Got a CoreGrafx II & Super CD-ROM2, but...

Deletion · 12/20/2011, 01:32 AM

I purchased a CoreGrafx II & Super CD-ROM2 combo from a Japanese seller on eBay and it arrived today here in the USA. It was packaged extremely well and both units were in really good shape, unfortunately something did not survive the trip. The CoreGrafx was modded to play both PCE and TG Hucards; it has a toggle switch near the controller port to switch between the two modes. When I unwrapped the unit I could tell something was wrong because the toggle switch was flopping around and there was something rattling inside. The toggle switch is clearly broken as it moves freely and even disappears into the CoreGrafx.

Based on the light being off, the CoreGrafx is in PCE mode. Sadly I don't have any PCE Hucards to confirm it works with them. With a TG huey the system displays a blank white screen. On the bright side, the Super CD-ROM2 appears to work fine. Well, as far as I can tell it does. I don't have any SCD games either to fully test it. But it does load and play music CDs. Below is a video showing the broken toggle switch and a pic showing how it should work.

I've contacted the seller to see what can be done. Instead of returning the unit to Japan to be repaired and then shipped back to me, I proposed for the seller to refund some of the money. Then I'll look into replacing the switch myself. I'll keep you guys updated.

Video of broken toggle switch:

Closeup pic of toggle switch and LED:

munchiaz · 12/20/2011, 02:21 AM

thats a bummer man. I hope you can get this resolved.

SignOfZeta · 12/20/2011, 03:01 AM

Since it seems the switch itself was physically smashed, I think all you have to do (hopefully) is replace it. This is a $1 part that almost anyone can install. The majority of the mod is probably still intact.

If they had used a stealthier switch installed in a less obnoxious place maybe it would have survived transport.

Arkhan Asylum · 12/20/2011, 08:22 AM

how does that even happen. what did the pack the box with? Newspaper?

Deletion · 12/20/2011, 12:18 PM

The two units were attached together and wrapped tightly in bubble wrap. The box was then filled with newspaper, which was not enough to prevent them from shifting around. And the first thing to make contact with the inside of the box would be the protruding switch.

The seller agreed to refund a portion of the money and I'll replace the switch myself. Even if the mod ends up not working, I'll be happy if the unit still plays Japanese Hucards.

Arkhan Asylum · 12/20/2011, 02:00 PM

Let it be known:

NEWS PAPER != FUCKING PACKING MATERIAL. ASSHOLES.

I had an MSX2 show up shattered like glass due to newspaperfail.

incrediblehark · 12/20/2011, 02:55 PM

If its just the switch (most likely) you could easily replace it with a new one and basically no soldering skill. the switch is probably a spdt and would only be 3 wires to solder.

TheClash603 · 12/20/2011, 07:24 PM

Switches/nobs like that suck.

I ordered a Vectrex controller, and the guy wrapped it really tightly in bubble wrap. Unfortunately, that meant that the control stick was wrapped tightly to the side and snapped. Lame.

GameFreak · 12/22/2011, 01:22 AM

yeah im sure if you just replaced the switch it will work. All the wires leading to the switch are probably fine. Time to open that thing up.

I REALLY like the light feature on the region mod. If I ever do a region mod on my system, i want a light/LED.

Nice looking TV with clear housing in your youtube video!!!!

Deletion · 12/23/2011, 02:32 AM

The deal has been settled. The seller agreed to refund a portion of the payment and did so almost immediately. It's great to get that out of the way.

I want to get to work on replacing the switch so badly and I do have next week off, but I'll be away visiting family. Maybe I'll bring it with me.

Deletion · 12/23/2011, 02:48 AM

Quote from: GameFreak on 12/22/2011, 01:22 AMNice looking TV with clear housing in your youtube video!!!!

Haha, thanks. It's an RCA J13805CL 13" CRT. I bought it earlier this year at Goodwill for $11. It was the first TV I had ever seen in a transparent case and was surprised I had never seen/heard of this beast before. The bonus is that there isn't a single scratch or blemish on the screen or casing. The only problem is that dust can get in via the vents and be very visible clinging to the inside. Some day I'll open it up and make the innards all sparkly.

esteban · 12/27/2011, 08:04 AM

Quote from: Deletion on 12/23/2011, 02:48 AM
Quote from: GameFreak on 12/22/2011, 01:22 AMNice looking TV with clear housing in your youtube video!!!!
Haha, thanks. It's an RCA J13805CL 13" CRT. I bought it earlier this year at Goodwill for $11. It was the first TV I had ever seen in a transparent case and was surprised I had never seen/heard of this beast before. The bonus is that there isn't a single scratch or blemish on the screen or casing. The only problem is that dust can get in via the vents and be very visible clinging to the inside. Some day I'll open it up and make the innards all sparkly.

What? I've never seen a TV in a clear case like that! When were these made (I'll have to consult the internetz)? I suppose I would only have seen them if I had been shopping for televisions (which only happens every decade or so).

Is it silly to think it was when the iMac was big (2000?) that these RCA TV's were produced? There should be a manufacture date on a label on the back of your TV...share the info with me

No, I don't want one of these.

Nazi NecroPhile · 12/27/2011, 12:50 PM

Quote from: esteban on 12/27/2011, 08:04 AMWhat? I've never seen a TV in a clear case like that!

