Messages

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Looking for someone to do some repairs and mods]

Yeah, it's pretty obvious when you have this issue, just didn't realize it was a thing until a few years ago, thought it was completely normal, since mine did it from day 1.

It did get louder over the years though so when I saw that post a while back describing the issue I knew that was the problem immediately.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Looking for someone to do some repairs and mods]

I'm hoping someone experienced with repairs and mods might be able to take on some repairs and mods I'd like to have done to my systems. I have my original TG16 and TGCD that I got for Christmas in 1989 and 1990, and everything has worked well up until about 2 years ago when the CDROM stopped spinning. I knew the gears were going out due to the noises that it would make when accessing the disc when the laser had to move (plastic clicking and grinding noises). I have a good level of skill with electronics repair, I just don't have the time to actually get the repairs done.

Right now I think that the repairs I need (or might be a good idea to do) are:

• TGCD gear replacement (I have the parts to do the replacement)
• TGCD resistor replacement for loading "whirring" noise that comes through the TV speakers. I believe this is a surface mount resistor that was prone to getting cracked during assembly mentioned in posts here a while back. Thought this was normal until a friend bought a TGCD from Craigslist a few years ago and it was silent.
• TGCD cap replacement (for good measure)
• TG Express cap replacement. Currently only getting white screen when turning on. Previously had really low sound as well.

Beyond the repairs, there are some mods I'd like done as well, if anyone is doing these currently:

• TG16 region mod
• TGCD dock component video mod. Basically looking to take advantage of the better RGB signals coming directly from the chip, but would prefer to gave it in the dock rather than the system itself
• TG Express screen replacement with larger screen

If anyone is currently doing these repairs and mods, please let me know. Thanks!

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Guide - Built-In Game for the TurboGrafx]

System card 2.0 would be kind of neat to do. Has anyone else also done this, but maybe with a different game, like Keith Courage since that was the original pack-in game for the US?

Has anyone thought about doing the instructions as were mentioned in the original post, just curious to see what that might look like.

Overall it's a pretty neat mod that I wouldn't mind doing, if I can find the time. I've got other repairs that my systems need, and some desired mods I haven't gotten around to.

[Localizations, Games, Apps, Docs / Re: Mysterious Song II: Eternal Silence]

2015 was a busy year and believe it or not, this is one of the first days I've had to even look at the forums.

Any new status updates on this? Also feel free to user my user name as an NPC if that's still a thing!

[Buy/Sell/Trade / WTB: Fighting Street Manual, Hit the Ice Manual]

I'm missing a couple of manuals for games in my collection and would like to see if anyone has any spares laying around that they could part with.

Everything else is complete, but need the manuals for

Fighting Street
Hit the Ice

PM me and let me know if you have some with prices. Thanks!

[Buy/Sell/Trade / Re: RAFFLE: Klax CIB]

Very generous! I'd like to be entered as well, always wanted Klax, just never made its way into my collection.


Good luck to all who entered!

[Localizations, Games, Apps, Docs / Re: Apothecary]

Late to the party here, but I agree, new boob placement looks much better.

I think that if her arms swung a little bit less at the elbow and just a bit more at the shoulder it would be just about right.

Looking forward to seeing more developments of this.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: TG CD won't spin]

Related to the infamous middle gear, or another gear in the system? Looks like it's shooting a laser, but just not spinning.

Ordered a middle gear replacement from Hong Kong that will hopefully be here before too long. If it's that simple I'll be happy about it.

Just makes me realize that when you've had a device like this for 23 years or so things are bound to happen. I should really find another laser and some other parts to make sure I can keep this running for another 23!

[Console Repair/Mod Center / TG CD won't spin]

So, my TG CD has been sitting dormant for a while, in it's hard case. I've now got a dedicated retro gaming area, and hooked it up this morning before work and while everything seems normal, powers on, etc. the CD won't spin.

I didn't have time to open it up and take a look, but what types of issues have others run into that cause this behavior? I'd like to see if I can get an idea of what I'm looking for before I go monkeying around.

Last thing I played was to test Mysterious Song and that worked normally. Since that time the system has been sitting in the hard case for about a year or so not really doing anything.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Turbo CD-Rom2 unit making strange noise]

Cool thanks, I figured that was the case, now just need to open up the unit to see if that's the case.

