Region Modification for PC Engine Duo...

goombakid · 10/04/2010, 02:52 AM

Hello all! I'm new to the forums, but a long time PC Engine/Turbografx fan. Found this site while looking for mods for my TG16.

I've just purchased a PC Engine Duo from eBay since prices for the Turbo CD attachment or Turbo Duos are redonkulously high there. Before I bid on it, I wanted to make sure I could play the current TG16 HuCard games on it somehow...which inadvertently lead me to this community.

I'm taking the IC mod route because it just look a lot more fun to do (I do have tech experience). I've already got parts for it in cue to order as soon as I get the PC Engine Duo, however, I still have a question for region modding.

I've read here that pin 29 does not need to be lifted from the board, at least on Duo R's and RX's, prior to grounding. Does that hold true for the standard Duo (black console)? Although I'm confident in my skills, if the route is easier, I'll do it.

Another question, TG16 related. I haven't been able to locate a pic for it, but is there a pic of an area on the TG16 board where I can get audio and video other than from the Expansion port pads? I've already done the A/V mod for my TG16, but I was planning on redoing the wiring and adding a cap to the video input.

Thanks all! This looks like a great community for PC Engine/Turbografx gamers!

Duo_R · 10/04/2010, 03:39 AM

Black PC engine duo needs pin lifting. Make sure you practice that.

SignOfZeta · 10/04/2010, 01:21 PM

That's an interesting link. Its quite likely true, but you still have to solder to that point on the chip anyway, and it will be a lot easier with that leg lifted unless there is a nice place on the board where it connects to normally that can be soldered to.

Duo_R · 10/04/2010, 01:50 PM

If it was a R or RX don't lift just solder. Much easier. I know someone on here that broke the leg off (ouch) so be careful.

goombakid · 10/05/2010, 02:01 AM

I've got couple of dead mobos and consoles I can practice on.

I also found this link that shows another IC region mod, but using a different kind of IC. Has anyone seen and/or made this region mod? I'm just curious since I mostly see the 2 IC region mod around.

BlueBMW · 10/05/2010, 07:27 AM

I haven't seen that mod around. Looks a bit redundant if you ask me. Its almost like it does the same thing twice... I'll look it over some more and see what I can figure out. But I can tell you that the 2 IC mod works great!

goombakid · 10/06/2010, 02:31 AM

These are the IC's I'm looking at. Just double checking if these are the ones to get. Thanks.

Duo_R · 10/06/2010, 02:48 AM

8pdt is the way to go if space isn't an issue in my opinion.

Charlie · 10/06/2010, 12:54 PM

The mod using the '4066's is just an electronic 8PDT switch. They're in pairs because each chip is only 4P. So, you need two to make connection for the "normal" data bus, and two more to make connection to the "reversed" data bus. The pairs are selected by the slide switch.

You also must realize, of course, that the '4066 and the '4551 not only have different pin-outs, but that they work differently also. The '4066 is a set of off/on switches...the input either IS or IS NOT connected to the output. The '4551 is a set of either/or switches...the input is EITHER connected to the first output, OR the second output.

Thus, you need 4 of the '4066, but only two of the '4551.

Charlie

goombakid · 10/06/2010, 09:28 PM

Quote from: Charlie on 10/06/2010, 12:54 PMThe mod using the '4066's is just an electronic 8PDT switch. They're in pairs because each chip is only 4P. So, you need two to make connection for the "normal" data bus, and two more to make connection to the "reversed" data bus. The pairs are selected by the slide switch.

You also must realize, of course, that the '4066 and the '4551 not only have different pin-outs, but that they work differently also. The '4066 is a set of off/on switches...the input either IS or IS NOT connected to the output. The '4551 is a set of either/or switches...the input is EITHER connected to the first output, OR the second output.

Thus, you need 4 of the '4066, but only two of the '4551.

Charlie

I kinda figured it was something like that, like each 4066 is acts as 2 DPDT switches.

I'm thinking that I'd want to do the switch mod, but I have a fear of the switch malfunctioning or failing after x amount of clicks. I'm sure the IC mod has failure too. I may try both mods; maybe the switch one in my TG16 and the IC in my Duo.

Duo_R · 10/07/2010, 03:25 AM

I have had a switch in TG-16 and Duo for years and never seen one fail. I have seen a problem with some IC setups and TG-16 docked in CD's, so I stick to the 8pdt switch when possible.

Of course for my TE I am going to need to use the IC method.

Quote from: goombakid on 10/06/2010, 09:28 PM
Quote from: Charlie on 10/06/2010, 12:54 PMThe mod using the '4066's is just an electronic 8PDT switch. They're in pairs because each chip is only 4P. So, you need two to make connection for the "normal" data bus, and two more to make connection to the "reversed" data bus. The pairs are selected by the slide switch.

You also must realize, of course, that the '4066 and the '4551 not only have different pin-outs, but that they work differently also. The '4066 is a set of off/on switches...the input either IS or IS NOT connected to the output. The '4551 is a set of either/or switches...the input is EITHER connected to the first output, OR the second output.

Thus, you need 4 of the '4066, but only two of the '4551.

