so I bought a PcE from ebay..

FlashGameMaker · 03/23/2009, 02:05 PM

Hey everyone,

It's my first post here. I've always wanted a PCe, so I bought a japanese one on ebay a few weeks ago. It didn't come with any power adapter, but I was told it should work fine with any 9v adapter, it also didn't come with any TV cable.

The first issue I've got is I'm not sure what adapter to use with it, because I'm not sure if it's even "on" when I turn it on. I'm using a uk snes 9v adapter with it, which seems to fit the socket well, so first question is, should that snes 9v adapter work with it? 2nd question is, how do I know it's turned on? is there any lights or anything that turn on? 3rd is, I've used that adapter, plus an old phono tv cable, and plugged it into my samsung Hdtv etc TV, but I can't find the signal anywhere on any channels, is this just an issue with modern TVs? I havn't tested it yet with an old TV but that's the next step.

thanks for any advice.

nectarsis · 03/23/2009, 02:11 PM

Well usualy many US tv's have to be on channel 95-6 for an rf to work.

Welcome

Duo_R · 03/23/2009, 06:50 PM

not true - polarity is very important and (also if it takes AC or DC adapter). I believe I use a Sega Genesis 1 (and Sega CD) adapter with a PC Engine and pretty sure the white one is the same. First - check polarity, it should be marked on the bottom of the system (or near the port) and also check on the AC adapter. Also find the amperage specs. Welcome, but do some searches on here since this has been previously discussed.

Quotework fine with any 9v adapter

FlashGameMaker · 03/23/2009, 07:35 PM

Thanks.

I just looked and it says "DC 9v" near the port and "Ac adapter" as well. On the bottom theres some japanese and it says "PI-TG001" and then just below that "4W"

how can I check that it's actually turned on though? that the adapter is working? (obviously without being able to see the picture on the TV)

Duo_R · 03/23/2009, 07:54 PM

no light on the PCE.....without modding so nothing will give u a visual indicator.

Arkhan Asylum · 03/23/2009, 08:51 PM

Channel 95-6?

My US TV is on Channel 3 for RF since Channel 4 gets fuzzy because of the local news station lol.

Anyway, the problem might be that you're using a UK power brick. You might have fed too much power into the unit. Japan and UK don't have the same power outlets.

If you live in the UK you'll need a Stepdown transformer to go from 220 to 110v for powering a Japanese console.

as for the video, you need an RF modulator of some kind unless I am mistaken. A plain phono cable won't do anything.

The best thing I can suggest is find cables for a Sega Genesis. They work in the PC Engine also.

FlashGameMaker · 03/23/2009, 10:24 PM

Quote from: guest on 03/23/2009, 08:51 PMChannel 95-6?

My US TV is on Channel 3 for RF since Channel 4 gets fuzzy because of the local news station lol.

Anyway, the problem might be that you're using a UK power brick. You might have fed too much power into the unit. Japan and UK don't have the same power outlets.

If you live in the UK you'll need a Stepdown transformer to go from 220 to 110v for powering a Japanese console.

as for the video, you need an RF modulator of some kind unless I am mistaken. A plain phono cable won't do anything.

The best thing I can suggest is find cables for a Sega Genesis. They work in the PC Engine also.

what about a sega saturn cables? Also the guy who sold it to me said any 9v ac-dc adapter will work, so you're saying that not true and I need a step down transformer?

Duo_R · 03/24/2009, 01:05 AM

first off any 9 AC adapter will work is BS. You plug in one with the wrong polarity and your system is fried....

Arkhan Asylum · 03/24/2009, 01:32 AM

Saturn cables wont work. A Saturn has an internal power supply,and a completely different A/V setup...

The power cable for a saturn is the same kind that goes with modern stereos and stuff... and looks kinda like:

|o). You want one thats more like (o)

Since you bought a Japanese console, you are going to want a stepdown transformer so that you don't feed 220v into a system expecting 110v (Correct me if im wrong).. it is possible you already damaged the console. If this is the case, since the seller said "any ac adapter will do.." Quote him on that, and take it to eBay as a claim. False information + damaged goods from it might turn into a refund!

Just because the jack is the same doesn't mean the power supply itself is the same. I have guitar pedals that all have universal jack sizes but one adapter is 13v DC at 1A, and the other is 10.5v at 300ma. If I put the 13v one in the pedal that wants the 10.5v one, It will damage my stuff.

In any event. For over 12 years, I powered my Turbo Grafx-16 with the same cables that came with my sega genesis. Never failed me. Not once.