If not, where is it that most of you guys are ordering your parts for these types of repairs?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Turbo CD-Rom2 unit making strange noise]

So, those that have repaired this issue before, is there any reason that you specifically need to use a surface mount resistor? I was planning on doing this soon, but could only find some really small 10k ohm through hole type resistors. any reason the leads couldn't be cut short, laid flat and soldered to the pads?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PC Engine CDROM middle gear for sale]

Yeah louder isn't really a concern, and quicker is nice, though there's something to be said for just slipping a new gear on and not having to do as much work 

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PC Engine CDROM middle gear for sale]

Anyone used one of these yet? Messaged seller on ebay as well, but wondering of advantage/disadvantage over the Keith Courage gears.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Turbo CD-Rom2 unit making strange noise]

I've had this issue (though not as horrible sounding as that vid) since day 1 with my CD when I got it in 91. I thought this was just the way they sounded.

Had a buddy buy another CD off of craigslist a couple years ago and it was silent, it was WEIRD to hear that...almost wrong 

I think that I'll probably fix it though since it's not supposed to be like that when I start doing a few more mods to my system.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: S-video mod schematic for the schematic illiterate (For TG-16/Duo etc)]

Yeah those connectors might come in handy at some point. My plan is to take s-vid from the TG16 and sound from the CD dock.

I don't think I saw one (but maybe I missed it buried in other posts), but is there a parts list for the various components needed for the mod? Like a preferred s-vid jack, transistor, etc.? How do people that do the mod typically prefer to mount the s-vid jack to the system?

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Introducing myself and Turbo Views......]

Great entertaining and informative reviews as always.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: S-video mod schematic for the schematic illiterate (For TG-16/Duo etc)]

That being said it appears that the easiest way to do the s-vid mod would be to remove the RF box and mount the jack in that hole.

What is the preferred method that people use to mound it to the PCB or case?


Does anyone have a preferred parts list/model numbers for the various items required for the mod?

[General Gaming / Re: Retron 3 mods]

Yeah I've come across a few things on the net that made mention of things like replacing resistors with different values, etc. to produce more accurate sound and such. I'm sure there's not a ton that can be done, but certainly curious.

[General Gaming / Retron 3 mods]

So, not sure this topic will make sense, but I trust that the modders in the PCEFX forums are some of the most knowledgeable out there.

I recently got a Retron 3. I chose this one over the Retron 5 mainly because I wanted to use it, along with my TG16 with a sweet Commodore 1701 monitor that I have. The screen is small, but I have a good space now in my guest room to put my retro stuff and it just seems fitting to play these games on a CRT type screen.

What I'm wondering however is if there are mods that can be done to the Retron 3 that can make it better. I know that clone hardware will never be better than original (and I'll probably get original consoles eventually, but my primary concern is collecting TG16 stuff, not the others).

Basically what I've heard is that there are issues with some sound reproduction for the SNES and Genesis, and some incompatibility issues with some games for all 3 slots. I'm just curious if anyone has taken the time to mod one of these and what can be done to get the best quality possible out of them.

[General Gaming / Re: Best 16-bit Console]

PC Engine/Turbo hands down!

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: S-video mod schematic for the schematic illiterate (For TG-16/Duo etc)]

Quick question, I see a lot of people talking about retaining composite when doing the s-vid mod. Are there any worries about not being able to get composite vid from the expansion port once the mod is done? I'd like to retain the capability of my CD dock, just adding s-vid to the Turbo.

Also I see that what appears to be the easiest way to mount the s-vid jack is to remove the RF box. For arguments sake, would it be easy (though with case mods) to mound the s-vid on the back of the system?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: S-video mod schematic for the schematic illiterate (For TG-16/Duo etc)]

Haha, very true!

At least the last post before me was this year and not something from 2008 I suppose 

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: S-video mod schematic for the schematic illiterate (For TG-16/Duo etc)]

I think that I may try this soon. It looks relatively simple and should be able to get all the parts I need at the Fry's Electronics near where I work.

I plan on hooking this up to a Commodore 1702 monitor, which allows for separate Chroma/Luma inputs. I figure the S-Video Mod plus one of the below cables will really make things look nice on that monitor (which looks amazing even with composite).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hosa-6Ft-S-Video-Breakout-Cable-S-Video-Male-Male-RCA-VSA356-/390929793225?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5b053b40c9

I also recently got a RetroN 3 system, which allows for S-Vid out, so using that cable and monitor I think that the NES/SNES/Genny games I'll be playing will look great too.

Any suggestions or advice on potential pitfalls with this mod? I'm a bit rusty with the ol' soldering iron, but overall this looks very simple.

[Fighting Street / Re: Soooo]

I think that it should be legalized. I'm not sure why one person's vice should be considered better than another (in that drinking is acceptable, but smoking weed is not). I also think that the persecution of tobacco smokers needs to stop. That being said, don't be a dick and push it on people, and be courteous of other people's space.

