SuperGrafx Mods and questions

[Bardoly]

I have basically decided that I would like to get a SuperGrafx with a Super CD Rom 2 and an Arcade Card Duo so as to be able to play EVERY SINGLE PC Engine game.  I don't have either the SuperGrafx or the Super CD Rom 2 yet, so I want to ask a few questions.


1.  Does a SuperGrafx need to be re-capped?

2.  Does a Super CD Rom 2 need to be recapped?

3.  Can the SuperGrafx be region-modded so as to allow TG-16 games to be played?

4.  What is the best video output that the SuperGrafx/Super CD Rom 2 can put out?  (If there is a better video output that the SuperGrafx attached to a regular CD Rom by way of an RAU-30 adapter can put out, then please let me know.)

5.  Can the SuperGrafx be output modded so as to allow output of both regular composite (red, white, & yellow audio/video cords) AND something better (i.e. s-video or component)?

6.  Are there any other nice mods that can be done to a SuperGrafx/Super CD Rom 2 setup that I haven't already mentioned?

7.  In a SuperGrafx/Super CD Rom 2 setup, which unit stores the save games?

8.  Is the storage memory the same as a Duo or does it have more or less save capacity?  (i.e. Can you use a Tennokoe Bank with this setup?)

9.  What would be your dream SuperGrafx setup?


Basically, what I'm thinking about doing is to have one system that can play all of my Turbo stuff, but I might as well do it up right, so I want to know what would be the top-of-the-line SuperGrafx setup that I could do.

Also, what should I expect to pay?  I see this SuperGrafx/Super CD Rom 2 setup for sale for $599.99, but it seems awfully expensive, even though it does include 2 good games.  I don't really need the box though.  What do y'all think?

Side note:  If anyone has a SuperGrafx, a Super CD Rom 2, and/or any SuperGrafx games that they wish to trade/sell, then please let me know.

[ApolloBoy]

1.  Does a SuperGrafx need to be re-capped?

Most NEC systems aside from the TurboDuo/PCE Duo and TE/PCE GT are fine caps-wise, I haven't heard of any capacitor-related issues on anything other than the Duo or TE. I think the LTs are starting to suffer from it though.

2.  Does a Super CD Rom 2 need to be recapped?

See my previous comment.

3.  Can the SuperGrafx be region-modded so as to allow TG-16 games to be played?

Yes, it can be modded in the exact same fashion as any TG-16/PCE system.

4.  What is the best video output that the SuperGrafx/Super CD Rom 2 can put out?  (If there is a better video output that the SuperGrafx attached to a regular CD Rom by way of an RAU-30 adapter can put out, then please let me know.)

The SG only outputs composite video but can be modded for S-video or RGB in the same way as the other systems.

5.  Can the SuperGrafx be output modded so as to allow output of both regular composite (red, white, & yellow audio/video cords) AND something better (i.e. s-video or component)?

Yes, just like the other systems.

6.  Are there any other nice mods that can be done to a SuperGrafx/Super CD Rom 2 setup that I haven't already mentioned?

I think with RGB and a region mod you're pretty much set.

7.  In a SuperGrafx/Super CD Rom 2 setup, which unit stores the save games?

The CD unit.

8.  Is the storage memory the same as a Duo or does it have more or less save capacity?  (i.e. Can you use a Tennokoe Bank with this setup?)

It's about the same as the Duo with the SCD2 but I could be wrong.

9.  What would be your dream SuperGrafx setup?

None, I don't have any desire to get a SuperGrafx to be honest.

[BlueBMW]

1. No evidence yet of capacitor problems on Supergrafx units.  Maybe in 5 years, but not right now.

2. YES, these units suffer as bad or worse than Duo units as far as capacitor problems.

3. Yes with one caveat.  The lockout pin that gets grounded on JPN system when region modded sometimes causes problems with one of the Supergrafx games.  The solution is to install a DPDT switch for the region mod and switch the connection of that lockout pin.

4. When connected to the Super CDROM2, you use a standard Duo DIN5 a/v cable for sound and video.  It is the same as an IFU30.

5. Just like any other system, the Super CDROM2 can be RGB, S video or component modded.  RGB is easy since you have the rear connection to tap RGB signals at unlike Duo systems where you have to tap them directly off the video chip.

6. Some people have painted them.... that's hit and miss on popularity

7. The SuperCDROM2 has the save function.

8. I beleive it is the same size as a Duo and yes you can use a Tennokoe bank card with it.

9. A supergrafx system built into a Laseractive PAC.  Then you'd truly have a system that could play it all.

Pricing....

Supergrafx $100 loose maybe $175+ CIB?
SuperCDROM2 uncapped maybe $130
SuperCDROM2 recapped maybe $175

[SamIAm]

Note that unlike a plain PCE or TG-16, the Supergrafx supports composite video and stereo (red white and yellow plugs) right out of the box. It's exactly like the Duo in that regard, including the quality of the composite video.

[Bardoly]

Great answers!
Thanks guys, now I just need to both scrape up some financing and find a reasonably priced SuperGrafx system and Super CD ROM 2 setup.  :/

[BlueBMW]

If I can get the darned thing fixed, Opethian may have a SuperCDROM2 available.  Its so close, but not quite 100%

[Bardoly]

If I can get the darned thing fixed, Opethian may have a SuperCDROM2 available.  Its so close, but not quite 100%

Oh, that would be great!

[Tatsujin]

If I can get the darned thing fixed, Opethian may have a SuperCDROM2 available.  Its so close, but not quite 100%

what's ze matter with it?

[BlueBMW]

Had low sound.  Recapped the whole thing.  Now i get loud sound but some distortion / static until it has been on for a good 15 minutes.

[Tatsujin]

Seems that it probably still has some capacitance problem somewhere, hence the change to the better after a certain running time