PC Engine Duo questions

[JFLY]

I'm looking to get a PC Engine Duo soon, and I was wondering if anyone with one can answer some questions I have about the system.

1. What's the latest/last version of the arcade card for the system?
2. Are the older CD games compatible with newer arcade cards?
3. What's the difference between the Duo-RX and the regular Duo?
4. How's the build quality? I've had my Sega CD since it was released and it still works like a charm.
5. Finally, can the Duo output s-video?

[j_factor]

1. They never "revised" the Arcade Card. There are two different versions of the Arcade Card, and the only difference is that one is designed for the Duo and one is designed for the add-on. There needed to be a difference because the Duo has the Super System 3.0 built-in (to play Super CDs), whereas if you have the separate units you'd have to get a Super System 3.0 card to play Super CD games; the Arcade Card Plus doubles as a Super System 3.0 card, whereas the Arcade Card Duo does not (and you can't use the Plus on a Duo system or vice-versa). So if you're interested in playing Arcade Card games and you do get a Duo system, make sure to get the Arcade Card Duo. Personally, however, I would say that it's not really necessary, as the Arcade Cards are kind of pricey and there's not that many Arcade Card games.

2. The only game I'm aware of that has a compatibility problem is Altered Beast (which won't work on a Duo system, period). Every other game should work fine with the Arcade Card left in; however, you could always remove it if it gives you trouble for a game. Unlike the CD add-on system, the Duo doesn't require you to have a System Hucard at all times to drive CD games (unless it's an Arcade Card game, of course).

3. As far as I know, the only difference is that the R was a cheaper unit and lacks a headphone jack and is a/v only (no RF output). Duo-R and Duo-RX are the same system; the "X" just refers to a different package deal they had.

4. Very good. NEC's consoles are remarkably reliable.

5. Officially speaking, no. There is a mod you can do but it's multi-faceted. The video chip supports RGB, but the console itself has no RGB output. So you have to attach wires to the video chip and replace the DIN, and that will give you an RGB signal, which you can convert into s-video or component or whatever. However, the RGB signal is weak, so you need to do an amp mod (unless you don't mind it looking crappy). Alternatively, you can use an upscan converter.

[Joe Redifer]

Be aware that if you want to get an Arcade Card you'll also have to get an adapter that lets Japanese cards play in the US systems.

I'm getting ready to RGB mod my old TurboGrafx-16 CD-ROM. I'll run the wires from the CD attachment instead of the video chip. The Turbo will remain unmodded. Will probably still need the RGB amp, though. What is the point of making a weak RGB signal? It's like they said "Let's give them RGB, but make sure it sucks!" I hope the RGB mod will get rid of all of the fuzziness and shimmering that happens when just about any Turbo game scrolls.

[JFLY]

That's all the info I need. Thanks guys!

[j_factor]

Be aware that if you want to get an Arcade Card you'll also have to get an adapter that lets Japanese cards play in the US systems.

He said he's getting a PC Engine Duo, so no he will not.

[Joe Redifer]

True. But be aware that even with an adaptor a PC Engine can never play US card games. For some reason it only works the other way around.

[j_factor]

I believe you can mod a PC Engine to play US card games, though.

[Joe Redifer]

J Factor I demand you tell me if an RGB mod for the PC Engine/Turbo will make the fuzziness and shimmering during scrolling go away!

[j_factor]

Um... can you give me some precise examples of shimmering/fuzziness?

[Joe Redifer]

Basically any game that scrolls. A good example would be the Ys Book 1 and 2 title screen. It doesn't scroll, but it shimmers like a biotch!

http://pixelcraze.film-tech.net/crap/Ys.gif

It does this, but much, much faster (depending on your browser).

[j_factor]

hmm... I just loaded up Ys Book I & II, and only her hair was shimmering.

[Joe Redifer]

OK that's probably in the code, then. Try:

Dragon's Curse (if you have it)-
Start a new game. The red bricks will lightly shimmer as the screen scrolls.

Legendary Axe 1 (if you have it)-
Stage 1, go down and kill the spider. Stay down there and walk back and forth. While walking, press the jump button while still moving in that direction. As you jump the scrolling gets slightly faster... and shimmers. It also shimmers slowly when you climb back up the rope.

