Anybody else using cheap aftermarket extension cables with your Turbografx?

[StarDust4Ever]

I just bought a pair of 12-footers here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/371641394161

That should do for full across the room multiplayer with a Turbo Tap, since they don't seem to like extensions between the tap and the console, for whatever reason.

I've previously been using a 25 foot 8-pin DIN cable I bought from Crutchfield back in 2014 when I got my Turbografx. It was borderline absurdly long so I actually coiled up about half of it and electric taped the coil. It works great but it's too long so I'm gonna cut off half of it to use with my Cthulhu arcade/MAME controller.

Anyway what are you guys thoughts? The Collectards can daisy chain their expensive NEC branded short extensions if they want. No offense to anyone still rocking official NEC branded cables...

While I'm on the topic, anybody got a source for cheap controllers? eBay prices are stupid, $20 "for parts / not working"

[bob]

those dont look too bad.

i am using a custom cable i bought from a member here.  allows me to hook up original turbotap to my duo.
so its mini male to large female.  works perfect for getting two turbosticks hooked up to my duo in my shitty, makeshift turbo cab.

[CrackTiger]

The cheap controllers are found under monickets like "PC Engine". Turbo stuff is a money sink for collectors. If you're looking for a functipnal setup for playing games and want to pay as little as possible, just sell your Tirno junk and buy PCE.

In the meantime, you can seap out the cable on a Turbo Tap for a PCE tap and use it to convert PCE pads.

[wildfruit]

Go mini din for the win.

[rxmage]

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...

[mickcris]

The ones sold by kraydad are good quality.  That brand is what I use to make scart cables. The Bonita treasures cables do not have the outer shield so I would avoid those.

[martinine]

Everyone's favorite eBay seller TZD almost always has PCE controllers for $40 shipped. PCE is the way to go. Lots of colors to choose from. 2 button. 3 button. 6 button. Take your pick.

You can get MUCH cheaper but hey, at least he's in US (assuming you're in US), so your controller won't get stuck at a port for a month (never happened to me, but others have said its happened to them. I buy from Japan a decent amount).


https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/321755364362

[StarDust4Ever]

Everyone's favorite eBay seller TZD almost always has PCE controllers for $40 shipped. PCE is the way to go. Lots of colors to choose from. 2 button. 3 button. 6 button. Take your pick.

You can get MUCH cheaper but hey, at least he's in US (assuming you're in US), so your controller won't get stuck at a port for a month (never happened to me, but others have said its happened to them. I buy from Japan a decent amount).

https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/321755364362

How are the Avenue 3 controllers? Neat feature on those is you can have quick access to the Select button which can be useful and I hear they can also be used for "slow motion" effect on some games. I'm mostly single player though I have a friend that comes ever so often, but regardless, I might as well have a bit of an arsenal of options at my disposal for whatever occasion. I've pretty much accepted the fact that I'm not going to pay less that $30 or so for a decent controller although I like the feel of the classic Turbo. It seems just a year ago the classic large DIN Turbo controllers were only $20 online.

Console5 sells some pretty nice controller extensions for a variety of consoles, NES, SNES, 15-pin (Famicom/NeoGeo/5200), 9-pin (Atari/Sega) as well as Turbo converters.
http://console5.com/store/turbografx-turbo-pad-to-turboduo-pc-engine-console-controller-adapter-cable-1.html
http://console5.com/store/turbografx-turbo-pad-to-turboduo-pc-engine-console-controller-adapter-cable.html

As for Turbografx versus PC Engine, I've got a standard bulky Turbografx that's reliable (I just did the logo backlight mod yesterday afternoon and it's awesome), I know how to search for both on eBay, et al and most sellers use both terms regardless of which region the hardware is. I've got my PC Henshin adapter and Everdrive that have more than paid for themselves already. Hucard/Turbochip games are a luxury but nothing quite like owning an original. If prices continue to inflate, I may even sell off a couple US games to recoup my investment.

And CD games are off the radar for the foreseeable future, though if I ever get some disposable income, I might invest someday invest in a PC Engine "Briefcase" setup.

[martinine]

Keithe Courage says he almost always has a briefcase setup for sale. He often advertises Duos of different conditions. Everyone says his work is amazing, so check him out of you get the cash.

