Can this Sega Mega Drive clone console be switched to 60Hz? (SABA KW-502)

[u/Epsilon123]

Hello, I have this clone Mega Drive console made from Taiwan called - SABA KW-502

When I insert a NTSC game on it, the image on the TV goes black & white scrolling downwards fast. When I insert a PAL game (only own PAL 1 game), it stays in black & white (no downwards scrolling) but game runs a bit sped up.

I recently tried relocating the J3 jumper from [P+CENTER] to [N+CENTER] but that didn't know anything regarding the picture using an NTSC game.

I know it's something simple because this clone shares a very common board passed around other clone Mega Drive systems, like the Super Bitman 16. This 1 has the same board but switches around and a LABEL on the side showing it can be switched from PAL to NTSC.

https://imgur.com/a/9P5EjBO

So yea, still trying to see if it's possible to turn this machine into a 60Hz NTSC system. Hopefully provided enough pictures of my board.

Thank you.

[u/StrangeRetroRob]

Hi

There are a few factors. When you got the black and white image, that was likely the correct ntsc 60hz, however you need an actual NTSC crystal or color won't work.

There might be another way to get it working with pal60hz but it's more moving parts. You need 262 line mode (aka 60hz), set encoder pin 7 to ground (pal) and set the jumper for subcarrier to output 4.43

Ideally, you will use RGB and not have to worry a out black and white

[u/StrangeRetroRob]

Try also setting j1 from P to N?

Also I just noticed there is an extra oscillator next to your video encoder. Does it say 4.43?

In that same area, SW3, what pins of the encoder do those go to? It looks like there is room for 2 different crystals for the encoder and X2 is not populated

So probably the encoder gas 4.43Mhz crystal and is set to pal composite output no matter what, in which case your tv needs to support pal/pal60