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

No, NOT a trick, a Halloween treat! Presenting the Dead of the Brain 1 English patch by David Shadoff for the DEAD last official PC Engine CD game published by NEC before exiting the console biz in 1999! I helped edit/betatest and it's also a game I actually finished in 2023, yaaay! Shubibiman also did a French localization. github.com/dshadoff/DeadoftheBrain
twitter.com/NightWolve/PCENews
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Messages - LowRes

#51
my pc engine duo and duo-R get the luxury of original pressed discs only, no CDRs on these lasers lol  Might keep my eye out for the US version to pop up on ebay.  I don't mind spending the money for it.

thanks for the heads up guys, I'll hold off till I can play the US version
#52
Quote from: crazydean on 12/04/2017, 06:33 PMThe language helps by telling you where to go next or what to look for. You'll wander around some  without it, and you may not enjoy it as much overall.
Personally, I wouldn't bother because it's basically the same game but not quite as good. The sequel doesn't add anything. Also, it was on the PSN store for the PS3 and PSP. Idk if it's still there, but it may be worth checking out.
Thanks for the warning, I might give the pc engine version a shot anyway.  If it's just more of the same we should be fine. Maybe I'll let the kids wander around aimlessly till they stumble upon the next dungeon by accident and call me down for the dungeons lmao
#53
Hey guys,

How English friendly is the pc engine version of Dungeon Explorer II? my kids and I just finished dungeon explorer on turbografx, and they're requesting the sequel lol

haven't even seen a US release on ebay although I think it exists, I usually prefer the pc engine version anyway for the artwork. 

thought I'd ask before I pull the trigger and get one on ebay
#54
Thanks Dave for the great deal on the AV Booster!
#55
I think that's a pretty awesome price for PCE Magical Chase :)
#56
Has anybody here ever beat stage 6?  I've been at it for like a week lol

I've gotten as close as seeing the building in the distance before the 30 seconds runs out.  Tried watching youtube videos but almost everybody is playing the arcade version which is a little different.  Is it do-able or what?
#57
Quote from: MobiusStripTech on 10/15/2017, 03:40 AMOn duo's I usually lube all the moving parts. On cdrom2 you aren't supposed to do the plastic gears.
+1

for the op, I get your concern about the thickness of the tooth paste like white lithium grease you have.   The original grease was like that, and here we all are cleaning the rails and gears years later and re-lubricating. 

I've been using a white lithium grease that is thinner, but then I worry I don't have enough on there lol

either way I think you're fine with what you have
#58
Quote from: HuMan on 11/14/2017, 11:53 AMI could sell my white PCE as just the console and AV modded Tennokoe 2 at a discounted price.
I saw your thread, Looks like a really nice system and bundle at a good price.  I wouldn't want to make you break that up.  It's a good deal for somebody looking to get started with a PCE.  I'm just looking for a bare system to use in a CD-ROM2 IFU setup.  I managed to snag a good deal for a boxed cd-rom2 IFU system on ebay last night :) just missing a PCE
#59
FOUND

Thanks HuMan!
#60
Quote from: guest on 11/08/2017, 04:58 PMCheck with jelloslug.  He's done lots of nice 3D printed parts, and while I don't remember him specifically having done power switches, you might get lucky.
I sent him a PM.  Thanks for the suggestion!

It turns out he can make it for me if we can borrow the switch from somebody.  So I guess I'm now asking if we can borrow somebody's Duo R switch!

If anybody can help please PM me or Jelloslug
#61
Quote from: guest on 11/08/2017, 04:02 PM
Quote from: LowRes on 11/08/2017, 12:18 PM
Quote from: guest on 11/06/2017, 03:48 PMAlso maybe it's possible to 3D print one?
I would have no idea how to do that :( and I imagine you would need one in order to 3D print one?
Yeah, you'd need someone with an original to make a model of it based on the original.  I just realized you are talking about an R, and I have an RX so I'd guess it would be the same.  If I remember right the switch is a pretty simple piece of plastic.

