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NEC TG-16/TE/TurboDuo => TG/PCE Repair/Mod Discussion => Topic started by: TH0R on November 30, 2008, 06:44:46 PM

Title: pc engine region mod problem
Post by: TH0R on November 30, 2008, 06:44:46 PM
got a region modded pce withe the cd unit and the interface, us hucards work, but nothing jp works, the mod is done with a white push button and the jp games just throw up a white screen
Title: Re: pc engine region mod problem
Post by: Duo_R on November 30, 2008, 09:49:57 PM
something isn't right on the JP side. I would first start with the region switch and check the wiring. Is this a PCB mod or just a 8PDT switch? If you have a ohm-meter just start testing the lines. You can see the theory behind the region mod on my website (if it is a 8PDT switch).
Title: Re: pc engine region mod problem
Post by: agt_dale_cooper on December 01, 2008, 05:06:35 AM
JAP games don't work?  I could understand the white screen on the USA side (no Pin 29 grounding), but not on the JAP side.

If USA cards work, the switch HAS to be wired correctly...right?  All the switch does is switch the lines back and forth...if a line is out of whack, the whole thing wouldn't work...

There's some bit of information missing here, methinks...sounds like a PCB job with something amiss, I don't think 8PDT is available in a push-button...let's see a pic!!!
Title: Re: pc engine region mod problem
Post by: Necromancer on December 01, 2008, 05:41:49 AM
I don't think 8PDT is available in a push-button...let's see a pic!!!


Push button switches are the only type I've ever seen installed for a region mod (clicky (http://www.opamp-electronics.com/catalog/8pdt-latching-changeover-pushpush-switch-p-1154.html)).  If THOR's mod does use one of these, it could easily be incorrectly wired or have a loose wire.
Title: Re: pc engine region mod problem
Post by: TH0R on December 01, 2008, 09:28:09 AM
i've opened it up and DAMN...that's why i didn't want to try it myself...there's a ribbon from the bottom of the card slot going to the pcb board...see some black wiring taped together separate from this but still looks connected... how can i upload some pictures, i've had problems with size being too large
Title: Re: pc engine region mod problem
Post by: Duo_R on December 01, 2008, 10:14:21 AM
the 8PDT region switches can either be a slide switch or a pushbutton (these days pushbutton is more common). Sounds like yours is a PCB install though, upload pictures through imageshack (just google that). If that doesn't work email me the photos (look at my sig, you will see my email address in the webiste URL).

Also, the comment about it having to work all or nothing - not true. You could have the US region side all wired properly, but the JP side not working on a region switch. This would most likely be the jumper wires having an issue, if the US side is working (I can post more pics to explain).

However, this sounds like PCB. Send pictures to confirm.



i've opened it up and DAMN...that's why i didn't want to try it myself...there's a ribbon from the bottom of the card slot going to the pcb board...see some black wiring taped together separate from this but still looks connected... how can i upload some pictures, i've had problems with size being too large
Title: Re: pc engine region mod problem
Post by: hoobs88 on December 01, 2008, 02:27:38 PM
Thor, where did you get your region modded PCE? I recently purchased one too but haven't checked to see if it works on the interface.
Title: Re: pc engine region mod problem
Post by: TH0R on December 01, 2008, 02:32:09 PM
ebay... #-o
Title: Re: pc engine region mod problem
Post by: Duo_R on December 01, 2008, 02:35:14 PM
if u post up some pics I can try to help u out. Look at all the solder connections, the wires, etc.
Title: Re: pc engine region mod problem
Post by: hoobs88 on December 02, 2008, 06:07:18 AM
ebay... #-o

Who was the seller?
Title: Re: pc engine region mod problem
Post by: TH0R on December 02, 2008, 04:19:55 PM
 gamedoctorhk( 868) 
Feedback: 99.4 % Positive
Member: since Jan-27-01 in Hong Kong
Registered as a individual seller 
 ... the system is in pretty good condition, pce is filthy inside  and a bit yellow , cd unit might be filthy inside...some gray stains...dried up detergent?
Title: Re: pc engine region mod problem
Post by: agt_dale_cooper on December 04, 2008, 07:22:50 AM
I traced the wiring on the switch, I rescind my statement about it not working at all if not wired correctly....working in whatever mode the un-jumpered wires were installed in, and NOT working due to faulty jumpers is indeed a possibility.

Nice to see 8PDT switches available just at the click of a button (pardon the pun)...I couldn't find them in the wild back when I looked, let alone in push-button style.
How the frell does one mount one of those push-buttons, anyway?  Doesn't look like a lot of space for epoxy to adhere to....?

[Still waiting for pics of this install, BTW...]
Title: Re: pc engine region mod problem
Post by: Duo_R on December 04, 2008, 08:51:05 AM
the popular switch buttons have a screw and threading that will help hold it in place. I have a couple that don't have that setup so epoxy would be needed (trickier to install). My favorite of course is the sliding switch, but those are rare these days.
Title: Re: pc engine region mod problem
Post by: Platinumfungi on December 10, 2008, 01:24:08 AM
Besides the 8pdt switch method you could use multiplexer/demultiplexer ICs and a simple slide switch.
Title: Re: pc engine region mod problem
Post by: Duo_R on December 10, 2008, 02:07:28 PM
well unless someone is builiding PCB's with IC's these days, I would say that is more work.
Title: Re: pc engine region mod problem
Post by: Platinumfungi on December 11, 2008, 02:08:35 AM
well unless someone is builiding PCB's with IC's these days, I would say that is more work.

That could be indeed. I was having a hard time finding the 8pdt switches so I liked the IC way. Just another option :D
Title: Re: pc engine region mod problem
Post by: TH0R on December 18, 2008, 06:02:42 AM
i actually sent  it back to the seller , he's going to replace it . when i opened up the pce the ribbon was hard like, it couldn't be opened all the way...may have been old
Title: Re: pc engine region mod problem
Post by: agt_dale_cooper on December 18, 2008, 06:25:27 PM
OW!  Hope he's covering shipping to and from HK....otherwise this constitutes 'significantly different than described', which will allow you to have some fun with PayPal....hope this all sorts out well for you, in any event...
Title: Re: pc engine region mod problem
Post by: TH0R on January 05, 2009, 08:22:30 AM
dude finally got the pce. says it works 100%...with the cd interface unit and everything...weird. says he thinks it might be the system card? that won't affect  anything right? wtf