Power base converter on genesis model 2

[nineallday00]

Any way that this is a possibility (u.s. player here)? I have access to master system games, but don't want to buy an entire master system to play it, and figured a power base converter would work. I now found out the pbc was only designed for the model 1. Any way to rig this thing up to work?

[TheGZeus]

Well, removing the case works, but www.tototek.com has a device that works.

[Gentlegamer]

Well, removing the case works, but www.tototek.com has a device that works.In the photos for the product, it looks like they are using a SMS controller with a MD 1 and the converter to play SMS games. Do SMS controllers work with Genesis/MD consoles without adapters?

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d173/Gentlegamer/marksample3.jpg

[Gentlegamer]

Any way that this is a possibility (u.s. player here)? I have access to master system games, but don't want to buy an entire master system to play it, and figured a power base converter would work. I now found out the pbc was only designed for the model 1. Any way to rig this thing up to work?You have to remove the back tab on the PBC for it to work with model 2 (otherwise it blocks the AC and AV ports).

http://www.alexkidd.com/powerbase/index.htm

[TheGZeus]

NOOOO!!!
NEEDLESS DESTRUCTION!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just buy the tototek!!

And yes, you can use SMS controllers when playing SMS games.

But please don't EVER EVER do that to a PBC,

I nearly cried when I saw that page.
I'd rather someone mod their Gen2 to move those ports than to destroy a pbc. The PBC is far more rare. It's hard to find one in good condition, in part because of THAT PAGE....

[Gentlegamer]

NOOOO!!!
NEEDLESS DESTRUCTION!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just buy the tototek!!

And yes, you can use SMS controllers when playing SMS games.

But please don't EVER EVER do that to a PBC,

I nearly cried when I saw that page.
I'd rather someone mod their Gen2 to move those ports than to destroy a pbc. The PBC is far more rare. It's hard to find one in good condition, in part because of THAT PAGE....I agonized over it, but I ended up modding my PBC in a similar fashion . . .

[Elusive]

In the photos for the product, it looks like they are using a SMS controller with a MD 1 and the converter to play SMS games. Do SMS controllers work with Genesis/MD consoles without adapters?

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d173/Gentlegamer/marksample3.jpg

You don't need an adapter to use SMS pads with a SMS game in the Mega Drive, as the plugs are the same.

[nineallday00]

Can anyone attest for how well the converter on the site that was linked in the first reply works?

[Gentlegamer]

If you don't want to "destroy" the back of the PBC, you could Dremel a slot in the tab for the cables. I was going to do that but got lazy. :)

Also, if you really really don't want to physically modify the PBC, it can be dissassembled from the plastic shell and used that way for carts. I tested it this way before deciding to bust the tab off the back.

[TheGZeus]

THAT"S THE SAME THING!
Painting VS refinishing an antique in the same color both drop the value the same amount.

In any case, the Genesis is already compatible with the SMS. All the convertor does is make a few connections to make it go into SMS mode and the chip onboard just manages the card port/cart port.
There's no reason the tototek adaptor wouldn't work.

[nineallday00]

Thanks guys, I've got the order on the way! Can't wait to play psycho fox again!

[David J.]

I don't think the PBC is THAT rare, so dremeling a few isn't going to kill the resale value or anything.

This isn't like a '71 Plymouth Hemi 'cuda convertable that you'll catch hell for modifying.

[Gentlegamer]

THAT"S THE SAME THING!
Painting VS refinishing an antique in the same color both drop the value the same amount.I mean the PBC can safely be dissassembled by unscrewing the two halves and extracting the "guts." The "guts" work just fine by itself and look pretty much the same as the adapter from the mentioned webpage, thus preserving the outer plastic shell.

[Joe Redifer]

Last night when I was asleep, I dreamed I went into a game store somewhere and I saw that they had 3 Power Base Converters, two of them still in the box. So it's true, they can't be THAT rare. I should have picked one of them up, but I left empty-handed since I already had one.

[David J.]