[JFLY]

I'm having a hard time deciding what CD shooter to get next for my newly acquired PC-Engine Duo - RX. Spriggan or Gate of Thunder?

[j_factor]

Between those two, Gate of Thunder, definitely.

[Joe Redifer]

No more shimmering for me since I play the Turbo in component now. Ys I & II no longer has shimmering hair at all.

[David J.]

I'll be playing Genesis in component not much longer... next week. Damn, the excitment is killing me.

[Joe Redifer]

If you are ordering the RGB - Component transcoder from Australia, it might take longer than a week. I remember Australia being the slowest place to receive goods from. Hopefully the SCART cable will show up first.

[David J.]

Nope. The transcoder is coming from Florida. Some guy was selling a whole bunch for $60 on ebay, so I bought one. And the SCART Cable is coming from New York.

The seller I bought it from is "specialty-av" and he has 100% feedback, so I bought with confidence. I'd link to one of his auctions, but it'd strech the page out. The SCART Cable was from NCSX, which meant I had to pay $8 for shipping and $2-something for sales tax. Only was around $30.49 which was good. I should be getting the cable first.

Then when I was out doing errands, I bought a component video cable at Lowes, and a adjustable AC/DC adaptor for $4.99 at Biglots. I didn't buy a component cable there, because they where out. I almost got in a car accident on the way to Lowes because I was in the WRONG lane. Oops. I think the AC Adaptor should work as you can set it to 7.5 volts, and it has a few tips, and one may be the right one. If I can't use it, I can use it for something else. :)

[ary incorparated]

pc engine sucks.

[Joe Redifer]

The graphics on the PC Engine pretty much walk all over the Genesis, with the exception of the two background layers.

[ary incorparated]

The graphics on the PC Engine pretty much walk all over the Genesis, with the exception of the two background layers.

2 background layer of crap talk no need for the pep talk about pc engine.(i know how awesome it is).

[ary incorparated]

Nope. The transcoder is coming from Florida. Some guy was selling a whole bunch for $60 on ebay, so I bought one. And the SCART Cable is coming from New York.

The seller I bought it from is "specialty-av" and he has 100% feedback, so I bought with confidence. I'd link to one of his auctions, but it'd strech the page out. The SCART Cable was from NCSX, which meant I had to pay $8 for shipping and $2-something for sales tax. Only was around $30.49 which was good. I should be getting the cable first.

Then when I was out doing errands, I bought a component video cable at Lowes, and a adjustable AC/DC adaptor for $4.99 at Biglots. I didn't buy a component cable there, because they where out. I almost got in a car accident on the way to Lowes because I was in the WRONG lane. Oops. I think the AC Adaptor should work as you can set it to 7.5 volts, and it has a few tips, and one may be the right one. If I can't use it, I can use it for something else. :)

awesome thumbs up for that.

[ary incorparated]

No more shimmering for me since I play the Turbo in component now. Ys I & II no longer has shimmering hair at all.

same for me its great but im selling ys 1+2 complete whats the price for it these days?.

[ary incorparated]

The graphics on the PC Engine pretty much walk all over the Genesis, with the exception of the two background layers.

nope and you know why.it does some awesome stuff just like a neo would but hell no it doesnt walk pretty much over a genesis,remember genesis is cart dedicated and pc engine not while even the genesis stays impressive compared to.

[nate]

Is the much vaunted PC-Engine version of Dracula X any different than the SNES version? I've got the SNES version and it's not too hot, so I'm woundering why there is so much fuss about the PC-Engine one.

[Joe Redifer]

I feel it is much better. The SNES version came after the PCE version and they changed a lot of stuff, making it more drab-looking and overall just less exciting. The music is similar, but the SNES version doesn't sound too good, in my awesome opinion. The stages are pretty much all different. The SNES version is so gay that they were forced to call it "Vampire's Kiss" in Japan.

Here's a page with screenshots of the PC Engine version (http://www.mobygames.com/game/turbografx-cd/akumajo-dracula-x-chi-no-rondo/screenshots)

I played this game before Castlevania: Bloodlines came out in the US. The Genesis Castlevania looks sooooooooo bad in comparison. It's downright ugly.

[nate]

Wow, thanks. The graphics look much crisper. I don't mean to hijack this thread, but now I've got serious questions about the PC Engine.

