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[Khaz]

Everdrive MD should just be discontinued. It's barely cheaper than the superior Mega Everdrive I doubt many people don't buy it by mistake or ignorance.

But yeah, Everdrives are expensive. I once entertained the idea of having one for each system I own but backed up when I realised it would cost me something in the thousand eurodollars.

 

[SonicMegaDrive]

Well, I got all hyped about Sega over the past few months, due in large part to the retro threads here, so I bid on and won a Sega CD on eBay. I just got it yesterday, hooked it up today, and it doesn't work. The discs won't even spin in the disc drive. I tell the seller this and ask for his address to return it, and he says, "The auction states that I was never able to get it to work."

His auction did state that, but his description in full was: "I picked this up from Funcoland in 1999. I took it home and and couldn't figure out how to hook it up. Took it back to Funcoland where they hooked it up properly, it worked, and the guy behind the counter and I played some Sonic game for about an hour (Funcoland was awesome...). Took it home and forgot how to hook it up. Put it in the box, put it in the closet, found it two days ago."

His description is meant to give the impression that it's a working system. It's just that *he* couldn't get it to work on his own. I'm more than a bit angry right now waiting for him respond trying to get out of it.

I recall seeing that exact auction. I knew it sounded shady.

When it comes to Sega CDs on eBay, I always suspect they're broken unless the owner specifically says it was tested and working 100%.

 

[Credo]

Kinda shitty. Escalate.

I told him that his description gave the impression that the system is working, so if he refuses a return then I'm going to open an issue with eBay. However, I have zero confidence in them ruling in my favor, so I assume I'll get screwed.

I recall seeing that exact auction. I knew it sounded shady.

When it comes to Sega CDs on eBay, I always suspect they're broken unless the owner specifically says it was tested and working 100%.

I wondered about it myself, but I think seeing that he had 100% positive feedback allowed me to justify it. After eBay rules in his favor, I'll just become that much more pessimistic.

 

[alf717]

Well, I got all hyped about Sega over the past few months, due in large part to the retro threads here, so I bid on and won a Sega CD on eBay. I just got it yesterday, hooked it up today, and it doesn't work. The discs won't even spin in the disc drive. I tell the seller this and ask for his address to return it, and he says, "The auction states that I was never able to get it to work."

His auction did state that, but his description in full was: "I picked this up from Funcoland in 1999. I took it home and and couldn't figure out how to hook it up. Took it back to Funcoland where they hooked it up properly, it worked, and the guy behind the counter and I played some Sonic game for about an hour (Funcoland was awesome...). Took it home and forgot how to hook it up. Put it in the box, put it in the closet, found it two days ago."

His description is meant to give the impression that it's a working system. It's just that *he* couldn't get it to work on his own. I'm more than a bit angry right now waiting for him respond trying to get out of it.

It is probably the fuse. These will go bad if you use the wrong AC adapter. I used an NES AC adapter on one of mine. =P

 

[SonicMegaDrive]

It is probably the fuse. These will go bad if you use the wrong AC adapter. I used an NES AC adapter on one of mine. =P

This is the most common cause of non-working Sega CDs, actually. Those damn NES AC adapters.

The same sort of thing happens a lot with CDX machines, with people using Genesis 2/32X AC adapters instead of the one it originally came with.

 

[Teknoman]

Just do the fuse fix if it wont come on. After that, if the disc wont spin, replace the laser. If you got the Sega CD for cheap, these fixes arent costly.

 

[alf717]

This is the most common cause of non-working Sega CDs, actually. Those damn NES AC adapters.

Yep that it is I learned the hard way. AC should not be used on a DC unit. Luckily it was just the fuse and I didn't blow the thing up.

Credo are you comfortable using a soldering iron? The process is pretty easy to do if you are willing to try it. I got a feeling I was looking at the same auction once. Broken Sega CD and the user did have 100% feedback.

Just do the fuse fix if it wont come on. After that, if the disc wont spin, replace the laser. If you got the Sega CD for cheap, these fixes arent costly.

If you don't mind me asking where did you buy your replacement laser unit from?

 

[Megadragon15]

Before doing anything with the Sega CD, you should clean the Sega CD connector on the Sega Genesis. Those tend to get dirty.

 

[Khaz]

Regarding the fuse, can it blow up if using an AC with the correct voltage but not enough amperes?

