Here's some info I wrote up concerning the CLD-A100 repair...

http://nfggames.com/forum2/index.php?topic=4434.0

Finally dropped off my four pacs to the local Pioneer authorised repairer. Thanks to your schematics he said he should be able to replace the caps. Cheers. Does the karaoke pac need any work?

I didn't realize pioneer repair centers would still service these.  I sent mine out to Console 5 and got my Sega PAC refurbed with capacitors and a new battery for $129 including return shipping.  I'm not sure if this is the going rate, but I was more than happy to pay the price so I could resume my MUSHA session.

[BlueBMW]

I've been charging $75 including return shipping to do a Sega PAC... probably on the low side since its such a pain in the butt.  Though my theory is you have to compete a repair price with a replacement price.  When you can find them, loose Sega PACs seem to sell for $75 to $100 or so.  Though that reasoning is losing value every day since any non-refurbed PAC is bound to fail and fail soon!

[Neurosis138]

I've been charging $75 including return shipping to do a Sega PAC... probably on the low side since its such a pain in the butt.  Though my theory is you have to compete a repair price with a replacement price.  When you can find them, loose Sega PACs seem to sell for $75 to $100 or so.  Though that reasoning is losing value every day since any non-refurbed PAC is bound to fail and fail soon!

Good to know.  Thanks for the info bmw.

[BlueBMW]

A Sega PAC usually takes me 4 - 6 hours to recap depending on how severe the leakage is.  NEC pacs are much easier and only take maybe 3 hours to complete.

[Turbotracks]

That is very valuable info. I'm going back and forth between LA and PC-FX for the next addition to my collection. This will definitely help me make my decision. On the subject of cap replacement, how much does a Duo cap rep go for?

[Keith Courage]

I used to own one of these systems with both the US TG pac and the US sega pack. I also owned 6 Laser disc games. It was a fun system but just never kept my attention like a good old Turbo DUO did so I sold it. I do have to say that Power stone and Quiz Econosaurus were awesome. I sold it all on ebay 9 years ago for like $700.

[TheClash603]

I used to own one of these systems with both the US TG pac and the US sega pack. I also owned 6 Laser disc games. It was a fun system but just never kept my attention like a good old Turbo DUO did so I sold it. I do have to say that Power stone and Quiz Econosaurus were awesome. I sold it all on ebay 9 years ago for like $700.

Triad Stone I assume?  Power Stone on Laseractive with sprites in front and FMV in the back would be badass though...  where are our programmers for this idea?

[Keith Courage]

Ah yeah that was it. Triad stone, my mistake. I remeber the saying from the game. You must have more power power power!!

[McKie1]

I wonder if one of us should write up a similar PDF for our experience with the LA on the American side...  clash or saibot would be better candidates than me as their collections are much more extensive than mine   I'll just cover the repair side of things...

McKie.. do you know if any of your sega or NEC pacs have had their capacitors changed?  If not, please get it done ASAP.  These units all suffer from the same capacitor problems that other systems like the Turbo Duo etc have had.  They leak and it will destroy the pac over time.  I have two completely dead unrepairable PACs already.  The NEC pacs are less prone than the Sega ones, but still should be done as soon as possible.

Here's some info I wrote up concerning the CLD-A100 repair...

http://nfggames.com/forum2/index.php?topic=4434.0

Finally dropped off my four pacs to the local Pioneer authorised repairer. Thanks to your schematics he said he should be able to replace the caps. Cheers. Does the karaoke pac need any work?

I didn't realize pioneer repair centers would still service these.  I sent mine out to Console 5 and got my Sega PAC refurbed with capacitors and a new battery for $129 including return shipping.  I'm not sure if this is the going rate, but I was more than happy to pay the price so I could resume my MUSHA session.

I'm guessing they usually don't but somehow the guy was comfortable with the pics provided by the guys here. Remember neither the pacs nor cld-a100 was ever sold here so he probably thought about the novelty of it too?

