mmmonkey updates

SLG addition

2011-12-28T16:34:00.002Z

Now possible to alter the width of scanlines.

I've also got some info on SNES cart modding such as overclocking SNES SuperFX carts and making a StarFox 2 cart, I'll post it up when I can.

A bit of tidying up...

2011-10-23T15:33:00.002+01:00

Been editing a few pages and correcting some errors etc. The main things that have been altered or added...

That's it, can't remember what else I've added or changed.

Mainly GameBoy Stuff...

2011-10-02T19:20:00.003+01:00

I'm working my way through a backlog of mods I've done recently, sorting out scribbles, weblinks and waiting to get some new photographs.

I've made a start though, here's how I fixed some GameBoys that had missing vertical lines on the screen. Then how to invert the screen (in readiness for a bivert mod).

I forgot to mention last week that I added some more photo's to my page about fitting a replacement RegionFree BIOS into the Saturn.

And recently, Retro Accessories has been helpful with a bunch of info, the first bit is about restoring C-Sync to NTSC N64's to give greater compatibility with more TVs.

I'll gradually add more over the next few weeks, time permitting :-)

Pete

Neo Geo Pad Repair & Saturn BIOS Guide

2011-09-11T19:18:00.002+01:00

Thought I'd take some quick photos showing how I had to repair my Neo CD Pad, you hopefully won't have to go to this length to repair it, the original guide at GamesX will hopefully be enough :-)

Also decided to start my guide on how to replace the Saturn BIOS. I've started with how to removed the old BIOS chip, the guide isn't finished yet, but all the info is there (I'll finish it soon).

Pete

Region Free BIOS Chips - DC and Saturn

2011-09-08T21:07:00.003+01:00

I need to update my guide for the DC Region Free BIOS, and produce some extra info about the Saturn Region Free BIOS. It'll happen when I pickup some more consoles to mod, but for now I'll tell you where I got my last lot of chips for a great price, and he offers a flashing service so you can just do a direct replacement, no piggy backing of chips, remove the old one and solder in the new one :-)

Anyway, it's Bad_Ad84 on ASSEMbler, check out the group buying threads - Saturn and DC, I've ordered twice from him and received great service.

Cheers

Pete

Alternative AES Power LED Mod and DMG Backlight

2011-09-05T22:20:00.003+01:00

Today I fitted a backlight to my original Game Boy. There's no guide for it, as the place that sells the kit has a video guide. Check it out.

I had an email the other day from io, they included a link to their own guide for the AES Power LED, it's cool :-)

Correction in MVS Adding Ports

2011-09-05T11:47:00.000+01:00

Not much really, was making another CMVS recently and used the PDFs I had created, noticed an error my the PDF for adding controller ports, have now corrected it.

Mainly Saturn Stuff...

2011-07-27T18:33:00.002+01:00

Finally got around to tidying up the notes I've made on programming the SNES and Saturn Switchless mods using my old Willem Parallel Port Programmer.

Added some info on some Saturn mods - Region Free BIOS, Modchip, added some photo's of the JP locations for region mods and made some alterations to my 50/60hz mod guide. Thanks jeimuzu_uk ;-)

New link...

2011-07-20T16:09:00.002+01:00

Not exactly an update, but I quite like the look of Retro Play - online retro shops sometimes throw up a bargain or three :-)

Complete RGB to VGA solution

2011-07-04T18:08:00.003+01:00

Since upgrading my VGA scaler to accept RGB Scart input, and to include selectable Scanlines I've had quite a few requests to make them to order.

If you don't have the necessary equipment to build you own, ArcadeForge now sell a complete kit, consisting of the VGA Scaler, Sync Strike (converts RGB Scart to the correct format for the scaler) and of course the famous SLG3000 (the Scanline Generator that got retro fans very excited).

I've tried the Sync Strike and as expected, it's brilliant quality. Many thanks to Jochen for sending me a unit to evaluate.

Pete

Mainly Neo Geo

2011-06-20T21:15:00.002+01:00

Been playing around building a CMVS, and have just added the controller ports - added a PDF to my MVS page (includes a link to the source page I used).

