The Official Turbografx 16 Thread!

[ScoreAddict]

Awesome thread!

 

The one big question is where to get new lasers for the CD-ROM² etc. My unit (for example) arrived without the middle gear (sold by hit-japan, who else), some messing around on the pcb and a very weak old laser.

 

Looking for replacement parts I got the gear without any issues and scrounged another laser from a Sony discman. (Unfortunately there also was a short on the pcb and some professional help was needed.)

 

Now I'm wondering if it is possible to either have an old laser refurbished, a similar type (maybe even still in production) modded to fit or new units produced! Any ideas?

 

Getting rid of the lasers may be the only solution in years to come, but I'd love to keep my units in as original a condition as long as possible!

 

(Especially when considering that such solutions as Rhea for example are expensive and the guy doesn't seem to have ANY interest to produce more units and/or cheaper - or to share his knowledge before he loses interest completely.)

Edited October 22, 2016 by ScoreAddict

[+Cobra Kai]

I sold my TG16 collection here at AA about 10 years ago. Now I'm pondering getting it going again. My current idea is that I want a modded system with S-video and one of those Turbo Everdrive. I don't think I want another system with a bunch of games to store and collect for. Are these options possible? I haven't seen an s-video modded console on ebay yet, but I thought someone here sold one awhile back.

 

Now, am I going to want a Turbo Duo or what? I'm not sure what the Turbo Everdrive is for sure, other than it has all the games on it right?

[CatPix]

The Turbo Everdrive allow you to get all the Hu-Card games on a SD card. To my understanding it cannot emulate the CD games yet so you'll need a CD system to play those games.

Krikzz own site say that the Everdrive have 4 Mo of RAM; I know that the Everdrive can emulate a Super System card, but not if it can emulate an Arcade Card.

(you won't need the System Card if you go for a Duo system)

 

For S-Video, it is possible, but the catch is that the video chip of the TG-16 output composite and RGB, but not S-video or something similar, which mean that you'll have to get a RGB to S-Video circuitry made for your system, whereas tapping into the composite or RGB video signals on the TG-16 is pretty much "wire them to the appropriate pins" - technically, it's better to use a chip to boost the RGB signals but it's not a vital necessity.

Edited October 23, 2016 by CatPix

[7800fan]

If you want to play only Hucard games, get a PC Engine or Coregrafx, those are a lot cheaper than TG16 and Everdrive is region free and will play ROM from anywhere without any issue. You will need to have it modded for S-Video because it's internal only and can't be done at the rear pins.

 

If you want to play CD games, consider a Duo. Those are slightly cheaper than a separate PCE or CGFx plus CD system combined and has built in System 3.0 needed to play everything except Arcade games. CD are not region locked anyway so you won't have to worry about anything. Plus generally Duo handles CD-R better while older CD system is a bitch to get CD-R working.

 

Duo will need to be recapped unless you went for the more expensive white Duo-R or RX, those were built better and later and won't need recap yet. RX differs from R that it came with 6 button controller but many people said it's terrible and prefer different 6 buttons controller. Don't pay too much for RX, that 'X' is not worth extra $100 or so.

 

Avoid getting USA TG-16 or Duo, they costs a lot more than Japanese counterpart.

[CatPix]

I never saw a Duo (Jap) sold for less than 130$, and that's (without shipping) what you need for a PC-E+ IFU30+CDRom². Most Duo I saw sold for 230/250$ (not counting shipping for both)

[+Cobra Kai]

Price is not an issue really. So it sounds like I want to get a Turbo Duo maybe, just in case I want to delve into the CDROM games at some point. That's a shame about the lack of video options, as I don't have an rgb input on my HDTV, so I would have to settle for up converted composite.

 

The other question is about the Supergrafx. That thing is will play PC engine hucards won't it? If so would that also work with the everdrive device? Just trying to consider all my options before dropping the cash.

[Gentlegamer]

Don't go Turbo Duo, go PCE Duo-R with region switch for HuCards, or without if you're going to use Turbo Everdrive.

 

Duo-R is easier/cheaper to find and better build quality. And the AC and AV out comes out the back rather than the side.

[NE146]

I was in the same boat just the other month.. I went with a pre-capped PCE Duo with region switch. Since I also got the Turbo Everdrive I didn't really "need" the Region Switch, but the only reason I did it was I still have my old library of about 30+ hu-cards (which I'll never get rid of).. and it just seems a shame to not be able to pop them in and play them if I ever felt like it for whatever odd reason..

[7800fan]

**

Price is not an issue really. So it sounds like I want to get a Turbo Duo maybe, just in case I want to delve into the CDROM games at some point. That's a shame about the lack of video options, as I don't have an rgb input on my HDTV, so I would have to settle for up converted composite.

The other question is about the Supergrafx. That thing is will play PC engine hucards won't it? If so would that also work with the everdrive device? Just trying to consider all my options before dropping the cash.