I know I don't use mine, and I really doubt most people who have a PBC have found that page... that I found years ago. A PBC and Genesis stuff are not "antiques". And are cheap and common.

On the other hand... the Mega Adaptor (a Japanese Power Base Converter, as the Japanese MS/MK3 uses different cart connector) is RARE, because who really owned a MS or MK3 in Japan? Hell, how many did Sega of Japan sell. That's what I want to know! Why they even bothered with a PBC over there is beyond me. Well, you could say the same about the US, but Sega thought the Master System "rise from it's grave" like Altered Beast around the time they repurchased the distributation from Tonka.

[Joe Redifer]

The Master System has a far better "good games to bad" ratio than any other system ever made ever. I would have flown to Japan and kicked Sega's ass myself if they had not made a PBC. The Sega Master System kicks ass.

[TheGZeus]

I mean the PBC can safely be dissassembled by unscrewing the two halves and extracting the "guts." The "guts" work just fine by itself and look pretty much the same as the adapter from the mentioned webpage, thus preserving the outer plastic shell.
I was talking about the dremel...

[TheGZeus]

I don't think the PBC is THAT rare, so dremeling a few isn't going to kill the resale value or anything.

This isn't like a '71 Plymouth Hemi 'cuda convertable that you'll catch hell for modifying.
It goes between $10 for mediocre condition, no box to upwards of $50 mint in box.
It's not as though they made as many as they did Genesis 1s.

My point is it's no longer made and every one you break they price for a NON broken one gets higher, and the 'COOOL DUDE!' factor goes up for the 'collectors' who just hoarde games and never play them.
Prices going nuts because of some weird 'rarity' or 'mojo' is something I'm sick of in Guitars and I really don't want it creeping into the gaming world.

I'm TRYING to clarify my position, but not doing a good job...


Making them rarer is making the price go up, and you take the resale from $10-$50 to about $5 no matter what condition once you cut it at all.

[TheGZeus]

I know I don't use mine, and I really doubt most people who have a PBC have found that page... that I found years ago. A PBC and Genesis stuff are not "antiques". And are cheap and common.

On the other hand... the Mega Adaptor (a Japanese Power Base Converter, as the Japanese MS/MK3 uses different cart connector) is RARE, because who really owned a MS or MK3 in Japan? Hell, how many did Sega of Japan sell. That's what I want to know! Why they even bothered with a PBC over there is beyond me. Well, you could say the same about the US, but Sega thought the Master System "rise from it's grave" like Altered Beast around the time they repurchased the distributation from Tonka.
Define 'rare'?
I'm speaking more as 'unique and so irreplaceable once gone.'

How would you feel if the price of a Genesis 1 started to rise a whole hell of alot?
It's going to happen.
It's the most easily modified, it has better sound stock, and you can mod it for better sound.
Every mod makes un modded ones more rare, and then prices creep up bit by bit then begin to soar.
An Atari Jaguar has like 6 good games. It goes for about $100 right now.
imagine if a good condition Genesis 1 was just as rare.

Right now the Genesis 1 is cheaper than the 2. Once people catch on, the 1s price will go up. The 2s' won't go down, because it'll be the sellers who catch on first.

I've seen this exact thing time and again with guitars.
It's the saddest thing I can think of when a great inexpensive guitar becomes a $2k wall-hanger because people chopped them all up or some famous guy played it in one video.

Guitars should be played, video games are the same.
I hate 'collectors items'

[Gentlegamer]

Guitars should be played, video games are the same.
I hate 'collectors items'Then why blame people who mod them in order to play them?

[NAE1000]

has no one just thought of getting a pbc model 2?

[David J.]

There kind of expensive and rare, and only sold in Europe.

[TheGZeus]

Then why blame people who mod them in order to play them?
Because it creates a collectability factor.

It's rude to reply to a post you haven't fully read.

[David J.]

