WANTED: someone to fix TurboExpress w/ common audio/video problem

[Mark Wolfe]

My wife reminded me tonight I have a Turbo Express that is in really beautiful external shape but it has the sound problem that seems to be pretty common among these units... and after just testing it after it had been in a drawer for a while it seems the video is out now too.

 

It is my understanding these can be fixed with new capacitors swapped for the old ones.

 

Is there anyone out there who can fix it?

 

update: after some thought I would like this thread moved to the "WANTED" section if possible.

 

These devices seem to all suffer from this issue sooner or later so I think the best thing to do if I want to own one, is to get one fully refurbed, instead of ditching this and buying another which will then eventually need work

Edited September 24, 2008 by Mark_Wolfe

[atreyu187]

What you want to sell it for??

[Mark Wolfe]

What you want to sell it for??

 

 

well, if you know me by now, you know I take offers by PM only

 

but really I was hoping I could pay someone to fix it, get all the caps replaced, or maybe put it out as a down payment on a trade on something I need, like a Jaguar CD unit, or a full set of 32X games [minus the 10 or so I have already]

 

-

[atreyu187]

I know someone that could fix it for you at a reasonable price. I will ask him and get back to you.

[Mark Wolfe]

I know someone that could fix it for you at a reasonable price. I will ask him and get back to you.

 

 

excellent! thank you very much

[Mark Wolfe]

[bump]

 

update: after some thought I would like this thread moved to the "WANTED" section if possible.

 

These devices seem to all suffer from this issue sooner or later so I think the best thing to do if I want to own one, is to get one fully refurbed, instead of ditching this and buying another which will then eventually need work anyway

 

I'd appreciate any and all offers for help and or contacts to those who can help

 

I will pay reasonable and fair prices for parts, labor and shipping.

[guitarmas]

I have successfully fixed one. Mine had the low sound problem sound as well as sound only audible on one channel when using headphones. It's a pretty easy fix. Let me know if I can help you out.

 

edit: If you are good with a soldering gun you can DIY by following these guidelines:

 

Turbo Express Sound Fix

Edited September 24, 2008 by guitarmas

[Mark Wolfe]

I have successfully fixed one. Mine had the low sound problem sound as well as sound only audible on one channel when using headphones. It's a pretty easy fix. Let me know if I can help you out.

 

edit: If you are good with a soldering gun you can DIY by following these guidelines:

 

Turbo Express Sound Fix

 

 

can you send me your contact info in a PM and give me an idea of what it will cost? I have looked at the fix it guide before and I think it is beyond my meager capabilities and mine will need to have all the capacitors replaced as the video is shot as well it seems. I think there is a guide out there for a video fix, I'll try to dig up the link if you are not familiar with it. I think that was a similarly "easy fix"

 

at any rate, I really appreciate the offer, tell me how to proceed and I'll pack it up tonight and ship it.

 

edit: I found a link using google but then just deleted it a it seems the guy was a scam artist or something, I have not finished reading the thread yet but, anyway, it says there is a video fix, let me know if you can handle that.

 

edit 2: ok, false alarm, some idiot on this forum accused someone wrongly of running a scam. here;'s the link, the guy is legit so if you see the thread start to deteriorate, it does get back on track after a few pages:

 

http://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php?topic=4872.0

 

edit 3: here's the directory for the turbo gfx tech threads:

 

http://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php...&board=19.0

 

again, I'd much rather have an AA-er do the work but if it is something you can't handle let me know and I'll look up this cat from pcenginefx.

 

thanks!!!

 

edit 4: video fix instructions:

http://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php?topic=5015.0

 

I've been reading the above linked forum, it's pretty cool. I also have a U.S. Turbo Duo. perhaps I should consider some preventative measure on that and maybe a region switch? hmmmm

Edited September 24, 2008 by Mark_Wolfe

[guitarmas]

I've never personally done the video fix. I wouldn't feel comfortable charging you to fix the sound and still not having a working system.

[Mark Wolfe]

I've never personally done the video fix. I wouldn't feel comfortable charging you to fix the sound and still not having a working system.

 

 

ok, well, atreyu just sent me the name and e-mail of a guy he knows so I'll look in to that as well, meanwhile if there are any other AA-ers out there who can handle this, let me know

 

thanks for the help!

