Sega Genesis picture problems

[Rika24]

My SEGA Genesis and PS2 are my favorite game systems and i play them a lot, but recently my SEGA has been acting up. When i turn the system on the tv screen just lightens up and there's a buzzing sound or just white noise, or sometimes a black screen with no sound. i've replaced the audio video cord but i still have the same problem. i know it isn't the tv because my N64, PS2, and Gamecube all play just fine.

i played around with it and a bunch of different games and only got the picture to show for 2 minutes with Ecco before picture was lost again and haven't had any luck since.

[flojocabron]

are you using an RF cable or AV cable?

Do you have an original genesis or a genesis 2,3?

There are different cables you may use with them. There's official stuff and third party stuff.

RF cables are generally reliable but the picture quality is lacking. Especially on HDTVs.

Genesis 2 and 3 RF and AV cables have these little tiny pins. Check to see that they aren't missing or bent.

Sometimes its hard to tell if your AV cables are original sega or third party. Since they're just cables and they have no distinguishing logo.

Give us some more info please on your system. We can make a better call once we know what you've got.

[Ghudda]

Something that's probably not directly related but is just an idea, make sure you're using the right power adapter. I've had audio/video issues in the past by accidentally using the incorrect adapter. The Genny seems to be real stubborn about power.

[Ziggy]

Something that's probably not directly related but is just an idea, make sure you're using the right power adapter. I've had audio/video issues in the past by accidentally using the incorrect adapter. The Genny seems to be real stubborn about power.

This. What power adapter are you using?

[Kidpanda]

Another possibility is the AV jack having broken solder joints as well. Check the power supply first and then the AV jack.

[marurun]

Howdy, fellow Clevelander. Which model Genny is this? Have you examined the pins on the A/V cable to make sure none are bent or damaged? Also see if moving the cord around any changes the results. Sometimes a connector somewhere in the cable can become damaged.

[Rika24]

i've got the first model but without the HIGH-DEFINITION words on the top (i think it's the second variation on model 1, not sure if that matters though)

as for the power cord: it says SEGA MODEL: 1602-1. the AV cords i got were used ones from The Exchange. they're the white and yellow version (both of the ones i have look the same).

as for the RF switch, it's the original (and the main connection i used when playing) but it's become temperamental over the years so i don't use it anymore. that's the reason i switched to using the AV cord in the first place.

the type of tv is the older kind (i'd be hesitant to plug any of my old systems into a flat screen)

jiggling the cords didn't work the last time i tried it. i don't have the system in front of me at the moment, so when i go back home i'll check to make sure none of the connectors were damaged.

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.

anyways, so far it doesn't sound like i got the wrong AV cords right? because this was the second one i bought, and neither work. the guy there said it was the right kind but now i'm not sure. they look like this: only yellow and white.

[Ziggy]

Another thing is to make sure the cart slot and all your carts are clean. Whether it is or isn't the problem you're having, you'll want them to be clean anyway. It also wouldn't hurt to rule it out as a problem.

as for the power cord: it says SEGA MODEL: 1602-1.

That's the right one.

http://www.gametrog.com/GAMETROG/How_wh ... -s95j.html

Although it's the correct power adapter, it may still be the problem. Do you have a voltage meter or multimeter?

as for the RF switch, it's the original (and the main connection i used when playing) but it's become temperamental over the years so i don't use it anymore. that's the reason i switched to using the AV cord in the first place.

the type of tv is the older kind (i'd be hesitant to plug any of my old systems into a flat screen)

Do you use anything else on this older TV? I ask that in case it's the TV that's the problem. So, do other things work on this TV?

jiggling the cords didn't work the last time i tried it. i don't have the system in front of me at the moment, so when i go back home i'll check to make sure none of the connectors were damaged.

Jiggling the cables is always a good and simple test, but also jiggle the connector (the part that's plugged into the Genesis). Make sure it's plugged in firmly (it should fit snug and not be loose) and jiggle that in all directions a little.

anyways, so far it doesn't sound like i got the wrong AV cords right? because this was the second one i bought, and neither work. the guy there said it was the right kind but now i'm not sure. they look like this: http://www.amazon.com/Sega-Genesis-Stan ... B002FY0CM0 only yellow and white.

That's the right one.

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.

Yeah, we're awesome around here.

[Rika24]

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.

[Ziggy]

if it were the power adapter would the light on the SEGA still turn on? because mine lights up.

If the power adapter was completely dead, the light would not come on. But there could be something wrong with the power adapter that's causing it to supply too little voltage and/or current, and that could cause problems but have the power-on LED still light.

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.

OK. I always like to get the simplest things out of the way first.


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



^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.