Master System II Custom RGB install+ by Voultar’s Mod-Shop

[Hoagtech]

Hello Shmups, I am extra delighted to share with you guys my latest RGB console, The "Master System II".

Master System 2 Does not Natively Support RGB because the revision of the console only supported an Rca to RF composite signal and was missing the Sega Model 1 AV connector that was a part of it previous iteration The "Master System". (Kinda reminds of the top loading NES, Both Consoles only supported RF composite but shared a beautiful body)

So after seeing the RGB procedure I decided to petition Shmups for outside help, where I found Voultar who was willing to undergo the install.

He recommended I also install a region switch, language switch, and a Japanese BIOS. I asked him if I could get a custom green LED and after he agreed, I signed up for the full package. His rates were VERY reasonable.

Hers what it looked like after :






So I got it back and fired it up with my SCART cable. I had to unplug my dreamcast because there was no room on my switchboxes making this my 8Th Scart device plugged into my Home theater.



I must say I am impressed with how well the Framemeister and the CSY 2100 handle the signal as colorspace and luma seem to intertwine perfectly giving Razor sharp pixels full of primary colors. This is mostly because Voultar took the time to kill composite RF elminating the jailbars completely.

Phantasy Star:



Sonic 2 upclose:



New Jap BIOS bootup Logo:



His work is top notch both inside and out. He even soldered to quick connectors to both improve stability and allow future modders to disconnect his work in case I want a sound chip upgrade.

I am really enjoying this system and have poured about 40 hrs of gaming into it so far between the 14 games I own for it.

I have had the fortune of getting mod work done by Leon K and Now Voultar and I can say confidently, Voultar is up there with greatest and will treat your Mod correctly.

If anyone has a game request they want to see or scanlines, throw it down there and I'll demonstrate.

Here is a link to his store based on my good recommendation: http://www.voultar.com/

[Ghegs]

That's pretty nice. I'm not terribly well-versed with the console, it is possible to have a (modded) system that will play any & all carts from all regions? So US, EUR, JP (Mark III) and those Brazilian games?

[kamiboy]

Mark III games are not pin compatible with overseas Master Systems. The cartridges are also shaped differently.

Other than that the Master System has no region locking mechanism. You can modify a Master System to run in 50 or 60hz via simple switch.

[Hoagtech]

That's pretty nice. I'm not terribly well-versed with the console, it is possible to have a (modded) system that will play any & all carts from all regions? So US, EUR, JP (Mark III) and those Brazilian games?

According To Voultar, the BIOS mod as well as the switch allows me to play any game from around the world.

Right now I'm playing PAL Sonic 2, Sonic 1, and Mortal Kombat 2. I could play PAL before the mods but I am enjoying playing them on 50hz through my Framemeister's output setting. On Sonic 2 it runs smoother and its scrolling is less jarring.

I haven't tried mark 3 games, but I would imagine there are some crack shmups on it. I'm trying to beat the third level in R-type and beat galaxy force before I drop some money on more imports.

[Ghegs]

Mark III games are not pin compatible with overseas Master Systems. The cartridges are also shaped differently.

Can an adapter be used, like how NES games can be played on a Famicom (or vice-versa) with one?

[Hoagtech]

I spoke too soon.

Voultar mentioned a need for a FM chip install.

For some reason I thought this was a digital sound upgrade, but it is needed for the mark III games because the Japanese SMS had a FM sound chip so even if I got the adapters I would need more mods to hear my jap games properly.

[kamiboy]

Not really, the FM module was optional on the Mark III, and only a few games support it. Those that do have FM support also come with a PSG soundtrack to be compatible with machines without FM sound.

Most notable games that support FM are Phantasy Star and Dragon's Curse. Lastly, FM support was included in western versions of games as well, even though there was no overseas hardware support for it. If you buy an FM module for your system and install it you can hear the FM version of those games even on a western copy. In fact Dragon's Curse was a overseas exclusive.

Not sure about an adapter to plat Mark III games on a Master System. There prolly was no market for it so it might have never been made. The Mark III was a flop in Japan, so there weren't many Japanese exclusives. In fact it might be the other way around.

[Voultar]

The BIOS' used in the NTSC-U Master Systems have a header checksum routine that blocks the system from booting games from any other territory. A 50/60Hz switch doesn't circumvent this.

The Japanese BIOS doesn't have this checksum. Ergo, it will boot anything and everything. Including MARK III & SG1000 cartridges (converter required).

There are couple (3 or less) 8mbit Brazilian SMS games that the system may have trouble with. But they're terrible, terrible games..


The Master Everdrive owns.

[Ed Oscuro]

Basically the best thing you can buy is the Japanese Master System, which is physically light but supports (almost) everything, including FM sound. If you want to play US SMS games on it you just buy the SMS Power angle adapter board.

That modded MSII looks cool as all getout, though, nice

[ApolloBoy]

Not really, the FM module was optional on the Mark III, and only a few games support it. Those that do have FM support also come with a PSG soundtrack to be compatible with machines without FM sound.

Most notable games that support FM are Phantasy Star and Dragon's Curse. Lastly, FM support was included in western versions of games as well, even though there was no overseas hardware support for it.

The non-Japanese release of Phantasy Star actually lacks FM audio, they removed the YM2413 code for the English translation IIRC. Ys is the same way as well, so you'll have to play the retranslations if you want both English text and FM audio on those games. Wonder Boy III is weird in that the FM audio will only work on a Japanese console or if you're playing a patched ROM.

[kamiboy]

Seems I was mistaken then. Had no idea the NA model had region locking in place. I've only dealt with European models which seem to play games from any region just fine.

I've never bothered installing the FM module either as SEGA consoles have never been my favourites even though I grew up playing them.

[Stevens]

Growing up in the states I am probably one of the few people who prefers the non FM audio.

[kamiboy]

Growing up in Europe, which is SEGA territory, I am prolly one of the few who likens the aesthetics of most PSG soundtrack on the Master System to a sack of cats being savagely beaten, and or drowned.