PCEngineFans.com - The PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 Community Forum

NEC PC-Engine/SuperGrafx => PC Engine/SuperGrafx Sales & Trades => Topic started by: Samurai Ghost on November 26, 2011, 11:50:46 AM

Title: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units (Updated with some pics!)
Post by: Samurai Ghost on November 26, 2011, 11:50:46 AM
Hey everyone, there's a guy here in Japan who is a pro at repairing the original CD-ROM2 units (and other electronics, it's his business). He replaces the laser/carriage with a compatible but upgraded version, replaces the condensers, cleans everything, etc. He's done dozens of them. When it's complete it's working perfectly and capable of playing CD-Rs no problem. I'd slap that into a interface unit with your choice of a white PC Engine or Coregrafx I (it matches the IFU colors perfectly) and a matching controller and a system card if you need them.

I could probably do all of this at a pretty reasonable price. Would any of you be interested in these kind of systems? Overall I think the briefcase units are more reliable than the DUOs and look great. But it's something I'd need to start working on getting together over the next few months so if you have interest in buying one please post here!

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/19/PC_Engine_CD-ROM2_Interface_Unit.jpg/220px-PC_Engine_CD-ROM2_Interface_Unit.jpg)
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: Mishran on November 26, 2011, 12:45:36 PM
Core 1 looks so good in that setup. =P~

May be interested depending on price. Have a Core 1 so I'd only need the CD and IFU.
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: Sparky on November 26, 2011, 12:47:55 PM
That is really nice of ya man..
and yep agreed... my briefcase has out lasted my DUO/CD tg16 units and is still virgin white :) it is a solid system for sure. Its funny it is the system i least worry about F@cking up :P
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: bartre on November 26, 2011, 01:05:45 PM
In the non-immediate future, yeah, i'd be down, been looking to get a 2nd cd system, and those setups are sexy.
out of curiosity, what kind of price range would be be looking at?
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: Bernie on November 26, 2011, 01:05:58 PM
Id be interested in one with the Core Grafx I.  What you think it will run me so I can get prepared?  Been wanting one of these briefcase setups, so this may be a good chance to get a decent one.  :)  PM me with a ballpark price range if possible. 
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: Samurai Ghost on November 26, 2011, 02:25:23 PM
I'd be willing to mix and match the parts but it depends on how much I buy of each thing. I don't want to end up with 10 spare IFUs laying around but I could easily sell Core Grafx systems separately.

Depending on the condition of the components I would say a full CDROM2/IFU/Core Grafx set up with system card 3.0, cables, adapter, and a controller would run in the $150 to $200 range depending on the condition. If the parts are a little scratched or yellowed it would be closer to $150, but if everything is clean and white and perfect I'd say it would be closer to $200. If you don't need the Core Grafx/PCE, system card, cable/adapter, controllers, etc, could knock the price down accordingly.

Again I'm still kind of feeling things out with this one and I'm not sure how much shipping will end up costing me, but I'd like to offer this at a reasonable price to you guys.
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: Bernie on November 26, 2011, 11:39:20 PM
Well, count me in for sure.  I would need the entire setup, and would want it with the Core Grafx.  Thanks for putting this out there.  :) 
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: incrediblehark on November 27, 2011, 12:01:36 AM
Those are great prices imo, especially for a refurbished / restored system. I think I would only need a cdrom2 if that option was available. (and a spare white pce pad with turboswitches)
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: jlued686 on November 27, 2011, 05:40:07 AM
I'd definitely be interested as I was about to post a WTB thread. I already have a PC Engine, so I'd just need the CD attachment/cables. Any idea on cost for that?
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: Sleepy Gnome on November 27, 2011, 08:45:04 AM
i'd deffo be interested, depending on the price etc
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: bartre on November 27, 2011, 12:26:02 PM
Yeah, I'd be down with the full setup.
one question though, does it make any difference which pce you get, functions wise?
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: Samurai Ghost on November 27, 2011, 01:11:52 PM
Thanks for the response guys!
It seems that there's enough interest for me to go ahead and start getting some more refurbished CDROM2 units.
I will be sure to post here when I have some systems ready for sale. My plan is to get a lot of hardware together and send it to the US by freight to save on shipping which will take a few months, but I'm not against sending anything by airmail/EMS if you are willing to pay the shipping costs from Japan.

Yeah, I'd be down with the full setup.
one question though, does it make any difference which pce you get, functions wise?


As far as I know once you have the PCE in the IFU it doesn't matter which PCE model you get assuming they work well. But if you want to use the PCE on it's own without the IFU the PCE the CoreGrafx systems have composite out whereas the original PCE only has RF out unless you get an adapter similar to the AV booster.

