New to the TG/PCE and need some advise?

[sicboy057]

So I'm new to the site as well as to the TG/PCE system but I was dying to get one for quite a while now. Last week I got on eBay and bought a PC Engine Duo–RX, Dracula X, Ys I & II, Ys III, and Ys IV. I'm going to send it to a buddy of mine who does my mod work and he is going to add composite and a region switch to it.

What I want to know is will I be okay using the Japanese 100v brick? Will a US 110v Duo power brick work? Should I have him also replace the caps in it?

[jperryss]

Welcome to the boards, and good choice on the RX.

Many of us are using the JP power supply here in the US with no issues. And I wouldn't worry about the caps if the system is working OK, the R and RX are typically not plagued with the cap issues.

[esteban]

Welcome, sicboy057

[sicboy057]

Thanks for the welcoming!!! So is there any common issues that are normal with the RX I need to worry about? What multitap works with the RX? Is there a memory card to use with the system? After I get the system modded to play Japanese and US Hucards; will I still need a converter to play the cards?

[jperryss]

Thanks for the welcoming!!! So is there any common issues that are normal with the RX I need to worry about?

Not that I'm aware of. The only issue I've noticed with most varieties of Duo is a somewhat-fussy A/V port on the back. Several of the ones I've used seem to get a bit 'loose' over time. I assume it's a fairly easy fix for someone with basic soldering skills, but I could be wrong.

What multitap works with the RX? Is there a memory card to use with the system? After I get the system modded to play Japanese and US Hucards; will I still need a converter to play the cards?

I think any PCE multitap will work with the RX.
Save game memory is stored in the Duo. You can pick up a Tennokoe Bank (~$10) which will give you 4X the memory. It's a bit clumsy to use, search around here and you'll find some threads about it.
If you get the console region-modded you will not need a converter. The region mod typically adds an external switch on the console somewhere that you can toggle to play US or JP hueys.

[sicboy057]

Thanks for all of the great info!

[Nazi NecroPhile]

Welcome aboard, sicboy.

I'm going to send it to a buddy of mine who does my mod work and he is going to add composite and a region switch to it.

But it already has composite.  Is he going to add standard RCA connectors to avoid the aforementioned loose av port?

The only issue I've noticed with most varieties of Duo is a somewhat-fussy A/V port on the back. Several of the ones I've used seem to get a bit 'loose' over time. I assume it's a fairly easy fix for someone with basic soldering skills, but I could be wrong.

Indeed; while your buddy has the RX open, I'd have him reflow the solder at the av port and the controller connection (which can also get a bit wobbly over time).

[Ceti Alpha]

Welcome aboard sicboy!

You made a good choice with the RX and a Dracula X right off the bat isn't too shabby either. ^^