If you really want a PBC, TheGZeus, I will sell you mine.... :)

If you have one, that you'd never be likly to sell, why get your panties in a knot if someone wants to mod theirs? You've saved one from getting trimmed after all. :)

[TheGZeus]

I have one.
I'm just not quite THAT selfish, and have principals.

[evildragon]

ok, calm down.. this argument is pretty pointless..

[TheGZeus]

Well, I don't see how I was anything but diplomatic or joking in this thread.
That last post was me saying that I care about the rising prices even if they don't currently affect me, and why.

[evildragon]

well, what one does with their system is their own business..

My Genesis 1 is modified with the following, all of which is MY business:
EXT Port Mod (Added it to my Gen 1 which didn't have it)
YM2612 Crystal Oscillator mod (to give cleaner sound)
ENG/JAP Switches
60Hz/50Hz Switches
Blue LED

Will this affect other people? No, because my console is MY console, it's never getting sold...

[TheGZeus]

Good on ya.

Those are far from climbing in price. Fuck, they're cheaper than a PBC!!

And just a side-note. Most of those mods can be done in a reversable manner.
Not always the easiest thing to execute, but far from impossible(that was more of an aside than anything).
In any case, I'm happy Tototek made them for two reasons: It prevents prices from rising much faster on SMS hardware, and it makes mods unneccesary.

[NAE1000]

There kind of expensive and rare, and only sold in Europe.

i didn't know that- but then, i've not even seen one 'in person' over here. hmmmmmm-the hunt begins!

also, are any region compatibility issues with master system games? silly question probably but there are loads of pbc's available over here- just do a euro search on ebay right now and you'll find at least half a dozen i expect! (runs to ebay to search.............)

found a few pbc's and......

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SEGA-MASTER-SYSTEM-CONVERTER-II-CONTROLLER-SPIELE_W0QQitemZ320049469180QQihZ011QQcategoryZ820 3QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

pbc2, 5 games, mS pad- no bids, two days left, 2 euros
no paypal it seems though (which is why i'm posting the link!)
but still, good deal!
dada!

[Elusive]

i didn't know that- but then, i've not even seen one 'in person' over here. hmmmmmm-the hunt begins!

also, are any region compatibility issues with master system games? silly question probably but there are loads of pbc's available over here- just do a euro search on ebay right now and you'll find at least half a dozen i expect! (runs to ebay to search.............)

found a few pbc's and......

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SEGA-MASTER-SYSTEM-CONVERTER-II-CONTROLLER-SPIELE_W0QQitemZ320049469180QQihZ011QQcategoryZ820 3QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

pbc2, 5 games, mS pad- no bids, two days left, 2 euros
no paypal it seems though (which is why i'm posting the link!)
but still, good deal!
dada!

The Master System was region-free - the only obstacle to importing games was the cartridge shape difference between Japanese Mark 3 and European and American Master System cartridges. Some games released to Europe were optimised to run at native 50Hz, though, such as Prince of Persia.

Setting your Mega Drive to Japanese using the double-switchmod will boot games as if they were running on a Mark 3 - this way you get the flashing Mark 3 logo when running OutRun, After Burner and Space Harrier.

edit: 'Power Base Converter' is the American name for the addon; the 'Master System Converter' is the official European name for both models. 'Mega Adapter' is Japanese. That should help eBay searches - hell, it should have gone in that 'This There = That Here' topic. ;)

[NAE1000]

cool. may keep my eyes open for another one. i'm loving the megadrive two~ness of it.

[evildragon]

Good on ya.

Those are far from climbing in price. Fuck, they're cheaper than a PBC!!

And just a side-note. Most of those mods can be done in a reversable manner.
Not always the easiest thing to execute, but far from impossible(that was more of an aside than anything).
In any case, I'm happy Tototek made them for two reasons: It prevents prices from rising much faster on SMS hardware, and it makes mods unneccesary.
actually, the mods i listed are not reversable, as they deal with cutting plastic, and cutting circuit traces..

[David J.]

