TG16 region lockouts? (and other TG/PCE queries)

[dreamcaster]

Do TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine games have region lockouts? Or are they fully interchangeable between each system? (like Master System games).

Also, can any of the resident TG/PCE nuts around here explain to me what the differences are between all the different PCE/TG consoles? There seems to be so many out there, I've become a little confused. :o

I know that there's the standard NEC TurboGrafx-16 console (released in the US and in limited quantites in Europe).

However, can anyone explain to me where the Japanese CoreGrafx, SuperGrafx, the Turbo Duo and whatever others I may have missed, fit into the whole NEC console equation.

Thanks!

[Nez]

Well the tg-16 has regon lock out so I assume the Pc engine does as well.

[classicb]

yes it has region lock outs

their is only one version of the american tg-16 but their are mulitple versions of the PCE other than cosmetic differences some can't hook up to the CD unit. The Duo is basically a tg-16 and CD unit molded into one unit. most people prefer to get the duo over a tg-16 with cd unit. the super grafx was NEC's last effort and has only but a few games.

BTW I'm not much of an expert but I know that much

edit:

here is a site I like and has a break down of all the turbo consoles

http://turbo2k.net/

[dreamcaster]

Great site! Thanks! :)

[Parodius]

Here is another good roundup of PCE info:
http://www.videogameimports.com/pcengine.htm

[TheRedEye]

So is it possible to have a setup that would play CDs and Hu-Cards from both regions, plus the arcade card and Super Grafx stuff? Or, at the very least, is a Duo with a Hu-Card adapter good enough for all cards and CDs, or are there compatibility problems?

[D-Lite]

So is it possible to have a setup that would play CDs and Hu-Cards from both regions, plus the arcade card and Super Grafx stuff?
Yes. Get a region modded SuperGrafx and connect it with the Super CDRom2 unit. Can play everything that way!


Or, at the very least, is a Duo with a Hu-Card adapter good enough for all cards and CDs, or are there compatibility problems?
A region modded Turbo/PCE Duo with Arcade Card Duo can play everything but the SuperGrafx games. An interesting side note is that the region modded SuperGrafx has a error with 2 games I know of so far. Aldynes plays fine, but if you let attract mode continue past about 30 seconds it freezes. Also, Space Harrier seems to have a fatal error too.

[-hellvin-]

Damn supergrafx! I guess I'll have to buy one of these someday to play the few games released on it. I've always wanted to check one out but I've never looked too deep into it.

[Ed Oscuro]

their is only one version of the american tg-16
What, no TurboExpress? Ahh...

Also, from what I gather the lockout is also a technical one; but our man D-Lite's got that figured out it seems.

@ D-Lite: What about Jyouuki (Altered Beast)? That one will work if you just have System Card 1.0, right?

[dj898]

Or, at the very least, is a Duo with a Hu-Card adapter good enough for all cards and CDs, or are there compatibility problems?
A region modded Turbo/PCE Duo with Arcade Card Duo can play everything but the SuperGrafx games. An interesting side note is that the region modded SuperGrafx has a error with 2 games I know of so far. Aldynes plays fine, but if you let attract mode continue past about 30 seconds it freezes. Also, Space Harrier seems to have a fatal error too.[/quote]

G'day mate!

so my setup won't play pace Harrior and with Aldyness I have to turn it off if I'm not playing? :)

And I just sold both PC Engine Duo and CoreGrafx setup. :(
Oh well...

cheers

[RetroYoungen]

Can the TurboExpress play American TG-16 games, or no?

[D-Lite]

Can the TurboExpress play American TG-16 games, or no?

Since the Turbo Express is an American system, yes.

The PC Engine GT, no.

[TheRedEye]

Yes. Get a region modded SuperGrafx and connect it with the Super CDRom2 unit. Can play everything that way!

Sounds expensive and crazy. I'LL DO IT.

Anyone know a modder?

