Can someone help me diagnose what is wrong with my Genesis Model 1?

Printable View

03-26-2010, 10:42 PM
gavica

Can someone help me diagnose what is wrong with my Genesis Model 1?

last time I played was a couple of years ago, yesterday I opened it up and cleaned it.
I no longer have the original RF or AC adapter for it, but I used the NES RF and AC to try it out (they are working cause it works well with the NES).

But I get no picture, I have made a video of it and uploaded on youtube to show the problem, hopefully someone can help me out.

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6pUm6WDgKk

Picture of my genesis:

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/4016/img0426ys.jpg

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/4305/img0424w.jpg

Update: from asking in other forums, apparently the problem might have been the ac adapter since it can't use the NES one, but will chaning to a new ac adaptor fix this problem? or did I toast my genesis?
03-26-2010, 11:21 PM
Ace

Ugh... *facepalm*

Using an NES power supply on a Genesis is the most common stupidity I see done by a lot of people. NEVER DO THAT! If you use an NES power supply on anything other than an NES, you will kill whatever you use the NES power supply on. Switch out your power supply by all means, but if you don't get any video, you need to replace some parts on the Genesis, usually some capacitors and the 2 voltage regulators.
03-26-2010, 11:54 PM
Elliotw2

The label there that says "Use 1602 Genesis AC Adapter Only" isn't just to make you buy Sega's adapter
03-27-2010, 05:38 AM
kool kitty89

Weird, some guy on atariage posed a nearly identical question recently.

If you're lucky, you didn't fry it; AC current isn't as damaging as reversed polarity DC tends to be but still isn't good. (in fact, some reported having a genesis work with an NES supply -usually with buzzing or other issues though)

If it was damaged, it might just be a voltage regulator dead, which is fairly easy to replace. (and also tends to need replacing after power surges and such) Worst case is damage to the main chips, which is what happened to a VC I killed with reversed polarity DC... (again, I think AC isn't quite as lethal)
03-27-2010, 07:25 AM
OldSchool

Wow, I feel bad for you, OP.

After you (hopefully fix your Genny), get a Composite cable off Ebay for $5-10 and get better picture.
03-27-2010, 01:27 PM
Rusty Venture

Something is wrong with your Blast Processor.
03-27-2010, 05:20 PM
kool kitty89

Quote:

Originally Posted by kool kitty89

Weird, some guy on atariage posed a nearly identical question recently.

It IS the same guy. ;)
http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic...nesis-model-1/

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldSchool

Wow, I feel bad for you, OP.

After you (hopefully fix your Genny), get a Composite cable off Ebay for $5-10 and get better picture.

Yeah, there's a BIN free shipping posing on ebay for $7.74, not bad; I listed a bunch of suggestions in the other thread including the stereo y-cable.

Personally, I think the thrift store/used/spare AC adapter idea is the most foolproof short of buying an official (working -I've found dead ones) AC adapter. Flipping the polarity is simple enough if necessary as I described in the other thread. (make sure to note the swap with a label though)

If the voltage regulators do end up fired, you might consider replacing them with modern, nonlinear regulators. (much more efficient, lower amperage required, and higher voltage compensating for low amperage)
03-27-2010, 08:35 PM
tz101

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elliotw2

The label there that says "Use 1602 Genesis AC Adapter Only" isn't just to make you buy Sega's adapter

It is not necessary to use only a genuine Sega power adapter, just make sure that it is rated at 9-12V DC output and that the polarity is with the center-negative (critical). Atari Jaguar, Sega CD, Sportcraft, and any of a number of other adapters will do the trick for Genesis model I systems. Main no-no is that the NES electrical adapter outputs AC current which will cook your Genesis from the inside out.
03-27-2010, 09:51 PM
OldSchool

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty Venture

Something is wrong with your Blast Processor.

:p
03-27-2010, 10:45 PM
snakesqzns

Have you tried both RF *and* composite?
03-28-2010, 10:02 PM
Defolto

I say there may be little baby chickens stuck inside...well not really, but dont you dare ever again use an NES power supply on a sega genesis, Don't you know that a genesis does what Nintendon't and for that it needs more power I asume the extra power goes to its awesomeness chip. LOL just kidding.
03-29-2010, 03:42 AM
Rusty Venture

Quote:

Originally Posted by Defolto

I say there may be little baby chickens stuck inside...well not really, but dont you dare ever again use an NES power supply on a sega genesis, Don't you know that a genesis does what Nintendon't and for that it needs more power I asume the extra power goes to its BLAST PROCESSOR.