Also converted an easily available third party SNES pad to use on my CMVS.

I had forgotten I took some new photo's for the Mega Drive 1 switches mod, so updated that page also today.

That's it for now....

Pete

scanlines mistakes

2011-06-13T13:42:00.003+01:00

UPDATE - I have now corrected the labelling in the two photos. Fingers crossed it was just the two I spotted earlier :-)

There's a couple of photo's labelled wrongly in my ScanLine guide.

The one showing where to solder the switch to the board, number 2 is wrong, so check the diagram to make sure you get it right.

The photo showing where to solder the RGB wires to the board, the Blue one is labelled incorrectly on the photo showing the bottom of the board.

I will correct the photo's and re-upload them.

Sorry!!

Been playing with MVS

2011-06-06T20:26:00.003+01:00

I picked up a 1 slot MVS recently, been gradually turning it into a console, making notes as I go...

Also updated the VGA scaler page, to improve compatibility with more consoles

Pete

Retrocorner.net

2011-05-22T21:25:00.001+01:00

Hmmmm, can't believe I haven't already linked to this site, got some nice guides on it :-)

Submitted Guides

2011-05-22T09:59:00.004+01:00

omp has done it again. He's submitted two more guides. The first is handy if you've tried some NTSC NES pads on your PAL console and they haven't worked. The next is a really tidy Battery Replacement for the DC.

Find them both on the Downloads page.

If you've got something you'd like to see on mmmonkey, get in touch

Mainly Mega Drive 2 updates

2011-05-21T22:52:00.002+01:00

FINALLY, I have updated my MD2 guide, got one for if you want to fit switches, and another if you want switchless.

FourX sent me some info about RGB'd N64's and Composite Sync, sits nicely with Link83's info.

I'm tired, there may have been other updates, I can't remember right now!

Updates/Corrections

2011-05-15T11:16:00.003+01:00

First up, a chap called Dave emailed me to say that I'd got leg 23 mixed up with leg 21 in my Dreamcast Hacked BIOS guide, it was correct in the diagrams, but wrong in the text. This is corrected now.

Link83 has also submitted a lot of extra info on some of the guides, which is invaluable :-)

DC Hacked BIOS

N64 RGB'able Motherboard Info

Official Cube RGB Lead on NTSC N64, SNES, SFC

MD2 power plug adapter - supplied correct size

That's it for now, I have to play these things as well as take them apart you know!

Region Free Dreamcast!

2011-05-13T20:35:00.002+01:00

I've finally got around to installing a flash chip into my Dreamcast and popping a Region Free BIOS on it, with a 3D startup screen. Anyway, have a look.

Made it clearer in my Saturn guides which pins from the power supply have which voltages on.

I've added VGA scanlines to a Dreamcast VGA box, guide to follow soon.

Finally, the creator of GameSniped emailed me to ask for a link, the site has a lot of interesting Retro gaming bits of kit on it (and some current generation stuff). I like it a lot :-)

VGA Scanlines Guide

2011-05-07T23:10:00.004+01:00

Today I decided to add some more detail to my Scan Line Generator guide, with more photos and better descriptions.

I noticed a small error in my wiring diagram for adding the Scan Line Generator into the VGA Upscaler (I had the Horizontal and Vertical Sync labels swapped), apologies if this caused you some trouble.

Pete

A few small updates

2011-05-07T13:24:00.002+01:00

Found a link to a great modding site that I used a long time ago to mod my GameBoy Color.

Looks like Console Passion have started selling Switchless Mod Kits, very handy if you don't have or want a programmer.

Made a couple of additions to my RGB VGA Scaler guide after I followed it to make another cable up for it.

Hopefully coming this weekend I plan on getting all the notes together that I've made regarding different chips on my Willem Programmer, I use this to program the Switchless Mod chips, PSone chips, Mega CD BIOS and once for a Neo Geo AES (which I sadly sold).

RGB Cables

2011-05-02T21:55:00.002+01:00

I'm not keen on making cables anymore, and thanks to the forums at NTSC-UK I found another site that not only supplies RGB cables, they specialise in them, pretty decent prices too.

