Intrest Check TURBO GRAFX Flash Cart

[the.golden.ax]

Greetings,

Several people at the Atari Age forums are getting together to buy some 128MB flash cartridges for the Turbo Grafx. When these are purchased in quantity of 10 or higher the site offers a $30 discount per card. It's looking like we have enough people, but I thought I would let you guys know in case you would like to get in on the deal. You can read about it here:

http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=126563&st=0

Thanks!
AX

[gtdalby]

Some of the people from this thread might be interested too:
https://www.pcengine-fx.com/forums/index.php?topic=4023.45

[Paisa49]

I bought a 64M flash cart from them. After working perfectly fine the first few times I placed roms on it, it stopped working. I shipped back to ic2005, at their request, and they're only just now getting, and have yet to return a fully-functioning flash cart. They don't have the best customer service, so think about it before you all plunk down some cash on the 128 M carts. I still have yet to get the benefit of my bargain.

[nevets14]

I have heard quite a few times about the 64mb messing up after the first few writes. I wonder if the 128mb version has the same problems? anyone here heard anything on the reliability of the 128mb version?

[nat]

No, but I'm not sure what's up with the 64M version. It seems like it's a hit-and-miss thing, almost like a batch of defective carts were produced. A great number of the people who own the 64M version (myself included) have had zero problems with them even after many writes. I got mine as part of the group buy we organized a while back and it's still running strong.

[MissaFX]

I got one of the 64meg cards in the batch order and I have written to it at least 40 times without having any problem, even when the program crashed once during a write, it had no trouble writing to the card when I ran the program again after the crash.  Even the little reset button has worked flawlessly for me.  My only complaint about my card is that there is still glue on half the pins, but dispite this, it can write to the card fine.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

I, too, was in on the group buy and haven't had any problems with my cart (knock wood).  The only caveat is that the included software is utter crap, so don't expect to get the cart up and running quickly.

[nat]

Oh yeah, that driver bundle was a fucking JOKE at best. They provide the bundle on one of those mini CDs which means people with slot-loading CD-ROM drives are up shit creek, and even if you're lucky enough to have a drive that will actually read the thing, the reflective layer peels off at the slightest touch rendering the disc useless.

And that's just the beginning-- I haven't even started on the actual software end of things.

[Turbo D]

lol, Nats right! It took awhile to get that pos mini disk to be read by my comp. Then I had a struggle with drivers and software. I wasn't surprised by it though, haha.

[gtdalby]

Hmm... Maybe I should just get a tototek one instead?

[nat]

I don't have any experience with the tototek cart, but from my understanding, it requires a parallel port. If you've got one of these that you can use, great. If you're like me, you don't, and you'd better off stick to the NeoFlash. Really, the NeoFlash cart is really nice once you actually get the correct drivers installed.

gtdalby, check out this thread for various members' experience setting up and using this flash cart.

[MissaFX]

Hmm... Maybe I should just get a tototek one instead?

I wouldn't order another card just because we are pointing out the only flaws in the card and not giving any of the good points.

The truth about the driver CD:

Yes it is a CD Single sized cd, imo if your computer cannot read a CD single, one of the most standard sized of CDs, you got ripped off on the CD drive.

Yes the CD is on a cheap media, if you bake it heat while the topside is in contact with plastic (or use pressure instead of heat) you will eventually bond it to the other plastic.  Solution?  Put the CD into the envelope it came in upside down \o/

The driver installation is a piece of cake.  Some people here ran into trouble because they trusted an auto installer instead of going to the driver CD and just copying the folder which was related to their flash card on to their HD.  If you simply open the CD, the drivers are in a clearly named folder...very clearly named.

More Card Stuff:

It only takes 2 minutes and 16 seconds to fill the whole card up (64meg)   With the Tototek card, expect 5-10 minutes to write to it, if you are lucky...very lucky.  And this is assuming your modern PC has a parallel port.

The card is sleek and sexy

The reset button it actually works, although if you build up a static charge first with your socks and press it with skin (I always press it with a fingernail tip) you can get a shock because the outer metal of the button is grounded.

