Retro Video Gamer

I will offer a series of modded Sega Megadrives (model 1 and 2) beginning 2015.

The base are refurbished devices with an unique design:
 
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(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10559845_1569490726598038_4068168133588074219_n.jpg?oh=458bf82084f072394cad9fd1b9fc832f&oe=552CA8AC&__gda__=1428984828_fb93bd825cb21441dbdfaa98630e370e)

function keys and label are in silver. blue power led (yellow in setup mode).  Delivered with manual, controller (in similar design) and modern power supply.

built in:
- surround sound mod (for best sound ever on a megadrive)
- RGB enhanced output (for one of the best video signals) via SCART adapter (includes stereo).
- pause function (via controller)
- tube tv emulation for flat screens  (disable if required)
- 50/60 Hz and region switch (handled via controller)

there are no additional switches.

Great work fella.

Yesterday I completed the design. Added an internal dust protection to the cartridge slot (which looks much nicer now as it is completly black inside). Also added black shields to the connectors on the back so pcb is now invisible if you look on the back.

The RGB mod works fine but have some glitches due to technical limitations on the custom chips. Try to improve that by directly hook to the VDP.

The surround mod is working! Better and bigger sound than the "plain" sound coming out of a stock megadrive console.  Also having an amp included to increase sound level to normal (not using the stereo output header and so do not follow volume control on the console). You are able to switchless enable/disable this feature.

Tried to improve the overall sound and found a way to improve digital sound output in favour of modulated sound. But the result is not very spectacular as the megadrive do not use sampled audio rarely. So only some intro audio and effects get improved (like collection of rings on sonic or pitfall title intro). I decided to drop the 2nd mod and use it on the SNES as this console uses more sampled audio output 

So now focus is on a better RGB output removing the glitches of the chipset and to implement the CRT emulation as well.

The components arrived the last days. The new surround mod seems to be complete now. There will be a run of 10 megadrive model 1 and 10 model 2 devices in the black/silver design with the following features:

- white box with manual and nice cover
- very good RGB output with CRT emulation (switchless)
- surround mod (worldwide unique, switchless), sound better than clear audio and all the other hacks.
- 50/60hz switch (switchless)
- multi region mod (switchless)
- new power supply and one controller (in new design)

not clear if a "freeze" function will be available via joystick so you are able to freeze the whole console and also disabling the screen/audio output (so a real pause mod preventing burn in).

The first consoles and components arrived yesterday.

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I improved the RGB output a little bit and played around with the circuit of the console. Tested the CRT emulation mode but it seems it needs some additional work to make them compatible with the megadrive as it looks a little bit too bright.

Look forward to seeing these completed. 

Yeah, so am I, some amazing mod tweaks in there I would say, these will problems be better looking than the original hardware, but that's a to order to fit, I think these MD mods are gonna sell really well IMO.

I completed the RGB mod. The Sega megadrive is a typical sample that there is always an improvement possible 

the stock RGB output lacks some sharpness and stable picture. Also have problems with some TV sets regarding sync signal. Finally I added my own RGB circuit and the picture can't be better. Crisp, right colors and no background noise or color rolling anymore. So with less than $5 you'll get a much better output than a stock megadrive. due to a clever trick the sync issue should be solved as well (requires some testing on different tv sets, my tv troublemakers have no issue anymore) together with the surround and audio mod a new audio experience, too.

next days I will check how to simplify and implement the switchless mod and also adding the CRT emulation for overall retro game experience. followed by some days to draw the final pcb.

hopefully I'm able to order the final PCB's end of this week and start to restore/prepare the first batch of mega drives.

Completed audio mod pcb which is now very small and perfectly fits into the console. I currently design the switchless mod and plan a generic PCB which can be used on other consoles as well. It will offer configuration and possibility to add more options later.

Console will be frozen and screen switched to a setup screen until you return to game by pushing reset button again. that provides a really cool and extendable method to deal with current and future config options. I also take into consideration to use a special controller button combination to activate that screen.

Video improvements completed. CRT emulation mode implemented and working well.

(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10896965_1575637845983326_3983691437897836069_n.jpg?oh=cb678360e1e2bedcf2066ff5e93eb51d&oe=5532964C)
Picture taken with smartphone camera about 2 meters away from plasma screen (ignore the slightly mirroring)

Next step is to get a proper sync-signal logic implemented. the signal delivered by a factory console is bad and the composite signal add ghosting and all kind of noise to the video signal. I use a trick to use the pure sync signal delivering a quite better picture but this is not really compliant and may fail on different tv sets. so i will try to get a compliant solution here (will do that today).

I will also prepare the switchless mod and start programming tomorrow. I also decided to use SMD components if possible to lower the size of the board as MD2 has less room.

That looks proper awesome..

That does look awesome, great start!

