This is a short guide on how to install the Sega MD/Genesis Model 2 switchless region, 50/60hz & DFO kit by The Real Phoenix which we now stock at Retro Upgrades. This guide is meant for both novice and experienced installers who wish to install this kit into their console.
If you wish to get your own kit, please click here.
Preface – Although this kit is compatible with all Mega Drive/Genesis Model 2 consoles, this guide currently only covers a Model 2 PAL VA1 console install. Install points on other MD/Genesis main board revisions may be in different locations depending on the PCB layout. If you’re unsure on the points, you can find the pinout for most variations of the Sega VDP chip online and work from there. We will add more variations from all regions as more consoles pass through our hands.
Part 1 – Installing the board (Universal) Firstly locate the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis 2 crystal on the main board then remove it from the board. The best way is to use a desoldering gun/pump. If you don’t have access to one, you can alternatively apply your soldering iron to the bottom of the board, two pins at a time, whilst lifting up, rocking the crystal back and forth until it pops out. Use care and pay attention to how much heat you’re applying if using the second method as to not burn the pads!
Place the provided pin headers into the 3 vias as shown (do not solder). Place the board into position whilst paying attention to the pinout. Pin 1 on the main board is marked with ‘o’ which should be aligned with the straight (not rounded) edge of the mod kit PCB. Solder the top of the pin headers to the mod kit PCB.
Ensure the pins are aligned correctly and the board sits somewhat flush. Solder the pin headers to the main board.
Part 2 – Wiring (PAL VA1 revision motherboard) Next we have to hook up all of the pads on the mod kit to the corresponding pads on the Sega MD/Genesis main board & LED QSB as per instructions below.
LED: Firstly remove the original LED. Next, isolate and stick the provided double sided tape to the bottom of the LED QSB PCB and press it down onto the board, ensuring the rounded edge with the LED installed aligns with the footprint of the original LED on the main board. Hook up the connections (+5V, US, EU & JP) to the mod kit board as per diagram below.
Mega Drive/Genesis main board: There are 3 traces that we need to cut & remove solder mask from with a sharp hobby knife. They’re labelled 1, 2 and 3 on the diagram below. Afterwards, hook up the points shown on the diagram below (LANG, VID, RB, RL).
1 & 2 zoom: Any traces to cut are displayed with a red line. Location 1: VID (50/60hz) — VDP pin 58 trace. Location 2: LANG (ENG/JP) — VDP pin 107 trace.
3 & 4 zoom: Any traces to cut are displayed with a red line. Location 3: Reset line — VDP pin 78 trace. Location 4: Reset button in — pad C33.
Lastly, don’t forget to set the ‘RST’ jumper on the top side of the mod board which selects ‘active-high’ or ‘active-low’ reset. It is different for each console revision, basically if the console has a 510k ohm resistor (usually R2) between the reset switch and ground then the console is active-high and the jumper must be closed.
For example: Model 1 VA4 is active-high, whereas Model 1 VA5/6, Model 2 VA1.8 is active-low.
Troubleshooting:
If you are having issues with Everdrive games crashing on a Mega Drive/Genesis 1 console with this kit installed, please make sure the original RF shield is still in place. See here.
If you’d like to purchase a kit from us, click here.
Thanks to The Real Phoenix for designing this board. If you’re in North America, you can grab one from his store, click here.
If you have any suggestions regarding the guide, please feel free to send us an email.