TurboLink Port

jtn0514 · 07/06/2013, 01:56 PM

Has anyone found out exactly WHAT this port runs to on the turbo express and been able to convert the pinouts to someting that might work on the regular turbo grafx 16 or pc engine?

Im curious as ive got two broken turbo expresses here...

Is there any custom hardware involved with this? or is it simply running to serial in/out on the main processor?

Feel free to correct me here, as i dont know too much about the guts of the TG16/TE

Duo_R · 07/06/2013, 03:13 PM

It goes to a chip exclusive to the Turbo Express on the controller board.

It would be awesome if someone developed a mini game for one of the upcoming homebrew releases since only a few games support Turbolink

jtn0514 · 07/06/2013, 04:08 PM

Quote from: Duo_R on 07/06/2013, 03:13 PMIt goes to a chip exclusive to the Turbo Express on the controller board.

It would be awesome if someone developed a mini game for one of the upcoming homebrew releases since only a few games support Turbolink

Im assuming the chip is custom? or is it just custom programmable? It more than likely only uses 3 lines (tx/rx/gnd) and im assuming its a possibility that chip is just something similar to a max232 chip?

If its just a programmed chip we could dump the contents on to a suitable replacement and use it and install as a mod to the TG16. Im guessing it just ties directly into the CPU from the custom chip then?

i believe these are the only games that use it?

Bomberman (U)
Bomberman 93 (U)
Falcon (U)
Columns (J)
Puzzle Boy (J)
Spin Pair (J)

Duo_R · 07/06/2013, 05:03 PM

Proprietary chip

jtn0514 · 07/06/2013, 07:18 PM

Quote from: Duo_R on 07/06/2013, 05:03 PMProprietary chip

Lame.....

Unless someone were to snag a broken turbo express that was beyond repair and salvage parts from it...

Even then are the pinouts known for what that custom chip connects to? Forgive me as im not familiar with the TE/TG16 hardware really but im guessing this custom chip ties directly into the main CPU does it not? If so does anyone know the pinouts possibly? Id like to try to snag a broken beyond repair TE and retrofit the parts to a good PC engine or TG16 console... would be fun to link two of these together for some multiplayer columns or bomberman

Duo_R · 07/06/2013, 07:31 PM

Pinouts not known. Not hard but would just be time consuming with an ohmeter.

jtn0514 · 07/07/2013, 12:23 AM

So am i correct that there are only 6 games supporting the turbo link?

Bomberman (U)
Bomberman 93 (U)
Falcon (U)
Columns (J)
Puzzle Boy (J)
Spin Pair (J)

esteban · 07/07/2013, 11:30 AM

Quote from: jtn0514 on 07/07/2013, 12:23 AMSo am i correct that there are only 6 games supporting the turbo link?

Bomberman (U)
Bomberman 93 (U)
Falcon (U)
Columns (J)
Puzzle Boy (J)
Spin Pair (J)

Ballistix.

Duo_R · 07/07/2013, 12:20 PM

Este I thought Ballistix didn't end up with a Turbolink mode

Duo_R · 07/07/2013, 12:27 PM

This topic has been discussed several times here is a good thread on the games that support, etc

https://www.pcengine-fx.com/forums/index.php?topic=3749.0

esteban · 07/07/2013, 12:43 PM

STATUS: All I know is that when I plug my TurboLink cable into the TurboLink port on my TurboExpress, Ballistix supports two balls.

jtn0514 · 07/07/2013, 01:40 PM

Quote from: Duo_R on 07/07/2013, 12:27 PMThis topic has been discussed several times here is a good thread on the games that support, etc

https://www.pcengine-fx.com/forums/index.php?topic=3749.0

I've already seen it. It prompted me to find more TurboLink games and the ones i posted above i did confirm personally via an emulator just to see if they had the mode or not.

jtn0514 · 07/07/2013, 01:49 PM

Quote from: esteban on 07/07/2013, 12:43 PMSTATUS: All I know is that when I plug my TurboLink cable into the TurboLink port on my TurboExpress, Ballistix supports two balls.

Do you have access to andrea panza kickboxing (2 copies) or even davis cup tennis?

