PALGrafx - dumb questions, restore to NTSC?

[Psycho Punch]

Is it possible to convert PAL TurboGrafx units to NTSC? If yes, is it complicated, how?

Besides speed differences in games, is there any other problem (besides having PAL signal output)? Can it be used to play CDROM games with the expansion dock?

I ask it because not only UK units are beautiful but also because there's plenty of unused units still unsold, it's easier to obtain one.

EDIT: 110, 220V or dual voltage? This is important.

[schweaty]

Is it possible to convert PAL TurboGrafx units to NTSC? If yes, is it complicated, how?

Besides speed differences in games, is there any other problem (besides having PAL signal output)? Can it be used to play CDROM games with the expansion dock?

I ask it because not only UK units are beautiful but also because there's plenty of unused units still unsold, it's easier to obtain one.

EDIT: 110, 220V or dual voltage? This is important.

They are 220V.  No one hear has been able to verify one has been successfully converted.  The biggest hurdle that hasn't been jumped is finding a PAL schematic. 

This company claims they can do it:

http://www.otakus-store.net/en/nec-pc-engine-gt-duo/48-turbografx-16-rgb-60hz-region-free-mod.html

I contacted them and they wanted 100 Euro plus shipping (from France to Germany which is not cheap) to do it for me.  I was going to get it done then post what they had done here but the price was just too steep.  Maybe if we could get a few of us to pitch in, we could make something happen (just spitballing here)

check my thread in the mod section for additional details.  this has been gone over before

[mickcris]

According to the link below, it has a CXA1145:
http://nfggames.com/forum2/index.php?topic=1306.0

So, I would think you would just have to replace the crystal and put the CXA1145 into ntsc mode (for composite video).  If you were using RGB only, you would probably just have to replace the crystal only.  I could be missing something though.

It will come with a 220v supply, but you can still use a JPN or US supply with it.  Or a Genesis model 1 supply.

[schweaty]

According to the link below, it has a CXA1145:
http://nfggames.com/forum2/index.php?topic=1306.0

So, I would think you would just have to replace the crystal and put the CXA1145 into ntsc mode (for composite video).  If you were using RGB only, you would probably just have to replace the crystal only.  I could be missing something though.

It will come with a 220v supply, but you can still use a JPN or US supply with it.  Or a Genesis model 1 supply.

as far as i can tell, no one in that thread was able to convert a PAL TG-16 to 60hz.

my thread from last year is here:

https://www.pcengine-fx.com/forums/index.php?msg=382434

[mickcris]

Kind of hard to tell, but this guy may have sort of as I think hes saying RGB worked, but didn't say if he put pin 7 of the CXA1145 to vcc to put composite into NTSC:

"I have acquired a PAL Turbografx.
Opening it reveals the same insides as the pictures above, I replaced the crystal with one of correct frequency for 60hz - I receive a black and white (NTSC?) picture over composite video.
I RGB modded the PAL Turbografx and I receive a colour picture over RGB.
So it seems this crystal is for PAL/NTSC only.
How may I set the PAL Turbografx to 60hz?  "

Looking at your thread, there may be a bit more to it though.

[schweaty]

my interpretation of his post is he tapped the RGB right off the chip, but it was still in 50hz mod.  Hence, the "how do i make it 60hz?" question at the end

[pulstar]

110, 220V or dual voltage? This is important.

Surely the actual machines will be 9v as always, but the PSU that comes with the console should be 220v input, 9v output.

I've not seen the internals of a TG-16 but I would assume it would be as easy as changing the crystal if you're using RGB. Maybe more complicated and involved if you wanted to use composite or RF, but with RGB it should be easy, shouldn't it? Or are there additional problems I'm overlooking.

Edit:

Reading your last thread about it, it seems like it wouldn't be as simple as that. It seems that the VDC has no native 50hz mode and needed additional ICs to adapte the 60hz down to 50hz. It won't be as simple as just changing over the crystal it seems.

[Psycho Punch]

The fact that only a PAL signal can be used with the machine's composite output isn't much of a problem to me. The issue comes from games slowing down, glitching, etc. I couldn't find much about that, not many posts about it. Is it true that CDROM games have audio sync issues?

