Genesis 2 outputting B/W

[NamErehWon]

Hey guys, I've got a Genesis 2 that works fine, it just has trouble keeping color in games. It'll sometimes start, or switch to black and white output when playing a game. I tried connecting composite cables to the proper pins, but still have the same problem as with the RF connector. Any possible solutions? If soldering is required that's no problem.

[rbudrick]

So it's not S-video, huh? Well, that rules out a color synch issue with a pin on the cable. Does the screen ever roll on an all black or all white screen?

Strange issue, man. Sorry I'm not much help.

-Rob

[NamErehWon]

Nope, it doesn't go all black or all white. I also noticed that the sound will occasionally cut out as well.

[omnedon]

Try resoldering the contact points on the video encoder chip. If it's a Genesis 1, it's a SONY chip near the AV jack.

[NamErehWon]

Well, I have a Genesis 2, but I should be able to follow the traces to the proper chip.

[omnedon]

Yep. Could be a Samsung then. Big S on the Samsungs.

[NamErehWon]

I tried resoldering the chip, but it didn't fix the problem.

[omnedon]

erm. All of the next steps come dangerously close to not worth fixing territory.

Replacing that video encoder with a good one?

[NamErehWon]

I don't have a replacement chip to try that with. I'll try running my meter over the traces for anything wierd going on when I have some free time next week. If that doesn't work, I'll just find myself a new system.

[goemon]

You're sure it's not the TV, right? I was at a bar the other day and one of the TVs there kept switching to B/W from color. All the other ones had the same show all in color.

[OdSquad64]

i know this may seem painfully obvious, but have you tried cleaning the cartridge connector? it's always good to make sure you start with the easiest solution first. you may also want to try another genesis on your TV, or try your genesis on another TV

[NamErehWon]

I've tried it on other TVs as well as other consoles on the same TV, so I'm pretty sure the problem is with the genesis itself. I'll try cleaning the connector and see if that helps.

Edit:
Hahaha, I'm a dumb schmuck. Cleaning the connector with some cardboard and alcohol did the trick.

[djh82uk]

good man, glad you got it sorted, I hate it when I overlook some of the easy steps until after I have done all the hard stuff.