[RetroYoungen]

I thought they'd released it here in the US, but I didn't know for sure (I'm a TG-16 n00b). And what are the TurboExpress systems that Telegames sells at CGE every year? Are those American systems?

[Ed Oscuro]

Frankly, anybody with enough money to get a non-modded SuperGrafx should be getting a cheap TG-16 as well. It's a crime to alter an SGX! Figuratively speaking, anyhow, though I'm guessing this is a switchless mod, correct?

I AM going to be getting a SGX and the CD-ROM system (needs an RAU-30 too), though I'm not going to be modding it.

[dj898]

well I got the SG for free when I bought the CoreGrafx plus CD-ROM unit in suitcase interface - apparently the seller didn't got a clue and throw everything into the box as I also got two 6 button pads, multi-tap and CD-ROM interface for SG to name a few extra. :p
I figure if I'm going to use one unit for all my PCE titles I might as well mod SG and sold Duo and above suitcase setup since... if I need a mint SG for collection purpose I can get one for cheap in Japan but I don't collect for PC Engine yet...

cheers

[Azazel]

Yes. Get a region modded SuperGrafx and connect it with the Super CDRom2 unit. Can play everything that way!

Sounds expensive and crazy. I'LL DO IT.

Anyone know a modder?

I agree but I'm not doing it.

[D-Lite]

Yes. Get a region modded SuperGrafx and connect it with the Super CDRom2 unit. Can play everything that way!

Sounds expensive and crazy. I'LL DO IT.

Anyone know a modder?

I agree but I'm not doing it.

I was trying not to promote myself, but here goes.

Check out my website for the mods I offer:

http://www.aloofhosting.com/dragsy/

I've done about 5-7 SuperGrafx mods including S-Video and region modification

Here's a couple of LOADED systems, with S-Vid, region, and LED mods. Top one is a loaded Duo-RX, bottom is a SuperGrafx.
http://www.aloofhosting.com/dragsy/ForSD.html

[D-Lite]

Frankly, anybody with enough money to get a non-modded SuperGrafx should be getting a cheap TG-16 as well. It's a crime to alter an SGX! Figuratively speaking, anyhow, though I'm guessing this is a switchless mod, correct?

Not switchless. Needs to have a switch (or relay with a switch too).

I agree that if you're a collector, you'd like to have the system unaltered. BUT. By the same token, if the mod is done properly and "professionally", it looks damn cool in my opinion. I've done about 50+ region mods on all sorts of NEC systems and they look very nice I think. Only one that ain't super cool looking is the TG16.

[dj898]

mine's also done by D-Lite and I can say they look mighty professional! LOL

you know what if someone managed to do all these mod into white PC Engine that would be real cool!

I've seen few RGB mod to white PC Engine but they look rather dodgy...

cheers

[D-Lite]

mine's also done by D-Lite and I can say they look mighty professional! LOL

you know what if someone managed to do all these mod into white PC Engine that would be real cool!

I've seen few RGB mod to white PC Engine but they look rather dodgy...

cheers

Thanks sir!

I've got to order switches to do the PC Engine. Damn that thing is cramped on the inside, but I still think that console is teh pure sexay.

[Big Nate]

I'd love to have one of these modded Duo's, but isn't it true that the Duo and/or Duo-R break easily? For those that have them, how reliable are they? I remember reading a post on another board some while ago in which someone was asking what they should buy to get the full TG lineup, and several folks recommended buying a TG-16 w/CD System addon and said it was because the Duos broke easily.

[D-Lite]

I'd love to have one of these modded Duo's, but isn't it true that the Duo and/or Duo-R break easily? For those that have them, how reliable are they? I remember reading a post on another board some while ago in which someone was asking what they should buy to get the full TG lineup, and several folks recommended buying a TG-16 w/CD System addon and said it was because the Duos broke easily.

