The order was for sourcing and modding a Sega Genesis model 2, and it was agreed with the customer to source one with two controllers. The console sourced came with a box and manuals, marked as untested but on arrival it tested just fine.
The services ordered were a
- Full recap, sourced from RetroSix
- Triple bypass, sourced from RetroUpgrades
- Switchless region and DFO , also sourced from Retroupgrades
- USB power mod, sourced from RetroSix
- Overall clean and refurbishment as necessary
Disassembly, test and Recap
The console itself was in good condition and tested well first time using a Scart cable. The shield had no signs of rust and it was overall in a good clean state. The capacitors were removed and new capacitors were put back apart from the ones that need to be removed for the triple bypass.
Triple Bypass
The board used from RetroUpgrades includes is a version 2.1 and includes composite rebuild, which was also performed. The first step of the installation process was to remove a number of components, including a chip and various SMD capacitors. Some of them were removed with hot air, others with the soldering iron. The mod also requires to lift three pins from the video chip, bridge the pad of two of the capacitors we just removed, and join up a couple of pads with some wire
The next step is to prepare the TBP board on the back of the console, which requires to trim away some of the soldered elements around the area to allow for the board to sit flush so that the pins of the DIN connector can be routed through before soldering. After that, three wires for the RGB signal and 7 wires for the audio need to be soldered in.
USB power board and Composite rebuild
The USB power board was installed by removing the power jack, bridging the outer pins of the voltage regulator, and soldering the board in place. Note how the composite video was also rebuilt after installing the USB power board. This allows for composite video to be used (not just RGB) via the same DIN connector
Switchless Region mod
This mod requires to remove the stock clock and replace it with a new PCB. This PCB not just allows you to bypass region, but it also controls the right clock for the region that is selected. It also intercepts the RESET signal for swapping region (press for around 1s, quick press for actual reset). The mod requires not just the installation of the clock PCB and a new LED PCB (tri-colour Red, Green and Blue), but also requires the cutting of 3 traces.
Testing shows the console in various region states as denoted by the coloud of the LED. Note how ECCO the dolphin is a USA NTSC game that is playing in this PAL console (otherwise a message saying that the game is not intended for this region is displayed). Note that all games can be played in any region, as the region-locking is disabled. The colour of the LEDs just controls the frequency of the clock.
Cleaning and Refurbishing
The console itself was in a clean state and didn’t need a wash, and a wipe and some UV protector liquid was used
The controllers on the other hand, needed more care and were disassembled, washed and cleaned
Final tests and packing
Finally the console and controllers were tested and packed, ready to go to the customer 🙂