Charlie
I kinda figured it was something like that, like each 4066 is acts as 2 DPDT switches.

I'm thinking that I'd want to do the switch mod, but I have a fear of the switch malfunctioning or failing after x amount of clicks. I'm sure the IC mod has failure too. I may try both mods; maybe the switch one in my TG16 and the IC in my Duo.

beigemore · 10/08/2010, 08:23 PM

Didn't want to start a new topic, but can someone point me to an image or walkthrough showing the hucard pins actually connected to an 8pdt switch? I've done smaller projects with spdt's but nothing with 8 poles required for this. I'm having a hard time imagining in my mind how the switch is flipping the 8 wires around.

goombakid · 10/08/2010, 09:05 PM

Quote from: beigemore on 10/08/2010, 08:23 PMDidn't want to start a new topic, but can someone point me to an image or walkthrough showing the hucard pins actually connected to an 8pdt switch? I've done smaller projects with spdt's but nothing with 8 poles required for this. I'm having a hard time imagining in my mind how the switch is flipping the 8 wires around.

Here you go. I imagine it works as if you had 8 DPDT switches swaping all at once.

beigemore · 10/08/2010, 09:11 PM

Awesome, that is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

goombakid · 10/09/2010, 10:32 PM

No probs.

So next question: Anyone have pictures of their installs? Either switch or IC modded? I just want to get an idea of placement for either. If anyone has pics or links to pics, please share.

Duo_R · 10/09/2010, 10:37 PM

If you search my old posts I have some. Or I can try to dig up.

BlueBMW · 10/09/2010, 10:47 PM

Quote from: goombakid on 10/09/2010, 10:32 PMNo probs.

So next question: Anyone have pictures of their installs? Either switch or IC modded? I just want to get an idea of placement for either. If anyone has pics or links to pics, please share.

My thread here shows where I put an IC mod on my US duo. Not sure if the PC engine duo has the whole RF shield plate like the US one though. I mounted my switch in the back rear corner near the a/v out and power plug.

https://www.pcengine-fx.com/forums/index.php?topic=8729.0

Duo_R · 10/10/2010, 12:29 AM

gonna need some new photos of my setup, but here is a good resource for the IC method:

http://www.mmmonkey.co.uk/console/pce/region.htm

and here is a teaser of my low profile switch (it is pushbutton):

/img0034xx1.jpg

goombakid · 10/10/2010, 03:05 AM

Quote from: BlueBMW on 10/09/2010, 10:47 PMMy thread here shows where I put an IC mod on my US duo. Not sure if the PC engine duo has the whole RF shield plate like the US one though. I mounted my switch in the back rear corner near the a/v out and power plug.

https://www.pcengine-fx.com/forums/index.php?topic=8729.0

Just so I can get my bearings on the board. BlueBMW, can you verify? And thanks for the pic.

Duo-R, I'm gonna meander around the forums and see what comes up. I'm seriously contemplating the 8pdt switch at least for my TG16. Although, if you do have some pics or links, I'd appreciate the share.

Duo_R · 10/10/2010, 03:30 AM

Here is a link to download the region switch. Pretty old, someday I will have my website back up with better instructions and photos. For now it works:

http://www.2shared.com/document/R3bLcFPW/switch_install_fix.html

or

Megawaitload:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9BU4LFDV

BlueBMW · 10/10/2010, 08:07 AM

Quote from: goombakid on 10/10/2010, 03:05 AM Just so I can get my bearings on the board. BlueBMW, can you verify? And thanks for the pic.

Looks like you've got it figured out pretty much! That black tape is actually a soft electrical tape. I just put that over the mod chip to prevent it from shorting to the RF shield. I also just used the tape to secure it to that RF shield so it wouldn't flop around. Also, the switch you pointed out over by the headphones port, that was just loose in that picture. I hadn't mounted it yet. It ended up being attached (super glue) to the back of the upper shell when I put the unit back together.

There seemed to be plenty of room on top of that RF shield and I wanted to keep the wires away from those two voltage regulator heat sinks. I'm sure you could remove the RF shield without adverse effects if you wanted more space.

goombakid · 10/11/2010, 02:46 AM

K, stupid question time. For the IC mod, what type of switch do I need? SPST or SPDT?

BlueBMW · 10/11/2010, 07:33 AM

SPDT. It basically switches between a 5v and ground signal to "flip" the electronic switches.

Duo_R · 11/12/2010, 02:36 PM

Install pic:

/20101016141750.jpg
/20101016141750.jpg

Quote from: goombakid on 10/09/2010, 10:32 PMNo probs.

So next question: Anyone have pictures of their installs? Either switch or IC modded? I just want to get an idea of placement for either. If anyone has pics or links to pics, please share.

Duo_R · 11/25/2010, 04:14 AM

FYI - I did a tutorial video on pin 29 lift and grounding which you will need to duo on the PCE Duo. Also region mod hopefully coming soon, but if you click on my website you will find some additional instructions there (and links to the pin 29 videos).

QuoteI've read here that pin 29 does not need to be lifted from the board, at least on Duo R's and RX's, prior to grounding. Does that hold true for the standard Duo (black console)? Although I'm confident in my skills, if the route is easier, I'll do it.