 

1: yes Supergrafx will play all regular games and SGFx games. There's a switch on the side for some games that has trouble working in SGFx mode.

2: yes it also works with Turbo ED (including SGFx ROMs). Do make sure it is the 2.x version, the 1.x version has a little problem with SGFx switch, the sliding plastic part from the power switch bumps into something on TED.

3: before getting SGFx, if you're also planning to play CD games you will need a rare adapter because IFU30 does not fit directly. Or a hard to find expensive CD system that does fit in there without IFU30.

 

So unless you absolutely need to play 6 SGFx games, it will be cheaper to get non SGFx console.

[Austin]

Super Grafx is neat but not really worth the investment. It really only has two truly noteworthy games, both Capcom arcade ports that can be had on arcade compilations elsewhere. Also, if you plan on using CDs in the future (might as well, it's at least half the library you're missing if you don't), it's tough to do this with the Super Grafx without looking absurd, clunky and taking up a lot of space (I can speak from experience, at one point having a Super CD-ROM unit attached to my Super Grafx). A DUO is the best way to go, or if you really think you can get by on HuCards (Everdrive) alone, then just invest in a Core Grafx or something along those lines. You can at least upgrade to the CD later with that.

[Andromeda Stardust]

Super Grafx is neat but not really worth the investment. It really only has two truly noteworthy games, both Capcom arcade ports that can be had on arcade compilations elsewhere.

1941 and Ghouls 'n Ghosts are amazing, even though I can't get very far in either. BTW, Supergrafx is the only home console to get a port of 1941; not sure why you say otherwise.

[Black_Tiger]

There are a few recent comments suggesting to run the Super CD System Card off of a Turbo Everdrive. You should never do this as it can damage your hardware. A custom hacked version exists which is safe to use and so far, no one has had any issues with it working correctly.

 

PC Engine SCD system cards are still dirt cheap.

[Austin]

1941 and Ghouls 'n Ghosts are amazing, even though I can't get very far in either. BTW, Supergrafx is the only home console to get a port of 1941; not sure why you say otherwise.

Both can be had on the Capcom Classics Collections for PS2, XBOX, and PSP.

[SumerNivek]

1941 and Ghouls 'n Ghosts are amazing, even though I can't get very far in either. BTW, Supergrafx is the only home console to get a port of 1941; not sure why you say otherwise.

 

I just played it on my PSP via the Capcom Classics: Remixed bundle not too long ago, so I am not sure what you are talking about!

 

It's a great game and plays well on the PSP with the analog nub.

[7800fan]

There are a few recent comments suggesting to run the Super CD System Card off of a Turbo Everdrive. You should never do this as it can damage your hardware. A custom hacked version exists which is safe to use and so far, no one has had any issues with it working correctly.

 

PC Engine SCD system cards are still dirt cheap.

 

Should be noted that only TED 2.x can run System 3.0 (modified) ROM. Older TED 1.x do not have the RAM that can be used. Original System 3.0 card and all Duo consoles with built in 3.0 has 64k RAM added. Both TED 1 and 2.x can run older System 2 ROM just fine, those didn't have extra RAM. System 1 also works but it's largely useless. IIRC only Altered Beast works with 1.0 and trust me, you're better off buying Genesis console and Altered Beast cart than trying to play it on TG-16 or Duo console.

 

And before anyone asks, no it will not do Arcade ROM (either Pro or Duo). You will still need to score the card separately. Duo is cheaper and only works on Duo console. Pro has a little more RAM for older console that don't have built in 64K RAM.

[Andromeda Stardust]

Both can be had on the Capcom Classics Collections for PS2, XBOX, and PSP.

 

 

I just played it on my PSP via the Capcom Classics: Remixed bundle not too long ago, so I am not sure what you are talking about!

 

It's a great game and plays well on the PSP with the analog nub.

I meant Supergrafx was the only system to receive an arcade port bitd, ie not a modern multigame arcade compilation. I played through Arcade 1941 on my Raspi Pi MAME cab though I used a ton of credits. One slight issue with the Supergrafx port is the screen is much shorter vertically giving less room to maneuver your plane making it harder to dodge enemies.

 

And Ghouls and Ghosts on the Supergrafx is balls hard, though there's a Genesis port, and a SNES port of Super Ghouls and Ghosts. It's kind of funny knocking your armor off as you take damage until there's nothing left but boxers...

[Andromeda Stardust]

There are a few recent comments suggesting to run the Super CD System Card off of a Turbo Everdrive. You should never do this as it can damage your hardware. A custom hacked version exists which is safe to use and so far, no one has had any issues with it working correctly.

 

PC Engine SCD system cards are still dirt cheap.

Mind explaning how running a system card ROM off a flash cart could possibly damage hardware? Sounds like speculation to me unless there's evidence otherwise.

[CatPix]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halt_and_Catch_Fire

[Austin]

 

I meant Supergrafx was the only system to receive an arcade port bitd, ie not a modern multigame arcade compilation.