I have personally done only a little bit of 3D modeling but I know a couple people that do 3D model designs, so it might be easier for them.  Next time I see them I could ask if they'd be willing to help if I pulled out my original switch.  It would still cost you a bit for the filament and time to get it printed but it could work if you're willing to overlook the fact that it's not "original".
If that's not too much trouble for you, it would be greatly appreciated.  I don't mind paying whatever the cost as long as it's not more than buying a non working duo R just for the power switch lol

The other problem with me buying another non working duo R is I wouldn't be able to help myself and would end up fixing that one too, then still be short a power switch :)
#62
Quote from: guest on 11/06/2017, 03:48 PMAlso maybe it's possible to 3D print one?
I would have no idea how to do that :( and I imagine you would need one in order to 3D print one?
#63
Quote from: guest on 11/04/2017, 11:09 AMI don't have one. But out of curiosity: Are you looking for the electrical switch itself, or the plastic button cover?
luckily just the plastic button cover.  So I can still use the system but for cosmetic reasons I'd like to track down this part.
#64
I'm pretty desperate lol If I have to buy a complete non working system just for the power switch I will!

Hope somebody can help
#65
Hey guys, I lost my power switch while the system was laying around open for a long time during a repair.  If anybody has an extra one laying around please let me know.  I'd be happy to pay for the switch and somebody's time for mailing it to me.
#66
An update on this.  It ended up being the HuC6270 had a broken pin, only noticed it when I had my buddy replace the chip with a known working chip off a parts board.  I think we finally figured out my problem.  Took so long cause I had to get a friend to deal with these surface mounted chips since I'm not good enough to do that kind of work and he's been super busy.

in other news I somehow lost the power button switch! the case has been laying on my desk for so long with the screws and power button and now it has dissapeared! always something.  Anybody know of anywhere I might be able to get a replacement?
#67
Quote from: Green Beret on 07/08/2017, 03:32 AMI offered 220$ to Hit Japan and he accepted. But I also made offers to him for 4 more games offering 20% -30% less than his "Buy it now" price and he accepted all of them. Had all games EMS shipped for 25$.

220$ is not cheap but it sounds reasonable considering I trust him for his description for the games. He also ships next day and makes very strong packing.
I also bought one a few months ago from Hit-Japan with a $220 offer.  He was asking $300

It arrived absolutely mint.  I've always had good experiences with them.
#68
Congrats on saving a Duo! All those surface mounted caps are not easy to remove lol good call on sending it off.  I'm always impressed by these guys on here that re-cap these all the time.
#69
Quote from: thesteve on 07/30/2017, 06:32 PMNot offhand on the R
Hacked up card slot could be the only issue, so start there

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
ok so I replaced the card slot and I now have Hucards working but with the same missing sprites and corrupted graphics as the CD Games so I think that confirms my problem is with the HSRM20256LM12 chips.  I'm going to get a friend of mine to swap those out from a parts board and hopefully all will be fixed on this board and I'll have saved another Duo

replacing the surface mounted ram is a little out of my skill level, but replacing the card slot tonight was pretty fun lol

thanks for your help in narrowing it down
#70
Quote from: thesteve on 07/30/2017, 06:17 PM
Quote from: LowRes on 07/30/2017, 05:25 PM
Quote from: thesteve on 07/30/2017, 04:36 PM
Quote from: LowRes on 07/30/2017, 03:15 PMI have a Turbo Duo-R that has graphic glitches once you start playing a game.  The loading screen is fine, you can load a game no problem and even the title screen of the games seem to be fine, but once you try to start playing, the graphics are all messed up.  Should I start with swapping out the ram chips?  does this sound like a ram issue?
It depends actually
Likely a ram issue, but in most cases it's the traces not the chip
Which chip can often be determined by the specific image that's corrupted on certain games

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
am I correct to be looking at the 2 HSRM20256LM12 ram chips? or are there other ram chips on the board?  Prince of Persia for example works perfectly except the sprite for the character is missing, Dracula X has a lot of random glitches, the Title screen looks good except the red writing is missing

I would link to some pics but for some reason photobucket is asking to upgrade my account to do so.  I'll have to find another hosting site

thanks for the help
If it works correctly on cards, the hsrm20256 are fine
It actually has 4 CD related ram banks
And 2 core system banks
Each bank is 1 or 2 chips

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
unfortunately the card slot has been hacked up so I'm unable to test if hucards work without the glitches so I can't rule out the HSRM20256 chips, can you tell me the location of the 4 cd ram banks? so a total of 8 ram chips for CD?
#71
Quote from: thesteve on 07/30/2017, 04:36 PM
Quote from: LowRes on 07/30/2017, 03:15 PMI have a Turbo Duo-R that has graphic glitches once you start playing a game.  The loading screen is fine, you can load a game no problem and even the title screen of the games seem to be fine, but once you try to start playing, the graphics are all messed up.  Should I start with swapping out the ram chips?  does this sound like a ram issue?
It depends actually
Likely a ram issue, but in most cases it's the traces not the chip
Which chip can often be determined by the specific image that's corrupted on certain games

