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| Author | Message |
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monkbonk
  
| | #1 posted November 10, 2008 at 2:14pm (EST) |
I would like to inquire as to the fixings of my PC Engine Duo. I had nat at pcenginefx attempt a repair; however, he has too much on his shoulders in terms of work and job responsibilities. He has given it an excellent look over. Here is my original post inquiring for help:
Hello,
I have recently acquired a Duo, of which I knew before hand would arrive partially working. I was eager to jump on the opportunity as I figured I could get things working again. Errm..
When I received it, I attempted to run a CD-game. The drive, of course, didn't spin. Therefore, I attempted to adjust the POT screw-like-thing. When all of my tinkering failed, I decided I would purchase a new HOP-M3 laser pickup.
The new laser arrived today, much to the dismay of me finding that I could not garner its workings either. The drive still doesn't spin, nor make any movements/noises. I adjusted the POT screw--nothing.
I cannot physically push the lens to any point either. In fact, I am only able to reposition the thing by spinning the gear-like structure attached to the motor. Shall'st I give it a good lubing?
Also when altering the POT screw, I left the console lid off less the torx screws. I made sure to turn the console off for each POT rotation (as I wasn't sure it would be advisable do alter it when the lens was in practice).
What I is be do?
I am thinking of opting for entering my Duo in the repair service market of whomever would wish to take it on. (My apologies if my posts comes as entirely redundant, etc).
Thanks,
Chico |
He narrowed the ailment in stating that there was capacitator leakage on the board. There was no power getting to the CD drive.
I have replaced the laser myself, but it doesn't seem to be the issue. Thus, I have an extra laser assembly to give off.  Nat has stated that he would help in the repair:
Just so you know, I was not able to isolate the component causing your issue. It's not the laser-- it's definitely a logic issue somewhere on the board but I was unsuccessful in tracking it down. So I dunno what to tell you. Given more time, I may have eventually found it..... but maybe not. Who knows.
Ask around, maybe there is someone else here with extensive electrical background and who has lots of free time who can help you further, quicker. If you find someone you can let them know to contact me and I'll send them notes on what I tested so they don't waste time exploring the wrong avenues. |
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platinumfungi
 
| | #2 posted November 10, 2008 at 9:23pm (EST) |
Ah the lovely Turbo Duo...an awesome system when it's working  Just some thoughts here:
1st - I'd think about how much time/money/effort you want to spend on this particular unit and then think about if it might be worth it to sell this non working standard Duo and get yourself either a Duo R or Duo RX.
Capacitor issues are insanely common with both the US and JPN standard/black Duo as they both share the same pcb and, due to the layout and bad capacitors, are prone to lots and lots of different possible failures. Audio issues are the most common by far, but lots of cd-rom issues it seems too. As Nat stated, the caps are the main culprit on almost all of these issues.
Luckily the Duo R and RX have a totally different pcb layout and batches of caps so they are much more reliable. I have rarely heard of any issues with either, and the only one I can think off the top of my head is that the laser lens needing to be replaced - which can come from just regular aging or from trying to play illegal backups and the laser getting out of alignment from trying to read the media.
I work on pretty much any system from the 70s up through the current gen and the standard Turbo Duo (both the US and JPN, black in color, models) are about the only system I hate/refuse to work on anymore.
My quick advice is to sell it like it's got the plague. Get yourself a Duo R or RX and you'll be much better off!
However, if you really want to keep this system and try to figure it out (and I understand that mentality) then read on and I'll share what info I can:
1.) Ask Nat for the work log to see what all he has already checked. That will really determine where to go from there. But before we have that info, the following steps are what I'd look at.
2.) Check the very thin wires that go from the cd-rom assembly to the motherboard. They are very delicate and if anyone has been playing around on the inside of the system they may have damaged one of them. I can't remember if there's enough space to work off hand, but try using a dmm and check for continuity in all of them.
3.) Look over the entire pcb with a magnifying glass if need be and look for anything that looks like a broken trace, cold solder joint, blown cap, etc. Anything that could be giving you issues. Look for "dark colored sludge" coming from caps too. When they leak it's not pretty.
If you still can't find anything then:
4.) There are about 55 electrolytic caps on the motherboard if I remember correctly. Replace all of them. Yep, ug 
If you still have problems, then welcome to Turbo Duo Hell my Friend...
