PC Engine Trash to Treasure (Pt1) - Restoring NEC's 8bit Wonder

The PC Engine is a gloriously compact little machine, and its abilities could so easily be dismissed for being "just an 8bit machine", but it offers so much. I'm keen to get this repaired so that I can explore the exotic library of games for it and get better aquanted with a system that was never on sale in the UK. We had the TurboGrafx later.
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[@MattyStoked]

I loved how candid this was! I would have re-shot or edited that part where the machine wasn't plugged in! I hugely appreciate your openness and honesty Neil, thank you for that.

[@digiowl9599]

Yep it was refreshingly candid. Love it when the humor isn't forced and the presenter does not seem to have had a few too many red bulls.

[@TheRetroCollective]

We've got back to back Trash to Treasure episodes this week. If you are enjoying this series and want to support The Cave then head over to patreon.com/rmcretro where the next episode is now available on early access to all Official Cave Dwellers. Thank you for your support! Correction: The 2 chips on the bottom of the board are the VRAM not the 8k RAM Neil - RMC

[@otopico]

Seeing you not having the video or power plugged in was the laugh I needed today. We have all been there, trouble shooting, only to find we failed the most basic step of plugging things in. As for games, if you can find it, Air Zonk is a fantastic side scrolling shooter.

[@WhatALoadOfTosca]

I'm a photographer and I don't know how many times I've left the lenscap on in front of customers lol.

[@danilko1]

@RetroManCave - Trash to treasure are my favorite videos. Thank you so much. Also I like the mail submission videos...

[@TheRetroCollective]

Thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying them

[@a_walk_down_memory_lane]

awesome. thank you. the Trash to Treasure series is one of my favourite series on youtube.

[@MegaHayes]

It's a shame when people don't have the skill to repair broken consoles and they're just scrapped, it's nice to see people like yourself spending time getting them into a working condition which any normal person would just think it to be beyond repair. So much respect! :)

[@raggersragnarsson6255]

I miss the old green grid mat. The quality and work of this video is so apparent. Lovely.

[@CRG]

Nice fix and kudos to you for not editing out the failed switching on. Your face first had that have I broke it look then it dawned, twice. Made me chuckle. This is one of those system I keep looking at buying from those Japanese auction sites with the thinking that its small so postage shouldn't be that much. Looking forward to the next part.

[@retro_boy_advance]

I love how there's just a box of PC Engine parts, just waiting to be put together 🥰

[@creechrfeechr8094]

Sterling job restoring that! Very satisfying to see the result - a pristine white PC Engine fully working. Great video. 😊

[@portnaluinge]

Love the PC Engine. It’s great to see these two alive and playable.

[@the_broly_arms]

I've watched every Trash to Treasure video you've put out, some numerous times, and I can't help it... every single time you say "IPA" I think, "Why would he clean it with beer?"... another awesome video on a far too-overlooked system!

[@namakudamono]

Great episode Neil, thank you very much! I really enjoy the relaxing, friendly nature of your narration too - it’s like you’re explaining the processes right here, in my living room.

[@TheRetroCollective]

That's lovely to hear thank you I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@datriaxsondor590]

Nice work as usual. Replacing the voltage regulator is certain to be a huge improvement in terms of heat. Also a good call on replacing those caps, of course. Nicely done, and looks great. Look forward to part 2.

[@thunderbird7780]

I could watch this all day.

[@MarkTheMorose]

Someone will do a 10 hour version, probably.

[@boatofcar3273]

Just starting this series Neil-I’ve always had an affinity for the PCE since I saw them on my first trip to Japan. Amazing how neat and compact the board is!

[@karlwalker1771]

Fantastic Channel sir watching this as Christmas has been Canceled by Boris and covid, this video has Lifted me :) Thank you and please continue.

[@grumblekin]

PC Engine MASTER RACE! I love going to Tokyo and digging crates for PC Engine games.... Can’t wait for this plague to be done!