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
am I correct to be looking at the 2 HSRM20256LM12 ram chips? or are there other ram chips on the board?  Prince of Persia for example works perfectly except the sprite for the character is missing, Dracula X has a lot of random glitches, the Title screen looks good except the red writing is missing

I would link to some pics but for some reason photobucket is asking to upgrade my account to do so.  I'll have to find another hosting site

thanks for the help

#72
I have a Duo-R that has graphic glitches once you start playing a game.  The loading screen is fine, you can load a game no problem and even the title screen of the games seem to be fine, but once you try to start playing, the graphics are all messed up.  Should I start with swapping out the ram chips?  does this sound like a ram issue?
#73
lol you're mad when people don't like your idea? Most of these guys on here are collectors.  Nobody wants to hear about a PC Engine GT get hacked up with emulation.  I don't even like that the Turbo Express I bought was screen modded, but hopefully one day I'll come across another one that has been kept original.   

Good luck with your project, I'm not gonna hate on you for liking mods or emulation.  It's your GT and you can mod it all you want but don't get mad when people don't agree.
#74
I bought a PC Engine Duo-R off ebay that had working cd but non working for hu-cards which is why it was a pretty good deal.  Once it arrived I opened it up to find somebody had tried to install a region mod and wasn't successful.

Anyway one of the pins from the card slot is completely missing and I think best option would be to replace the whole card slot.  Can I use the card slot from a TurboGrafx 16? or is my only option from a non working PC Engine, PC Engine Duo/Duo-R?
#75
PM sent.  Not sure there's any games I want to play on PCFX but damn does it ever look good.  :) lol
#76
 I'm in for a couple standard and 3.5" mod size.  Glass prefered but will take whatever you can do
#77
Quote from: hoobs88 on 06/02/2017, 04:38 PM
Quote from: LowRes on 05/26/2017, 10:38 AMI found out the little switch in the battery compartment is to cut off the AV out from headphone jack so it doesn't interfere with the sound when actually using headphones.  I originally thought it was a region mod switch but I was wrong.  From what I can tell it actually doesn't have any region mod installed. 
The most common Turbo Express region mod is the "switchless" one. Press and hold the 'Select' button while powering on to change regions. If that doesn't work, it hasn't been region modded.
Ya that was the first thing I tried when I first picked it up since it was a turbo express.  This unit has not been region modded.
#78
I found out the little switch in the battery compartment is to cut off the AV out from headphone jack so it doesn't interfere with the sound when actually using headphones.  I originally thought it was a region mod switch but I was wrong.  From what I can tell it actually doesn't have any region mod installed. 
IMG
#79
Quote from: guest on 05/26/2017, 01:52 AMNah I take back what I said, I think it's easier just to pass the monkey onto someone else. Get another CIB system with styro and frankenstein it. Then just sell the lesser CIB, and consider the difference what you paid to get the styrofoam
Ya I ended up passing on it since I didn't have any luck finding the inserts.  He told me he was gonna get the inserts for me no problem and then I can come back and buy it.  I'll go check this weekend if he found inserts for it but I don't think it's as easy to get as he thinks lol
#80
Quote from: guest on 05/26/2017, 09:25 AMThe d-pad and buttons need a little cleaning and I don't know about all that hot glue, but otherwise nice pick up!
I'm not a fan of all the hot glue everywhere either, and I hope to find another one without all the mods, but I'm pretty happy with this one too.  Somebody put a lot of work into it, The 3.5" screen is definately pretty nice
#81
Quote from: guest on 05/26/2017, 12:51 AMWow, that's an unusual find. Seeing something with THAT much work on it for sale at a local store; especially for a price like that. I've been to that store in the past as well, they have some good stuff.
Ya stuff like that never usually comes up.  I called them right away and they put it aside for me.  Those guys are awesome, I buy stuff there every once in a while.  Very nice guys
#82
Quote from: Keith Courage on 05/26/2017, 05:48 AMIs that screen held in with sticky tape?
It seems to be held in with hot glue.  I'm not sure what the reason for the extra pieces sticky tape on that one side.  Maybe common for light to pass through in that area? It's definately hot glued though
#83
Was eating dinner with the family when I noticed this popped up on kijiji for $300CAD which is about $220US from a game store in the GTA called Retro Game Bros. Unit is re-capped, screen mod, controller out mod, and I think a region switch In the battery compartment but doesn't seem to work.

