Messages

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Akumajō Dracula X: Chi no Rondo (PC-Engine) Vs. Castlevania: Dracula X (SNES)]

I like the SNES game, actually.  It's certainly not perfect, but then again, neither is Rondo.  I put them both in the 8.0-8.5 range; great games, but not my favorite of the series.  Of the classic games, I think I lean toward the NES original and Super Castlevania IV, even if the latter feels like a bit of a one-off.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Where to get good CD-Rs?]

I probably should have ordered some of those MAM-A discs as recommended earlier, although I've dumped quite a bit into CD-Rs already. 

At some point, I may tweak the pots as suggested, too.  Right now, it's working well enough to make me happy.  I finished a run through Mugen Senshi Valis with only an occasional missed read on getting a Game Over that it caught on a second pass.  Other stuff has been working fine.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PCE Duo Laser Track Problems?]

This is what I've been fighting with on CD-Rs, although mine hasn't stuck in quite a while.  It did happen to me, though, and the best way to unstick it is to jostle that white gear you can see through the hole just a bit.  Maybe move it with a toothpick or something.  Doesn't take a whole lot to get it unstuck, usually just a little bump will get it moving again.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Where to get good CD-Rs?]

Found some Sony discs that match my old ones.  Occasionally misses the applause track on the 4-in-1 disc, but catches it on the re-read.  So I've got 49 shots left for burning new stuff. 

Now I need to figure out what to do with all these other stacks of CD-Rs...

Information on the discs, if it helps anyone else (not entirely sure, given the variance folks are suggesting):  Sony, copyright of 2004 on the label, manufactured in Taiwan.  700MB variety.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Where to get good CD-Rs?]

Yeah, that's why it's a great test disc.    I've had others that worked fine from start to finish, even on the TY discs that haven't played quite as nice.  I consistently got results with various discs (except the aforementioned older Sony ones) that would see it load Gates of Thunder or Bonk's Adventure, but miss being able to load Bonk's Revenge.  I think it's because it's a short data track towards the edge of the disc, whereas the others still end up near the inner ring.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Where to get good CD-Rs?]

I've got a copy of the 4-in-1 disc that I've run through TOCFixer or whichever app it is that lets you verify the rip is correct.  And I've burned it onto one of the older Sony discs, and it works almost perfectly, only occasionally missing that opening applause track.  With the same drive, program, and burn settings, it doesn't work well with the newer Sony discs.

I'll probably slowly try out some different brands, though.  And I might have found a couple of places to get the older discs, so I'll get it sorted eventually.  Thanks!

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Where to get good CD-Rs?]

That's definitely true.  I used quite a few different combinations before finally going and purchasing a PlexWriter 16/10/40.  Burning those older Sony discs at 4x with it gave me the best results.  I tried a few different speeds with that drive (all the way down to 1x and up to 16x), and my NEC-3540A at its lowest speed (8x), and both produced results almost identical to what I got with those JVC TY discs I was using.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Where to get good CD-Rs?]

I may try that.  I had some old TDKs and Durabrand discs I burned years ago that work swimmingly.

The system has been recapped (and S-Video/region modded), so I'm pretty sure that's not the issue, but it wouldn't surprise me if the laser might be problematic.  I think I'd have gone with an RX if I'd known how finicky the original Duo systems could be.  The seller was turbografxfan, who I think also goes by Keith Courage.  He was very helpful with a lot of the quirks I experienced (including the laser getting stuck).

I do wonder if I shouldn't just bite the bullet and sell this one, though, and just get a cheap PCE and that Super SD System 3.  Probably a lot less hassle overall, even if I lose some of the "legitimacy".  (Ironic using that word when I'm talking about burning CD-Rs, ha!)

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Where to get good CD-Rs?]

Hi, all, I have a quick question.  I recently bought a Duo.  With the help of the seller, I was finally able to narrow down some CD-Rs that don't make my system barf all the time.  I had some older Sony brand discs, and they worked like a charm.  Turns out my ultimate test is to burn the 4-in-1 disc, and if it managed to load the applause track at the start, or boot Bonk's Revenge, then I'd hit on a good one.

Well, I ordered a stack of Sony discs.  And they don't work.  I reckon it's because they were manufactured in Mexico; apparently quality control varies quite wildly.  Does anyone here have a similarly finicky system?  And where do you get your discs?  I'd love to find a brand that actually works well.

(Oh, and Taiyo Yuden discs don't work well at all.  Go figure!)