Best 3rd Party AC Adapter for Model 1 Genesis?

[thetallguy24]

Hey everyone, first time poster here.

I'm needing a new adapter for my Model 1.

I'd prefer to have the OEM version (1602), but they're getting pretty high on eBay and not easy to find locally where I am.

I've been told Tomee is the best 3rd party version. Anyone else have suggestions?

[Ziggy]

I'm sure there's a decent third party adapter available that's marketed for the model 1 Genesis, but from my experience, all the third party adapters suck. I don't bother with them anymore. Instead, I came up with a little trick that'll work every time. I've been meaning to write up a proper guide for it, but haven't yet.

The trick is to find ANY adapter, and not just limit yourself to ones marketed for one specific console, which will allow you to find more results usually. The USA model 1's power adapter outputs 10v DC 1.2A. Yes, you can go slightly over/under on the specs (I use a 9v 850mA with mine) but it's best to match them exactly. Search eBay for "10v 1.2A" or "10v 1200mA" and see what comes up. Additionally, most thrift stores will have a wall of misc power adapters, so you can always hunt through them too. Best part is, most of the time they'll be pretty cheap (~$5). Look for one that matches the output voltage and current and is a trusted brand name. For example, mine is a Casio. But you'll almost always find ones for old scanners/printers/ect, brands like Sanyo, HP, etc.

The hard part is finding one with the correct specs AND barrel size, this is where the trick comes in. The model 1 adapter's barrel size is 5.5 mm O.D.(Outer Diameter) by 2.1 mm I.D. (Inner Diameter). The polarity is center negative (the outer part of the plug is positive). The polarity image on the plug should look like this:



If you can find an adapter that has the correct output specs AND the correct barrel size and polarity, great. 5.5mm x 2.1mm is actually a REALLY common barrel size. Although sellers don't usually list the size (they don't know it most of the time) and it's really hard to tell from pictures, or even in person (unless your REALLY good).

But the barrel size and polarity can be corrected, so my trick is to just hunt for the correct output specs and worry about the rest later. This allows you more adapters to choose from, making the search a lot easier. Also, most of the time misc adapters will be dirt cheap.

If the barrel size is wrong, there's a few options. If you know how to solder, great. Just get a 5.5mm x 2.1mm plug and solder it onto your new adapter with the correct polarity. If you don't know how to solder, you can get the plug with wire lead already connected, so you just have to splice wires together. Or, adapters are available that will allow you to go from one barrel size to another, but they're not always easy to find (depending what you have to go to/from).

tl;dr - Find any decent brand power adapter with the correct voltage and current specs. If the polarity and/or barrel size isn't correct, then change it to make it work. The most you'll need (if you don't already own) will be a pair of wire strippers and a basic multi meter, both of which can be bought from any local hardware store, auto parts store, Harbor Freight, etc, for ~$20.

edit: typo, added info

[flojocabron]

Ziggy's post is quite good.

While you do this, keep an eye out for original sega plugs. You'll find one when you least expect it.

Memorize what they look like. And when you go game hunting in thrift store and flea markets, go to the walls of plugs or tubs and you'll spot them.

I've been buying them for years this way.

Good luck.

[Ziggy]

While you do this, keep an eye out for original sega plugs. You'll find one when you least expect it.

Memorize what they look like. And when you go game hunting in thrift store and flea markets, go to the walls of plugs or tubs and you'll spot them.

Good point, there's always the chance you can find an actual Sega power adapter. I've found one or two this way as well, mixed in with all the misc power adapters. Those misc power adapters are usually priced really cheap. Like $5 or less cheap. I think I paid 99 cents once for a first party GBC adapter.

[IrishNinja]

yeah Ziggy's post is way more thorough, but...why not a trio? assuming you wanna use any add-ons.

[thetallguy24]

yeah Ziggy's post is way more thorough, but...why not a trio? assuming you wanna use any add-ons.

Where can I get a trio?

[ErdaMelack]

Please specify the V/A details of I/O of your device. Then it would be easy to suggest a better device to you.

[samsonlonghair]

Please specify the V/A details of I/O of your device. Then it would be easy to suggest a better device to you.

That may not be necessary. The power supplies for Model 1 Sega Genesis are well documented.
http://gametrog.com/GAMETROG/How_which_ ... -s95j.html

[davidg4781]

Is it possible to repair an original Genesis Adapter? Mine is cosmetically perfect, but for some reason it will not power the Genesis. I tried a 3rd party one at a retro game store and it seemed to work without any issues.


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[samsonlonghair]

Is it possible to repair an original Genesis Adapter? Mine is cosmetically perfect, but for some reason it will not power the Genesis. I tried a 3rd party one at a retro game store and it seemed to work without any issues.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Possible? It may be possible if you are an electronics engineer. Then again, if you were an electronics engineer, you probably wouldn't need to ask that question.

Remember that faulty electric circuits can pose a fire hazard. For safety's sake, I recommend you dispose of the broken power supply and purchase the replacement from that retro game store.