I have a Duo RX 6 button, so can't speak for the Ave. pads. I love the original 2 button though.

[StarDust4Ever]

Keithe Courage says he almost always has a briefcase setup for sale. He often advertises Duos of different conditions. Everyone says his work is amazing, so check him out of you get the cash.

I have a Duo RX 6 button, so can't speak for the Ave. pads. I love the original 2 button though.

I'm not in the market to buy right now, but thanks. The briefcase setup just looks cool in a "retro" sort of way.

[spenoza]

Monoprice. Seriously. Go to Monoprice. 25 foot DIN cable is $5. Their stuff is good quality, too. They have mini DIN for PCE owners as well.

[StarDust4Ever]

Monoprice. Seriously. Go to Monoprice. 25 foot DIN cable is $5. Their stuff is good quality, too. They have mini DIN for PCE owners as well.

Thanks for the heads up. Forgot about them. I bought my HDMI switch + audio splitter from there.

[rxmage]

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!

[StarDust4Ever]

Beige cables are butt ugly (yuk ) but they do get the job done.

[bob]

Beige cables are butt ugly (yuk ) but they do get the job done.

its all that matters

[csgx1]

Beige does match some of the Hori Fighting Commander pads that came with beige cables.

[geise]

I have a 25ft gray one I bought from the original TZD back in the day.  Not sure how well the build quality is on those, but I have yet to have an issue with them.

[spenoza]

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!

Oh, yeah, you're right. The larger cables are just DIN5. OK, so Turbo fans are of luck, but PCE fans are fine, since MDIN8 they have. MCM Electronics has some 8-pin DIN male connectors for like a buck each, so anyone who wants to make their own cables is good.

[wilykat]

Monoprice has cheap Macintosh serial extension cable.  Those pre-USB Mac used 8 pin mini DIN which works perfectly with PCE and Duo controllers. And generally they are in grey to match most of the Macintosh and looks great with Duo-R and RX which is slightly off white.

[SignOfZeta]

I've had the same beige Mac cable I got from TZD like 15 years ago and all my games look great. I don't know what you guys are talking about.

[mickcris]

why pay $2 the cable at monoprice when you get the same one for $12
http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Seller-PC-Engine-Controller-Extension-Cable-Cord-Fits-Turbo-Duo-Core-Grafx-/172213002504

although monoprice is out of stock at the moment

[StarDust4Ever]

why pay $2 the cable at monoprice when you get the same one for $12
http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Seller-PC-Engine-Controller-Extension-Cable-Cord-Fits-Turbo-Duo-Core-Grafx-/172213002504

although monoprice is out of stock at the moment

As stated previously, the Monoprice cables are either miniDIN or DIN5, not DIN8 which is what Turbografx uses. I did search Monoprice and elsewhere back in 2014 and all I found was a 25 foot extension cable from Crutchfield for $30, designed for auto and marine audio applications. Pricey and a bit long but it works. The official Turbografx extension cables can be identified because the molded arrow points up on the TurboGrafx system, but the actual ports on the console are upside down. So if you get a third party or Aftermarket DIN8 extension cable, the molded arrow key on the cable will actually face down when you plug it in.

You might also try Aliexpress which ship direct from China, but if you find a 20 foot cable that only costs $2, it's probably shielded junk. Also if you go the eBay route, search for DIN8 (Turbografx) or MiniDIN 8 (PC Engine or Turbo Duo). Any seller who advertises these cables for Turbografx use is probably going to add a premium upcharge on the cables to feed off uninformed buyers.

[mickcris]

why pay $2 the cable at monoprice when you get the same one for $12
http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Seller-PC-Engine-Controller-Extension-Cable-Cord-Fits-Turbo-Duo-Core-Grafx-/172213002504

although monoprice is out of stock at the moment

As stated previously, the Monoprice cables are either miniDIN or DIN5, not DIN8 which is what Turbografx uses. I did search Monoprice and elsewhere back in 2014 and all I found was a 25 foot extension cable from Crutchfield for $30, designed for auto and marine audio applications. Pricey and a bit long but it works. The official Turbografx extension cables can be identified because the molded arrow points up on the TurboGrafx system, but the actual ports on the console are upside down. So if you get a third party or Aftermarket DIN8 extension cable, the molded arrow key on the cable will actually face down when you plug it in.

