Sega Genesis/Mega Drive Modification Help

[Zexmaix]

Hey everyone,
I have a few extra Genesis systems laying around and I've been thinking about doing a little modifying work on them. I also want to get into doing custom paint jobs on them as I haven't really seen any good pictures of classic retro systems with cool paint jobs. Thinking a metallic blue with Sonic Team and Sonic Logos on the controllers would look sweet ;)

Anyways, I'm looking to see if anyone here knows of good websites or tutorials that could help me through some of the simple modifications that can be done on the system. Such as adding A/V & S-Video inputs, region/language switches, 50/60hz switch, widening the cartridge slot, and other little things like that. I've been doing several google searches but coming up with nothing, only a few websites that offer sales of modifications and a few message boards. Any help would be appreciated.

Also, if you know of any good custom paint websites that feature classic systems, let me know. I'd be interested in taking a look.

[Atari 5200]

I believe this is right up InsaneDavid's alley

[FABombjoy]

These have all been covered in this forum before, actually.

[InsaneDavid]

Yup and yup, and there are plenty of sites out there that document most of this. However any of this type of work is going to require that you have at least the most basic understanding of electronics and common electronic repair. For instance adding AV ports (Ye/Wh/Re) to a Genesis 2 is as simple as splicing connections off the DIN connector internally, running them to jacks, and grounding everything. Although you pick up audio at a different point, the same holds true for doing stereo AV port installation on a Genesis 1, it's the exact same theory.

You will find very few information sources that want to hold your hand and walk you through everything. A little basic mechanical intuition is really all you need for some of the more "common" mods like the Genesis and Saturn stuff. In fact for me widening the cartridge port on Genesis systems is the biggest pain in the ass of any mod I do on a regular basis - the most time consuming at least.

If you get further along and come across something really strange and need help, that's cool. However, speaking for myself, personally I won't walk anyone step by step through a mod or repair - other than the ones I've already written tutorials for.

[Zexmaix]

Thanks for the help/advice. I just did a paint job on a Genny 1 tonight and an LED replacement. I'll put pics up tomorrow what it looks like after its ready to be reassembled. It's a nice Sonic Blue with the Genesis screen print, black ring, and 16-bit area intact. It looks pretty good IMO.

Anyways, I was able to find a pretty good guide, although somewhat basic. I definitely feel confident in doing a simple stereo mod on a Genny 1, because all it appears to be is a simple running wires process. And yes, I have soddered before, mainly with PC motherboards and what not, nothing console based.

The S-Video portion seems a little above my head at the moment, but I'll do a little more studying and hopefully have something in a month or so.

Here's the guide I found:
http://www-unix.ecs.umass.edu/~dhowland/mod/#disassembly

[Zexmaix]

Here are some pics of the paint job I did on the Genesis I mentioned. Turned out pretty nice I must say and definitely goes good when playing Sonic games ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/Zexmaix/IMG_0730.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/Zexmaix/IMG_0729.jpg

[InsaneDavid]

Nice work. That audio slider is a pain in the ass, isn't it? ;)

[evildragon]

I want to paint mine silver one of these days.

I already got a way to remove the volume slider = soldering iron to melt the tips holding the bracket on, but not damage it, take pieces out. Paint, then put bracket back on, and heat up the tip again melting it back into place..

VERY hard, but I love the challenge..

[omnedon]

Very Nice!!!