Check out the GTZ Tech Support / Tech Forum
I mod / customize and repair all video game systems and accessories.
Either I will find a way, or I will make one. |
Forgotten_Freshness
 
| | #3 posted November 10, 2008 at 9:49pm (EST) |
I put Ryan through Turbo Duo Hell 3 times now 
 |
platinumfungi
| | #4 posted November 11, 2008 at 10:22am (EST) |
Forgotten_Freshness wrote:
> I put Ryan through Turbo Duo Hell 3 times now
>
Yes indeed! I'm unfortunately still stuck in the third one... Hopefully not forever though. Even though these things are a huge pain in the ass it is very rewarding if you can eventually figure out what iddy bitty component has been causing all the grief.
Check out the GTZ Tech Support / Tech Forum
I mod / customize and repair all video game systems and accessories.
Either I will find a way, or I will make one. |
Forgotten_Freshness
| | #5 posted November 11, 2008 at 11:34am (EST) |
So you are aware Ryan... I believe I'm moving sometime between January and March. If you by chance have this done by December, I wouldn't even know how to thank you because it's a solid chunk of money for moving once I sell it.
Just let me know if you think that's possible, and again - you tell me what you want for this job. Regardless of how long you've had it.
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monkbonk
| | #6 posted November 11, 2008 at 12:04pm (EST) |
I'm not sure I could find a buyer for the broken Duo. How much would one go for?
I might attempt to fix it on my own. We had this little lab in physics where we soldered little electronic boards and stuffs. Odd class to learn such things, I know. All my little gizmos failed to work though. It sucked, but that gives me mad experience points I'm sure.
In picking up parts, like the capacitators, where would I go? Radioshack?
I think it'd be best for me to pick up some sort of practice soldering kit and work my way up. Plus, I'd need to pick up a dmm.
Blech, now that I take into account all that this entails, I'm much more keen on dumping it off on someone. Maybe. |
Forgotten_Freshness
| | #7 posted November 11, 2008 at 12:17pm (EST) |
Turn it in to a grill!
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monkbonk
| | #8 posted November 11, 2008 at 12:25pm (EST) |
I'll grill ur gheymes. |
platinumfungi
| | #9 posted November 11, 2008 at 6:48pm (EST) |
Forgotten_Freshness wrote:
> I believe I'm moving sometime between January
> and March.
>
Roger that. I'll see what I can do. But, moving! You too? Oh no! To where? How's that going to work with your store???
monkbonk
I'd think if you were open about the fact that the system didn't work properly you could get $15-30 just guessing. Some might pay less, some might pay more. All depends on if you have all the hookups and any controllers that do work, etc. So bare bones system very low, but if it has working hookups and working controller or two then the higher end.
For the parts, you could buy them at radio shack, but they will be more expensive and more limited in their available goods. Any online electronic parts vendor should have them. Mouser, Parts Express, Digi-Key, etc.
I would recommend, especially if you're experiences with electronic work are limited, to sell this pup off and get yourself a nice Duo R or Duo RX. You'll be much better off and it will involve no headache
I know it can be rewarding to fix something that is broken, but the standard/black Duo can be very unforgiving.
Check out the GTZ Tech Support / Tech Forum
I mod / customize and repair all video game systems and accessories.
Either I will find a way, or I will make one. |
Forgotten_Freshness
| | #10 posted November 11, 2008 at 7:13pm (EST) |
Well, I just am going to have to bring the store with me. And in the meantime, put the store online full-time. I will need to find someone I trust to help me manage and build the website with the shopping cart, etc. But I think if I move and go online-only (to start), that I can eventually go online+store-front once I have enough money to re-open in KENTUCKY! Lagrange, not that far from Louisville.
Beautiful girlfriend > my New York business that 5 or 6 people have basically copied right down to refurbing the carts like I do and copying my prices. So many people saw how busy I was in this little tiny town, and everyone got the great idea to open their own vintage game store, just in bigger, more populated areas. And at first it wasnt a problem, but right now it's killing me. I think I need to go head-long in to change.
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platinumfungi
| | #11 posted November 11, 2008 at 10:22pm (EST) |
Good reasons! I hope everything works out for you
Check out the GTZ Tech Support / Tech Forum
I mod / customize and repair all video game systems and accessories.