I wish someone would install a US/JP Switch in my Genesis... I may do it someday, but I can't find any of that wire like MMMonkey uses on his guides. It looks simple enough...

[evildragon]

I wish someone would install a US/JP Switch in my Genesis... I may do it someday, but I can't find any of that wire like MMMonkey uses on his guides. It looks simple enough...
which model Genesis? if it's a model 1, are the points on the RIGHT side with NO capacitor?

if so, i can do it for you..

[David J.]

I have that Model 1 you are talking about... it looks like this:

http://www.mmmonkey.co.uk/console/images/sega/md-jp1-jp2-wires.jpg

It's someone elses pic, and it is just w/o the wires, duh. I'd be intrested. :)

[evildragon]

I have that Model 1 you are talking about... it looks like this:

http://www.mmmonkey.co.uk/console/images/sega/md-jp1-jp2-wires.jpg

It's someone elses pic, and it is just w/o the wires, duh. I'd be intrested. :)
yes, that model I can mod, it's the one I use...

i could actually do a double mod on that, install the ENG/JAP swich, and 50/60Hz switch.. I can install the switches on the left side away from sight...

it involves dremeling a hole in the plastic and cutting circuit traces...

though, i live in florida, i don't know how you want this mod done..

[David J.]

I just want/need a ENG/JAP switch. The few PAL games I want, I can actually play fine on a US Genesis with no problem. I own Phantasy Star 2 & 3 PAL, and they are the same rom as the US version, so they play fine on my console. Hmm... I could maybe mail the system to you in January, and pay you for it?

Right now life is a little too hectic, and it'll calm down then -- month long college recess. I'm not happy with College, I am taking a civil service exam (city police officer) on saturday, and we'll see how that goes. I am looking at this agency that deals with children... the traning starts in June, and I'll graduate in the fall hopefully, and the last two or three college classes I'll need to graduate can be taken online. I had some stress with my job which is calming down. As for the agency I am looking at... the pay isn't the greatest ($10 an hour), but I have a decent chance at getting that job. I had a friend who worked there and hated it, but I dunno. So if you can wait a bit... :)

[evildragon]

yea, i can wait, no rush.. :)

i'll make sure the mod is clean, and properly labeled..

[retrosega]

I picked up a new PBC for Megadrive 2 a few weeks ago off ebay for about $50 Aus. It was supposedly new (but no box) and came with instructions and original plastic wrap.

[TheGZeus]

actually, the mods i listed are not reversable, as they deal with cutting plastic, and cutting circuit traces..
MOST of those mods CAN be done that way.

[evildragon]

MOST of those mods CAN be done that way.
not without holes, and blemishes, and oddly "fixed" circuits.. it wouldn't be original anymore..

[TheGZeus]

Holes can be avoided. It's hard, but it can be done.
Blemishes? You might be right, but I'm not sure what you mean exactly.

The circuit mods that don't involve cutting things(desolders, shorts, etc) can be put back to original.

[evildragon]

Holes can be avoided. It's hard, but it can be done.
Blemishes? You might be right, but I'm not sure what you mean exactly.

The circuit mods that don't involve cutting things(desolders, shorts, etc) can be put back to original.
region mod involves cutting circuit traces.. my YM2612 mod involves cutting the CLK trace.. the only thing I really did that didn't involve circuit trace cutting was my DB9 mod (im the only one to do this), and my blue LED... (and that needed me to use a drill press to make the hole bigger, because I couldn't find a blue LED small enough..

[TheGZeus]

Last I saw, most region mods were just jumpers. Desoldering resistors and switching them in and out of jumper positions.
And theoretically, couldn't you lift the clock pin on the 2612?

[evildragon]

Last I saw, most region mods were just jumpers. Desoldering resistors and switching them in and out of jumper positions.
And theoretically, couldn't you lift the clock pin on the 2612?
nope, for both the Genesis 1 and two, it involves cutting a trace connecting two points on the board...

and for the 2612, that would be near to impossible to do, without breaking the leg off completely...