Finally fixed the common csync/sync issue and kept the picture quality 

Verified the single mods like console freeze and controller bypass which work as designed. Started with switchless mod by first implementing the composite menu, then rgb driven output. Good thing is that will be also used on other consoles as well (atari, coleco etc.) allowing to maximize functionality and options by preventing any additional hole or switch.

Working on the OSD option. Allows to output a menu on composite and RGB which makes it quite universal for all consoles. Final board will be SMD based to lower size and price tag.

Fantastic. Look forward to seeing.

yesterday I optimized the OSD firmware. To prevent using a bigger MCU for that (so keep it cheap)  it is required to deal with code and data size (like in the past) in a way both fits into the flashram.

Finally I decided to show only one option a time and you control via joystick to move on/activate it. similar to the sony crossbar. so less need for a full blown charset and complex drawings on the screen. it is really fun in trying to get the last bit out of the memory, specially as the mcu fulfill other jobs as well starting from control of the console to some video clippings to hide the typical megadrive vdp bug in RGB mode.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10940607_1577912539089190_3155666958184835416_n.jpg?oh=8234b85be6ad83fb86ed2559a0e32ea6&oe=552A1507&__gda__=1429076077_05edfbf137dc70148672f2b32be1df88)

Fantastic, when do you think you will tool up for this?

Quote from: "zapiy"Fantastic, when do you think you will tool up for this?

The whole Sega Megadrive modding project will be completed within 2-3 weeks. I completed the RGB output mod, the CRT emulation mod, the Surround Audio mod (including much better sound and volume adjustment, too, stereo on SCART etc), the Sync mod (get rid of CSync/Sync issues) and have completed the proof of concept for 50/60, eng/jap, console halt (freeze the console immediately and continue) and the circuit for the OSD has also been completed.

I'm currently dealing with OSD firmware implementation/optimization which then feeds back to other consoles and I want to include the clipping mod as well. The clipping mod removes the noisy lines seen at the bottom of some consoles by using RGB. Those happens on some games/playfields and as I know it depends on the used VDP version. It is low hanging fruit but would be a nice to have. Why stopping at a 99% perfect system if you are able to easily reach 100%? 

I also look into possiblities in parallel to combine several mods like Stereo/Surround, OSD, CRT Emulation etc into one MCUU. But this is more longterm strategy to lower costs and simply production.

Next step is to redesign the PCB with SMD components which requires one day and sent to manufacturer. Schedule target is beginning/mid of february. Starting with ~20 mega drive 1 consoles in "25th Anniversary Edition" (prepared during waiting for the PCB's). Later with a simplified version also available via online configurator. there will be only one full blown mod as it makes no sense to split the mod's up as all of them uses functionality from each other.

There is one single bug in OSD firmware left: there is some flickering under certain conditions. A simple but may be time consuming bug which must be addressed.

But this will not delay the new board as the production requires about 1 1,2 weeks so plenty of time to fix this remaining issue.

As there are several video and audio signals to be switched I played around with the best (price/components) solution for it. Finally I dropped the "common" MOS related solution path and uses a slightly more expensive but less overheaded solution.

So it's now time to design the PCB board and place the order. Next fixing the flickering issue as this is only firmware related.

I completed all boards but sadly to say I failed the vacation time of china as new year celebration starts 18th most companies closed their doors.

So one week manufacturer delay! I will use the time to prepare as much as possible so assembly is faster later.

the whole mod consist of 3 PCB's plugged together. One for the surround system which is optional on later (cheaper) versions, one board for the sync and CRT emulation (optional later) and the mainboard containing the OSD, RGB part and all logic required to halt the console, control and manage it. the whole mod is about 6cm x 5cm x 1cm and really heavily integrated. I started several times to find the optimal arrangement for all parts.

Plan is to assemble 10 "25th anniversary version" of the megadrive I followed by a cheaper version of megadrive II models without some features. Currently working on the cover for the box and the manuals.
I also got brand new power supplies and controllers.

This sounds awesome. Will you have a demo version to so either via images or a video?

i will create product videos and images of course.

This weekend I prepared 10+1 Sega Megadrive consoles. So if the new PCB's arrive it is only a small step until product is ready for shipping.

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consoles fresh from storage

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consoles after cleanup and refurbish of housing. added silver buttons/stripes.

Yesterday I refurbed the controllers now having 10 of them in really good shape.
The start button was painted in silver to match the design of the 25th anniversary edition.

I also found a small bug in the circuit of the mod which must be fixed by cutting one trace and solder an additional component.

Great work. Look forward to seeing the finished product.

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here the first prototyp of the box. currently working on manual, serial stickers, warning plates for power supply.
design might change for console itself as I plan to replace the "16 bit" by the "25 year" logo (same as on box).
Currently try out how to accomplish that in an easy way.

Tested possible new logo's. The 16-Bit logo will be replaced by the "25th year" logo. Here a test console with focus on different logo aspects.

It is still open if silver/black or black/white/silver. Depend on the upcoming ordered material.

