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History

The Multi Game Doctor 2 was developed in the early '90's by the Hong Kong Based Company "Bung Enterprises". This was the second of a line of backup units/console copiers manufactured under the name "Multi Game Doctor". The first MGD machine was developed to copy and play Famicom, Mega Drive, and PC Engine games using files dumped onto Famicom Disk System disks or 3.5" floppies. The MGD2, on the other hand, proved to be more versatile than its predecessor in the fact that, with the appropriate adaptors, it could backup and play games for six different consoles. Using games dumped onto 3.5" floppy disks, the main unit (pictured above) could upload the files through  adaptors to the Super Famicom (Super Nintendo), Mega Drive (Genesis), PC Engine (Turbografx-16), Game Gear, Gameboy, and Neo Geo systems. This machine revolutionized the gaming industry in that it allowed for "homebrew" games to be programmed by consumers and played on various platforms as well as giving owners of cartridges the option to make backup copies in order to preserve their expensive investments.

The Hardware

The Multi Game Doctor 2 is not only versatile, it is also very stylish. Main Bodies came in three different colors (gray, green-grey, and charcoal) to please even the most fashionable gamer. Memory cards were also available in different varieties, including the standard gray issue as well as multi-colored transparent casings. With the appropriate hardware (and software, in some cases), the MGD2 is capable of over a dozen different functions including backing up game cartridges, playing games from disks, formatting disks, copying files, real time saves of games, etc. There are two basic types of memory utilized by the MGD2 for playing games: SRAM and DRAM. The SRAM system consists of memory cards with battery backups for data retention. The DRAM system, on the other hand, uses memory cards and adaptors that utilize the power of systems for data retention. Anyone who has ever used both systems will probably agree that the SRAM system is much easier to use.

The SRAM System

There are three basic types of components found in the SRAM system: Adaptors (I/O's), Memory Cards, and Link Cables. Data can be transferred to the memory cards in two ways. The first is to simply place the card in the slot on the side of the main body and transfer data directly. The second method involves placing the memory card in the appropriate slot on an I/O and transmitting data using the link cables. There are two type of link cables: Doctor Link and PC Link. Doctor Link plugs into the main body on one end and into the I/O on the other, and acts as a sort of "cord" for sending games using the main body. The PC Link plugs into the parallel port of a IBM Compatible computer on one end and into the I/O on the other, and acts as a "cord" for sending games using the computer. With the PC link, the main body is no longer necessary for sending games. Please click on the link above for pics of SRAM components.

The DRAM System

Like the SRAM system, the DRAM system has Adaptors (I/O's), Memory Cards, and Link Cables. Unlike the SRAM system though, data can only be transferred to the memory cards using link cables. Due to the fact that DRAM memory cards require power of game systems for data retention, direct transfer of data from the main bodies is not possible. On one side of the DRAM I/O's there are two plug-in ports. One port is designed for the power adaptor of the video game system to plug into. The second port, which is right below the power port, looks like a telephone jack and is where the dram link cable plugs in. On the other side of the DRAM I/O's is a cable that looks like the end of an a/c adaptor and plugs into the power port of the video game system. Power runs from the a/c adaptor, through the I/O, and out to the video game system which is how data is retained in the memory card. Also like the SRAM adaptors, you can transfer games using the PC with the PC Link Cable. DRAM memory cards have the capability of storing more than one game at a time. Depending on whether you have an 8, 16, or 32 meg, there are "slots" on the memory card that allow you to load up to four games at a time. You control what "slot" or game you want using a little button founda at the top of the DRAM adaptors. Please click on the link above for pics and more info on DRAM components.

MGD2 Main Body Power Requirements

I do not currently own the original MGD2 power adaptor. I've been told that the power output of the original adaptor was 12 VDC at 1.2 Amps (center polarity negative). However, when I tried an a/c adaptor with this output range, my machine did some very strange things. At the moment, I use an old Sega Genesis a/c adaptor which is rated at 9 VDC at 1.2 Amps. This seems to run everything just fine, so I'm sticking with it. If anyone has the original they would like to part with, please get in touch with me. The MGD2 also has a slot in the back of the main body for a rechargeable Ni-Cad Battery accessory called the Doctor Power.

This particular add-on was developed so that the MGD2 could be used on the run. The main unit functions  as a charger for the Doctor Power battery so that the device can be used more than once.. Here's a pic of the Doctor Power battery under two DRAM memory cards. Ufortunately, this is another item I don't own so the picture is borrowed from another source :-)