Genesis Internal power mod V2 - powers cd/32x

[goodtofufriday]

Just improving on my original mod. Now it powers the sega cd and 32x. And they both plug into the genesis for power. I also have a 32x video cable modded to just have a composite port. so I've drastically reduced the number of cables needed to run a full gen/cd/32x combo to only 4 cables. Stereo audio, video, power.

I'll eventually throw in a japanese switch.

[evildragon]

So for the power mod, I know how to do that stuff, but care to share how you did it, for the others of the community? I'm certain you likely used the power input line on the Sega CD expansion connector.

[goodtofufriday]

I can post more pictures and such tomorrow.

It's actually simpler than that. It's just an internalized power brick mod, like what people have done with the gamecube bricks and added prongs for the systems to power all three.
The genesis is hardwired to the output of the brick and there is a power port added to the same line to the back of the genesis next to the video port. And the custom cable plugs into that to provide power to the Cd and 32x.
Pretty simply and easy to replicate. And lets you transfer the genesis to any sega cd or 32x.

[FuturePrimitive]

Interesting idea, but what about heat?

[MaxWar]

You mean you just crammed a big AC adapter inside the genesis and you still use the original regulator?

[evildragon]

Doesn't sound like a good idea. I do like outboard psu's for a reason. I'm assuming you're using a switcher? Keep the noise down.

[goodtofufriday]

Heat wise it doesn't get very hot at all. It's a 12v 4.16a brick and stays pretty cool, even though its next to the voltage regulator heatsink (which I'm hoping doesn't cause issues later on). And If it ever becomes a concern its sitting under the "vents" in the genesis, so I can always add a small fan.

I only get noise if nothing is attached to the genesis. Otherwise it's quite.

the port next the din is power in. the singular pin next to video is power out to the cd and 32x.

[evildragon]

Ew, please no more hot glue..

I'm sorry, but that could have been done FAR cleaner than you did there.. Especially the composite video outputs.. I do it all nice and clean on my system.



This could have been done far better. Like what I did, replace the regulator with buck converters (and now an RF choke to keep noise down), and an external switcher. That way the shell is not molested.

[goodtofufriday]

I do admit, its not very clean at all. I was trying to go for a flat look, but obviously didn't turn out great looking. Just functional.
I will be trying a cleaner job next time I get a gen in hand.

I've never used buck converters before, and I'm not sure what you mean by external switcher. Care to explain? I would love to learn more. I'm trying to get very good at this before doing anything to a non-tmss I have.

[evildragon]

Switch mode power supply, instead of a linear one with the big fat ass transformer like the genesis normally comes with.

What you installed, looks like a switcher type PSU.

I just keep it external. I actually use a PSone mini PSU (switcher type), external, and with the buck converters (which allow the lower voltage), I only consume like 5 watts now.

[MaxWar]

No offense meant here but honestly I feel like this is kind of a pointless mod.
I mean, you could use a single external brick and a 3 way splitter and get the same result.

[evildragon]

Yea, or at least mod the Sega CD to put the power in the Genesis. The Genesis has the pins right there on the expansion connector for this, VCC in.

[ApolloBoy]

Is that cardboard around that PSU? Cardboard is a big fire hazard, you could try mounting it in a small project box instead.

[evildragon]

And those capacitors, the wires are a tad too long, and why on wires? This is where point to point wiring would be better.

[goodtofufriday]

it's not cardboard. It's plastic taken out of other dead laptop bricks and folded to fit this one.
The caps were in the way and the psu wouldnt fit if I left them in that spot.
And I have connectors on everything for ease of service later on. its proved a pretty useful method.

No offense taken. I realize it's rather pointless. it was just a project to try an improve my skill and understanding of console modding. I'm a pc technician and wanted to try my hand at consoles.

I think I will try the sega cd method with my model 2 gen. It sounds a lot more interesting and efficient than what I've done.