I am 100% happy with my Neo card and if I get shot back into time and get the chance to buy it or not, I would buy it again in a heartbeat.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

Yes it is a CD Single sized cd, imo if your computer cannot read a CD single, one of the most standard sized of CDs, you got ripped off on the CD drive.

Nearly all slot loading drives are incapable of reading anything other than a 12cm disc.  Considering that Apple loves slot loading drives, does that mean that all Macs are rip offs?  Beware the wrath of Mac zealots! 

The driver installation is a piece of cake.  Some people here ran into trouble because they trusted an auto installer instead of going to the driver CD and just copying the folder which was related to their flash card on to their HD.  If you simply open the CD, the drivers are in a clearly named folder...very clearly named.

Driver installation was easy enough, but the utility used to flash the cart was not the one in the PCE folder (that one did nothing).  Had I just copied said folder to my hard drive and not played around with the other utilities on the disc, I'd still have a useless (though sexy) flash cart.

[MissaFX]

Yes it is a CD Single sized cd, imo if your computer cannot read a CD single, one of the most standard sized of CDs, you got ripped off on the CD drive.

Nearly all slot loading drives are incapable of reading anything other than a 12cm disc.  Considering that Apple loves slot loading drives, does that mean that all Macs are rip offs?  Beware the wrath of Mac zealots! 

Yes, all PC/MAC users with slot in drives were ripped off by their company who didn't give them a real tray.  Luckally you can replace the drive with an aftermarket one which isn't junk.  Or, you can buy a Single to Standard adaptor from Japan.  They sell lots of them in Japan to make your CD Single work on a slot in drive.

[spenoza]

Er, there are actually only 2 CD disc size standards, I believe, and the mini/single CD, the smaller size, didn't really get popular here at all. They're all over in Japan but you almost never see them here in the US. All automobile CD players are slot loading drives too, meaning if you import Japanese CD singles you can't play them without an adapter.

So no, Apple isn't ripping you off by giving you a slot loading drive. The driver should just come on a standard sized CD. They're cheaper than the smaller CDs anyway.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

So no, Apple isn't ripping you off by giving you a slot loading drive. The driver should just come on a standard sized CD. They're cheaper than the smaller CDs anyway.

Correction: Apple ripped people off by giving them a slot loading drive incapable of reading 8cm discs - there's plenty of slot loading drives that are so enabled.  If their (flash cart dudes) web site were more straight forward, everyone could easily download what they need, but these guys haven't put together such a complete and polished enterprise (yet, hopefully).  Still a good product though, and I don't regret buying one at all.

[MissaFX]

So no, Apple isn't ripping you off by giving you a slot loading drive. The driver should just come on a standard sized CD. They're cheaper than the smaller CDs anyway.

I've never known a slot in drive that didn't leave some kind of marks on the CD, therefore I consider them all crap.

The reason the driver comes on a small CD is to fit in the package.  They would have had to make it wider if they wanted to put a full size disc in.

[Spector]

I have heard quite a few times about the 64mb messing up after the first few writes. I wonder if the 128mb version has the same problems? anyone here heard anything on the reliability of the 128mb version?

I've heard some problems with the 128MB version mentioned on the neo website. I've got the 64Mb one and I've not had any probs with it so I've been lucky.

[Turbo D]

I've had 0 problems with the 64mb one. The only problem it has is that it doesn't hold enough roms, lol!

[atreyu]

Man I just bought one Wish I would have seen this site sooner as I am new to the world of the PC Enigne!!!

[nectarsis]

Well welcome to the best site EVAR

[jperryss]

According to the original link, the AA thread got locked due to lack of interest? Too bad, one of these would've been great for the TE.

[GohanX]

Well you can still buy one, just without a discount. In my opinion, both the 64 and 128s are expensive, but well worth it. I was kinda pissed when I got it and realized it was 64 megabits, not megabytes, but I got over it.  I got the flash cart and a new Turbo Express at the same time, that is one hell of a combination to have.

[quoth09]

Dean was supposedly trying to pull a group of people together to do a 128mb card lot purchase, before his supposed non-existent sale, and disappearing act - obviously that never came through. I was offering to do a large purchase myself here before all of that, and pretty much got turned down. Also, anyone that was waiting around on Dean lost out, obviously. If you don't get what I'm trying to say, I will simply put it like this: don't bow down and worship members here just because you are going to be getting a sale on games, because look what happened.
I don't really care who that comment pisses of, because it's the truth.