I only ask because if ballistix supports it when linked up and shows two balls then its a possibility the other two mentioned titles work very similar...

Duo_R · 07/07/2013, 02:04 PM

I can try it via flash cart

jtn0514 · 07/07/2013, 09:02 PM

Quote from: Duo_R on 07/07/2013, 02:04 PMI can try it via flash cart

Sure! Let us know what you find out. Im sure others might be interested in knowing as well.

esteban · 07/08/2013, 07:54 AM

Quote from: jtn0514 on 07/07/2013, 01:49 PM
Quote from: esteban on 07/07/2013, 12:43 PMSTATUS: All I know is that when I plug my TurboLink cable into the TurboLink port on my TurboExpress, Ballistix supports two balls.

Do you have access to andrea panza kickboxing (2 copies) or even davis cup tennis?

I only ask because if ballistix supports it when linked up and shows two balls then its a possibility the other two mentioned titles work very similar...

STATUS: OK, not only do I see two balls, but I can (almost) feel two balls when I play (Ballistix + TE) + TurboLink + (Ballistix + TE)

Duo_R · 07/08/2013, 10:32 AM

And what about the game?

esteban · 07/08/2013, 12:31 PM

Quote from: Duo_R on 07/08/2013, 10:32 AMAnd what about the game?

Oh, the actual game? I have no idea about the actual game Ballistix. I just know about balls.

STATUS: I shall stop now.

.

Duo_R · 07/08/2013, 12:55 PM

Haha ;-)

jtn0514 · 07/08/2013, 12:59 PM

Quote from: esteban on 07/08/2013, 12:31 PM
Quote from: Duo_R on 07/08/2013, 10:32 AMAnd what about the game?
Oh, the actual game? I have no idea about the actual game Ballistix. I just know about balls.

STATUS: I shall stop now. .

I bet you do, They're probably in and around your mouth quite a bit as well arent they....

esteban · 07/08/2013, 02:56 PM

Quote from: jtn0514 on 07/08/2013, 12:59 PM
Quote from: esteban on 07/08/2013, 12:31 PM
Quote from: Duo_R on 07/08/2013, 10:32 AMAnd what about the game?
Oh, the actual game? I have no idea about the actual game Ballistix. I just know about balls.

STATUS: I shall stop now. .
I bet you do, They're probably in and around your mouth quite a bit as well arent they....

I have an odd compulsion to shove the entire Ballistix HuHARD in my mouth, even if I don't have my TurboLink cable out. Weird.

jtn0514 · 07/08/2013, 03:22 PM

Quote from: esteban on 07/08/2013, 02:56 PM
Quote from: jtn0514 on 07/08/2013, 12:59 PM
Quote from: esteban on 07/08/2013, 12:31 PM
Quote from: Duo_R on 07/08/2013, 10:32 AMAnd what about the game?
Oh, the actual game? I have no idea about the actual game Ballistix. I just know about balls.

STATUS: I shall stop now. .
I bet you do, They're probably in and around your mouth quite a bit as well arent they....
I have an odd compulsion to shove the entire Ballistix HuHARD in my mouth, even if I don't have my TurboLink cable out. Weird.

LOL

Honestly though does ballistix actually work with the turbo link?

esteban · 07/08/2013, 03:36 PM

Quote from: jtn0514 on 07/08/2013, 03:22 PM
Quote from: esteban on 07/08/2013, 02:56 PM
Quote from: jtn0514 on 07/08/2013, 12:59 PM
Quote from: esteban on 07/08/2013, 12:31 PM
Quote from: Duo_R on 07/08/2013, 10:32 AMAnd what about the game?
Oh, the actual game? I have no idea about the actual game Ballistix. I just know about balls.

STATUS: I shall stop now. .
I bet you do, They're probably in and around your mouth quite a bit as well arent they....
I have an odd compulsion to shove the entire Ballistix HuHARD in my mouth, even if I don't have my TurboLink cable out. Weird.
LOL

Honestly though does ballistix actually work with the turbo link?

I was only foolish enough to purchase one copy of Ballistix. I have two TE's + TurboLink. If someone gets me a cheap Ballistix, I'll make a video of the non-existent TurboLink option.

