3DO MNEMO & the new USB/SD card ODE... now my 3DO conundrum

[Rock Man]

I own three modified 3DO consoles. The first is an FZ-1 featuring RGB mod, 240p support, and a MNEMO mod, the latter of which I installed. The second is an FZ-10 equipped with MNEMO mod and 240p support. The third is an FZ-10 with an RGB mod that was installed decades ago.

I desire one of the FZ-10s get the trifecta like what my FZ-1 has RGB/240p/MNEMO perhaps a 3rd mod like a bios change (like what the Dreamcast has), recap or something. Currently only the FZ-1 has all three I want one of my FZ-10s to get all three too.

I may have a spare MNEMO Host controller although I'd have to double check on that. Hypothetically speaking, if I had the FZ-10 without MNEMO installed I could provide the host controller to a potential modder and pay for the 240p and MNEMO install service? In that scenario I'd keep the RGB the console was already installed with.

Regardless, when I made plans to get one of these FZ-10s modded with the three mods described, I came across this all of the sudden: https://stoneagegamer.com/3do-fz-1-ode- ... ro-sd.html

This adds a new layer to my strategy, although this works for FZ-1 the FZ-10 version looks to be in development. I am uncertain about the progress modders have made toward a breakthrough. If anyone has any information, please share it, as I intend to proceed the trifecta under the assumption that an FZ-10 Fixel ODE is still years away.

Now, this question only relates to my tri-modded FZ-1! I really like the new ODE mod, better than MNEMO's. The background, queue lists, and music sold me. Something tells me it has a better game save system than MNEMO, I believe the MNEMO host controller only saves 1 at a time whereas this one looks like it can save multiple game saves at a time.

I am thinking about eventually grabbing the FZ-1 version while I wait for the FZ-10 ODE to come out. The question becomes, is the install as easy as MNEMOs? (no soldering required, just open up the 3DO) Secondly, is it possible I can just swap out my MNEMO mod with the new SD/USB ODE mod, lastly the 3DO has an RGB mod and 240p on it (can't remember if the 240 was modded in or if it's a Japanese version with the 240p switch),

Opening the 3DO and switching MNEMO for the new ODE won't compromise the RGB stuff would it? I don't think it would but I am asking to make certain.

Let me know okay? Peace!

[leonk]

Lots of questions; I hope this answers most of them.

RGB mod: You're about 6 months too late. The best RGB mod for the 3DO is no longer available for sale anywhere because it uses a digital 2 analog chip that's no longer made and the supplies of it have dried up. What sets this "good" RGB mod from the older stuff we used to install years ago is:
- much easier install (uses a flex cable rather than running dozens of wires by hand)
- able to boot system in 240p (3DO can normally only boot in 480i and then you play the switch-olympics hoping to capture the correct field as you go from 480i/240p/and back until you get a stable image)
- 240p/480i image in RGB is properly centred

ODE:
Just because the MNEMO ODE is older, with an EverDrive like interface, doesn't mean it doesn't do a good job. Unlike the FZ-1, the FZ-10 CD-ROM controller chip is soldered to the main board (the CD-ROM drive is nothing more than a laser on rails) Replacing the ODE in the FZ10 is not a simple swap like it is with the FZ1; you need to desolder the CD-ROM controller chip from the main PCB and then run wires from the MNEMO (or like) ODE in its place so it can pretend to be the CD-ROM controller and load the games from flash. The MNEMO solution has a professional looking ODE tray with the USB port to cover the hole left behind with the CD-ROM removed. I like his solution.

If you decide to remove the MNEMO from your FZ1 and replace it with something else; it's very easy - pretty much identical to replacing a CD-ROM drive in your PC. It will not effect in any way the RGB mod. FZ10 is a different story. You can't undo an FZ10 ODE (re: CD-ROM controller chip is gone!)

[Rock Man]

Lots of questions; I hope this answers most of them.