1) If I want the ability to play both Japanese and American games, CD and card, what PC Engine/Turbografix system should I go for? What mods might I need?

2) Does anyone here own a Supergrafix? I read a bit about it on Wiki, so I'm a little curious now.

[Joe Redifer]

1) CD games are cross-compatible. Card games are not. You can play card Japanese games on a US system with a $100 adapter. Or you can just get a Japanese system as the card games are much cheaper than the US versions and less rare. Get the US versions of CD games that have them. You can also do a switch mod for either the Turbo or the PC Engine to enable the playing of foreign card games. There aren't too many fantastic US card games, and all of the good ones were released in Japan anyway.

2) The SuperGrafx only has a few games available for it, like Ghouls N' Ghosts... which is a pretty good version. The SuperGrafx is basically the same thing as a PC Engine except it has a bit more memory and an extra background plane so it can scroll like the Genesis without needing a ton of sprites on the screen. It can play all PC Engine card games and can hook up to a CD-ROM as well.

A good forum to go to is www.pcenginefx.com
Your questions can be answered with a lot more detail there. Great forum!

[ary incorparated]

i don’t but want to anyone who’s willing to share its pc FX or think of a good charity like the ary-inc funds please think of those poor children while donating, you’re welcome to donate everyday.

i own a Japanese turbo duo i am not going to mod it i want to keep it real, but i don’t know if need system cards for gates of thunder or something i going to hate it if i also need several system cards i think the games will run without it cause its only backup memory. ahh you mean a multi bios card for the pc engine I’ve heard of it.

[ary incorparated]

never mind i got the whole thing i get it its no probe im going to enjoy it.

[Kollision]

Sorry to bump this old thread, but I'm about to receive my PC Engine Duo R any time now, and I got one question:
How essential is it to have the 6 button controller? Is it just for fighting games or what?

[tomaitheous]

It's probably best to ask that question over at www.pcenginefx.com/forums/ .

[Melf]

There are people here who can answer that too. ;)

I'd get one if possible, as games like Forgotten Worlds and Street Fighter II are so much better with it.

[Dirt Ball Gamer]

I have a really dumb question. I have forgotten worlds for pc engine cd, and a 6 button pad, but I can't figure out how to change the controls. I go to the options and switch schemes but when I play I still have to use the select button to rotate the other way and its really annoying. Is there a way to have the two different rotate directions buttons right on the controls instead of select button?

[Joe Redifer]

Forgotten Worlds does not use the 6-button pad. It can use a special 3-button pad where the third button can act as a duplicate RUN or SELECT button (your choice), so basically it is a two button controller. The 6-button controller works well with Street Fighter 2 and a few other games use it as well, but not too many that are very important. Ys 4 maps item windows and whatnot to the extra buttons when it is enabled, for example. The Arcade Arcade Card fighting games also use the extra buttons. But it isn't as essential as it is on the mighty Sega Genesis 16-Bit Video Entertainment System which is the only system to ever offer new dimensions in gameplay. Sadly, the Genesis stopped offering new dimensions in gameplay when they stopped including Altered Beast in the box.

[Dirt Ball Gamer]

Pc engine question: Anybody played kaze Kire? Its a ninja game that gets very good reviews but goes for a pretty penny. I watched some youtube vid on it and it looks excellent, kind of like shinobi 3 mixed with ninja gaiden.

[GohanX]

I honestly wouldn't bother with the 6 button controller, unless you find it cheap. The port of SF2 is badass, but the fact is for the money you spend on that controller you could buy one of the Capcom collections that has a perfect SF2 port, and the SNK collections that have perfect ports of the other arcade card fighters.

I would like to have a three button controller, but I don't think it's at all necessary for Forgotten Worlds. I would like it for other games that use the select/start buttons for actions though, like Shinobi or Dracula X, or the 1 billion shooters that use it for speed select.

Also Kollision, the controller that comes with the PCE is likely worn out. If you are a controller nazi like me, go to TZD.com and order a new duo pad. It's actually a TurboPad, but it comes with a cable to make it work on PC Engines. $26 including shipping.

I have never played Kaze Kire, but I just watched a Youtube video and it looks badass. I'm going to have to try it.

