Sega CDX Portable!

[Segasonicfan]

Check out the pics here: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/tuneviperz14...erz14/my_photos

I've added a million different improvements, here's the list:
-RGB video (The 32X is modded for RGB as well)
-5" display
-Stereo speakers
-50/60hz import switch
-JP/US import switch
-2nd headphone port
-S-video output (I have to do the AES style mod, but the chroma and luma outputs are on the DB-9)
-Built in FM automatic scan radio
-Screen on/off switch
-System on/off switch
-External controller switch (to use a regular Genesis controller for 1 player)
-Up to 4 players
-Plays SMS, Genesis, Sega CD, and 32X games

-Segasonicfan

[Segasonicfan]

oh...it also has a clock with the date

[Chuplayer]

That system is so freaking cool. SEGA CD games on the go. This is amazing.

There was a Bubble Bobble on the Genesis? I never knew that. I've gotta get it.

[Segasonicfan]

Thats Bubble Bobble for Sega Master System...that was to show that it also plays SMS games

[Chuplayer]

Thats Bubble Bobble for Sega Master System...that was to show that it also plays SMS games

Oh, so you used a Power Base (or was that Power Deck?) converter. I almost bought one of those, but then my mom wouldn't let me because I didn't have any SMS games. I knew I could get some, but she wouldn't let me get it anyway. Bummer. Major bummer because it was although it was used, it was cheap!

[Segasonicfan]

oh no I used a cart-sized SMS converter  The Power Base converter is too big and too much trouble for a portable.  The master system is easily emulated on the Genesis, and making an adapter is very simple, you don't need a single IC!  That's why there are converters out there that are cart sized, because all you have to do is re-allign the pins and add one resistor for the pause button.  Boom, SMS on Genesis

-Segasonicfan

[Chuplayer]

I had no idea there were such converters. That sounds cool.

[Endymion]

Question.

You say you modded the CDX for RGB? It didn't already have it? It has the same pinout, were the RGB pins just not connected, or what? The 32X definitely should have had RGB also, whyfor the need to mod? Custom socket?

[Segasonicfan]

of course it has RGB capability, I know that.  by 'modding it' I meant I had to drill in and wire a DB-9 with the proper pinout and make a cable to connect it to the CDX.  I am perfectly aware of the 32X (and genesis, saturn, etc for that matter) capabilities of RGB.

-Segasonicfan  

[D-Lite]

Dude, that thing looks like a complete monster.  Holy crap.  But hey, it functions.  I assume you're using a pile of D-batteries to run it portabe, yes?

Where'd you yank the display from?

[NFG]

A complete monster.  This project scores mad points for the sheer madness, the audacity of it all.

[Segasonicfan]

D-Lite-
It does everything your CDX does and oh, so much more...It runs off 7.4v rechargeable batteries (the grey thing in one of the pictures is a battery).  I like to use li-ion ones made for DVD players.  theyre small enough to fit in my pocket and last for hours  I have over a dozen portable rechargeable batteries for it, so battery usage is never an issue.  I would never waste D batteries or disposable batteries on a project like this.  And yes, it may look like a monster, but it's quite the masterpiece of portable gaming if I dosaysomyself.  The screen is a PSOne Official screen...The very finest screen for portable mods.  It has RGB inputs, that's why you get the incredible video quality.  Has stereo sound and composite inputs as well.
The entire setup functions beautifully and has it's own carry case.  It's very sturdy, and for sega fans like myself portable gaming will never get any better than this

Lawrence-yay! I get madness points

-Segasonicfan  

[socialdrone]

gah....ooh that poor nomad.  i hope it was dead before you did that.

[Segasonicfan]

lol, course it was.  I actually use to have 3 Nomads, that was the first one I broke 6 months ago.  I dropped and cracked the internal LCD.  I got curious about the whole thing and I opened it up....now I can't stop opening up game systems

The Nomad has my favorite Genesis controller ever, nothing else beats that D-Pad.  It also has smaller buttons than any other Genesis controller, so I cut out the PCB parts and wired everything together with the controller IC which I put inside the CDX.  Took some work but man was it worth it

[atom]

Dude, where did you get those mini switches sitting on the front? Where they inside a genny controller? I need one to repair something i have laying around here.

[Segasonicfan]

They're actually very common in electronics.  I have a bunch of them I obtained from broken CD players, a broken boom box, a broken radio, a broken TV, a broken DVD player, etc.  They are often used inside computer mouses too (or at least the ones I opened).  The buttons inside the Genesis controllers are not really switches, they are rubber pads.  Same with any controller...that's why I went to great lengths to install that Nomad controller on there.  The sensitivity of a controller is very important, and any old switch won't do the trick.

Anyway, to answer your question, they are only in 6 button genesis controllers (usually official ones) used for the 'mode' button.  That's the only one that uses a mini switch.

[Don]

They're called Tactical Switches. They have a very low bounce time and a nice, firm click to them. That's why the use them in mice.  B)  

[atom]

Oh they are in mice? Teehehehe where is my hack saw...

[kingbuzzo]

this truly is amazing. This must be the first time anything like this has been built. It covers everything a hardcore sega fan would ever want. Like anyone here I have a few questions on this masterpiece

Think you'll ever go the extra mile and make a strong case for it?

Maybe one day make a guide, or even build them for people if supplied with main components like the cdx, screen, 32x, and of course a respectable fee?

I'm suprised that no one has mentioned this project over at doomportables..


ya, great job! MAD SCENE POINTS!!!!!

peace,

Kingbuzzo.