My RGB modded TG16

[thesteve]

biggest issue is mounting the connector

[Drakon]

Tap the rgbs from the proper pins, build the simple gamesx rgb amp, wire the outputs into your connector.  Same thing that the author of this thread did in his console.

Anyone out there have any experience modding the TGCD base for RGB? I'd like to mod my original unit, and know that I can tap off of the expansion bus in the CD base, and place a DIN8 in the "wing" section of the base, just want to get a feel for how difficult that is.

End goal is that I'd be using RGB to SCART to Component or HDMI. Preferrably I'd like to go SCART to HDMI (as I'm pretty sure a DIN8 to HDMI cable doesn't exist) and wire stereo sound to the DIN as well. In theory is seems relatively simpe and there are a few places I've seen that sell pre modded amplified DIN to SCART cables for just such a purpose.

My biggest problem is finding the time and examples of exactly what I want to do to make sure that I don't butcher my precious original system 

[Marll]

Sanity check:

Would it be possible to tap the RGB from the expansion bus, amplify it and install component jacks directly in the system? Perhaps there would be another circuit needed for that. I've read a lot of the RBG stuff over the years, but am always wary about starting the project for fear of really messing up my system accidentally LOL.

[thesteve]

yes possible

[Marll]

How was the DIN port you used on the mod attached to the system board?

[broken]

I used the same technique that mmmonkey used. Bend over one of the pcb mounting tabs and place it through one of the holes left by removing the rf modulator. And then behind the connector, scratch off some of the green pcb coating to reveal the copper below it. Then solder the backside of the 8 pin mini din to that. Helps secure it down in the front and rear. You could also run a bead of hot glue around it to help strength it.

[KnightWarrior]

Nice Work, Wish I could do that

[GohanX]

Anyone out there have any experience modding the TGCD base for RGB? I'd like to mod my original unit, and know that I can tap off of the expansion bus in the CD base, and place a DIN8 in the "wing" section of the base, just want to get a feel for how difficult that is.

End goal is that I'd be using RGB to SCART to Component or HDMI. Preferrably I'd like to go SCART to HDMI (as I'm pretty sure a DIN8 to HDMI cable doesn't exist) and wire stereo sound to the DIN as well. In theory is seems relatively simpe and there are a few places I've seen that sell pre modded amplified DIN to SCART cables for just such a purpose.

My biggest problem is finding the time and examples of exactly what I want to do to make sure that I don't butcher my precious original system 

I've done it, the most difficult part is mounting the jack. I had to do a lot of filing by hand since my drill isn't as large as the hole the DIN jack required. Also, if you are running audio through the SCART cable you need to tap the audio from the RCA jacks and not the expansion port, or you won't get CD audio.

[Marll]

So, as someone with experience with this mod, can you rate it for difficulty?

Also, tell me if this approach makes sense please:

I was going to purchase a cable from a place like http://www.retrogamingcables.co.uk (I talked to them last year and said they could provide a DIN8 to SCART cable) that would have the amp built into the SCART connector, as well as the DIN8 port to mount in the system.

I'd mount the DIN8 in the "wing" section of the CD base (not sure how I'd mound it exactly, maybe some industrial adhesive?) and then tap the expansion bus in the CD base, run wires to the DIN and solder it all up. I'd also tap the RCA jacks for sound (per your suggestion, thanks!!) and have the SCART pass audio as well.

After that I'd get a SCART to Component or HDMI converter. Unfortunately, while I do have a great retro monitor, I have no place that I'd be "allowed" to keep it in the house (wife still doesn't "get" my retro hobby LOL). I know that it won't look great on my LCD TV, but I imagine that RGB will at least make the color and lines better.

Eventually (while kind of insane) I'll probably save some cash up for an XRGB3 or an XRGB-Mini Framemeister to properly upscale the RGB signal.

[GohanX]

That's pretty much what I did, but I think the best spot for the DIN jack is in the back near the AV outs:



The setup works great, but I get some jailbars when the CD is loading (but not during gameplay.) I haven't bothered trying to open it up to shield the cables from interference or anything.

[thesteve]

i did one mounted by the AV jack (not easy)

[Marll]

Yeah I heard that there's not a lot of space near the AV jacks in the back, though if I had my wishes, that's where I'd put it. I can't see the pic that was posted, but I'd like to see the placement and can assess later if my skills are up to snuff to put it there without making a mess of my system.

[GohanX]

Sorry, didn't realize a Sega-16 attachment wouldn't display here. Let's try that again.

[broken]

Sorry, didn't realize a Sega-16 attachment wouldn't display here. Let's try that again.

Nice looking mod.

Anytime I use those type of Din 8 connectors, I tend to reverse mount them. Mount them on the back side the plastic so you don't see all that silver metal flange going around. Then use black screws and the whole thing looks a lot more stealthy.

Like this:




This is from a consolized Neo Geo MV1B I did earlier this year. Same exact Din 8 connector, just mounted on the back side of the plastic.


Also, while they cost more, Amphenol makes some that mount with a retaining nut on the backside. Kinda the way RCA jacks mount. Drill one large hole, put the 8 pin din through it, and then screw on the large retaining nut. However those are $5 or $6 each, but look very high end.

[Marll]

Where can I find that Amphenol type?

I'm also considering doing the mod to my base TG16, mounting the DIN where the RF is now, as well as mounting a region switch there where the Ch 3 4 switch is now.

Probably also going to do the logo light mod soon.