Arcade & Retro Repairs & Mods, all new recipe, with no added MSG...

KeRbDoG · 22-07-2020 12:58pm

McDermotX wrote: »

A couple Modes from Terraonion finally showed up yesterday for the Dreamcast and one of the Saturns. Despite their dual-use, I wanted separate installs just to have things squared away - though I'd never rip apart my original launch purchases.
Couple of later console pickups will be getting the works (Dreamcast is actually off getting the HDMI mod right now so that'll have to wait).

Now that Terraonion sure is fancy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVpnjd8QVks

McDermotX · 22-07-2020 5:45pm

Aye.....excellent products, but the added duty cost does take some swallowing.
Basically looking at another 60 quid on top of the retail price + shipping if importing.

McDermotX · 23-07-2020 1:08am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrQnwpSsgnc

Not mad about this thing, seems overpriced somewhat for what it is, but may appeal to some aesthetically, who are also giving up their optical drive.

Personally have a couple of replacement DC shells coming over from Australia, as I feel they still retain the original charm.

o1s1n · 23-07-2020 10:06am

I wouldn't be a fan of that at all now, the end result just looks like an ugly square emulation box.

It does go back to that old question 'at what point are you no longer playing on the original console anymore?'

Even though it's still a Dreamcast internally (without a GDRom Drive) the externals being so incredibly different would be a killer for me. Just wouldn't feel right.

Inviere · 23-07-2020 10:32am

o1s1n wrote: »

Even though it's still a Dreamcast internally (without a GDRom Drive) the externals being so incredibly different would be a killer for me. Just wouldn't feel right.

I reckon I'd be the same. If you're going to use original hardware, then use original hardware....it's hard to describe really, but there's definitely something lost with things like this. I like the disc swap button, and the easy access sd card slot...but otherwise, it's not quite the same.

I'd rather see solutions developed for original DC shells, like 3d printed bits that extend the sd card up towards where the gdrom drive was etc.

KeRbDoG · 23-07-2020 10:50am

McDermotX wrote: »

A nice non-beiged Dreamcast would be nice alright but they are a little on the high side

Inviere · 23-07-2020 10:53am

KeRbDoG wrote: »

A nice non-beiged Dreamcast would be nice alright but they are a little on the high side

Christ they are pricey aren't they?

The Last Bandit · 23-07-2020 11:54am

Inviere wrote: »

Christ they are pricey aren't they?

Sure are for a third party case with an iffy label. Can of plastikote might work just as well.

McDermotX · 23-07-2020 1:57pm

They're always probably going to be a few euros more than you'd like to pay, if only for the engineering and design of such a niche item, but user accounts of late suggest a fairly high quality finished article.
Still in the air for me, but will chime in whenever they turn up.

eddhorse · 23-07-2020 10:17pm

The Fenrir is a lot cheaper for the Saturn.
Works quite well for me.

McDermotX · 24-07-2020 2:28am

I suppose the biggest issue with Fenrir comes down to the model Saturn its going into. I'd certainly think they would be working on revising the board to accommodate Model 2s if that's not already in the pipeline. Definitely an option though.
Don't have any experience with it myself, even though I have a launch Model 1 (apart from the battery changes, its never been tampered with), so will be sticking a Mode into a Model 2 with a SSD.

It's great to see all efforts being made to support optical drive replacements all the same.

eddhorse · 24-07-2020 10:41am

McDermotX wrote: »

I suppose the biggest issue with Fenrir comes down to the model Saturn its going into. I'd certainly think they would be working on revising the board to accommodate Model 2s if that's not already in the pipeline. Definitely an option though.
Don't have any experience with it myself, even though I have a launch Model 1 (apart from the battery changes, its never been tampered with), so will be sticking a Mode into a Model 2 with a SSD.

It's great to see all efforts being made to support optical drive replacements all the same.

Yes it is in the pipeline alright, hopefully bring the prices down for all options

Colonel Panic · 24-07-2020 10:44am

My switched PAL Saturn's CD Drive is toast so I might get one. I'd miss using my physical games though in this instance...