I'm gonna post pics of the inside if anybody with mod knowledge can tell me how it looks, I don't know much about mods.  They said it was done by a well known modder in the GTA that they trust, but opinions from you guys would be appreciated :)

IMG
IMG
IMG
IMG
IMG
#84
Update on this.  I got a few more games to test with and I was having trouble loading them.  I tried out a Audio cd and realised I couldn't even play all of track 1 without it cutting out, obviously the later tracks were even worse.  What is crazy is that I 100% completed Dracula X with no problems at all, but anyway I followed BlueBMW guide to adjust the pots live by ear and it now works perfectly with everything I throw at it.  Awesome guide made it easy to do or maybe I just got lucky lol
#85
Buy/Sell/Trade / Re: WTB Duo power supply
05/22/2017, 08:08 PM
I'll send you a pm
#86
I always get a new power supply from retrogamesupply.com for Japanese systems.  They make new power supplies with the correct voltage and amps for the system and for correct use in North America.

I've used them for a Sega CDX I had, and for my PC Engine Duo.  They are not expensive either.

Here's the link for your Interface Unit:
https://en.retrogamesupply.com/collections/pc-engine/products/power-supply-for-nec-pc-engine-interface-unit

In my opinion, better than the original japanese power supply.  Yes the japanese power supply does work in North America but it is not good for the system.
#87
Hi guys,

I'm looking for the styrofoam inserts for a Turbografx 16 box.  I found a good deal for a system in box with everything but the styrofoam.

Just trying my luck here :)
#88
Thanks for all the sugestions.  I'm gonna leave it alone for now since it's working pretty good.  I'll have to get some more games to test further.  I'm sure if I re-surface my POP disc it would help. 

I don't know how well the laser worked before the re-cap since I got the system non working, but even in the non working state I was able to load a cd but I didn't test much before re-capping.

Is it maybe normal to need pot adjustment after a re-cap since all the caps are new?
#89
So I got a PC Engine duo, fully re-capped and working great if the game CD I try to play is mint.  My dracula X and Snatcher discs are like new and load no problem, however my Prince of persia disc has some light scratches and its hard to load.  I got it working and played it for a while but next day it's hard to load again. 

Would you say this is a sign of a weak laser? Or should I try to adjust pots?
#90
Quote from: GohanX on 05/14/2017, 07:58 PM
Quote from: LowRes on 05/14/2017, 07:29 PM
Quote from: GohanX on 05/14/2017, 07:09 PMThis thread inspired me to play completely through the game in one sitting. I was wearing some new headphones, the sound on this game is so badass. I managed to beat it while only losing one life.
lol I don't know how you do it.  I'm stuck on stage 6.  Gotta beat 5 bosses in a row.  My goal tomorrow is to beat stage 6.
I've been playing it for over 15 Years and it's my favorite game.

Stage 6 is ridiculously easy if you use  Maria and her special moves. This can be handy if you just want to get past it for now to see the end.

Otherwise, my strategy is to go in with the axe equipped. Actually, I use the axe whenever I can. It's ridiculously useful and the item crash doesn't used that many hearts and gives you temporary invincibility.

First fight against the bad. Use the whip only. It's not that hard on its own but you can't get hit since you need that life. Use the whip and save your hearts, only use the axe if the flame is about to hit you and you can't use your whip.

Medusa is fairly easy. Duck so she can't hit you with the eye beam, whip the shit out of her. Be careful when she stands still, you need to move back since she's gonna whip you. When she shoots out those circular things I just item crash since they are difficult to avoid.

The mummy is the hardest boss imo. Whip like a mofo, climb the square stones and jump over them. By the time you land he shoots a lot of bandages, item crash will get them all, whip some more. He should go down soon and give you a turkey!

Frankenstein isn't difficult but he's strong as hell. Keep your distance and whip him, if he grabs you it's gonna hurt bad. The backflip can save you when he shoots lightning.

