hooking up a PC engine?

[Raccoon Lad]

I just recieved my PC Engine, and I can't seem to get any useable video out of it. If I tune to channel 10, I can get a VERY blurry picture, and messing with the fine tuning only makes the picture worse.

I tried using a SMS RF switch, and using an RCA cable with a phono-to-coax adapter, but I can't seem to get a clear picture.

any tips? (this is an original white model, BTW)

-thanks

[omnedon]

Does it have a full size DIN output? My Supergrafx uses a DIN, with stereo and composite video out via that DIN.

I 'beleive' a SMS/Genny composite cable is compatible with the SupergrafX, but I haven't actually tested it.

[Bratwurst]

I've been told that the original white PC Engine won't display RF on American televisions properly, much like how the RF on the original Famicoms don't either. Could look into some sort of device marketed as an international signal converter (That tourists or professional video editors might use?)to route the PCE through.

The pinouts for the expansion port is the same as the TG-16, you can tap composite video from 4 or so pins:

http://www.interlog.com/~daves/pce_info/backpln.txt

Eventually I'll get my lazy ass to make some cables but I need to find some nice pin connectors since I don't want to solder directly to the unit.

BTW I'm intensely jealous about that score of yours, 17 bucks!

[davidleeroth]

If you have a RGB monitor and you're going to open your PC-E anyways, you should do the the RGB mod (http://www.gamesx.com/rgbadd/rgbturbo.htm).

If you remove the RF modulator, you can fit the amp and connector nicely without having to cut holes on your lovely console.
I didn't notice any contrast problems although they were mentioned in the text. Works great.

[Raccoon Lad]

Eventually I'll get my lazy ass to make some cables but I need to find some nice pin connectors since I don't want to solder directly to the unit.


Yeah, I did some looking on the net, and it would seem as though NO ONE sells/makes 69 pin connectors like that.

I'm gonna improvise and hack up an old IDE cable this weekend and let you guys know how this turns out.

[Bratwurst]

I gave up looking for 69 pin connectors a while back. I heard someone got good results with chopping up a 78-pin dsub plug though, but I'm gonna go with regular old PC jumpers.

[Raccoon Lad]

One small piece of IDE cable (with socket) + dremel + One salvaged RCA plug from a dumpster VCR + a little electrical tape, and a dab of solder = http://raccoonlad.topcities.com/video/pce.JPG

pretty easy to make.

not perfect, but it does the job well enough.