Might finally get around to buying a Japanese version and use an Action Replay to handle booting US games, of which I own exactly one.

McDermotX · 24-07-2020 9:09pm

McDermotX wrote: »

They're always probably going to be a few euros more than you'd like to pay, if only for the engineering and design of such a niche item, but user accounts of late suggest a fairly high quality finished article.
Still in the air for me, but will chime in whenever they turn up.

Well impressed by these replicas, near perfect recreations with modern material from what I can see. Quite sturdy and well built, even without the added weight of the transplanted system.
Not the cheapest granted, but certainly made with a lot of care (even provides the bottom label with correct model no etc).
Was having second thoughts about the metal badge on the black one, but looks well in the flesh.

Have to drill out a mini-HDMI in one of them, but no big deal.

McDermotX · 24-07-2020 11:19pm

Yeah.....can't wait to test one of them out over the weekend. The original in the middle isn't actually being touched. Its a bit tinged alright, but is in better shape than another couple that are in more need.
Gone on a bit of a Sega bender of late, haven't even got to try out the Retro Fighter pad that showed up last week, so need to let the wallet recover and put some time into actually fixing them up.

eddhorse · 25-07-2020 9:23pm

Colonel Panic wrote: »

My switched PAL Saturn's CD Drive is toast so I might get one. I'd miss using my physical games though in this instance... Might finally get around to buying a Japanese version and use an Action Replay to handle booting US games, of which I own exactly one.

Do you need a Saturn disc drive?

Colonel Panic · 25-07-2020 10:10pm

eddhorse wrote: »

Do you need a Saturn disc drive?

Yeah, I think it might come to that alright!

eddhorse · 27-07-2020 10:42am

Colonel Panic wrote: »

Yeah, I think it might come to that alright!

I have a spare if you want it, depends on the model or pinout i think.

Colonel Panic · 27-07-2020 12:05pm

eddhorse wrote: »

I have a spare if you want it, depends on the model or pinout i think.

Ah deadly, it got oval buttons so MK1, I believe. I’ll open it up this evening and see what the drive is.

Steve X2 · 27-07-2020 6:09pm

A little project I'm working on. A 15" wide LCD setup to display arcade artwork powered by a Raspberry Pi. I can stick a clock overlay and whatever I want on it, but I'll probably keep it clean and simple with arcade marquee's only.

Currently 3D printing the case/mount for it, loads to do on the software side and also have some batteries to test to see if its worth adding battery power as well as mains.

Optimus Prime · 27-07-2020 6:44pm

That’s a great idea , looks cool.

KeRbDoG · 27-07-2020 7:58pm

Steve X2 wrote: »

A little project I'm working on. A 15" wide LCD setup to display arcade artwork powered by a Raspberry Pi. I can stick a clock overlay and whatever I want on it, but I'll probably keep it clean and simple with arcade marquee's only.

Currently 3D printing the case/mount for it, loads to do on the software side and also have some batteries to test to see if its worth adding battery power as well as mains.

Oooooo, more info on the LCD?

Steve X2 · 27-07-2020 9:53pm

KeRbDoG wrote: »

Oooooo, more info on the LCD?

LTA149B780F 14.9 inch 1280X390 LCD Screen

28-07-2020 9:57am

Oh thats very cool !!!
Have you ever seen the pinball DMD clocks?

Steve X2 · 28-07-2020 10:19am

BrownFinger wrote: »

Oh thats very cool !!!
Have you ever seen the pinball DMD clocks?

I've got two of those run-dmd pinball clocks, one i built from aliexpress parts myself and another full kit i bought from some pinball forum. They are pretty class looking things, this LCD display is a good bit smaller.

o1s1n · 28-07-2020 10:27am

I think you had a multi coloured one Steve didn't you?

I've had my one stored away for a few years now, it's an amazing yolk, just can't seem to find a place in the house where it works! Gives off a huge amount of light.

Steve X2 · 28-07-2020 11:03am

o1s1n wrote: »

I think you had a multi coloured one Steve didn't you?