Either I will find a way, or I will make one. |
monkbonk
| | #12 posted November 13, 2008 at 10:55am (EST) |
p00p. gimme all your masking tape!@
Thx for the info on the Duo. |
platinumfungi
| | #13 posted November 13, 2008 at 10:24pm (EST) |
No problem. If you can get the repair log from Nat, I might be able to help more if you're not ready to give up on it yet.
Check out the GTZ Tech Support / Tech Forum
I mod / customize and repair all video game systems and accessories.
Either I will find a way, or I will make one. |
3782jamesw
| | #14 posted February 2, 2009 at 6:07pm (EST) |
Hello, i bought this same pc engine duo off of ebay from kiwi_eater for $61.99. i hooked system up and put in a hucard and all i got was a white screen. then when i took out the hucard and powered up i get pc engine cd-rom system ver.3.00 press run then it shows jest a moment. what brought me here is i m trying to find someone to fix this unit if it can be fixed. the serial number is 28001884b. i read where the lens was replaced and pot were adjusted. some one mention mybe caps are bad. all i have with system is power cord controller and av cable with two rca plugs one white one yellow. i would love to get this system working to be able to relive my times that i used to play Turbo games. is there any one that works or know some one that fixes these system. if so get in touch with me.
_ |
platinumfungi
| | #15 posted February 2, 2009 at 9:24pm (EST) |
3782jamesw wrote:
> Hello, i bought this same pc engine duo off of ebay from kiwi_eater
> for $61.99. i hooked system up and put in a hucard and all i got was
> a white screen. then when i took out the hucard and powered up i get
> pc engine cd-rom system ver.3.00 press run then it shows jest a moment.
> what brought me here is i m trying to find someone to fix this unit
> if it can be fixed. the serial number is 28001884b. i read where the
> lens was replaced and pot were adjusted. some one mention mybe caps
> are bad. all i have with system is power cord controller and av cable
> with two rca plugs one white one yellow. i would love to get this
> system working to be able to relive my times that i used to play Turbo
> games. is there any one that works or know some one that fixes these
> system. if so get in touch with me.
> _
So this is the exact same unit that we were talking about in this topic?
Do you have the security bit to open the console by chance? If we had pictures of the inside of the unit it "might" help. If the hucard just responds with a white screen it sounds like there might be a connection issue. Make sure your games are very clean. You can use an eraser (the white ones are great if you have one) and rub across all the pins to clean them.
Check out the GTZ Tech Support / Tech Forum
I mod / customize and repair all video game systems and accessories.
Either I will find a way, or I will make one. |
3782jamesw
| | #16 posted February 3, 2009 at 10:52am (EST) |
So this is the exact same unit that we were talking about in this topic?
Do you have the security bit to open the console by chance? If we had pictures of the inside of the unit it "might" help. If the hucard just responds with a white screen it sounds like there might be a connection issue. Make sure your games are very clean. You can use an eraser (the white ones are great if you have one) and rub across all the pins to clean them.
Yes this is the same unit. Thanks for replying. I ordered security bit yesterday 3.8mm 4.5mm should arrive by weekend i hope. I can take photos and post somehow. I'll by some white erasers today. I do have a DMM but don't know how to test circuit boards components willing to check if anyone wants to walk me through it. I appreciate your feedback and any and all who wants to are welcome. |
BTD
 BTRs
| | #17 posted February 3, 2009 at 11:29am (EST) |
How long has this broken Duo been floating around? No offense man, I say you just sell it broken, cut your losses and buy a duo-r/rx. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe this is the same Duo that made it's way around Pcenginefx.com for a while. If so- I'd give it up as a few have tried to fix it to no avail. Just a thought.
Why not Check out the GTZ Official Junkyard Forum Broken stuff for all!
 |
Forgotten_Freshness
| | #18 posted February 3, 2009 at 12:27pm (EST) |
NO-NO- NOTORIOUS!
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3782jamesw
| | #19 posted February 3, 2009 at 1:09pm (EST) |
How long has this broken Duo been floating around? No offense man, I say you just sell it broken, cut your losses and buy a duo-r/rx. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe this is the same Duo that made it's way around Pcenginefx.com for a while. If so- I'd give it up as a few have tried to fix it to no avail. Just a thought.
Why not Check out the GTZ Official Junkyard Forum Broken stuff for all!
