The Blog

Sega Mega Drive 2 Video Distortion (Serial 440005313)

Nix McRetro // 27th September 2013 // Repairs, Sega, YouTube

Some footage of me playing around with Sega Mega Drive 2 serial 440005313 a while back. Some interesting results. I suspect that the 315-5660 chip has some issues. Let’s try replacing some of the other chips first in the next couple of videos. Also, stay tuned for a very special... Continue reading

Sony PlayStation 1 Modchip Installation Failure on SCPH-9002

Nix McRetro // 25th September 2013 // Hacks, Sony, YouTube

Oh geez! Another video of a guide I was attempting to do only to have many things go wrong and write it off. Rather than throw it away I thought I might let the internet feast on this beauty of a video - see my attempt at stop motion in... Continue reading

Sony PlayStation Modchip Programming Failure with a PIC12C508A

Nix McRetro // 24th September 2013 // Programming, Sony, YouTube

This wasn’t much of a success. I suspected differences between the PIC12C508 and PIC12C508A. If anyone could point out what would be different, that would be swell - I’m not a datasheet wizard and if it doesn’t just zap, I try again a few different ways. Sadly all resulted in... Continue reading

SNES Spray Painting - When Retrobright isn't an Option (Part 1)

Nix McRetro // 24th September 2013 // Hacks, Nintendo, Repairs

Well, the case was as brittle as could be, even when cleaning this one with soap and water I had some bits cracking at the rear vents and the sides. Let’s cover up that awful yellowing and cracking with good old vinyl spray paint. The paint changes the appearance; it... Continue reading

Aiwa CSD-EX80 vs Aiwa Mega-CD CSD-GM1: Donor Comparison

Nix McRetro // 23rd September 2013 // Repairs, Sega, YouTube

They look to me like they were separated at birth! An initial look at the internals is promising too. Looks like we’ve found our donor boombox to fix up bits and pieces from the other two. This is the Aiwa CSD-EX80 alongside the boombox section of the Aiwa Mega-CD CSD-GM1.... Continue reading