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NEC TG-16/TE/TurboDuo => TG/PCE Repair/Mod Discussion => Topic started by: Electromaster64 on December 05, 2014, 08:34:12 AM

Title: PC Engine Core Grafx Ribbon Cable Repair/Replace
Post by: Electromaster64 on December 05, 2014, 08:34:12 AM

Any tips for repairing or replacing a Core Grafx ribbon cable that snapped off of the Hu-Card slot during installation of the Obey Chip?  Super bummed about this.

Title: Re: PC Engine Core Grafx Ribbon Cable Repair/Replace
Post by: Bernie on December 05, 2014, 08:43:15 AM

oh damn... i've heard it is possible, but it is not an easy task.  PM Keith Courage here in the forums, or thesteve.  One of them have most likely came across this before.

Title: Re: PC Engine Core Grafx Ribbon Cable Repair/Replace
Post by: Keith Courage on December 05, 2014, 03:15:09 PM

It is difficult to do but not horrible. I've done this a few times now. basically the best option is to cut down each wire to make them separate much like a PC IDE cable. This will make it easier to solder each individual one back on again. Also, you will most likely have to do both cables since when one crumbles the other will as well. 

Typically they fall apart from people bending the cables too much(usually during a region mod install). The cables are so brittle I'm even afraid when I take a pc engine apart to re-whiten it that the cables could come apart.

Title: Re: PC Engine Core Grafx Ribbon Cable Repair/Replace
Post by: Electromaster64 on December 07, 2014, 09:30:13 AM

This is the fourth one I have done a region mod on, I typically do the original PC Engine and do a video mod, so I was pretty surprised it snapped.  Didn't even know I broke it till I went to turn it on and the screen cut in and out.

I think I will be able to fix it. I was just not sure how to strip the ribbon cable, but an exacto knife and my thumb nail did the trick easily.  I have stripped IDE cables wire by wire before and that is a pain so I am glad this worked out easily.  Soldering it back up should not be too much trouble.  Will let you know how it goes when I get time to solder it.

Title: Re: PC Engine Core Grafx Ribbon Cable Repair/Replace
Post by: BlueBMW on December 07, 2014, 10:27:18 AM

I've replaced the ribbon cables with individual wires a few times.   Its tedious but it works.

Title: Re: PC Engine Core Grafx Ribbon Cable Repair/Replace
Post by: thesteve on December 07, 2014, 12:38:02 PM

i take a ribbon like an old IDE or floppy cable
split it into sets of 4
spread the wires on the ends a bit
strip about 1/4"
pre-tin and solder to board

Title: Re: PC Engine Core Grafx Ribbon Cable Repair/Replace
Post by: BlueBMW on December 07, 2014, 12:55:21 PM

Here's a pic of what I did once...

(http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac253/bmcdanold/Repair/whitepce2.jpg)

Title: Re: PC Engine Core Grafx Ribbon Cable Repair/Replace
Post by: cjameslv on December 07, 2014, 01:00:19 PM

Quote from: BlueBMW on December 07, 2014, 12:55:21 PM

Here's a pic of what I did once...

(http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac253/bmcdanold/Repair/whitepce2.jpg)

I'm no noob, that's Angel hair pasta..don't try to pass off food as a mod.

Title: Re: PC Engine Core Grafx Ribbon Cable Repair/Replace
Post by: BlueBMW on December 07, 2014, 01:04:27 PM

Haha!  That's 30ga wire ;)

Title: Re: PC Engine Core Grafx Ribbon Cable Repair/Replace
Post by: thesteve on December 07, 2014, 02:00:30 PM

heh, i think i ran across that 1 and redid it

Title: Re: PC Engine Core Grafx Ribbon Cable Repair/Replace
Post by: BlueBMW on December 07, 2014, 02:21:59 PM

I think it was a white pc engine.  Its been probably four years ago now.