Sega Genesis Model 1 Sound Problem

[brandman]

Hello everyone. I'd like to go ahead and introduce myself here real quick before moving on as this is my first post on these forums. I've been collecting retro games and consoles on and off for about a year now. I've visited this site many times before mostly just to browse the main site and occasionally the forums to envy various member's game setups. I've thought about joining and being a part of the community for some time now, but this problem went ahead and pushed me to do so. I do intend to participate in the forums after this, so be assured I'm not here for a solution and leaving.

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Anyways, I have a model 1 Sega Genesis with a sound problem. Anytime I try to play on it, it comes up with this obnoxious loud humming sound that nearly overtakes the individual game's sound(s). It is completely unbearable. It isn't as overwhelming if you direct the sound through the headphone jack but it still makes you want to just mute the sound entirely, which sucks for games with memorable soundtracks. Technically, there is also a picture problem, where horizontal bars go from the bottom to the top of the screen, not affecting color, but it's noticeable (hard to explain, sorry)

The problem isn't in televisions as I have tried it on two different CRT's and an HDTV (dem pixels wer skewed). It isn't the input either, not only proved by utilizing the headphone jack, but the fact that I have an official SEGA RF switch and the circular 5 pin to white and yellow cord (3rd party; sorry, I don't know exactly the official name for the thing) and I have tried both cords in the different TV's and received the same result.

The problem I've deducted must be in the system or the AC/DC adapter (3rd party). I get the feeling that it is the AC/DC adapter as the Genesis calls for DC 9V 1.2A while the AC/DC adapter gives DC 9V 850mA, whether or not that's the problem or how that would affect it I'm not sure, when I googled this problem before it said not not use a 3rd party AC/DC adapter, but I'm not sure if that's the problem, and I don't want to put even more money in the system than I already have to find that it doesn't fix the problem.

The other possibility is the console it's self. Now I've cleaned the console already, as before it didn't work period, until I disassembled the system and cleaned it down with this product used usually to clean and prevent rust on firearms, but it worked anyways. Another google search came up with the possibility of the version of the model 1 Sega Genesis I own was when Sega switched sound chip providers that seemed to create a similar issue. Then again, it could just mean I need to go back and clean the system again.

TL;DR: I have a sound problem, that would make one prefer a diarrhea dump of a buffalo on top of one's ear and a minor image problem. The problem is in either the console itself or the AC/DC adapter, idk, I'm cheap, read the whole post and then help me please.

Please help, any help is thanked, I'm sorry for the long post, just trying to provide as much info as I can, and I am grateful for all help.

[Hobie-wan]

Since the adapter isn't providing enough mA, it might be creating the hum under the stress of being asked more than it is really capable of. Se if you can try it with a proper brick whether that's at a friend's or a store that sells retro stuff that you already visit from time to time. If you or someone has a Jaguar, that brick is exactly the same as the Gen 1. If a different/correct brick doesn't help, perhaps there's a dead or dying capacitor in the system. They are often used to smooth out power.

[brandman]

Since the adapter isn't providing enough mA, it might be creating the hum under the stress of being asked more than it is really capable of. Se if you can try it with a proper brick whether that's at a friend's or a store that sells retro stuff that you already visit from time to time.

Sure, I'll see if my local Retro store has an adapter. I get the feeling they might not though but it wouldn't hurt at all to try. I wish that Gorilla Games didn't close down, I know they prob would have it, damn recession...

If you or someone has a Jaguar, that brick is exactly the same as the Gen 1.

Jesus a Jaguar (no pun intended)! That would break the bank! And I don't know of anyone in the area that really collects retro stuff, much less own a Jaguar. But if I ever come across a Jaguars AC/DC adapter, I'll try it out.

If a different/correct brick doesn't help, perhaps there's a dead or dying capacitor in the system. They are often used to smooth out power.

Okay. If that does turn out to be the case, anyone interested in a model 1 Sega Genesis can have mine for scraps.

[flojocabron]

dont know how the retro scene is out there for you.

but get an image of a model 1 genesis from the internet. Or see if the store you going to has one.

They are quite noticable once you know how they look like.

Hit up garage sales, thrift stores and fleamarkets.

I find them every once in a while in old wire/cord buckets.

Also for some reason (at fleamarkets) they end up getting mixed in with old tool/hardware sellers. jumble boxes of cords and wires may lead to good things.

You may get lucky and find a model 2 genesis with the yellow tipped cord. This cord works with the game gear.

good luck.

[marurun]

Honestly, I worry about that power supply. If an official adapter puts out 1.2 amps (1200 milliamps), then the Genesis probably needs it. Starving the system with 850 milliamps is NOT going to be of any short or long-term benefit. Your first move, above any other, is to rectify that problem.

[brandman]

dont know how the retro scene is out there for you.

It's pretty good around here, got a retro store right near my house, there are about 3 flea markets in a 30 mile radius, there are more pawnshops in town than there probably should be, and a few thrift stores that when they do get games, they're usually dirt cheap, even if they are more popular games.

but get an image of a model 1 genesis from the internet. Or see if the store you going to has one.

They are quite noticable once you know how they look like.

Well I own the model, so recognition isn't an issue. Finding a place that will let me test it out is more of an issue.

Hit up garage sales, thrift stores and fleamarkets.

I find them every once in a while in old wire/cord buckets.

Also for some reason (at fleamarkets) they end up getting mixed in with old tool/hardware sellers. jumble boxes of cords and wires may lead to good things.

I'll try my best to find one next time I go retro hunting, I just really despise looking through all those cords and cables.

You may get lucky and find a model 2 genesis with the yellow tipped cord. This cord works with the game gear.

Well. I bought the model 1 and 2 at the same time, and since you just posted that, i went and dug out the model 2's adapter and sure enough it actually did have the yellow tipped cord. Thanks for telling me! Now I just need to get a game gear and stumble across a dreamcast with a bba...

good luck.

Thanks

[brandman]

Honestly, I worry about that power supply. If an official adapter puts out 1.2 amps (1200 milliamps), then the Genesis probably needs it. Starving the system with 850 milliamps is NOT going to be of any short or long-term benefit. Your first move, above any other, is to rectify that problem.

After I looked at the conflicting amp numbers, I can see your reasoning. Regardless of whether that's causing the sound problem or not I need to get a better adapter. I haven't kept the system on for long periods of time or even keep it hooked up for a while, just enough to hear the sound problem and have it bug me and turn the system off, unplug it, and put it up.

EDIT: sorry for the double post, the previous text was too long already.

[brandman]

Well, calling local retro stores, I found out that Gorilla Games has reopened, so I went by their today to test out one of their AC/DC adapters, and it got rid of the buzzing. So problem solved. Thanks to everyone who helped!

[marurun]

Good move. Now I need to get a replacement AC Adapter for my PC Engine.

[SnowKitty]

Well, calling local retro stores, I found out that Gorilla Games has reopened, so I went by their today to test out one of their AC/DC adapters, and it got rid of the buzzing. So problem solved. Thanks to everyone who helped!

if you still have the broken adapter around, open it up and take a look at the filter capacitor inside. ive had a couple of 3 in one (nes/snes/genesis) adapters that would give buzzing in genesis audio. they also caused problems with the snes (powers on but doesnt boot) but oddly enough, worked fine for NES because that system has an internal filter capacitor (and a diode bridge, which explains why you can use any polarity on the adapter without harming it )
i opened them up and sure enough, the capacitors were blown. cheap garbage grade taiwanese caps