This is a very good question and one that I'm starting to see the answer to after modding MANY systems now. I'll list this as observations and keep opinions to a minimum:

1. Turbo Grafx CD add-ons seem to be very reliable over the long haul. Very few dead units.

2. Turbo Grafx CD add-ons generally are incapable of playing CD-Rs. First generation CD technology here, so error correction is teh sux.

3. Turbo Grafx CD add-ons are huge. And ugly.

4. Turbo/PCE Duo's (NOT Duo-R or -RX) are the most unreliable of the NEC family. About 20% of the units I come across have some kind of CD/sound issue. No lie, that many.

5. The most common problem with the Duo is that the sound craps out. First the CD soundtracks. Then all CD sounds. Then all sound, Hu and CD.

6. Laser performance is independent of sound issues in nearly all cases. You can have a crappy reading CD drive, but the sound works perfectly and vice-versa.

7. The sound issue seems to be due to overheating from extended play (meaning continuous, like 4 hours at a time). Heat sinks are located right next to the audio amplifier circuits. (A fix is on the way!). It gets damn hot in there (put your hand on the upper right quadrant of a Duo after only 15-20 minutes of runtime to see what I mean; that's where the heat sinks are). A preventative measure is to install a fan as I describe briefly on my website here: http://www.aloofhosting.com/dragsy/ , under the Turbo mod section.

8. The Duo-R and Duo-RX are MUCH more reliable than the Duo. I have only heard of one or 2 people with any problems with either.

9. Issues with the Duo-R and -RX are not sound related! Usually a screwed up CD drive.

10. The lack of sound issues on the -R and -RX seems to be related to point #7 above. The audio amp in these is located FAR from the large heat sinks.

11. The Duo is the coolest looking console ever!

12. With a Duo, Duo-R, or Duo-RX, you won't need a Super System 3.0 card.

So, I still recommend Duo's over the combo system due to convenience, sleek-ness, and space. The original Duo, if treated well, should last a long time. And it can probably be fixed if the sound craps out. But for the money, buy a Duo-R or Duo-RX. I've started switching all my inventory of modded (and about to be modded) systems to Duo-R and -RX's.

[Azazel]

I'd love to have one of these modded Duo's, but isn't it true that the Duo and/or Duo-R break easily? For those that have them, how reliable are they? I remember reading a post on another board some while ago in which someone was asking what they should buy to get the full TG lineup, and several folks recommended buying a TG-16 w/CD System addon and said it was because the Duos broke easily.

Yes they break down very easily even if you take really good care of them. I've had about 3 or 4 at various times and none of them work now. I say just get a PC Engine/Coregrarfx and a CD add on. It might not look as nice as a Duo but at least it will last.

I'll also add on to the info D-Lite gave.

A import CD add on can play CDRs. As long as you make them right they should play fine. It will also play CDRWs. I tested a few and they worked, although I never did any extensive tests beyond that. Also the import system with an add on isn't that much bigger than a Duo. A little taller and wider but not by a big margin.

I've talked to people and the US Turbo Grafx 16 CD add on can play CDRs. not sure where your getting your info from? If your a CDR guy the add on is generally suppose to be better for playing backups. The fact that more people just play CDRs on a Duo might help contribute to the problems that people have with Duos.

Also Duos sometime have the problem where the lens get stuck too far to the right. I'm not sure the best way to describe it but it's generally not that hard to fix.

[D-Lite]

I'd love to have one of these modded Duo's, but isn't it true that the Duo and/or Duo-R break easily? For those that have them, how reliable are they? I remember reading a post on another board some while ago in which someone was asking what they should buy to get the full TG lineup, and several folks recommended buying a TG-16 w/CD System addon and said it was because the Duos broke easily.

Yes they break down very easily even if you take really good care of them. I've had about 3 or 4 at various times and none of them work now. I say just get a PC Engine/Coregrarfx and a CD add on. It might not look as nice as a Duo but at least it will last.

I'll also add on to the info D-Lite gave.