Hello BTD, Who ever you are. I don't know how long it has been floating around. Have you brought or worked on this unit? If not I cant see you even putting your two cents worth in. I went to your junkyard & didn't see anything there that would even benefit me or my system. I love a challenge & I know it can be fixed & I'm determine to get it fixed and I'll enjoy the long hours trouble shooting and after fixing it the long hours of satisfaction of doing so & playing games on it. Thanks for your feedback. |
BTD
BTRs
| | #20 posted February 3, 2009 at 4:18pm (EST) |
Whoa! What's with the animosity? I was just trying to give you a different opinion. I am, since you asked, a member with over 80 trades and have been around for about a year. I see you've been here for a day. So who the fudge are you? The Junkyard Forum is about 10 days old and I'd say it's doing fairly well compared to many other user forums. You obviously have no electronic skills and I PROMISE that you trying to change out parts on your Duo is out of your skill level as people who KNOW the system have tried before to no avail. I'd keep going but you seem like another noob who can't get his head out of his ass. Good luck on fixing that Duo though.
Why not Check out the GTZ Official Junkyard Forum Broken stuff for all!
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3782jamesw
| | #21 posted February 3, 2009 at 7:07pm (EST) |
BTD I really don't care how many trades and how long you been laying around here aggravating every one on here. Frankly my dear i don't give a rat @$$ who you claim to be. Who am I? I'm the guy that will get this fix that's who. |
Forgotten_Freshness
| | #22 posted February 3, 2009 at 7:13pm (EST) |
James is the first person I've never directly spoken to that's going to end up on my filter list
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BTD
BTRs
| | #23 posted February 3, 2009 at 7:22pm (EST) |
3782jamesw wrote:
> BTD I really don't care how many trades and how long you been laying
> around here aggravating every one on here. Frankly my dear i don't
> give a rat @$$ who you claim to be. Who am I? I'm the guy that will
> get this fix that's who.
You won't get far here with that attitude. You're awfully grumpy for an older guy.
Why not Check out the GTZ Official Junkyard Forum Broken stuff for all!
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neozeed
 
| | #24 posted February 3, 2009 at 8:11pm (EST) |
LOL wow aahahahahaha!
 |
BTD
BTRs
| | #25 posted February 7, 2009 at 8:34pm (EST) |
Where did james go?
Why not Check out the GTZ Official Junkyard Forum Broken stuff for all!
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Forgotten_Freshness
| | #26 posted February 7, 2009 at 8:58pm (EST) |
It was probably time to get his diaper changed.
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BTD
BTRs
| | #27 posted February 7, 2009 at 9:07pm (EST) |
I think he's working on that Duo...
Why not Check out the GTZ Official Junkyard Forum Broken stuff for all!
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platinumfungi
| | #28 posted February 7, 2009 at 10:43pm (EST) |
BTD wrote:
> I think he's working on that Duo...
Well, actually he is. He asked me for some advice, which I gave, and he's working on it.
How about we move on, eh guys 
Check out the GTZ Tech Support / Tech Forum
I mod / customize and repair all video game systems and accessories.
Either I will find a way, or I will make one. |
BTD
BTRs
| | #29 posted February 7, 2009 at 10:48pm (EST) |
platinumfungi wrote:
> BTD wrote:
>> I think he's working on that Duo...
>
> Well, actually he is. He asked me for some advice, which I gave, and
> he's working on it.
>
> How about we move on, eh guys
>
>
oh come on PF- he was outta line and you know it.
Why not Check out the GTZ Official Junkyard Forum Broken stuff for all!
|
Forgotten_Freshness
| | #30 posted February 8, 2009 at 11:22am (EST) |
Yeah he was. But, there's no reason to give him any more crap until we know if he fixes the Duo or not. TIME WILL TELL!
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3782jamesw
| | #31 posted February 8, 2009 at 3:56pm (EST) |
Thank you all for thinking about me. I am fine and doing well thanks and I hope you all are also. BTD i see your in N.C I lived there 25 years. |
3782jamesw
| | #32 posted July 12, 2009 at 2:39pm (EST) |
Thanks Ryen. i got my Jap Duo Fixed. |
platinumfungi
| | #33 posted July 13, 2009 at 7:59pm (EST) |
3782jamesw wrote:
> Thanks Ryen. i got my Jap Duo Fixed.
Awesome. Glad to hear it
Check out the GTZ Tech Support / Tech Forum
I'm actively offering modding / customization services  Check out my bio page or PM me for more info.
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