Anyone try language modding their Neo Geo CD?

[ParanoiaDragon]

I found this guide http://www.egameaddiction.com/neogeocd/techdocs/sai/languagemodbysai.html

I would've looked around more for a US system, if I hadn't forgot that it's not like the NGP.  I was thinking I could just set the language to english be done with it   I originally had a US system yeaaaaaars ago, but had to return it since the video would switch back n forth between color & b&w, & the store would only pay for half the cost of repairs IIRC.  So, I got store credit, but I still have a bunch o' games all these years.

Anyways, that's my story.  As for modding the system, I'm personally scared of soldering(not to mention I don't have the tools), but this seems reallllly easy.  What're the chances of me screwing up my system?  I need to borrow the tools(I think my dad may have what I need), & I need some kind of cable, though, I'm not sure where I would get the cable from?

[termis]

It looks pretty easy.  Probably one of the more ideal mods to get you started in to the modding world.  You'll need a simple spst ("on-off") switch (which will have two soldering points the switch) to connect/disconecct JN1 to make it switch between US-JP settings.  The "cable" he indicates will basically be nothing more than 2 wires -- each wire connecting to one of the end points of JN1 then other leading to your switch.

Some other things you might consider -- I don't know too much about the NGCD, so enlighten me...
- Now is there even a reason to consider a EU switch?  If there is, you can add 2 more wires, and have a 3-way ("on-off-on") DPDT switch, which will have 6 soldering points (but 2 points would go unused).  Switching to one end would be US, other end would be EU, and middle would be JP.
- And 50/60Hz switch is another consideration only if you want a EU switch.  And even then, you may still not need it.  But before I get too deep into reasons for even considering it, let me know first if there would be a reason to add a EU position to the region switch.

And the easiest option to consider -- you can just bridge the endpoints of JN1 together with a single piece of wire, and that would just permanently switch your NGCD to a US region system...

[ParanoiaDragon]

From what I know, I can't think of any reason to have an EU mode.  I've never personally ever heard of any Neo Geo having any languages other then Japanese & English, so, I don't know what the point of the EU would be

I just want to switch mine to US only.  It'd be kinda cool to have a switch between US & JP, but, I can't think of any reason I'd want to use the JP mode.  I'm actually used to playing Neo Geo games with no blood.  Grew up playing Metal Slug with water bursting out of the enemies when you kill them, or Samurai Showdown with sweat flashing across the screen

[incrediblehark]

the mod is super easy to perform, I did the on off on 3 way switch and it wasn't any trouble at all, everything's labeled right there for you.

[ccovell]

It's a very easy mod.  To keep the rear panel nice and clean, I installed a small switch very inconspicuously inside the CD compartment, in one of the corners. It's a hell of a lot better than some huge toggle in the back!

[ParanoiaDragon]

I think I'm going to go with Chris Covell's method.  Question Chris, I assume you left a significant amount of wiring inside from the switch to the jumper, so that you wouldn't have any problems opening it up again?  Can I just fold up the extra wiring, or do you suggest a certain place inside to put it so that it has no chance of interfering with anything?

[ccovell]

The CD mechanism is screwed to the top half, so there isn't much danger of the switch wire interfering with the drive or anything.  Just route it near the back of the unit, and it should never cause problems.

I fastened the switch itself to the plastic shell by heating the metal of the switch with a soldering iron, and then pressing it into the plastic to melt it a little bit.  This isn't clean or foolproof, but it worked for me.