PC-Engine Duo problem - sound and loading

[segagamer]

I am hoping that someone can help me out.  I just bought a second hand PC-Engine Duo console from Japan and everything looks in great condition.  However, I am having some trouble playing CD games; I don't have any HuCard games at this time.  I have come across a few issues with my Duo.

1. Missing sound effects.  Played Gate of Thunder and Nexzr.  CD music plays fine.  Volume and balance is fine.  But some of the sound effects are missing, such as the explosion sound of my ship in Gate.  Similar issue in Nexzr, when some of the enemies explode without sound.

2. Missing voices.  For example, in Ys IV, when the game begins, there is dialogue that is spoken between some characters on the ship.  I can see the mouths move but there is no audio at all.  I can tell because in emulation I can hear the voices and music, and they are sound chip generated.

3. Games locked up.  Happened on both Ys IV and Dracula X.  I believe it has to do with the lack of chip generated sound before data is loaded, so in both games, the system just spun the discs and the screen remained black.

All of my games are working fine on Magic Engine, and do not have any scratches or dirt.  So that rules out the discs themselves.  The CD drive is working fine.  I don't know what could be the issue here, so any help will be appreciated.

[DragonmasterDan]

I am hoping that someone can help me out.  I just bought a second hand PC-Engine Duo console from Japan and everything looks in great condition.  However, I am having some trouble playing CD games; I don't have any HuCard games at this time.  I have come across a few issues with my Duo.

1. Missing sound effects.  Played Gate of Thunder and Nexzr.  CD music plays fine.  Volume and balance is fine.  But some of the sound effects are missing, such as the explosion sound of my ship in Gate.  Similar issue in Nexzr, when some of the enemies explode without sound.

2. Missing voices.  For example, in Ys IV, when the game begins, there is dialogue that is spoken between some characters on the ship.  I can see the mouths move but there is no audio at all.  I can tell because in emulation I can hear the voices and music, and they are sound chip generated.

3. Games locked up.  Happened on both Ys IV and Dracula X.  I believe it has to do with the lack of chip generated sound before data is loaded, so in both games, the system just spun the discs and the screen remained black.

All of my games are working fine on Magic Engine, and do not have any scratches or dirt.  So that rules out the discs themselves.  The CD drive is working fine.  I don't know what could be the issue here, so any help will be appreciated.

The sound problems definitely can be related to bad caps.

As far as freezing and other issues, I know this is an obvious question but, you don't happen to be using CD-Rs do you?

[segagamer]

No, all of my PCE CD games are the original JP versions.

Ok, I just tried my Duo again tonight, and could play Dracula X, but noticed the missing voice samples.  Tried Ys IV next and the same thing occurred as last night - no voices and the game froze/locked up after the initial scene on the ship.

Today, a new problem developed...The left channel seems to be very low in volume.  And whenever there is no audio (eg, during loading), I can hear some scratching noise like playing vinyls on the right channel.  So maybe this is the caps causing the problem afterall.

Therefore, I would like to know the fix for this problem and if there is someone on this forum that is experienced at this type of repair.  I would not mind paying for the repair as long as the job is well done and I can trust the person, and if it does not cost too much.

Any help will be appreciated.

[BlueBMW]

Sounds like you need this:  http://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php?topic=3249.0

There are a few of us on here who do such things.  I am one of them, chop5 is another, i think Red Ghost may still do them too.  I am backed up for the next few months though, so it might be a little while before I can get to another duo.

[nat]

Yes, your Duo definitely needs a full capacitor job and a logic board wash.

[segagamer]

Yes, your Duo definitely needs a full capacitor job and a logic board wash.

How much would this type of repair cost me?  I've heard that you are one of the guys who can do this type of work on this forum.  I'm debating whether it is worth it to keep it or send it back for refund.

[bernielindell]

Oh, its worth it!  Dont send it back.  Get with someone here.  I just had mine refurbished by D-Lite, and plus had it region modded.  It didnt cost that much.  There are a few folks here that can tackle it.

[segagamer]

Please let me know who are the guys I can work with here to have my sound problem fixed.  I believe Nat is one, if I'm not mistaken.

Also, is this sound issue only affecting CD games or all games?

[turbokon]

I have done some of these type of repair in the past but haven't been in a while. Definitely low volume and static sound are due to the caps. Also your a/v output pins are maybe loose and just needs to be resolder. But I'm not sure what's the cause of drop in voice and sound f/x. A complete cap overhaul might be the way to go.