[@The16BitterSNES]

Always lusted after a PC Engine (the original white model - the epitome of Japanese design). Managed to procure one last year fully modded, and am blown away by some of the quality arcade conversions and unique titles. A truly stunning machine for when it was released and what it could produce, a fine example of hardware and software coming together and being optimised for the job at hand. Then of course there is there is the foresight to push into the future with CD-ROM(ROM) technology!?! Amazing machine and great video Neil, thanks so much...keep going and stay safe.

[@jevansturner]

Not specific to PC-Engine, but I have heard that a switching voltage regulator can cause jailbars or other strange effects with analog interference. I think it was Voultar who said it.

[@stephenbroderick7002]

Funny episode. Loved the power / video cable part. Laughed out loud. Thanks for making this.

[@lordmuaddib]

my pc-engine duo-r says hello! enjoy this beautiful machine. there are lots of beautiful games on hucards and cdrom!

[@allanalmeidapa]

Nice video. PC-Engine I always cherish are Bomberman-94 and Jackie Chan. Already waiting for the next episode. Greetings from Brazil.

[@DRNicholasJones]

I really enjoy your videos your voice is so relaxing to listen too . Awesome to see these machines get restored back to glory .

[@IvanDSM]

Great video Neil, can't wait for Part 2! What you did with the connection between the main board and the HuCard reader looked really neat! :)

[@silentfanatic]

Really good to see so much attention being given to the PCE. Should be great to see what you can do with the CD unit!

[@lecompanero1124]

Wainting eagerly for episode 2. I love the PC engine and all their add-ons. Nice to see one in so good shape.

[@johnknight9150]

Lovely looking main-board.That was a nice touch comparing the CPU speeds with the Commodore.

[@TranceTrousers]

I'd never heard of the PC Engine before, so I was hoping for a brief overview and history of it. Other than that another excellent episode. I particularly appreciated you not editing out forgetting to plug the power and video cables in - we've all done it before! Those 7805 replacements are great! I've fitted them in a few of my vintage computers.

[@TheRetroCollective]

I'd certainly like to go in depth with some history. There are a surprising number of models including handheld so I'd quite like to get a few more for the history deep dive. This would of course include the Laser Active which appeared on the channel

[@Tyresome]

Such good work man! It's amazing to play games and such on an awesome bit of rare tech. To know that you basically kept it going must be SO satisfying. SO much love!

[@corgibuttz2550]

I wish I could learn to work on electronics like this. It's so cool being able to identify things and fix stuff.

[@retro_reflections]

Such a beautiful machine, with some truly amazing titles, and a cracking vid too. Thanks very much, looking forward to pt.2! :)

[@Micropops]

This will be an awesome Trash to Treasure series. I want the next part NOW!!! Lol! Keep up the great work! I love your show!

[@shelby3822]

John Michael Godier's voice to fall asleep to and Neil's voice to wake up to over coffee, splendid indeed

[@dlinkster]

I always wanted one - well, the TurboGrafx 16. The CD-ROM was just so futuristic back then. This video brings me joy.

[@6581punk]

I bought the Turbografx 16 new in box recently. I remember C&VG covering the PC Engine and I saw screenshots of Out Run I think, was really jealous as the C64 and Amiga had terrible conversions (at least the C64 version was fast). But it talked of step down converters and NTSC to PAL devices required, so it wasn't going to happen. I was at school and importing games would have been expensive.

[@Colin_Ames]

I really enjoy your presentation style. Keep these great videos coming.

[@TheRetroCollective]

Thanks Colin

[@markhodgson2348]

Good to see a proper restoration video and not some fake all talk and no information, great

[@Septer_Sever]

Smart idea with the pin headers. I'm sure someone in the community will make a mass produced replacement for the ribbon cable at some point. I've heard of a lot of people breaking that cable when first opening the case. There is a jailbar fix as well if you replace a couple capacitors. Thanks for a great PC Engine video in 4k...we need more of those!

[@TimLeeSongs]

Another great video, I wish I had your repairing skills! Blazing Lazers, Bonk’s Adventure both great PC Engine games.