A import CD add on can play CDRs. As long as you make them right they should play fine. It will also play CDRWs. I tested a few and they worked, although I never did any extensive tests beyond that. Also the import system with an add on isn't that much bigger than a Duo. A little taller and wider but not by a big margin.

I've talked to people and the US Turbo Grafx 16 CD add on can play CDRs. not sure where your getting your info from? If your a CDR guy the add on is generally suppose to be better for playing backups. The fact that more people just play CDRs on a Duo might help contribute to the problems that people have with Duos.

Also Duos sometime have the problem where the lens get stuck too far to the right. I'm not sure the best way to describe it but it's generally not that hard to fix.

When you say your 3 or 4 Duo's "broke down", what is the problem you see with them? This is what I'm getting at, the actual problem with the machines.

As far as the add-on and playing CDRs, the problem is one I've noticed myself and have heard from others too. I myself don't play CDR games because no matter how good you are at burning one, it is always going to be more error prone than a real disc, so the CD drive will definitely be working harder than normal. This is a BIG cause of screwed up CD units. In my opinion, if you HAVE to play CDRs, play them on an emulator. Or at the very least burn them at no faster than 2x.

But please folks respond here with any problems you've had with the Turbo Duo systems. I need to know what people are having issues with if there's any hope in locating and repairing the problem. I am onto the sound issue, but what else?

[Azazel]

Well I had a CD add on that had sound problem and sometime it wouldn't load games, but I able to fix that fairly easily. I think I just realligned the lens from what I remember.

As for the Duos the last one I had started out with music problem and later had lens or laser problems. I think I only used it like 5 times before it stopped working on me. All the other ones had len or laser problem. One of them I only used once before it died on me. The sound or music seems to be a newer problem. About 4 or 5 years I never heard about it. generally if a Duo died on you it was generally a laser/len problem or the lens got stuck to far to the right. have you ever looked into why sometimes the Duo's len will get stuck too far to the right?

[Hypnotuba]

Also Duos sometime have the problem where the lens get stuck too far to the right. I'm not sure the best way to describe it but it's generally not that hard to fix.

That's an interesting problem. I wonder if that's what happened to my Duo a few days ago.

For the first time ever I was trying to play a CD-R on it. It was having a hard time loading, repeatedly trying to access the disc. Sometimes I could get to the game title screen, other times not.

So, I took tried playing some "real CD" games for a while, and it was fine. Mind you, my Duo (a US Duo) has never given me a single problem with loading or sound skipping or anything.

I tried playing the CD-R again and it still didn't work. I decided to try making an image of the CD-R and burn a new copy (all at low speed). This copy actually loaded fine, but at one point when I was about to start the game, my Duo made a strange noise, not a grinding noise, but a hollow whine/moan sound and then just stopped dead.

Now when I try to play a CD, the red access light comes on, but there is no activity with the disc. It just sits there.

The lens sits all the way to the right and doesn't move. If this is something easily fixed, that'd be great. Assuming it's not the drive motor or something.

It still plays hu-cards fine. I don't have the right bits to open the unit up; I'll have to go to Electric Quarter or someplace and order them. Oh, and I don't have anything resembling mechanical skill, so, unless it's simple, I couldn't fix it anyway. :)

[Azazel]

Yea what your describing is the lens too far to right problem. You don't need the security bits to open the system up. It can be fixed with without opening the system since I've done it in the past. I don't think it's that hard to fix but some people might argue with me. I'm not really mechanically or electronically inclined myself but I have fixed a few system in the past and installed mod ships on Saturns.

That strange nosie you mention seems to happen with burned games. You could maybe try using a different burning program and you might not have the same problem. Although it's been mentinoed before I'll say it again if you want your system to last as long as possible don't play CDRs on a Duo. If you must play CDRs just play them on emulation where there's little risk of anything bad happening.

Something else that sometimes works is try playing your system upside down and see if that helps.

