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The "Triple Bypass" mod is a board that bypasses the audio circuit, video circuit, and optionally, the Model 1 DIN of the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive. It was originally designed by db Electronics, but has become a true open source project with many amazing contributors. There are also versions for the [[Master System:Master System Mods Wiki|Master System]], [[Genesis:Genesis Model Differences#Genesis_Nomad_(1995)|Nomad]], and others being made by members of the community. The latest version's source files can be found on [https://github.com/tianfeng33/triple-bypass-Version-2 Tianfeng's GitHub] or it can be purchased from [https://insurrectionindustries.com/product/genesis_triple_bypass_v2/ Insurrection Industries] or [https://retrogamerstuff.com/collections/mega-drive/products/mega-drive-genesis-triple-bypass-3bp-video-upgrade-board?ref=9qd6Y RetroGamerStuff].
<languages/><translate>
<!--T:1-->
{{Warning|This should be considered an expert-only mod and will (in most cases) disable composite video output.}}
The "Triple Bypass" mod is a board that bypasses the audio circuit, video circuit, and optionally, the Model 1 DIN of the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive. It was originally designed by db Electronics, but has become a true open source project with many amazing contributors. There are also versions for the [[Master System:Master System Mods Wiki|Master System]], [[Genesis:Genesis Model Differences#Genesis_Nomad_(1995)|Nomad]], and others being made by members of the community. The latest version's source files can be found on [https://github.com/tianfeng33/triple-bypass-Version-2 Tianfeng's GitHub] (or [https://github.com/zaxour/3BP_Remix Zaxour's improved remix]) or it can be purchased from [https://insurrectionindustries.com/product/genesis_triple_bypass_v2/ Insurrection Industries] or [https://retrogamerstuff.com/collections/mega-drive/products/mega-drive-genesis-triple-bypass-3bp-video-upgrade-board?ref=9qd6Y RetroGamerStuff].


{{Warning|This should be considered an expert-only mod and will (in most cases) disable composite video output.}}
<!--T:2-->
For technical details on how the Triple Bypass mod works, please see the [[Genesis:Triple Bypass Mod Technical Details]] page.


== Details ==
== Benefits == <!--T:3-->


=== Video ===
<!--T:4-->
Although Genesis consoles can output RGB natively, all models will absolutely benefit from a full audio and video bypass. Model 1 Genesis consoles will have a big upgrade in video quality and while the audio is already excellent, you'll have a slightly quieter noise floor if you bypass that too. Model 2 and 3's generally have decent video, but not good (or just mono) audio. 


The Triple Bypass incorporates a THS7374 video amplifier for the RGB video bypass, pushing the Genesis one step closer to clean video output. Depending on your model, you may need to lift the RGBS pins from the board, or add extra filtering capacitors to the board. If you lift the pins, you'll need to re-create the pullup circuit [https://www.retrorgb.com/fix-for-all-rgb-bypassed-sega-genesis.html as documented here].
=== Jailbar Fix === <!--T:5-->
[[File:GenesisArcadeTVRGBBypassCompare-small.jpg|thumb]] [[File:GenesisArcadeTVRGBBypassCompare.png|thumb]]


The Triple Bypass outputs 75 ohm (not TTL) csync on the composite video (cvbs) pin of the multi-out, but not actual composite video. That means unless you use some alternate installation methods (and risk adding interference back into the signal), you can't use composite video cables, but you can use anything that syncs on composite video (including HD Retrovision cables).
<!--T:6-->
While simply [[Genesis:Jailbar Fix|lifting the subcarrier pin from the VDP]] will show a noticeable reduction in jailbars in most revision Model 1 units. It's not as good as a full bypass.


=== Audio ===
<!--T:7-->
As shown in the pictures on the right, performing this bypass will help remove analog video jailbars from the Genesis' output image. All analog video consoles will always have some noise on the signal and the Genesis / Mega Drive are some of the worst of the bunch.


One of the most exciting features of this board is its integrated Mega Amp 2.0, originally designed by [https://twitter.com/Ace9921Tweets Ace], but then tweaked by [http://www.retrorgb.com/artemio-launches-mdfourier-audio-preservation-project.html MD Fourier software] to get levels that match the best version of the model 1. This means anyone installing the Triple Bypass in a have audio output that's equal to, or better than original!
=== Moving the Signals Off the Motherboard === <!--T:8-->


The biggest difference can be heard in Genesis model 2 and 3's though. Genesis 3's will now have excellent quality stereo audio and the model 2's all sound excellent, regardless of motherboard version.
<!--T:9-->
All Genesis consoles have motherboards with a good amount of interference in the audio and video signals. Tapping the audio and video signals from their sources and moving them off the motherboard seems to be a great improvement to the signals. The circuits and components used in the Triple Bypass are either equal to or better than what's found on the board, while also offering more options. Audiophiles can choose between filtered and unfiltered sound and a low-pass filter can be toggled on the video output.
{{br}}


== Guides ==
== Installation Guides == <!--T:10-->
<div style="text-align: -webkit-center;">
<div style="text-align: -webkit-center;">
{| class="wikitable large-font center-text"
{| class="wikitable large-font center-text"
! Model !! Motherboard Revision
! Model !! Triple Bypass Guide
!Audio Fix
!Post-Bypass Color Fix
!Notes
|-
| rowspan=10 align=center | Model 1<br />[[File:Genesis_Model_1.png|200px]]
| align=center | <s> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_1_VA0|"VA0"]] </s>
| rowspan="3" |[[Genesis:Preamp_Fix_(Model_1)|Guide]]
| rowspan="20" |[[Genesis:RGB_Bypass_Color_Fix|Guide]]
| rowspan="10" |
|-
| align=center | <s> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_1_VA1|VA1]] </s>
|-
|-
| rowspan=8 align=center | Model 1<br />[[File:Genesis_Model_1.png|200px]]
| align=center | <s> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_1_VA2|VA2]] </s>
| align=center | <s title="Placeholder - Guide not created yet!" class="visible"> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_1_VA2|VA2]] </s>
|-
|-
| align=center | <s title="Placeholder - Guide not created yet!" class="visible"> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_1_VA3|VA3]] </s>
| align=center | [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_1_VA3|VA3]]  
|N/A
|-
|-
| align=center | <s title="Placeholder - Guide not created yet!" class="visible"> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_1_VA4|VA4]] </s>
| align=center | <s> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_1_VA4|VA4]] </s>
|N/A
|-
|-
| align=center | <s title="Placeholder - Guide not created yet!" class="visible"> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_1_VA5|VA5]] </s>
| align=center | <s> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_1_VA5|VA5]] </s>
|N/A
|-
|-
| align=center | <s title="Placeholder - Guide not created yet!" class="visible"> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_1_VA6|VA6]] </s>
| align=center | <s> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_1_VA6|VA6]] </s>
|N/A
|-
|-
| align=center | <s title="Placeholder - Guide not created yet!" class="visible"> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_1_VA6.5|VA6.5]] </s>
| align=center | <s> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_1_VA6.5|VA6.5]] </s>
|N/A
|-
|-
| align=center | <s title="Placeholder - Guide not created yet!" class="visible"> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_1_VA6.8|VA6.8]] </s>
| align=center | <s> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_1_VA6.8|VA6.8]] </s>
|N/A
|-
|-
| align=center | <s title="Placeholder - Guide not created yet!" class="visible"> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_1_VA7|VA7]] </s>
| align=center | <s> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_1_VA7|VA7]] </s>
|N/A
|-
|-
| rowspan=7 align=center | Model 2<br/>[[File:Genesis_Model_2.png|200px]]
| rowspan=7 align=center | Model 2<br/>[[File:Genesis_Model_2.png|200px]]
| align=center | [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_2_VA0|VA0]]
| align=center | [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_2_VA0|VA0]]
|N/A
| rowspan="7" |For all versions of the Genesis 2 except the VA4,
a bottom-install is recommended.
|-
|-
| align=center | <s title="Placeholder - Guide not created yet!" class="visible"> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_2_VA1|VA1]] </s>
| align=center | [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_2_VA1|VA1]]  
|N/A
|-
|-
| align=center | <s title="Placeholder - Guide not created yet!" class="visible"> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_2_VA1.8|VA1.8]] </s>
| align=center | <s> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_2_VA1.8|VA1.8]] </s>
|N/A
|-
|-
| align=center | <s title="Placeholder - Guide not created yet!" class="visible"> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_2_VA2|VA2]] </s>
| align=center | <s> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_2_VA2|VA2]] </s>
|N/A
|-
|-
| align=center | <s title="Placeholder - Guide not created yet!" class="visible"> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_2_VA2.3|VA2.3]] </s>
| align=center | <s> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_2_VA2.3|VA2.3]] </s>
|N/A
|-
|-
| align=center | <s title="Placeholder - Guide not created yet!" class="visible"> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_2_VA3|VA3]] </s>
| align=center | [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_2_VA3|VA3]]  
|N/A
|-
|-
| align=center | <s title="Placeholder - Guide not created yet!" class="visible"> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_2_VA4|VA4]] </s>
| align=center | <s> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_2_VA4|VA4]] </s>
|N/A
|-
|-
| rowspan=2 align=center | Model 3<br/>[[File:Genesis_Model_3.png|200px]]  
| rowspan=2 align=center | Model 3<br/>[[File:Genesis_Model_3.png|200px]]  
| align=center | [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_3_VA1|VA1]]
| align=center | [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_3_VA1|VA1]]
|N/A
| rowspan="3" |
|-
|-
| align=center | <s title="Placeholder - Guide not created yet!" class="visible"> [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_3_VA2|VA2]] </s>
| align=center | [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Model_3_VA2|VA2]]
|N/A
|-
|-
| rowspan=2 align=center | Sega CDX<br/>[[File:Sega_CDX.png|200px]]
| align=center | [[Genesis:Triple_Bypass_Mod_Sega_CDX|CDX]]
|N/A
|}
|}
</div>
</div>


