Tired of slowdown in Sonic 2, so I've decided to get an overclocked MD. If anyone has one, that could be up for sale, let me know. Or.. If anyone fancies a bit of hz and overclock modding (Zetr0? :roll::ninja:), then also let me know :cool:
Cheers!
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Tired of slowdown in Sonic 2, so I've decided to get an overclocked MD. If anyone has one, that could be up for sale, let me know. Or.. If anyone fancies a bit of hz and overclock modding (Zetr0? :roll::ninja:), then also let me know :cool:
Cheers!
I'll do it for you, although if you get hold of a soldering iron it's a very simple job to do yourself.
You just need to connect a switch to JP3, or if you want to make it permanent, bridge JP3 with +5. Although that would mean you will always be at 60mHz (NTSC).
mmmonkey shows how HERE
That sounds great, but I fear you may be missing the whole picture? :)Quote:
Originally Posted by r0jaws
I've done the region mod a few times, but not the overclock, which needs a new oscillator to get a compatible speed (where sound works properly). Still up for it? :ninja:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showt...p?t=2055931780
Overclock the MD.
Exactly :thumbsup:
That also looks pretty straightforward. There's a guide HERE that looks pretty comprehensive.
If you've done the region mod, then this looks to be well within your capabilities, there are a couple of traces to be cut and maybe a small circuit built, but nothing complex.
Although, it does look fairly pointless to me. Whilst your system will run faster, it will introduce instabilities and crashes for no real benefit.
The 60Mhz mod makes the games smoother and more responsive, I'm not sure what this would do.
If you want to still do it, then I'm happy to do it for you though. It'll be interesting, if nothing else.
The two guides do the exact same thing, I guess one just makes it look easier :DQuote:
Originally Posted by r0jaws
I'm not confident enough with my soldering skills to do that mini soldering, but then maybe I should use this to practice. It's not like MD's are expensive machinery these days.
It effectively eliminates slowdown in games such as Sonic, Thunder Force IV, Gunstar Heroes, etc... That's real benefit to me. The 50/60 mod merely makes the games run in the intended speed (60hz/fps) and intended size (switching your TV to NTSC :) ). Some games behave oddly, which is why there should be a switch (well, 2: halt + clock).
I'd love for you to do it. Preferably both the overclock and the 50/60 switch. Name your price and I'll find an MD to get shipped to you :thumbsup:
Can someone explain why do folk go to the bother? just buy a Japanese model?
Are you not paying attention at all?? While the Japanese/us model solves the 60hz issue, it's still not overclocked! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by ipod_sock
DOH! my bad... it is Friday after all, lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng week :pQuote:
Originally Posted by slk486Are you not paying attention at all?? While the Japanese/us model solves the 60hz issue, it's still not overclocked! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by ipod_sock
That goes around :lol:
No problem, I quite fancy giving it a go myself, if for no other reason than to see the results. I'll send you a PM and we can get started.Quote:
Originally Posted by slk486
After following this I think I need a second MD :unsure:
Dont bother unless youre as pedantic as me;)
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I'm afraid I am :lol:
I need an original one in box for my collection which I now have, but I really want to mod one now too!
My Sega fanboy collecting nature is conflicting with my techie nature... :blink:
Hmm... maybe I'll do that white Megadrive thing I discussed with Zeets, with an overclock and a 60Hz mod... I can make a thread too :D... what an xmas project :D:D:D
You've said it now, it must be done. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by AmiNeo
I'll look forward to seeing it, with loads of pictures too please. :)
PMSL, right R0j you're on! Expect to see it before new years :thumbsup:
Goes over to the other bay to scout for a loose HD system for the operation...
---------- Post added at 09:01 ---------- Previous post was at 09:00 ----------
Anyone know what paint will be best to use on these?
Sorry I'll start a seperate thread...
Awesome, i was just thinking of a white md the other day :D
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Me and Zeets talked about it breifly on another thread a while back. He said he'd always wanted one. I agreed it would be awesome and lusted after it since just as bad, :lol:. Since I'm doing a mod I may aswell make it the ultimate mod. :D
HD MD paid for and will be dispatched on Tuesday, also got a couple of 12.5 mhz 4 pin oscillators on the way.
I'll get some SPDT switches and get started when all the bits arrive. I have a Jap MD1 in the loft, I may give this a go on that too. :thumbsup:
@AmiNeo: I'm following your thread with great interest:)
@r0jaws: you rock! Really looking forward to this :)
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I need to read up on the whole 12.5 mhz 4 pin oscillators, arent they for if you're not using RGB?
---------- Post added at 00:19 ---------- Previous post was at 00:05 ----------
Right I just read up. Where I buy? lol. :lol:
NoQuote:
Originally Posted by AmiNeo
Good :DQuote:
Originally Posted by AmiNeo
Oscillators and switches arrived today. Unfortunately, I have guests this evening but hopefully I should be able to get started tomorrow.
I will post pics as I trot along.
Good news. Looking forward to a wip;)
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Time for an update. I had some time last night and today to get this sorted out.