[@MrVolksbeetle]

I love PC Engine and TG-16 stuff. That CD setup (briefcase, I think some folks call it) has been one of those things I've always wanted and just never got one because of fundage or lack of a place to put it. I'm really looking forward to this series.

[@randywatson8347]

It's a dream console. The PC-Engine has imho the best ports from Sega arcade games like Outrun and Afterburner 2. 😄 after soldering so much, everyone is getting mentally tired 18:30 nice job!

[@Th3OmegaPoint]

My favourite PC Engine games - R-Type, Splatterhouse, Street Fighter 2, Super Star Soldier, Ninja Warriors, Gradius, Devil Crash, Bomberman. So many great arcade conversions on this console!

[@UltraHealthyVideoGameNerd]

This was amazing to see. I've only seen you do PC repairs and restorations until now, cool to see a console too. And I also had problems with this notorious model, ended up having to let it go and get a Duo-R

[@regfenster]

Absolute beast of a gaming machine, I had one in 1988 or 89 from PC Engine Supplies based in London. £200 with P47 Thunderbolt. It was a great time to be a gamer back then as the PC Engine was a massive jump from the 8 bit home computers and left the 16 bit computers in the dust with its arcade quality visuals, sound was not all that to shout about though. Faulty Multitaps from memory could blow the internal fuse as happened to me a few times. You could argue that Sega's arcade ports where better on the PC Engine than the MegaDrive and nothing other than a NeoGeo AES could touch it for sprite handling duties. Shame it never had a proper launch into Europe other than the tasteless TG16. Happy memories indeed.

[@regfenster]

I'll have a dig later to see if I've still got the rare as hens teeth PC Engine to TG16 converter, it basically reroutes the pins on the Hu-card to suit and its a nice lurid pink as well. I've not laid eyes on it in decades but it could well be in the attic somewhere and if it turns up I'll post it your way as TG16 Hu-cards are considerably cheaper than the Japanese ones.

[@MisterRorschach90]

It’s so cool that the logic board is about the same size as an itx or stx motherboard. That means you could transplant it inside of a modern usff gaming case if you wanted to be different.

[@spacedock873]

Love the double prat fall with plugging in the cables! 😂

[@vix_in_japan]

Just catching up on some things I have missed recently Neil! The PC Engine sits very much alongside the SNES/SFC and PSX as one of my all time favourite consoles. Anything that helps restore these machines to their former beauty is to be applauded. Saw a CD-ROM2 system in Akihabara sans interface unit for only a couple of thousand yen, it was in bad condition and who knows whether it worked. Can't wait to get mine plugged in here once I get an RCA cable delivered, it's been nice to bring my PC Engine back home to Japan :)

[@flekkzo]

Turns on. Nothing. One of us! One of us! One of us!

[@Waremonger]

Great video Neil. I can't wait to see the rest of the series.

[@AmigosRetroGaming]

Great video Neil. I always learn a ton by watching these.

[@infopackrat]

Here in Canada we were always jealous of you guys in Europe with SCART. That should have become an international standard. I'd use it today for retro stuff if they put it in your typical TV.

[@lancebukkake]

Oh my goodness - I had the PC Engine and the CD-ROM2 --- I Love it!!!! That game with the cartoonish characters is called "Wataru" It was one of PC Engine's earlier games. I also had that game :)

[@RetroSegaDev]

Thank you for giving me something different to watch everyday on my work break during these tough times :)

[@Ray2Jerry]

Can't get enough of these videos... a history lesson and invasive gadget surgery in every episode 😁

[@TheRetroCollective]

Thank you!

[@mikgus]

My first successful repair job was changing the 7805 in a famicom (multiple times). Ended up with it mounted on the outside with a huge heatsink.

[@sjfvideo9508]

You do some cool stuff on this channel but this episode is exceptionally cool. Well done!