RetroGamingCables - have a look.

(now added to links page)

Pete

Another N64 RGB mod

2011-05-02T21:15:00.002+01:00

I saw a different NTSC N64 RGB Mod using a new Amp. I had to try it, and I really like it! If I get another PC Engine, I'll try it with that also :-)

Have a look.

Corrections

2011-05-02T10:22:00.002+01:00

I've re-read some of my newer guides, and corrected a few typo's, made some corrections and added some photo's to a few newer and older guides. I do plan on doing this to a few of my current guides (time/money permitting!)

These were changed..

Added info on an alternative MD switchless mod that detects if the reset button sends 5v or GND to reset the console (much much easier and tidier than my previous bodge job!)

Added some tips on how to make holes for VGA sockets, and what I do so that I don't get my screws mixed up.

I hope to get my new N64 RGB Amp guide on here very soon.

Pete

Some new submitted guides.

2011-05-02T10:07:00.003+01:00

I was recently contacted by another a nice chap called omp, who made some fantastic guides for me to share with you.

First up, the Master System 2 Power LED, this is a very tidy solution for the Sega Console. It looks absolutely perfect. I want a SMS2 now just so I can try this out!

Next, an alternative SNES Switch Free Region Mod, a very tidy solution for tricking the SNES region lockout.

Brilliant work. Thanks :-)

Updated Links Page

2011-05-02T10:01:00.004+01:00

I've added some links recently to various sites, including repair info, other modifications etc. Anyway have look around these sites...

If you think I'd be interested in a site, let me know

Official GC RGB Lead, Model 2 Saturn Access LED

2011-04-28T21:36:00.002+01:00

Just a couple of small guides, I haven't really finished the Saturn one yet as I haven't drilled the hole in my consoles casing. Hopefully I'll finish it this bank holiday weekend.

Official GC RGB Lead on NTSC SNES/SFC Consoles

Model 2 Saturn Access LED

Also toying with the idea of showing how to chip a PSone console, the code to program onto a blank PIC chip has been out on the web for quite a while. Not sure though, not only does it open up the console to imports, but also piracy :-(

I also have a couple of cheap chips to use for an alternative RGB Amp, I'll try it out ASAP and come back with an update.

PSone makes an appearance!

2011-04-24T23:19:00.002+01:00

I've chipped a couple of PSone consoles recently. I usually swap the power LED at the same time as performing a Mod, so here's how to replace the SMD LED in Sony's little cute console.

Also, made some corrections and updated the scanline generator page.

Component Supplier

2011-04-23T09:19:00.002+01:00

I thought I should give a special mention to Bob at Bitsbox. He's been brilliant at sourcing the odd component I've needed to do a mod, and his prices for the chips I've needed have been brilliant, cheaper even than me buying them in bulk from eBay sellers all over the world (even with their free shipping)

Thanks Bob!

Pete

Managed a few updates :-)

2011-04-22T23:58:00.002+01:00

Updated the following

RGB to VGA page with details on how to mod a cheap upscaler.
Scanline Generator Guide
Composite Sync Stripper Guide
Update NTSC N64 RGB page, advising not to try a particular mod

Have some parts on order to try a different RGB Amp, will have them and a guide ready soon'ish!

Small update coming soon with some visitor submitted info about MD2 sycn problems on Samsung TVs. Also want to update my Links page, mentioning the shops I use the most becaus of their excellent customer service.

Pete

Video Guides

2011-04-11T22:11:00.003+01:00

Have I mentioned these? I can't remember, but I've seen some good guides on YouTube, check out the videos

DamoMonster

RetroRepair

And some info on Scalers, Scanlines etc - FaginRS500

Had a chance to scan in my diagrams for VGA Scanlines and Sync Stripper (also added some extra photo's for that). Not had a chance to do a proper guide yet though.

Links to some interesting guides.

2011-04-09T22:21:00.002+01:00

I sort of gave up on modding stuff a while back, but have recently found some new mods that I want to try if/when I get the time to do them. Mods such as...