[Tanegashima]

Forgotten Worlds does not use the 6-button pad. It can use a special 3-button pad where the third button can act as a duplicate RUN or SELECT button (your choice), so basically it is a two button controller. The 6-button controller works well with Street Fighter 2 and a few other games use it as well, but not too many that are very important. Ys 4 maps item windows and whatnot to the extra buttons when it is enabled, for example. The Arcade Arcade Card fighting games also use the extra buttons. But it isn't as essential as it is on the mighty Sega Genesis 16-Bit Video Entertainment System which is the only system to ever offer new dimensions in gameplay. Sadly, the Genesis stopped offering new dimensions in gameplay when they stopped including Altered Beast in the box.


Man, I don't know anybody as cynical is you Joe. Good job! :D

[Black_Tiger]

Pc engine question: Anybody played kaze Kire? Its a ninja game that gets very good reviews but goes for a pretty penny. I watched some youtube vid on it and it looks excellent, kind of like shinobi 3 mixed with ninja gaiden.

Its super mediocre. If it came out on Genesis, people would be much harsher on it. Its basically NES Kung Fu with a couple extra moves and 16-bit aesthetics.




Also Kollision, the controller that comes with the PCE is likely worn out. If you are a controller nazi like me, go to TZD.com and order a new duo pad. It's actually a TurboPad, but it comes with a cable to make it work on PC Engines. $26 including shipping.


TZD no longer exists. It got bought out by a shady company that's whoring out the TZD name to squeeze every penny it can out of Turbo fans. The first thing they did was list Dynastic Hero on eBay for like $700 while calling themselves the official TG-16 retailer.

[tomaitheous]

I didn't think kaze Kire was all that great. Matter of fact it was somewhat boring at times. Definitely average. (I only have a copy of the game).

Get Kiaidan 00 if you get a chance. That's a great sleeper shooter game.

[Iron Lizard]

That game gets so much attention. I saw people trying to compare it ROS. It sounded cool at first but after reading it played like Kung-Fu it sounded a bit over hyped to me.

[Dirt Ball Gamer]

Klaiden, yeah Ive heard that its a really good one, Ill have to check that one out.

[GohanX]

TZD no longer exists. It got bought out by a shady company that's whoring out the TZD name to squeeze every penny it can out of Turbo fans. The first thing they did was list Dynastic Hero on eBay for like $700 while calling themselves the official TG-16 retailer.

This is true, but the www.tzd.com site still works and you can still order the pads from them. Their Ebay BIN prices are ridiculous, but they sell most of the stuff on the site for the same price that the old TZD did, and their auctions on ebay often go for much cheaper.

[Dirt Ball Gamer]

I didn't think kaze Kire was all that great. Matter of fact it was somewhat boring at times. Definitely average. (I only have a copy of the game).

Get Kiaidan 00 if you get a chance. That's a great sleeper shooter game.

Any chance you could copy that copy? I could make it worth your while in riches:)

[tomaitheous]

Any chance you could copy that copy? I could make it worth your while in riches:)

I believe in the Free Software Liberation Movement. (PM)

[Dirt Ball Gamer]

That is an excellent cause, and thanks guys!

[Kollision]

I received the console today and, as a complete newbie in the PC Engine world :?, I have some more (maybe dumb or weird) questions about it:

1. Will the A/V cable from MD1 work with the PC Engine and vice-versa?
2. I noticed from the initial games I got that there are no option screens. Super Raiden (CD), for instance, seems to be a lot easier than the MD Raiden Trad... Is the lack of options common place with PCE games?
3. Are there any essential US-exclusive Turbografx games I should care about?

:?::?::?:

[tomaitheous]

Yes, the MD1 and the PCE Duo audio/video cable is interchangeable, but.... if you plug in the Duo AV cable into the MD1, you won't be able to use one of the audio outs since the MD AV cable is mono.

The few RPGs are worth getting the US releases for. Also learn how to burn CDR's of games. There are some CD translations already out and some that are coming out (some that I'm working on and some that I've helped with - a shameless plug I know ;) ).

US titles that I would get:

Dungeon Explorer 2
Exile 1 and 2
Ys 1 & 2
Ys 3 (awesome, awesome music... don't listen to Joe!)
Cosmic Fantasy 2
Valis 2 (classic but extremely dated) and Valis 3 (a bit harder than the Genesis version)

Unfortunately without a flash card and a hacked rom, you can't play US hucards on a JP Duo. Well.. unless you install a region switch. CD games don't check for the region bit, only hucards.