[@TotalMoop]

Loved the outtakes staying in (in-takes? =P ) Great machines and really good for amateurs to cut their teeth on for mods. Nice pin pitches etc.. Interesting about the drop-in regulator replacement as well. Have not come across those. Thanks for the tip. You CAN modify the dock for RGB, though from memory, they recommend using one of the internal mods in it and creating a DIN output. MD2 Scart cable and din socket for cleaner presentation maybe.

[@BlackEpyon]

I have also used the desoldering gun as an iron. They are both next to each other, but the gun heats up faster, so it's quicker if I just need to replace a couple components to get something working.

[@HappyCodingZX]

two tips from me: 1) It's possible to remove the composite video out port and replace it with an RGB port wired to the correct points on the expansion port. Not sure but I believe you can use the same one that is found on the Master System which makes having the right cable easy. However this can get in the way of the CD-ROM unit, in which case it's worth considering adding a port to the expansion unit itself. You can actually do both. 2) Super Star Soldier.

[@GadgetUK164]

Great video! The RAM at the bottom is the VRAM, not the 8K of work RAM! The work RAM is on the slot PCB! Stay safe!!!

[@TheRetroCollective]

Ah excellent thank you for clearing that up sir!

[@GadgetUK164]

@@TheRetroCollective No worries! Nice to see the PC Engine getting some love on your channel - such a cool little box of magic =D

[@TheMamosians]

Very impressed, brilliant restoration :)

[@TheRetroCollective]

Thank you!

[@y-cyastorr8459]

Uh. This Console - was the first CD based Console and my favourite for a long time. True 8/16bit power. I had the grey CoreGrafx (same as the white PC-Engine) with the white Interface and CD-Rom. That console system was the cooles looking - even today!

[@EsotericArctos]

Great restoration. If all different outputs are on the connector pins, you should be able to just find the same pins the cable uses in the expansion port. I am not very familiar with this device. I look forward to seeing more. It looks quite interesting.

[@atman2]

Introducing a switching regulator could create noice in the system compared to a linear one, just a friendly notice. If the picture seems less clean it could be it.

[@rayceeya8659]

The rainbow ribbon cables you're using remind me of working on old Apple IIs back in the early 90s for the local high school. God damn, that was almost 30 years ago now.

[@GreatOne0815]

I never had one but for me the PC Engine was and maybe is the best looking console ever.

[@fensoxx]

Splatterhouse was a great game i used to have for turbografx-16. English language. Great video thank you!

[@oddball_the_blue]

Regarding the screws - In a pinch, melt the end of a disposable pen and press it over the screw - let it cool then try that. I've taken an N64 apart doing just that. Not as good as the proper tool mind but worth a shot if your desperate.

[@ThingNumberTwo2]

Awesome video. The PC Engine is a fantastic system; it's a shame it never really took off in the west because we missed out on a lot of great games. My recommendations for Japanese but English-friendly CD games include Ginga Fukei Densetsu: Sapphire, Akumajou Dracula X: Chi no Rondo and Seirei Senshi Spriggan, as well as the western versions of Last Alert and Gate of Thunder.

[@GerardKean]

My favourite type of video. Keep 'em coming

[@jameslewis2635]

I would suggest following the wiring of the scart cable as a reference since the pins on the scart have known RGB connectors. You should be able to use those as a starting point and work your way back to the connector that interfaces with the console (I would use a multi-meter and a splayed out paper clip for this). Once you have identified the correct pins you could use the holes for the stereo/composite ports on the dock to connect the RGB sockets and either drill in a point to hook up a 3.5mm stereo port for taking the audio out or re-locate the original audio connectors depending on your preference.

[@wd-4053]

11:55 - use wooden toothpick too push debris through the holes. It withstands the heat of the soldering iron.

[@jonatana.4540]

Such a beautiful tiny machine, but still able to pump out some quite impressive visuals. And the game library is just massive. Play some Super Star Soldier, Gomola Speed, Dungeon Explorer, Bonk, R-Type, Parodius Da!, Valkyrie no Densetsu, Atomic Robo-Kid, Air Zonk, Download, Ninja Warriors, Out Run, Bomberman '94, 1943 Kai, Dragon Saber, Street Fighter II CE (very impressive version, but kind of needs the six-button pad)... the list goes on and on and on. I'll save my Super CD-ROM recommendations for the next episode :)

[@Laserdreamz]

Tbf the PC Engine composite is lovely. Nice vid btw always good seeing PCE content.

