This order was for the recapping of a Mega Drive 1, installation of a Triple Bypass, and installation of switchless region-free mod. The customer also sent a PreAmp fix but its installation wasn’t necessary as the 3BP already bypasses the internal MD circuitry.
The console came with no shields and with a 3D printed expansion port cover.
The first thing to be done after disassembly is a full recap minus the audio capacitors which need to be removed for the 3BP mod. In order to be able to test the console after recapping, the old audio capacitors (light blue) were left installed , bur removed for the 3BP mod (next step)
After the recap was confirmed to be successful, is time for the 3BP installation. First step is to remove those audio capacitor as well as the RF module. Then, in order to be able to place the new DIN9 connector, an interface board is soldered in place of the RF module and the DIN9 connector is soldered to it.
Since we are restoring composite as well as the headphones, a few SMD capacitors and resistors need to be removed in the bottom of the motherboard.
Next step is to lift the RGB pins on the video chip in order to connect them to the 3BP through an interface board. Then, the 3BP board needs to be soldered on top of the DIN9 pin, and the interface board needs to be connected to ground and 5v from one of the voltage regulators, and also to the 3BP board RGB pads. The 5V and the sync signal also need to be connected to the 3BP board (green and yellow cables in the picture below)
Next up is to connect the audio wires to the various pads of the capacitors we removed earlier. Testing proves that RGB through SCART as well as the headphone jack works great. There is no audio distortion.
Next step is to install the region-free mod. This requires the removal of the stock clock, the installation of the mod PCB in the same place, the cutting of 3 traces (region jumpers and the reset button), as well as the installation of a new tri-coloured LED. The cable for the old LED is not removed but is not in use.
The console can now be placed in the right region by pressing and holding the reset button. The LED colour will cycle between green (US), red (EU) and blue (JP). Note that some games will not run in the wrong region. Finally the console was tested and given a wipe.
