Sega Master System Switchless Region Mod Kit

Description

Sega Master System Switchless Region Mod Kit

A beautifully simple yet feature packed switchless region mod for the Sega Master System model 1 games console.

50Hz and 60Hz Video Rate Switching

PAL games consoles output the audio and video in 50Hz, but most games were designed for NTSC consoles that output the signal in 60Hz. This has the unfortunate consequence of making the games run slow and in a distorted aspect ratio when played back on consoles designed for PAL TV systems. This is because the PAL standard has more lines of video which results in those extra lines being blank if a game was developed for the NTSC standard. This can be overcome by forcing the console to run in 60Hz mode which will make games display as the developers intended, i.e., in the correct speed and aspect ratio. It is very fortunate that these early consoles can be switched so easily, it means you can get the best out of all games regardless of region and the standard it was designed for. The majority of Master System games are designed for 60Hz and need to be played in 60Hz. Pushing the pause button will cycle the console between 50Hz (Red LED) and 60Hz (Green LED).

FM Sound Module Control

If you want to run Tim Worthington’s FM sound module you usually have to install an On/Off switch by drilling a hole in the back of the console. With this region mod the FM sound module can be turned on and off via pushing the pause button. This feature is activated by closing the FM jumper to the Y position. In this setting there are four modes selectable via the pause button. Standard 50Hz (Red LED), Standard 60Hz (Green LED), 60Hz with FM sound activated (Yellow LED), and 60Hz with FM sound module & Japanese region activated (Yellow LED). The extra Japanese mode is required for games like Wonder Boy 3 which will only output FM sound when the console is set to the Japanese region.

Quick Install Notes

Designed for bottom mount install into a model 1 Sega Master System. The board is also compatible with model 2 systems but this design is aimed at model 1 installs.

Pads 5V, GND, VID, RB, RL, L50 & L60 are all needed.

Pads FM & JFM are for connecting to the corresponding pads on Tim Worthington’s FM Sound Module and are only needed if you have one.

Better Mod Kits by Design

My mod kits are not just chips stuck to adapters. I worked out the best way for these mods to be installed and then designed the board based on that criteria. Good wire runs, good pad placement, and a final result that should look aesthetically pleasing and professional with no mess.