Questions about Core Grafx 1

[ltpitt]

Hi all!

I might be soon the winner of an auction for a lovely core grafx 1 (60 dollars, 1 pad, ali and rca cable).

I wanted to seek wisdom and help =)

Is it true that the core grafx 1 is the best option available because of its chip fixing small audio problems?

I would like to hook it to my TV to I need scart or the pby whatever cable (forgive my ignorance, I talk about the new version of old rca component)...

Will I be able to connect it or I am forced to mod my new unit?

Is the price and choice of core grafx 1 over 2 good?

Will I be need a region mod to use everdrive?

Forgive all this questions at the same time, I am very excited =)

[Gypsy]

You don't need to mod it. You can just use those composite cords you are getting as long as your tv takes composite input.

[Necromancer]

Congrats on getting a PCE!  The CGI is technically better with the fixed audio, but the difference isn't all that great; most people don't know and/or don't care about the difference, thus it has no bearing on price between a CGI and CGII.

Like Gypsy said, composite should work for you out of the box.  If you must have scart or component, however, you'll need an internal mod or one of the external boxes that attaches to the expansion port.

The everdrive can be used without a region mod.

[TDIRunner]

I used a Core Grafx I for many years before upgrading to a Duo R and it fit my needs for Hu Cards perfectly.  I only upgraded so that I could play CD games as well, and I had little luck in finding a Super CD ROM attachment for a decent price.  I stuck with the composite video output and I used my TED to play both US and Japanese games without needing any mods to my system.  It's a good choice for a starter console.  The price doesn't sound too bad as long as you are getting all of the cables and at least one controller. 

[ltpitt]

Thank you guys for all the precious input =)

1 hour to the end of the auction!

So, as far as I read, having only a Scart input I will not be able to connect the Core I without modding it, right?

[SignOfZeta]

Thank you guys for all the precious input =)

1 hour to the end of the auction!

So, as far as I read, having only a Scart input I will not be able to connect the Core I without modding it, right?

It only does composite from an RCA cable so yeah. SCART (assuming you're actually in Europe) also contains composite so you could make it work by just modifying the cable. If you want actual RGB, yeah, you need real work.

As for audio, I've been on this forum for a long time, I was on the mailing list before that, I've been playing PCE for decades, and I never even knew of the suposed audio improvements to the CG1 so don't be concerned with it. I have noticed that PCE audio in general is pretty bad but that's about it.

[crazydean]

Thank you guys for all the precious input =)

1 hour to the end of the auction!

So, as far as I read, having only a Scart input I will not be able to connect the Core I without modding it, right?

Did you win?!

[ltpitt]

I was outbid during the night

The lovely unit was sold for 65 euros :'''(


Totally not giving up up!!!


Since I have some more time to do things properly now I would like to get an advice from you gurus.

I have some very nice hucards I love and a brutally beautiful Pc Engine GT I love (god bless Keith for repairing it, the cute thing is now travelling back from US. Cool life for a GT: born in japan, lived in Europe, then to US and now to Europe again).

I also bought an Everdrive to play titles I simply cannot afford.

I was on the point to add to the GT a LCD video mod and video out mod then I felt like doing some sort of dark crime and decided to buy a dedicated unit to play hucards on TV.

I think that the 1st pc engine, the white one, looks simply stunning and I love it.
On the other hand is clearly the worst, often found in bad shape.
Then the two Core Grafx options...

In my wild dreams I'll have:

1) Core Grafx 1 or 2 or White Pc Engine
2) A decent quality video output (I'd need SCART)
3) Two good pads for Street Fighter 2 (6 buttons)
4) Two beautiful, classic, historic pads (with autofire but it looks like a common thing)
5) A multitap
6) Alimentation

Optional:

7) The original box and all the collectard stuff that would make me happy and silly
9) Tennokoe

Here I come with 2000 questions:

a) Are there any places / shops you suggest me to start the wild hunt?
b) Is there any suggestion you have for the unit I should pick?
c) Is there any suggestion you have for the mods I should or MUST do (RGB mod is a game changer?)
d) Are there any brands of gamepads you recommend?
e) Is there any brand / model of multitap you recommend?
f) Is Tennokoe a wise idea that will allow me not to crack open my poor unit in order to get good video output or just a waste of money?


Really thanks for your time, I honestly appreciate it.

[schweaty]

Get a duo with an RGB mod.  You won't need a tennokoe and it will play 95% of the entire library.  They are plentiful on ebay or yahoo.jp but I would just contact Keith courage on the boards for a recapped unit in good working order that he can RGB mod for you

[lukester]

Hey ltpitt,

Welcome to the forums!

You best choice is to buy a Duo-R or Duo-RX. The normal PCE Duo is prone to faulty caps.

The Duo RX also comes with a 6 button pad, though it is different from the Avenue Pad 6, each button has an autofire switch.

My favorite controller is the Avenue Pad 3. Though it does not have 6 buttons, it does have the ability to change the function of the third button to either Run or Select. This allows you to have a much better time playing games like Ninja Spirit, Forgotten Worlds, and Rondo of Blood. Or instead, you won't have to move your thumb as far to pause the game.

If you want to play absolutely everything, then buy a Supergrafx and Super CD-Rom. However, that will cost you quite a bit more, just to play 5 extra games.

If you need any game recommendations, I'm more than happy to help.

~Luke

[ltpitt]

Hi again and thanks for your kind input

I'd be interested in the Core Grafx I or II for the small form factor and design...