New Turbografx 16 Owner: Question about Turbografx 16 and CD-ROM compatibility

[TG16Chad]

I just recently picked up my first Turbografx 16 and would like to get a CD-ROM attachment.  There seems to be a lot of options and I would like to know which CD-ROM units will work with the North American Turbografx 16.  Obviously the North American CD-ROM and interface unit is an option, but is a Japanese CD-ROM possible?  And is is safe on the equipment to mix and match?  I am most interested in knowing if the Japanese Super CD-ROM2 will attach to and work properly with a Turbografx 16.  I know the CD games are region free and that is great, Im just confused if the hardware is compatible. 
Thanks,
TG16Chad

[PCEngineTrev]

Hi and welcome!

NEC were as bad as Nintendo when it came to region protecting accessories. Technically they can work, but the ports/sockets are either a different shape or have a different pin-out.

In a nutshell, no, the PCE Super CD-Rom wont attach to the US Turbo out of the box. Modding the TG16 will allow it to be attached and work if youre happy to do that.

The more experienced guys here can probably tell you exactly what needs to be done to get it to work.

I have a similar issue actually, but Im looking to get the US TG16 CD unit to work with the PAL TG!

[Necromancer]

A white PCE-CD will work with a US interface unit and a black Turbob-CD will work in a briefcase setup.  While it has an identical expansion bus, the shape of the Turbob's case won't let it fit in a briefcase or super-cd add on.

I'd get a PCE Duo.  It'll likely be cheaper than buying a TG-CD add-on and region mod (for PCE hueys and Super CD and Arcade Card system cards).

[Lost Monkey]

I've had my TGCD setup for 23 years, but if I was just getting started today, I would just buy a region modded PCE Duo.

[ginoscope]

I would buy a duo as well.  The cost of a good working US cd plus the system cards will start getting pretty high.  Another solution would be to just get the Japanese briefcase.  You can always use the turbo for us cards or just get an everdrive and not worry about it.

[turboswimbz]

IN the event you don't want a duo (but i would suggest it also) here is a simpler guide to that:  note there may be additional things you need like a system card or another interface.

TG-16 = Must have the TG-16 docking station.  the TG-16 increased size means it is incompatible with Japanese CD adapters including the superCD rom.  both  PCE or TG-16 CD drive will work with no issues in the dock

IT's the PC engine side that gets confusing: (there are a few more options but here are the basics)

PCE / CORE = you can get the IFU 30 "briefcase" once again either drive will work
PCE / CORE = Super CDRom. 
Supergrafx = Super CDRom

[seieienbu]

If you get a PCE Duo and keep the Turbo Grafx you'll be able to play most everything without having to region mod anything.  It will also be cheaper than cobbling together a Turbo CD setup.

[TG16Chad]

Thank you all for the information.  Its too bad that the super CD-ROM won't work with the Turbografx.  Based off all your posts it seems a PCE Duo is the most cost effective way.

[sirhcman]

If you get a PCE Duo and keep the Turbo Grafx you'll be able to play most everything without having to region mod anything.  It will also be cheaper than cobbling together a Turbo CD setup.

This is exactly what I did.. Duo-R for CD and PCE Hu, TurboGrafx-16 for US Hu (and a Supergrafx.. just because ) 

[SignOfZeta]

Yeah, why blow $45 on a mod to play your $1000 TG-16 games on PCE when you can buy a $45 TG-16 for that?