Honestly if you want to put it into your body, and you don't commit any crimes while on it, I don't think that any drugs should be illegal.

I've been a heavy drinker (party days while stationed in Germany in the late 90s), a heavy smoker (3+ packs a day on average, quit about 6 years ago) and I've done my share of weed as a teenager (just a few times) and as an adult (Amsterdam, also my dad grows medicinal grade for distribution in WA state). I don't see an issue with any of these things if you can be responsible and not a total douche.

I don't think that the government should have any say what we do in these cases, and pretty much all legislation that tries to stop these behaviors just makes them worse, or drives them underground and creates whole new criminal industries. While I'm pretty conservative in many ways, on these types of issues I am very firmly Libertarian. Live and let live....and stay out of my business big government!

[Fighting Street / Re: PCEngineFX forum members are a bunch of chill, welcoming, cuddle-bugs!]

While I can't fully understand your situation since I don't share your condition, I wish you the best. I hope you find what makes you happy and feel fulfilled. Takes courage to announce these types of things, and thankfully the love of Turbo brings us together with a common interest.

I actually have a friend from high school that went through something similar, I haven't seen him (her?) in years, but he went all the way through the hormone therapy, and surgeries for gender reassignment and changes to facial structure etc. If you didn't know better, you honestly wouldn't be able to tell he was male once.

How did this go down with your wife? Obviously you mentioned divorce, so not great I'd expect, but did she understand your position, or just upset and angry?

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Got my first TG16 tattoo... won't be the last !]

Do it as a back piece!!!!

Here's something that might help you out layout wise. Paul Robertson is pretty bad ass

Yeah something similar with different systems and characters mashed up is likely what I'd be going for.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: asemasterautotechnician should be boycotted by PCEFX!]

Guys, guys.  It's going to be OK.

But where's the clip!? 

The case looks great actually.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Got my first TG16 tattoo... won't be the last !]

I've been thinking about getting a half sleeve on my right arm (gotta have a way to cover it when needed, so no full sleeves for me) that is all gaming related. I'd like to have a mish mash of Nintendo, Sega, Arcade and TG16 stuff in there from the golden era of gaming, but TG16 stuff will probably outweigh most everything else.

Just gotta find a good artist in the Seattle area that can do the work. I'm by no means and artist, so I'll have to explain the concept and have someone not only do the tat, but design the layout and do the artwork too.

Sounds pretty awesome. It's going to be several sittings with many hours, but awesome no less. 

To help the artist out, you could search and find the characters/images you want, print them out and do a collage. Scissors and a stick of glue would be all you need. That will help them out big time and maybe bring down the cost of your piece.

Yeah the collage idea would probably be great, and then the artist could potentially rearrange stuff as it makes sense.

The biggest downside is the time and money investment (I already have quite a few tattoos and my left arms is not sleeved, but most of the upper half is already taken up by a tattoo). Also making sure I capture the idea that gaming is a huge part of my life and my favorite era honestly is 16bit, all while having it mesh into a coherent design that "flows" well.

Combining elements of Nintendo characters, Sega, Arcade and TG16 could be hard to do in a cohesive manner. I'd also like to get some hardware pics in there too (maybe a turbo pad or turbo stick).

It's all in my head, but I've never been good at getting that kind of stuff onto paper.

[Buy/Sell/Trade / Re: Turbo/PCE/Genesis/SNES RGB to Component Video (YPbPr) Mod Chip Now For Sale!!!]

So for component are you getting the same colors as composite, just clearer, which RGB provides more color and clarity?

[Buy/Sell/Trade / Re: Turbografx-16/PC-Engine RGB to Component Video (YPbPr) Mod Chip Now For Sale!!!]

So overall what is the end result of this component mod/board vs RGB?

I'm going to test my Bravia for 240P happiness. I don't think that my Denon receiver will pass the signal properly, so may have to send video to the TV directly and sound to the receiver. Only downside is more remotes/button presses to deal with I suppose.

I never done a rgb mod before so I can't tell you how they compare with the component video mod. From what I've read, raw rgb is almost unusable without some sort of amplification circuit.

Yeah I like the board you've created and it seems easy enough for me to tap the expansion port (I'd put this in my CD Dock). I'm just wondering if RGB is significantly better picture wise than component. Like if composite is worst, then Svideo, then Component and then RGB. Unfortunately pictures on the internet usually don't do what everyone is seeing on screen in person justice.