[D-Lite]

Although it's been mentinoed before I'll say it again if you want your system to last as long as possible don't play CDRs on a Duo. If you must play CDRs just play them on emulation where there's little risk of anything bad happening.
thank you for all of that statement. Saved me from typing it.


Something else that sometimes works is try playing your system upside down and see if that helps.
:o
I wouldn't do that too much as the CD unit is fastened to the bottom of the case. It's free floating for the most part and god knows the long term effect of that.

[Hypnotuba]

I'll say it again if you want your system to last as long as possible don't play CDRs on a Duo. If you must play CDRs just play them on emulation where there's little risk of anything bad happening.

I never will again, if I can get the Duo working. Just to be clear, I don't download or buy burned copies of games, I only play original versions. But this was a recently released game that was distributed on CD-R, because there was no place able to press real CDs. I've never tried a CD-R before this.

That said, I wonder if the fact that trying to play a CD-R for a few minutes affected my Duo this way just revealed an underlying problem that was waiting to happen anyway.

I may try the upside-down trick, but, I dunno, sounds a little PlayStationy to me. :)

Is it possible to explain the way you fixed the too-far-right-lens problem? If it is possible to fix without opening the unit, that'd be great.

Thanks for the help!

[Azazel]

Although it's been mentinoed before I'll say it again if you want your system to last as long as possible don't play CDRs on a Duo. If you must play CDRs just play them on emulation where there's little risk of anything bad happening.
thank you for all of that statement. Saved me from typing it.


Something else that sometimes works is try playing your system upside down and see if that helps.
:o
I wouldn't do that too much as the CD unit is fastened to the bottom of the case. It's free floating for the most part and god knows the long term effect of that.

I'm not saying you should do the upside down thing that often. Just try it once and see if it will work for you.

What game were you tring anyway? It wasn't one of the Mindrec games or the Super Hucard was it?

It's hard to say if the CDR caused your problem or not. I know some people that only play CDRs on there systems and they still work today so it can sometimes vary from one system to another.

From what I remember I just slighty nudged the thing to left. Just basically nudge just enough so the lens can read kind of the edge of the CD. I've done about it about 3 or 4 times in the past. I'm not sure the best to describe to it you or the best tool to use as I have't done it in 3 or 4 years. And yes I never opened the system up any of the times that I fixed the problem so to speak. It's also easier to explain if I had a system in front of me which I don't. I personally wouldn't touch another NEC CD system again even if someone paid me to. The other kind of sad thing is there's really aren't any places that fix Duos anymore. Retrogames was suppose to do it once the TZD contract ended about a year or 2 ago. I know about 3 or 4 people who sent them there system to them and they never got there systems back and Retrogames won't respond to emails.

[Hypnotuba]

What game were you tring anyway? It wasn't one of the Mindrec games or the Super Hucard was it?

It's hard to say if the CDR caused your problem or not. I know some people that only play CDRs on there systems and they still work today so it can sometimes vary from one system to another.


Yes, the game is the latest Mindrec game, Meteor Blaster DX. Implode was released on a real CD, and I assumed MBDX would be as well, so I just ordered it from TZD as soon as it was available. It turns out it's a CD-R, because it was impossible for them to find a place to press real CDs, which is too bad.

I guess I was being vague because I didn't want to imply that it was that game that messed up my Duo, especially because it was while using my copy of the original CD-R that the lens went weird. I love that there's still people making new Turbo software, and from reading his blog, he went through incredible lengths to find a duplicator, and when then failed, has resorted to burning the game one by one (if I read it correctly.)



I personally wouldn't touch another NEC CD system again even if someone paid me to. The other kind of sad thing is there's really aren't any places that fix Duos anymore. Retrogames was suppose to do it once the TZD contract ended about a year or 2 ago. I know about 3 or 4 people who sent them there system to them and they never got there systems back and Retrogames won't respond to emails.

That's terrible. Too bad TZD doesn't do the repairs anymore.