I've had my one stored away for a few years now, it's an amazing yolk, just can't seem to find a place in the house where it works! Gives off a huge amount of light.

The one in my office is multi colour, but only in the sense that there's dip switches on the back to select what colour you want to display. There are more recent ones with proper RGB. I think the first one i built myself was just green, but still looks great.

Jack burton · 28-07-2020 10:20pm

Have a bit of a strange problem on my crazy taxi.

Had a few friends playing it the weekend and when I went on for a game it started in reverse. Went to change it to forward drive and wouldn't stay in that gear, when I held up the stick into that gear it would go forward but not pick up any speed, once I let go it went back into reverse then.

Checked all the connections etc and seem to be grand. Ran test mode and all its saying is that game is in reverse gear.

Gear stick itself is fine physically, switchers not jammed or anything.

Anyone have any idea?

BGOllie · 28-07-2020 10:37pm

check the switches on the shift gear aren't shorted, swap em around or change them altogether if you're not sure.
Could also be an issue with the I/O board. have you a spare one to test ? (think I have another one somewhere if you need a spare )
Failing that try the Jambo Safari cart I sent you and check if it runs fine (will need to swap a couple of inputs on the i/o board) .

Doge · 28-07-2020 10:49pm

Steve X2 wrote: »

LTA149B780F 14.9 inch 1280X390 LCD Screen

Wow the price for that is much much cheaper than the ones that were around one that project was first started.

I remember them being several hundred euros as there wasn't much LCD panels in that specific size.

Now it's very affordable.

Jack burton · 28-07-2020 10:55pm

They were working in the test mode but took your advice and just changed them for some micro switches from the pinball parts drawer.

Seems to be working a charm. I'll give it a few games tomorrow and see how they hold up with some newer larger switches.

I have that Jambo Safari wrapped up in a box along with other stuff for you, probably in the corner of my room for ****ing months now! I'll get it posted Thursday. Have a coin door for Cathaldub too that's the sake story. I'm actually ****ing useless haha

Doge · 28-07-2020 10:59pm

Shame that the pi powered Marquee looks absolutely awful on an Arcade1up cab with the display protruding a good bit from the top of the cab.
Don't think it's worth doing on them, but a normal cab it looks the business on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLWHghxYiEc

Steve X2 · 28-07-2020 11:07pm

Doge wrote: »

Shame that the pi powered Marquee looks absolutely awful on an Arcade1up cab with the display protruding a good bit from the top of the cab.
Don't think it's worth doing on them, but a normal cab it looks the business on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLWHghxYiEc

I think it's way too small for a normal cab. It'd be lost in the marquee section.
It is a nice screen for messing around with other projects though, and the price isn't terrible.

McDermotX · 29-07-2020 8:20pm

McDermotX wrote: »

A couple Modes from Terraonion finally showed up yesterday for the Dreamcast and one of the Saturns. Despite their dual-use, I wanted separate installs just to have things squared away - though I'd never rip apart my original launch purchases.
Couple of later console pickups will be getting the works (Dreamcast is actually off getting the HDMI mod right now so that'll have to wait).

Got around to a bit of work last couple evenings.
Very positive first impressions of the Modes on both the Saturn and Dreamcast. Lot of work has obviously gone into the thinking behind the operation, so fair play to Terraonion. Couple minor caveats regarding the folder structure and caching when using the cover view option, but features for firmware down the line so nothing to get in a huff about - having said that, the cover view option is probably more useful for the DC as opposed to the Saturn due to performance issues, something Terraonion readily admit themselves due to bandwidth issues.

Saturn - ended up playing 'musical Saturns' one evening in the install. Primary use system is a switchless modified PAL, but the Mode doesn't get on with modified systems. It can work with some workaround but not worth the potential issues down the line, so ended up installing it in a Japanese model, and transplanting a PAL PSU into it. Grand for the pure 60Hz, but need to run a wire to enable auto 50/60Hz switching via Mode - not fully convinced I'll bother yet though, as there's not many PAL only releases off the top of my head that require going back in just yet - perhaps Shinobi X for the soundtrack. Other wiring option is to enable a reset to menu, but might hold off again, as a button-shortcut firmware option may be in the offing soon. Case on the Japanese model is a little scuffed though, so might do something with that.

