Best method to region mod a TG16

[LowRes]

Hey guys,

I'm looking at getting the Obey chip V3, the install looks pretty simple and straight forward, I also like that you don't have to cut any traces on the pcb.  Before I go ahead and order one I thought I would check if there's a newer better method to region mod a system.  Would the Obey v3 be the best way to go?

also interested in opinions on where is the best place to mount the switch.

[Keith Courage]

There are a number of different ways to do a region mod. Most people cut the card slot pins and not the individual traces but it can be done with either method. Which system are you wanting to mod?

Obey chip
CBT3383 Chip
MC14551 Chips
8PDT switch.

mickcris was selling some CBT3383 chips for cheap but I'm not sure if he is doing that anymore.

[LowRes]

There are a number of different ways to do a region mod. Most people cut the card slot pins and not the individual traces but it can be done with either method. Which system are you wanting to mod?

Obey chip
CBT3383 Chip
MC14551 Chips
8PDT switch.

mickcris was selling some CBT3383 chips for cheap but I'm not sure if he is doing that anymore.

I'm looking at region modding my US Turbografx 16.  Was looking at the obey chip v3 which cuts the card slot pins.  Looks fairly easy.  Just wanted to hear what method most people have been using and like.

[mickcris]

if its a tg16, you may want to use this.
https://www.game-tech.us/product/tg-16-region-mod/
its less destructive than cutting the card slot pins

[Keith Courage]

Oddly enough, I've done some mods by cutting the traces and they've all turned out well but they have always taken me much much longer to do. I am just so much faster at doing it the card slot cutting way. Plus when cutting the card slot, if there is an issue from maybe getting a wire mixed up it's easier to track down the mistake. Sure beats having to stare at all those tiny traces to track down a problem.

For the most part I use the CBT3383 Chips for almost every system I mod now. I use 8PDT switches for DUO-R/RX systems just because they mount well to the place a prefer, and every 1 out of 20 times I find a system that works better with the MC14551 chip setup. So I have a few of those on hand just in case.

[LowRes]

Thanks guys for the suggestions.  I went ahead  and ordered the Obey v3, I agree it's easier to fix an issue with the card slot pins instead of an issue with broken traces on the pcb

[mickcris]

Don't 100% agree with that.  If the pins get too hot and pull out the plastic connector, it's almost impossible to fix.  Traces are easy, just run a wire to reconnect 2 points.

[Keith Courage]

I've never had a Hu card slot fail on me due to performing a region mod. But then again I don't heat up the pins forever either. Probably easier to do with the obey 3 chip since the pins have to be so much shorter.