Genesis:Triple Bypass Mod Model 3 VA2

This document will serve as clear step-by-step instructions for installing the 3BP on the Genesis Model 3, revision VA2.

Warnings
Please read the below warnings before proceeding!
 * This guide expects you to have a basic understanding of how to open up your Genesis Model 3 and to have basic soldering skills.
 * This mod permanently alters your device.
 * This mod should not be done by a beginner and is considered intermediate/advanced.
 * Make sure power is disconnected before proceeding.
 * After performing this mod you will no longer be able to use composite. You’ll be required to use RGB (or HD Retrovision) cables from this point forward.
 * Proceed at your own risk!

Tools Required

 * Flush cutters
 * Snips
 * Soldering iron
 * Solder
 * Flux
 * Solder wick
 * 28 or 30 AWG wire

Installation

 * 1) Start by removing the shell from your console. Remove the 4 screws at the bottom then turn it back upright and lift off the top shell. Remove the screws on the metal shielding and lift the shield off. Next, remove the 2 screws on the sides of the cartridge slot. Now you can lift the motherboard out of the bottom half of the shell.
 * 2) Cut this trace and verify with a multimeter that there is no continuity between the two points. [[File:Genesis 3 VA2 3BP Bottom Trace Cut.png]]
 * 3) Mount the bypass board on the top of the motherboard. The recommended spot is on the right-hand side on the large solder joints sticking up.
 * 4) Assuming you mounted the triple bypass board in the recommended spot, the bypass board itself now blocks a hole where a plastic standoff on the shell is supposed to go. Completely remove the plastic standoff by trimming it with flush cutters. Genesis 3 3BP Standoff.png
 * 5) Lift the RGB pins (pins 21, 22, and 23) from the CXA1645M chip. Genesis3VA2_3BPv2_Jose3.jpg
 * 6) Remove these five components from the motherboard. Genesis 3 VA2 3BP Component Removal.png
 * 7) Solder three wires from these points to the corresponding ones on the Triple Bypass board. Genesis3VA2 3BPv2 Jose4.png
 * 8) Remove the components and solder three wires to the Red, Green, and Blue pads and run them through the hole near the edge of the board and connect them to the Triple Bypass board. Genesis3VA2 3BPv2 Jose2.png
 * 9) The finished product should look like this (minus the orange wire on the Sync pad, which is unnecessary since CSYNC is routed to the DIN connector). See Sega CD Audio section below regarding the wires connected to cartridge connector. Genesis3VA2 3BPv2 Jose5.jpg

Post-Installation Fixes
If you are planning on using a Mega SD or Mega EverDrive PRO, you can easily restore Sega CD audio with the instructions found on this page.

If you followed this guide and lifted the RGB pins, you may want to apply this simple fix for the color.