pc engine duo r stuck at main screen.

[zonkynib]

Just purchased a pc engine duo r yesterday from a local import store. Powers up fine, but at the start up screen that reads "press run button" pressing the run button does nothing. I tried using two different controllers as well. I was magically able to get into the game once where I played for a few minutes when the sound cut out and the game paused by itself. I was unable to unpause it. 

Any suggestions?

[kamiboy]

Either something is wrong with the controller input or it is the CD reading that is bust. Perhaps some capacitors need changing.

Two questions, have you tried a Hu-card game and are your CD games original or burned.

[zonkynib]

The cd game I tested (fighting street) is original. I don't have any jpn hu-cards to test unfortunately. I think the controller port might need to be soldered as when I press down on the controller plug it will work; I need to hold it down for it to register at all. That still doesn't account for the music cutting out though.

I should clarify that its the just the music that cuts out, I can still hear the sound effects. I guess I'll just return it. I know these systems are a bit wonky but for the price I would like it to work for a while without maintenance. Heh.

[CkRtech]

Hey zonkynib,

Yeah. Sounds like perhaps resoldering the controller port as well as replacing the audio capacitors (at the least) are required for that unit. I've had to do the audio capacitors in my unit (plain Duo) once before.

Perhaps they have another unit and you can exchange it if you don't want to do the work. I should mention that capacitor issues on the duo and duo r are rather common. So even if you get another unit, it could have the same sound issues or start to show them in the near future. That is why a lot of people tend to go for the Duo rx.

[ApolloBoy]

I should mention that capacitor issues on the duo and duo r are rather common. So even if you get another unit, it could have the same sound issues or start to show them in the near future. That is why a lot of people tend to go for the Duo rx.

Actually the Duo-R doesn't really have cap issues like the original Duo. Essentially the only difference between the Duo-R and RX is a different colored case; they have the exact same motherboard and exact same internals.

[zonkynib]

are the capacitors an easy fix? I'm brand new to the pc engine world and have 0 soldering experience. I know some people that could probably fix it for me but I just don't know if its worth the hassle. I've read these are common problems but both the controller port and the sound caps right off is a bit much for me. Haha.

[Zets13]

Capacitors are fairly easy to replace if you know how to desolder and solder, but can get very tedious if you have many different types of capacitors to replace at once leading to stupid mistakes if you aren't careful. Just identify which caps are needed, either via an online list or simply reading the info on the capacitors, noting capacitance, the maximum voltage, temperature rating, and whether it is polar or bi-polar. You can look up guides on the internet to help you identify what caps you need. When installing them, you need to make certain you match the polarity of the capacitor with the way the old one was installed, and oftentimes the polarity will be indicated on the PCB itself.

It really isn't overly difficult, and once you get the soldering equipment, buying individual capacitors is fairly cheap. Look up some soldering videos on YouTube (EEVBlog has some) and see for yourself if it looks like something you're up for trying.

[CkRtech]

I should mention that capacitor issues on the duo and duo r are rather common. So even if you get another unit, it could have the same sound issues or start to show them in the near future. That is why a lot of people tend to go for the Duo rx.

Actually the Duo-R doesn't really have cap issues like the original Duo. Essentially the only difference between the Duo-R and RX is a different colored case; they have the exact same motherboard and exact same internals.

Oh interesting. I read that the caps were an issue with both the Duo and the Duo-R, and the RX was the way to go due to the superior quality of the internal components. I can only personally speak for the Duo.

zonkynib - I would try the store to see if you can exchange it. Do you happen to know anyone that has soldering experience? I honestly do not believe this task is a good starting exercise for soldering.

[speedlolita]

I'd say if you suspect something is up you may as well do a full recap.

Pcenginefx forum had a cap replacement guide iirc.

[hungar]

Perhaps the solder joints on the port just need re doing or it needs a clean.

As mentioned Port then laser but its probably the port or something around it. Even if the laser is junk the PCE will at least try to read it and then fail.

I hope it's not Caps, it really shouldn't be certainly don't do a full recap. Just open it up and see if you have any bulging or leaky caps. The Duo R/X is solid.

[kamiboy]

No, bulging caps is not the only sign of leaks. The caps that leak the most in regular Duos are the surface mount caps and you cannot tell that one has gone bad unless you solder it off and see it for yourself.

If you have an opportunity to return the unit, then do so. If the laser is going then it is not worth the trouble unless you got it for cheap, that is $100-150.

[ApolloBoy]

If the laser is going then it is not worth the trouble unless you got it for cheap, that is $100-150.

HOP-M3 lasers are actually fairly cheap and they're easy to install, I would say it's worth the trouble.

[kamiboy]

Calibrating a laser is not fun. Not sure if that is mandatory when replacing a laser or not.

[hungar]

Calibrating the laser is pretty easy if it's just drifted out slightly. There are comprehensive guides on pcenginefx forums, I bought a Duo R a few months ago that didn't read disks a tiny turn to a pot and it worked fine. It's trial and error but its not that bad.

@kamiboy You can't tell if one has gone bad ? Tell that to my poor old Duo which had electrolytic fluid all over the board ;P

[kamiboy]

I've opened many Duos needing a cap exchange and not a single one had visible leaking. I think the caps in a Duo most often leak in silence, which is appropriate since no audio is one of the first signs.

[zonkynib]

I actually paid the sun and the moon for the system so I ended up returning it. Going to try my luck with ebay. Hopefully that turns out better.

[mickcris]

I actually paid the sun and the moon for the system so I ended up returning it. Going to try my luck with ebay. Hopefully that turns out better.

You should try to get one from doujindance on ebay:

http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.d ... llFeedback

He usually lists a couple a week, but they go quickly. For about $300, you will get a really clean one with a new laser, RGB mod, and also an HuCard region switch.

[hungar]

My Duo had some corrosion messed up traces and gunk around the headphone area I just assumed due to electrolytic fluid.

[zonkynib]

Thanks for the heads up, mickcris. Hopefully I can catch one of those!