This customer sent in a Sega Genesis Model 2 – VA1 for a Triple Bypass Install, Full Recap Service and Full Service Cleaning! They had luckily chosen the Zaxour 3BPV2+ kit which IMO is the best version available and has fantastic documentation for any and all revisions it supports
That said, I have done so many 3BP installs there is really not much to them especially on the Model 2 where you dont have to remove the RF Module and install a whole new din, less wires too since sync, 5V and GND are already all connected at the stock din
Biggest issue on some Model 2 is without the plated holes, removing the large posts without compromising the strength of the DIN can be tricky. I desolder all pins, bent them over flat and reflow so they are smooth and close to the board, so that the 3BP board can be soldered on with enough exposed pins to have a nice secure connection.
On the topside of the board are all the removed audio components (audio wires terminate to old capacitor vias here on the opposite side) and bypass wires. If this service is chosen in conjunction with a recap service, you can save quite a bit of time since many will be removed anyways making the new capacitor installation quicker!
On the upper area you have to wire the RO/BO/GO points to restore composite video and lift some pins on the encoder. All pretty straightforward stuff!
Since this customer also wanted the system recapped, every single one was pulled from the board and the board was given a very thorough cleaning (it can get quite dirty under the cap cans themselves) I then installed all new caps using quality replacements from Console5, except in the audio circuit area mentioned above as those are no longer used with the Triple Bypass.
This shell wasnt super filthy but had a decent amount of dust inside so I fully disassembled, soaked shell and scrubbed then dried overnight. The RF shielding was also wiped down nice and clean and controller ports dusted out.
This console was unfortunately missing one rubber foot on the front but the only spare I had on hand seem to be an aftermarket one that is much shorter and would not make any difference with it rocking (when pushed on). Purely cosmetic though but would be happy to try and help customer track down a full set of replacements if it bothers them enough
Finished off the order with my JRG Stamp Of Approval! I always let these consoles run on the bench as part of testing and then sign off on the work completed once I have confirmed RGB and Composite video are both outputting correctly, audio is working right (stereo) and system is reading carts reliably. I also use this time to hook the system up to the RetroTink and get 4K captures of the new bypassed video which I will share on social media once I have the screenshots extracted!
Another order done 😎