-mw

[shadow460]

I think I could handle it. I've never worked with a TurboExpress, but this is a fairly simple repair. I've repaired several portables in the past including the classic Game Boy, the GBC, Game Gear, and I've tinkered around inside of the PSP case, too.

 

If I did the repair, though, I'd want to replace ALL the caps that were circled on Sin's Turbo Express, not just the one in the LCD power circuit. I'm assuming that's a filter cap and as it bleeds it's beginning to short out.

[Mark Wolfe]

I think I could handle it. I've never worked with a TurboExpress, but this is a fairly simple repair. I've repaired several portables in the past including the classic Game Boy, the GBC, Game Gear, and I've tinkered around inside of the PSP case, too.

 

If I did the repair, though, I'd want to replace ALL the caps that were circled on Sin's Turbo Express, not just the one in the LCD power circuit. I'm assuming that's a filter cap and as it bleeds it's beginning to short out.

 

 

yeah, I'd want all the caps replaced too, no sense tempting fate

 

well, PM me your contact info and give me an idea of cost and turn around time, if you're up for it

 

thanks!!

[Platinumfungi]

Mark_Wolfe -

 

Replacing all the caps would definitely be a wise choice since you'll be having it open anyway. It won't take that much longer and it will give you some added security for the future.

 

I'd do some thinking before spending any more money on your Duo system though. I've worked on a lot of systems and the "standard" Duo is about the only thing I dread to work on. Due to the poor pcb layout and the bad run of caps you're much better off selling it while it still works and getting either the Duo R or Duo RX. Both of these models have a different pcb layout from the standard Duo and seem to have had decent cap runs as people very seldom complain of any problems. They are very reliable but the standard Duo is not these days.

 

If you decide you want to update your Duo, make sure that whoever does the work replaces all the caps.

 

It's obviously totally up to you, but I'd recommend doing some through research and really weigh your options before spending more money on a standard Duo.

 

If you guys have any questions about pcenginefx.com I'm "Red Ghost" over there and am usually floating around the repair/modding thread.

 

Good luck with whatever you decide!

shadow460 -

If you want, you can use "sub mini" caps instead of doing the remote mounting.

[Mark Wolfe]

@ Kaze

 

Great advice dude, thank you.

 

How do I identify my Duo? I just assumed it was a garden variety US Turbo Duo. It runs like a dream, never had a problem with it. I actually bought it for $35 a number of years ago and given the prices they fetch on ebay even if i sold it broken, I'd make a huge profit, so perhaps there is no reason to fix what ain't broke

 

but on the TurboE, this thing is in dire need of repair and I'd love to have someone PM me with some contact info and price/turn-around times and I'll get it right out in the mail. and yeah, I want it totally refurbed, all the caps replaced and anything done on it that can be done to get it in tip top shape. the case and screen are MINT so, I see no reason not to get it fully functional. I spent about $45 on it so I can easily see dropping some well spent money on it to someone who can make it sing again.

 

-mw

[+remowilliams]

Sounds a bit familiar. My TE that I got brand new recently lost a headphone channel. I have the SMT cap replacements, but haven't got around to fiddling with it yet.

[atreyu187]

That guy Turbokon does excellent repairs just stay away from the other guy on there. And only replace the needed caps the rest are a waste of time. It is only two caps that do bad. The gent I gave you is the cheapest I have ever dealt with and hos work is top notch!! He has replaced the capacitor's in my DUO-RX and did the region mod for $50 plus $10 shipping and works like a dream. Oh yea he also installed a new laser for that $50 as well.

[+remowilliams]

Oh yea he also installed a new laser for that $50 as well.

Funny you mention that - I just replaced the laser assembly on my TurboDuo last week, it was getting a tad iffy. Thankfully that had to be the easiest repair job in quite a while.

[Platinumfungi]

How do I identify my Duo? I just assumed it was a garden variety US Turbo Duo.

-mw

If it's a black/very dark grey color it's the standard "Duo". If it's off white in color then it's either the "R" or "RX". If you do a google image search for "turbo duo rx" it should quickly pull one up for you to see what they look like.

 

I'm 99% sure that the only Duo ever officially released in the USA was the standard black/dark grey "Duo".

[chris_lynx1989]

Have you looked in to having Turbo Zone Direct fixing your TE for you?This was the official NEC/TTI warranty/refurb unit place to deal with yet in the US.Find them @: www.tzd.com Good Luck

Edited October 7, 2008 by chris_lynx1989