Morning all, Just wondering the easiest way to get a fully multiregion MegaCD setup? Currently deciding between a Multimega and a Model 1s set-up. I found this Pro AR on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...;item=8153672831&rd=1&ssPageName=WD1V But I'm unsure if it makes the MegaCD multiregion too? If so this would be great to use with the Multimega. Otherwise I assume it'll be easier to do the region and 50/60hz switches on a MD1, and install this on a CD1: http://arakon.dyndns.org/tutorial/bios.html Any suggestions? Cheers...
Theres a cartridge that makes your MCD multi-region, its called CDX I think but it has compatibility issues and isnt that easy to find. Better go for the BIOS mod
The alternative for people like me who aren't quite as talented with a soldering iron is to just make an image of the said game you wish to run, patch the region code with SCDConv and burn image. If anything, that lets you protect your precious originals... Main problem with the CDX cart is that there's about 3 different versions of the cart (including one that only works on the MCD2). I did contemplate going on a search for someone who can install a multibios themselves... if anything, a machine with Arakon's multibios installed would be cool from a collection standpoint.
Well, that MultiBios install tutorial looks easy enough on a model1, and a bit more fiddly on a model2. I was hoping that the MegaCD could just switch regions by altering jumper settings, like the MD or Saturn. It would have to be a bloody mission tho, wouldn't it. I was ideally wanting a Multimega as it's nice and compact. The CD-X/MM compatability issues don't seem too bad, it's just trying to find the correct version of the CD-X. I'll probably be better off with a PAL MD2, installing the region/speed switches and then getting a Jpn M-CD2 (better interms of weight/shipping cost).
The MultiMega/CDX would also require some kind of multibios installed. Unfortunately, I seem to remember reading it was a totally different form of bios chip to the one used in the MCD1/2 install, making things even more complicated. Truely, other than buying the cart, your only real options are to patch your games or buy a separate machine for each region. It's worth remembering that you will have to install some region switches onto your MegaDrive if you wish to use a Japanese MegaCD. A Japanese MegaCD will only work when the machine is set into Japanese mode.. Or used on a Japanese MegaDrive. The MegaCD hardware itself had some form of region protection. Sega sure made things complicated!
You can buy a pre bios modded Sega CD from D-Lite @ neogeo.com, his stuff is complete pimp. For example: http://www.neo-geo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=110297
I'd just say if there isn't an easily available cart...just change the region on the game by burning, or buy a Japanese Mega CD...seems like a much more elegant solution...
A "multi" BIOS is the best solution IMO like what Baseley linked to, except it may be hard to not hack up the case for the switch. I've cracked every BIOS for multiregion, it's way simple with a little Motorola assembly knowledge, if you can't do the same check out D-Lite or Arakon's solution they're probably the same but Arakon's BIOS
Installing a multi BIOS isn't hard... you just need to be able to program the chip, that's the "hardest" part. Personally I'd like to rewrite the screen for it to look nicer than those I've seen, but that's just personal opinion. As for it being better from a collector's point of view... how? You open up your mint Sega CD / Mega CD, and solder something non-original in. HOW is that better? From a collector's point of view, it devalues it. From a PLAYER'S point of view, it makes it better. A player will pay a bit more for a pre-modded console, but that doesn't mean it is WORTH more (to a collector).
Fair enough I've often thought about doing it, but I'd do it to an old machine that wasn't perfect, or something. Already got a Japanese MD with just about all the mods done to it possible!
Unless your Gen/MD has region switches, you cannot just pop in a new BIOS. BIOS have regional protection, if you know a little assembly, you can defeat the check by replacing a branch instruction with a NOP. If you find retail Sega/Mega CDs collectible, you need to buy yourself another "playing" console to mess around with because no matter what, if you want to reliably play games you'll be defiling your collection with CDRs or modifying your console with a "multiBIOS" since CDX work like shit.
Actually you CAN piggyback BIOSses, its been done. And what I meant (and I'm sure everyone else) was a hacked multiBIOS (hence why they mentioned some well known examples). Sorry for being so lazy and not describing it in the "proper" manner. Maybe we should work on a new improved screen for it ;-)
They're the regular Mega CD/Mega CD 2/Sega CD 2/EU Mega CD 2 splash screens, load up an emulator or something. IMO the hardest part about making a multiBios is finding a 16bit EPROM (or wiring 2 x 8bit) and a suitable programmer (I had to buy a $3000 msrp 1994 programmer for 16bit ROMs) Getting into the Mega CD2's BIOS space isn't very easy as well, nor is desoldering the BIOS (which is the way I went)
Exactly what I said ;-) Desoldering is easy if you have the right tools. You should be using a proper SMT desolder station, not a 30W antex iron ;-)
I don't have hot air, must use torch, or iron/pump. Luckily there are some 16bit 4M roms on eBay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...;item=3870035177&rd=1&ssPageName=WD1V Cheap too.
Err, shipping and handling is $7... then the postage info says $14! Is he charging $7 EACH for shipping and handling??? heh Still, $30 for 5... hmmmmm.....
