Sega Genesis Model 1/32X Users - jailbars get you down?

[Rock Man]

Tired of darkly hollows? Those dim colors still dissapointing you? Need to bail Sonic out of jail? Want to play your cheap Street Fighter ports again?

Look no further, the great Retro Access has answered our prayers! Behold the 32X booster cable!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-seller-32X-R ... 2ebc8bd94a

I've ran tests and can confirm this cable is fully compatible with the XRGB-3. GO FOR BROKE!!! This thing steamrolls all over those cheap cables!

[Udderdude]

Now that's a cable. >_>

[mrsmiley381]

I'll be damned. I wasn't aware that 32X's had the jailbar problem. I thought that was only Genesis 1's. Whatever! So I take it this kicks the raw sync version's ass? I've been eyeing all these RGB cables for a while now. This, my converter, a Toodles-SLG, and a cap kit could make for a very nice setup.

So what is the absolute bottom line on jailbars? I've tried to figure it all out but it's been a bit of a mess for me.

[Zapf]

Is there any difference between using this vs using the regular csync genesis 2 rgb cable + the sync stripper / booster in her xrgb mini adapter?

edit: question answered over ebay, no difference when used with an xrgb.

[Rock Man]

I'll be damned. I wasn't aware that 32X's had the jailbar problem. I thought that was only Genesis 1's. Whatever! So I take it this kicks the raw sync version's ass? I've been eyeing all these RGB cables for a while now. This, my converter, a Toodles-SLG, and a cap kit could make for a very nice setup.

So what is the absolute bottom line on jailbars? I've tried to figure it all out but it's been a bit of a mess for me.

It doesn't really, jailbars are derived from the source (i.e. Genesis One) then outted through your 32X. But this cable will null the jailbar effect significantly. They're still there but just barely visible. Trust me your Genesis and XRGB series would be a lot happier with a set of these cables assuming you aren't already using an external sync booster wire.

And not all model 1's incite jailbars, some like BuckoA51's for instance, has none (recall him saying that in one of these threads, I could be wrong). If true I imagine it's the same for the model 2, most models I've encountered have jailbars but not all, however when you do encounter a jailbar cursed system 9 times out of 10 the model 2 JB's are considerably less than the Sega model 1. You'd be right to assume these cables kick her former model 2 cables ass. Because they work on the model 1 you do not have to worry about the shrieking noise of the model 2, GONE. You'll benefit greatly from the model 1's headphone jack.

It's a toss-up on who wins on output but my money is on the 1 while raw sync model 2 leads give 100% clear output, even though this boosted cable commits very faint jailbars... the flickering blinking goes bye-bye. No stupid-ass buzzing at the beginning either instead you get seamless gameplay out of your console. Honestly the jailbars that are there I don't even notice them really. Would really have to focus in order to see them. For instance while looking at the Sega logo on Sonic The Hedgehog 3 my eyes tell me is completely blue just the way I remembered. On top of that these new cables she made seem to entice a certain quality boost in both sharpness and color factor. On the other hand her regular model 2 CSYNC leads? Nay.

My Verdict ---> Gen1/32X RGB SCART boosted sync FTW

Flush that model 2 raw sync this is the real deal here. Only catch is you need a Genesis 1 & 32X which is the ideal set-up anyway IMO (Knux Chaotix), especially if you also own a Sega CD!

By the way, anyone illustrate a nostalgic grin when connecting Sonic 3 & Knuckles to your Game Genie then mounting them on top of your 32X? I know I did.

[mrsmiley381]

Well, my goal is to go Genesis 1 -> 32X -> RGB SCART -> EGA Converter RGB SCART CABLE -> EGA Conveter -> Toodles T-SLG -> VGA.

I'd lose Master System support if I made this the permanent solution, but I suppose it's not that big of a deal. I also hear you can lift pin 6 on the video chip and it sometimes kills the jailbars while also killing composite/S-video. I swear, the Sega Genesis is a bizarre diva bitch about maximizing its potential. It wants to eat capacitors, it wants a half-dozen add-ons with carts sticking into carts sticking into carts, and it only will let you use certain cart combos so much of the time. Well fine, it's not like I wanted to play MUSHA anyway.

So that sync stripper I need isn't going to make this cable pointless, will it? I mean, I guess I could pay the extra four bucks anyway since I might need RGB SCART someday, but I'm trying to come up with an ideal solution.

[Rock Man]

Well, my goal is to go Genesis 1 -> 32X -> RGB SCART -> EGA Converter RGB SCART CABLE -> EGA Conveter -> Toodles T-SLG -> VGA.

I'd lose Master System support if I made this the permanent solution, but I suppose it's not that big of a deal. I also hear you can lift pin 6 on the video chip and it sometimes kills the jailbars while also killing composite/S-video. I swear, the Sega Genesis is a bizarre diva bitch about maximizing its potential. It wants to eat capacitors, it wants a half-dozen add-ons with carts sticking into carts sticking into carts, and it only will let you use certain cart combos so much of the time. Well fine, it's not like I wanted to play MUSHA anyway.

So that sync stripper I need isn't going to make this cable pointless, will it? I mean, I guess I could pay the extra four bucks anyway since I might need RGB SCART someday, but I'm trying to come up with an ideal solution.

