Building a Sega Neptune
This is a modular build method that is non-destructive, reversible, easy to repair and troubleshoot.
Infidelity_nes and PCBAssembly99 modular core builders on Twitter
3D Printed Cases for the Sega Neptune by DVIZIX
Sega Neptune Case with a modular Neptune core.
MachoNacho's Professional Video on How-To Build a Neptune Core
DVIZIX - PCBWay Neptune Shells.Cheaper. Many options.
I would stick with the recommended BOM.
https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/The_Neptune_Project_abf52b41.html
DVIZIX - Shapeways Shell and DOOM 32X Resurrection 2.2
https://www.shapeways.com/shops/reface
Sega Neptune Core
Bill of Materials.
https://www.mediafire.com/file/tupgzrchjqbmw0l/BOM.zip/file
32x DecalsUpstate Vinyl:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1563362662/sega-logo-set-vinyl-decals-multiple
DVIZIX aka Dan Ross
Vector Graphics for custom Logo printing
https://www.mediafire.com/file/wwy1nhmhm88t1ss/Megadrive_32X-Logos_Dan_Ross.zip
It was my pleasure to work directly with DVIZIX and MachoNacho to bring this project to life.
Its ok to DM any questions.
PCBAssembly99
Parts
1. A 3BPv2+ mod chip from zaxour if in stock but a V2 chip is just as good.
2. DC Right Angle Pigtail Plug Cord for Sega Genesis 2, 3, Nomad - console5.com
3. Card Edge Power Connectors 1761468-1 - TE Connectivity - te.com
4. Flexible Flat Cable,150mm 1mm Pitch 20 Pins FPC FFC Flexible Ribbon Cable for LCD TV DVD Player 5Pcs. Amazon.com
5. Everbilt #4-40 x 1-1-4 in. Combo Round Head Zinc Plated Machine Screw (4-Pack) 802981 - The Home Depot.
6. Everbilt 13-16 in. x 5-8 in. Rubber Stopper 867358 - The Home Depot.
7. Genesis 2 - 9pin mini DIN breakout board OSH Park - RetroRGB or MobiusStripTech
8. Sega 32X - Genesis 2 AV Link Cable - Amazon.com
9. Round Top Amber/Orange 1.8mm / 2mm LED - Ultra Bright - Amazon.com
10. Optional Sega Genesis reset button - console5.com
A list of recommend parts online.
The BOM or Bill of Materials.
https://www.mediafire.com/file/tupgzrchjqbmw0l/BOM.zip/file
Tools:
Dremel with a fine sanding tip and cutting blade for working on the top of the shell.
A drill with a bit for the Everbilt #4-40 screw holes that need to be made in the rubber stoppers.
A Sega Genesis 2 - VA3 and VA4 motherboard is required for this guide.
If a VA4 is used Knuckles' Chaotix will not run correctly.
Sega Genesis
1. Install new cartridge connector
2. lay down or move required capacitors
3. move power regulator for models VA0~VA2.2
4. remove cartridge flaps from top of shell.
5. cut top of shell to fit 32x carts.
6. cut top of shell to make room for 32x mainboard.
7. Install 3BPv2 away from the genesis mainboard in the upper left corner of the Genesis case.
Sega 32x
1. strip the 32x. The chrome cartridge slot protector can remain.
2. flip 32x daughter board under main board.
3. remove and lay the coil down on the 32x main board.
4. Cut screws to length. 1.20in
5. Cut Rubber stoppers to height, about 6mm. Just above the edge of the new cartridge connector but not below.
6. Notch the rubber stoppers to make room for the cartridge slot.
7. Drill holes through rubber stoppers to make it easier to thread the screws
8. Attach new ribbon cables.
Prepare and install
a set of AV Link Cables using the 9pin miniDIN breakout boards.
1. Create one that connects the 32x to the DIN on the Genesis. Then solder the breakout to the DIN on the Genesis
2. Create one that connects the 32x to the 3BPv2. Then solder the breakout to the back of the 3BPv2.
Cut an AV Link Cable directly in half. You will have to pin out the colors to match the breakout board signals. If lucky the colors will be the same as the pics.
Be careful the AV Link cable wires are extremely thin and cut easily leading to shorts.
Also the breakout board flips around or reverses the signal wires on the 3BPv2.
Prepare and install a 32x power cable that jumps from the Genesis to the 32x.
A DC Right Angle Pigtail Plug Cord for Sega Genesis works great here but anything you can improvise is also ok.
Putting it all together.
The 32x slides into place and its a bit of a juggle to get the cartridge screws lined up with the Genesis.
The notched rubber pads will rotate making this more difficult.
After that is done connect the Power and AV Link Cables.
I use a couple of nuts on the cartridge screws to hold it all together and test the build from there.
If it all works then put the core into the shell of your choice.
