Messages

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PC Engine GT Screen mod]

Hi all and sorry for necroposting but the topic's still hot today...

I am one of the lucky owners of this lovely board and I've been using it a LOT.

I was just wondering if a Version 2 of the board was ever in plan or if you have found a screen of higher quality.

I'm basically just looking to improve the video quality on my PCE GT

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Foolish idea to mod a Pc Engine GT]

The controller board has the same pinout as a standard PCE controller
Not sure about switching between boards
Several of the NES games are ported if you have an everdrive

Thanks, thesteve: always useful!

NES... Ported? :O

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Foolish idea to mod a Pc Engine GT]

lol you're mad when people don't like your idea? Most of these guys on here are collectors...
<snip>

I am not mad but if the only contribution to the topic is saying "this is dumb" well, maybe find another topic

I started playing my Pc Engine GT again only after modding its screen (it came to a new and brilliant life) and, again, this section is Pc Engine MOD.

Why are people even reading it if they dislike mods?

It is like hating broccoli and going for fun in a broccoli lover's sub-forum to say that broccoli stink, no?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Foolish idea to mod a Pc Engine GT]

I see you're not here to make friends.

In this case I think you're not here to make friends too.

In every thread you post your approach is similar to your avatar: "BOOO NOT COOL".

It is really hard to be friendly when your best help is booing.

As I've told you in another topic: can you provide some kind of input / valuable help on the topic?
No?

So you've called me out twice now in this thread. If you don't want people to come in and tell you that you've got a dumb idea, don't start your thread title with "Foolish idea".

Also, you're talking about modding an expensive handheld to put in emulation when there are already much better methods of handheld emulation. Why not go with something more common like a GameBoy? Or, just get a PSP and expand your emulation abilities with more than two buttons.

If you have a problem with me, you're welcome to send me a PM and tell me that it bothers you, but don't go calling me out for taking your thread OT by taking your thread OT...twice.

This is a Pc Engine MOD subforum.
That is why I am talking about my idea here.
Foolish as in rare, unique, risky.
Dumb is your comment on it, not mine.

I need technical information about how to proceed and useful pointers like the ones I got from GohanX.

If you don't have any thanks anyway for your input, it is understood and I do not agree with it: other systems have two button input and could work great.

If modders would stop at any doubt then the Pc Engine GT would never have received any mod at all.

Feel free to read and comment something else if you don't like this mod idea.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Foolish idea to mod a Pc Engine GT]

I've built a lot of Retropie systems. You are doing to need to access that SD card sometime. One bad shutdown and wifi won't help you.

Good point.
What about a forcefsck at boot to take care of that?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Foolish idea to mod a Pc Engine GT]

I see you're not here to make friends.

In this case I think you're not here to make friends too.

In every thread you post your approach is similar to your avatar: "BOOO NOT COOL".

It is really hard to be friendly when your best help is booing.

As I've told you in another topic: can you provide some kind of input / valuable help on the topic?
No?

Please, then, move to the next thread.
It might be more interesting for you and my topic could stay...
On topic.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Foolish idea to mod a Pc Engine GT]

In other words, it's a terrible idea, don't waste a PC Engine GT.

Just to understand your point, HuMan...

Where is the moment I should waste my PC Engine GT?

Do you have any understanding of the mod we're discussing?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Foolish idea to mod a Pc Engine GT]

Very interesting points GohanX.
Actually with Raspberry Zero W you have wifi so no need to open to access SD.
About the audio i remember a trick to get audio out of gpio but this can be an issue :/
6 Eneloop should do the work for around 4 hours, I hope...

Crazydean, it is really hard to be friends with you.
Whatever you see posted you enter the thread and comment something that sounds like your avatar.
That is nor pleasing nor helpful.

If you have something to contribute I'd love it, if you just write to complain or boo people it will be very hard to be friends.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Foolish idea to mod a Pc Engine GT]

I don't think you'd have enough room in there without pulling out the PCE guts. If you look at the inside of someone using a Gameboy shell the inside is absolutely packed with wires, PCBs, etc. Plus you'd have to figure out how to route the external jacks to the outside of the casing.

I've built a few Pi handhelds using 3d printed parts. There's a lot more than the Pi Zero that goes into the build.

While I do get your point and I do understand the challenge, the room and the wires will be (imho) drastically reduced because the batteries are already there, the gamepad is already there, the composite screen is already there, the speaker is already there...
I do not care much about fancy recharging features or safe shutdown circuitry.

What wires would you need to get out of the case?

Only doubt I had is if I can wire the GT pad to raspberry GPIO directly and if anybody has the pinout.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Pc Engine GT / TurboExpress carrying case]

I have a simple bag I use whenever I take my TurboExpress on-the-go...
It's a very casual look for mobile gaming. Plus, there is plenty of room for additional batteries, TurboExpress,  car adapter (CIB), TurboLink (CIB), batteries (CIB), TurboVision (loose), HuCARDs (CIB), etc.

