Sega CD Backup RAM Cart

Background

For those who don't know, the Sega CD Backup RAM Cart is a memory card for your Sega CD; it is designed to increase save game storage. The Sega CD console has 125 blocks of internal memory, which is practically nothing. If you play any RPGs, you'll quickly run out of space. If you play Shining Force CD, you'll need all 125 blocks for that one game (meaning you'll have to delete other save files.) Hence, Sega's solution was the Backup RAM Cart. This gave you 2045 blocks of memory to store your save files. Clearly, something had to be done!

Specifications

The db Electronics Backup RAM Cart holds the maximum allowable memory of 8189 blocks (the Sega CD's limit for this memory). This is 4 times the save space allotted by the original Sega Backup RAM Cart and a whopping 65 times the Sega CD internal memory. The Backup RAM Cart contains one low-power CMOS 512K x 8 Static RAM powered by a 3V lithium battery. Removing the battery will cause the memory to lose all data. The battery should last for approximately 5000 days. If you replace the battery while the Backup RAM Cart is connected to a powered console you will not lose your data.

Compatibility

The db Electronics Backup RAM Cart is compatible with any model 1/2 combination of the Megadrive/Genesis or Mega CD/Sega CD. You can use it with a model 1 Genesis and model 2 Sega CD, vice versa and etc... I used to claim that the 32X and Backup RAM Cart were not compatible to due memory mapping issues. Unfortunately I had only reasoned this after receiving an e-mail from a client over the holidays. To the right is a picture showing the 32X and Backup RAM Cart co-existing happily (click on it for a larger view). I have personally tried the following 32X combinations, all with success:

Sega Genesis Model 1 High Definition Graphics + Sega CD Model 1 + 32X MK-84000 (as in the picture)
Sega Genesis Model 1 non-HD + Sega CD Model 1 + 32X MK-84000
Sega Genesis Model 1 non-HD + Sega CD Model 2 ver 2.00 + 32X MK-84000
Sega Genesis Model 2 + Sega Genesis Model 2 ver 2.00 + 32X MK-84000

There are more permutations possible but I gave up trying as it seems every combination produces a successful result. The community of users has tried the following combinations, all with success:

Genesis Model 1 + Sega CD Model 1 or Model 2
Genesis Model 2 + Sega CD Model 1 or Model 2
Megadrive Model 1 + Mega CD Model 1 or Model 2
Megadrive Model 2 + Mega CD Model 1 or Model 2
Sega CDX
Sega CDX + 32X
Sega Multimega
JVC X'eye

It appears as though the Backup RAM Cart is incompatible with the NTSC Dark Wizards game. More to come on this as I do further tests. If you have confirmed the Master System to Genesis Converter works on a system not listed above, or have found a compatibility issue with a certain game, please share this information with the community by posting your findings on our forum.

Form Factor

The db Electronics Sega CD Backup RAM Cart fits inside a standard Sega Genesis cartridge shell without any modifications. Simply take the cartridge shell of a Genesis game you don't appreciate (or are willing to sacrifice) and install the db Electronics Sega CD Backup RAM Cart inside. Note that you will need a 4.5mm game bit to open most Genesis cartridge shells.

Custom Label

Want to print your own label for the Backup RAM Cart? Mokey has created a very good looking label and has generously allowed it to be used by anyone. Just click on the label to the right to download the file and adhere it to your Backup RAM Cart cartridge shell by whatever means suits you best.

Did you create a label for you Sega CD Backup RAM Cart? If so, and if you'd like to share it then send it to us at rene@db-elec.com with your desired sharing screen name and we'll be happy to post it in the Downloads section of the webstite.

Formatting the Backup RAM Cart

In order to format the Backup RAM Cart, you must load a game into the Sega CD. On the power-up screen, press the C button to access the system menu as seen below. The menu screenshots shown to the right are representative of the North American Model 2 Sega CD. On a Model 1

Sega CD select "OPTION" instead of "MEMORY".

Note that the "MEMORY" option will not be available if no game is loaded into the Sega CD. Follow the on-screen instructions to format the Backup RAM Cart. From here, you may also copy save files to and from the Backup RAM Cart.