Region Free MegaCD Bios

Saturn Switchless Mod - upgraded with MultiBIOS

NTSC Saturn and PAL RGB Scart Cables

Hacked Dreamcast Dev Bios on Retail Console

Cheapo RGB to VGA Scaler

VGA Scanlines

Sync Stripper

I will fix the problem so that people can email me, however this is just a hobby for me, so it may take me a while to respond.

Many thanks

Pete

A Couple of SNES Tips, Game Gear fixes and new links

2010-06-13T11:36:00.003+01:00

Looking for an easy way to remove the CIC chip from your SNES? Or how to remove the Power LED?

These tips are in preparation for the SuperCIC guide.

Also today, I have added a few links to a group of sites I stumbled across, I was looking for a replacement screen panel for my GBC and found a site with. The part that got my attention was the Game Gear fix kits that are sold.

2010-06-11T14:23:00.002+01:00

I have just completed and photographed ikari_01's SuperCIC SNES mod. It's the ultimate switchless mod for your SNES, just tried a SFC SA-1 chip cart (Kirby 3) on a PAL SNES with this mod and it works!! Previously this game would only work on my SFC console with the lockout chip enabled.

Guide to follow soon, but don't forget there is already a great guide at wolfsoft :)

Pete

GBC Mod

2010-06-10T21:47:00.002+01:00

I keep seeing this on NTSC-uk, and couldn't resist. Just waiting for a GBA to arrive from eBay, and then I'm modding the lime green GBC I picked up - also on eBay! (need more local shops doing retro around here)

Here's the excellent tutorial I'm going to follow.

Pete

emails

2010-06-05T21:17:00.002+01:00

A long time ago I got fed up with receiving spam through my site, so I had to shut off the publish email address.

Now if you email web@mmmonkey.co.uk the undeliverable message will contain an alternative email address to contact me.

Thanks

Pete

New SNES Mods

2010-06-05T17:30:00.004+01:00

I'm really looking to trying these out! Thanks to a Klaus and Link83 for pointing them out to me. The work is by a GENIUS called ikari_01, I have to contact him to get permission to host the files on my site once I finish the guides. Hopefully he will agree.

First off, it's the replacement lockout chip for the Super Nintendo/Super Famicom. Further details here.

ikari_01 didn't finish there though, he went on and developed it further and incorporate the 50/60hz mod!!! The Ultimate Switchless SNES mod. This sounds brilliant. His post starts here about it, and you can see Klaus guide here.

Thanks guys for the heads up.

To make some of my guides a bit easier to follow/shorter, I'm starting a page of tips I follow, I don't have photo's yet but the first one is virtually complete. How to remove a chip such as the SNES lockout chip.

Thanks

Pete

Small Updates

2010-02-28T14:23:00.002Z

A nice person going by the name of Four X sent me a Sega Master System 1 video mod guide, I haven't done one of these yet, so it's on my download page.

Added a link to Wolfsoft which has some great info and guides, it's the only place I've seen the Genesis 3 region and video mod info.

Mega Drive 2 Switchless Mod

2010-02-18T18:27:00.002Z

The writer of this excellent guide just contacted me, a brilliant MD2 switchless mod, also includes some detailed photo's and info that will let you do a normal mod with switches, a lot better than my overly complicated guide.

Different SNES mod for Mario RPG?

2010-02-15T21:05:00.002Z

I tried this the other day - http://www.ffviman.fr/switch-snes/ (google translation), it claims to work with Super Mario RPG :)

I don't have Mario RPG, but I do have a SFC copy of Kirby's Dreamland 3 which uses the same SA-1 chip which is known to be the problem.

I first of all modded a PAL SNES with the standard mod, confirmed that Kirby didn't work. I then tried this alternative mod - but unfortunately I got the same results, a blank screen :(

Have you tried this and got the same results?

Pete

Brilliant Mega Drive Site

2010-02-01T18:54:00.001Z

I'm hanging onto the Mega Drive, and now find myself looking at this site more and more

http://www.megadrive-memories.com/

Lack of updates

2010-01-31T13:30:00.002Z

You may have noticed a lack of updates, or even that the site was unavailable for a short while. There's more info on the sites frontpage.

