Some Mega Drive model 1 queries...

[Jazzem]

Hey, so I just picked up a Mega Drive model 1 today, with the High Definition label on and everything (I'm at uni without a TV but I've been listening to ESWAT through the earphones, the sound quality is excellent!). I'm hoping to send it off to www.consolepassion.co.uk soon to get it modded for 60Hz and imports. I have some questions though;

1) I understand that the only way to get stereo sound on this model is through the headphone jack right? If so, is there a way to get that sound through to my TV?

2) I eventually plan to pick up a 32X and Mega/Sega CD. However it gets pretty expensive if I want to get those add-ons modded as well (modding them myself is probably out of the question), and the add-ons seem to be pretty pricey here in the UK anyway. If I got American Sega CDs and 32xes would those work fine with it? Though granted I'll probably want to get some Japanese CD games as well; is it difficult to get round the Sega CD lockout?

3) Following on from 2, do I go Mega CD 1 or 2? I understand the 2 will still work on the MD1.

4) I read something about making it a priority to replace the capacitors on the earlier models. Is this easy to do, or should I get someone more technically minded to do it for me?

Thanks!

[GameX]

I'm not an expert, but I can help you with 2 questions.

1) Look here, at 1:30:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H8NuyZxNYY

3) Well, you choose; model 1 CD sure look better on Genesis 1, is more expensive, and less durable than the CD2, it break easily.
CD2 however, is more durable than the CD1, and cheaper.

That's what I can tell you, for now.
Hope that help a little.

[Jazzem]

The CD model 1 is less durable? Interesting, I'd have thought the model 2 would break more easily, it looks flimsier.

Just realized regarding that stereo phone jack though, I'll have to use RGB if I'm to run a PAL MD (and am quite happy to anyway, RGB on my MD2 looked excellent), but I don't think that means I can use the cable since I'm not sure if there are sound sockets on my TV that can work in conjunction with the SCART socket...will have to check. I suppose I could pony up and get some speakers :P

Thanks a lot for the help, much appreciated. That Classic Game Room show is awesome by the way, the guy that runs it cracks me up

[GameX]

The CD model 1 is less durable? Interesting, I'd have thought the model 2 would break more easily, it looks flimsier.

Yep, sure thing. If you check in the Tech Aid section, you'll probably find many "Broken CD1" threads.

That Classic Game Room show is awesome by the way, the guy that runs it cracks me up

Yes, he's so funny!!
I think the funniest video for me was this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx0W9Me76n8

Watch it until the end!

[Christuserloeser]

Aside of Chilly's Wolfenstein 3D port, the 32X is not worth it.

[Jazzem]

I want to own it for collecting's sake, to play Knuckles Chaotix (I know it's not supposed to be amazing but I'm still very curious) and it'd be cool to have some of the Sega arcade games on it. It's not a priority for now though, especially given my budget :P

[Christuserloeser]

Aside of Knuckles Chaotix there's also Tempo, Kolibri and Virtua Racing Deluxe but I think that's it so yeah not really something you really need if you're short on space and/or money.

[Devil N]

1) I understand that the only way to get stereo sound on this model is through the headphone jack right? If so, is there a way to get that sound through to my TV?

There are special RGB SCART cables for the Mega Drive 1 that include an extra audio cable with a stereo plug that you can put in the headphone jack. That way, the stereo audio from the headphone jack will be passed through to the SCART plug.

I got mine off eBay, right here: link

2) I eventually plan to pick up a 32X and Mega/Sega CD. However it gets pretty expensive if I want to get those add-ons modded as well (modding them myself is probably out of the question), and the add-ons seem to be pretty pricey here in the UK anyway. If I got American Sega CDs and 32xes would those work fine with it?

You should be able to combine an American 32X and Sega CD with a modded European Mega Drive without problems.

3) Following on from 2, do I go Mega CD 1 or 2? I understand the 2 will still work on the MD1.

As others already said, the Mega CD 2 is the most robust one. Though in terms of looks, it doesn't really fit well with the MD1. Still, if it works, it works.

4) I read something about making it a priority to replace the capacitors on the earlier models. Is this easy to do, or should I get someone more technically minded to do it for me?

Depends on how good you are with a soldering iron. Capacitors are relatively easy to replace, but you still need a bit of patience and a steady hand.

But I'm not so sure if replacing capacitors has that much priority. My model 1 Mega Drive should be around 20 years old now, yet it shows none of the telltale signs of capacitor wear whatsoever. If I were you, I would try the console out for a while first, and then assess whether the capacitors need replacement or not.

[Barman]

1) I understand that the only way to get stereo sound on this model is through the headphone jack right? If so, is there a way to get that sound through to my TV?

You need an RGB cable like this one (it can be found on Ebay):

2) I eventually plan to pick up a 32X and Mega/Sega CD. However it gets pretty expensive if I want to get those add-ons modded as well (modding them myself is probably out of the question), and the add-ons seem to be pretty pricey here in the UK anyway. If I got American Sega CDs and 32xes would those work fine with it? Though granted I'll probably want to get some Japanese CD games as well; is it difficult to get round the Sega CD lockout?

regarding the Sega cd, you can either have a multi-bios installed (but it's pricey and more difficult to do on a Model 2 than on a Model 1), or you can buy Fonzie's Mega Cart! http://products.genny4ever.net/megacart_v1x.html

A flash cart that has all the Sega CD bioses you need (Euro, Jap, US). Just plug the cart in the cartridge slot of the MD, the CD in the Sega CD and turn on the Mega Drive while simultaneously pressing on either button A, B or C to choose the right Bios for the game.
I have the Mega cart and it works flawlessly. With it you can also download demos and homebrew games or play ROMs of games you own but don't want to damage (for instance, if you buy sealed games...)

Note: A region mod is still compulsory for the Mega Drive itself.

32X: region mod only.


4) Replacing capacitors isn't easy, even for someone trained with a soldering iron. First you have LOTS of them on the motherboard, so it takes a few hours to do it. Then, you are working on a printed circuit board and these are quite fragile, it's quite possible to damage some tracks if you're not careful.

[Jazzem]

@Christuserloser Ah Tempo! I saw a video of it and fell in love with the style. I hear the gameplay isn't that great but never mind that, it looked and sounded so awesome

@Devil N Thanks a lot man, very helpful reply. Very relieved to hear about the RGB cable and capacitors; I wouldn't mind trying out some DIY soldering sometime (I've got Mega Drive IIs about I could have a go on), but I'm certainly not experienced at it, so was kinda reluctant to go into the capacitors straight away. Also happy to hear that you can generally tell something's up if the capacitors are in need of replacing.

You've helped me out a lot between this and the PAL 60Hz spreadsheet; thanks again!

@Barman Wow, sounds like that megacart is a necessity! Sounds much preferable to the CD mod, there's only so much a poorly student can splash on Mega Drive hijinx...thanks for informing me of that, will certainly purchase one whenever I get a 'CD. And yeah, I think I'm just going to pray the capacitor issue doesn't arise any time soon :P

[Barman]

Don't worry about the capacitor problem. They'll have to be changed at some point, but who knows when? Maybe in 10, 20 or 30 years?

You have lots of Atari 2600 units still working just fine after so many years, I collect vintage Hi-Fi amps from the 60s and 70s like Pioneer, Philips, AKAI, Marantz and none of them has ever needed its caps changed.

If it works, don't fix it.