That is one hellacious daisy chan. Dunno about your EGA Conveter, Toodles T-SLG, set-up. I can however speak for the RGB/EGA/CGA/YUV-to-VGA adapter (exposed motherboard) since my friend is bringing his over on Friday. Likewise there is another seller who makes a competent patch cable for the 32X Genesis combo. He guarantees it kills jailbars however I think I'd like to see for myself before I refer you to him. My friend actually has his cable... we both are aware of Retro Access and the unknown parties quest to destroy jailbars. Both have created a cable fix. So we decided to buy one from each then compare notes, my pal bought from the guy I'm alluding to while I bought from her. He claims his patch cable gets rid of jailbars... I'm inviting him over on Friday and will both be able to witness his patch cable working together with her boosted cable in unison. I am satisfied with her current cable however, if my hunch is correct both the patch wire and her new booster cable should irradicate jailbars completely. I'll report-in about that on Friday.

How would you lose the Master System? Does one of your converters in the chain reject it? You can accomadate the Master unit the dude I know also makes raw sync cables for the SMS. I believe Retro Access can as well but she's busy. Trust me I too once considered getting rid of my Master System games but the memories are too valuable, I'd wind up missing them too much. Do you actually own the Master System or are you using the converter that taps Sega Genesis/Megadrive's Master System Mode? If you're using the unit itself (which I think is better because you get to play chip games) then there is a way.

Regarding the sync stripper, this cable is good enough on it's own. I believe it gives the same effect as the XRGB-Mini booster cable likewise same results as the LM1881 component. Personally I feel this maybe better since it's a dedicated sync cable for the 32X/Gen, she added extra circuitry and a sync buffer in order to achieve glorious RGB. If you're worried I'd say grab this cable and anything else you are going to buy since the lead is inexpensive. Moreover wait until Friday when I can produce additional info regarding this new cross-over cable that's supposed to get rid of the jailbars in addition to her new 32X cable.

[Estebang]

Well, I have a 32X in an early Model 1 (later manufacturing runs without the High Definition Graphics label have a cheaper sound chip) but nothing with an SCART port. Damn.

[Rock Man]

Well, I have a 32X in an early Model 1 (later manufacturing runs without the High Definition Graphics label have a cheaper sound chip) but nothing with an SCART port. Damn.

Really? Interesting...

Just so happens I own both a later model 1 and the earlier version... the later one is what's currently hooked up. The older model had broke before, I fixed it personally. Turns out it was a ton of build-up in there lotta dust bunny's and dirt, once I cleaned it the thing worked. Going to have to swap the current model for the one I repaired. Initially I thought the Genesis with the EXT port would be the better one. Oh well.

The sound chip maybe cheaper than the former model but it's superior to the model 2.

[mrsmiley381]

I was referring to the same bare board converter, actually. Damn thing works like a charm. Hell, I hardly believe it myself.

Do your tests and let me know. I'm using a Power Base Converter/flash cart setup for Master System support, hence why I'd lose the functionality, unless I removed the 32X and swapped in another RGB SCART cable. I mean, I can do it, but I'm awfully tired of the cable spaghetti.

[Estebang]

The sound chip maybe cheaper than the former model but it's superior to the model 2.

I was under the impression the later Model 1 and Model 2 had the same quality sound chip...might not be as cut and dry as I thought. Anyway, I've had no problems with my old Model 1 since I cleaned out the contacts.

[Zapf]

They use the same chip, but I think there are other differences that affect the sound quality

http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread ... m-bad-ones

[Rock Man]

Report.

My pal brought by his patch cable and I tried it with the 32x cable with boosted sync.

The difference is quite minimal the cable my friend bought was purchased from "Retro Gaming Cables" via Ebay (made by request), the 32X lead was bought from "Retro Gaming Accessories" when used in conjunction the quality gets marginally better but fails to completely erase jailbars. In light of this result I recommend both, this is the absolute closest you can get outside a hardware mod.

[Whitesnake]

Interestingly it says not compatible with the Sega Nomad because it has a faulty sync.

In my experience what actually happens is the internal LCD loses sync and the video out image syncs but with some rolling image issues. I think this is due to the C-Sync signal being drawn by two screens.

I guess Sega never intended the C-Sync to be used on the video out as it never got used on official scart leads.

The fix would probably be to boost the c-sync inside the nomad or maybe on the scart end to make it compatible.

Here is a video of the problem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xabW53QMwPU

[KBZ]

I notice jailbars on my svideo modded Model 1, but can mostly dial them out with a 1k pot. I haven't noticed them in rgb.

I remember reading a really long thread about jailbars at assemblergames. Was there ever a true hardware fix for it?

[Fudoh]

yes, you just have have to kill a single pin on the graphic chip - works very well and isn't hard to do. Composite video won't work after that, but I guess you get s-video from the RGB signal, right ?

[cyborc]

lifting pin 50 on the vdp made a pretty significant decrease in jailbars on my model 1 hd genesis.

[KBZ]

yes, you just have have to kill a single pin on the graphic chip - works very well and isn't hard to do. Composite video won't work after that, but I guess you get s-video from the RGB signal, right ?

Uses the graphics chip's own Chroma and Luma out.

[Fudoh]

The CXA is not the graphics chip, but the video encoder