There have been a couple of small updates though regarding the Mega Drive, a link on how to do a PAL 60Hz Colour Fix so you don't need an RGB scart cable, and I finally got our MD to work on our Samsung LCD after it refused for years.

2009-11-15T15:39:00.002Z

Sorry if you've seen my links for an Alternative SNES Region Mod - I did find a guide online that promised to work with Mario RPG, but I had some feedback from visitors that it was awful, so I quickly removed the page but didn't alter my links. It has now been removed completely (hopefully).

I have updated a few out of date links, and corrected a few typos.

An online shop recently contacted me, I had bought a PCE to modify from them a long time ago via a gaming forum. They now have an online shop, don't forget to check it out if you wan't some pre-modded consoles/cables/repairs, even kits!

Thanks
Pete

32x Guides

2009-07-05T20:56:00.002+01:00

Well it rained this afternoon, so no playing swingball. Instead I got on with my 32x guides/links.

That's it for quite a while I imagine.

MegaCD Switchless MultiBIOS

2009-07-05T18:15:00.002+01:00

After about a year, I got around to writing up my combined Switchless Megadrive - MegaCD mod, both the Megadrive and MegaCD region/video modes are controlled via the Megadrive reset button. It's not easy, but if you've got the required equipment, it's an interesting mod to perform.

Pete

Hello?

2009-07-03T20:26:00.003+01:00

Sorry, it's been a long long time since any updates. There's only a couple that I have left to prepare to put on the site. First up will be how to adapt the existing MD switchless mod so that it controls a MegaCD MultiBIOS :)

Then following that up will be some Sega 32x mods such as the standard PAL/NTSC video mode AND how to adapt the same MD switchless mod to control the video mode of the 32x! That's a complete switchless Megadrive, MegaCD AND 32x with no extra wires, switches, external modifications at all!!!

Sorry if you've sent me an email over the months, I've had trouble keeping up with things.

Pete

Switchless Saturn Mod Updated

2009-01-09T18:27:00.002Z

You may remember the Ultimate Saturn Mod developed by Seb, well Seb has now updated his site to include the code for download now! If you're thinking of thinking of doing this mod, I can't recommend it enough - it's great. Don't forget to email Seb to say thanks for his hard work in developing this mod.

It tickles....

2008-11-13T22:45:00.005Z

I'm still growing a Moustache and trying to raise money for Prostate Cancer. I'm quite fond of growth, except shaving takes longer now?! Bah..

Anyway, if you've found my site helpful - maybe you'd like to make yourself feel a bit better and perhaps make an online donation using the official site *hint hint*

In the spirit of My Name is Earl, Karma may reward you ;)

Cheerio

Alternative Saturn 50/60hz mod

2008-11-13T22:39:00.002Z

Mike from The RetroCorner contacted me, he's got a great guide on an alternative (and easier) 50/60hz mod for the Saturn. Worth checking out to see if it will work on your console.

Couple of small updates

2008-10-25T11:48:00.002+01:00

Arakon supplied some photos to go with his Alternative 360 D-Pad mod.

Alternative SNES region free mod info.

Added info about powering a Super Famicom in the UK.

Grow a Moustache

2008-10-13T19:33:00.002+01:00

Sorry, not at all game related, but will you sponsor me? I'm growing a moustache - yes it will look awful on me, yes I will be pointed at and people will laugh. BUT it's for a good cause - Prostate Cancer.

You can find my donate page here, along with photo's of it once I start (officially starts in November), have a look around the site for more info!

Go on, have a laugh at my expense!

Neo Geo DB15 Controller Plug

2008-10-08T22:04:00.002+01:00

Been thinking about making my own Joystick for my AES, and also would like to make a guide for the PC-2-Neo cable for the excellent Universe BIOS.

The only thing that's put me off is trying to find an cheap way of getting the correct DB15 connector that is long enough to fit the sockets on the AES console. I know it's possible to by extension leads (from tototek) but they may not be around for ever.