The MD I bought from Taj is in reasonable condition, I'll give the plastics a bit of a clean up once I'm finished. The expansion cover is here, I just had removed it before the photo.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock01.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock02.jpg
There are only 6 screws to be removed on the base and once these are out , you have to disconnect the LED in order to get the top off.
For this, straighten the legs and slide the connector down and clear. It may be a bit stiff, but it will come off...
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock03.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock04.jpg
The RF shielding is next and was a bit of a problem to remove. There is one screw that is used to secure the shielding to the Regulators heatsink. Unfortunately it seems they drilled a hole, but didn't put in a thread. The screw was in so tight I had to eventually cut off the head using a rotary tool in order to get the shielding off at all.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock05.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock06.jpg
Once the motherboard was out, flip it over and find the CPU from underneath. You need Pin 15 and Pin 17. Pin 15 is for the clock speed and pin 17 is for the halt signal.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...erclock07a.jpg
Cut the trace from Pin 15, this allows you to then add your own clock speed with a little soldering.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock08.jpg
Next was soldering some wires to the various points. Yellow wire to Pin 15, the Processor clock speed pin, The Green wire to the original 7 Mhz clock and the pale blue wire to Pin 17, the CPU Halt signal.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock09.jpg
While the board was over, I took the opportunity to run a +5v and GND wire from the underneath of one of the regulators.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock10.jpg
All the wires I threaded through one of the Casing stanchion holes.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock11.jpg
I then took my 12.5Mhz oscillator that will be used to create the overclock speed. It is a Dale XO-43B. I downloaded the datasheet HERE, but the part you need to identify what pin does what is below. Be careful to get these right, you don't want to send 5v in the wrong way. I marked mine up for when I came to solder it up. I hot glued the oscillator in place adjacent to the CPU. I was conscious of keeping the wires as short as possible so as not to introduce any problems.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock12.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock13.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock14.jpg
Then it was a simple case of soldering all the wires to the switches. I am positioning these so that having the switches all to the left leaves the MD in standard British PAL configuration.
Pink is the 12.5Mhz clock, yellow connects to pin 15 (CPU Clock), Green to 7Mhz (native clock)
Pale blue is the CPU Halt (pin 17) and Black is GND. The third position is unconnected, when pin 17 is grounded the CPU is halted, allowing you to switch clock speed. Make note, you will still hear music playing while the system is halted. That is perfectly Ok.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock15.jpg
Next it was the 60 Mhz and Language Mods. Find JP2 and 3 and cut the tracks inbetween them.
JP3 (White) is the 50/60Mhz jumper.
JP2 (Blue) is the language jumper.
I also connected 2 wires to the +5v (Red) and GND (Black)
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock16.jpg
I then connected them all up to the SPDT switches. When Blue is on Red (+5v) you have English, When White is on Black (GND) you have 50Mhz.
Again, I will orientate the switches so that when they are to the left they will be in standard configuration.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock17.jpg
A quick overview of the project so far.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock18.jpg
I then hooked her up to the TV and ran her through her paces and all seems fine. I was interested to see how she responds overclocked, but I have to say I didn't notice a huge difference. But when I get her back together again I shall give her a good old test out with my son in both speeds and video whatever difference comes up.
Awesome! Looking forward to it:) most noticeably will be sonic 2 multiplayer when you die sprouting rings.
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I've seen the youtubes for that, but I remember that Streets of Rage 2 could slow down a little when there was a lot going on. I may give that a go too, it's one of my personal favourites. ;)
Excellent choice :thumbsup:
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Just had time to start modding the case before bed.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock19.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock20.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock21.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock22.jpg
The case has been washed and is now drying out in my airing cupboard. Hopefully I'll get this finished off tomorrow.
Can't wait :thumbsup:
Now thats some very nice work sir!
With the casing washed and dried, it was time to put it all back together.
I tidied up some of the wires, and secured the switches with a dab of superglue. Usually I would use hot glue, but in order to access the motherboard again in the future, superglue is a lot easier to remove and replace. The switches are quiet secure and firmly placed, so have no chance of coming loose unless you really pummel them. I had to trim some of the RF Shielding at the rear to be able to refit it. I know it's not strictly necessary, but why not if I am able?
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock23.jpg
Next I wanted to make up some small labels to identify all the switches. I found a Sega font online and messed about with some ideas until I found a layout I was happy with.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock24.jpg
In place, they look Ok, but I think maybe a gloss paper, or even some form of sticker would work a little better. The MD casing is a matt black plastic, so quite hard to "blend" in.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...verclock25.jpg
Once it as all done, I wanted to give it a good old run through. My 6 year old as more than happy to help play test. I fired up Sonic 2 and we played some 2 player using the standard 7 Mhz clock, I deliberately died with a lot of rings to appreciate just how much it slowed down. I then flipped over to the 12.5 mhz and did the same, and the difference is noticeable. :)
I then popped in my Everdrive to give it a further run through, and discovered that the menu screen is fine with the everdrive, but if you navigate to folders, the screen garbles and is unusable. Clearly the Everdrive doesn't like overclocked systems. However, I put it back to standard, selected my game and loaded it into memory. I then switched it off, overclocked it, and switched it on again. This way I was able to play my game selection in overclocked mode, no problem.
