biggestsonicfan
Professional
This has been on my mind for a very long time. Without modifying an existing Model2b/c ROM board, I wanted something which would allow me to use my custom Sonic the Fighters program ROMs in a quick manner. I wanted ZIF adapters to easily remove and replace the program ROMs without risk of damage, and without having to pull the entire unit out and pretend to gently pull teeth to remove the ROM from the socket.
I recently damaged a pin on my original Sonic the Fighters program ROMs, the authentic Sega ones, and I knew it was time to pull the trigger, regardless of the expense:
I recently damaged a pin on my original Sonic the Fighters program ROMs, the authentic Sega ones, and I knew it was time to pull the trigger, regardless of the expense:
BEHOLD, THE MODEL2 DIP EXTENDER
The Model2 DIP extender is designed to sit snugly into sockets IC15 and IC16 and float the ZIF adapters over the main board. It uses EPROM-like legs on the PCB called Flip-Pins. The Flip-Pins are now discontinued, meaning there will only be three of these adapters ever made.
A VISUAL OF THE FLIP-PINS ON THE PCB
To my surprise after several tests before installation, the adapter worked on the first try with Fighting Vipers (my test Model2b unit). The fit is very snug and requires a pry bar on the non-ZIF side to remove. The pins are about as delicate as a real EPROM, and even moreso if the original soldering failed (oops).
THE M2ZIF INSTALLED ON THE MODEL2B ROM BOARD
So yeah, that's what I've been up to lately. One unit is already claimed, the other (worse) unit is for myself (unless it doesn't work). I probably wouldn't consider selling the third as I'd like to have a backup unit and I can't imagine why anyone else would ever need one of these. I only have enough Flip-Pins for 3 units, else I would be making more. If there's another PCB-to-pin that would fit in the Model2's sockets, I would be more than happy to spin new boards and give it a try, but I wanted something as close to the original as possible.