I love your casual bag but...
NOT ONE... TWO MINT CONDITION TURBO EXPRESS?!?!?!?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Foolish idea to mod a Pc Engine GT]

Did anybody read the question?

I open my * Video Modded * Pc Engine GT.

This means I have a LOT of room in it, new video is far smaller than the original.

In this space I put a Raspberry Zero and connect to it batteries and the second composite input of the Video I have in there.

There would be ZERO damage to PC Engine GT shell or PCB.

This would allow me to get, for example, all Gameboy / NES titles PLUS MY ORIGINAL PC ENGINE GT still working.

I'd use just a switch for power / video between the two.

Then it comes my question:
Can I connect it to the Pc Engine Gamepad?
If so, how? Has anybody the pinout?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Foolish idea to mod a Pc Engine GT]

Hi all!

I have this crazy idea of putting a Raspberry Pi Zero in my Pc Engine GT.

I don't want to butcher it, I just want to add this "feature".

I have a lot of room because the original screen was removed, a Raspberry Pi Zero with Retropie would be...
Awesome

I already have a composite input for the new screen so connection would be a piece of cake.

I can also use the same batteries with a voltage regulator, maybe...

Main question would be: is it possible to reuse the Pc Engine GT gamepad and buttons connecting them ALSO to the raspberry pi without runing the original cirtuitry?

thanks

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Pc Engine GT / TurboExpress carrying case]

Hi all!

Do you have a nice carrying case you suggest or maybe you made one yourself?

Share the love! <3

[Console Repair/Mod Center / [Pc Engine GT] [Audio] Is it possible to improve it?]

Hi all!

My beloved PC Engine GT craves more fiddling 

I love its audio and I was thinking if it is possible to make it more crystal clear.

I hear a constant hum noise, can it be improved?

I've read about ferrites, seems like they are a very cheap way to filter out high frequency noise in your circuit.

My electronic abilities are very limited, can I ask your help / idea / suggestion in how to implement this?

Should I solder ferrite to the audio jack?

Maybe ferrites are a wrong idea, do you suggest anything else?

Thanks

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Pc Engine GT - Add second pad]

Very interesting, Turbokon!

Thanks for your fantastic mods videos on YouTube: a true inspiration.

Do you also have info about how to add a second pad?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Pc Engine GT - Add second pad]

For all the modders looking for this info, I've finally found something

Enjoy!

http://www.davidenastri.it/cestino/PcEngine-GT-Turbo-Express-Controller-Mod.jpg

[Console Repair/Mod Center / PC Engine GT - Internal Speaker specs]

Hi all!

My speaker for the moment being sings like an angel but I'm thinking to play a bit with it to see if I can do better.

I've checked online and many marvelous tiny speakers are sold today...

What are the specs I should look for?

Thanks

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PC Engine GT - Video Out Mod - How to get the Video signal out of the housing]

Hello there!

For me it was totally worth it.

For starters I can read text on screen (just this is worth the change).
Colors vivid and brighter, no "ghost" blinding me.

If you look on YouTube you will find many many videos like this:

but I don't think they can show how beautiful the mod is.

I personally love it

Have fun!

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Pc Engine GT - Add second pad]

What about using the video output? On a 50" TV? ;)

Seems like it would be way easier to get a Coregrafx.

A) No: I already have a Pc Engine GT with video out and I'd love bringing it to holidays or weekends out with this added feature too
B) If you cannot help on the topic, please, find another thread ;)

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PC Engine GT - Video Out Mod - How to get the Video signal out of the housing]

actually i always add a contact to the headphone jack, so it can use a 3 or 4 pin jack

I <3 this!

What do you do, you buy a new headphone jack for 4 pins?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PC Engine GT - Video Out Mod]

most people cut the traces to the comport at the bottom of the system and wire it up to that.

Very clean and simple solution.
Only issue would be a separated cable for the Audio but...

I like it, thanks!

another option would be to get rid of the tv tuner port and put a S-Video Jack there and install S-Video for the system.

This is too risky for me...
And I think that in this case I'd need to find a specific monitor.
But thanks for the idea

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PC Engine GT - Video Out Mod]

<snip> where you got a screen? <snip>

Hi there!

I am not sure but I think that the main issue is that everyone is trying to get RGB signal out of their GT and this is why (I suppose) high quality screens are hard to find.

It is quite simple, on the other hand, to find standard lcd tv that accept a component input.

Clearly the quality is poorer but the comparision with the original screen is...