[@Agamemnon2]

Devil's Crush is a fantastic bit of video pinball for the PC Engine, well worth getting. It's not very cheap, though. There's also Alien Crush, which was an earlier game in the series but slightly less refined technologically (there's no scrolling playfield, for example).

[@jakedelmastro]

Just wanted to point out a little caveat with the switching regulator, since the PC engine wasn't designed to use one its likely not correctly bypassed for it. Installing one could cause some noise/interference in the video or audio, if no other modifications are made.

[@6581punk]

It's an 8-bit CPU but with great custom chips that NEC offered to Nintendo and they said no. Seems Nintendo is great at producing competition by rejecting help from others :)

[@6581punk]

Also I think the sound chip is really nice with its programmable waveforms.

[@PWNHUB]

The Nintendo market share isn't dwindling they don't need and have never needed to stray from their own path. Also, by todays standards they were right a cartridge would be way more ideal than any form of optical disc.

[@6581punk]

@@PWNHUB Sorry but you cannot dismiss the success of the Playstation. It was the turning point where Nintendo started to lose developer support. The fact that the Gamecube, Wii and Wii U used discs showed that the N64 using cartridges was a mistake. It meant a lack of a uniform experience across platforms with the N64 lacking cut scenes.

[@digiowl9599]

@@6581punk with the added irony that Nintendo could have offered a CDROM drive for the N64, as it had a bottom expansion port much like the SNES (that what became the Playstation was meant for). Closest was the 64DD floppy unit released in Japan.

[@arduinoguru7233]

​@@6581punk All mechanical drive added to any computer system should be labeled as ancient technology , Nintendo decision were right , but the solid state storage back than were too expensive to make

[@EugeneLychany]

Sweet episode man, I loved it! Can't wait for the part 2.

[@iscariotproject]

well...never thought i would hear someone say "sitting to pretty" about cabling,but here we are,and fluffy muffins is also now a thing for cleaning,well done good sir

[@wrestletube1]

Didn't the UK get a version though it was regular Turbo Grafix no 16 in the title and not called PC Engine here. It's different title here confuses us to not think it was released here at all. Oh wait you mentioned that system later and that it doesn't look half as great. lol

[@monktoncrew]

The best little 8-bit console! Gameswise, I'd go with Gradius, Salamander, R-Type, Star Soldier series etc for shmups, but my all time favourite (and most expensive HuCard) is Parasol Stars. Fantastic Bubble Bobble sequel. Never got an arcade release!

[@vectrex28]

Here's a list of my personal favourites - you might've played some of these when I came over. Rondo of Blood, OutRun, Columns, Soldier Blade, Star Parodier, Gradius, Cyber Cross, Hany in the sky, Toilet Kids, Paranoia, the Bonk games, Galaga 88, Dragon Sabre, Dragon Spirit, Rainbow Islands, PC Denjin, and many others. Those are mostly HuCards too, there's a load of great CD games like the Spriggan games, Bonanza Bros, Gradius 2, Gate/Winds of Thunder, etc.

[@Simon-ui6db]

After seeing jayztwocents solder an smt resistor, using your gun isnt a problem. But maybe louis rossman is having a rant :D

[@DJlegionuk]

Heat the board lol

[@_____7704]

I have one of these with the everdrive... absolutely brilliant system - alot of fun. Would have been quite advanced with a CD player in its day.

[@rich35ukuk]

Hi mate really enjoyed the video I like the pc engine when I was younger a games shop and some import consoles set up and pc engine was one of them it has a great port of SF 2 as well

[@El_Guapo74]

Cave's attention to detail is pretty impressive.