Spector · 03/24/2009, 06:14 AM

As far as power supplies, go to the 'classic backup devices' link on the left of this website - the one at the bottom of the page (called 'Mains Adaptor/Power Supply Unit' costing £6) will work, as I'm using it right now.

http://www.consolegoods.co.uk

FlashGameMaker · 03/24/2009, 10:09 AM

Quote from: guest on 03/24/2009, 01:32 AMSaturn cables wont work. A Saturn has an internal power supply,and a completely different A/V setup...

The power cable for a saturn is the same kind that goes with modern stereos and stuff... and looks kinda like:

|o). You want one thats more like (o)

Since you bought a Japanese console, you are going to want a stepdown transformer so that you don't feed 220v into a system expecting 110v (Correct me if im wrong).. it is possible you already damaged the console. If this is the case, since the seller said "any ac adapter will do.." Quote him on that, and take it to eBay as a claim. False information + damaged goods from it might turn into a refund!

Just because the jack is the same doesn't mean the power supply itself is the same. I have guitar pedals that all have universal jack sizes but one adapter is 13v DC at 1A, and the other is 10.5v at 300ma. If I put the 13v one in the pedal that wants the 10.5v one, It will damage my stuff.

In any event. For over 12 years, I powered my Turbo Grafx-16 with the same cables that came with my sega genesis. Never failed me. Not once.

I'm a bit confused. I just found a "sega megadrive" 2 adapter, but it won't fit into the PCe socket. So the "Sega Genesis" is the sega megadrive right? and the sega megadrive 2 power adapter is different to the sega megadrive 1 power adapter because it won't fit.

Btw, my main question, is everyone saying I need a sega mega drive 1 adapter AND a step down transformer? or just the adapter itself will be enough?

Arkhan Asylum · 03/24/2009, 04:10 PM

Oh. you need a Model 1 adapter. They changed stuff after that.

If I had to guess, since you got a Japanese unit designed around their power voltage (110) and you live in the UK (220), you will need a step down AND a Japanese/USA Genesis/Mega Drive adapter.

like this:

220v Wall Outlet w/ Europlug ----> Step Down transformer ------> Japanese/USA (2 pin) Genesis / Megadrive 1 adapter -----> PCE

that way you dont feed it too much power.

The problem with the UK / Euro plug adapters shown on that site is they will feed too much power in to the PCE.

TheMilford · 03/24/2009, 05:22 PM

All you need is ANY 9vdc / 650ma or more / Tip-NEGATIVE power supply with the same sized barrel connector, made for your country of origin (UK, EU, etc)

As for TV hookup you just need a 75 ohm cable with an RCA on one end (console) and a F-type or Coaxial on the TV end.... you don't need a switch box. You can make the cable up from a video cable with an adapter on one side or you can make a dedicated cable.

FlashGameMaker · 03/24/2009, 05:42 PM

Quote from: TheMilford on 03/24/2009, 05:22 PMAll you need is ANY 9vdc / 650ma or more / Tip-NEGATIVE power supply with the same sized barrel connector, made for your country of origin (UK, EU, etc)

As for TV hookup you just need a 75 ohm cable with an RCA on one end (console) and a F-type or Coaxial on the TV end.... you don't need a switch box. You can make the cable up from a video cable with an adapter on one side or you can make a dedicated cable.

err...but the other guy said I need a step down transformer for the UK? and a japanese/USA adapter?

TheMilford · 03/24/2009, 05:53 PM

Quote from: FlashGameMaker on 03/24/2009, 05:42 PM
Quote from: TheMilford on 03/24/2009, 05:22 PMAll you need is ANY 9vdc / 650ma or more / Tip-NEGATIVE power supply with the same sized barrel connector, made for your country of origin (UK, EU, etc)

As for TV hookup you just need a 75 ohm cable with an RCA on one end (console) and a F-type or Coaxial on the TV end.... you don't need a switch box. You can make the cable up from a video cable with an adapter on one side or you can make a dedicated cable.
err...but the other guy said I need a step down transformer for the UK? and a japanese/USA adapter?

You only need the step-down if you are using a Japan or US power supply/AC/DC/ADAPTER...

Here's a universal that should work... you just need to make sure you can set it up for Tip-negative.

FlashGameMaker · 03/24/2009, 08:13 PM

Quote from: TheMilford on 03/24/2009, 05:53 PM
Quote from: FlashGameMaker on 03/24/2009, 05:42 PM
Quote from: TheMilford on 03/24/2009, 05:22 PMAll you need is ANY 9vdc / 650ma or more / Tip-NEGATIVE power supply with the same sized barrel connector, made for your country of origin (UK, EU, etc)

As for TV hookup you just need a 75 ohm cable with an RCA on one end (console) and a F-type or Coaxial on the TV end.... you don't need a switch box. You can make the cable up from a video cable with an adapter on one side or you can make a dedicated cable.
err...but the other guy said I need a step down transformer for the UK? and a japanese/USA adapter?
You only need the step-down if you are using a Japan or US power supply/AC/DC/ADAPTER...