Anyway, I tried nudging the laser. It now works! It took a little while. I don't think I actually moved it much. I could move it at all, really. This was stupid to try, and I'm not offering it as a solution, but I took a long flathead screwdriver and gently tried jiggling the white gear on the inside of the unit that drives the lens thingie on the track. At least I assumed that's what it did. :) It's possible to reach it without opening the console.

After a little while it worked. Seems to work fine, too, but it does sound a little "grindier" now. That may just be my imagination, though. It seems to have no problem loading anything (but I won't try anymore CD-Rs.)

Thanks for your help! This is a great forum full of knowledgable and helpful people.

[Hypnotuba]

OK, not being one to leave well enough alone, I decided to see if I could reproduce the problem I had.

It was quite easy to make the lens get stuck all the way to the right. The cause of the problem was the copy I made of my original MB:DX CD-R. At the same point it happened before, my Duo made the same strange sound and locked up. The laser was all the way to the right.

So, it was the copy I burned. I used Nero at a lower speed, but, perhaps I should have tried reading/writing at 1x. A better idea: stop trying to burn CD-Rs. :)

My Duo still can't read the original MB:DX disc I purchased. I will either try to get another disc, or, try to find a good emulator like Magic Engine or something.

Also, I can't say for sure why the console starts loading games again. Really, once the lens is all the way to the right, I am unable to do anything more than jiggle it. I think it just took trying over and over to load a disc, and eventually it worked.

Peering inside, it looks like the lens assembly (whatever it's called) is all the way at the end of the track. It almost looks like it runs off the track completely, but there must be one tooth of the track still on the large white gear I mentioned above. Perhaps jiggling the gear gets it to line up enough that it has something to grab onto. In the future, this would probably be easier to deal with by opening the unit, by someone who knows what they're doing (not me!).

[Azazel]

OK, not being one to leave well enough alone, I decided to see if I could reproduce the problem I had.

It was quite easy to make the lens get stuck all the way to the right. The cause of the problem was the copy I made of my original MB:DX CD-R. At the same point it happened before, my Duo made the same strange sound and locked up. The laser was all the way to the right.

So, it was the copy I burned. I used Nero at a lower speed, but, perhaps I should have tried reading/writing at 1x. A better idea: stop trying to burn CD-Rs. :)

My Duo still can't read the original MB:DX disc I purchased. I will either try to get another disc, or, try to find a good emulator like Magic Engine or something.

Also, I can't say for sure why the console starts loading games again. Really, once the lens is all the way to the right, I am unable to do anything more than jiggle it. I think it just took trying over and over to load a disc, and eventually it worked.

Peering inside, it looks like the lens assembly (whatever it's called) is all the way at the end of the track. It almost looks like it runs off the track completely, but there must be one tooth of the track still on the large white gear I mentioned above. Perhaps jiggling the gear gets it to line up enough that it has something to grab onto. In the future, this would probably be easier to deal with by opening the unit, by someone who knows what they're doing (not me!).

Good glad I could be of help to you.

Yea Magic Engine and the other emulators should be able to play the game fine. Generally when you burn games even if your just going to play them on an emulators don't do it any faster than 2X. I personally think DJ and Clone CD are better for burning. Some people prefer CDRWin and there's Alcohol 120% which I haven't used yet.

[Hypnotuba]

Good glad I could be of help to you.

Yea Magic Engine and the other emulators should be able to play the game fine. Generally when you burn games even if your just going to play them on an emulators don't do it any faster than 2X. I personally think DJ and Clone CD are better for burning. Some people prefer CDRWin and there's Alcohol 120% which I haven't used yet.

Yeah, thanks again! I just tried it with Magic Engine, and it works fine. The copy does anyway, the original CD-R doesn't get recognized. :)

I've tried Clone CD, Disc Juggler, and CDRWin before, and they're all good. I guess I just use Nero because I've had success with it backing up the few PC-FX games I have.

