Genesis:32X Model Differences: Difference between revisions

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[[Category:Genesis]]
'''Some page content & researching taken from [https://io55.net/wiki/eop/video_game_consoles-home/4th_generation/sega_genesis_plus_add-ons io55.net's Genesis Add-Ons page] with permission, in collaboration.'''
'''Page content & researching taken from [https://io55.net/wiki/eop/video_game_consoles-home/4th_generation/sega_genesis_plus_add-ons io55.net's Genesis Add-Ons page] with permission, in collaboration.'''


== Models ==
Note that both 32X revisions have compatibility problems on certain model 1 consoles, [[Genesis:32X_Service_Bulletin_Fixes|which can be corrected]]. Both revisions also have problems with the VA2.3 and VA4 model 2 consoles, for which there is currently no documented fix aside from loading games from a flash cart instead of original cartridges.


''Models are arranged chronologically. There are no revisions.''
== VA0/MK-84000 (1994-1995) ==


=== “32X MK-84000” (1994-????) ===
These 32Xs have some problems with the VA0 model 2. If nothing is plugged into the side expansion slot (typically used by the Sega CD), many 32X games will refuse to work or lock up within minutes. This can largely be fixed on the VA0 model 2 by connecting a Sega CD or using the Extension Unit which came bundled with this revision of the 32X. The Extension Unit acts as a terminator on the expansion port and contains pull-down resistors on the data bits (pins A4 through A11 and A13 through A20). This will not fix issues with the 32X on the VA2.3 and VA4 model 2s.


These 32Xs have some problems with Model 2 Genesis consoles of VA3 or 4 revisions. If nothing is plugged into the side expansion slot (typically used by the Sega CD), many 32X games will refuse to work. While one could plug a Sega CD in to resolve this issue, there is also a “32X Extension Unit” available, which simply filled that side slot with nothing. These may also have a narrower cartridge slot, but this needs to be verified with measurements.
== VA1/MK-84000A (1995-1996) ==


 
Some of the model 2 compatibility issues were fixed with this revision as it added pull-down resistors on the data bits, eliminating the need for the Extension Unit.  
=== “32X MK-84000A” (????-1996) ===
 
The compatibility issues with VA3 and VA4 Model 2 Genesis consoles have been fixed with this version. To identify this, just open the cart slot and see if the PCB’s code ends with “A”. Furthermore, these may have a slightly wider cartridge slot, but this needs to be verified with measurements.


== References ==
== References ==
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https://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread.php?23611-How-can-you-tell-the-difference-between-the-32x-revisions-and-what-makes-the-2-units
https://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread.php?23611-How-can-you-tell-the-difference-between-the-32x-revisions-and-what-makes-the-2-units
[[Category:Genesis]]

Latest revision as of 22:20, 18 March 2024

Some page content & researching taken from io55.net's Genesis Add-Ons page with permission, in collaboration.

Note that both 32X revisions have compatibility problems on certain model 1 consoles, which can be corrected. Both revisions also have problems with the VA2.3 and VA4 model 2 consoles, for which there is currently no documented fix aside from loading games from a flash cart instead of original cartridges.

VA0/MK-84000 (1994-1995)

These 32Xs have some problems with the VA0 model 2. If nothing is plugged into the side expansion slot (typically used by the Sega CD), many 32X games will refuse to work or lock up within minutes. This can largely be fixed on the VA0 model 2 by connecting a Sega CD or using the Extension Unit which came bundled with this revision of the 32X. The Extension Unit acts as a terminator on the expansion port and contains pull-down resistors on the data bits (pins A4 through A11 and A13 through A20). This will not fix issues with the 32X on the VA2.3 and VA4 model 2s.

VA1/MK-84000A (1995-1996)

Some of the model 2 compatibility issues were fixed with this revision as it added pull-down resistors on the data bits, eliminating the need for the Extension Unit.

References

https://gametrog.com/sega-32x-information-specs/ (incorrect on version differences, slightly)

https://www.reddit.com/r/SEGA32X/comments/24snek/i_recently_found_one_of_the_mysterious_32x/

https://www.reddit.com/r/SEGA32X/comments/e6qbcj/knuckles_chaotix_issues_with_sega_genesis_model_2/

https://www.reddit.com/r/SEGA32X/comments/9ryglb/question_about_the_32x/

https://www.reddit.com/r/SEGA32X/comments/4m9ol7/sega_32x_model_revision_region_bypass/

https://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread.php?23611-How-can-you-tell-the-difference-between-the-32x-revisions-and-what-makes-the-2-units