32x - Issue with graphics from Genesis routed through 32x

[Teh Lurv]

Last week I picked up a 32x unit and matching original A/C adapter to go with my model 1 HDG Genesis. The 32x didn't come with any of the original A/V cords, so I used the make your own DIY 32x cable for Genesis 1 guide on this forum. The DIY patch cable works, however after awhile I noticed a strange issue with the video output.

When the Genesis is hooked up to the 32x (outputting via composite to my HDTV) is turned on cold, the video output looks fine. After about 5-10 minutes of running however, the graphics get a really bad screen wide dot crawl shimmer. This issue only goes away if I turn off the Genesis and let it sit off for about a half hour. This video issue only affects the graphics that come from the Genesis itself, not the 32x. I see this issue only with Genesis games played through the 32x, or with the graphics in 32x games created by the Genesis. Graphics created by the 32x unit itself aren't affected.

Composite outputted by the Genesis itself without the 32x look fine. I also ran the composite out from the Genesis with the 32x attached and the graphics were fine as well. I tested further by remove my DIY patch cord and the 32x AV out cord while the Genesis/32x was running, let them sit for awhile, then plugged them back in. The video issue persisted until I turned off the Genesis and let it go cold.

Since this issue seems to occur 5-10 minutes after a cold boot and doesn't go away unless I let the unit go cold, I'm leaning towards some component inside either the Genesis/32x causing this issue with the Genesis' RGB signal after heating up (though it could still be my DIY cable.)

Anyone see this issue before and/or know how to correct it?

EDIT: When I bought the 32x, the unit needed the white ribbons re-seated before it would work. Other than that, the unit insides were clean and pins/connector in good shape. I gave them a cleaning while fixing the ribbons for completeness sake.

[Stark]

Maybe there's an issue with the connection between the Genesis and the 32X? Like in your cart slot, possibly some part of that slot that really is only used for passing information to the 32X?

[Teh Lurv]

Maybe there's an issue with the connection between the Genesis and the 32X? Like in your cart slot, possibly some part of that slot that really is only used for passing information to the 32X?

I cleaned the slot contacts on the 32X after I bought it and the Genesis was cleaned about a month ago, but that might be possible.

[Hobie-wan]

Just for grins, run it with only the video cable going from the 32X to the TV, or just from the Genesis to the TV and see what you get when warm. You don't get a full picture as one overlays the other on most games, but just curious once warmed up, which shimmers.

[Teh Lurv]

Just for grins, run it with only the video cable going from the 32X to the TV, or just from the Genesis to the TV and see what you get when warm. You don't get a full picture as one overlays the other on most games, but just curious once warmed up, which shimmers.

Hobie-wan, I let the 32x/Genesis warm-up and tried the following combinations:

A/V out from 32x, patch cord connecting Genesis to the 32x: Shimmer issue happens with Genesis games, with the Genesis sprite layer on 32x games.

A/V out from the Genesis: No issues with Genesis games or 32x game Genesis sprite layer

A/V out from the 32x, no patch cord between Genesis and 32x: My HDTV goes in and out of "No Signal". When the TV has a signal, the screen is out of sync and graphics are distorted.

[Hobie-wan]

Dumb question, do you have an old TV to try it on?

[Teh Lurv]

I have an old 13" CRT TV in the kitchen. I set up the Genesis/32x there and ran composite into the TV. I got the same results. The shimmer issue wasn't as noticeable as on the HDTV, but it was there. Running the A/V out through the 32x without the patch cord resulted in a blue "No Signal" screen.

[Hobie-wan]

Hmm ok. I have no new ideas, but perhaps someone else will.

[ApolloBoy]

If it's happening while the system's "warm", it could be bad capacitors in the 32X.

[Teh Lurv]

I'm thinking now the issue is originating from the Genesis. Last night I let the system run until the video issue appeared. I then removed the 32x to let it cool off while the Genesis was running a game by itself. After about an hour, I put the 32x back on and started the Genesis back up again. The video issue was there immediately.

I don't see any video output issues when I'm using a composite out AV cable with the Genesis, so I'm speculating that there is a problem with the RGB output.