Genesis Model 1 A/V Question.....

[gcl1984]

whats the big deal about using a stereo mini plug to rca adapter from radio crack(or makin one).
s-video is the only way to enjoy your genny,unless your lucky enough to have a nice rgb monitor.

[anagrama]

unless your lucky enough to have a nice rgb monitor.

*insert compulsory gloat about our lovely RGB-capable European TV's*

[The Manimal]

Speaking of Genny 1s...


Are there any compatibility issues between the pre-lockout and lockout versions? From what I understand, the lockout versions won't play some early games...but what about the pre-lockout version? I am having thoughts of downsizing and getting rid of the lockout one.. It's about space, not money...and they look virtually the same.

[gcl1984]

I have a copy of Double Dragon that won't play on me 1st edition genny.I also have a copy that only plays on my 1st edition.Thats the only cart that was incompatible with the "pre lockout" version that I've come across.I guess Ballistix made a 2nd version to play on newer systems, but its strange that it wont play on the 1st one.

[SkiDragon]

I am attempting the Genesis 2 S-video mod now. I will post my results.

[SkiDragon]

I havent taken any pictures yet, but I did the s-video mod on my Genesis 2 and it works great, plus I added a dumb blue LED while I was at it. I am also using the stereo RCA jacks from the Sega CD, which I didnt realize could be done. I suggest this mod for everyone. I found all the parts I needed at Moyer Electronics. Its hard to find the ECG85 transistor suggested for this mod, but the NTE85 is equivalent.

[Lost Monkey]

I havent taken any pictures yet, but I did the s-video mod on my Genesis 2 and it works great, plus I added a dumb blue LED while I was at it. I am also using the stereo RCA jacks from the Sega CD, which I didnt realize could be done. I suggest this mod for everyone. I found all the parts I needed at Moyer Electronics. Its hard to find the ECG85 transistor suggested for this mod, but the NTE85 is equivalent.

Which RGB encoder chip was in your Gen 2? (I am guessing it was the CXA1645...)

[SkiDragon]

No, it was a Sony CXA1145. Supposedly they are rare in the Genesis but I found one in the first Genesis I opened.

[Lost Monkey]

I have opened at least 5 and not found one that doesn't have the Samsung chip... :/

[Elusive]

Speaking of Genny 1s...


Are there any compatibility issues between the pre-lockout and lockout versions? From what I understand, the lockout versions won't play some early games...but what about the pre-lockout version? I am having thoughts of downsizing and getting rid of the lockout one.. It's about space, not money...and they look virtually the same.

The 'lockout chip' used by SEGA post-July 1992 is the TMSS - the TradeMark Security System. It's designed to lock out pirate cartridges, not region lockouts (as opposed to the 10NES chip used by Nintendo to lock out all non-compliant carts). It does this by searching for the word 'SEGA' in part of the game's header, the part of the game that tells the console what's plugged in. And, of course, SEGA patented this. The problem is, a small number of early releases which were designed for non-TMSS consoles have nothing but garbage in their header, as the Mega Drive didn't require a valid header to run properly. Codemasters releases are notorious for this, as are a few early EA releases. So, when the TMSS chip looks for 'SEGA' but finds nothing but rubbish, it won't run the game, assuming it's an unlicensed pirate.

Just out of curiosity, what did the Mega-CD's mixing cable actually do?

[gcl1984]

Just out of curiosity, what did the Mega-CD's mixing cable actually do?

It takes the stereo signal from the headphone jack on the front of model 1s and inputs it to a jack in the back of sega cd.Then you get your audio from 2 rca jacks on the sega cd.I'm guessing the system mixes sound genarated from software with streaming audio from the cd and outputs it though the rca jacks.Maybe the model 1 doesn't have the stereo signals on the expansion port.