MEGADRIVE Appreciation Thread

[manuel]

I have one in a box like this, too, but the condition is not as good as the one I posted above. (Still quite good, though.)

[L___E___T]

Good news Manuel is that you have the early model I'm looking for with that killer box art.  I just saw a brand new one here for £200 but no-one is buying it (despite interest) so I'll see what they go for, I'm not familiar either.  I can get a region switch 50/60hz model for under £50, but I was looking to offer you more than that for this, I'll shoot a PM over.

Mo, what you have there is the last revision of the Model 1 before they switched to the Model 2.  I'll try and find out more than that.  Probably VA6 motherboard.

[zaneiken]

I find that working Japanese model 1 Mega CDs and Mega Adaptors are pretty hard to come by.
Also, while fine on CRTs, 60Hz-modded PAL consoles can have sync issues with scalers since the 60Hz signal on these is too far off NTSC-spec.

[L___E___T]

Thanks, might leave the CD for now, I could get a Model 2 Sega CD but they don't look right together.  I'll probably get the Master Converter first, those can be hard to find, at least the Japanese one is with it's cool red stripe.  I love how it matches the SMD so nicely!

I have a nice 'flat' CRT, though I'm going to try and find a bigger one as well when I can.  
Over here they went up to 37", but those go for a lot.  Others you can pick up for free  


- Manuel I've updated my sale thread, let's do this together  

Everyone I need you to take a look at my for sale thread, you can find it in my sig.  Pick up some great item for a bargain, help me get my SMD!

http://www.famicomworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=9423.0

[L___E___T]

Well, thanks to Manuel I was able to get the Megadrive in the end - now to try and get some essential games.

What I should I play first?  I think it may well be Bare Knuckle II, so on that note I also wanted to show this:







I think Bare Knuckle II is the best game on the system and the best beat em up ever.  I can't wait to play it on real hardware.

[P]

Congratulations!
My recommendations that are not already in earlier posts: Langrisser and Langrisser II if you can overcome the language barrier somehow (I think there are translation patches for both of them). If you get CD I also recommend Snatcher, but it may be expensive.

[L___E___T]

I'll definitely get a Sega CD, might have to be a model 2 though. 

I am saving Snatcher for when I'm in the mood - might have to be on PS1 emulator via PSP though - I have time this Christmas to play that and Policenauts I think.

Now that I think about it, I won't be able to play the MegaDrive until I get back in January, but at least I know I can play it now.  Considering getting a new CRT TV and amplified sound set up for it too.

[keropi]

here is my 2 cents worth of thoughts 

yep, a MD1 that has a serial port in the back (useless) is always a good revision. The main difference is the audio circuit in later models and md2 consoles... they butchered it
Had a 32X along with a tototek flashcart years ago... it was only for collection like 80sFreak wrote...
I have no experience with MCD1 or MCD2 , I got a CDX instead  for CD games , but do get a CD-rom thingie as there are some nice games on it! 
Get a EverdriveMD and forget about the master system converter, it is not needed with the MD-ED.
Also when you get the MD1 mod it to output RGB with C-SYNC instead of Composite-SYNC. The signal is there, just cut a trace and patch it at the connector, no other modification needed. (Also SMS1 benefits from that). You will get a better picture and jailbar-free in lcd screens.
The 6button controllers are nice but they work mainly in fighting games. Just get one for completeness. 

[L___E___T]

Kali Mera Keropi and thank you.  I read that all these early MDs have built in RGB, so I'll definitely explore that.

Trouble is, I'm not electronically competent enough to go modding it.  There's a modding shop in London called RGB that I can probably get to do it though.  They sell pre-modded EU systems but they're pretty beat up.
Post Merge: October 14, 2013, 06:20:10 am
Thanks 80sFreak, I am confident I bought the right MD1, JP Model 1s with the early box design and High Grade Audio come in VA0-4 (maybe Va5 too), all of which use the higher quality sound modules.  The butchered TMSS sound didn't come in till the end of the Model 1.

I'll need to do as 80sFreak and Famifan say and replace the caps as well.

I'll probably leave the SCD for now, but I will look for a mint and working on in time, just because of how badass it looks stacked, same as the Master System Converter with that red stripe   But those can come later.

For now I have the MD and will start saving for a couple of games and the Everdrive so that come January I have plenty to play.  Been looking at the prices of some of the best SMD games CIB, Pulseman just went for $200, BKIII for $75...  That's that then!
Post Merge: October 14, 2013, 06:41:43 am
So here's another question - is it better to get a 6 button pad and a 3 button Power Stick, or a 6 button Power Stick and a 3 button pad?  I had. A 3 button Power Stick back in the day and was very fond if it.  Since then I have played on a 6 button pad but I think the feel may take some getting used to.  Given I may only want it for fighting games, I figure a 6 button Power Stick would be better, buuuuut I've never tried one.  Hopefully someone here can advise.

[zaneiken]

Also when you get the MD1 mod it to output RGB with C-SYNC instead of Composite-SYNC.

You mean C-Sync instead of composite video for sync.  C-Sync is composite-sync.

So here's another question - is it better to get a 6 button pad and a 3 button Power Stick, or a 6 button Power Stick and a 3 button pad?

I'd stick with the 3-button pad and try and track down a Capcom Power Stick Fighter MD for the fighting games.

[keropi]

Kalispera L___E___T 

Also when you get the MD1 mod it to output RGB with C-SYNC instead of Composite-SYNC.

You mean C-Sync instead of composite video for sync.  C-Sync is composite-sync.

yes, I mean the pure SYNC signal without any video data.

And I agree on the pad stuff too if you only have to get one of each kind. A six button stick would be more usable imho.

[jpx72]

I have some first hand experience with japanese MegaCD model1 just now. I bought a non working piece , but the only thing that didn't work was CD reading, everything else like all the lights, cd tray sliding, starting up (bios showing start menu) works well. Even the drive belt is intact.   The whole unit looks like new, really nice. But the PCBs are a horror! Like there was orange juice spilled all over them! Every single capacitor leaks. I am lucky, because the PCB is not damaged by the acid leaking from them (well it's not completely undamaged, but pretty well preserved). But leaving it like this for another year or two, and it will be like there was the Dig-Dug guy going crazy on it.

[L___E___T]

When my MD arrives, do you think the caps will need replacing immediately, or can I boot it up for a quick test in safe knowledge?

Secondly, would you be open and able to do a couple of mods on it?  Slovakia's not far from here - if so, can you PM me your rates?

[jpx72]

Go ahead and test it, don't worry. But after that be sure to check out the main PCB (right under the main cover, 6 screws, easily check-able) for leaks.
EDIT:I thought you are talking about segaCD, your megadrive probably doesn't need capacitor change.

Will be honored to mod for L__E__T Only problem is my free time, shoot me a pm what you have in mind.

[zaneiken]

The earliest Mega Drives are pushing 25 years old now, so I'd be inclined to recap them regardless of whether the caps are leaking or not.