The Sega Neptune!!!! [Archive] - Retrogaming Roundtable

Breakpack

01-04-2008, 10:23 PM

Mod genius Longhorn Engineer made this awesome mod for me.This thing is awesome!!!!!Can't wait get this bad boy!!

http://www.longhornengineer.com/Projects/Neptune

c0ldb33r

01-04-2008, 11:14 PM

Crap! That is the best thing ever!

a few questions:
1) does it still require 2 AC adapters?
2) does it function with a sega cd for 32xCD games?
3) how much did this project cost?

Great mod btw! :)

MrSparkle

01-04-2008, 11:48 PM

awesome only thing left to do is model it after the prototypes case ;)

studvicious

01-05-2008, 12:00 AM

That reeks of pure awesomeness. I give it 4 baby dolphins out of 5. It would have been a perfect 5/5 if it were in a hand-made Neptune case. But seriously though, how much and where??

The_4th_Survivor

01-05-2008, 12:08 AM

Wow, that's cool.

But in the end, it's still just a 32X, isn't it?

Dangerboy

01-05-2008, 12:13 AM

That...is amazing.

No seriously.

Now get a PStwo to fit perfectly in a PSX case and we'll talk. :D

omnedon

01-05-2008, 02:56 PM

Very cool.

And if Longhorn engineer can make money on the shop time required to perform this, I'm doubly impressed.

/hat off

fahlim003

01-05-2008, 05:26 PM

Definitely a very cool mod and idea in general. What comes of this commercially will be interesting to watch for.

evildragon

01-05-2008, 08:57 PM

c0ldb33r

01-07-2008, 09:31 AM

I'm actually working on one of these too myself...

http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3596

Mine will use IDE ribbons to connect the cart lines..

the difference on mine however is that I'll be using a single power supply, not two.. I also am thinking of adding Composite out directly from the console, and Component video (via the JROK adapter). It would be a perfect combo, without any special cables..
lol, yours made me laugh:

Completed: 1%
Timeline
1. Need to pick up Genesis, and receive 32X.
2. Picked up Genesis. Still no 32X though.

I'm sure it'll be great once more work is put into it, your signature on sega-16 just made me laugh LOL

evildragon

01-07-2008, 12:42 PM

The one who was supposed to send me a 32X was having postage problems. The sig isn't updated though.

What IS done though is on the Genesis side:
1. Cartridge port removed
2. AV ports RGB, CSync, Composite traces cut and lifted
3. DC line from DC jack ready to go to 32X (for single power adapter)

77punk

01-07-2008, 04:26 PM

OMG... Sega love!

Dreamc@sting

01-14-2008, 05:02 PM

That is totally badass

Nitrosport

01-15-2008, 12:09 AM

I've been wanting to something like this for a long time. I wish I had the skills to make the actual plastic case like the prototype. Are there any dimensions on the web for the prototype Neptune?

evildragon

01-15-2008, 12:11 AM

I've been wanting to something like this for a long time. I wish I had the skills to make the actual plastic case like the prototype. Are there any dimensions on the web for the prototype Neptune?

I can approximate this via the cartridge slot size.

Brb with a mockup...

EDIT:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/Evilweredragon/gen2nep.gif

I used the cart slot as the "base size", remembering that the neptune picture was originally angled a little bit, and the cart slot appears thinner than it really is as a bezel is hiding a small portion of it..

Mods in Photoshop: Scaling and skewing (to correct angles of original pictures)

Nitrosport

01-15-2008, 10:08 AM

So from the looks of it, The Neptune is a just a bit larger. The website says he can make custom cases if you pay him. If I get one of these working, I'm gonna e-mail him to request a neptune case be made.

So far, I removed the the genesis' cartridge slot, soldered wires to it, and I'm gonna take apart my 32x later today.

77punk

01-15-2008, 10:32 AM

aweosme.. im thinking of taking on this project as well. It shouldn't be that hard. Are you going to also keep the double power supply or figure up one that will power both?

FAMOUS

01-15-2008, 10:56 AM

Very Very bad ass, How much you want BreakPack???

Nitrosport

01-15-2008, 03:50 PM

I'm planning on using 1 power supply for them. I'm currently gonna use 2 just for testing but next week I will get a single one. I've got some pics of what I've done so far:
http://i10.tinypic.com/85ut1yf.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/6nrn5ux.jpg

Logicdustbin

01-15-2008, 03:56 PM

Nitrosport

01-15-2008, 04:07 PM

I'm gonna move it later. I just wanted to get the wires soldered up last night. I'll get to it later today. I should have searched for a Genesis with the other board. It would have made things a bit easier. This one is a little more cramped.

Ray

evildragon

01-15-2008, 09:54 PM

I've decided to be different than you guys, and do this to a model 1 Genesis...

Nitrosport

01-15-2008, 10:03 PM

Why a model 1? In the long run, you wouldn't be able to fit it into a custom made neptune case.

evildragon

01-15-2008, 10:07 PM

Because I don't want it in a custom made case..

I want to keep the retro feel of the Genesis 1 system, but have the secret ability to play 32X games.

