TG16:Super SD System 3
The Terraonion Super SD System 3 (SSDS3), introduced in 2017, is a device that attaches to the back of a TurboGrafx-16 or PC Engine console and acts as a combined flash cart, optical drive emulator (ODE) and RGB output solution. It is closely modeled after the official NEC AV Booster attachment, originally released in 1988 to provide AV output to an original PC Engine. ROM files and disc images are loaded from a microSD card and a 9-pin mini-DIN connector is present for both RGB and composite video output. This connector uses the same pinout as the model 2 Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. In addition, the SSD3 can also emulate every CD system card, allowing for total compatibility with all CD games. Considering the age and fragility of original CD hardware, the Super SD System 3 is an attractive option for those who wish to play CD games on original hardware.
Compatible Systems
- PC Engine (white)
- TurboGrafx-16 (see note below)
- PC Engine Core Grafx
- PC Engine Core Grafx II
- PC Engine SuperGrafx
- PC Engine LT (no CD audio, this requires an additional mod detailed here)
Audio/Video Issues and Solutions
Although it is a highly versatile device and functions well, original revisions of the SSD3 manufactured before late 2018 require both video and audio bypass boards due to board routing issues.
FU-RGB Video Bypass Board
A video bypass board known as the FU-RGB was created by Mobius Strip Tech and Voultar to fix the SSD3's video issues, particularly with its RGB output as it was susceptible to interference from the SSD3's digital circuitry and had sync issues with upscalers such as the OSSC. The interference issues are especially apparent on the original white PC Engine but somewhat reduced when used on a SuperGrafx or TurboGrafx-16, which have larger ground planes and better internal shielding than the others.
Below is a note from Voultar regarding the creation of the FU-RGB board:
This video amplifier is designed to replace all of the analog video circuitry on Terra Onion’s SSDS3 unit. I designed this with the intention of resolving all of the various analog errors found in Terra-Onion’s original video circuit design. I only have so many PC-E consoles to test with, but I believe that this will provide a substantial improvement to video clarity. C-Sync is properly buffered so that if you’re using a Model 2 Genesis C-Sync cable that doesn’t attenuate the C-Sync line, C-Sync will trigger just fine as a low impedance line. However, IF your Genesis C-Sync cable does attenuate the C-Sync line (with a resistor in-series) and you have trouble getting sync to lock-on, you may short the “470Ω” jumper to resolve intermittent (picture dropping) sync locking. This probably won’t be necessary, 90% of the time. Component Map & BOM can be found within the zip file. You can download the GERBERs from OSH-PARK and use whatever board-house you prefer. I was NOT paid to do any of this. I’m giving this to the community at absolutely ZERO cost, for everyone to use. I believe that you people have paid enough for the SSDS3 & it would be extremely amateur & in remarkably bad taste for me to make a product & sell it for profit, taking advantage of an unfortunate situation. Having said that, Mobius Strip Tech is offering these boards pre-assembled virtually at cost, and has a very cheap installation service, if you don't want to do any of this yourself. I will not provide documentation or support the FU-RGB. Good luck.
Currently, the only source for premade FU-RGB boards is through Video Game Perfection, as previous vendors such as Mobius Strip Tech have since stopped offering these boards. All of the components required to build FU-RGB boards are readily available through distributors such as Digi-Key and Mouser.
Note that the FU-RGB installation requires the removal of several SMD components, so it is not recommended for beginners.
Stereo Bypass Amp Board
Early revisions of the SSD3 also had overdriven audio, causing distortion through both the CD and PC Engine audio channels. FirebrandX, a prominent member of the retro gaming community, created a stereo bypass amplifier board which resolves these audio issues. Like the FU-RGB, this modification also requires the removal of SMD components including the original 14-pin amplifier chip, so again it is not recommended for beginners.
Although it is no longer for sale, FirebrandX released the design to OSHPark so that anyone can build their own boards.
Rev. B
In late 2018, Terraonion introduced the Rev. B Super SD System 3, which integrates both the FU-RGB and stereo bypass mods. These do not require any modification in order to provide adequate video and audio quality.
TurboGrafx-16 Fitment Issues
Because the SSD3 was modeled on the Japanese AV Booster add-on for the PC Engine, it only fits properly on Japanese PC Engine consoles and has an extremely tight fit on the TurboGrafx-16, which has a thicker shell near the expansion port than a PC Engine. This can be somewhat alleviated by slightly backing out the two screws nearest the expansion connector on the SSD3; this allows for the two halves to slightly expand and fit better on the TG-16's expansion port. The SSD3's casing can also be completely removed but this is not recommended due to the potential for ESD damage.