 

Right, except we're not living "back in the day". I prefer to provide recommendations based on all available options, and I'm not one to suggest blowing unnecessary cash when better alternatives are available elsewhere.

[Andromeda Stardust]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halt_and_Catch_Fire

I read the whole article. Generally HCF implies a rogue CPU command will lock into to an unrecoverable state which can easily be thwarted by a reset or power cycle. I fail to see how this would damage hardware despite the urgency an acronym like "Halt Catch Fire" conveys.

 

But apparently the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 took this meaning literally and even included it as a feature!

 

 

Right, except we're not living "back in the day". I prefer to provide recommendations based on all available options, and I'm not one to suggest blowing unnecessary cash when better alternatives are available elsewhere.

Trust me, I'm not blowing money on rare Supergrafx junk. I'm so cheap I won't even get a CDROM2. 1941 and Ghouls & Ghosts aren't worth it either IMO. G&G and it's sequel are available on Genesis and SNES respectively, making 1941 the lone standout that isn't available elsewhere. I ultimately played through it on RetroPie MAME where I could just spam the "insert credit" button as needed. Between 1941 and TMNT, I probably spent like $20 each in virtual credits to beat the games. Thank goodness they were free...

[Black_Tiger]

Mind explaning how running a system card ROM off a flash cart could possibly damage hardware? Sounds like speculation to me unless there's evidence otherwise.

Here's elmer's first comment about it. You can read more in the dedicated thread:

 

 

 

No point on a Duo-R Duo or Super cdrom2 as they are already have V3.00.

If you load up the original bios onto a V2 everdrive it works, the rams already there.

I use it like this all the time as it saves taking the Everdrive out.

 

I guess this is only worth doing for any setup that is not native V3.00.

NO!!! Please do NOT do this!!!

 

Some information has come to light recently that strongly suggests that doing this is a VERY-BAD-THING.

 

All indications are that running an un-modified Super System Card image on the TED2 will cause bus-fighting between the TED2 and the built-in 192KB of SCD RAM.

 

It looks like the SCD RAM wins the fight, and that it works ... but you are putting unusual stresses on both the built-in RAM chip and the TED2's RAM/level-shifters. That is a bad thing, and may well lead to premature failure of either the TED2 or the console itself.

 

The patch that I've done fixes the problem so that there is no bus-fighting, and so that it is safe to use the TED2 to run CD games.

 

It is actually more important for DUO/DUO-R/SuperCDROM owners to use the patch than it is for Briefcase owners to take advantage of the ability to use it as a Super System Card.

 

See this thread in the Development Section for details of the problem ...

 

http://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php?topic=20009.msg433149#msg433149

 

And this thread for the patch itself (now for both Japanese and USA Super System Cards) ...

 

http://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php?topic=20120.msg436169#msg436169

 

 

I have a briefcase and V2.4 card to test.

That would be great, I'll PM you.

 

 

P.S. It is possible that KRIKzz worked-around this issue in his hardware ... but all the indications lead to the conclusion that he's not done this. After all ... the card was never designed for, or meant for, running CD games.

 

[Andromeda Stardust]

One ghetto solution to fix the bus conflicts would be to place series resistors on all the data lines of the card bus. That way if the tri-state buffer in the system RAM is active, it's logic output would mask the contents of the Everdrive memory, but only when the Duo RAM is active. Otherwisethe Everdrive memory would read normally. Of course these protection resistors would require a new Everdrive hardware revision and existing users may be reluctant to purchase the new version.

[+thegoldenband]

Does this apply to every possible case of using the EverDrive as a System Card, or only specific hardware combinations? Is it only the Super System Card 3.0 that's at issue?

 

I'm thinking in particular of potentially using a Turbo EverDrive 1.x as a System Card 1.0 for a CoreGrafx II + CD-ROM² + IFU combination, to play Altered Beast or to see various games' amusing "wrong card" messages. (If a TED 1.x can even do that.)

[CatPix]

It shouldn't apply because System cards 1 and 2 doesn't have extra RAM so the bus conflict shouldn't happen.

And if the system is fooled enough to think it's a System cards, Super CD-ROM² games will do too and will display the message accordingly.

[7800fan]

Does this apply to every possible case of using the EverDrive as a System Card, or only specific hardware combinations? Is it only the Super System Card 3.0 that's at issue?

 

I'm thinking in particular of potentially using a Turbo EverDrive 1.x as a System Card 1.0 for a CoreGrafx II + CD-ROM² + IFU combination, to play Altered Beast or to see various games' amusing "wrong card" messages. (If a TED 1.x can even do that.)

 

System 3.0 is the only one that had added RAM. System 1 and 2 did not have any and will run just fine. System 3 uses RAM and if you play it on a Duo that already has extra RAM, that is where you get trouble.

 

Also if you tried running System 3 ROM on older TED 1.x that do not have RAM, Super CD games will fail to work.