I'd definitely be interested as I was about to post a WTB thread. I already have a PC Engine, so I'd just need the CD attachment/cables. Any idea on cost for that?


Well the refurbished CDROM unit is definitely the most costly part of the system, but depending how many I can get over the next few months I might be able to sell a few separately. I will post exact prices further down the line.

Also, here is a unit I am testing now. I'm playing a CDR of Space Fantasy Zone. Usually I don't use CDRs but I want to test the laser extensively with CDRs to make sure they play without issue. So far so good! The guy does a great job restoring these units.

(http://s8.postimage.org/irms4b75x/cdrom2.jpg)
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: neoxeno on November 28, 2011, 02:36:16 PM
I'm also interested in one. Let me know when they will be available.
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: GohanX on November 28, 2011, 05:08:09 PM
I've always wanted a briefcase unit, I may be interested assuming I have the cash when they are available (which may be never since I have a little girl due in February!) I'd buy the one Keith's selling but now is a bad time for me.
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: incrediblehark on November 29, 2011, 01:51:47 AM
If the price difference between just the cdrom (all i really need) and the whole setup isn't that much, I would buy the whole set, so either way put me down as interested!
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: Samurai Ghost on November 29, 2011, 02:08:48 AM
Damn, I didn't realize there would be so many people interested in this! I'll will keep getting as many working CD-ROM2 units as possible. Just got a nice boxed one with manuals and everything for someone who wants a truly complete system.
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: esteban on November 29, 2011, 11:56:59 AM
I'd be interested in purchasing just the CD-ROM2 unit (two of them, to be precise).

:)

Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: c0ldb33r on December 02, 2011, 01:38:08 PM
I'd go for this- I would need everything but the pc engine, as my coregrafx should work :)
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: nat on December 03, 2011, 08:12:22 AM
So does this guy replace that little gear we all love so much in his refurb process?
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: Firebomber7 on December 03, 2011, 08:44:21 AM
Of course I'd be interested. Both the original PCE and CGI are very pretty, so I'm not sure which I'd prefer. I'd want an Arcade Card Pro, though. I'm sure that would bump the price up as much as $50.
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: roflmao on December 03, 2011, 12:10:36 PM
I don't know if I'll be able to afford one anytime in the near future, but if this becomes an ongoing thing, I'd be totally interested a few months down the road.  I've always wanted a briefcase rig.  That's the neatest looking setup, imo.
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: Samurai Ghost on December 03, 2011, 03:05:48 PM
So does this guy replace that little gear we all love so much in his refurb process?

I think it depends on the unit in question. If the gear is still in working order he might leave it as is. I'll have to double check with him about that. So far the units he has refurbed have worked perfectly though, so he's doing whatever needs to be done.

Of course I'd be interested. Both the original PCE and CGI are very pretty, so I'm not sure which I'd prefer. I'd want an Arcade Card Pro, though. I'm sure that would bump the price up as much as $50.

Yeah the Pro cards are a bit pricey, although loose cards are usually quite a bit cheaper if you don't mind.

I don't know if I'll be able to afford one anytime in the near future, but if this becomes an ongoing thing, I'd be totally interested a few months down the road.  I've always wanted a briefcase rig.  That's the neatest looking setup, imo.

Well looking at my current plan it will be at least a few months before I ship these things back to the states, and surface shipping will take a while. I do have some complete units for sale at the moment if someone don't mind paying the airmail shipping costs (probably at least $50 or $60).
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: Deletion on December 12, 2011, 05:02:48 PM
Put me down as a serious buyer of the whole briefcase kit. I've been looking at getting one of these for a long time and a fully refurbished system sounds great. In fact I'd be interested in any & all PCE hardware (especially the Duo RX, SuperGrafx, and Shuttle) and games (primarily shoot'em ups). Fill up the shipping container and I'll help you unload it once it arrives 8)
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: Samurai Ghost on December 12, 2011, 05:35:49 PM
Put me down as a serious buyer of the whole briefcase kit. I've been looking at getting one of these for a long time and a fully refurbished system sounds great. In fact I'd be interested in any & all PCE hardware (especially the Duo RX, SuperGrafx, and Shuttle) and games (primarily shoot'em ups). Fill up the shipping container and I'll help you unload it once it arrives 8)

Thanks for letting me know! I've been purchasing tons of hardware and getting it refurbished lately. I should have more than enough to go around.

