MSX Palcom Issue

Resident (33)

11-04-2020, 20:04

I recently purchased a PX-7 and a CLD-7 so I may play MSX Palcom games. The PX-7 and CLD-7 have both been tested and work without issue. However, when I try to play a Palcom LD game, after typing "call ld," I get the message "Device I/O error." Currently I have the PX-7 outputting to my TV and the I/O cord connecting the computer and the LD player. Is there something I'm missing?

By TheClash603

Resident (33)

11-04-2020, 21:35

Apologies for a double post, couldn't figure out how to edit my original post. If I press play on my LD player and then type "call ld," the image will play without the computer noise that comes out from just playing the LD without MSX connection. However I have no control over the game in this case. Typing call ld without hitting play gives me the "Device I/O error," the disc does not spin and nothing happens.

By MsxKun

Paragon (1134)

11-04-2020, 21:42

Well, all I can say looking at the pics is that the connectors with the text in katakana that say CONTROL are not connected to anything. So maybe that's why you can't control anything?

By sdsnatcher73

Enlighted (4317)

11-04-2020, 22:04

It seems you have things hooked up correctly. I watched this video and he shows the connections at some point and they seem the same. My first guess is the I/O cable may be broken or the I/O ports on either the PX-7 or CLD-7 are malfunctioning somehow.

By TheClash603

Resident (33)

11-04-2020, 22:15

The I/O cord is certainly suspect, this is how it looks. The problem is I don't think another cord is available anywhere to allow me to troubleshoot.

Oddly without the I/O cable connected anywhere, it shows the name of the game when I press play on the LD player and type "call ld."

By nikodr

Paladin (750)

12-04-2020, 04:02

Use a multimeter and check the cable with continuity mode.If it is not ok,you can cut both the ends keep the connectors solder new wires from one end to other and make a new one.I bet the io cord somewhere either has a short or is not connected.

By sdsnatcher73

Enlighted (4317)

12-04-2020, 05:17

I guess that the program comes in over the audio cables. The I/O cable seems to control playback of the right track. In this thread I found the cable is simple straightforward connection (no crossing). Worst case you have to rebuild the cable.

You can find here the connector type is DIN 45326 type 8B. More info on that connector is here. On eBay you should search for DIN 45326 262.

By TheClash603

Resident (33)

12-04-2020, 07:12

Appreciate the help everyone, I'll start with the cable and go from there. A bad cable would be a much better issue to have than either the computer or LD player being messed up.

I'm fairly incapable when it comes to building a cable, I may need to wait til after quarantine ends to beg one of my more capable friends for assistance!

By sdsnatcher73

Enlighted (4317)

12-04-2020, 10:15

I know what you mean Anyway there is a seller on eBay selling pre-built cables that should work just fine for your situation: https://www.ebay.nl/itm/232466387425 and they look quite decent quality.

If your in the states shipping should not be too expensive (but even shipping to Europe seems reasonable).

By TheClash603

Resident (33)

12-04-2020, 17:35

Thanks for providing the link, but I'm not quite sure that's the same cable I am looking for. My cable has different connectors on each end, that cable appears to be the same on both sides. If anyone knows where I can find this cable I need for the MSX to LD hookup or has the technical skills to make the cable, I have no problem paying for someone's help. It's killing me that I have the system and games and I'm unable to play...

For the sake of being thorough, I took pics of both ends of the cord I have:

Connection to LD (this appears to be the same pin out as the port labeled 3 on the MSX, to the left of the I/O port)

Connection to MSX (appears to be the same as the RGB port)

By sdsnatcher73

Enlighted (4317)

12-04-2020, 20:52

Okay that is indeed quite odd and you are right the cable I found won't work...