[LazingBlazers]

And about the TGCD add on playing CDRs... mine doesn't play Meteor Blaster. My PCE Duo doesn't read CDRWs.

[Geddon_jt]

Just wanted to make a quick observation about the CDR thing.
I have a TurboGrafx+CD+3.0 stack, and for my rare games, I *only* play my CDR copies. I burn them at 1x and never have had any problem with them loading and playing beautifully.

That said, I have been trying to let a friend of mine, um... "try out" Super Air Zonk on his Duo. I have given him 2 CDR copies that work beautifully on my system but do not work at ALL on his Duo. I don't know what the problem is and have yet to find a solution to why his Duo is so finnicky when my stack isn't.

[Azazel]

And about the TGCD add on playing CDRs... mine doesn't play Meteor Blaster. My PCE Duo doesn't read CDRWs.

Duos can't read CDRWs, only CDRs. the CD add on can play CDRWs to a certain degree but it's probably not recommended. Sometimes you have to insert the CD in a bunch of times to get it to work.

Generally for playing CDRs the CD add on doesn't seem to have as many problems as the Duos do. You should also mention how your burning your CDRs? That generally has a big part to do with it. From what I've seen 90% of people can't burn PC Engine CDs right or know how to do it right. Also if I remember right I thought Duos had problems playing US Super Air Zonk. I remember at one time soneone sent me copy and it had problem's playing. It could load the title screen but generally wouldn't load anything past. I made a copy of my Japanese version when I owned it and never had any problems with it.

[LazingBlazers]

Duos can't read CDRWs, only CDRs. the CD add on can play CDRWs to a certain degree... (SNIP)

Yeah, I never thought Duos could read CDRWs. I'm just stating my 2 experiences attempting to play burned games. With the conclusion to be correctly assumed that I'm not a CDR burnin' type of guy, lead me in on your tricks. Sounds like you've got some solid experience. I can sort of garner from you previous posts how you prefer to do the process, but let's say this:

You've got one shot to burn a CDR of a game with no know problems or glitches relating to the copy process. How are you going to go about it? (ie program, process, ?disc brand?, etc.)

I for one would be interested to know, and I'm sure a lot of other people would, too. Maybe I can burn a copy of my Meteor Blaster game that will play in my add on, and not just my Duo (which you may be asking, is boxed up due to lack of space & only brought out for Out Run because it doesn't work on the PB).

[vincewy]

their is only one version of the american tg-16
What, no TurboExpress? Ahh...



Forgot about LaserActive add-on - TurboGrafx module PAC-N10? In Japan's PC-E front, many more variations, standard PC-E, Core Grafx, Super Grafx, PC-E Shuttle (budget HU-Crad only no CD upgrade console), PC-E GT, PC-E LT, and more, can someone list the URL of this, I can't find it anymore for some reason.

As for modding, what's everyone's opinion on kisado convertor? It saves the hassle of modding, also CD and SCD games are compatible with each other, only hucards play their own respective region's system. There're exceptions to CD and SCD games, I've heard a few Japanese CD/SCD games not working on US Duo besides Altered Beast. You can also play Japanese ACD games on US Duo with Kisado convertor and Arcade Duo card.

With current market price of stand alone TG, why not get PC-Engine Duo with Arcade Card Duo AND a stand alone TG-16 to play just US hucards, PC-E Duo will play all the rest, not sure if all US CD/SCD will play on Jp PC-E Duo. Even better, get LaserActive CLD-A100 with both TurboGrafx PAC-N10 and PC-Engine PAC-N1 modules + Arcade Card Duo, one unit that will play all.

I DO NOT recommend playing CDRs on any PC-E system, although it works, the discs seem to choke the laser while reading thus shorten the lifespan of the unit, I'd never put CDRs on my LaserActive system. However, if you can spare a hardware, you get the best CDRs by 1: Copying 1X speed 2: Use CDR with dark blue surface, it seems to be the same case with Neo-Geo CDZ (polymethelmethacralate), ie: Verbatim, 3. Use Discjuggler.