IIRC, the TurboLink cable came with an insert that mentioned some of the games...and maybe Ballistix itself? OH DAMN I'LL READ THE OLD THREAD.

jtn0514 · 07/08/2013, 03:53 PM

Quote from: esteban on 07/08/2013, 03:36 PM
Quote from: jtn0514 on 07/08/2013, 03:22 PM
Quote from: esteban on 07/08/2013, 02:56 PM
Quote from: jtn0514 on 07/08/2013, 12:59 PM
Quote from: esteban on 07/08/2013, 12:31 PM
Quote from: Duo_R on 07/08/2013, 10:32 AMAnd what about the game?
Oh, the actual game? I have no idea about the actual game Ballistix. I just know about balls.

STATUS: I shall stop now. .
I bet you do, They're probably in and around your mouth quite a bit as well arent they....
I have an odd compulsion to shove the entire Ballistix HuHARD in my mouth, even if I don't have my TurboLink cable out. Weird.
LOL

Honestly though does ballistix actually work with the turbo link?
I was only foolish enough to purchase one copy of Ballistix. I have two TE's + TurboLink. If someone gets me a cheap Ballistix, I'll make a video of the non-existent TurboLink option.

IIRC, the TurboLink cable came with an insert that mentioned some of the games...and maybe Ballistix itself? OH DAMN I'LL READ THE OLD THREAD.

Just because the option isnt on the main menu doesnt mean it doesnt have the code. The turbolink enabled games CAN detect which console they are on and deny or allow access to the turbolink menus for linking up..... Falcon for instance does this, although it shows the option...

this is pointless and im wasting my time asking. Forget i asked...

NecroPhile · 07/08/2013, 03:59 PM

Don't take le Cook too seriously - only the six work with the link (eight if you count the region differences).

Status: this thread's Ballistix lulz are better than anyone's ever had with the actual game.

jtn0514 · 07/08/2013, 04:11 PM

Quote from: guest on 07/08/2013, 03:59 PMDon't take le Cook too seriously - only the six work with the link (eight if you count the region differences).

Status: this thread's Ballistix lulz are better than anyone's ever had with the actual game.

Thanks for confirming this for me.

I wasnt really sure if there were others.

esteban · 07/08/2013, 04:25 PM

Quote from: jtn0514 on 07/08/2013, 04:11 PM
Quote from: guest on 07/08/2013, 03:59 PMDon't take le Cook too seriously - only the six work with the link (eight if you count the region differences).

Status: this thread's Ballistix lulz are better than anyone's ever had with the actual game.
Thanks for confirming this for me.

I wasnt really sure if there were others.

Send me a copy of Ballistix and I will make a video.

I am in the mood to do some doodling...

NOTE: This post is 100% serious. Thank you.

esteban · 07/08/2013, 04:26 PM

STATUS: OK, for real, I was serious in the prior post. Really.

VestCunt · 07/09/2013, 02:28 AM

Quote from: jtn0514 on 07/07/2013, 01:40 PM
Quote from: Duo_R on 07/07/2013, 12:27 PMThis topic has been discussed several times here is a good thread on the games that support, etc

https://www.pcengine-fx.com/forums/index.php?topic=3749.0
I've already seen it. It prompted me to find more TurboLink games and the ones i posted above i did confirm personally via an emulator just to see if they had the mode or not.

I started that thread and I've kept a close watch on TE discussion since 2005. No one has confirmed any other TE multiplayers than the six in my first post. If you find others, please let me know!

jtn0514 · 07/09/2013, 02:45 AM

Ive confirmed the 6 above for sure via emulator but other than that who knows...

Its possible there might be more.

esteban · 07/10/2013, 09:47 AM

STATUS: My offer stands.

turboswimbz · 07/10/2013, 11:06 AM

Quote from: esteban on 07/10/2013, 09:47 AMSTATUS: My offer stands.

THOUGHT: damn i wish I still had an extra copy of the game, I want to see this doodle.

10/31/2023: Localization News - Dead of the Brain 1!

TurboLink Port