Sega Genesis picture problems

[Ghudda]

if it were the power adapter would the light on the SEGA still turn on? because mine lights up. and yeah i use the tv just for all my gaming. i have N64, Gamecube, PS1, and PS2 in addition to my SEGA (i have an NES too that used to be my sister's, but that's in storage at the moment). all of them work with the tv.

The power light could be on, but that doesnt mean that the console is getting sufficient/insufficient power, of which can cause the issues.

One idea is if you have a local retro game store nearby, they would probably let you bring it in and test it on their AV cables/power adapter and that would let you rule out whether or not it's your console or your cables. Though it doesn't sound like it's the AV cables since you've recently purchased them from a reputable seller and have tried with multiple cables. My guess is that it's either a problem with the AV module on the board, or it's with your power adapter. Honestly, though, if you're not in the position to try and repair the board via soldering, etc. , you're probably best off just buying a new genesis, console only (preferably the HD model ) which shouldn't run you more than $20 or so.

When I was experiencing video issues on my genny, which ended up being due to using the wrong power adapter, I took it down to my local game shop, tested it on their AV/Power setup, it ran perfectly fine and they sold me the proper, first party sega Power Adapter right there for less than $10.

[Rika24]

Do you have a multimeter? There's a lot of simple things you can check with one.

http://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-3320-Auto- ... multimeter

^This is a good inexpensive meter. You can find them in Auto Zone and other local stores. If you don't own one, I'd definitely recommend getting one. There's a lot of simple things you can use them for that take away guess work. You don't have to be an electronics wiz.

my dad might have one, i'd have to ask him next time i see him

One idea is if you have a local retro game store nearby, they would probably let you bring it in and test it on their AV cables/power adapter and that would let you rule out whether or not it's your console or your cables. Though it doesn't sound like it's the AV cables since you've recently purchased them from a reputable seller and have tried with multiple cables. My guess is that it's either a problem with the AV module on the board, or it's with your power adapter. Honestly, though, if you're not in the position to try and repair the board via soldering, etc. , you're probably best off just buying a new genesis, console only (preferably the HD model ) which shouldn't run you more than $20 or so.

When I was experiencing video issues on my genny, which ended up being due to using the wrong power adapter, I took it down to my local game shop, tested it on their AV/Power setup, it ran perfectly fine and they sold me the proper, first party sega Power Adapter right there for less than $10.

that was the first thing i tried after the second AV cord didn't help, they told me they couldn't test it unless i was planning on trading it in. the only other retro game store i know of is It's About Games but they wouldn't test it either.

marurun, do you know of any other retro game stores in the Cleveland area (or around there)? i've tried The Exchange, It's About Games, and Buybacks.

as for buying a new one, i don't think i could just give up on this one as it holds memories of playing with my older brother and sister (the SEGA was actually my brother's until he gave it to me). i know it makes me seem weird being attached to it but i am

[Ghudda]

that was the first thing i tried after the second AV cord didn't help, they told me they couldn't test it unless i was planning on trading it in. the only other retro game store i know of is It's About Games but they wouldn't test it either.

That's a real shame. They should still have incentive to test it for you, being that it still gives them the opportunity to sell you any accessories that may need to be replaced or even a new console for that matter. Wish I could give you some better suggestions for stores in your area, but I am very much unfamiliar with Ohio.

as for buying a new one, i don't think i could just give up on this one as it holds memories of playing with my older brother and sister (the SEGA was actually my brother's until he gave it to me). i know it makes me seem weird being attached to it but i am

No, I completely understand. I carry a lot of sentimental value in my gaming stuff as well. As far as further diagnosing the issue, if you're able to open it up and disassemble it yourself (lots of YouTube videos to follow on doing so), you could snap some pictures of the board and see if someone can take a better look. Again, though, it doesnt sound like anythings physically damaged, unless maybe it's something to do with onboard components needing to be replaced, most notably the capacitors, but i've only ever encountered issues outside of the console itself. I'd try and find a few other retro game stores in your area before taking it apart.

[marurun]

I still miss my original TG-CD setup, but I'm slightly over that now that I have a Duo and a Turbo Everdrive ; )

Rika, depends on which side of town you are on. There's a place on Memphis called Video Game Connection. I've never been to their store, but I've bought stuff from them at the Classic Console and Gaming show over the summer that they co-sponsor. On Memphis makes them near west, I think? I'm inner-ring east.

http://www.videogameconnection.com/

They don't have the greatest prices, but they do respond OK to haggling sometimes.

One way to approach this at a new store is to suggest that if they happen to sell something that will make your console work again, it is a guaranteed sale. Because, you know, you want it to work again.

If you strike out, I have a model 2 Genny I'd give up for a song. I got a better model (better sound and video) at the CCAG over the summer. My old one isn't the best looking or sounding, but it plays the games, and it should make a nice backup unit.

[Ziggy]

as for buying a new one, i don't think i could just give up on this one as it holds memories of playing with my older brother and sister (the SEGA was actually my brother's until he gave it to me). i know it makes me seem weird being attached to it but i am

Hey, we all have at least one of those consoles.

After you've gone through all the suggestions in the thread so far, let us know what the outcomes are and then we can go from there.

[samsonlonghair]

I'd like to suggest you connect this Sega Genesis to a different TV set. Even if it's a newer TV set, this will not be ideal for playing, but good enough for testing. Tell us whether or not you experience similar video issues on a different TV set.

thanks for all the fast replies, this isn't the first place i've tried (been trying to get help on this for a couple months) and i never got any replies anywhere else. i kinda wasn't expecting any answers truthfully or i would have waited until i got home to post so i could try your suggestions right away.

Welcome to the best video game forum on the 'net, Rika.

as for buying a new one, i don't think i could just give up on this one as it holds memories of playing with my older brother and sister (the SEGA was actually my brother's until he gave it to me). i know it makes me seem weird being attached to it but i am

No need to feel embarrassed. I get pretty sentimental about my Sega Genesis too. Four years ago, I wrote a story about how my Sega Genesis was my first love. Odd, isn't it?

[Rika24]

i finally managed to take my sega up to the video game connection and they tested it. after they cleaned the games i took up with the system most started working again (except for Animaniacs). the guy there said that it was partially because of the dirty games, but the system itself might be going because you have to push the on slider hard to get it to turn on.

i was playing Lion King today and once i got to the Hakuna Matata level (6th level) it froze at the beginning of it. i reset and played again, but it went to white noise towards the end of the level. not sure now if it's the game or the system.

[marurun]

I still have that spare Genesis.

[Rika24]

thanks, but i'll be sticking with mine until it goes.