[Kollision]

Thanks, tomaitheous.
I heard that burned CDs might damage the lasers in the Duo console, but anyway I don't intend to use burned CDs....

[Joe Redifer]

The PC Engine A/V port does not have enough pins (holes) to allow the insertion of a MD/Genesis AV cable, so no it will not work.

[Black_Tiger]

Thanks, tomaitheous.
I heard that burned CDs might damage the lasers in the Duo console, but anyway I don't intend to use burned CDs....

It can wear them out faster from having to do more work trying to read a crappier cdr copy.


Essential US-exclusive Turbografx games you should care about-

Games to buy-

Order of the Griffon -Turbochip


Games to "try"-

Beyond Shadowgate
Camp California -people say its good


Games that aren't technically "US-exclusive", but are worth playing in english-

Ys I & II -buy
Ys III -buy
Dragon Slayer -buy
Dynastic Hero -try
Dungeon Explorer II -try
Shape Shifter -buy
Cosmic Fantasy -buy
Exile -buy
Vasteel -try it and if you like it decide if you need the english version
Lords of the Rising Sun -not for everyone, but a very cool cheap game
Red Alert -hilarious cheezy acting
Final Zone II -hilarious cheezy acting
Valis III -hilarious bad acting


Turbochips-

Neutopia & Neutopia II
Military Madness -many people would want to play this in english. Try Neo Nectaris on PCE CD (has this game built-in).

[tomaitheous]

The PC Engine A/V port does not have enough pins (holes) to allow the insertion of a MD/Genesis AV cable, so no it will not work.

Oh, is that so? But it works the other way 'round (PCE cable on a MD1).

[Joe Redifer]

Yes it will plug in but it will be a VERY tight fit. Audio won't work or it will be very distorted... I forget.

[tomaitheous]

I never had any problems with the audio (Duo cable on MD1) other than removing one of the stereo inputs since the MD1 lacked it. My friend uses the Duo cable for his MD1, Duo, and Neo Geo iirc.

[Joe Redifer]

Yeah, I probably plugged in the wrong side and got buzz or something.

[GohanX]

I used the Duo cable for the Master System the other day, and that is correct. The left channel is the mono channel, but the right channel makes an awful buzzing sound.

By the way... a note on CDRs on the Duo. This is purely my opinion, by the way, many will disagree with me.

Many have theorized that CDRs harm the Duo, I don't necessarily think that it's true. I think the problem is the copies themselves are imperfect. Many of the ISOs on the net are from the early days of the internet where the audio tracks were ripped separately from the data tracks, and when reassembled the disc is a flawed copy. The data on the disc is slightly off from the true table of contents from a real disc. To compount the problem, they work fine in Magic Engine, so they often weren't fixed. Often they will work in a real system, but it is hell on the laser, as it's trying to find data and it's not in the place it expects.

There is a program that someone wrote that is a PC Engine/TGCD TOC fixer. It can fix many ISOs you download, ceasing the excessively long load times. It won't help the awful MP3 quality but the games will work fine assuming you are using good CDRs (Taiyo Yuden.)

Of course, if you just buy the discs, you don't have to worry about it. However, it is a good way to try out some games that you are unsure of or are too expensive to actually buy. Sapphire rocks hard, but there's no way I would pay the kind of cheese it costs for the real deal.

*edit* Didn't I post this on this forum before in another thread? Sorry for repeating myself.

[tomaitheous]

Many Duo's and PCE CD systems already have old lasers, using CDR's is just that much tougher on a worn out laser. Similar to the PS1 and CDRs. You *can* buy replacement lasers for the Duo units. Of my Duo, original white CD unit, and SGX Super CDROM2 unit - the Super CDROM2 unit reads CDRs the best. That thing's a beast (and it has a sys 3.0 card built in like the Duo).

[Kollision]

Question:
How do you get the 6-button Avenue Pad to work in Forgotten Worlds?

I have changed the options in every way I can and all I get is a swap between the RUN/SELECT buttons or a crazy useless joystick while in the "B" mode...