Dreamcast - painless install, bar coming across the realisation that I've a couple DCs that'll need the hacksaw taken to em to fit Noctua mods, but that's a problem for another day. No issues here, bar trimming a support stand for the Mode to have an easier fit. Plenty of storage options with a SSD and microSD able to run concurrently.
DCHDMI mod is a game changer though, freeing up the DC from the scaler setup, and has a reset functionality that works together with the Mode to essentially operate as a reset to menu. Not a cheap option, but being free of the various video/VGA incompatibility/OSSC shenanigans that can happen with some DC titles and just having a crisp 960p output is refreshing. Soon as I have some more free time, I'll hope to move it into a black case and fit the Noctua properly.
Finally had a chance to checkout the Retro Fighters pad as well.....not bad in the couple hours I tried with it. Dont really have a problem with the original pad design bar the cable location, but nice to have a modern option.

Steve X2 · 30-07-2020 4:00pm

Just in case anyone is using that LTA149B780F screen with the Raspberry Pi. You need to manually enter the HDMI detail in the config.txt file. It seems to pick up the screen as a 1280x720, which will work, but isn't the native resolution(1280x390).

hdmi_group=2
hdmi_mode=87
hdmi_timings=1280 0 8 128 64 390 0 1 3 24 0 0 0 67 0 42009500 8

Edit:
No time like 1.30am to be mixing up Gorilla epoxy to hold the marquee display frame together

A lot of sanding and priming in my near future to get this done for the weekend. The frame is meant for the Arcade1Up cabs, but a few small adjustments and it will do nicely as a standalone frame for this thing.

Steve X2 · 02-08-2020 11:14pm

Done at last(I hate sanding PLA plastic so much!)
Software side is 100% complete on the Raspberry Pi 4, with image slideshow setup on boot. There's an FTP server running should I need to add or remove images and SSH is there as well for monitoring or changing the Raspberry Pi config(slideshow settings and transition effects can be changed here too).

I've got a super short and slim HDMI cable on the way to replace the standard one I have as its a bit bulky for this type of thing. I also found it a little front heavy, so added some balance weights from amazon into the back base section, which has worked well and it wont topple easy now.

So I'm pretty much done, the only other thing i might do is paint up the metal parts of the screen to match the frame.

Jack burton · 03-08-2020 11:14pm

So how much are you selling the limited run of them for? :P

Steve X2 · 04-08-2020 10:10am

Jack burton wrote: »

So how much are you selling the limited run of them for? :P

A limited run of one

The screen is very nice for what it is, but i cant help but wish it was a bit larger and higher resolution to really show off the artwork. Next one maybe as aliexpress has a few potential displays at reasonable prices.

Jack burton · 04-08-2020 1:11pm

BGOllie wrote: »

check the switches on the shift gear aren't shorted, swap em around or change them altogether if you're not sure.
Could also be an issue with the I/O board. have you a spare one to test ? (think I have another one somewhere if you need a spare )
Failing that try the Jambo Safari cart I sent you and check if it runs fine (will need to swap a couple of inputs on the i/o board) .

Got a pack of new switches this morning. Gave it a test and worked ok but then went back to the way it was. Must be a problem with the IO board.

It's pretty wierd really. When it's forced into D is like a car driving in first gear, odd.

Steve X2 · 05-08-2020 11:02am

Well I guess i know the first mod I'll be doing to this thing. I get about 3.5-4 hours on a full charge with just this single battery cell. Should cost about 10 euro to stick in 8 cells or more without much work(and there sure is plenty of space inside).

Jack burton · 06-08-2020 1:25pm

Just asked over on UKvac about the crazy taxi and it's definitely the io board. Seems to be a regular problem with them.