Here's a universal that should work... you just need to make sure you can set it up for Tip-negative.

Do you know if a UK Snes adapter would work?

TheMilford · 03/24/2009, 08:24 PM

Quote from: FlashGameMaker on 03/24/2009, 08:13 PM
Quote from: TheMilford on 03/24/2009, 05:53 PM
Quote from: FlashGameMaker on 03/24/2009, 05:42 PM
Quote from: TheMilford on 03/24/2009, 05:22 PMAll you need is ANY 9vdc / 650ma or more / Tip-NEGATIVE power supply with the same sized barrel connector, made for your country of origin (UK, EU, etc)

As for TV hookup you just need a 75 ohm cable with an RCA on one end (console) and a F-type or Coaxial on the TV end.... you don't need a switch box. You can make the cable up from a video cable with an adapter on one side or you can make a dedicated cable.
err...but the other guy said I need a step down transformer for the UK? and a japanese/USA adapter?
You only need the step-down if you are using a Japan or US power supply/AC/DC/ADAPTER...

Here's a universal that should work... you just need to make sure you can set it up for Tip-negative.
Do you know if a UK Snes adapter would work?

what are the spec's on that?

TheMilford · 03/24/2009, 08:28 PM

I just looked at my US SNES power supply and the rating in 10vdc @ 850mA which would be fine... however the barrel connector is to large. you could always run over to your local Tandy/Radio Shack and get a universal adapter.

FlashGameMaker · 03/24/2009, 08:36 PM

Quote from: TheMilford on 03/24/2009, 08:28 PMI just looked at my US SNES power supply and the rating in 10vdc @ 850mA which would be fine... however the barrel connector is to large. you could always run over to your local Tandy/Radio Shack and get a universal adapter.

I've got a UK snes adapter, and it says "Input AC 230/240v ~ 50hz 17w" "Output AC 9v 1.3a"

nuts, it outputs AC, just realised, and the PCe needs DC doesn't it?

ok so I need a 9V UK ac to dc adapter

TheMilford · 03/24/2009, 10:14 PM

Yes.

just make sure the output is DC and 9-10v. Make sure the current is 650mA or higher... 1A or more would be great.

This might work:
http://www.quasarelectronics.com/psu443-switch-mode-dc-power-supply-9vdc-1000ma.htm

Arkhan Asylum · 03/25/2009, 05:42 PM

Will a UK SNES adapter even fit? The US ones dont fit in a Genesis/Master System/NES/PCE.

And you only need a step down if you buy Japanese cables/adapters. I'd just recommend that since you'd be getting cables designed for the actual system, and then step down your countries voltage for it.

That one site that was linked to has Japanese adapters that work, AND stepdown transformers, so its got what you need. (You also need the step down since Japanese adapters have a different connector that wont fit in a europlug)

I'd still be skeptical about putting a UK power adapter into a Japanese system. But thats just me.

TheMilford · 03/25/2009, 06:20 PM

Quote from: guest on 03/25/2009, 05:42 PMI'd still be skeptical about putting a UK power adapter into a Japanese system. But thats just me.

Why? Correct specs are correct specs. You will even be fine with +/-10% on the voltage... just spec the current higher to be safe and run cool and make sure the plug fits and the polarity is correct. There's no magic, holy-water in using a PCE wall-wart

I think the SAFEST, MOST EFFICIENT and CHEAPEST solution would be to find a wall-wart designed to run on your country's voltage. What's on the output end just needs to meet the specs already mentioned above. High-voltage Step-up/down Transformers can be dubious at times.

Arkhan Asylum · 03/26/2009, 01:14 AM

Quote from: TheMilford on 03/25/2009, 06:20 PM
Quote from: Psycho Arkhan on 03/25/2009, 05:42 PMI'd still be skeptical about putting a UK power adapter into a Japanese system. But thats just me.
Why? Correct specs are correct specs. You will even be fine with +/-10% on the voltage... just spec the current higher to be safe and run cool and make sure the plug fits and the polarity is correct. There's no magic, holy-water in using a PCE wall-wart

I think the SAFEST, MOST EFFICIENT and CHEAPEST solution would be to find a wall-wart designed to run on your country's voltage. What's on the output end just needs to meet the specs already mentioned above. High-voltage Step-up/down Transformers can be dubious at times.

I suppose thats from my dealings with Commodore 64: The Testy computer of the 1980s! heh

Spector · 03/26/2009, 03:32 AM

But as I said in an earlier post, you can buy a power adaptor on that website I linked to that will work on many consoles including the PC Engine. There's no problem with it, and it only costs £6.

