pc engine region mod problem

TH0R · 12/01/2008, 02:44 AM

got a region modded pce withe the cd unit and the interface, us hucards work, but nothing jp works, the mod is done with a white push button and the jp games just throw up a white screen

Duo_R · 12/01/2008, 05:49 AM

something isn't right on the JP side. I would first start with the region switch and check the wiring. Is this a PCB mod or just a 8PDT switch? If you have a ohm-meter just start testing the lines. You can see the theory behind the region mod on my website (if it is a 8PDT switch).

agt_dale_cooper · 12/01/2008, 01:06 PM

JAP games don't work? I could understand the white screen on the USA side (no Pin 29 grounding), but not on the JAP side.

If USA cards work, the switch HAS to be wired correctly...right? All the switch does is switch the lines back and forth...if a line is out of whack, the whole thing wouldn't work...

There's some bit of information missing here, methinks...sounds like a PCB job with something amiss, I don't think 8PDT is available in a push-button...let's see a pic!!!

NecroPhile · 12/01/2008, 01:41 PM

Quote from: agt_dale_cooper on 12/01/2008, 01:06 PMI don't think 8PDT is available in a push-button...let's see a pic!!!

Push button switches are the only type I've ever seen installed for a region mod (clicky). If THOR's mod does use one of these, it could easily be incorrectly wired or have a loose wire.

TH0R · 12/01/2008, 05:28 PM

i've opened it up and DAMN...that's why i didn't want to try it myself...there's a ribbon from the bottom of the card slot going to the pcb board...see some black wiring taped together separate from this but still looks connected... how can i upload some pictures, i've had problems with size being too large

Duo_R · 12/01/2008, 06:14 PM

the 8PDT region switches can either be a slide switch or a pushbutton (these days pushbutton is more common). Sounds like yours is a PCB install though, upload pictures through Image Shack (just google that). If that doesn't work email me the photos (look at my sig, you will see my email address in the webiste URL).

Also, the comment about it having to work all or nothing - not true. You could have the US region side all wired properly, but the JP side not working on a region switch. This would most likely be the jumper wires having an issue, if the US side is working (I can post more pics to explain).

However, this sounds like PCB. Send pictures to confirm.

Quote from: TH0R on 12/01/2008, 05:28 PMi've opened it up and DAMN...that's why i didn't want to try it myself...there's a ribbon from the bottom of the card slot going to the pcb board...see some black wiring taped together separate from this but still looks connected... how can i upload some pictures, i've had problems with size being too large

hoobs88 · 12/01/2008, 10:27 PM

Thor, where did you get your region modded PCE? I recently purchased one too but haven't checked to see if it works on the interface.

TH0R · 12/01/2008, 10:32 PM

ebay...

Duo_R · 12/01/2008, 10:35 PM

if u post up some pics I can try to help u out. Look at all the solder connections, the wires, etc.

hoobs88 · 12/02/2008, 02:07 PM

Quote from: TH0R on 12/01/2008, 10:32 PMebay...

Who was the seller?

TH0R · 12/03/2008, 12:19 AM

gamedoctorhk( 868)
Feedback: 99.4 % Positive
Member: since Jan-27-01 in Hong Kong
Registered as a individual seller
... the system is in pretty good condition, pce is filthy inside and a bit yellow , cd unit might be filthy inside...some gray stains...dried up detergent?

agt_dale_cooper · 12/04/2008, 03:22 PM

I traced the wiring on the switch, I rescind my statement about it not working at all if not wired correctly....working in whatever mode the un-jumpered wires were installed in, and NOT working due to faulty jumpers is indeed a possibility.

Nice to see 8PDT switches available just at the click of a button (pardon the pun)...I couldn't find them in the wild back when I looked, let alone in push-button style.
How the frell does one mount one of those push-buttons, anyway? Doesn't look like a lot of space for epoxy to adhere to....?

[Still waiting for pics of this install, BTW...]

Duo_R · 12/04/2008, 04:51 PM

the popular switch buttons have a screw and threading that will help hold it in place. I have a couple that don't have that setup so epoxy would be needed (trickier to install). My favorite of course is the sliding switch, but those are rare these days.

Platinumfungi · 12/10/2008, 09:24 AM

Besides the 8pdt switch method you could use multiplexer/demultiplexer ICs and a simple slide switch.

Duo_R · 12/10/2008, 10:07 PM

well unless someone is builiding PCB's with IC's these days, I would say that is more work.

Platinumfungi · 12/11/2008, 10:08 AM

Quote from: Duo_R on 12/10/2008, 10:07 PMwell unless someone is builiding PCB's with IC's these days, I would say that is more work.

That could be indeed. I was having a hard time finding the 8pdt switches so I liked the IC way. Just another option

TH0R · 12/18/2008, 02:02 PM

i actually sent it back to the seller , he's going to replace it . when i opened up the pce the ribbon was hard like, it couldn't be opened all the way...may have been old

agt_dale_cooper · 12/19/2008, 02:25 AM

OW! Hope he's covering shipping to and from HK....otherwise this constitutes 'significantly different than described', which will allow you to have some fun with PayPal....hope this all sorts out well for you, in any event...

TH0R · 01/05/2009, 04:22 PM

dude finally got the pce. says it works 100%...with the cd interface unit and everything...weird. says he thinks it might be the system card? that won't affect anything right? wtf