It's a model made for prisoners (no joke) - the clear case was so it couldn't be used as a hiding place for contraband.

blueraven · 12/27/2011, 12:52 PM

Quote from: esteban on 12/27/2011, 08:04 AM
Quote from: Deletion on 12/23/2011, 02:48 AM
Quote from: GameFreak on 12/22/2011, 01:22 AMNice looking TV with clear housing in your youtube video!!!!
Haha, thanks. It's an RCA J13805CL 13" CRT. I bought it earlier this year at Goodwill for $11. It was the first TV I had ever seen in a transparent case and was surprised I had never seen/heard of this beast before. The bonus is that there isn't a single scratch or blemish on the screen or casing. The only problem is that dust can get in via the vents and be very visible clinging to the inside. Some day I'll open it up and make the innards all sparkly.
What? I've never seen a TV in a clear case like that! When were these made (I'll have to consult the internetz)? I suppose I would only have seen them if I had been shopping for televisions (which only happens every decade or so).

Is it silly to think it was when the iMac was big (2000?) that these RCA TV's were produced? There should be a manufacture date on a label on the back of your TV...share the info with me

No, I don't want one of these.

They have that model in the maximum security prisons here; Folsom, etc.

Quote from: guest on 12/27/2011, 12:50 PM
Quote from: esteban on 12/27/2011, 08:04 AMWhat? I've never seen a TV in a clear case like that!
It's a model made for prisoners (no joke) - the clear case was so it couldn't be used as a hiding place for contraband.

Beat me to it

munchiaz · 12/27/2011, 12:56 PM

^ yeah i was gunna say the same thing. If you watch shows like "lockup raw" you will see all the inmates have clear TVs

blueraven · 12/27/2011, 12:58 PM

I just think its funny that someone pawned one for like $5 and Deletion picked it up for $10 plus tax. How the hell do you get one of those OUT of a prison?

Nazi NecroPhile · 12/27/2011, 01:04 PM

Quote from: blueraven on 12/27/2011, 12:58 PMHow the hell do you get one of those OUT of a prison?

For prisons around here the TVs are bought by the inmates from the commissary, so when they're released they can sell 'em to another inmate or take 'em home.

roflmao · 12/27/2011, 02:41 PM

... you seem to know a lot about how the prison system works, Necro. Should we be worried?

Deletion · 12/27/2011, 04:47 PM

I had no idea these clear TVs had such a history. I did some searching and sure enough these sets were targeted at inmates. Articles mentioned the sets employed security screws and had no speaker(s). I'll have to check my RCA to confirm it has security screws, but it does have a built-in mono speaker at the base of the front bezel. Perhaps the manufacturers also made sets for the general public?

estaban: I'll get the manufacture date when I return home from vacation next week and let you know.

Nazi NecroPhile · 12/27/2011, 05:37 PM

Quote from: guest on 12/27/2011, 02:41 PM... you seem to know a lot about how the prison system works, Necro. Should we be worried?

Heh, maybe.

Actually, I learned about 'em when I worked at a electronics repair place. They'd have 'em around every once in a while for warranty work.

Deletion · 12/27/2011, 05:51 PM

Yes, be worried because as we all know "worked at a electronics repair place" is street slang for spent 10 years in the state pen.

esteban · 12/28/2011, 08:26 AM

Quote from: Deletion on 12/27/2011, 04:47 PMI had no idea these clear TVs had such a history. I did some searching and sure enough these sets were targeted at inmates. Articles mentioned the sets employed security screws and had no speaker(s). I'll have to check my RCA to confirm it has security screws, but it does have a built-in mono speaker at the base of the front bezel. Perhaps the manufacturers also made sets for the general public?

estaban: I'll get the manufacture date when I return home from vacation next week and let you know.

AWESOME.

Quote from: guest on 12/27/2011, 12:50 PM
Quote from: esteban on 12/27/2011, 08:04 AMWhat? I've never seen a TV in a clear case like that!
It's a model made for prisoners (no joke) - the clear case was so it couldn't be used as a hiding place for contraband.

Televisions for the Felons.

Go watch "Bad Boys" with Sean Penn (a great 80's movie): my favorite scene is when Penn "fixes" another inmate's portable radio with a small explosive charge that takes his ear off. A clear acrylic case on that radio might have mmade hiding the explosive extremely difficult (if not impossible) for a boyish Sean Penn.

Deletion · 01/04/2012, 11:09 PM

esteban: The TV was manufactured in June 2010. It does have security screws, as well as, two stickers that go across the seam from the front of the bezel to the sides of the case that read, "WARNING: Removal of or tampering with seal will result in disciplinary action. WDOC-FLCI." And sure enough that is the Wisconsin Department of Corrections - Fox Lake Correctional Institute. Damn.

esteban · 01/07/2012, 02:17 AM

Quote from: Deletion on 01/04/2012, 11:09 PMesteban: The TV was manufactured in June 2010. It does have security screws, as well as, two stickers that go across the seam from the front of the bezel to the sides of the case that read, "WARNING: Removal of or tampering with seal will result in disciplinary action. WDOC-FLCI." And sure enough that is the Wisconsin Department of Corrections - Fox Lake Correctional Institute. Damn.

Thank you! The connection between your TV, Wisconsin DOC, Sean Penn in Bad Boys and June 2010 have, yet again, piqued my interest in prison life.

blueraven · 01/07/2012, 02:51 AM

Quote from: guest on 12/27/2011, 01:04 PM
Quote from: blueraven on 12/27/2011, 12:58 PMHow the hell do you get one of those OUT of a prison?
For prisons around here the TVs are bought by the inmates from the commissary, so when they're released they can sell 'em to another inmate or take 'em home.

I suppose if I had done hard time and the state/fed made me pay for everything in my cell, I'd take the TV home too

soop · 01/12/2012, 12:07 PM

If I were you I'd nip down to a hardware store and peruse the switches; I modded my Megadrive with a rocker switch I got off eBay. Unfortunately, it was about twice the size I thought it was gonna be... But yeah, if you find a small light gray rocker I think that would look sweet.

Also, remove the switch first to have a look at it before you go buy a new one, you'll need to know how many connectors are on the inside. It's probably single pole double throw, but you need to make sure.