FIXED
03-29-2010, 04:44 AM
kool kitty89

Quote:

Originally Posted by Defolto

I say there may be little baby chickens stuck inside...well not really, but dont you dare ever again use an NES power supply on a sega genesis, Don't you know that a genesis does what Nintendon't and for that it needs more power .

More power, eh?
http://rlv.zcache.com/binford_tools_...80qjcl_400.jpg

Seriously though, the NES AC adapter actually outputs an extra 100 mA (1.3 A to the Genny's 1.2 A), so 8% more power. ;)

Of course, everyone knows THIS: is the real way of measuring how much POWER a game system has: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxD5sCmhPcw
03-29-2010, 06:16 PM
OldSchool

funny ^
03-29-2010, 07:08 PM
BetaWolf47

I hope that Genesis works. It's so clean and shiny you can see gavica's reflection in it.
03-29-2010, 08:35 PM
Defolto

Quote:

Originally Posted by kool kitty89

More power, eh?

Seriously though, the NES AC adapter actually outputs an extra 100 mA (1.3 A to the Genny's 1.2 A), so 8% more power. ;)

Wait why would an increase in power like that not blow the internal fuse? A sega cd can get it's fuse blown from just being turned on.
03-29-2010, 09:54 PM
Dizzy

Yes, never use another adapter for a different system, also beware when cleaning the internals, since if not done properly you can mess with an electronic part, which ultimately will screw all up, do with care, slow and with the proper tools, also remember as a basic electronic "rule" never use a different kind of adapter unless it is an universal one.
03-29-2010, 10:14 PM
ApolloBoy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Defolto

Wait why would an increase in power like that not blow the internal fuse? A sega cd can get it's fuse blown from just being turned on.

The console just takes as much amperage as it needs, so even if you use a 2.0 A power supply on something meant to take 850 mA, it'll be perfectly fine.
03-29-2010, 10:27 PM
Roussimoff

Well, speaking sincerely here and not being a wiseass at all, why not just get another? The GoodWills and fleas pretty much give them away. (Around here anyhow..) I used to grab them up when I would see them, but who needs two Rubbermade tubs full of Genny decks, eh?

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do...
:)

A.R.
03-29-2010, 11:30 PM
gavica

I managed to get one of those power adapters that are 3 in 1, nes, genesis and something else, and now its working back to norml
03-30-2010, 10:16 AM
Allan

Congrats. :)
03-30-2010, 11:57 AM
BetaWolf47

Quote:

Originally Posted by gavica

I managed to get one of those power adapters that are 3 in 1, nes, genesis and something else, and now its working back to norml

Nice nice. It's still recommended to get an authentic power adapter though. I've heard that 3rd-party ones can cause buzzing on NES games.
03-31-2010, 03:26 AM
kool kitty89

It's all about the amperage ratings, with insufficient current flow, the system will be underpowered.
03-31-2010, 03:30 AM
Dizzy

Quote:

Originally Posted by gavica

I managed to get one of those power adapters that are 3 in 1, nes, genesis and something else, and now its working back to norml

That will do the job, universal adapters are fine and reliable when they are from a non-generic brand and do the job great.:cool:
05-13-2010, 12:24 AM
Dtester

So with the 32X Sega's 16 bit power reaches god like potential?!

Quote:

Originally Posted by kool kitty89

Of course, everyone knows THIS: is the real way of measuring how much POWER a game system has: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxD5sCmhPcw
05-13-2010, 03:48 AM
kool kitty89

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dtester

So with the 32X Sega's 16 bit power reaches god like potential?!

I think systems using multiple power supplies are disqualified. (not sure about ones with internal power supplies) :mrgreen:
05-15-2010, 02:38 AM
Dtester

nah, he uses the genesis and sega cd combined in the video so it's fair game!

It's the Voltron of video gaming!

Quote:

Originally Posted by kool kitty89

I think systems using multiple power supplies are disqualified. (not sure about ones with internal power supplies) :mrgreen: