TG-16 Mix and Match

[Banards]

Did a quick search and didn't really find a definitive answer so I thought someone had to have tried this before. Can a PC Engine CD-ROM2 be connected to a TurboGrafx-16 console? I think the connectors may be different, but other than that aren't the pins the same?

[Razor Knuckles]

I don't know if the pins are the same. But I do know in order to play TurboGrafx-16 CD games you need the special HU card. I do know the PC Engine and TurboGrafx HU cards are the same cards but they are not interchangeable, they are region specific. So even if the CD-ROM unit did fit it wouldn't function because you need a PC Engine boot HU card which will not work on the TurboGrafx. But thats my guess.

[Banards]

I didn't even think that the Japanese CD Drive might require a Japanese system card. It sounds like it would be a whole lot of trouble then.

[Razor Knuckles]

It's called the Super System Card. It's basically a BIOS card for the CD system.

Also the design of the units interface connectors is completely different for both systems so it will not work. The interface unit on the PC Engine sticks out a little like a Male connection for the CD-ROM unit whereas the TurboGrafx-16 is more of a Female connection for the unit. 

[img width=700 height=394]http://i1077.photobucket.com/albums/w462/RazorKnuckles/pcengine_zps4533808e.jpg[/img]

[img width=700 height=394]http://i1077.photobucket.com/albums/w462/RazorKnuckles/turbo_zps3284c50f.jpg[/img]

[Banards]

That's actually the connector for the system dock that holds the CD-ROM. The CD-ROM connects to this part here.

[img width=432 height=324]http://i.imgur.com/aP6Rx.jpg[/img]

That's what got me thinking it was possible, but I don't know if the pins are the same. If it needs a Japanese system card though, I'm still  not sure if it's worth the trouble. It's a very confusing system. 

[Razor Knuckles]

Yeah I forgot it had it's own interface for he TurboGrafx-16 system. I'm more familiar with the PC Engine. Maybe it would work if the Super System card was a region free devise, unlike the games. Damn, now I really want to know. I would assume the dimensions are probably the same for the CD-ROM units. Maybe someone else may know if they got all the proper setups for the systems. Thats all I got to help you out.  

EDIT: After looking up the price of the TurboGrafx-16 CD-ROM unit I think I see why you want to know this. Would be far cheaper to get the Japan PC Engine CD-ROM unit.

[Banards]

Yessir! I also found a thread that covers a replacement gear as well. It's got me itchin' if only my wallet was more willing.

[Razor Knuckles]

Well I hope it works out for you. I know those gears are common to go out on the systems. I've been very interested in this subject and would be nice to see someone actually try this crazy idea out. I've never heard anyone even mention something like this before. 

[Banards]

I'm looking around for one. I figure if it doesn't work, I can always pick up a PC Engine to go with it. Thanks for all the help.

[ApolloBoy]

The drives are completely interchangeable but the docks aren't. You also don't need a Japanese System Card; as long as you have some kind of system card it'll work.

[Banards]

Excellent Thanks!

[Duke.Togo]

Certainly interchangeable as you have found. Here is a seller that has some rebuilt units for sale (just got one from him myself): http://www.pcenginefx.com...s/index.php?topic=13414.0

Have fun!

[Banards]

Wow, thanks for the info Duke!

[Duke.Togo]

You're welcome and good luck! I'm putting together a PC Engine setup myself to avoid the crazy costs of TG-16 system cards...

[Razor Knuckles]

I've always dug the PC Engine for some odd reason. I'm glad to hear about the CD-ROM compatibility issue being solved here. I really wish to own a PC Engine or even a TG-16 one day. Or even it's handheld counterpart.