== Links ==
== Links == <!--T:11-->
* [https://github.com/tianfeng33/triple-bypass-Version-2 GitHub project page]
* [https://github.com/tianfeng33/triple-bypass-Version-2 GitHub project page]
* [https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/37rGIZ8P Model 2 DIN Breakout]
* [https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/37rGIZ8P Model 2 DIN Breakout]
</translate>

Latest revision as of 18:35, 16 November 2024

Other languages:
Exclamation-triangle-fill.svgThis should be considered an expert-only mod and will (in most cases) disable composite video output.


The "Triple Bypass" mod is a board that bypasses the audio circuit, video circuit, and optionally, the Model 1 DIN of the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive. It was originally designed by db Electronics, but has become a true open source project with many amazing contributors. There are also versions for the Master System, Nomad, and others being made by members of the community. The latest version's source files can be found on Tianfeng's GitHub (or Zaxour's improved remix) or it can be purchased from Insurrection Industries or RetroGamerStuff.

For technical details on how the Triple Bypass mod works, please see the Genesis:Triple Bypass Mod Technical Details page.

Benefits

Although Genesis consoles can output RGB natively, all models will absolutely benefit from a full audio and video bypass. Model 1 Genesis consoles will have a big upgrade in video quality and while the audio is already excellent, you'll have a slightly quieter noise floor if you bypass that too. Model 2 and 3's generally have decent video, but not good (or just mono) audio. 

Jailbar Fix

GenesisArcadeTVRGBBypassCompare-small.jpg
GenesisArcadeTVRGBBypassCompare.png

While simply lifting the subcarrier pin from the VDP will show a noticeable reduction in jailbars in most revision Model 1 units. It's not as good as a full bypass.

As shown in the pictures on the right, performing this bypass will help remove analog video jailbars from the Genesis' output image. All analog video consoles will always have some noise on the signal and the Genesis / Mega Drive are some of the worst of the bunch.

Moving the Signals Off the Motherboard

All Genesis consoles have motherboards with a good amount of interference in the audio and video signals. Tapping the audio and video signals from their sources and moving them off the motherboard seems to be a great improvement to the signals. The circuits and components used in the Triple Bypass are either equal to or better than what's found on the board, while also offering more options. Audiophiles can choose between filtered and unfiltered sound and a low-pass filter can be toggled on the video output.

Installation Guides

Model Triple Bypass Guide Audio Fix Post-Bypass Color Fix Notes
Model 1
Genesis Model 1.png 		"VA0" Guide Guide
VA1
VA2
VA3 N/A
VA4 N/A
VA5 N/A
VA6 N/A
VA6.5 N/A
VA6.8 N/A
VA7 N/A
Model 2
Genesis Model 2.png 		VA0 N/A For all versions of the Genesis 2 except the VA4,

a bottom-install is recommended.

VA1 N/A
VA1.8 N/A
VA2 N/A
VA2.3 N/A
VA3 N/A
VA4 N/A
Model 3
Genesis Model 3.png 		VA1 N/A
VA2 N/A
Sega CDX
Sega CDX.png 		CDX N/A

Links

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