Easy white PC Engine / CoreGrafx region mod install

mickcris · 08/03/2016, 03:57 PM

This is similar to how Game-Tech's TG16 region mod is installed but without the QSB. Hadn't seen anyone document this way of doing it yet.

Instead of cutting the pins on the card slot, you can cut the traces that go between the card slot and the ribbon cable. The traces for the odd pin numbers are on the top of the card slot pcb while the even numbered pin's traces are on the bottom. I was able to finish up this install pretty quickly compared to the pin cutting method. This also allows the wires to be kept pretty short. I took some pics but kind of hard to see with my messy wires.

bottom traces (ignore the wire on pin 24, cut that one by accident and had to repair)

top traces

full board pic

Keith Courage · 08/04/2016, 12:35 AM

Nice!

Is that the CBT3383 chip?

mickcris · 08/04/2016, 12:53 AM

Quote from: Keith Courage on 08/04/2016, 12:35 AMIs that the CBT3383 chip?

yeah. mounted on a soic to dip adapter
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10pcs-Adapter-Converter-SOP24-SSOP24-TSSOP24-SOP-TO-DIP-0-65-1-27mm-SE310-2-/291438287257

NightWolve · 08/04/2016, 01:02 AM

Quote from: Keith Courage on 08/04/2016, 12:35 AMNice!

Hey, that's pretty retro, using a T2-based thumbs up. ; )

Ergot_Cholera · 08/08/2016, 04:44 PM

Can you supply guide?

mickcris · 08/08/2016, 05:09 PM

Quote from: guest on 08/08/2016, 04:44 PMCan you supply guide?

if i do another one, i will

Supercom32 · 10/29/2016, 11:59 PM

Ok I just tried this on a Core Grfax II and for some reason is not working for me

Only the Japanese hucards are still working like before but American hucard games don't boot at all.

One thing thou, I was told that in the Core Grafx II the pin 29 of the HU6280 chip doesn't need to be lifted just grounded is this correct?. Also, after cutting the traces do they need to be patched to reach the ram on the hucard connector board?

Thanks for any help.

mickcris · 10/30/2016, 01:18 AM

Yeah, you shouldn't have to lift the leg of pin 29.

If you cut the traces where I did, it's before the ribbon cable so it doesn't affect the ram. I know my pictures aren't that great as I couldn't really get a clear picture. Which region mod are you using?

If you used the same circuit I have above. Make sure it's hooked up like this
http://m.imgur.com/6A3mZqv

2,3,4,5 need grounded also but I did it on the bottom of that baord

Supercom32 · 10/30/2016, 02:34 AM

^ Thanks much for your reply!

I'm using a similar Dip pcb board with the CBT3383 chip. I'll go back and re-check everything to see if the wiring matches the pic in your link.

Also just to be sure, you did cut the 3 traces on the solder side as seen on this pic right? (white markings below) or are there more than 3 traces needed to be cut?

Thanks again!

mickcris · 10/30/2016, 02:37 AM

Yeah, iirc that's 16, 20, 22. then 5 on the other side also.

Could be the ground is not good enough on pin 12 of the 3383. I've had that happen before.

Supercom32 · 10/30/2016, 02:43 AM

Quote from: mickcris on 10/30/2016, 02:37 AMYeah, that's half of the traces. there are some on the other side also. Could be the ground is not good enough on pin 12. I've had that happen before.

hmmm, you may be onto something regarding the Ground

Although a quick continuity check shows a solid GND no problem. I'm taping the Gnd from the card connector near the only electrolytic capacitor negative leg (solder side).

mickcris · 10/30/2016, 07:13 AM

I was jumping the grounds together on the bottom of the adapter board with a 30awg wire and was having an issue with the everdrive not working with the switch in that position. After using a larger gauge wire to a better ground point it started working.

But yours might be a different issue as regular carts were working fine. It was only the everdrive having an issue.

Supercom32 · 10/30/2016, 04:01 PM

Quote from: mickcris on 10/30/2016, 07:13 AMI was jumping the grounds together on the bottom of the adapter board with a 30awg wire and was having an issue with the everdrive not working with the switch in that position. After using a larger gauge wire to a better ground point it started working.

But yours might be a different issue as regular carts were working fine. It was only the everdrive having an issue.

Wow! it works. It really works!

Turns out I had a couple of the connections mixed out. Your pic was of great help. Thank you!

mickcris · 10/30/2016, 07:14 PM

Quote from: Supercom on 10/30/2016, 04:01 PM
Quote from: mickcris on 10/30/2016, 07:13 AMI was jumping the grounds together on the bottom of the adapter board with a 30awg wire and was having an issue with the everdrive not working with the switch in that position. After using a larger gauge wire to a better ground point it started working.

But yours might be a different issue as regular carts were working fine. It was only the everdrive having an issue.
Wow! it works. It really works!

Turns out I had a couple of the connections mixed out. Your pic was of great help. Thank you!

Glad it helped. That was the install diagram I made up the other day. I decided to start selling those as a cheaper alternative since no one sells one that uses a wire install anymore. Of course anyone can assemble one themselves too.