Sega CDX issues

[theclaw]

I have never seen any proof that you can't even test a console or handheld just because the wattage is at 60% of the required value. Even if it draws that much juice, the only thing happening would be the power supply getting hot. And of that I am VERY aware.

No. It's subjecting the internal components to less current than designed to operate under.

How this continues to occur I'm at a loss.
CDX adapters directly state what they are, physically molded in ALL CAPS.

[Jmustang1968]

Hmm the seller didnt see you the original ac adapter?

Nope, she didn't have it anymore.

I know the CDX act up, especially when playing SCD games, when using an underpowered ac adapter.

I have never seen any proof that you can't even test a console or handheld just because the wattage is at 60% of the required value. Even if it draws that much juice, the only thing happening would be the power supply getting hot. And of that I am VERY aware.

Not many on here know the inside workings of the cdx because it is very tightly crammed in there.

Unfortunately, those with a service manual are seemingly unwilling to put scans of it online.

Yeah, it doesnt have anything to do with pulling more juice. That would be a voltage issue. This is current we are talking. Amperage is what is available and is how much is flowing. If you dont have enough, and the components use up what is available, then some components in the device are not getting power. This will obviously cause it to not run properly, regardless if it is a temporary test or ongoing usage.

[Hobie-wan]

Whaaaaaaat? I tow my yacht to the docks with my Yugo all the time!

[ScoreAddict]

Whaaaaaaat? I tow my yacht to the docks with my Yugo all the time!

Funny. Fortunately, it's not about Celsius and Fahrenheit or I'd be in REAL trouble...

[ScoreAddict]

Very well.

So today I borrowed me a Multi Mega + power supply from a friend. Since I live in Europe it was the easier alternative.

Multi Mega power supply + my CDx -> problems remain, no difference
Multi Mega with Mega Drive power supply -> cd games work, power supply get's hot though
CDx with a 2 Amp multi-voltage power-supply -> problems remain, no difference
Multi Mega with the same power supply -> works properly


Advice from another forum:

"I've never been in a CDX, a bit too rich for my blood, but if the capacitors are like the ones in the model 1 SCD units they may be bad. I would go ahead a replace them."

Will try that next.

[Jmustang1968]

It could be caps, it could be another internal power supply issue.

Regardless, using something that can only put out so much current is bad on a electronic device. It wont ever pull more current. A psu will get hot by pulling in more voltage. The lower current may cause the system to try to pull more voltage, but that will be bad for both system and psu.

[ScoreAddict]

While owners of Yugos may be doing some moderating, I came across some useful advice... elsewhere.

So, the obvious problem was the Sega CD-BIOS not initialising. Basically waiting for Sega CD-components to report back, which they did not do. Hence a startup-screen but no animation playing, hence a black screen after each reset.

The problem was a corroded pin on the 315-5632, which is one of the two Sega CD's ics. These are located on the lower side of the upper pcb.



Most certainly no connection here.



It's not the greatest paint job, but it did the job.

Sega CD-function is restored and it even works with a 850mA-power supply - for testing.

[Hobie-wan]

Well, glad you found the failure. Just want to keep it happy with proper power so it has plenty of life ahead.

[alexkidd401]

Seriously bro, Use the proper ac adapter. It will eventually damage the system. I've come across 5 CDXs and only 2 have worked out the gate. The 3 that didn't work came with the incorrect power supply.

[Ziggy]

Besides, even with a multi-voltage 2000mA-power supply (with adapter) there's no difference.

I've yet to see a quality "universal" power adapter. My suggestion is to find a quality power adapter with the required specs. Those multi-voltage adapters are nice to keep around for testing things in a pinch, but they shouldn't be used full time IMO. With anything, I always recommend trying to find a good brand name power supply.

There's plenty of examples of using a cheap off-brand power supply, that has the required specs, but still causes problems. Well known examples would be the model 1 Genesis. Everything will WORK, but the audio will be heavily distorted. Or the Famicom, again, everything will work, but you'll get jailbars (or more prominent jailbars).

The problem most people face with trying to find a decent adapter is finding one with the correct specs AND tip/plug size with the correct polarity. If you know how to solder, my trick is to just ignore the tip and find a quality adapter with the correct specs (usually easy to do, just search eBay and local thrift stores). Once you find it, if it doesn't have the correct tip size and/or polarity then just cut it off and solder a new one on.

If the CDX has the same tip/plug that the model 2 Genesis uses, this is the replacement: http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/e ... -ND/408476

Don't quote me on that, I'd have to double check when I get home (there's a few different size EIAJ plugs). But IIRC, that's it. A few years ago, I was able to pick them up in Radio Shack.