Problem with 32x

[Moffe]

I have a Mega Drive Model 1 that is 50/60Hz modified.
I've just bought a genesis 32x and I have trouble making it work.
I use a Model 2 rgb cable between my TV and 32x and a Gen1-32x link cable that i bought on ebay.

When I try to take the video signal from the 32x its first black for 10-30 sec then i see parts of the picture in some strange flickering.
This applies to MD and 32x games. Sound works fine.

If I take the video signal from the MD the MD games works perfectly and on the 32x-games you can see backgrounds. Sound works fine.

I guess it could be the link cable or the video out on the 32x. If someone know what the problem could be please get back to me.

If someone have schematic on the Gen1-32x cable i really would like to get it so i can check the cable with a multimeter.

[Scooter]

The problem is more likely inside the 32X itself. Take the case apart and check that all the ribbon cables inside are properly seated. It wouldn't hurt to pull each one out, clean the contacts and reseat the cable.

[Moffe]

Since I bought the 32x of a guy on ebay I just want to rule out all other options before I contact him.
So if somebody could help me with a schematics of the 32x link cable to the Gen1 Genesis/Mega Drive, I'd be really happy.

[lilmul123]

I think this is the closest you'll get to a schematic:

http://www.gamesx.com/avpinouts/genesisav.htm

[kool kitty89]

It sounds liek the 32x isn't getting the Sync signal through that link cable, so either the cable is bad, or the 32x's plug for the link cable is dirty/corroded/damaged (broken solder point probably being the easiest to fix)

Due to the games running fine otherwise, I don't think it has to do with the ribbon cables.

BTW, for a model 1, the best way to get sound is from the headphone jack, it's the only way to get stereo and that includes the 32x iirc as the 32x just passes the mono audio from genesis av port.


Also, you didn't plug the link cable into the 32x AV port by mistake, right?

[NCrouther]

Per our PM conversation, it appears that the patch cable is not the problem. Please elaborate on the tests you have run. (i.e. did you try both gen and 32X games, what cables did you use, how were the region switches set, etc...) I have several ideas, but having more detail would save a lot of time by letting me narrow down my diagnosis.

[kool kitty89]

Well, if not the cable, it could be the sync connection inside the genesis or 32x to the mixing/AV port.
The 32x mixing cable uses the straight, unbuffered CSYNC signal from the AV port right? (doesn't combine CSYNC with composite video like SCART does)

[NCrouther]

The 32x mixing cable uses the straight, unbuffered CSYNC signal from the AV port right?)

correct

[TmEE]

The image coming back later kinda sounds like 32X is not powered right there...

[Moffe]

I'm using a Mega Drive version 1 (PAL) with 50/60Hz and Jpn/Eng Switches put to 60hz, Eng.
The 32x (NTSC) using a power supply and scart cable from a MD2. Both work great on the MD2.
I have tried a different power supply with the same result.

As i said earlier
If I take the video signal from the MD the MD games works perfectly and on the 32x-games you can see backgrounds.

If i connects the link cable and take the video from the 32x sound works trough the video cable but picture just flickering all over.

Here are some examples of the flickering i get. Three pictures from MD game and three from 32x. First one is opening screen. The other two is inside he game.

MD
http://bayimg.com/IALGCAAcl
http://bayimg.com/IaLgeaACl
http://bayimg.com/IAlGFAaCl

32x
http://bayimg.com/gALgnaacL
http://bayimg.com/halGHAaCl
http://bayimg.com/iAlgAaAcL

[Jasper061992]

Strangely I'm having a very similar issue. But it only applies to a few select Mega Drive games. I never made a thread on it because I don't have a currently working camera to snap the problem.

On the title screen for Sonic 1, Space Harrier 2, Golden Axe, the screen becomes unstable, colours start to bleed heavily and starts to flicker on and off in black and white endlessly. It only happens thru the 32x...

[NCrouther]

I agree with kool_kitty89, it does seem like there is a bad connection on the sync signal somewhere. I'd recommend opening it up and inspecting/reflowing the solder joints on both of the mini-din plugs on the 32X. While you have it open, you might as well clean and reseat the ribbon cables to rule that out as a possible problem.

[kool kitty89]

If there are a bunch of random graphics around a black screen at weird angles, it's the sync sgnal. (similar happens with a bad luma connection on S-video or component, albeit then you've got just the chroma signal, so weird dim, twisted flickering colors over a black screen)

[Jasper061992]

If there are a bunch of random graphics around a black screen at weird angles, it's the sync sgnal. (similar happens with a bad luma connection on S-video or component, albeit then you've got just the chroma signal, so weird dim, twisted flickering colors over a black screen)

Does this also apply to what I said above?

[kool kitty89]

Does sonic 2 do it?

Sonic 2 seems to be a bit of a standard for testing sync stability. (for video mods and such)