RF Generation Message Board

Hey Gang,

So I found this sega genesis mk1 at a thrift store the other day for 4 dollars.  Unfortunately, it didn't have any of the necessary cables.

Not being able to find anyone with a genuine sega dc adapter, I opted for the quick, generic 3-in-1 fix.  The adapter was a little different then the sega one, with an output of 9v 850ma, whereas the sega one has 1.2a.

So, my problem is that when playing this genesis, I get wierd, humming lines, and little to no sound.  Could this be because of the off-kilter power adapter, or would this be a system problem?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!!

What polarity is the adapter set at? With DC-powered devices, you not only have to respect voltage and amperage, but polarity as well. For the model 1 Genesis, you need a power supply with a polarity of tip negative.

The polarity of the adapter is ok.  The only difference is the current.

The adaptor output is way too low. If you're not careful you'll blow the power pack.

^agree

Yup, what James said.

You should be more careful you know, you can't just go and use a random adapter with a console. :o

Gee whiz.
Well, the adapter that I used was one of those generic "NES, SNES, and GENESIS compatable" ones. Obviously not compatable enough.
Thanks guys.  I'm taking this thing back.

If im not mistaken, the ones that are compatible with nes, snes, and genesis, only work with the model 1 genesis. Which model do you have?

That's a good point.

Genesis Model 1 = 10V 1.2A
Genesis Model 2 = 10V 0.85A (850mA)

The model two has a smaller power connector, which is yellow-tipped on the official Sega power pack.


Also, I thought the NES and SNES were AC, while the Genesis is DC. Or does this all-in-one power pack have a switch to change between them?

I have a model 1 genesis.  One of the first-run one with "high definition graphics" hahaha.

The model 1 runs at 9v 1.2a DC, and the model 2 is 10v .85 AC.  The adapter definitely doesn't switch.

It's looking more and more like this thing is a piece of trash hahaha.  But at least now I know that my genesis and the 3 controllers all work, so I guess it wasn't a total waste.  I'm just lucky I didn't fry anything I guess hahaha.

Are you sure about that? My (European) Mega Drives say DC 10V on both of them.

If you want i can check and see if i have an extra power supply.
I believe i packed my extra cables in the car when i moved...

100% sure.

That would be rad.  I'm in canada, though.  I'm not really sure how tough it is getting things over the border these days.

You're wrong. :) Both the Model 1 and Model 2 use DC power adaptors. Obviously it's AC coming out of the wall, but the consoles use DC. The US Nomad uses the same power adaptor as the Genesis 2, which is also the same output as the European Mega Drive 2. That's how I powered my old US Nomad.

If its getting weird lines and other "white noise" issues id look into the R/F cable from the genesis to the tv, because thats sorta like what mines doing and its got a bad r/f cable (just to throw in a different option than power supply)