Nitrosport

01-15-2008, 10:09 PM

Ah, I see. Keep us updated on it.

Longhorn Engineer

01-16-2008, 02:00 AM

Goodluck with the Mod! I hope I took enough pictures to figure out what I did.

Oh and thanks everyone for there comments!

evildragon

01-16-2008, 02:25 AM

I know the Genesis, CD, and 32X so well, I wouldn't need a guide. ;) (Been disecting these consoles and most revs for years.. got my own book of info written down)

Actually, if you need any help, let me know. I'm familiar with all revisions of the model 1 Genesis, and all models of Sega CD. Model 2 Genesis' i only know 2 revs..

Nitrosport

01-16-2008, 11:33 AM

Goodluck with the Mod! I hope I took enough pictures to figure out what I did.

Oh and thanks everyone for there comments!

I've got a general idea. You did a nice job on yours. Can you make custom neptune cases?

Ray

Longhorn Engineer

01-16-2008, 11:35 AM

Oh yes I forgot. You can use 1 power supply but it has to be rated at 10V @ 2amps. When you connect the power to the 32X make sure to use 18AWG wire. The 32x is a little power hungry and we don't want your neptune melting now do we?

Also when you solder the wires to the 32x make sure they are as short and straight as possible. Any extra length and twists WILL scramble and weaken the signals and will prevent the 32X from kicking over. I first used ribbon cable but that was way to thin to support the signal so I had to redo the entire thing in 20AWG. If there was room I would use 18AWG for the connection.

edit// No I can't make neptune cases. I don't have access to a vacuum forming machine. I wish I did though.

evildragon

01-16-2008, 11:48 AM

I actually have a ribbon cable rated up to 1024x768 60Hz non-interlaced (anything higher and it has ghosting).. It's taken from an old PowerMac G3 "AIO"..

And yea, I know about the power supply. Mentioned about it on the other forum, before you got here.. ;)

I do EE work alot, so this is a walk in the park for me.. Luckily the Genny 1 I'm using is a late rev and consumes about the same as the Genny 2, but far less than the original Genny 1.

Longhorn Engineer

01-16-2008, 02:21 PM

I'm currently studing EE at UT :)

If that ribbon cable works out for you I will have to find a local source to obtain it. I was using standard HDD cable.

evildragon

01-16-2008, 03:06 PM

I'm currently studing EE at UT :)

If that ribbon cable works out for you I will have to find a local source to obtain it. I was using standard HD cable.
Heh, I'm not "certified" or anything like that, self taught myself, and do quite well.

HD cable, be it 40 conductor or 80 conductor UDMA, is just like that, too thin. This ribbon is slightly thicker.. Sadly it's only in "3 conductor" from the computer, but that's cause it only carries the RGB signal, the larger ribbon carries GND, H Sync, V Sync, PWR, Audio L, Audio R, etc, to the all in one chassis.

I'll use the thick ribbon for that, RGB, and the small ribbon (HD 40 conductor size), for GND and C Sync...

Good thing audio doesn't get mixed in the 32X, and actually takes place on the Genesis itself, so the audio on the Genny will go directly to the AV out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/Evilweredragon/rib.jpg

Longhorn Engineer

01-16-2008, 04:20 PM

Ideally you would want each wire individually shielded but I couldn't find anything that thin. I guess you could spiral wrap the wires with some aluminum strands and ground it but that would be alot of work. Maybe next time I will make a jig to do it for me.

evildragon

01-16-2008, 04:26 PM

Yea, then shrink wrap it.. But, if Apple didn't need to, and only had a single ferrite bead and passed FCC regulations like that, I'm fine. :p

Nitrosport

01-16-2008, 10:27 PM

Well, I finished it but apparently, there is a bad connection somewhere because the game wont boot. I'm about 95% sure it's one of the wires that goes to the 32x. I'll look it over tomorrow.

evildragon

01-16-2008, 10:50 PM

Make sure you got the RGB GND CSync lines coming from the Genesis into the correct pads on the 32X.. That's the only thing that needs to go into the 32X's video mixer.. 32X will generate it's own Composite video signal. (and Genesis mixes audio by itself)

Nitrosport

01-16-2008, 11:00 PM

I havn't converted those yet, they are still connected normally with the original cable while I do testing. I believe my issue is with one of the soldering points on the 32x itself.

evildragon

01-16-2008, 11:37 PM

Ok. Just make sure all points are secure, you powered the 32X ;) , and make sure no points are crossed.

Nitrosport

01-17-2008, 08:20 PM

I double checked and everything is perfect and yes my 32x is on lol.It still wont work. Everything powers up and the screen stays black. The tv recognizes a device but that's about it.

evildragon

01-17-2008, 08:51 PM

Hmm, perhaps one of your wires broke from inside, or isn't making good contact..

I know one test, but it's VERY long to do. Use a multimeter on continuity and test each point.

Longhorn Engineer

01-17-2008, 09:34 PM

Are your wires as short as possible and of equal length? Are they twisted up or separated. Try sticking a sheet of card board between the two rows to help keep them apart.

This is the same issue I had when I used ribbon cable.

