PC Engine/ Duo tap

[DragonmasterDan]

I just got my new Duo yesterday and while it seems to play CDs a bit better than my old one ever did. It is a lot more finicky with the controller port. I've noticed that left and start seem to cut out a lot, moving the taps connector around resolves this issue. It does NOT do this on my other Duo and the pins all seem to be straight. This issue does not seem to happen when a pad is connected directly, any ideas?

[Nazi NecroPhile]

Since you have zero issues with your other Duo, it sounds like the problem lies with the new Duo's controller port (though it's a conundrum why it works fine when the pad is directly attached).  I'd try reflowing the solder for the controller port and see if it fixes the issue.

[DragonmasterDan]

Since you have zero issues with your other Duo, it sounds like the problem lies with the new Duo's controller port (though it's a conundrum why it works fine when the pad is directly attached).  I'd try reflowing the solder for the controller port and see if it fixes the issue.

I've had bad luck when opening my Duos (see my post history). So I'm debating just buying a new Duo tap and seeing if that helps.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

This obviously won't help if problem is inside the Tap, but you could try swapping the cable from an extra controller to see if the problem is related to the Tap's plug.

[Duo_R]

Necro - the taps are wired differently than the controllers. So although the cable would plug into the tap, the controllers would not work properly. You can replace the cable on the tap (you just need to use that mac serial cable and rewire, or rewire with cable from a broken controller).

This obviously won't help if problem is inside the Tap, but you could try swapping the cable from an extra controller to see if the problem is related to the Tap's plug.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

Necro - the taps are wired differently than the controllers. So although the cable would plug into the tap, the controllers would not work properly. You can replace the cable on the tap (you just need to use that mac serial cable and rewire, or rewire with cable from a broken controller).

I'm well aware that the cables aren't simply plug 'n' play, but good guy nat has provided a lovely guide for doing the procedure (clicky).  As nat notes, the individual wires can be relatively easily reordered at the internal connector, allowing everything to put back in its original condition.

[Duo_R]

thanks NecroPhile, nice little guide (going to save me time because I was just going to pinout with meter). Just wanted to make sure he doesn't do the same mistake I did once.

[DragonmasterDan]

thanks NecroPhile, nice little guide (going to save me time because I was just going to pinout with meter). Just wanted to make sure he doesn't do the same mistake I did once.

I'm leaning towards buying a new tap.

[Duo_R]

are those pretty inexpensive these days?

[Nazi NecroPhile]

are those pretty inexpensive these days?

They're as cheap as ever.  Redfrog has 'em new for $20 and they're plentiful on ebay for even less.