Modded UK PAL Megadrive - 60Hz

[Floob]

Hi,

I've recently bought a modded PAL UK MegaDrive to replace my 1990 JPN model that was modded to only play in 50Hz (this is probably fixable, but anyway....)

Although, now I'm finding that although the new MD will flip to 60Hz happily, when I try JPN carts with it and output in 60Hz some of them noticeably judder/stutter - particularly desert strike.
I think its this issue:
http://www.videogameperfection.com/2012 ... o-stutter/

Does anyone else find modded UK PAL MDs have this issue - am I better of getting a JPN MD that natively plays in 60Hz?

[Fudoh]

Just as the site you linked to already tells you: modded PAL MDs output some weird off-spec freqency. CRTs usually can display it fine, but it will almost always cause problems on LCDs and video processors.

Your Asian model (JP modded to 50Hz) is the better solution. Just have that "always 50Hz" fixed removed and you'll be fine.

[Floob]

Thanks, I'll try and attack the 50Hz mod on my JPN MD.
Wheres that soldering iron....

[Fudoh]

If it's a factory modded 50Hz JP MD for distribution in Asia, it will have an added quartz on the backside of the PCB. You have to remove that in order to restore the full 60Hz functionality.

[Floob]

Heres the back of the board



So I just remove these wires?

[Fudoh]

You remove the wires completely, yes. You also remove that large silver thing (that's a clock quartz). You have to repair the trace that has been cut (you see what I mean?). Also remove the resistor on top.

And while at it, cut the pin 50 of the VDP to remove the jailbars on the Blue channel.