I thought the PCE video chip outputted NTSC video directly just like it does with RGB, and the CXA chip just converted RGB -> PAL directly. Looks like no one tried to mess around the PAL Turbografx. A shame, really.

[thesteve]

if someone wants to send me one i will convert it and tell everyone how
until i have one here i can only speculate

[mickcris]

GreatFunky posted this link over on assemblergames modding subforum:
http://circuit-board.de/forum/index.php/Thread/15869-Tutorial-TurboGrafx-PAL-60Hz-und-RGB-Mod/

May have some useful info.  Looks like it still may be outputting PAL, but at 60hz.

[schweaty]

GreatFunky posted this link over on assemblergames modding subforum:
http://circuit-board.de/forum/index.php/Thread/15869-Tutorial-TurboGrafx-PAL-60Hz-und-RGB-Mod/

May have some useful info.  Looks like it still may be outputting PAL, but at 60hz.

hmmm... this is extremely promising.  it appears the steps are:

1. solder a 21.47 mhz crystal to pin 15 of the PCZ80-119
2. tap the CXA1145 for RGB and run it through an amp
3. put in a new 8 DIN socket and build a cable

can we get the smart folks to look at this?  thesteve et al

[Psycho Punch]

1. solder a 21.47 mhz crystal to pin 15 of the PCZ80-119

Is this what I think it is? WTF is a Z80 doing in a turbob?

Thanks for the link. At least you can grab RGB output (and maybe even component with obey chip) when doing a 60hz mod. A NTSC picture on composite would be preferrable though!

[mickcris]

I wonder if all thats left is to change the other crystal for color subcarrier frequency and then put the CXA1145 into NTSC mode to get NTSC composite.

[thesteve]

that sounds right
the system has an extra chip,that will need to be looked at
there is no Z80 in a TG16

[thesteve]

ok remove PCZ80

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10202674016250313
jumper in clocks


https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10202674013690249
sync


https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10202674014210262
system clock

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10202674015010282


https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10202674015650298
color clock

[thesteve]

and clip pin7 on the cxa1145 and tie it to 5V

[Psycho Punch]

Bravo. 

[schweaty]

Gents,

If you are impressed by this, here is what you don't know:  thesteve has only had the console for like 24 hours.  He figured it all out in a single day!

Please continue using your powers for good and not evil

[mickcris]

Impressive!  I would be tempted to get a new one and do this if they were cheaper.

Seems crazy that they haven't sold one in 2 years, but keep raising the price:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Never-used-Turbo-Grafx-16-PAL-Format-System-Console-NOT-FOR-USA-CANADA-/370546115798

[Psycho Punch]

I'm so glad I made this thread. Aw yeah.

That turbo guy is dumb as fuck for raising the price on a very common, previously "useless" console. But 150 USD is still decent for a turbo by ebay standards. Makes you think.

[mickcris]

Consolegoods has them for a bit cheaper and they also include a game:
http://www.consolegoods.co.uk/
not sure how much shipping to the US would be.  Considering what Blazing Lasers is going for, that one really isnt bad for a new console and sealed game.

[CrackTiger]

Consolegoods has them for a bit cheaper and they also include a game:
http://www.consolegoods.co.uk/
not sure how much shipping to the US would be.  Considering what Blazing Lasers is going for, that one really isnt bad for a new console and sealed game.

Don't count on the game being "boxed" in cardboard. TurboGrafx stock tends to be paired with various levels of OEM games ranging from HuCard with photocopied manual to game in case with manual that may or may not have been sealed by NEC.

[wildfruit]

Consolegoods has them for a bit cheaper and they also include a game:
http://www.consolegoods.co.uk/
not sure how much shipping to the US would be.  Considering what Blazing Lasers is going for, that one really isnt bad for a new console and sealed game.

That's where I got mine from 2 years ago. Rob, the owner, is a reputable seller. I've bought other stuff from him like RGB cables & games. Though when I bought my turbo it was about £10/£15  cheaper so that's some heavy inflation. My blazing lazers wasn't sealed as such but was wrapped in a red tinted polybag like the console was.

[GohanX]

Okay, I kinda want to buy one now that Steve figured it out.