I'm taking it over to Zetr0's later on, hopefully I should get some video footage to demonstrate and have a bit of a laugh.
That is just awesome! I'm looking forward to seeing this handywork on hand:D my son will also be thrilled as he always complains about the slowdown in sonic and gunstar.
Great work!!
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Thread update
r0jaws and I have been giving this hack-up a real test with all sorts of play - have a look
more later =DCode:MegaDrive
GAME CPU VID NOTICE
Sonic 2 12.5MHz 50Hz 4/5
Sonic 2 12.5MHz 60Hz 5/5
Streets OR2 12.5Mhz 50Hz 4/5
Streets OR2 12.5MHz 60Hz 5/5 *[4]
Gunstar Heros 12.5Mhz 50Hz` 2/5
Gunstar Heros 12.5Mhz 60Hz` 5/5
Master System
GAME CPU VID NOTICE
Alien 3 12.5MHz 50Hz 2/5
Alien 3 12.5MHz 60Hz 2/5
32x
GAME CPU VID NOTICE
Virtua Racing 12.5MHz 50Hz 4/5 *[2]
DOOM 12.5MHz 50Hz CRASH *[3]
Compatability
[0]MegaDrive Works in all modes with 32x installed
[1]EverDrive is not completely compatible with 12.5Mhz Mod
Notes
*[0] 32x must have a Video Frequency mod 50/60Hz
*[1] Can only select Play Flash Loaded game
*[2] After 1 Lap, Game stuttered in and out of Pause Mode
*[3] Game Crashed after 2 minutes of play
*[4] It should be noted that with these modes slected this is a completely differnt game, it is both exceptionally responsive and more fun to play.
Interesting what would happen with a 60hz 32x. What do the 1/5-5/5 mean? HOW noticeable the overclock is?
A new trend may have been started here :D
Exactly that, We discussed at length how noticeable the overclock was. We would play the game in standard mode for a while to get the feel, and then restart it in 12.5 mhz.
Some games were hardly noticeable, Alien 3 on the Master system via the Everdrive for instance. But some games, like Streets of Rage 2 were very noticeable. To the point of transforming the game's playability. with 60hz and the overclock it was like a new game, responsive and highly enjoyable.
I have videos of us playing Sonic 2 in standard and overclocked mode, I'll link to them tomorrow.
Fantastic! There are a few others I'm looking forward to playing also - Thunderforce IV amongst them. That game has notoriously bad slowdown at times.
Job well done! :thumbsup:
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Must resist, this looks quite easy to do
Keep up the good work.
were you not tempted to do the overclock LED mod?
^ That I believe requires a bipolar LED. Great mod as a indicator of modes.
Maybe next time. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Proudy99
I have a mint Jap MD here that I will probably overclock, and that one will be the switchless 50/60hz, multi-language Mod, with the LED, but still retaining a switch for the overclock itself.
Talking with zetr0 last night I will probably go the route of finding a 20mhz 68000, installing a socket and oscillator and having it run at 7mhz standard, and going upto 12.5 when required, effectively underclocking the CPU.
Having used this modded MD however, I don't think I'll bother with a Halt switch on my own one as it has limited value or use in my opinion.
But I do like what the system can now do, and tip my hat to slk486 for bringing up the idea. :thumbsup:
Speaking of which, I shall send you a PM to arrange delivery.
Ah then my idea of using a bigger CPU came to fruition in greater minds afterall :D
Is that where it came from? :oops:
Sorry chap, we ere just chatting while testing it, and zetr0 mentioned it, and I thought that it was a cracking idea. Nice cool, unstressed chip then. :thumbsup:
And I appreciate what you have done! It was too daunting for me, but maybe I'll do one myself in the future :cool:
Here's hoping we see a lot more overclocked and modded MD's in the near future, with WIPs following :D
PM replied.
I forgot to add the videos of zetr0 and I playing Sonic 2 in standard and overclocked mode. It is most noticeable when you lose a life and a large amount of rings.
The first running at 7mhz HERE
The second attempt running at 12.5mhz HERE
Please excuse the appalling gameplay (by zetr0) he had a note from his mum and was excused from awesome that day. ;)
2nd link is to a kickstart rom explanation page bud
:blased:
Cheers buddy, link changed. :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by r0jaws
Yup I made a thread about it here
http://www.amibay.com/showthread.php?t=23288 :D
Something I'd love to try when I get a hot air station sometime.
/Zetr0 thinks he should scan the note that he got from his mum as no one might believe him...
Yeah go on Zeets, that really was aweful playing! How many drinks did you guys have before hand? :p
Nice to see the overclock in action though! Nice one!
Seeking another button for mine as I used my 2 switches on the 50 / 60 Hz / region mod