Can Anyone Help? PC Engine Duo-R Controller Port

[DaytonaUSA]

Not sure where the best place is to post this, but I'm wondering if there is anyone out there who would be able to help me out.

 

I just got a PC Engine Duo-R, which works great, and I LOVE it. But after a few minutes, usually the I or II button will go out, or the pause button. The only fix is to jiggle the controller port, generally towards the right.

 

I've read this is a common problem (pretty much THE only problem) on the Duo-R and Duo-RX systems, as the controller port solder starts to crack. While these systems don't suffer from bad cd lasers or capacitors, this seems to be a problem most come across at least at some point down the line.

 

I don't know how to solder, and I'm sure as hell not going to try on my rare Duo-R. Has anyone done this fix and would be willing to help me out?

Thanks everyone.

[DaytonaUSA]

Nobody knows how to reflow these?

[CatPix]

There isn't much you can do... It's a solder problem, you have to resold it. It's pretty simple, look at some how-to for resoldering and for opening your Turbo Duo.

There is nothing that require extreme precisions skills here.

[Austin]

Ha. I knew you would give into something like a DUO. Those CDs are far too tempting.

 

On topic, send it off to someone that is comfortable with system repairs. It will cost you, but it sounds like the only way you are going to get it fixed.

[DaytonaUSA]

I don't mind paying, but no one has offered their services.

 

And honestly, I don't think trying my non-existent soldering skills on such a rare system is a good idea .

 

 

Austin:

Yeah, I love the PC Engine. Unlike most systems, there's no "drought" period where I don't want to play it for a while. Something about the control, graphics and gameplay that just makes this system perfectly suit my gaming tastes. And yeah, really wanted some CD games. Bought Panic Bomber (the puzzle game) and been loving it.

 

Btw, I bought a 6 button RX pad, and I haven't had any disconnection issues since. Then again, I've only played for about 30 minutes with the new controller. I know for a fact that my Shuttle controller isn't damaged, and it disconnected on that one, so who knows...

 

I'll test with the 6 button controller more. If it gives out, then I'll post here, and hopefully someone can help me reflow the controller port board.

[Austin]

If the six-button controller doesn't give out, then I would just ignore the problem for now and rely on that as your main controller for this system.

 

I wouldn't doubt if there was an iffy connection at the port though. I had a DUO-R a little over a decade ago that had a similar problem, but with the A/V jack. Couldn't get a solid connection and so the video would cut out. Probably due to the same issue, a finnicky socket that may have needed the solder re-flowed.

[+-^CrossBow^-]

My Turbo Duo also had issues with loose connections at the AV and especially the volume wheel on the side! The wheel had about 2 or 3 completely separated solder joints. Wasn't too hard to hit them all with a little heat and have them reattach.

[mtshark7]

Daytona USA if you want I could reflow your controller port. Message me for details.

[DaytonaUSA]

Yep, just had the port problem tonight with the 6 button controller, so it's not the pad.

 

Big thanks to Mark T for helping me fix my Duo R .

[DaytonaUSA]

Ok everyone, I have REALLY good news.

 

The guy I bought this from in Japan agreed to let me exchange this unit for a new one. Not only did he give me my money back on the shipping to have it returned, but I already have the replacement unit here in my hands!

 

And I'm shocked!

 

Not only is this thing in near mint condition (better than my last one by far) with no yellowing or dirt (seriously, not a spec, not even in the disc drive bay), but it also came with the original box, styrofoam, baggies, etc!!!! The last one didn't even come with any of that! Heck, the controller was still sealed in the box, with the system wrapped in its original foam sleeve! No pieces are missing from the styrofoam either!

 

Needless to say I'm on cloud nine, and it makes an incredible deal even more unbelievable, as I got the system for a good price for a loose system, none the less one in a box.

 

I need to test it further, but I think this will be my new Duo R. Couldn't be happier