Ask general Genesis/MD/Sega CD/32X questions here (for new members)

[Terpor]

Is there a way to add NTSC to a modded 50/60hz Pal Megadrive?

[Bones Justice]

Is it possible to repair a Mega Key? I've had it for fifteen years and now it does not work. Games will play through it but it doesn't switch regions anymore. The only import game that I have used it for is Yu Yu Hakusho. I only have a few imports and none of the others need it.

Alternately, are there good beginner's instructions for doing the region mod on a Genesis 3? With pictures, lots of pictures! Or maybe a good video. I searched for one but I could really use a step-by-step guide.

[shymog]

Not so much a general question, but pretty specific, about a JVC X'Eye. I'm cross-posting around at a few forums hoping to get some different opinions/advice:

I bought a JVC X'Eye knowing it had an audio problem, woe is me! I had hoped it was a capacitor issue, and while there were a few older/bulging caps, a full re-cap hasn't solved the issue.

Here's what it sounds like: http://youtu.be/OjPDd2CIq9w

The system works SPECTACULARLY with the exception of this audio issue. There is no visible damage and I am using the original JVC power supply.

I've replaced all 52 electrolytic capacitors (35 on the main board, 17 on the B board) and cleaned everything extensively.

That video was taken before anything was switched around inside. All the internal parts and solder joints appeared stock until I started playing around inside.

BOARD IMAGES: http://imgur.com/a/vpFCN

I posted images of the main board (where this problem has to be -- it exists without Board B plugged in (I think that mostly controls the microphone input and CD-ROM drive?) as well as where I think the traces for audio go -- from what I'm read they come off pins 55/56 of the 315-5660 ASIC. I can't follow the traces as it gets lost in the silk-screening and bundle of surface-mount components just to the lower-right from the ASIC.

I did notice one thing while poking around with a voltmeter:

There are 5 15218 Op-Amps on the board. There are two to the right of the 315-5660 ASIC (one in the middle of the capacitors, one a little further right), one just down and slightly right from the ASIC, one just down and right from the previous, and one on the bottom half of the board (Sega CD part?). I measured the voltages across it at idle (no sound produced) and found that the one far right of the ASIC (not the one in the middle of the caps, the one on its own) is measuring higher voltage at idle than all of the rest. The four others come up with the same measurements (+5 V on pin 8, which I think is Vcc after looking over some datasheets), while the one in question is coming up +10V. All other pin measurements are identical on the others, but the one I'm questioning shows double the voltage (3V on a pin on any other, 6V here)... could this possibly be my culprit, or am I thinking incorrectly?

I know the op-amps could be doing different things in the circuit, which is why I ask.

Without having diagrams of how audio travels in this it's a bit of a pain thanks to my inability to follow those traces. What could make the sound go so whacked and off-pitch?

[ReBirFh]

Whats is the name of the pin/connector used in the Genesis I and II PSU?

[MEGADRIVE Jeroi]

Is there a way to add NTSC to a modded 50/60hz Pal Megadrive?

Yes. You neet NTSC oscilator and few components to build circuit. PM Tmee for information on switchable NTSC clock sync modification for the console. Basically you enable with switch in same time when you change the 60hz the build oscilator circuit and then disconnect pal clock from encoder while adding ntsc clock in.

Is it possible to repair a Mega Key? I've had it for fifteen years and now it does not work. Games will play through it but it doesn't switch regions anymore. The only import game that I have used it for is Yu Yu Hakusho. I only have a few imports and none of the others need it.

Alternately, are there good beginner's instructions for doing the region mod on a Genesis 3? With pictures, lots of pictures! Or maybe a good video. I searched for one but I could really use a step-by-step guide.

Yes essentially you need more mods to get virtaul racing support and few more games. Do please search Genesis 3 modifiaction threads in Tech help.

Whats is the name of the pin/connector used in the Genesis I and II PSU?

Genesis 1 psu: http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-x-Standard...item27c01ce2f9

Genesis 2 psu: http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-x-Standard...item2a1636438f

I bought a JVC X'Eye knowing it had an audio problem, woe is me! I had hoped it was a capacitor issue, and while there were a few older/bulging caps, a full re-cap hasn't solved the issue.

I started new thread for this question to bring a bigger attention for it. Regards.

[omp]

Is there a way to add NTSC to a modded 50/60hz Pal Megadrive?

There is some info in this thread
http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthr...tch-Region-Mod

[Solkia]

Is a 1602-2 power supply the same as a regular 1602?

[lumclaw]

Is there a way to add NTSC to a modded 50/60hz Pal Megadrive?

Your TV doesn't accept RGB?

NTSC composite color on a 50/60hz console isn't usually a good idea. 50hz mode would output something weird like NTSC50...

[OverDrone]

Hello. First of all this is my first post on Sega-16, so greetings to everyone ^-^

I recently picked up a Japanese Mega Drive and have been grabbing some of the awesome games for the system. Only thing is, there appears to be some games only released for American Genesis consoles, including Sunset Riders and Viewpoint.
Whats the deal with using Mega/ Super keys in this situation? Do you need one specifically for the Japanese unit or do they work universally? I'm thinking in terms of the cart footprint as well as actual compatibility.

Same question for Mega CD. Will the Datel thingy play Sega CD games on Mega CD or is it not that simple? Keio is $250 on JMCD!

Apologies for the noob post but I couldn't find info anywhere on this, only stuff on doing it the other way round (playing J Mega Drive software on US Genesis).

Thanks in advance.

[Drakon]

You can always install a region mod into your system. The model 1 genesis / megadrive is very easy to add a region switch. I installed a region switch and didn't even need to drill a hole in the case since there's already a small switch sized hole in the back from the factory. I don't know about the segacd I've never bought one.

[OverDrone]

If I can avoid fitting a switch I will, however if that is the only alternative I will probably go that route. I would imagine that the necessary instructions are on this site somewhere so I'll have a looksy.

Ta for the response

[lumclaw]

There's a few options for region OK games. You can file down or unscrew that blocker arm. Buying a US 32X also makes Genesis games fit without any mod or switch.

But neither of those changes console setting. It'll still use J mode. Making a number of games lock out, or play only in Japanese language.

[cde]

Hey guys, noob here... Just got my mitts on a Japanese model 1 mega cd, I need to change the caps, as it has all the usual problems associated with tired worn out capacitors. Does any body know the ratings and amount I need, and if so where in the UK I can get some? Thanks..

[ApolloBoy]

Hey guys, noob here... Just got my mitts on a Japanese model 1 mega cd, I need to change the caps, as it has all the usual problems associated with tired worn out capacitors. Does any body know the ratings and amount I need, and if so where in the UK I can get some? Thanks..

Do you actually have it on you? You can easily take a look inside and keep note of all the caps and their ratings.

[cde]

Yes, i have it at home. Ill make a note of the layout and ratings for future ref.. just wondered if somebody had then to hand. thanks