Repairable but I'd imagine we'll beyond my capabilities so I'll just get a new io board

Colonel Panic · 08-08-2020 11:46am

Fixed up a GC I bought for spares years ago. Battery was dead and the region mod switch it's previous owner (or seller) did was a mess.

The switch itself was bodged in, the wires were loose do it was stuck in JPN mode and there was zero slack to resolder anything.

All running now, I'll put this in the man cave, I reckon!

Colonel Panic · 09-08-2020 5:33pm

Found a power supply for a top loader NES I bought from another forum and popped to my parent's to get an RF cable this afternoon.

Turns out on Trinitron sort of supports NTSC over RF! I managed to get a colour image, but couldn't get the sound to work, just static.

Now, no idea if this is the NES or the TV and it's moot, as now I've tested it, I'm gonna order a NES RGB kit

Never done one of those mods before so that should be fun!

I'm waiting on a 3D printed multi-out to come back into stock with little luck, so I might have to drill a hole for an 8 pin DIN connector, or remote the RF unit and widen the RF out hole.

KeRbDoG · 29-08-2020 4:38pm

Wayhay! Completed an install of the NESRGB kit in a Twin Famicom! It was a complete pain to remove the PPU because the pin holes are plated through.
Hardest part was removing the PPU. Gave up trying to use a desoldering gun and got out the hotair rework station, 2min later out it popped

one thing I noted, the old composite output not doesn't really work now, maybe I should route the new composite from the NESRGB to the external port? Maybe just fix why its messed up.

Colour pallets are kinda funky, interesting to see. Image is super RGB crisp

Colonel Panic · 31-08-2020 10:46am

Videos like Voultar's make desoldering those through holes look so easy! What desoldering gun do you have?

I got the last part I needed to go ahead with my mod. The quality is better than I expected.

31-08-2020 11:39am

I good trick for clearing out through hole solder is flux them and heat them up then quickly blow (with your mouth!) a short sharp blast and it'll blow the solder off onto your work mat!

keep your lips off the iron !

KeRbDoG · 31-08-2020 4:00pm

Colonel Panic wrote: »

Videos like Voultar's make desoldering those through holes look so easy! What desoldering gun do you have?

I'm sure its very easy when you have done it dozens of times which he has

I ended up drilling very neat holes for the outputs/switch, I could have removed the large DIN but wasn't bothered. The Twin has lots of space along the back of it. Let me get some photos up later.
I used this el-cheapo one which was served me well to date. Towards the end of using it I was certain I'd just solder it all back up when I got out the hot air rework station (a very china copy version) and it worked a charm! In saying that, I had 90% of the solder already removed so I'm sure that helped. Tip, if you want to add fresh solder to aid the removal, do so sparingly.

BrownFinger wrote: »

I good trick for clearing out through hole solder is flux them and heat them up then quickly blow (with your mouth!) a short sharp blast and it'll blow the solder off onto your work mat!

keep your lips off the iron !

Genius idea, will keep that in the brain for the next time I'm removing a troublesome component

Was playing Mario and other FDS games with a OSSC on a 65" TV - Mario is a super clear pixel'd lad :cool:

Colonel Panic · 31-08-2020 6:15pm

Aye, it's just funny seeing his videos where it's flux, reflow and boom! Not one trace of solder. Any desoldering I've done has been a very stressful experience.

I'm dreading doing it to mine!

Would love to see pics of the mod!

KeRbDoG · 01-09-2020 11:36pm

Colonel Panic wrote: »

Aye, it's just funny seeing his videos where it's flux, reflow and boom! Not one trace of solder. Any desoldering I've done has been a very stressful experience.

I'm dreading doing it to mine!

Would love to see pics of the mod!

Sorry for the delay - photos, on the Twin the NESRGB is hidden underneath the mainboard

PPU removed and socket installed

NESRGB board wired up

Rear video/audio socket

Colonel Panic · 02-09-2020 12:24pm

Oh that's very satisfying looking.

Where did you get audio from? The existing RCA jack?

Arcade & Retro Repairs & Mods, all new recipe, with no added MSG...

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