NO MATCH

I am also a maniac so I made sure that my mod is fully reversible in case one day I go crazy and decide to go back.
From what I see this is NEVER going to happen

I bought mine here: www.good-display.com

Be sure to ask for th 5v version!
Doris should already know about this (if she's still working there) because other users bought it.

Quite costy (50 bucks) including the shipping price.
Totally worth it, if you ask me.

Keep in mind you'll also need the Pc Engine to Composite adapter but I think that Vimtoman sold all of them.
Ask him

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Pc Engine GT - Add second pad]

What about using the video output? On a 50" TV? ;)

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Pc Engine GT - Add second pad]

Hi all!

I would like to ask if anybody has ever added a second pad mod to the PC Engine GT and, if so, how.

Have fun

[Console Repair/Mod Center / PC Engine GT - Video Out Mod - How to get the Video signal out of the housing]

Hi all!

I finally had enough courage to mod my Pc Engine GT and get a new screen.

Thanks to FANTASTIC board made by Vimtoman now I have not only a shiny new screen but also a super cool composite video output.

Do you guy have any suggestion about how to put a connector for Composite?

Sure I could dremel the case but I'd prefer a more subtle and delicate mod that doesn't involve destroying my case and keep the Pc Engine as original as possible.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Pc Engine GT: Start and select almost stopped working :(]

After a month (almost daily use, Raiden mostly ) the repair is still perfect.

Totally happy

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Turbo Express Turbo Buttons]

Also cleaning with care the sliders and the rubber traces on the board is something I'd try.
I used this product on my contacts and it worked like a champion (5 dollars):
https://www.pcengine-fx.com/forums/index.php?topic=21777.0

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Turbo Express fix and mod]

Is there anywhere instructions for 2nd pad en video out mod?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Tg or pce controller for android?]

Not that I know of but you can make yours.

Gut a broken PC Engine pad and follow similar instructions:
https://learn.adafruit.com/snes-ez-key-bluefruit-game-pad/overview

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PCE GT recapped but blank screen]

Send... 3?

Anybody in the world has 3 GT? =:O

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Pc Engine GT: Start and select almost stopped working :(]

Guys I am totally happy to report that my pc engine gt now feels as brand new.
The repair took 5 dollars, 5 minutes and nothing touched on the original hardware.

I will stress test it for a few weeks and write back results.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Pc Engine GT: Start and select almost stopped working :(]

What do you guys think of this?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Keypad-Button-Repair-Kit-for-TV-Remote-Controls-Rubber-Buttons-Cordless-Phones-/252443162910?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Pc Engine GT: Start and select almost stopped working :(]

Hi Vimtoman!

Can you please link the products you bought on Ebay?

Thanks

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Pc Engine GT: Start and select almost stopped working :(]

Thanks for the help...

I will try and, worst case scenario, buy new pads.

[Console Repair/Mod Center / PC Engine GT: Start and select almost stopped working :(]

Hi all!

I have sent my Pc Engine GT for a full recap (also on the pad) and for a bit everything was great.
Now my select and start are really not working well (you need to hammer on it several times).

I would like to go for a fix, I'd love a permanent one.

I'd start with a simple clean but I wante to ask for suggestions before making a mess.

If the clean fails do you guys this that it is possible to achieve a mod with this buttons:
https://www.adafruit.com/products/3101

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Pc engine gt mod]

I'd suggest you to slowly and gently work your way up to Ultimate Pc Engine GT...

I am lurking on this forum since...

10 years, maybe?

Best community ever, house for passion and good people.

Take your time, read what you can, wait for the right moment (serious modders stepping in, new hardware is build) and do even one mod at a time.
You will see your growth with much more pleasure and also the wallet will be happier

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Turbo express lcd replacement guide needed ASAP.]

Hi there!

I am in the same situation and since the mod is quite hardcore I think I will follow this path:
https://www.pcengine-fx.com/forums/index.php?topic=21256.0

In case you prefer to follow the hardcore path...

Good luck!

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Adapt custom Fightstick to Pc Engine]

Thanks I am happy you like it!

I made it big because I like sturdy / heavy feeling on my lap and, of course, for future change / implementations like this one

Main use was for all the Street Fighter flavours and Neo Geo stuff but now I feel like it is the best way to go for pre-analog games

I also found this kind of toy, quite interesting:
http://www.tototek.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=23&products_id=51

I think I need to build some kind of little pcb where I connect all the buttons and then, with a switch, have an internal selector between different "out" connections (for pc engine and Neo Geo, basically: pc and usb consoles are already fine)

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Adapt custom Fightstick to Pc Engine]

Wow, this is pure gold, Shughs81!

It looks challenging indeed...

Do you think all parts can be found easily on the internet?

I am a bit shy to show it because it is my 1st model and it has many estetic and functional flaws but...

WHAT THE HELL!