All that aside, I would possibly be willing to do it again, but it would have to be set up in advance.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

If you don't get what I'm trying to say, I will simply put it like this: don't bow down and worship members here just because you are going to be getting a sale on games, because look what happened.
I don't really care who that comment pisses of, because it's the truth.

People likely declined your offer because you were a relative unknown and because they'd already made a commitment to Dean.  Obviously they didn't plan on Dean flaking out, but it would be a shitty thing to do to tell a person that they're interested and then go out and buy elsewhere, leaving them holding the bag.  And that's the truth.

[PCEngineHell]

If you don't get what I'm trying to say, I will simply put it like this: don't bow down and worship members here just because you are going to be getting a sale on games, because look what happened.
I don't really care who that comment pisses of, because it's the truth.

People likely declined your offer because you were a relative unknown and because they'd already made a commitment to Dean.  Obviously they didn't plan on Dean flaking out, but it would be a shitty thing to do to tell a person that they're interested and then go out and buy elsewhere, leaving them holding the bag.  And that's the truth.

The problem there is that no one was committed to Dean on that Deal as Dean never said it was a sure bet,that I recall at least. It was just more or less people waiting and waiting hoping the deal would happen just like all other magic deals that never do,and partially customer loyalty. It was shitty of Dean to take that for granted and not simply step up and say he couldn't do it,leaving people on hold sitting on their money.

Quoth wasn't a unknown here either. Plenty of people purchased from him prior and during his start of activity on this forum.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

The problem there is that no one was committed to Dean on that Deal as Dean never said it was a sure bet,that I recall at least.

True - nobody signed a contract or sent Dean money, but they did express an interest.  Anyway I don't recall him stating his plans and getting negative responses or none at all.

It was shitty of Dean to take that for granted and not simply step up and say he couldn't do it,leaving people on hold sitting on their money.

Indeed.  Nobody is arguing otherwise.

Quoth wasn't a unknown here either. Plenty of people purchased from him prior and during his start of activity on this forum.

Like I said: relative unknown; undoubtedly many more people had dealt with Dean before and were willing to wait.  I'm not surprised that quoth didn't get a more favorable response, as his post offering to set up a deal was condescending (just like the one above) and started off complaining that someone else hadn't already stepped up to the plate.

[quoth09]

Quoth wasn't a unknown here either. Plenty of people purchased from him prior and during his start of activity on this forum.

Like I said: relative unknown; undoubtedly many more people had dealt with Dean before and were willing to wait.  I'm not surprised that quoth didn't get a more favorable response, as his post offering to set up a deal was condescending (just like the one above) and started off complaining that someone else hadn't already stepped up to the plate.

Not sure where you see me as being condescending, but the fact of the matter is that several people on this site kissed the ground that Dean walked on. No one should have that kind of status. I'm sure you of all people know about the arguments between Michael and Dean from a couple of years back; that was a result of that worship crap, and Michael pretty much put that into perspective. Dean's mods and other services were overrated, especially his superguns, and I saw one of those first hand. Dean is not the only person that could have done things around here.

I wasn't looking for a favorable response - I was giving people an alternative to waiting for Dean beating around the bush and twiddling his thumbs - which there was no excuse for, and exactly what he did. Look how many people waited on his last sale that didn't happen.

Someone else should have stepped up to the plate and offered to do the order...I mean how much does it take to do an order of 10+ Flash Carts through that site? All that has to be done is people say they want the stuff and make a promise / agreements / arrangements to pay. It takes nothing. I'm sure I'm not the only person here with a credit card and a Paypal account, which is ALL it takes, other than a few emails.


In fact, screw all of this talk - if people are interested in doing this, let's stop beating around the bush...
There is no real reason to wait, other than for people to be interested and say they are in for one. I have no incentive for myself other than being able to save on the cost of 1 with a bulk discount.

The item in discussion is here:
http://www.ic2005.com/shop/product.php?productid=62&cat=0&page=1

The cost would be $119.00 + split up shipping - must have at least 9 people on board though (I'm already #10).