[@LeeTennant90]

Great video been waiting for this. I have over the past 2 years built up my pce. And have a working pce, rgb modded interface unit. Everdrive. But the bit I want to get working is my CD drive. So looking forward to part 2. Had my drive recapped and middle gear changed. But still needs a lens replacement 😢 Even managed to get a cheap arcade card Pro. So they are out there if you take your time. Loads of great games. And the best version of street fighter 2. But okay with a 6 button pad or stick.

[@squeeeb]

Great stuff! Love the header pin mod.

[@faselei7774]

Great work as always! ..just make sure you find that copy of chase hq! it's a great conversion. Maybe give nectaris/military madness a go if you like the advance wars/shining force style games. There's a cd version of nectaris which is playable despite being a mix if Japanese/English. Anyway looking forward to the rest of the series!

[@vix_in_japan]

Also one tip if you need to open a PC Engine's and don't have the correct screwdriver, take an old biro (Bic ones are pefect for this), and take the ink and nib out, and then gently warm the nib end of the biro shaft, and then press against the screw until the plastic solidifies. Voila, instant cheap screwdriver for opening your PC Engine if you ever need to :)

[@jeremygregorio7472]

I love how futuristic the PC Engine CD looked 😛

[@bobblueton]

Good on ya Neil! Love it!

[@NightWolve75]

Very nice work my dude, I hope to try that special regulator idea some time! ♥

[@ST2008X]

Space Harrier, Afterburner II, Galaga 88......My only 3 PC Engine games.....These are great games...

[@bamdadkhan]

18:30 - this is the point where i laughed me arse off. seriously, my whole body sort of hurts now from rolling on the floor. cheers for that, honestly. made my day in isolation 1000% better. : ))))) oh and btw don't sweat it, happens to me all the time.

[@bufordmaddogtannen]

I look forward to watching the rest of the episodes. A couple of questions though: 1. Did you really do all that soldering without knowing if the console was actually working? 2. Did you shave the female connectors as well? Bonus question: why so much cable length? 2-3 cm less would have made easier to close the case. About getting rgb out of the base adapter you may replicate the functionality of the custom cable by soldering wires onto the expansion ports pins inside the base. Cheers.

[@TheRetroCollective]

Hey there! I did but it was an easy board to work on and I was already sat at the desk with a mug of coffee and a hot iron so it didn't take long to just bash through them. I only had to shave the headers, the wires themselves were fine. I imagine the system originally had so much cable to allow you to open it up without hassle, I allowed lots of cable for the same reason, otherwise you'll be in a position where you're trying to close the case and hook cables onto the header pins at the same time

[@bufordmaddogtannen]

@@TheRetroCollective nice. From the video it looked like if the new cables allow the case to be opened 180 degrees, hence the question about making the cable shorter. E.g. I'd be happy to be able to open the case at a 90 degrees angle knowing there is a connector preventing the cable from breaking. Did you mark pin 1 on the two ribbon cables BTW?

[@arootube]

"All of these things we'll figure out before the end of the series. Don't worry, I will answer these questions" [flashbacks to LOST intensify]

[@TheAmazingLSB]

What an awesome channel.... I had no idea you even existed before today....

[@TheRetroCollective]

welcome aboard!

[@tommylakindasorta3068]

My CD-ROM^2 Recommendations: - Star Parodier - Dracula X Rondo of Blood - there's a "heavy metal version" you can also find on the web - it's awesome. - Gate of Thunder - Lords of Thunder - Ys IV: Dawn of Ys English fan translation version (even the voices have been re-dubbed in English!) - Xak III English fan translation version

[@SonofSethoitae]

The Tengai Makyou games are pretty great too

[@CLS2086]

In FRance, we were a bit more lucky, They was SoDiPeng (société d'importation des PcEngine) that sold officially converted Japaneses NTSC/60 PcEngine/CoreGraphX/SuperGraphX units to RGB/60 (as no one realeased any more Secam systems since mid 80's). So a very "modern" TV that handle RGB in 50/60 Hz was required instead of a much pricer compatible NTSC/60 TV set.