How does one test a fuse?

 

[SonicMegaDrive]

Regarding the fuse, can it blow up if using an AC with the correct voltage but not enough amperes?

How does one test a fuse?

It's okay to have more amperes, but it could give you trouble if it doesn't have enough.

 

[Teknoman]

http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread.php?22027-Sega-CD-systems-repair-thread

For future reference.

Yep that it is I learned the hard way. AC should not be used on a DC unit. Luckily it was just the fuse and I didn't blow the thing up.

Credo are you comfortable using a soldering iron? The process is pretty easy to do if you are willing to try it. I got a feeling I was looking at the same auction once. Broken Sega CD and the user did have 100% feedback.



If you don't mind me asking where did you buy your replacement laser unit from?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/280556404693?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[Khaz]

It's okay to have more amperes, but it could give you trouble if it doesn't have enough.

Yes but what sort of troubles? Can it harm the fuse or something within the Mega-CD or can it just mess with the power supply unit?

 

[lazygecko]

I just remembered the super obscure game Generations Lost that I had played through years ago. It was one of those early 2D cinematic games in the vein of Flashback and Another World. The story was fairly unique and it was the first time I heard of the sci-fi concept of generation ships. I decided to read up on the game's development but there isn't much out there. It was designed by Bruce Straley who went on to join Naughty Dog, and was the director for Uncharted 2 and The Last of Us.

 

[Credo]

Credo are you comfortable using a soldering iron? The process is pretty easy to do if you are willing to try it. I got a feeling I was looking at the same auction once. Broken Sega CD and the user did have 100% feedback.

I've never used one in my life, but I talked to Teknoman on Steam, and I might consider trying it. I'm still going to open a case on eBay because I get very angry when someone isn't honest with me.

 

[sixteen-bit]

I just remembered the super obscure game Generations Lost that I had played through years ago. It was one of those early 2D cinematic games in the vein of Flashback and Another World. The story was fairly unique and it was the first time I heard of the sci-fi concept of generation ships. I decided to read up on the game's development but there isn't much out there. It was designed by Bruce Straley who went on to join Naughty Dog, and was the director for Uncharted 2 and The Last of Us.

It was also written by Druckmann of TLOU fame

 

[Teknoman]

Is the 32X slot wide enough for JP Megadrive carts?

 

[A Black Falcon]

Is the 32X slot wide enough for JP Megadrive carts?

Mine is, but I believe that different sizes of 32X cart slots exist?

 

[alf717]

Mine is, but I believe that different sizes of 32X cart slots exist?

Yea this is true. My VA0 32x also broken =( has a smaller slot. My VA1 32x takes imports no problem.

VA0 = MK-84000
VA1 = MK-84000A

 

[7DollarHagane]

What's the best way to avoid buzzing and background noise on genesis?

I have a model 1 with scart and an audio breakout box. I think the rear port only outputs mono and it has a lot of static and noise.

 

[Teknoman]

What's the best way to avoid buzzing and background noise on genesis?

I have a model 1 with scart and an audio breakout box. I think the rear port only outputs mono and it has a lot of static and noise.

I'd use the headphone port for stereo (its a must really...double if you have a 2.1 speaker set), but I just turn down the volume slider on the system abit.

 

[sixteen-bit]

Be sure to use a first party power cable too

 

[Teknoman]

Asked for horror tinged game recommendations in the other threads, so asking here too. Aside from the usual recommendations of course.

Reason why is because i've been on a Castlevania kick as of late, and also the 2014 version of:

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=688439

is coming up.

 

[IrishNinja]

^it is indeed! this year i dunno yet, id planned to play GC REmake but now that another port's coming i might hold off, it's gonna be hard for me to top Corpse Party + Sweet Home from last year though! im still hoping for a copy of Splatterhouse 3 on this system plus maybe one of the PC ones ive slept on.

just put out threads on the age forums, i'm wondering if i can swap my Rule of Rose (PS2 - PAL CIB) for a mega everdrive, wish me luck!

 

[ElTopo]

Asked for horror tinged game recommendations in the other threads, so asking here too. Aside from the usual recommendations of course.

Reason why is because i've been on a Castlevania kick as of late, and also the 2014 version of:

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=688439

is coming up.

