Model 1 or Model 2 Gen/MD

[Family Computer]

I plan to get either a Japanese Model 1 or Model 2 Megadrive and mod it for RGB Output.

Personally, I like the look of the Model 1 quite a bit better than the Model 2, although the JPN Model 2 still looks pretty nice since it isn't all black like the US version.

Anyway, are the components in either model higher quality than the other? I know you need to mod the Model 1 for stereo sound output, but after modded would it have the same sound? I don't want to sacrifice looks for performance, but I was just wondering about any true technical differences.

cheers.

[CosmicMonkey]

I plan to get either a Japanese Model 1 or Model 2 Megadrive and mod it for RGB Output.

But the Megadrive outputs an RGB signal via its A/V out (http://www.gamesx.com/avpinouts/genesisav.htm) anyway?

[Ed Oscuro]

I'd go with a model 1 for the headphone jack.

[Soviet Conscript]

But the Megadrive outputs an RGB signal via its A/V out (http://www.gamesx.com/avpinouts/genesisav.htm) anyway?

yhea, i beleive so. no RGB mod needed

i have a model 1 with a sterio mod and it sounded fine.

[idrougge]

I plan to get either a Japanese Model 1 or Model 2 Megadrive and mod it for RGB Output.

That's a really stupid notion. All Sega Megadrives, even if they're called "Genesis" have RGB output from scratch. No modifications required.

So you may just as well do with an indigenous model. All you need to modify it is to install a region switch internally and a file to make import cartridges fit. Don't make it more advanced than you need it.

As for which model to choose: None of my MD2s have worked, whereas all my MD1s have worked fine. And finding an 8-pin DIN connector for making a cable is a lot easier than finding a quasi-mini-DIN connector fitting the MD2.

[ApolloBoy]

and a file to make import cartridges fit

That isn't necessary for the Japanese Mega Drive.

[Ed Oscuro]

That isn't necessary for the Japanese Mega Drive.
He was talking about a "domestic" (US Genesis) unit, whose cart slot you do need to widen.

Personally, it looked like good advice to me - if you're going out of the way to get RGB, you might as well go for the whole thing; get the region switch and cart slot widened.

[ApolloBoy]

He was talking about a "domestic" (US Genesis) unit, whose cart slot you do need to widen.

Oh.

Dammit, I should really read through posts before replying to them...

[savageone]

I've yet to run into a broken down Model 1 Genesis, but have run into 2 broken down Model 2s as well as 2 other model 2s that work but the power light is burnt out. That may or may not just be plain old luck of the draw.

I'd say go with the model 1. You don't HAVE to get a mod for stereo, you could just use the headphone jack. I've not bought one but a simple right-angle 1/8" adapter should keep the wire running neatly along the edge of the system. I also say model 1 because the model 1 Genesis/Sega CD combo is infinitely more sexy than the model 2 combo (or any weird mix of model 1/2s gen/scd). :)

In other news I recommend ditching the 3 button pad and investing in a nice 6 button pad. The original 6 button pad that is, NOT the Model 3 6 button pad.. That one sucks in comparison.

Edit: oh yeah and another good reason for getting a Model 1 is the power base, an excellent way to enjoy those ol' SMS games.

[Family Computer]

OK, well I guess I don't need to mod it for RGB, I thought I did.

I realize I can go from the headphone out port on the Megadrive 1 for stereo, but how hard is a dual RCA mod for the back?

[Ze_ro]

There are stereo audio signals on the A/V connector of the Genesis 2. No need to mod the system, just get the right cables.

Genesis A/V pinouts (http://www.gamesx.com/avpinouts/genesisav.htm).

--Zero

[Push Upstairs]

But the Megadrive outputs an RGB signal via its A/V out (http://www.gamesx.com/avpinouts/genesisav.htm) anyway?

Now if I could figure out both where to get an 8-pin din and a feasible way to convert RGB to s-video i'd be set!

[InsaneDavid]

I realize I can go from the headphone out port on the Megadrive 1 for stereo, but how hard is a dual RCA mod for the back?