I know that you can't answer the question personally not having done an RGB mod, but would be interesting to get someone's take that have seen both.

[Buy/Sell/Trade / Re: Turbografx-16/PC-Engine RGB to Component Video (YPbPr) Mod Chip Now For Sale!!!]

So overall what is the end result of this component mod/board vs RGB?

I'm going to test my Bravia for 240P happiness. I don't think that my Denon receiver will pass the signal properly, so may have to send video to the TV directly and sound to the receiver. Only downside is more remotes/button presses to deal with I suppose.

[Localizations, Games, Apps, Docs / Re: Anearth Fantasy Stories - Translation Project Thread]

Any updates on the translation project?

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Got my first TG16 tattoo... won't be the last !]

I've been thinking about getting a half sleeve on my right arm (gotta have a way to cover it when needed, so no full sleeves for me) that is all gaming related. I'd like to have a mish mash of Nintendo, Sega, Arcade and TG16 stuff in there from the golden era of gaming, but TG16 stuff will probably outweigh most everything else.

Just gotta find a good artist in the Seattle area that can do the work. I'm by no means and artist, so I'll have to explain the concept and have someone not only do the tat, but design the layout and do the artwork too.

[Fighting Street / Re: Lazy IT people Rant]

As an IT Manager I can feel your pain when you have total dickwads working in the department, or worse yet, working for you and you're told to make it work because the company is afraid of firing someone.

Thankfully after years of working at a place like that, and a few shorter jobs in between I've landed at a great place (actually supervising former subordinates of mine) that backs me up 100%, and I lay down the law. Any defects along the lines that you expressed and they're GONE. It's a ZERO defect company, and with that knowledge my guys bring their A game every single day, which takes a lot of the load off of me.

I've always found that weak management breeds lazy workers because they don't have the fear of consequences, up to and including termination.

[Buy/Sell/Trade / Re: Turbografx-16/PC-Engine Component (YPrPb) Interest Check]

I'm interested in this. I've been toying with the idea of an RGB conversion for my TG16/TGCD for a while, but don't have much spare time, so anything that comes pre-fabed and is basically ready to solder in would be great.

My plan would be to modify the CD dock, would just have to carefully plan where to put the component jacks on that. Previously I was highly considering a DIN8 to SCART setup and then use a converter to change that to compontent or HDMI.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Emulator or ROM issue?]

I've downloaded PCE for PSP, but not really sure how it's supposed to work. I can get it on my memory stick, and the icon appears and such, but there doesn't seem to be a way to load anything without it crashing. I went looking for a manual or instructions of any kind but can't find any online.

Any help if you've got experience with this one would be great.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Emulator or ROM issue?]

It's not so much screen transitions as it is how unbearably slow your character walks. Getting from one side of the screen to the other in an outdoor area takes forever. If I played at this speed it would take days just to walk anywhere.

What other PSP TurboGrafx emulators are available?

[Buy/Sell/Trade / Re: Raffle - Gameofyou Flash HuCard]

Sign me up!

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Emulator or ROM issue?]

So I've been using HuGo on the PSP to play some games in the car when I'm carpooling. I've played a few and generally they run well, but Neutopia 2 is basically unplayable. You walk soooooooooo slow that it takes forever just to transition from one screen to another.

I don't think that this is normal, but I don't have the HuCard to compare on actual hardware. Has anyone else seen this type of behavior?

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: What Turbo game are you currently playing?]

Having just ordered Strider Arcade CD, I've been playing a lot of Strider on PS2. ;)

I'd love to hear your thoughts on Strider ACD...it's not as good as it should be. Still...maybe you'll find something good in it? I'm not finding much! Ahhh...

Strider should have been awesome but is generally just OK in my opinion.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Turbo cab!]

You should make sure to keep everyone updated with pictures of progress toward the end result, I for one find this cab very interesting 

[Localizations, Games, Apps, Docs / Re: Atlantean: Deep Blue's Sister!]

Looking good. I really need to scrounge up some extra funds and buy other homebrews that are available, and specifically Insanity and Pyramid Plunder

[Localizations, Games, Apps, Docs / Re: PYRAMID PLUNDER IS ON SALE NOW. BUY BUY BUY. GO GO GO.]

Need to get me a copy for sure, but money is tight right now, hopefully when I have a bit more disposable income I can pick up a copy of PP, Insantiy and the reprint of Meteor Blaster. I already own Implode and Mysterious Song, so I'd like to get other homebrews as well. I think that the efforts of home brew devs are helping to strengthen the TG catalog for sure.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Turbo Gouging on Ebay ( r.i.p. - gouging much )]

Any time I go to e-Bay just makes me wish I'd had more income years ago when I first started using it to buy Turbo stuff....now most of the stuff that I don't have yet is priced way to high, or never seen on e-Bay...or of course when it does show up it's priced for $100s.