As far as Genesis goes for your horror fix:

Splatterhouse 2 and 3 (Natch).
The Haunting: Starring Polterguy (A must play for Halloween).
Alien 3 (A licensed game but kinda' decent, has flaws for sure but it might be worth checking out)
Aaah! Real Monsters (Based on the show and it's about monsters so I think it counts. Fun little platformer with a character-switch gimmick)
Castlevania Bloodlines (Natch)
Devilish (Horror-themed pinball game, a port of the TG16 version)
Predator 2 (Another licensed game but fairly accurate to the film and it's pretty decent and easy to beat. I'd give it a 6 or 7 out of 10)
It Came From the Desert (Never officially released but if you can get a repro or download it it comes recommended)
Zombies Ate My Neighbors (NATCH!)

 

[BobbyRobby]

http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread.php?22027-Sega-CD-systems-repair-thread

For future reference.



http://www.ebay.com/itm/280556404693?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I should buy backup lasers for my X'EYE and Saturn. Do they still make these, or are we dealing with a dwindling supply for legacy lasers?

 

[IrishNinja]

@ AlexSA2's list

other obvious/fun choices are Decap Attack, Ghostbuters & Gholus & Ghosts, but he got some great ones there!

 

[MightyHedgehog]

Devilish (Horror-themed pinball game, a port of the TG16 version)

Pretty sure you meant Dragon's Fury, the excellent Technosoft version of Naxat's Devil Crush. Devilish is great, too. I would add Ghouls 'n Ghosts.

 

[IrishNinja]

^ah, good call - Devilish is like the satanic breakout/arkanoid to Devil's Crush, and totally worth playing

 

[sixteen-bit]

Chakan is ass but it fits the theme

 

[Mercutio]

What's the best way to avoid buzzing and background noise on genesis?

I have a model 1 with scart and an audio breakout box. I think the rear port only outputs mono and it has a lot of static and noise.

The Model 1 is really funky out of the headphone jack. Try various volume levels on it. The VA2 sounds amazing when it is turned up all the way, but horrible and metallic and buzzy when it is halfway. Meanwhile my VA6 is awesome at 50%, but horrible and buzzing when it's over 70%. Each one seems to have a sweet spot.

 

[sixteen-bit]

Revenge 1.0 cosplay

 

[Mercutio]

Revenge 1.0 cosplay

That is THE BEST.

 

[Gyrian]

It took me longer than I expected, but here are some pictures of my new Mega Drive, with a good dose of before & after shots.

First, the pack-in controller, which had a few scratches and a decent amount of crud.
It was so shiny at the end I completely messed up the focus of the shot, despite several taken:

A few more of the before and the tear down:
Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 3
Picture 4

The console itself needed a lot more work:

And here's the board. I looked at a lot of VA2-3 pictures before I got this far and expected to see something more familiar.
There was no shield, and some of its features are completely different. It was also fairly dusty inside.
It isn't actually marked VA0, but that's what this is:

Clean inside and out!

I absolutely love the way this system looks. It deserved some beauty shots afterwards!

And here it is, happily running Bare Knuckle. We cleared it with two players for the first time in probably a decade!
It looked incredible through RGB on the Framemeister, and Koshiro's soundtrack was pure heaven on a decent set of speakers!

I hereby re-declare my <3 for the Mega Drive / Genesis. The hunt for more games... is on!

 

[Teknoman]

I dunno why, but seeing random stuff like "Intelligent Terminal" and High Grade Multipurpose Use" on the system just seems cool to me. How'd you clean the top to get such a polished sheen? Or even the controller for that matter.

 

[Uncle Rupee]

It took me longer than I expected, but here are some pictures of my new Mega Drive, with a good dose of before & after shots.

Beautiful

 

[sixteen-bit]

Absolutely gorgeous. It cleaned up quite nicely!

 

[Gyrian]

I dunno why, but seeing random stuff like "Intelligent Terminal" and High Grade Multipurpose Use" on the system just seems cool to me. How'd you clean the top to get such a polished sheen? Or even the controller for that matter.

I feel the same way, it sort of fires up the imagination. There's a kind of promise of great things stamped onto the console itself.

What you see in the photos is almost entirely the difference between clean and dirty.
I did very little polishing, because it made me sort of nervous. I just wasn't sure what to expect from how the plastic casing might react, and certainly didn't want to hurt the silkscreened text. Where I did attempt some light polishing, I tried PlastX from Meguiar's (automotive, can polish plastic headlights). It improved mild scratches to a degree, but I decided to not press further.