You don't mod it from the back, you can't pick up stereo there. It has to be tapped from the headphone jack. Of course, you can place the jacks anywhere you want, I put them on the left side of the system. (see my Buying and Selling thread (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106124))

[Family Computer]

OK, is it possible to keep the headphone functionality if I do that?

[InsaneDavid]

OK, is it possible to keep the headphone functionality if I do that?

Yup, and since the audio is tapped off the headphone jack the headphone volume control on the system can also be used to adjust the volume out of the system through the added stereo audio RCA jacks. If you ever DON'T want to hear the audio on the TV and want to go headphones only, you'd simply not connect the audio cables (White/Red) to your TV and use headphones in the headphone jack.

[Family Computer]

Ok thanks for the information everyone. Looks like I am going to go with a Japanese Model 1 Megadrive. Grab an RGB Cable, and mod it with RCA audio out the back.

[Zebbe]

I plan to get either a Japanese Model 1 or Model 2 Megadrive and mod it for RGB Output.

Personally, I like the look of the Model 1 quite a bit better than the Model 2, although the JPN Model 2 still looks pretty nice since it isn't all black like the US version.

Anyway, are the components in either model higher quality than the other? I know you need to mod the Model 1 for stereo sound output, but after modded would it have the same sound? I don't want to sacrifice looks for performance, but I was just wondering about any true technical differences.

cheers.

Model 1 hands down. No license screen (early version), headphone jack (which gives stereo), better sound. Both gives RGB-signal, as said.

[cheshire191]

Now if I could figure out both where to get an 8-pin din and a feasible way to convert RGB to s-video i'd be set!

if you can't find an 8-pin din cable .. you can get the pinout of the v1 port from http://pinouts.ru/Game/sega1_pinout.shtml

then you can just tap into the points on the pcb. similar to this tutorial http://ribbitblog.com/?p=19#more-19.

that mod if for a v2 but the theory is still the same

-chesh

[Push Upstairs]

My idea was to have an external converter for RGB to S-video but neither chips or a 8-pin din are easy to find on the cheap.

Plus I wasn't really 100% sure my idea was going to even work.

[idrougge]

That isn't necessary for the Japanese Mega Drive.

It's usually easier to buy a file (most already have one) than a Japanese MD.

[idrougge]

I'd say go with the model 1. You don't HAVE to get a mod for stereo, you could just use the headphone jack.

That's indeed what a lot of commercial SCART cables used.


Edit: oh yeah and another good reason for getting a Model 1 is the power base, an excellent way to enjoy those ol' SMS games.

There is one for the MD2 as well, mind you.

[idrougge]

My idea was to have an external converter for RGB to S-video but neither chips or a 8-pin din are easy to find on the cheap.

If you find one of the most prolific connectors on the earth expensive, you need to find some more empty bottles to recycle.

[Push Upstairs]

I wanted a "cable" with a 8-pin din already wired, not the connector by itself.

My searches could only find cables far longer than my project required or an assload of 5-pin din cables.

I refuse to spend $15+ for 25 feet of cable only to have to lop off one foot on the end.

That along with not being able to find a good chip for the job and my electronics skill level are what made me abandon the project.

[idrougge]

How about a normal MD SCART cable, Mr. No-RGB?

[Push Upstairs]

RGB is rather pointless to attempt as I have *NO WAY* to display true RGB. My current setup and price range would only allow me to go as best as S-video.

And even if I got a SCART cable and lopped the SCART end off I'd still have to contend with both finding a chip that will do what I need and my limited electronics experience.

So it's not just the cable, it's all three.

[kazuo]

RGB is rather pointless to attempt as I have *NO WAY* to display true RGB. My current setup and price range would only allow me to go as best as S-video.

And even if I got a SCART cable and lopped the SCART end off I'd still have to blah blah blah

Places like oldschoolgamer, multimods, and this other cat (segasonicfan or something, find him on neo-geo.com) do s-video mods for a reasonable price.

Alternatively, you can try to find a XMD-1 or XMD-2 by Micomsoft; these are essentially converter boxes that take RGB out from, the Genny and convert it to S-Video and Composite.

They were only released in Japan.

I'm pretty sure you can pick up a SCART to SVideo adapter for cheap on eBay... and SCART cables are way cheaper than 21-pin RGB cables.