[mickcris]

Couple of questions for thesteve:

1. where the pcz80 was, where is the white with blue stripe wire going to (possibly a picture missing)?  also is there something connected on the other side of the board to pins 17,18, and 19 as they are filled with solder?

2. can you use the same type of clock for the system as you used for the color clock?  the person in the tutorial I linked to earlier did so I would assume it would work, but dont know if they did something wrong.  if so, this seems like it would be easier as you wouldn't have to drill any holes or use a jumper wire.

thanks.

[thesteve]

i did all my jumpers topside for visability
striped wire on 15 runs to pin40 on the HuC6260
yes you could use a standard crystal for system clock, i just had the brick handy

[thesteve]

missing pic


https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10202674013010232

[mickcris]

Consolegoods has them for a bit cheaper and they also include a game:
http://www.consolegoods.co.uk/
not sure how much shipping to the US would be.  Considering what Blazing Lasers is going for, that one really isnt bad for a new console and sealed game.

That's where I got mine from 2 years ago. Rob, the owner, is a reputable seller. I've bought other stuff from him like RGB cables & games. Though when I bought my turbo it was about £10/£15  cheaper so that's some heavy inflation. My blazing lazers wasn't sealed as such but was wrapped in a red tinted polybag like the console was.

I asked him and shipping to US would be 40 pounds so not worth it.  I have too many PCE and TG16 consoles already!  I like the look of the PAL one though.

i did all my jumpers topside for visability
striped wire on 15 runs to pin40 on the HuC6260
yes you could use a standard crystal for system clock, i just had the brick handy

Thanks for the additional info thesteve!

[schweaty]

mods,

this needs to get sticky'd in the mod/repair thread.  cheers!

[schweaty]

i got this back from thesteve this week and hooked it up to my sony wega.  it runs perfectly.  i can't tell the difference between my NTSC and PAL in any way at all.

if any of you were on the fence about picking up a PAL Turbob, do not hesitate.  much thanks goes to thesteve (again). 

[Arkhan Asylum]

You would have to modify the PAL system to get it to be functional? 

Isn't that enough of a hesitation-reason?

[schweaty]

You would have to modify the PAL system to get it to be functional? 

Isn't that enough of a hesitation-reason?

isnt that what this thread is all about?

[mickcris]

I decided to get one from consolegoodsuk.  I ordered the one that came with blazing lazers.  I asked him if it would be cheaper if he didn't send the power supply (as I dont need it as it wont work in the US).  He took the price down to $145USD shipped with no power supply and if I sent him cash via registered mail.  Was a bit risky sending cash, but I took a chance and it got there without issue.  I probably would not have done it if I had realized it was going to cost $15 to send a letter via registered mail.  I did not find that out till I got to the post office and it was too late.

So in total cost me $160 USD.

[PCEngineHell]

Way too much money spent there guy. You could buy a fully modded US TG-16 for that price.

[mickcris]

Yeah but, I think $145 would not have been too bad as it is brand new and does come with blazing lasers though.  I may sell the game to recoup some of the cost.  I dont really care though as I just got it just cause its different.  I already have a bunch of other systems.

A modded PAL sold on ebay recently for $255 so there may be more demand for modded ones in the US.  Not that I am going to import a bunch to mod though:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TurboGrafx-16-Black-Console-PAL-to-NTSC-w-Box-RGB-S-Video-and-Region-Mods-/251820007388

[Arkhan Asylum]

You would have to modify the PAL system to get it to be functional? 

Isn't that enough of a hesitation-reason?

isnt that what this thread is all about?

Yeah, but :

if any of you were on the fence about picking up a PAL Turbob, do not hesitate.

Again, who in their right mind wants to get a PAL system so they can dump money into getting it turned into what they could have just bought in the first place?

I don't think anyone is on the fence about wasting their money on one of these. 


It just seems like a giant mistake/waste of money when you could RGB/Region mod a USA system, or a PCE.


I'd only see the validity of it if you lived in Europe, and step down converters weren't like 20$

[NecroPhile]

I bought one just because I figured it was my best chance of ever owning a brand-fuckme-new Turbob, but I don't use it and that was before the price went crazy.  I won't bother trying to de-PAL it.