[Fighting Street / Re: VGA Gradings?]

this dude is taking teh lolz to a whole level :

http://www.ebay.com/sch/dwrhecktic/m.html?item=121043133033&pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item1c2ebba269&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

LOL apparently dick-bags like this find amusement in wasting their time posting shit to ebay that nobody will ever buy?

[Localizations, Games, Apps, Docs / Re: Bubble Bobble]

I'd totally play me some Bubble Bobble on the TG.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Could a Duo be modded so as to have more internal save capacity?]

This would be an interesting project to see tackled.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: If you'd been in charge of NEC U.S./TTI what would've been your ideal TG-16 set?]

Yeah, the dumbass on the box shouldn't have been there.

They needed something cool, like tits and robots.

Yes. This.

[Fighting Street / Re: The Politically Correct People are Stupid Thread]

The reason I tend to distrust christians is because there have been so many times where I've given people the benefit of the doubt and considered them friends precisely because they seemed like giving, accepting people, only to have them turn out to be horrible bigots after all. No joke, I have lost count of the number of times that's happened, so even though I know it's not right, I can't help being wary of all christians at this point. This is honestly something I struggle with because I don't want to be bigoted against them, but I've been burned often enough that I honestly feel like I can't trust any of them at this point. That's why I responded to your post the way I did. It was pretty much a knee-jerk reaction. Sorry.

I totally get it retroguy, I really do. It sucks though when things like that happen because people can't be more tolerant of everyone, you don't have to accept it or agree with what they are or do, but everyone should be treated with the same level of respect.

Though I've always said: "I hate people. People all suck. However I can get to know a person and realize they are cool...but people in general still suck."

[Fighting Street / Re: The Politically Correct People are Stupid Thread]

The only people I'm intolerant of are bigots who know that they're bigots and don't care and it's been my experience that white christians are the most bigoted people on the planet. They spew the most hate-filled rhetoric you'll ever hear and when you call them on it, then they moan and wail about how persecuted they are. I'm sorry, but not being allowed to persecute others is NOT a form of persecution no matter how much you want to believe that it is. And pigeonholing all gay people as only caring about sex just shows that you obviously have never gotten to know any gay people. Why is that? Are you afraid we'll get cooties on you and make you gay too? Jerk.

Not sure if serious or....

Here's the deal. I've worked closely with more than a few gay men, and I'm seriously totally cool with them, and in fact I think they are great people and people that I'm not afraid at all to call my friends. I will defend their right to be with whoever they want because this is America and you should have the freedom to do that if you so chose. I've also been around gays that ALL that they were is what they did sexually and they could never get past that. It's like there was nothing else to them except their sexual identity...which is sad. What I can't stand is the political posturing and the overall tone of the "gay movement" in America right now. A good example was when I attended the Emerald City Comic-Con recently in Seattle. There was a display booth for LGBT comics and they had quite a few displays for things that said stuff like "Homo-superior" etc. Why if we are all equal are you pushing the we're better than you idea? Aren't we all just people? I don't go around talking about who I'm fucking and how awesome it is to be a heterosexual man, because well that wouldn't be polite, so why is it ok in the reverse?

Secondly I also am intolerant of bigots of any race, religion, and gender because they are total fucking tools. I've met more than my fair share and been the object of hate from other races because I'm white, even though not really. I have a varied background of Italian, Hungarian Jew, Shawnee Indian, and probably a few other things mixed in there. Don't talk to me about fucking persecution with my ancestery nearly being wiped out by people that are intolerant of others, further I have no real roots in this country (except the Shawnee part) before the late 1800s, so when people lump me in with the slave owning white person stereo type it gets pretty old.

Third, you're example that you use of only knowing Christians that are bigots is interesting when you go on to talk about not getting to know any gays because of fear. I've known Christians that are whack jobs and many more that are nice, giving accepting people. I've also know Muslims that were good people and ones that I wouldn't be surprised are back in the Middle East fighting a Jihad right now (and they were Americans FYI).

I myself am an Atheist and have no use for religion personally, but certainly think that anyone should be able to worship as they see fit, unless that brings harm to others. The issue I have with the Christianity thing is that the media and many politicians IMMEDIATELY write off anyone that has a Christian view without even considering whether their argument is logical.