TheMilford · 03/26/2009, 08:17 AM

Quote from: Spector on 03/26/2009, 03:32 AMBut as I said in an earlier post, you can buy a power adaptor on that website I linked to that will work on many consoles including the PC Engine. There's no problem with it, and it only costs £6.

Yes Yes... Buy this...

# AC 230V to DC 9V mains adaptor/power supply
# Output 9V DC, 1.2A, center negative

FlashGameMaker · 03/27/2009, 12:32 PM

Quote from: TheMilford on 03/24/2009, 10:14 PMYes.

just make sure the output is DC and 9-10v. Make sure the current is 650mA or higher... 1A or more would be great.

This might work:
http://www.quasarelectronics.com/psu443-switch-mode-dc-power-supply-9vdc-1000ma.htm

Why is the 650mA or higher important? I found one on ebay but it only had a max of 300mA, would that of been ok anyway?

NecroPhile · 03/27/2009, 12:39 PM

Quote from: FlashGameMaker on 03/27/2009, 12:32 PMWhy is the 650mA or higher important? I found one on ebay but it only had a max of 300mA, would that of been ok anyway?

No. That number is the measure of the amount of electric charge the converter is capable of providing; a lower rated converter would not provide enough power.

TheMilford · 03/27/2009, 12:39 PM

Without going into a lesson on electronics

The power supply needs to be able to supply enough current that the system "draws"... otherwise you will overheat the power supply or worse fry the system.

Rule of thumb:

Voltages should be within 10% of specified.
Power supply current rating should be same or greater than specified.

PCEngineSales · 03/28/2009, 10:13 AM

Quote from: Duo_R on 03/24/2009, 01:05 AMfirst off any 9 AC adapter will work is BS. You plug in one with the wrong polarity and your system is fried....

Not true with the PC Engine, I periodically use the wrong polarity when testing a power supply which has no markings on to indicate polarity. The PC Engine just fails to operate under wrong polarity, so it is my testing unit.

Also the SNES power supply for the UK system is AC not DC. I know this, because if you use DC on the UK SNES it fries it, but SNESes from other territories use DC. Be careful is all I can say.

TheMilford · 03/28/2009, 10:28 AM

Quote from: pcenginesales on 03/28/2009, 10:13 AM
Quote from: Duo_R on 03/24/2009, 01:05 AMfirst off any 9 AC adapter will work is BS. You plug in one with the wrong polarity and your system is fried....
Not true with the PC Engine, I periodically use the wrong polarity when testing a power supply which has no markings on to indicate polarity. The PC Engine just fails to operate under wrong polarity, so it is my testing unit.

Well it's only a matter of time then before you fry your PCE. ;)

the PCE may have a regulator or diodes at the power input that protects it against such shenanigans.

PCEngineSales · 03/28/2009, 10:51 AM

Quote from: TheMilford on 03/28/2009, 10:28 AM
Quote from: pcenginesales on 03/28/2009, 10:13 AM
Quote from: Duo_R on 03/24/2009, 01:05 AMfirst off any 9 AC adapter will work is BS. You plug in one with the wrong polarity and your system is fried....
Not true with the PC Engine, I periodically use the wrong polarity when testing a power supply which has no markings on to indicate polarity. The PC Engine just fails to operate under wrong polarity, so it is my testing unit.
Well it's only a matter of time then before you fry your PCE. ;)

the PCE may have a regulator or diodes at the power input that protects it against such shenanigans.

I've never fried my testing unit doing this in years, so while I wouldn't recommend people do it on purpose if they don't have say, 30 or so units lying around like I do, I'd certainly say it's not a huge danger.

Now the Famicom, that will fry and fry itself good. It doesn't even have a safety fuse.

Tablet · 03/28/2009, 01:11 PM

I'm in the UK and I use either a SMS or Atari Jaguar Adaptor, both work no problem.

FlashGameMaker · 03/28/2009, 01:21 PM

I bought that adapter in the link provided some posts back. I'll get it sometime next week so I'll try it and let everyone know if it worked or not.

so I bought a PcE from ebay..

FlashGameMaker

nectarsis

Duo_R

FlashGameMaker

Duo_R

_{Arkhan Asylum}

FlashGameMaker

Duo_R

_{Arkhan Asylum}

Spector

FlashGameMaker

_{Arkhan Asylum}

TheMilford

FlashGameMaker

TheMilford

FlashGameMaker

TheMilford

TheMilford

FlashGameMaker

TheMilford

_{Arkhan Asylum}

TheMilford

_{Arkhan Asylum}

Spector

TheMilford

FlashGameMaker

_NecroPhile

TheMilford

PCEngineSales

TheMilford

PCEngineSales

Tablet

FlashGameMaker