MegaDrive++ : new switchless region + IGR mod

Thanks for the reply SukkoPera. I think it was only in the installation pictures on the Wiki and on another wiring picture posted here by Keropi, perhaps I misunderstood the picture. I will do as you said and install separate resistors on each RGB leg. On the topic of LEDs actually, are there any easy ways to wire in the LED, as in are there little sockets you can get that can be soldered to the Nano and then simply "plugged" onto the LED (like the stock factory LED). Thanks again!

 

OK, the single resistor on the common leg in shown in the pictures of the seb mod that I "borrowed" for the MD++ wiki. I will have to fix that sooner or later, but I am no good at making those pictures .

 

I built the programmer as per instructions, it's an FT232 and an atmega48 on a little board. Someone did make a programmer script for the raspi but i believe that only works for the CDCE925 that was used initially, not on the CDCE913 the DFOs ended up using in the end.

 

Hm, okay. It's simple I2C so an Arduino should do just fine. Mine has 3.3V or 5V levels selectable even.
But of course it needs software written for it. I should try to adapt the existing Arduino code..

 

That's a replacement clock crystal you guys are talking about right? To make both PAL and NTSC formats run at the exact correct frequencies? Would it be possible to integrate that into the MegaDrive ++ mod so that it automatically selects the correct clock frequency for whatever mode you're in? That'd be amazing.

 

Yep

 

Is that a megadrive++ board with the DFO on it?!

 

yes, its the second revision after testing the first one and making some changes based around what me and @SukkoPera are doing in the background with SMS++

 

Thats very interesting.....and does the DFO change to the PAL/NTSC frequencies depending on what region you have the Mega Drive set to? I was going to just install the MegaDrive++ but this really seems like the way to go. Will you be selling any complete boards?

 

Yes it changes with the selection in md++

Yes, will be for sale when its ready

 

That sounds very promising. It'd make these consoles truly region free, especially useful for PAL consoles (which are really common in Ireland where I am). Should I just watch this thread for information regarding availability or is there somewhere else?

Something I saw recently was the "MegaMod v3.0" by Antonio Velkov (https://vmod.wordpress.com/megamod-v3-0/). Not sure if you're familiar with it but he was able to include Sega CD bios region auto-switching depending on what region the console was set to. A multi region bios chip has to be installed in the Sega CD and pins 38/39 connect to unused expansion bus pins, and then on to the MegaMod board which handles the switching. Is that something that could be incorporated into your board? https://vmod.wordpress.com/sega-cd-multi-bios-eprom/.

Either way, definitley count me in for a completed board once they're finished. In the meantime I think I will still install the Nano MD++ mod as I'm sure it uses all of the same feeds as your board, then when yours is finished I can simply de-solder and switch boards.

 

Yes, that could work. But I'd generally just recommend replacing the mega/sega cd bios with a region free one

 

That would make sense alright, thanks I will do that eventually.

Quick question....what gauge wire are you guys using for mods like this? I have some 30AWG Kynar solid core that I used for a PsOne modchip. I've also been using some thicker solid core stuff for the likes of region switches etc. I've been meaning to buy a few rolls of good quality stuff in various colours. Any recommendations for where to get it in UK/Ireland?

 

Sorry for the delay @eric90000, I had missed your message somehow.

I use 30AWG solid core Kynar wire for soldering on PCB traces, like for the MD2 mod, and 26AWG stranded wire for most other needs. It wasn't a particularly well-thought choice, it just happened to be what I had on hand but I am pretty much at ease with those.

Recently I also bought a strip of that rainbow ribbon cable all Chinese sellers seem to sell. It's handy because you can split it at will and make a cable of 3-4-5-whatever wires you need. I don't know exactly what gauge it is and I bet the Chinese don't know either , but if I had to guess I'd say 28AWG stranded. It's not the same quality as the 26AWG I have, it probably has less strands than it should have, but it gets the job done and it's pretty cheap. You can see it used in the pictures in my SMS++ installation instructions.

 

I'll have to buy some soon. For now, i use some ribbon cable used in computer/electronic wiring with just one string colored. But it reamins prety complicated to spot which one is the good one when the installation get a bit complicated ^^

 

There's a guy in France selling 30AWG solid core for a reasonable price: http://www.ebay.it/itm/281779009054.

 

I have some like this. I'm aiming at the rainbow ribbon rather.

EDIT :
back here (from SMS++), i remind my request :
http://assemblergames.com/l/threads/megadrive-new-switchless-region-igr-mod.61273/page-5#post-898718

As explained in this post, PAL user like me are often exposed to this problem : game refuses to boot in 60Hz, and freeze the controller so you have to turn the console On and Off, etc. Just for testing games, it' not that boring, but if you want to really play a game for many times, doing this each time could upset (though i'm a patient guy).

This idea comes from the SNES's uIGR board i got from borti, so kudos to the guy !

The goal would be to set an "Auto mode" that would boot in 50Hz, wait for a while for the game booting, then auto switch to 60Hz (i don't think the other way, booting 50 then 60, would be useful for anyone but...)
Parameters could be set by user in the Arduino sketch : refresh at boot, delay, final refresh.
This "Auto mode" could be set with the "Start + B + Up" combo.

What do you think 'bout the challenge ?

 

It's not really a challenge, it's easily doable . I'll give it a try next week. Unfortunately I'm really busy this month.

The SuperCIC has a similar feature, so I know what you're talking about.

Does SMS++ need this feature as well?

 

Hum, don't know.
i wonder if Castle Of Illusion isn't a game with issue.
There are some game that are "PAL-only" and so refuse to boot in 60HZ.
So yes, it could be an option useful for SMS++.

EDIT : found some kind of compat' list :
http://www.smspower.org/forums/12093-ListOfIncompatibilitiesAmongSMSGamesHardware

 

Thanks for the replies about hookup wire guys

What do you think of this wire: http://ie.rs-online.com/web/p/products/8725151/

It's 26AWG stranded with tinned copper. The insulation is stuff called XLPE, does anyone have any experience with that? In the past I've used cheap PVC insulated cable but I found it melts easily and lets out toxic smoke when burned! :/