[Dirt Ball Gamer]

I was having that same problem

[Joe Redifer]

It doesn't. The 3 button NEC Avenue pad simply swaps button III for SELECT or RUN, your choice. Forgotten Worlds will always use the RUN as one of the rotate buttons. The NEC Avenue 6 button pad is completely different. You'll still have to use the RUN button. In this case, it is easier to use a regular controller since you won't have to move your thumb over the III button.

It seems Forgotten Worlds loves to have controller issues no matter what system it's on.

[Dirt Ball Gamer]

I hate that

[ROBOTRON]

I had a Duo (U.S. version) once upon a time and sold it many years ago...like an idiot.

I have a regular TG16 now but I wish I had a Duo again, unfortunately they are priced out of this world. :(

[Black_Tiger]

It seems Forgotten Worlds loves to have controller issues no matter what system it's on.

Have you tried the Capcom Classic Collection version? I only played through it once, but I'd like to have an option to lock aiming positions somehow.

[Joe Redifer]

I have that version I think... on the Xbox. I remember the emulation of some of the games being kind of shoddy. I bet Digital Eclipse is responsible for the emulation (I remember the sound really sucking, sounding very compressed).

[Melf]

Question: My Duo's audio is all distorted and funky. I hear this is a common issue with the system, but how do I fix it?

[Zeus]

Question: My Duo's audio is all distorted and funky. I hear this is a common issue with the system, but how do I fix it?


saw this on wikipedia




Many TurboDuo systems suffer from audio problems, usually taking the form of random cracks and pops, or the sound dropping out entirely. In some cases, only sound spooled from the CD is affected. This is generally attributed to faulty capacitors (see Capacitor Plague), and the placement of two large transistors next to the audio amplifier circuit causing excess heat. This can generally be fixed by replacing the faulty capacitors (especially the ones behind the two large heat sinks)[1]. The dead capacitors may have also leaked electrolyte onto the motherboard, which should be cleaned off. This same problem is also common with the TurboExpress and PC Engine GT handhelds, though other models of the PC-Engine family may also have this problem (Anecdotal evidence suggests that the Duo-R and Duo-RX models are less susceptible to this problem, possibly due to a different motherboard layout).

[Kollision]

Good to know that, since mine is the Duo-R version. ;)

[Nintega Grafx-16]

Don't ever get a black PC Engine Duo. They are built like crap and used systems most likely have sound problems. Instead get a Duo-R or RX or better yet if you already have a stand alone PC Engine or a Super Grafx, you should try to get a Super CDROM2 unit.

[Melf]

The rice crispy audio affects my HuCard games too. I was devastated when I tried to watch the Ys Book I & II intro today and got all that static.

How can I fix this then? I don't know squat about soldering, etc. Anyone here work with that? My laser lens could also use some calibration, I think. It's finicky about reading certain discs.

[Black_Tiger]

The black PCE Duo/TurboDuo systems are fine. I bought my TurboDuo at launch and the only issue I ever had was the laser (from playing the system every day for 10 years straight), which I easily replaced.

The Duo R/RX systems just seem to be exempt from or less likely to suffer the capacitor/over heating issue that is a possibility with regular Duo systems. So you're better of with an R/RX if you can afford it, but black Duo's are still far from crap.

TurboDuo's aren't worth buying to play games on simply because they're an overpriced collector's item. PCE Duo's are a great deal.

I don't recommend the SuperGrafx + CD-ROM setup, a Duo is the best way to play PCE games. The SuperGrafx is so huge that it's not worth creating a monster combo just so that you can play up to 6 particular games without setting up a SuperGrafx on the rare occasion.

With a PCE or SuperGrafx + CD-ROM combo you'd still have to swap the system card every time you wanted to play a HuCard, so it's really a useless trade off, especially since you can buy a Duo for the price of just a CD-ROM.

[tomaitheous]

With a PCE or SuperGrafx + CD-ROM combo you'd still have to swap the system card every time you wanted to play a HuCard, so it's really a useless trade off, especially since you can buy a Duo for the price of just a CD-ROM.