You might also try Aliexpress which ship direct from China, but if you find a 20 foot cable that only costs $2, it's probably shielded junk. Also if you go the eBay route, search for DIN8 (Turbografx) or MiniDIN 8 (PC Engine or Turbo Duo). Any seller who advertises these cables for Turbografx use is probably going to add a premium upcharge on the cables to feed off uninformed buyers.

I know, that was not the point of that post.  The previous bunch of replies were about the mini din cables. I am well aware of the cable options for these.
Either buy the monoprice mini din cables or the normal din ones by kraydad if you don't want to make your own.  Those are the best options availabe.

Console5 has the monoprice cables at a better price if any needs one right now
http://console5.com/store/atari-sega-commodore-6-3-6m-joystick-extension-cable-cord-by-retro-bit-1.html

[StarDust4Ever]

why pay $2 the cable at monoprice when you get the same one for $12
http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Seller-PC-Engine-Controller-Extension-Cable-Cord-Fits-Turbo-Duo-Core-Grafx-/172213002504

although monoprice is out of stock at the moment

+1

As stated previously, the Monoprice cables are either miniDIN or DIN5, not DIN8 which is what Turbografx uses. I did search Monoprice and elsewhere back in 2014 and all I found was a 25 foot extension cable from Crutchfield for $30, designed for auto and marine audio applications. Pricey and a bit long but it works. The official Turbografx extension cables can be identified because the molded arrow points up on the TurboGrafx system, but the actual ports on the console are upside down. So if you get a third party or Aftermarket DIN8 extension cable, the molded arrow key on the cable will actually face down when you plug it in.

You might also try Aliexpress which ship direct from China, but if you find a 20 foot cable that only costs $2, it's probably shielded junk. Also if you go the eBay route, search for DIN8 (Turbografx) or MiniDIN 8 (PC Engine or Turbo Duo). Any seller who advertises these cables for Turbografx use is probably going to add a premium upcharge on the cables to feed off uninformed buyers.

I know, that was not the point of that post.  The previous bunch of replies were about the mini din cables. I am well aware of the cable options for these.
Either buy the monoprice mini din cables or the normal din ones by kraydad if you don't want to make your own.  Those are the best options availabe.

Console5 has the monoprice cables at a better price if any needs one right now
http://console5.com/store/atari-sega-commodore-6-3-6m-joystick-extension-cable-cord-by-retro-bit-1.html

Console5 have nearly every cable for every semi-popular system except DIN8 (original Turbografx). And they have both types of DIN8<->MiniDIN converters for Turbo/PCe. I bought some more extensions from them the other day. I should have gotten a PCe conversion cable as I'm in the market for spare controllers. Avenue 3 pad looks like a nice alternative to the original Turbo controller.

[SignOfZeta]

Well there are about a dozen different versions of the PCE hardware with the Turbografx being the only one with the big connectors. I would tell most people to not invest a lot in that route if you haven't already.

[Arkhan Asylum]

I sit 9" from the TV.

[TDIRunner]

I have 23 different consoles currently hooked up.  The PCE is the closest one to where I sit when I play my games.  Despite that, the original cord is still to short for me, so I have to use the Monoprice extension cables as well.

[ginoscope]

I don't like playing old games on a big tv.  I play my retro games on a 24" LCD or on my 20" CRT.  Since I am not that far away I have not had a need for an extension cord.

I do like to play modern HD games on the big screen with surround sound.  Though I have not played much of modern games lately.

[lekrang]

I have a pc engine duo-r and when I went to buy the MDIN8's from monoprice they were out of stock.
I ended up getting some from solid signal. They were only 3$ per cable but are pretty much the same thing, mac MDIN8 beige cables.
They are pretty much the same color as the console and I have a white pc-e controller, so It works out fine

I would however not order these if you are not in the states.
I was charged more for shipping since I am from Canada.
They contacted my via email and asked for me to make a 2nd payment...

These would be cheap if you are in the US though...

[NecroPhile]

No TG16 for me, but I got a couple of the generic mini-DIN cables (from TZD back in the day) for when I'm not using the wireless pads.

Is there such a thing as extension cables for PC-FX?  Its controller cables aren't so terribly short, but I wouldn't mind being able to sit a bit further away.