So this evening I set about modifying a standard DB15 female plug, pulling it apart, turning bits around to make it stick out further, then mounting it in a DB9 snap case. After a bit of trial and error I think I've managed it and it doesn't look too bad!

Proper guide to follow :)

If there's a guide for this anywhere else, please let me know - I don't want to re-invent the wheel.

SNES Fuse Replacement

2008-10-06T21:43:00.002+01:00

Thanks to phreak97 for this great idea - fitting a standard fuse holder into your SNES so that you can fit a standard Glass Fuse.

phreak97 also supplied some info on an autodetecting SNES mod, changes the video mode depending on the region of cart inserted. I haven't had a chance to experiment yet though!

Euro Scart to Japanese RGB

2008-10-06T15:19:00.001+01:00

I forgot to share the info I used when making an adapter cable for my XRGB-2. Updated site with it now.

Dreamcast Random Reset Updated

2008-10-04T13:09:00.003+01:00

Again, thanks to Link83 I've updated the Dreamcast Random Reset guide with some extra info that neither Link83 or I have seen elsewhere.

PC Engine Region Mod Completed

2008-09-28T20:49:00.002+01:00

Finished off a Region Mod on my PC Engine today. It designed to complement the fantastic original guide, it's a brilliantly designed mod, very clever and a great alternative to the mods that use a very long 8 pole switch.

XRGB2 English Manual for Download

2008-09-27T22:43:00.002+01:00

I was fortunate enough to pick up a Micomsoft XRGB-2 recently, and thanks to Battlesmurf at shmups I am now hosting an English manual for it

NES to PC Engine Pad

2008-09-24T21:18:00.002+01:00

Finished and tested the NES to PC Engine Mod, works a treat!

Neo Geo AES Manual

2008-09-22T22:21:00.001+01:00

Just remembered I had downloaded this from somewhere a while back. Managed to reduce the filesize a bit and now it's on here.

WIP NES to PC Engine Controller

2008-09-18T20:49:00.002+01:00

Even though I don't need one, I thought I would try this mod out. I'm just over half-way there, just need to wire up the cable now.

Single Switch MegaCD Multibios Info

2008-09-14T21:32:00.003+01:00

Install a single On-Off-On switch for a Multibios in a MegaCD today, using the info supplied by Console Passion. It works great!

PC Engine RGB and Amp guides online

2008-09-12T23:53:00.002+01:00

Just uploaded the finished guides for adding RGB to PC Engine, and also building an Amplifer for the weak RGB signal.

When I get a US Turbo Grafx 16 game, I'll try out a region mod :) But for now, it's time to play some games!

PC Engine RGB Amp Complete

2008-09-09T23:23:00.003+01:00

This simple amp is complete, just need to write it up, photo shows the 3 transistors soldered into a Scart plug ready to have the wires from the console added.

PC Engine RGB Mod Complete

2008-09-08T14:08:00.003+01:00

(and it's had a cleanup also)

Finished with adding an 8 pin mini din socket to my PC Engine, and made a Scart Lead with an amplifier built in. Left it soaking in diluted bleach to restore some of the whiteness.

Another PC Engine

2008-09-08T10:36:00.005+01:00

I've just got my second PC Engine (thanks to Chaoticjelly Games), will hopefully be opening it up later to RGB mod (with amp) and clean it up (bleach probably!)

Corrected DC VGA Guide

2008-09-08T10:28:00.004+01:00

Many thanks to Robert who pointed out some mistakes in my Dreamcast Internal VGA Guide. I have since pulled apart my DC to look at my working installed mod. After measuring the resistors I have now corrected the stripboard layout (I had the 2 different resistors labelled the wrong way around). Thanks Robert :)

Updates via a Blog?

2008-09-05T22:01:00.006+01:00

I think I'll do my updates via a blog now. Never really played with them before so I'll give it a go.

I should have another PC Engine on it's way to me (thanks to Chaoticjelly Games), so I can do some mods for it.

Also have some more info coming soon about using a single switch for install the MegaCD Multibios courtesy of Console Passion.