You forget Core Grafx+Super CDROM2. It's sexy and matching. Plus the Super CDROM2 attachment has the SCD 3.0 card build into it. No need for a system card except for when playing Arcade Card games ;)

The SuperGrafx looks horrible with the original CDROM addon. It looks fantastic with a Super CDROM2 though. Such a sexy beast. So much so, that I never put it away :D

Melf: Sorry to hear your troubles. There might be someone over at the PCFX forums that can do the repair (I don't remember any names offhand). If you're having reading problems as well, you might want to look into getting a replacement laser module for the unit and have that same person put it in.

I have my original Duo launch unit and never had any audio problems.

[Black_Tiger]

I like all PC Engine hardware, but to non-die hard PCE fans looking for a single setup to play games, I recommend a Duo since it's the most convenient and cheapest.

[Nintega Grafx-16]

You forget Core Grafx+Super CDROM2. It's sexy and matching.

I agree. :)

Too bad it is very hard to find online and bidding battles are inevitable once one shows up. Probably some PCEFX guys who have like 10 of them in their collection and will do what it takes to get every one of them from Japan for themselves. :mad:

[TmEE]

The rice crispy audio affects my HuCard games too. I was devastated when I tried to watch the Ys Book I & II intro today and got all that static.

How can I fix this then? I don't know squat about soldering, etc. Anyone here work with that? My laser lens could also use some calibration, I think. It's finicky about reading certain discs.

The fix is same as with Game Gears, you replace all the caps... ones not dead will die...

[Black_Tiger]

I agree. :)

Too bad it is very hard to find online and bidding battles are inevitable once one shows up. Probably some PCEFX guys who have like 10 of them in their collection and will do what it takes to get every one of them from Japan for themselves. :mad:

There are always multiples of each for sale on eBay and they usually have Buy-It-Now prices and are often listed in eBay Stores instead of auctions.

[Nintega Grafx-16]

There are always multiples of each for sale on eBay and they usually have Buy-It-Now prices and are often listed in eBay Stores instead of auctions.

I am talking about the Super CD-ROM2 units not Duo-Rs or RXs.

[Black_Tiger]

I am talking about the Super CD-ROM2 units not Duo-Rs or RXs.

These are current as of this posting-

http://cgi.ebay.com/PC-ENGINE-SUPER-CD-ROMROM-JAPAN_W0QQitemZ300258811000QQihZ020QQcategoryZ1399 71QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l12 62

http://cgi.ebay.com/PC-Engine-Super-CD-Rom-Arcade-Card-2-Games-more_W0QQitemZ280289154876QQihZ018QQcategoryZ13997 1QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEC-PC-ENGINE-SUPER-CD-ROM-2-JAPAN-BOXED-W-MANUAL-RARE_W0QQitemZ360106947081QQihZ023QQcategoryZ1182Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Boxed-NEC-PC-Engine-Super-CD-ROM2-w-Manual_W0QQitemZ280289156628QQcmdZViewItemQQptZVid eo_Games?hash=item280289156628&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318

[tomaitheous]

I got mine from ebay for $100 shipped. Missing cables and such, but I made my own. The SGX I had since late '92 ;) Together they form Voltr.. the ultimate PCE gaming machine.

[Melf]

The rice crispy audio affects my HuCard games too. I was devastated when I tried to watch the Ys Book I & II intro today and got all that static.

How can I fix this then? I don't know squat about soldering, etc. Anyone here work with that? My laser lens could also use some calibration, I think. It's finicky about reading certain discs.


:?

[Joe Redifer]

I bet TMEE could replace all of the capacitors for you, which is what would have to be done. Maybe it might be easier to get a Japanese Duo and install a region switch if you have any US HuCards.

[Kollision]

Quick question:

Do PC Engine CDs have red book audio, like Sega CD ones?

[Black_Tiger]

Quick question:

Do PC Engine CDs have red book audio, like Sega CD ones?

They sure do.

[GohanX]

And just like Sega CD games, it is awesome. Gate of Thunder, Dracula X, and Sapphire sound awesome played LOUD.

[Joe Redifer]

I've noticed that PCE CD music generally seems to be very quiet.

[GohanX]

This is true. I normally play the PCE on a surround sound system set to "Music" mode (more of an expanded stereo sound) and turn the center channel down. Basically, the center channel plays non-directional sound effects, the L & R speakers play the wonderful CD audio. This is really handy in Sapphire, where the laser sounds are way too loud compared to the other audio.