[Azazel]

their is only one version of the american tg-16
What, no TurboExpress? Ahh...



Forgot about LaserActive TurboGrafx module PAC-N10? In Japan's PC-E front, many more variations, standard PC-E, Core Grafx, Super Grafx, PC-E Shuttle (budget HU-Crad only no CD upgrade console), PC-E GT, PC-E LT, and more, can someone list the URL of this, I can't find it anymore for some reason.

As for modding, what's everyone's opinion on kisado convertor? It saves the hassle of modding, also CD and SCD games are compatible with each other, only hucards play their own respective region's system. There're exceptions to CD and SCD games, I've heard a few Japanese CD/SCD games not working on US Duo besides Altered Beast. You can also play Japanese ACD games on US Duo with Kisado convertor and Arcade Duo card.

I DO NOT recommend playing CDRs on any PC-E system, although it works, the discs seem to choke the laser while reading thus shorten the lifespan of the unit, I'd never put CDRs on my LaserActive system. However, if you can spare a hardware, you get the best CDRs by 1: Copying 1X speed 2: Use CDR with dark blue surface, it seems to be the same case with Neo-Geo CDZ (polymethelmethacralate), ie: Verbatim, 3. Use Discjuggler.

The converters greatly vary from one person to another. I know some people that have had problems with them where as other people have had no problems. I did own one at one time and a few hucards I had problems with. Personally it's cheaper and easier just to get another system that can just play hucards. Yea for non working games on a US Duo there's Alshark, Bonanza Brothers, RPG samler. I think I'm missing anoter as well as I've heard Cosmic Fantasy 1 locks up later in the game. If you have a CD add on you won't be able to play any of the GEC or games that require the Memory Base 128.

I generally use either Verbatims or TDKs for CDRs. Generally Disk Juggler is the best one to use. There's a few games that you might have to use Clone CD or something else to copy. I think if you have a normal Neo Geo CD it dones't matter as much but I never tested it to any great detail.

Also there's a chance that Meteor Blaster might have some kind of copy protection on it. I know from someone that Implode can't be copied.

[LazingBlazers]

Thanks for the info on the CDRs.

My opinion of the Kisado is that its a horse-a-piece between that and the other options. I own and use the Purple Barney (WH-301, TV Game Computer Cartridge Converter LOL ). I used to own a Kisado, but I decided to sell it. The reason being that it had it's fair share of problems just like my other unit, but it would command a lot more money on an open market.

If you need one, I'd say go with the Telegames converter from either TZD or Telegames. At least if it works like crap you could probably get a replacement... plus at $99 its probably going to be cheaper than any Kisado you'll find.

[skwatter]

The converters greatly vary from one person to another. I know some people that have had problems with them where as other people have had no problems. I did own one at one time and a few hucards I had problems with. Personally it's cheaper and easier just to get another system that can just play hucards. Yea for non working games on a US Duo there's Alshark, Bonanza Brothers, RPG samler. I think I'm missing anoter as well as I've heard Cosmic Fantasy 1 locks up later in the game. If you have a CD add on you won't be able to play any of the GEC or games that require the Memory Base 128.

I generally use either Verbatims or TDKs for CDRs. Generally Disk Juggler is the best one to use. There's a few games that you might have to use Clone CD or something else to copy. I think if you have a normal Neo Geo CD it dones't matter as much but I never tested it to any great detail.

Also there's a chance that Meteor Blaster might have some kind of copy protection on it. I know from someone that Implode can't be copied.
I generally use either Verbatims or TDKs for CDRs. Generally Disk Juggler is the best one to use.
do any of you know how to burn a tg cd for use on a duo with discjuggler?
i've tried doing it, i go to burn image to cd, i select my image (.cue) but it says that it's an invalid image file! what's going on? can anyone help me?