If all else fails take a sheet of foil and fold it into 3 layers. Cut it to fit in between the two rows. Solder a wire onto it and connect it to ground. Cover the foil with packaging tape and use it to separate the two rows. In effect you are creating a cheap RF shield. Don't know if it will work but you can try.

Oh and I want to see some pictures!! :guitar:

edit// measure the 5V lines on the cart slot on the 32x side and make sure it isn't fluctuating.

evildragon

01-17-2008, 09:53 PM

The 32X generates a clock for the SH2 via a PLL chip that multiples 3x the Genesis CPU clock, via the cartridge slot.

That clock could be being distorted via a long cable as LE said.

evildragon

01-17-2008, 09:54 PM

A test to try...

Run a Genesis game. This won't require a clear clock to the 32X, because the 32X will never need to be "init".

Nitrosport

01-17-2008, 10:34 PM

I'll get some pics up tomorrow because it's apart at the moment. I want to use different wire for the connections between the 32x and genesis board. When it's back togeather, pics will be up.

Oh, I tried a genesis game but I got the same results as with the 32x.

Nitrosport

02-19-2008, 10:15 AM

Ok guys, It's been a while since I replied. I finally got a chance to replace the wires. I used ethernet wire and now everything is working perfect! :) I'm going to radioshack today to find a good power adapter to use (10V 2-2.5 amp) so I can power both units togeather. I also need to get some more wire so I can re-route the audio/video wires. Pics for now:

http://i26.tinypic.com/2rxk7qa.jpg

http://i32.tinypic.com/sfy14n.jpg

I ended up using a new 32x and genesis. I wanted to make sure there was no room for error this time lol. I still think my original problem with the first attempt was the wires. Oh well, I'll clean up the other 32x and put it back togeather. It should work fine.

Nitrosport

02-19-2008, 01:17 PM

I went to radioshack but they had no 10V adapters. I tried a bunch of places online and there are very very very few 10V adapters available. When I do find them, they are way less than 2 amps. Can someone please point me in the correct direction for the power adapter? Why are 10V adapters to damn rare. Here is a small test video for you guys. Sorry about the quality but I'm using my digital camera:

Neptune (http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=30mbrwm&s=3)

jb143

02-20-2008, 02:46 PM

Why are 10V adapters to damn rare.

Because there's not really a battery equavalent. 10 is not divisible by 1.5

Why do you need 10V? Most adapters usually provide slightly higher voltage than whats needed and then it's regulated in the circuit.

Nitrosport

02-20-2008, 03:21 PM

The genesis and the 32x boards both run on 10V. I found a few 10V adapters online but they were like 1 amp max.

evildragon

02-20-2008, 03:32 PM

You could get away with 9v or 9.5v..

The voltage regulator inside will take care of you.. Besides, internally, they run at 5v. ;)

Nitrosport

02-20-2008, 03:41 PM

Ok, I found a 9V 2 amp adapter. I'll probably buy it but I'm gonna check the swap shop tomorrow because they have hundreds of adapters at a buck a piece :)

evildragon

02-20-2008, 04:36 PM

just make sure you match polarity, ok?

jb143

02-20-2008, 04:48 PM

You could get away with 9v or 9.5v..

The voltage regulator inside will take care of you.. Besides, internally, they run at 5v. ;)

That's basically what I was trying to say. Thanks for making it more clear.

just make sure you match polarity, ok?

Yeah. Get your polarity wrong and that burning smell will be the smoke getting out of your regulator...and possibly other parts. Smoke is, after all, what all electronics parts are made out of. Letting the smoke out is a very bad thing since it's near impossible to get it all back in.

ooXxXoo

02-20-2008, 05:42 PM

evildragon

02-20-2008, 05:47 PM

When are you going to get ready your Neptune version Evildragon?.(Genny model 1/32X)..I can't hadly wait to see it...By the way last weekend got another one ready.
http://usera.imagecave.com/capcom2000/HPIM4792.JPG
http://usera.imagecave.com/capcom2000/HPIM4796.JPG
I'm caught up with Real Life Syndrome.. :(

AKA, insurance, bills, and lack of a job. My cars license expires in a couple of days so im frantically trying to find a job, before im royally screwed.

This much is done though.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/Evilweredragon/Project%20Neptune/1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/Evilweredragon/Project%20Neptune/2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/Evilweredragon/Project%20Neptune/3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/Evilweredragon/Project%20Neptune/4.jpg

(And no, the pic with the Doom cart in it, is NOT a complete photo.. It was a test to make sure the cartridge widening was good enough.

ooXxXoo

02-20-2008, 05:59 PM

All things must pass!..I hope everything gets better for you at the end of the day!..A nice 32X logo could apply to the empty side of that Genesis case

evildragon

02-20-2008, 07:54 PM

My father just paid for my cars license.. So that puts my mind at ease for that part.. Still would like to have a job though, I got no income.

Jared_Vibelicious

02-26-2008, 03:51 PM

so I have an extra model 1 genny and a 32-X laying around ... anyone wanna make one of these puppies for me? haha I don't have the tech knowledge or tools to even attempt something such as this.