Thanks for asking for pictures:

4K: dropbox.com/sc/loilwub8jeskj8l/AACg2o1HI_Ejjw1Rh-Ewuh8ua

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PC Engine GT Screen mod]

This also means that building a TV out could be way easier, right?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: pad membrane replacement?]

Are those ok also for Pc Engine GT / Turbo Express?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Pc Engine GT / Turbo Express Button Mod]

Hi all!

This is just a crazy question, made out of curiosity and not of a real mod desire (I don't think I'll ever drill it ).

Did anybody ever attempted to add more buttons to Pc Engine GT / Turbo Express gamepad?

Is it technically possible?

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Pc Engine GT back to life!]

I will never thank you enough!

I also appreciated much the fact that you've been able to use proper capacitors instead of the not so fantastic "SMD" chosen by Nec.

Marvellous

If someday we have a perfect solution for the monitor, please, remember about me

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Questions about Core Grafx 1]

Hi again and thanks for your kind input

I'd be interested in the Core Grafx I or II for the small form factor and design...

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Turboexpress internal rechargeable battery mod]

Hi all!

I am sorry for necroposting but I do believe this mod is very interesting and keeping all the related information in a single post could also help others

My GT is fully stock and I wanted to ask if I can add a LiPo battery simply connecting its plus and minus to the plus and minus where normal batteries are connected.

Here you can find my childish idea in photo:

https://goo.gl/photos/hGwLbVVcee2duixg8

and

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipPrMXojhOWNhXaD0B8e6VJCCCVAR5j0tgZX8trN
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPhXsJZgIWS-5DAwHcXaW2WwIWDnM7-7VxPA4H4rHMbvHGgv9C6_UM8UD_I2pseLg

If this is not a wise idea to connect the battery this way can you kindly explain with more detail where I should connect the LiPo?
I have read that I should connect one side of it to the voltage regulator but I do not know where it is placed, how it looks and how I should hook it.

Thanks for your time and patience

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Pc Engine GT back to life!]

I wanted to publicly thank Keith Courage for the marvellous work he made recapping my beloved GT and fixing its pad!

I am the happiest man on the planet, it shines and roars like a lion

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: PC Engine Duo cermic cap question]

I hope this can be of help:

dropbox.com/s/piekr98spi1foxt/pcengine.jpg

User Keith Courage repaired my beloved Pc Engine GT and now it roars, happily.

Good luck!

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Re: Adapt custom Fightstick to Pc Engine]

Thanks for your input!

This is indeed a great start

Sadly the most interesting link doesn't work :/

nfggames.com/forum2/index.php?topic=3734.0

I'll try again from home

[Console Repair/Mod Center / Adapt custom Fightstick to Pc Engine]

Hi everyone!

I've build an Arcade Stick and we are in love

I would like to adapt it to Pc Engine too, is anybody aware of a pre-made PCB that simply works out of the box or any specifications of a working Pc Engine gamepad?

I would prefer not to destroy a working Pad to achieve the final result, if possible.

Thanks for your help.

[PCE/TG-16|CD/SGX Discussion / Re: Questions about Core Grafx 1]

I was outbid during the night

The lovely unit was sold for 65 euros :'''(


Totally not giving up up!!!


Since I have some more time to do things properly now I would like to get an advice from you gurus.

I have some very nice hucards I love and a brutally beautiful Pc Engine GT I love (god bless Keith for repairing it, the cute thing is now travelling back from US. Cool life for a GT: born in japan, lived in Europe, then to US and now to Europe again).

I also bought an Everdrive to play titles I simply cannot afford.

I was on the point to add to the GT a LCD video mod and video out mod then I felt like doing some sort of dark crime and decided to buy a dedicated unit to play hucards on TV.

I think that the 1st pc engine, the white one, looks simply stunning and I love it.
On the other hand is clearly the worst, often found in bad shape.
Then the two Core Grafx options...

In my wild dreams I'll have:

1) Core Grafx 1 or 2 or White Pc Engine
2) A decent quality video output (I'd need SCART)
3) Two good pads for Street Fighter 2 (6 buttons)
4) Two beautiful, classic, historic pads (with autofire but it looks like a common thing)
5) A multitap
6) Alimentation

Optional:

7) The original box and all the collectard stuff that would make me happy and silly
9) Tennokoe

Here I come with 2000 questions:

a) Are there any places / shops you suggest me to start the wild hunt?
b) Is there any suggestion you have for the unit I should pick?
c) Is there any suggestion you have for the mods I should or MUST do (RGB mod is a game changer?)
d) Are there any brands of gamepads you recommend?
e) Is there any brand / model of multitap you recommend?
f) Is Tennokoe a wise idea that will allow me not to crack open my poor unit in order to get good video output or just a waste of money?


Really thanks for your time, I honestly appreciate it.