Messages

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: REPAIR GUIDE - TurboExpress/PC Engine GT: Video Fix]

Hi! Thought I'd post my issues with a PC Engine GT unit I was asked to re-cap.

After replacing all of the caps most of the issues with the unit were fixed.

However, the brightness dial isn't working as it should. That is, after the unit has been on for maybe 15 seconds. If the unit has been discharged for a while then the dial seems to work as desired. Once it settles down though the dial has little to no effect and the image just gets progressively darker.

The main video cap had leaked when I got there so I scraped away the excess junk and reflowed the transistors in that area but that didn't appear to do anything.

Aside from attempting to re-cap the video capcitors again I'm at a loss. Has anyone else experienced similar symptoms?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PC Engine Core Grafx II Problem, possibly power related]

Yep, put in a 1A axial fuse and all seems to be working now. Thanks guys.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PC Engine Core Grafx II Problem, possibly power related]

Oh I see, silly me.

No as I say, no internal modification so it mostly likely won't short again. I think I plugged the RGB, 5v, gnd and composite video one pin over from usual. I imagine that did it.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PC Engine Core Grafx II Problem, possibly power related]

What else needs replacing?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PC Engine Core Grafx II Problem, possibly power related]

Awesome.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PC Engine Core Grafx II Problem, possibly power related]

Shame I don't have a multimeter with a continuity test built in, imagine that.

I shall be purchasing a new multimeter and various other tools come payday I think.

Also, this may not be the thread to ask in, but is desoldering braid a good idea if I want to install an 8 pin DIN socket? I've not had much like with my desoldering tool.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PC Engine Core Grafx II Problem, possibly power related]

The amp is external and I hook it up to the exterior I/O. A blown fuse seems like the most likely scenario in my head.

EDIT: Here's a picture of the fuse, am I right in assuming that replacing this would fix it? http://goput.it/4bt.jpg

I'll probably follow mmmonkey's SNES fuse replacing guide if so and make the fuse socketed.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PC Engine Core Grafx II Problem, possibly power related]

Okay, well that rules that out.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / PC Engine Core Grafx II Problem, possibly power related]

So I just went to play some R-Type and got no response from my PC Engine.

I typically use it through my RGB amplifier (transistors), and was playing about with capacitors (220uF) on the RGB lines (and composite sync) last night. After getting no image I've removed them and now I get nothing.

My EverDrive light doesn't blip on when accessing the MicroSD card so I assume I've broken something somehow.

I've also tried connecting it to my LCD TV via the regular composite cables.

I typically use it with an Atari Jaguar PSU which is rated 9V 1.2A - although my multimeter seems to think it's 12v which is a bit disturbing.  

Any idea what's up?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Otaku's Store RGB modification service]

I don't either! But I agree.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Otaku's Store RGB modification service]

You can tell from his mancave that he does good work. As seen in this vid.

http://www.gameblog.fr/news/29153-backstage-04-l-otaku-store-et-la-tete-dans-les-nuages

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Otaku's Store RGB modification service]

The specific one I'm after is a simple RGB mod.

The guy is French so I'm assuming he'll sort it out to Peritel/SCART standards.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Otaku's Store RGB modification service]

Dear speedlolita,

Hello,
Ok we can modify your system, but we'll be on holidays on this period september 10 to october 1st, so please contact us again at the beginning of october, we'll check the return shipping fees...
Cheers

- otakus.store

Guess my PCE enjoyment will be delayed somewhat.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Otaku's Store RGB modification service]

Does indeed. I've asked him via eBay if that includes return postage and what are turn around times like.

[General Gaming / Re: My Console is better than your Console, let the flame war begin (again)]

The original PlayStation is my favourite console (yeah yeah) but right now I only own a Master System and a Core Grafx II.

The Master System is never used. ;)

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: PC Engine Gamer issue 7 is out!]

Is there a way to get this in PDF form?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Otaku's Store RGB modification service]

http://www.otakus-store.net/fr/forfaits-modding/75-forfait-RGB-Nec.html

Has anyone had service performed on their PCE?

It seems like fairly good value considering the price they want for the RGB amp - which I admit is fairly expensive alone.

It's like 19 euro more on top to get the chip installed (and tested I'd assume!), 8 pin DIN installed and an RGB SCART cable.

 O:)

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: RGB amp]

So either is good? Do you have a preference at all? 

Also I have a Core Grafx 2 - is taking RGB from the expansion port as good as directly from the video chip?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: RGB amp]

Didn't see this reply!

I'd actually be using it on a CRT television.

Currently considering the THS7314 method instead of this one, although this one seems to be tried and tested. Hmm.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: RGB amp]

I was referring to the schematic fraggore posted unfortunately!

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: RGB amp]

And how does that need to be modified to work on the PCE?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: RGB amp]

I think I'll be adding the resistors and caps when I build a new SCART adaptor thing with a new PCB. For now I'm content at least. Completely playable on my Sharp TV - which is my main.

Thanks a lot for suggesting composite video for sync.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: RGB amp]

Yes my colours are correct, it's just the awful scaler in the Sony I believe. Horrible television. I haven't used the resistor no, maybe that might help things. I'll just have to identify one in my packets of resistors that I have. Irk!

EDIT: Adding a resistor doesn't seem to have done anything.   It autoswitched before I guess, thought it might have lowered voltage to level where the TV would detect it at 4:3..

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: RGB amp]

I see, I used 4, 18 and 21 as per mmmonkey guide - doesn't seem to make a huge difference, but whatever. Colour seems very washed out unfortunately. On the 1080p Sony and an old CRT at least. Looks relatively fine on my Commodore monitor (not as good as C-Sync unfortunately) and my Sharp LCD - although the Sharp has image smear which isn't present on the Sony. Irk.

The 2nd link to the gamesx rgb amp is a better design but also a little dated. I had luck using the design that uses NJM chips. I can link you later or search for it on gamesx. Same one used for N64 with slight modification for PC Engine.

Would be much appreciated.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: RGB amp]

Also, is B1 worth grounding or not?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: RGB amp]

You know, I was wondering if swapping the sync might work. Would explain (possibly) why it doesn't display on most screens apart from my Commodore.

Do I change how the SCART lead is wired, or which ext port connectors I connect to?

EDIT: Nevermind, found it.

Seems to be working nice, I'll remove the transistor I think.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: RGB amp]

I followed the guide roughly (result here: http://www.bordersdown.net/showthread.php/115219) and the picture on my LCD TV isn't that solid unfortunately. Looks great on my Commodore 1081 though.

Any links or guides for improving the amp? Thanks. 

EDIT: Would the design in the diagram on this page be a good bet? http://www.gamesx.com/rgbadd/duorgb.php