RGB mod: You're about 6 months too late. The best RGB mod for the 3DO is no longer available for sale anywhere because it uses a digital 2 analog chip that's no longer made and the supplies of it have dried up. What sets this "good" RGB mod from the older stuff we used to install years ago is:
- much easier install (uses a flex cable rather than running dozens of wires by hand)
- able to boot system in 240p (3DO can normally only boot in 480i and then you play the switch-olympics hoping to capture the correct field as you go from 480i/240p/and back until you get a stable image)
- 240p/480i image in RGB is properly centred

ODE:
Just because the MNEMO ODE is older, with an EverDrive like interface, doesn't mean it doesn't do a good job. Unlike the FZ-1, the FZ-10 CD-ROM controller chip is soldered to the main board (the CD-ROM drive is nothing more than a laser on rails) Replacing the ODE in the FZ10 is not a simple swap like it is with the FZ1; you need to desolder the CD-ROM controller chip from the main PCB and then run wires from the MNEMO (or like) ODE in its place so it can pretend to be the CD-ROM controller and load the games from flash. The MNEMO solution has a professional looking ODE tray with the USB port to cover the hole left behind with the CD-ROM removed. I like his solution.

If you decide to remove the MNEMO from your FZ1 and replace it with something else; it's very easy - pretty much identical to replacing a CD-ROM drive in your PC. It will not effect in any way the RGB mod. FZ10 is a different story. You can't undo an FZ10 ODE (re: CD-ROM controller chip is gone!)

Your extensive knowledge base is remarkable!

Prior to responding here I came across this: https://www.retrorgb.com/3do-xport-ode- ... -sale.html

I am thinking about leaving the MNEMO console alone and focusing on having my already modded RGB3DO, modded 1 more time with 240p addon and BIOS support. Because then all I would do is add Xport and I am good to go! I checked the back of my console and it has something called "expansion"... that would be necessary to use XPort correct?

Even as I say that I just discovered this mod is sold out and Felix himself is apparently sick or unavailable last time the community heard. O.o It seems I am late to the 3DO party! If you know a place that still has these in stock let me know.

I am interested in a BIOS mod as well upon reading this: https://3dodev.com/documentation/games/ ... patibility

The ask would be:

-240p switch mod
-Hacked BIOS Chip
-Recapped

This is all assuming I can source an XPort first! I hear you on the quality RGB mod being gone, now I am open to other RGB mods for the 2nd console that has MNEMO. However, the first console sounds easier to get done so for now my focus is on that.

Btw is it possible to run XPort on a 3DO console with the MNEMO mod? This part is simply my scientific curiosity.

[leonk]

I've never had the change to try the XPort, so I can't comment on it. But logic dictates that if you already have a working ODE, why are you trying to get another one in there? What do you hope to gain from the XPort that MNEMO doesn't give you already?

I also never heard of anyone replacing the BIOS in their 3DO; this is the first time I've heard that it's even possible. It's not something anyone ever asked me to do for them. Are you bored and just looking for other things to do with your 3DO instead of just playing it and enjoying it?

[Rock Man]

I've never had the change to try the XPort, so I can't comment on it. But logic dictates that if you already have a working ODE, why are you trying to get another one in there? What do you hope to gain from the XPort that MNEMO doesn't give you already?

I also never heard of anyone replacing the BIOS in their 3DO; this is the first time I've heard that it's even possible. It's not something anyone ever asked me to do for them. Are you bored and just looking for other things to do with your 3DO instead of just playing it and enjoying it?

Hacked BIOS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_063yzvGaco&t=302s

Why do it?

There are compatibility issues with some 3DO games: https://3dodev.com/documentation/games/ ... 20to%20run

It's a part of the hoppy getting a goated 3DO. A console I fell in love with decades ago! (not in the literal sense) I am anxious to get this done because I can move onto SNES and N64 mods afterwards.

Don't worry, no matter what happens I am keeping MNEMO on at least one 3DO. I'm not THAT crazy!!!!