Beautiful

I could not agree more.

 

[Lettuce]

As far as Genesis goes for your horror fix:

Splatterhouse 2 and 3 (Natch).
The Haunting: Starring Polterguy (A must play for Halloween).
Alien 3 (A licensed game but kinda' decent, has flaws for sure but it might be worth checking out)
Aaah! Real Monsters (Based on the show and it's about monsters so I think it counts. Fun little platformer with a character-switch gimmick)
Castlevania Bloodlines (Natch)
Devilish (Horror-themed pinball game, a port of the TG16 version)
Predator 2 (Another licensed game but fairly accurate to the film and it's pretty decent and easy to beat. I'd give it a 6 or 7 out of 10)
It Came From the Desert (Never officially released but if you can get a repro or download it it comes recommended)
Zombies Ate My Neighbors (NATCH!)

Dont forget, Haunting

 

[sixteen-bit]

Dont forget, Haunting

that's the second game you quoted, lol

 

[Khaz]

that's the second game you quoted, lol

Don't forget it.

 

[IrishNinja]

Seriously. it gets forgotten a lot.

group buy for Mega Everdrive that i'm hoping to catch in on last minute has the naked PCB for $115 shipped, and from what i've seen, i can't beat that with a bat. i go through with this, i just need what, a cart i don't want, and to have someone more talented cut/dremel/whatever a hole for the SD & SMS pause buttons, yeah? i know i've seen a good cart label for it, where would i go to print it on nice adhesive paper, anyone done this before?

 

[ElTopo]

The Haunting was the 2nd game on my list... Plus I've talked about it a few pages back. It's a highly innovative game and there really isn't anything else like it. I would say it's a genuinely good game up until the final boss.

 

[Khaz]

I've cut cartridges and other plastic stuff for mods. It's just a pain. Because of this and I couldn't be bothered to find some nice artwork and labels to print it on, I just paid for the service by buying the Mega Everdrive shelled.

You could get away with cutting stuff by using the MicroSD slot exclusively. You just need to drill a hole for the button or just desolder it if you don't plan to play Master System games. The thing just acts like the reset button for Megadrive games. Plus if your cartridge slot is a little flimsy, pressing the button means freezing the game instead because you would shake the cartridge.

 

[Peagles]

I wonder if those shells on Aliexpress would fit? They're made to fit clones after all. Then you could just make your own label.

 

[IrishNinja]

I wonder if those shells on Aliexpress would fit? They're made to fit clones after all. Then you could just make your own label.

Ah..was just taking to an engineer buddy about Cart shell modding (he was saying to grab a few cheap ones so we can get the hang of it) but I'll go check that site soon - a premade shell would br perfect! I was worried about what I'd read of the PCBs width too.

Already seen a great label, just have to see what kinda glossy adhesive Kinko's has

 

[Lettuce]

Don't forget it.

it needs to be mentioned twice

 

[Lettuce]

And here's the board. I looked at a lot of VA2-3 pictures before I got this far and expected to see something more familiar.
There was no shield, and some of its features are completely different. It was also fairly dusty inside.
It isn't actually marked VA0, but that's what this is:

Clean inside and out!

The JPN Megadrive is just boss, that massive 16-Bit logo, puts the Genesis to shame!!

 

[Teknoman]

I just watched a video of Snatcher. I really shouldnt have done that...

Game looks and sounds really cool, but shouldnt be THAT expensive.

Best I could do is to hope to come across a CD only version at auction or get ultra lucky and snag one at a flea market.

 

[Superblatt]

Picked up Alisia Dragoon. Great cart. Great fucking cart. I still can't believe the game looks and plays so well considering how early it came out in the system's life cycle.

 

[Gyrian]

I just watched a video of Snatcher. I really shouldnt have done that...

Game looks and sounds really cool, but shouldnt be THAT expensive.

Best I could do is to hope to come across a CD only version at auction or get ultra lucky and snag one at a flea market.

I am surprised at how shockingly expensive it's gotten lately. I bought a complete, mint copy for ~$80 just a few years ago. Even the much more common PC-Engine version has begun getting pricier.
With that said, It's a truly excellent game. I was instantly absorbed into its world.
A real shame that despite Kojima's success it's remained fairly inaccessible in English.