Turbographx 16 RF modulator source?

I have 2 tgfx16 consoles that both have dead RF modulators. I am getting less than .8-1.0vdc on pin 2 of the RF modulator which based on the service Manual says it needs to be replaced.

I hooked up an AV cable to the expansion port on both of them and the consoles are working from AV so I confirmed they are dead.

Are there any replacements I can get to replace the RF modulator?

 

Why on Earth would you replace an RF modulator? They're pieces of crap. You can get MUCH better quality audio/video via the expansion port. It outputs Composite Video, Stereo audio, and RGBS via the expansion port. RGBS with C-Sync will give you the best video quality without an HDMI mod but requires a custom cable/board to use the signals on the expansion port. On top of that, you need a TV/upscaler that supports RGB SCART or RGB JP-21.

If you really want RF for whatever reason, you can buy an external RF Modulator that will be much better quality. It takes Composite Video and modulates it to RF. You can get them for cheap online or at a RadioShack if you live in the USA like me. You can salvage an internal RF Modulator from a confirmed dead TG-16 board. Other than that, I have no idea where to get one from.

 

Well. These are extra tgfx I am fixing for a friend. The homemade AV cable works great as you stated. However, I like keeping the item working as intended from the factory. I've modded NES top loaders and they were fine. However I really don't want to modify the Turbo and the homemade cable doesn't stay in place very well and can easily come out.

I'm just trying to restore its original functionality. AV is an option but last resort other than using the homemade cable.

 

Ah I see. Sorry if I came off as rude, it's just that I hate RF so I get a little heated about it. I don't know where you could get one but posting a WTB thread in the marketplace may be a good place to start. I'm sure someone has a dead board that they can salvage the RF Modulator from.

They did intend for you to use the Composite Video and RGBS signals. The official TurboBooster add-on gives you Composite Video with Stereo Audio and so does the official CD Drive. They sadly never got around to making an RGBS cable for the TG-16. If they didn't intend it, then why are the signals there and don't need mods to obtain?

Also, don't use Composite video (yellow plug) on the TG-16. It isn't the best quality. Use RGBS instead as it will give you the best quality possible without an HDMI mod. It will look just as good as emulators. You can get RGBS with an RGB SCART cable. If you don't have a TV with an RGB SCART input or an arcade monitor, you will need to use a SCART to HDMI converter or an XRGB Mini Framemeister to get it on the TV.

There is a new board coming out that will give you Composite Video, Stereo Audio, and RGBS. It plugs into the expansion port and uses a full-sized connector so it won't fall out like that cable you described. Here is the link: http://assemblergames.com/l/threads...-made-simple-as-possible-need-feedback.57328/

 

While it's not a direct drop in replacement, the American NES Toploader's RF modulator is a good substitute.
Since many people in the community probably have NESRGB mod done and have the module sitting in their parts bin, I'm pretty sure it's rather easy to acquire those RF module for cheap.

I did this mod last year so I am speaking from personal experience. The RCA jack and the channel switch are in the correct position and they line up perfectly with the openings on the TG16. When the mod is completed it will look factory from the out side.

As you can see from my photographs, the Toploader's module is much shorter, the two side shield/ground tabs and the signal pins do not line up. I opted to drill holes (for the tabs and the signal pins) on my PCB since that area is just a large ground plane with no other signal traces. I suppose you could try snipping the tabs or bend them if you are hesitant in cutting into the board. If I remember correctly, the position of the signal pins also corresponds to each other (be sure to double check) . I simply soldered short wires to the pins and route them through the holes I made and soldered the other ends to the pads on the PCB.

If desoldering and soldering the RF shields aren't such a hassle, I would open up my console to take some pictures for you.

 

thanks for the post!

I was capping my Genesis last night and saw that the RF module was pretty much identical to the Turbo one and the ones you took a picture of. I looked up the number on the genesis RF and it seems like I can get 2 of them for $8 on eBay. That might be the way to go for this project!

I tried to just take the one out of my genesis but yea...like you stated, those RF shield SUCK to desolder.

 

If you feel game, use an electric hot plate on low and sit the RF shield on it in such a way that only the RF shield is being directly heated..... maybe..

or hot air to speed it along

 

I ended up fixing the turbos with a replacement Genesis RF modulator.

While it works, the colors are a bit faded out. My turbo with original RF works great and looks a lot better than these replacements. There is no interference, just washed out colors for instance, the intro screen to Keith courage has goldish letters, on the replacement rf modulators I used, the letters are more of a white than gold.

Console works though now and looks perfect from AV on the expansion port.