[xcrement5x]

Ah yeah that was it. Triad stone, my mistake. I remeber the saying from the game. You must have more power power power!!

Haha, totally true.  I think it should be represented as: power, Power, POWER!  Since feels like it gets more  exciting each time I hear them say it

[Turbotracks]

What dollar value are these commanding now?  I see them go for $900-$1200+ which considering the price new doesn't seem too bad.  The downside though is definitely their longevity.

[SignOfZeta]

$1200? What?

[Joe Redifer]

power, Power, POWER!

That always makes me laugh.  Makes me feel a bit uncomfortable as well.

[SignOfZeta]

"Take the stone. It will give you...POWER."

[VestCunt]

What dollar value are these commanding now?  I see them go for $900-$1200+ which considering the price new doesn't seem too bad.

Read back a few posts. 
I don't know about the NEC pac.

[BlueBMW]

Thekobos has an nec branded pac up for sale for around $400 which might be correct since its a rarer pac like the US tg16 pac (which commands $400+ when found)

And you guys are making me want to go play Triad Stone when I get home lol!

[TheClash603]

Power Stone is where it's at!  I just wish that the inputs flipped like with Road Prosecutor, for more replay value.

[esteban]

Power Stone is where it's at!  I just wish that the inputs flipped like with Road Prosecutor, for more replay value.

ALL OF YOU BASTARDS. I am envious of your LD entertainment.

  Cook says,"A pox on all your houses!"

[BlueBMW]

Power Stone is where it's at!  I just wish that the inputs flipped like with Road Prosecutor, for more replay value.

ALL OF YOU BASTARDS. I am envious of your LD entertainment.

  Cook says,"A pox on all your houses!"

You want into the elite cru?

[NecroPhile]

You want into the elite cru?

I do!

..... damn you all and you're incessant talk of LA sexiness!

[esteban]

Power Stone is where it's at!  I just wish that the inputs flipped like with Road Prosecutor, for more replay value.

ALL OF YOU BASTARDS. I am envious of your LD entertainment.

  Cook says,"A pox on all your houses!"

You want into the elite cru?

I do, indeed!

It's an entirely mysterious, crazy world of PCE that seems surreal. As if the LD PCE stuff is simply a hoax played on fools like NecroPhile and I.

You want into the elite cru?

I do!

..... damn you all and you're incessant talk of LA sexiness!

Reading this thread is even more painful than the "what did you buy today?" thread.

[motdelbourt]

I have to wonder if there's a thrift shop somewhere with a few shelves of old 90s stereos and what not, with one of these sitting in it. They would blend right in.

[BlueBMW]

Esteban, Necro... you guys know I've got like 7 of these units right now?  My floor is about to give out and crack the foundation!  HALP!

[esteban]

Esteban, Necro... you guys know I've got like 7 of these units right now?  My floor is about to give out and crack the foundation!  HALP!

It's not just the hardware (can you say "PAC me"?), but the games... It just intimidates me and my scant budget. 

However, when my twins go to first grade, I'll be able to spend more $$$!

I should grab an LD player now. Seriously. 

[BlueBMW]

True, games are a little pricey, but you only new one or two, since there really arent THAT many good games for the system.

Find a copy of Triad Stone, Rocket Coaster or maybe Hyperion and you're set!

[NecroPhile]

Esteban, Necro... you guys know I've got like 7 of these units right now?  My floor is about to give out and crack the foundation!  HALP!

Oh yeah?  How much monies and do you have any spare pacs?

[Mishran]

Ooooo... LA love from the Beamster... Wouldn't be able to hook me up with one of those sexy bitches, would you?

[Neurosis138]

BlueBMW, sent you a msg about my PAC

[TheClash603]

True, games are a little pricey, but you only new one or two, since there really arent THAT many good games for the system.

Find a copy of Triad Stone, Rocket Coaster or maybe Hyperion and you're set!

Pyramid Patrol is another good cheapie game.  Road Prosecutor is an awesome expensive one.