See more here
This is a modular build method that is non-destructive, reversible, easy to repair and troubleshoot.
Infidelity_nes and PCBAssembly99 modular core builders on Twitter
3D Printed Cases for the Sega Neptune by DVIZIX
Sega Neptune Case with a modular Neptune core.
MachoNacho's Professional Video on How-To Build a Neptune Core
DVIZIX - PCBWay Neptune Shells.Cheaper. Many options.
I would stick with the recommended BOM.
https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/The_Neptune_Project_abf52b41.html
DVIZIX - Shapeways Shell and DOOM 32X Resurrection 2.2
https://www.shapeways.com/shops/reface
Sega Neptune Core
Bill of Materials.
https://www.mediafire.com/file/tupgzrchjqbmw0l/BOM.zip/file
32x DecalsUpstate Vinyl:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1563362662/sega-logo-set-vinyl-decals-multiple
DVIZIX aka Dan Ross
Vector Graphics for custom Logo printing
https://www.mediafire.com/file/wwy1nhmhm88t1ss/Megadrive_32X-Logos_Dan_Ross.zip
It was my pleasure to work directly with DVIZIX and MachoNacho to bring this project to life.
Its ok to DM any questions.
PCBAssembly99
Parts
1. A 3BPv2+ mod chip from zaxour if in stock but a V2 chip is just as good.
2. DC Right Angle Pigtail Plug Cord for Sega Genesis 2, 3, Nomad - console5.com
3. Card Edge Power Connectors 1761468-1 - TE Connectivity - te.com
4. Flexible Flat Cable,150mm 1mm Pitch 20 Pins FPC FFC Flexible Ribbon Cable for LCD TV DVD Player 5Pcs. Amazon.com
5. Everbilt #4-40 x 1-1-4 in. Combo Round Head Zinc Plated Machine Screw (4-Pack) 802981 - The Home Depot.
6. Everbilt 13-16 in. x 5-8 in. Rubber Stopper 867358 - The Home Depot.
7. Genesis 2 - 9pin mini DIN breakout board OSH Park - RetroRGB or MobiusStripTech
8. Sega 32X - Genesis 2 AV Link Cable - Amazon.com
9. Round Top Amber/Orange 1.8mm / 2mm LED - Ultra Bright - Amazon.com
10. Optional Sega Genesis reset button - console5.com
A list of recommend parts online.
The BOM or Bill of Materials.
https://www.mediafire.com/file/tupgzrchjqbmw0l/BOM.zip/file
Tools:
Dremel with a fine sanding tip and cutting blade for working on the top of the shell.
A drill with a bit for the Everbilt #4-40 screw holes that need to be made in the rubber stoppers.
A Sega Genesis 2 - VA3 and VA4 motherboard is required for this guide.
If a VA4 is used Knuckles' Chaotix will not run correctly.
Sega Genesis
1. Install new cartridge connector
2. lay down or move required capacitors
3. move power regulator for models VA0~VA2.2
4. remove cartridge flaps from top of shell.
5. cut top of shell to fit 32x carts.
6. cut top of shell to make room for 32x mainboard.
7. Install 3BPv2 away from the genesis mainboard in the upper left corner of the Genesis case.
Sega 32x
1. strip the 32x. The chrome cartridge slot protector can remain.
2. flip 32x daughter board under main board.
3. remove and lay the coil down on the 32x main board.
4. Cut screws to length. 1.20in
5. Cut Rubber stoppers to height, about 6mm. Just above the edge of the new cartridge connector but not below.
6. Notch the rubber stoppers to make room for the cartridge slot.
7. Drill holes through rubber stoppers to make it easier to thread the screws
8. Attach new ribbon cables.
Prepare and install
a set of AV Link Cables using the 9pin miniDIN breakout boards.
1. Create one that connects the 32x to the DIN on the Genesis. Then solder the breakout to the DIN on the Genesis
2. Create one that connects the 32x to the 3BPv2. Then solder the breakout to the back of the 3BPv2.
Cut an AV Link Cable directly in half. You will have to pin out the colors to match the breakout board signals. If lucky the colors will be the same as the pics.
Be careful the AV Link cable wires are extremely thin and cut easily leading to shorts.
Also the breakout board flips around or reverses the signal wires on the 3BPv2.
Prepare and install a 32x power cable that jumps from the Genesis to the 32x.
A DC Right Angle Pigtail Plug Cord for Sega Genesis works great here but anything you can improvise is also ok.
Putting it all together.
The 32x slides into place and its a bit of a juggle to get the cartridge screws lined up with the Genesis.
The notched rubber pads will rotate making this more difficult.
After that is done connect the Power and AV Link Cables.
I use a couple of nuts on the cartridge screws to hold it all together and test the build from there.
If it all works then put the core into the shell of your choice.
See more here
