Are my TG-16's dead, or...?

[Lar]

Hi everyone, new here, but I've been interested in the system for years. Anyway, last week I picked up my first TurboGrafx 16 and Vigilante from a local game/video/CD store. I took it home, hooked it up via the RF, and got nothing. Tried channels 3 & 4, used different RFs, used different power supplies, it seemed hopeless. So, last night I took it back to get a refund, but one of the workers there had another TG-16 in the back, and let me exchange it. So, last night, same thing. Nothing.

Am I doing something wrong here? At first I thought the splitter for my video-capture card may be messing with the RF (I usually do things through AV cables), but I hooked up an NES through that method and it started up. I don't think it's the game, I should at least get something on the screen, shouldn't I? Do I need a special power supply (they gave me generic ones, and I also have NES supplies, both with the same specs)? Does the system have problems with newer TVs? I've never had a system that didn't work for me, especially a cart-based system (years ago I received two 2600's, one worked, one didn't, but that's the exception), and I simply can't believe I would get two non-working TG-16 consoles in a row. Please, help me out here. I would hate to take this thing back, not so much because of the money, but because I really want to play and collect for this system.

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

[esteban]

OK, I am assuming you're in North America and you have an NTSC TV.

For info on the AC Adapters, check out this FAQ:
http://www.classicgaming.com/museum/faqs/tg16faq.shtml
(you want section 4, part B)

First make sure you are using the proper AC adapter.

Then try hooking TG-16 up to some televsions... DIRECTLY (when troubleshooting, you want to eliminate all the variables that you can... so a direct hook-up is the best).

I have old TVs and RF output works fine on them, but maybe someone else can tell you if newer TVs are finicky when it comes to RF output.

Hopefully you have a few games... try each game when you hook it up. If you have one game, try inserting and removing it a few times. Sometimes, if the contacts are dirty / HuCard is slightly misaligned upon insertion, you'll get a blank screen (sometimes black, sometimes a color).

Good luck!

[OldRover]

If you get absolutely nothing (as in no indication of signal of any kind), it is likely one of three things:

-bad/incorrect power supply (most likely)
-damaged RF out port (uncommon but it happens)
-broken unit (very uncommon, TG units are solid as a rock)

The TG16 needs a very specific type of power supply that isn't very standard, so that's more than likely the issue...wrong power supply.

[Lar]

The FAQ gives this for the TG power supply:

TG-16:
                Model:  HES-ACA-01
                Input:  120V AC 60HZ 15W
                Output: 10.5V DC 730mA
                Center plug is negative, the outer is positive.

Obviously, this isn't the original supply, so it isn't that model number, but aren't the specs the same as an NES/Genesis?

I only have the one game, the place I bought the system from is a little steep on prices, but this is the only time I've ever seen them for sale outside of ebay, so I only bought the one game ($10).

I've been figuring it's the power supply, since I've used the TG RF hookup, and an NES RF hookup, and older, cart based systems usually are pretty solid. That's why I just can't believe two in a row and neither one works.

"The TG16 needs a very specific type of power supply that isn't very standard, so that's more than likely the issue...wrong power supply."

What type of supply? Is this a special, "one system only" type of adaptor (like the 7800), or could I pick a replacement up at Radio Shack?

[TR0N]

I can agree what's been said in this thread so far.

About the only other thing i can think of is get a, Turbo Booster for your TG16. So you can have, AV beside these days, RF isn't useful any more.

[Lar]

Actually, if I can verify that the thing works, I will probably get a Turbo Booster, it's a pain to pull the TV out and hook it up via the RF, not to mention AV's better picture quality.

[OldRover]

Obviously, this isn't the original supply, so it isn't that model number, but aren't the specs the same as an NES/Genesis?

Not remotely. I don't know the specs on the NES adapter because I don't have one in front of me, but I do have a Genesis one in front of me right now and the specs are so far different that there's no way you'd be able to use one on the TG16. It's a 9V output at 1.2 amps.

What type of supply? Is this a special, "one system only" type of adaptor (like the 7800), or could I pick a replacement up at Radio Shack?

The adapter for the TG16 is unique and if you can't get an original unit, you'd likely have to make one yourself as it's not exactly easy to find an adapter that can output 10.5V, let alone at that specific amperage. One at that voltage but higher amperage might not be the best idea either. But if you think that's hard to find...try finding one for the CDROM unit...ugh...even worse.

[Lar]

Well, looks like I'll have to start watching ebay for an original adaptor.

One more question, does the TG-16 have a habit of 'frying' if you were to use a more powerful adaptor? I don't plan on using one, I just don't know if the machine is pretty decent about things like that (I know my Jaguar isn't, or rather, wasn't ).

Thanks for all of your help, guys! Glad I don't have to return it! Looks like I just have to patient until I can get an adaptor.

[esteban]

Well, looks like I'll have to start watching ebay for an original adaptor.

One more question, does the TG-16 have a habit of 'frying' if you were to use a more powerful adaptor? I don't plan on using one, I just don't know if the machine is pretty decent about things like that (I know my Jaguar isn't, or rather, wasn't ).

Thanks for all of your help, guys! Glad I don't have to return it! Looks like I just have to patient until I can get an adaptor.

One thing you can do is look for folks who are selling busted/damaged TG-16's cheap. You might score an AC adapter out of it.

[TR0N]

Well, looks like I'll have to start watching ebay for an original adaptor.

One more question, does the TG-16 have a habit of 'frying' if you were to use a more powerful adaptor? I don't plan on using one, I just don't know if the machine is pretty decent about things like that (I know my Jaguar isn't, or rather, wasn't ).

Thanks for all of your help, guys! Glad I don't have to return it! Looks like I just have to patient until I can get an adaptor.

Tried Turbo Zone Direct yet?

http://www.tzd.com

[Lar]

Ah, excellent, they have one for $12! Thanks!

[esteban]

Well, looks like I'll have to start watching ebay for an original adaptor.

One more question, does the TG-16 have a habit of 'frying' if you were to use a more powerful adaptor? I don't plan on using one, I just don't know if the machine is pretty decent about things like that (I know my Jaguar isn't, or rather, wasn't ).

Thanks for all of your help, guys! Glad I don't have to return it! Looks like I just have to patient until I can get an adaptor.

Tried Turbo Zone Direct yet?

http://www.tzd.com

hahahahahhaha. The simplest solution and I totally missed it!

[Lar]

Just a few questions before I send my money order: My emails keep getting bounced, and when I called, I didn't receive an answer. Is this place pretty trustworthy, with fast shipping (not meaning to sound skeptical, but like I said before, i'm new to the TG-16 scene)? Should I 'alert' he/she/them to my order, or simply send a MO?

[Lar]

Never mind, did a little reading up on the place, placed an online order. Should know in a few days whether I can collect for the TG-16 or not. Keeping my fingers crossed !

Speaking of adaptors, does the Turbo Booster use the exact same power supply?