Shipping cost is $50 for 10 of the units, and it looks like it goes up $1 for each additional. Depending on how many we have joining, the shipping cost would be divided by how many people we have. The more people we have, the cheaper shipping will be for everyone, so every extra person makes a difference on that aspect.

Also, each person would be responsible for shipping from me to them, insured. We can work out the details on that closer to purchase, but most likely the easiest method would be to do Priority fully insured, so everyone gets their card within a few days of them all arriving. Obviously this could be voted on, as an alternative would be to purchase some cheap + small boxes, and ship First Class insured, but this all depends on how big the packaging is, and if the weight is under 13oz. after packing. If anyone knows how much their 64MB card weighed in the packaging, or the dimensions, please PM me or post on here, as that would be a big help to having an alternative shipping method.

$7.40 is the cost of Priority fully insured under 1lb to anywhere in the US. Obviously Canada or elsewhere would be responsible for their own costs, and I would require Priority for any member in that case, due to lack of tracking/insurance on First Class International.


So, if you are interested in joining up for a bulk order of 128MB cards, either post here or PM me.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

Shipping cost I'm not 100% clear on - looks like free shipping from their site?? (can someone look at that?)

There wasn't free shipping on the group buy organized by BT and nat, and it doesn't look like they've changed policies since then (clickitty-clickitty.  Only retail orders (less than 10) have free shipping; wholesale orders (10 or more) are charged shipping.

[quoth09]

Shipping cost I'm not 100% clear on - looks like free shipping from their site?? (can someone look at that?)

There wasn't free shipping on the group buy organized by BT and nat, and it doesn't look like they've changed policies since then (clickitty-clickitty.  Only retail orders (less than 10) have free shipping; wholesale orders (10 or more) are charged shipping.

Ah, that is what I was talking about. I didn't read it right before - thanks for looking at it.
I just updated the information as I signed up and found out shipping costs.
It's $50 for the first 10, and each additional item after that is only $1 more. It would be great if we could get 20 people or more in on this, as that would drop the initial shipping below $3 for each person.

[jperryss]

The item in discussion is here:
http://www.ic2005.com/shop/product.php?productid=62&cat=0&page=1

The cost would be $119.00 + split up shipping - must have at least 9 people on board though (I'm already #10).
Shipping cost I'm not 100% clear on (I will update this shortly after I sign up on there).
Also, each person would be responsible for shipping from me to them, insured. We can work out the details on that closer to purchase.


So, if you are interested in joining up for a bulk order of 128MB cards, either post here or PM me.

Didn't it used to be $109 for 10+ purchases, or diid I misread it last time?

Also, the link posted above says "a small shipping charge" for wholesale orders. I'd be curious to know what that consists of.

Either way, I'm interested.

[quoth09]

Didn't it used to be $109 for 10+ purchases, or diid I misread it last time?

Also, the link posted above says "a small shipping charge" for wholesale orders. I'd be curious to know what that consists of.

Either way, I'm interested.

The amount you are thinking of is for the 64MB cards if you don't do a bulk order, found here:
https://www.ic2005.com/shop/product.php?productid=26

A bulk buy on the 64mb units for 10 or more is $69.00 each - under 10 is $109.00 each.

The order here that I am trying to do is for the 128mb units:
https://www.ic2005.com/shop/product.php?productid=62

They are normally $149.00 each for less than 10.


I updated the previous post, as I just found out shipping costs, so for a lot order of 10 or more, we are looking at the initial shipping charge to be $5 per person, or less depending on how many more people jump on board.
I also looked up how much shipping would be after the package arrives for each person to receive their item, as I would have to ship out each one of them. I could also do an alternative shipping method, but I would just call a vote closer to the end, as really it's not worth the time unless a large majority want First Class - it's only a 2-3$ difference, plus the price of a small box (maybe $1, depending on dimensions).

[jperryss]

Bump. Would love to see this come to fruition.

[Duo_R]

I would totally buy this, the only flash cart I saw looked hideous (like a video card hacked to hucard slot) but this is nice! I would go 64meg because of the price, but 128 would be nice. But I could live with 64