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[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: System Modifications - Poll]

I think rarity and collectible condition (e.g., owning a complete retail package) affect my opinion. Cosmetic condition (e.g., absolute mint, but loose, unit) comes third.

Of course, this is a spectrum, and not black and white. If someone discovers PCE games on the Virtual Console and wants to "keep it digital", more power to them. But I think there is something to be said about handling the HuCard, gripping the original TurboPad, seeing the industrial design up close. If you only play on VC, you are no less a gamer, but you are missing a small but significant aspect of the experience. I figure most here will agree with that.

So at the other end of the spectrum, you may have someone who has a CRT TV shrine set up in the basement for all the old consoles, to be played exactly as they were two or three decades ago. Then you may have someone else using S-Video or RGB mods for everything they've collected. Both types are "hard core" in their own way (keeping it real Vs. making it all it can be), but by the reasoning in the first example, there is something to be said about playing it "as it was"...

But really, everyone wins here. The losers are the ones who only play current-gen stuff.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: troubleshooting a hu-card adaptor]

Also, try pulling the HuCard out slightly after you've inserted it fully; mine seems to make better contact that way.

I could kiss you right on the mouth. This was the problem. I just have to nudge the HuCard back out ever so slightly to get it to work. I'm so happy: I was playing Kyukyoku Tiger and swearing like a sailor. Good times!

The adaptor looks and smells pretty new, so there was no wear or dirt. However, thanks to your feedback, I'm now aware of some of the things that could happen to it over time with lots of use. That is quite helpful. I really appreciate the replies.

You could always region mod your system so a simple flip of a switch replaces bulky unreliable converter carts..   

Yes, you are right.

I've had this puppy in storage for quite a while now, and am starting to "get into it" again. I don't know if I'm with the minority, but I have to say there is something nice about a stock, bare-bones console; at the same time, it would be nice to bump up the video output from RF, and be able to pop in a Japanese HuCard without having to perform minor surgery. We'll see!

[Console Repair/Mod Center / troubleshooting a hu-card adaptor]

Hello! I could use a little troubleshooting advice if there's any to give.

I've owned an NTSC Turbografx with a handul of US games for years now, which is kind of pitiful, yes I know. BUT, I recently decided to add to my modest collection with some Japanese gaming goodness. I bought a hu-card adaptor from a UK seller, and acquired a sampling of Japanese games from eBay. This was supposed to be a happy time. Well it turns out that all of my US games start up, but none of the Japanese games do. I only see a white screen.

I'm using one of those hu-card adaptors that were sold by Telegames back in the day. Here's a pic of the exact card I have.

Some possibilities: the adaptor could be defective, I haven't done the "hu-card insertion shuffle" properly, or all of the Japanese hu-cards I purchased are dead. What other possibilities are there? I'm trying to eliminate all variables.

The hu-card seller is far from me (he's in the UK; I'm in Canada). I'd rather consider a return a last resort.

Is it actually possible that all my imported hu-cards are dead?? There are nine of them from three different sellers. What are the chances? ZERO?

This hu-card adaptor doesn't exactly have many exposed bits and pieces. The contacts on the male end look clean and intact. The contacts in the slot, as hard as they are to inspect, look free of debris. Is there anything else on this card I could inspect? I don't exacty want to tear off the red paper.

Is there anything I can do to the pins to "prep" them, similar to blowing on the ol' cartridge opening?

Thanks for reading.