Why are the Model 1 units hard to find?

[David J.]

I've only seen one in my entire life. I want one for my model 1 Genesis, and a Genesis 2 for my Model 2 SCD.

I almost got a Model 1 for free. a couple years back.... But it was fux0red.

Here's what was wrong with it. The CD drive wouldn't open, pressing reset did nothing. We pryed it open with out breaking it, and putting a game in, and it did nothing again. He made me a deal: fix it and it's yours. We spent a good afternoon fixing it, but it died in vain. We later took a look at it, but it was even worse.

I should of took a picture! Nothing more grand than two friends sitting at a table in the kitchen looking at the insides of a Sega console, drinking some orange soda.

There goes one rare sega machine to sega heaven.

[Dartagnan1083]

I strongly prefer to connect the model 1 genny with the model 2 Sega CD. It just looks better.

My old Model 1 SCD broke down on me. It just would not read the discs. . .
stupid freaking machine.

The CDX on the other hasn't failed me yet.

[Melf]

I've had both a refurbished model 2 Genny and Sega CD since 1996 and they both work like a dream, yet I constantly hear about model 1 units breaking down.

I'd kill for a modded CDX though. Awesome little system.

[Elusive]

The CDX isn't really that hard to mod as regarding PAL/NTSC and Overseas/Japanese switches. It's just a matter of getting the thing open and doing what you would with a Genesis model 2. I imagine the same principle would apply to the Sega CD part for adding a multiBIOS - finding the BIOS chip, and installing a new one on top or outside the case.

The Model 1 is old, really. There are very few eject tray-loading systems still working, anyway. That's why the Mega-CD model 2 can still function - no motor to wear out, no fan belt to break. A small motor to spin the disc won't take that much of a pounding.

[David J.]

How common are the Model 2 MCD's in europe actually? I thought the SCD was nearly dead by then, thus I thought they where rather rare.

You can still buy a Japanese Model 2 one at a few places. Now why didn't it come with a AC adaptor?!

[winona]

They are quite common. I think Sega sold more Mod 2 Mega Drives in Europe than Mod 1.

[David J.]

I was wondering about Mega CD units too!

[winona]

Um yes, I meant Mega CD units. Allthough it prolly wasnt all that clear.

[Elusive]

The Mega-CD 2 was the most popular because in some regions it was the only model available - Spain, for instance, only got the model 2. Hence, model 2s aren't really that hard to find. Plus, they've only got one moving part (the CD motor assembly), as opposed to the model 1's two moving parts (CD door and motor assembly).

As a side note, I think the only difference between Sega's power adapters is the shape of the plug. An American power plug should power a Japanese Mega-CD console, for example. I think. =P

[burnt toast]

i've got a model one mega cd i got off ebay as a sold as seen because he didnt have the adaptor for it. when i plucked up the courage to run it on 12volts (i think sega must of been the only company to have used 10v power supplies, which is an odd voltage to use) it worked fine, and i had the arcade classics cd in there.

the connectors are standard ones, you will just need an AC-DC apdaptor, so i dont see any reason why you couldnt power any of the megadrive family with an adaptor. its only internal power supplies that you are in danger of frying with 110/220 voltage differences. as elusive said.

provided you set the adaptor to the right DC voltage and polarity of course.

i havent used my mega cd all that much but it hasnt shown any signs of complaining when ive used it. ive had it about a year and a half maybe?

[Joe Redifer]

I bought a model 1 Sega CD system at launch and it has worked flawlessly ever since. I really hate the music that plays when it is powered up. It does not need music! The Japanese Mega CD music and intro was much better.

[j_factor]

NEC used 10v power supplies too.

[segagamer]

I agree with Joe Redifer; yet another instance of needless changes from Japanese to American version.

[lordofduct]

i've got a model one mega cd i got off ebay as a sold as seen because he didnt have the adaptor for it. when i plucked up the courage to run it on 12volts (i think sega must of been the only company to have used 10v power supplies, which is an odd voltage to use) it worked fine, and i had the arcade classics cd in there.

Yet it may work... I wouldn't advise continually doing that. It is going to heat up a lot and could possibly fry little parts on your SCD. A minor voltage change in DC is a big difference for that electrical parts... it's not like AC where it can fluctuate 20 or 30 volts (the US 110 is actually a fluctuating 95 - 130... and sometimes peaks even higher... that is why they advise using capacitors with your high end sound systems and the sort.) it is just the pay off you suffer due to the way 'alternating' current is made. Upside to alternating current is it is not as deadly in high voltages as DC would be. (still deadly though... heh)

Anyways... 12v on a 10v machine will hurt it over time. And the fuses aren't good enough to notice the pain its causing... to close in range for them to notice. It is actually how I fryed my first GameGear (I was young, didn't know any better).




Anyways, I don't know... I've seen more Model 1's. I've owned about 5 of them. I still have the original and it works freaking awesome. I've had a few hiccups here and there caused by immature family members beating on my machines (ugh, they'd get so ticked when I'd come in upset about my broken Sega... they'd act like what kind of nerve I had to get upset. heh.)

All my friends owned model 1's... except 2, the only 2 model 2's I've ever seen where my friend Keith's and Pate's.

[Joe Redifer]

I agree with Joe Redifer; yet another instance of needless changes from Japanese to American version.

They also took some LED's away from us US gamers. I want to know what those extra LEDs did on the Japanese unit. I want to see them blink on my Sega CD!