[BlueBMW]

I've got to recap pretty much all my sega PACs, and that will take some time   I'll make up a waiting list here soon so I can figure out who wants one etc etc.  Pricing will be on the fair / cheap side.

[Neurosis138]

I've got to recap pretty much all my sega PACs, and that will take some time   I'll make up a waiting list here soon so I can figure out who wants one etc etc.  Pricing will be on the fair / cheap side.

Excellent, thank you.

[esteban]

True, games are a little pricey, but you only new one or two, since there really arent THAT many good games for the system.

Find a copy of Triad Stone, Rocket Coaster or maybe Hyperion and you're set!

I might start saving up for LaserActive, beginning today .

[TheClash603]

/pacpc1.jpg

Never saw this picture before tonight.  There must be about 10 of these things on Earth.  Anyone here actually see one before?

[SignOfZeta]

/pacpc1.jpg

Never saw this picture before tonight.  There must be about 10 of these things on Earth.  Anyone here actually see one before?

Hm...so it adds the serial port that all the "V" models from Pioneer had. Questionably useful back in the day, now totally useless since perfectly functional V models can be had for $20. My last one was free.

It also comes with a slightly better remote than the standard LA one, which was pretty much the worst LD player remote ever.

[TheClash603]

/pacpc1.jpg

Never saw this picture before tonight.  There must be about 10 of these things on Earth.  Anyone here actually see one before?

Hm...so it adds the serial port that all the "V" models from Pioneer had. Questionably useful back in the day, now totally useless since perfectly functional V models can be had for $20. My last one was free.

It also comes with a slightly better remote than the standard LA one, which was pretty much the worst LD player remote ever.

What would the purpose of such a thing be?  As we are now talking 1993/1994, this can't be the same as the Turbo Duo to be used as a Mac CD drive...  could it?

[SignOfZeta]

There were many professional applications for LD players. Flight simulators, video encyclopedias, museum displays.

One popular application was using every frame of a CAV disc to store still images instead of video. These would be pictures of flowers or insects or whatever. Since a single side of a CAV LD can store 54,000 totally discrete frames you end up with a pretty compact method of storing images by the standards of...1987, or whoever this was. These things would often come with a huge book with an index of all the images in it and barcodes under the descriptions. A special barcode reader pen/remote thing was used to instantly access any image.

The serial port can be used to control all LD functions via computer. This would allow you to make something like a museum display with huge child sized buttons or semi-interactive games. This is how Dragon's Lair arcade machines work. As long as you don't need overlays you could basically make a shitty Cliffhanger game out of anything you had on LD. According to Wikipedia, this is exactly what someone did,

"The floppy disks included some sample programs created with the editor for use with the first five LaserDiscs in the Tenchi Muyo! anime series."

Since I own all five of those LDs I can tell you that you'd have to be pretty clever to pull off anything fun with them but...I would like to see it some day. Presumably since this is a Laseractive PAC you could also make overlays like...score counters or something? Hard to say.

Like I said, this serial port is built into almost any Pioneer player with a "V" in the model number. These players will also have dip switches on the back that enable endless repeat and other functions. They tend to be mad cheap and they are built like fucking TANKS so they pretty much always work. Most  predate the existence of Digital Sound tracks so they don't make great main players.

[SamIAm]

Hey hey, looks like Nemesis just successfully dumped the data of a MegaLD game. Check out pages five and six of this thread:
http://gendev.spritesmind.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=563&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

[DragonmasterDan]

Hey hey, looks like Nemesis just successfully dumped the data of a MegaLD game. Check out pages five and six of this thread:
http://gendev.spritesmind.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=563&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Someone else had previously hacked the Daphne laserdisc emulator with an add-on called Singe and created a playable version of Time Gal with the video captured from the LA version.

http://www.singeengine.com/cms/node/10

[hoobs88]

These 3D glasses are much cheaper than the Laseractive goggles...unfortunately I wasn't the one who used the Buy It Now option   I'm on the lookout for another pair

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290698936007?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649