[mickcris]

No TG16 for me, but I got a couple of the generic mini-DIN cables (from TZD back in the day) for when I'm not using the wireless pads.

Is there such a thing as extension cables for PC-FX?  Its controller cables aren't so terribly short, but I wouldn't mind being able to sit a bit further away.

never seen one. unfortunately the 7 pin dsub design they used seems to have been unique to that system.  never seen another cable with the same connector on it that i can reacall.

the bliss box people got some connectors somewhere though.  not sure if they had them manufactured or i just dont know how to search for them
https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-bliss-box-has-started-the-kick-starter-for-the-4-play

[johnnykonami]

I have some old beige extension cables also, I think they might too have been from TZD.  I ordered from there a couple of times.  Wish they were black though!

[StarDust4Ever]

No TG16 for me, but I got a couple of the generic mini-DIN cables (from TZD back in the day) for when I'm not using the wireless pads.

Is there such a thing as extension cables for PC-FX?  Its controller cables aren't so terribly short, but I wouldn't mind being able to sit a bit further away.

never seen one. unfortunately the 7 pin dsub design they used seems to have been unique to that system.  never seen another cable with the same connector on it that i can reacall.

the bliss box people got some connectors somewhere though.  not sure if they had them manufactured or i just dont know how to search for them
https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-bliss-box-has-started-the-kick-starter-for-the-4-play

Funny you bring up the 7-pin Dsub (top left).


Hacking up a 9-pin Dsub connector by cutting off the edge would not work because of the oversize pins. They look to be designed similar to the NES controller pins, only stacked in triangular rather than square grid formation.

[wilykat]

Too bad, the 7 pin D sub (like Genesis minus 2 pins) were commonly used in Famicom clone systems. The larger Nintendo sized pins seems propriety and would have to be custom made.

[StarDust4Ever]

Too bad, the 7 pin D sub (like Genesis minus 2 pins) were commonly used in Famicom clone systems. The larger Nintendo sized pins seems propriety and would have to be custom made.

To be perfectly honest, every Nintendo system ever made had proprietary connectors, while Atari/Sega used 9-pin Dsub. You know, kinda like Apple devices all have proprietary plugs while Android devices by various manufacturers used industry standard. Sony Playstation and Xbox also had proprietary plugs before they went to USB.

I guess we can consider ourselves lucky NEC used two industry standard connectors for Turbo/PCe, or we would all be gaming on three foot cables! Pity the FX had that funky 7-pin controller but the lack of aftermarket controller extensions is all about supply and demand. Had the PC-FX been released globally, and sold tens of millions, someone somewhere would be making cables for it.

[SignOfZeta]

Honestly most standardized connectors from the 80s kinda sucked for consoles. D-subs were never designed to be unplugged so many times, the pins bend and break off too easily, and they can't handle any defection. And round DINs as small as the ones on a PCE get fucked up in all sorts of ways. Replacing the PCE controller input is a common repair but a Gamecube? I've never even heard of anyone needing such a thing. For a game system you want to buy your kids once and never repair these things are far more important that a "standard" that's really only a standard in a different industry.

Nowadays connectors are designed with the humans that will actually be using them in mind. The shitty looking little USB connectors are incredibly reliable in actual use.

[StarDust4Ever]

Honestly most standardized connectors from the 80s kinda sucked for consoles. D-subs were never designed to be unplugged so many times, the pins bend and break off too easily, and they can't handle any defection. And round DINs as small as the ones on a PCE get fucked up in all sorts of ways. Replacing the PCE controller input is a common repair but a Gamecube? I've never even heard of anyone needing such a thing. For a game system you want to buy your kids once and never repair these things are far more important that a "standard" that's really only a standard in a different industry.

Nowadays connectors are designed with the humans that will actually be using them in mind. The shitty looking little USB connectors are incredibly reliable in actual use.

Good point. I've seen old school PS/2 ports get trashed if a keyboard or mouse got yanked from it's socket. Big problem if your late 90s motherboard could not allow a USB keyboard to access BIOS.

One reason I actually like the largish DIN8 of the Turbografx. It's practically indestructable, even if the ports feel a bit tight at times.

EDIT: I finally got a good deal on a Turbo controller from a non-scalper, to go with my newly acquired Turbo Tap:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/112015907272

Seller doesn't seem to have any other gaming items for sale. A lot of weird medical crap though...