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First prototype of the box. The logo will be moved a few centimeters to the right but then production is ready.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11025167_1594672244079886_8857741262468556410_n.jpg?oh=9026aa65667fa41165637bf5e53553c2&oe=5582EF45&__gda__=1435182460_46afb0c0c9fa8d721ce7ff85822d45a8)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11024600_1594672080746569_3873473803091752696_n.jpg?oh=f7b50859ff43ad205eb5364c8b4bbd88&oe=558CE2D8&__gda__=1434774759_8e74ffab66d981e1a16a3d624c7241c7)

Honestly I am not to sure on the new badge!!!!

well the new logo has some big advantages:
1. most of the surfaces have scratches exactly on the 16-bit logo text
2. the 16-bit logo text is wiped out on most older consoles

adding the 25th logo will create a new shining surface on that location and it reflects "this console is something special". the final implementation will be most likely to be shorter so the small stripe with the LED is visible again (and shines in silver but is another single piece) which looks nicer as it provides more details.

Hi,

I am new on this board, I am looking for this thread since the beginning.

I am really interesting by this console and I have sent you an email a month ago to know how to buy one.

I love the silver stripe and buttons, but as zapiy said I am not convinced by the deleting of the 16-bit logo. This logo is in my opinion the principal element in the design of this console, it´s more important than the "Sega Mega Drive" logo in the bottom for me.

Excuse me for my english.

Could it be more than a sticker though? If you have gone this far i reckon a better badge is worthy.. maybe embossed in someway?

Quote from: "julienktl"Hi,

I am new on this board, I am looking for this thread since the beginning.

I am really interesting by this console and I have sent you an email a month ago to know how to buy one.

I love the silver stripe and buttons, but as zapiy said I am not convinced by the deleting of the 16-bit logo. This logo is in my opinion the principal element in the design of this console, it´s more important than the "Sega Mega Drive" logo in the bottom for me.

Excuse me for my english.

hi, got no mail about it sorry. But the console is soon available, monitor the shop of 0711spiele.de or ebay/amazon.

the problem with the 16-bit logo is finally it is most likely "wiped out" over the years or the plastic underneath has scratches. With the new logo on top it is plain again and shining, that's the advantage. The first design recreated the 16-bit "logo" in silver.

As this is a very limited edition with best sound and video output and some other goodies it is worth having a logo of it's own outlining the difference. I'm currently unsure if the logo should be inverted (silver background, black 25th text) which might looks better. Finally it depend on the result.....

Quote from: "zapiy"Could it be more than a sticker though? If you have gone this far i reckon a better badge is worthy.. maybe embossed in someway?

the sticker was the first attempt. I've tried a 3d sega logo in silver but it is very expensive an finally duplicate text as "sega" is already written on the right side.

I will test with silver sticker and black logo but still waiting for the new material ordered as mine has some limitations. due to the age of the "16-bit" logo it is not easy to paint them "silver", too.

assembled the 3 PCB's of the "EX" mod. There are now ready to be implemented in the console. I've found some minor design flaws I've corrected for the next revision of the boards. Mainly a problem to enable  a specific function in a reliable way and some design considerations ins terms of "mounting" specific components.

I've also recognized some material was incorrectly ordered so place a order on friday and hope to get the missing parts today.

Also noticed that it would be quite nice to fix the power supply issue with the megadrive 1. As you know the md1 uses reverse polarity in comparison to other megadrive consoles/accessories. This led often to damage of the console if you do not verify using the right plug. I finally decided to reverse the polarity within the console to the "common" order and additionally add a wrong polarity protection. A brand new power supply will be delivered with the console so all these improvements finally make it easier to handle and prevents damage of the console. As location of "+" in in a plug is standardized it is also easier finding replacement components.
 
I'm looking forward to the first running prototype console which will be ready the next days.

Great news pal..

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final box with inlay

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final design of the console, added 25th anniversary logo

currently in assembly phase of the production master.

i have just see that but the original release date of the Mega Drive is 1988/10/24 not 1989.

http://fr.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mega_Drive (http://fr.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mega_Drive)

release dates (according to other wiki pages)
    
Japan 29. Oktober 1988
Vereinigte Staaten 9. Januar 1989
Europa 30. November 1990

Looks good pal..

New shipping target: one week after easter.

During assembly of the first prototype using the new PCB I run into several issues. It seems one batch of  the SMD chips is faulty. The prototyp using normal DIP packaging works fine with the console but not the SMD version of the chip.

Another issue arises with the audio output. It seems the video quality is influenced by the amp used on the audio board. Not sure if this is sega related (as audio level is quite low without any amp) or if this is triggered by the used circuit. the circuit itself works fine on other consoles. So more time required for root cause investigation.

yesterday a new batch of SMD chips arrived so testing continues soon. I also investigated the audio problem and found a possible solution. this project has top priority after the Atari 2600 White Edition.

all current development efforts are now available on our facebook website.