Now you get to shaft. He's not terribly difficult on his own but your probably low on life and short on hearts. It's ok to die, you won't have to fight the bosses again, you'll go straight to Shaft. Can you dig it?
I managed to do it once I beat Frankenstein I had a couple lives left so I had a couple tries at Shaft.  I didn't realise earlier that you can start at Shaft if you beat Frankenstein lol thank god.   I've done this stage on the PSP remake but I swear that version is easier

Thanks for the tips!
#91
Quote from: GohanX on 05/14/2017, 07:09 PMThis thread inspired me to play completely through the game in one sitting. I was wearing some new headphones, the sound on this game is so badass. I managed to beat it while only losing one life.
lol I don't know how you do it.  I'm stuck on stage 6.  Gotta beat 5 bosses in a row.  My goal tomorrow is to beat stage 6.
#92
Quote from: soop on 05/14/2017, 11:46 AMOh wow, both of us are finally getting to it after all these years!  I'm trying not to play it yet as it's a birthday gift to myself and it arrived almost a month ahead of schedule, but when I do I'm going to need to find out more about it, I don't know about the maidens or routes yet! 


Ido feel very lucky that I'm able to buy such an expensive game, even if it did take me years.  Now I just need to buy 1942...
There are 4 maidens held prisoner to find, one of them is Maria a playable character once you find her.  There are alternate stages for 2,,4, and 5 to find aswell.  There may be more alternate exits to stages I'm not too sure, I plan to research all that once I beat the game.  I think some areas can't be reached without using Maria.

The hardest part for me is fighting Death at the end of stage 5, it took me many attempts, the good news is the stage 5 music is calming and most upbeat music in the game lmao so even though you're pissed from losing to death and have to replay the stage, you can't help but enjoy the stage over and over again.

Love the music in this game, I have the Soundtrack in my car, normal people think I'm crazy, including my kids Roadtrips are Akumajo Dracula X soundtrack on repeat, and some Snatcher once in a while
#93
I finally started playing it last night.  By far the best Castlevania game ever.  I refused all this time to play it with an emulator and glad I did.  I finally own the game and have a working PC Engine Duo to play it on.  For me it doesn't get much better than that.

I've played the remake on PSP which I like, but the original is so much better. 

I'm off to find the other 3 maidens now and alternate routes :) gotta 100% this game!
#94
I'm finished!

Replaced all the caps including the super cap, did the jailbar fix, greased up the laser gears and rails, PC Engine Duo working perfectly :)  I got lucky this unit had nothing wrong with it but bad caps. 5 pads got lifted from removing the surface mounted caps and had to be repaired but everything is working great now.  I also accidently melted the top of the switch for the cd door, but cds are loading regardless, not sure how but I'm not complaining.  I'll have to try to find a replacement switch if possible

I played 3 stages of Dracula X so far, I'm gonna sleep good tonight knowing the system is working perfectly lol.  Very happy tonight!

Thanks to all you guys for the help and advice

IMG
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#95
All sorted now, I ended up finding some 4.7uF caps and used those instead of what came in the cap kit.  All is working well
#96
I bought a cap kit from Console5 and it came with 4x 0.47uF caps I believe instead of 4x 4.7uF caps for locations:
C670
C671
C674
C675

is this a mistake in the cap kit? or is there a reason to use 0.47uF instead? it's a big difference.  Every cap list I have found says 4.7uF

and btw, You guys that work on these boards all the time are hard core lol this is a not an easy task.  The surface mounted caps are not easy to remove!
#97
I'm happy to report my PC Engine Duo finally arrived today and surprisingly both the Hucards and CDs are working.  The audio is really low and the video cuts in and out sometimes so I think I'll be good once I replace all the caps.  Working on replacing the caps now.  Was very happy to hear the music from the Snatcher Pilot disc I was using for testing :)  can't wait to have it working 100%
#98
Quote from: olias on 05/05/2017, 08:45 PMI'm getting a PC engine briefcase setup from KC for sure now and I'm so excited!!
I'm selling my macbook pro and iphone and lots of retro games for cheap on my ebay so I can afford this and other expenses this week, if you want to check it out I'd appreciate it: http://www.ebay.com/usr/sailorolias
Congrats! I wish I would of checked with Keith Courage before recently buying a pc engine duo myself.  He seems like the guy to buy from.
#99
Nice to hear it's that good.  I know a lot of people love that game.  It's on my list to buy :)
#100
PCE.EMU for Android is pretty good.  I use it on the nvidia shield TV with a dual shock 3 controller.  Mostly use it to try out CD games before I buy but I think it's pretty accurate emulation.