Need some help with my old 32X

[CFFJR]

Well I've had my 32X since the golden years.

A few years ago, it stopped working, and I never really tried to figure out the problem.

Its been bothering me though, especially since I'd like to actually play the damn thing again, so I'd like to get it working once more. I was wondering if anyone here might have an idea of what's wrong.

Simply put, the system will power on, but doesn't get past the "produced by or under license" screen. Once that screen passes, it simply remains black in the case of 32x games. Genesis games may show a copyright screen or something, depending on the game, and will simply freeze there.

I can rule out these things:

-The Genesis works perfectly. That is NOT the problem.
-Everything is hooked up correctly. I have verified this, just in case.
-The contacts on the "cartridge" part of the system are clean.

So, given this information, has anybody experienced this problem, and do you have any suggestions on how to fix it? I don't really mind buying a new 32X if I must, but I consider that the last resort.

[MentalMan]

It seem's to be a really common problem for the Ribbon cables to come loose. Did you check those? If you dont mind opening it up. Should be an easy fix too, make sure they are properly inserted.

[johnnydoyle123]

It seem's to be a really common problem for the Ribbon cables to come loose. Did you check those? If you dont mind opening it up. Should be an easy fix too, make sure they are properly inserted.

probably the best idea

[Ziggy]

Don't take this in a condescending way, but did you thoroughly clean the pins on the system? Also, what about the pins on the 32x cart(s)? Those will have to be cleaned as well. What method did you use to clean the pins on the system?

It can also be possible that the pins are worn out a little (and by that I mean they're spaced so they don't 'grab' the carts as hard as they use to). When you insert a cart does it feel like it goes in loose, or does it feel like it bites when you insert it?

Sorry if these suggestions seem like obvious 'duh' things, but I like to be firm on ruling things out when I troubleshoot stuff.

[CFFJR]

Well, good news, I got it running again!

When I originally cleaned it, I only did the "cartridge"(the part that actually plugs into the genesis). I did this using cotton swabs.

I opened up the system earlier, and cleaned up the 32x slot itself, using a card wrapped in paper towel to slide in to the slot.

Finally, I checked the ribbons, and while they seemed secure, I removed and reinserted them anyway.

Plugged it in, everything checks out and the system works perfectly again! Awesome.

I'm glad it wasn't anything too drastic. Thanks for the responses guys.

I have a question for you though Ziggy, if you don't mind. The carts do feel a tad loose when inserted in the system. It seems to fit snugly when I actually slot them in, but its possible to "wiggle" them a bit. Is a bit of give like that normal, or do I have a problem coming my way soon?

[Ziggy]

If it works, it works. Don't fix what isn't broken. However, you might not want to leave carts in the slot when you're not using it.

[MentalMan]

Hey CFFJR, do you still have the spacer for your 32x? You know, that odd metal thing you put between the Mega Drive and the 32x so it sits steady. Without it, it wiggles around a lot. At least in the MD2 variant, not sure about MD1.

Other then that, pretty much what ziggy said, if it aint broken dont fix it. And especially agreed on not leaving any cartridges in the system when you turn them off. I always remove any game, even if it looks less cool then

Anyway, glad you got it to work. If you say you have this one since the golden age and cared for it, then theres no way it could be permanently broken. Good old sega stuff is so reliable <3

[Hobie-wan]

Hey CFFJR, do you still have the spacer for your 32x? You know, that odd metal thing you put between the Mega Drive and the 32x so it sits steady. Without it, it wiggles around a lot. At least in the MD2 variant, not sure about MD1.

The plastic spacer for the Model 2 just fills the gap since the case isn't as deep as a model 1. The metal clips mostly just hold the slot open and I think provide extra grounding from interference by touching those metal pads on the 'cart' portion. Neither is particularly important.

[Assman]

Unless you use RF, in which case the clips become practically necessary. Per my experience, when I was still using RF, I dicked around a bit with my 32X trying to lessen the interference, and in doing so, ended up removing the clips in order to gauge the difference in picture quality (intensely BAD/STUPID idea, by the way; I scratched the hell out of the Genny cartridge slot trying to get them out of there). What resulted was a terrible picture, even by RF standards. As it turns out, those clips [can] cut down on a ton of interference.

Then again, nobody uses RF anymore, so it doesn't matter. I just felt like sharing.

[CFFJR]

MentalMan, I lost the spacer years ago as a kid, mostly because I didn't need it. I have a model 1 Genesis, so the 32x fits comfortably.

The wiggle I mentioned is actually the carts when plugged into the 32x. Its not bad or anything. I wasn't planning to mess with it either, I just hope it doesn't develop a problem later on where it wears out and doesn't grip carts the way it should. That's a future thing though, and right now I'm just happy its working again, ha. I've had an itch to play Tempo.

But yeah, I love my Sega stuff. I've had my Genesis for 19 years, and its still kicking like its brand freaking new (the 32x, obviously, has problems, but hey, what do you do).

Good times.