I have an DUO R right now in good general working order but I notice a slight popping sound in the audio. I was thinking about getting it capped and refurbished as well. I also have a spare Shuttle or two.
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: Duo_R on December 12, 2011, 05:41:28 PM
Interested in the CD unit and dock only I already have a CGII.
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: Bernie on December 17, 2011, 02:36:33 AM
This is hopefully still in the works.  :)  Im anxious...
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: Samurai Ghost on December 17, 2011, 03:20:58 AM
Yes, getting a bunch of these ready! Been buying massive amounts of PCE hardware these days, getting CD-ROM systems refurbished, recapped, cleaned, etc. And the oh-so-tough testing process. :wink: Once I get the rest of the systems back from my guy maybe I'll take a picture of all the hardware I've assembled so far. It's becoming fairly impressive!
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: bartre on December 17, 2011, 03:45:21 AM
are you doing any whitening to the systems?
also, do the systems (any of them) come with the cover piece that goes on top?
and finally, do you have any idea what kind of price you'd be looking for yet?
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: Samurai Ghost on December 17, 2011, 12:35:25 PM
are you doing any whitening to the systems?
also, do the systems (any of them) come with the cover piece that goes on top?
and finally, do you have any idea what kind of price you'd be looking for yet?

Yes, all of the systems have the cover piece. Some are in better shape than others (I have a few with some scratches and marks. Great for keeping the dust away, as well as carrying it around town!

As for the prices I talked about them earlier in the thread so please go back and check. But it will still depend a little on how much shipping will be, the condition of each component, and how complete a set-up you want/need.

As for whitening I haven't done any yet, but I have a few very yellowed original PCE systems and controllers that I want to try it out on one day. I'm a little paranoid about pulling apart the CD-ROM units at this point so I will probably leave them as is.
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: GohanX on December 17, 2011, 07:11:36 PM
I believe Keith said in a thread not too long ago that the whitening process used for PC Engines does not work on the CD Rom drives, unfortunately.
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units
Post by: Samurai Ghost on December 26, 2011, 12:37:58 AM
OK just an update with some pics! I got a shipment back from my repairman the other day, so I decided to lay out my current stock PCE hardware on the kitchen floor and take a pic.

(http://s16.postimage.org/3p183e191/briefcase_units.jpg)

Bam! All of the CDROM2 units are refurbished and working except for the one in the back right hand corner. I just got it and haven't sent it out yet. There is a variety of yellowing on both the white PCE units and the CDROM2 units but overall they are pretty good. About half of the CD units are bright white, although some of the PCE units are pretty yellow. I may or may not try whitening on the PCE units down the line although I won't touch the CD ROM units.

As you can see I have a few boxed units available. I realized after purchasing them that it wouldn't make a lot of sense to ship the bulky packaging by surface mail as they charge by volume. So I'm getting ready to offer them for sale and send them by airmail. I realize shipping from Japan is expensive, so I figured I'd meet the buyer halfway and lower the price to compensate. I've invested quite a bit in these but I'd rather give you guys a deal and break even than go the eBay route at the moment. I'll be making a thread about this soon but if you are interested feel free to PM me.

Oh, and anyone up for a game of Jenga?  :dance:

(http://s14.postimage.org/mzdr3bagx/tower.jpg)
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units (Updated with some pics!)
Post by: roflmao on December 26, 2011, 05:55:47 AM
Pure beauty right there.  Brings a tear to my eye.
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units (Updated with some pics!)
Post by: bartre on December 26, 2011, 06:24:45 AM
PM'd
mmmm..... them's some sexy units.
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units (Updated with some pics!)
Post by: Mishran on December 26, 2011, 11:42:09 AM
Still wouldn't mind having one of those sexy bitches.
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units (Updated with some pics!)
Post by: Deletion on December 26, 2011, 01:06:25 PM
Oh my, now that is a haul. One briefcase unit, one Duo RX, and one Shuttle, please. PM sent :D
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units (Updated with some pics!)
Post by: incrediblehark on December 26, 2011, 06:57:24 PM
We talked a bit in pms, still interested in a nice boxed one, how much it would be with shipping?
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units (Updated with some pics!)
Post by: Samurai Ghost on December 26, 2011, 07:46:02 PM
We talked a bit in pms, still interested in a nice boxed one, how much it would be with shipping?

I have to box one up, take it to the post office, and see how much it will cost to ship it to the US. I want to keep it under $250 for a complete, shipped boxed unit, so I'll post again when I know the shipping costs. I'll try to check tomorrow.
Title: Re: Gauging interest: Restored, working briefcase units (Updated with some pics!)
Post by: blueraven on December 26, 2011, 07:46:56 PM
pm sent