faulty master systems

[qbertandernie]

ive been testing master systems out, trying to find some that work, and it seems i have 5 - all 5 i have - that have the same problem. when i plug them in i get a not-entirely black screen, but no real game image. it seems the same screen on all systems...black with some variation at the top. same on channel 3 or 4, game in or no game in.

any ideas what might be wrong?

i hooked up an NES to the same cords and it worked fine, so its not the cords...

[megasdkirby]

Have you tried AV cords?

And I think this should go to the Restauration area.

[qbertandernie]

nobody is going to look at it if it gets moved...

and why wouldnt all 5 systems work with a functional rf switch?

[Xexyz]

Is the power light turning on? If not, it could be a bad voltage resister (one of the most common problems concerning Master Systems).

[old_skoolin_jim]

I have two Master Systems myself (a model 1 and a model 2), and they both won't turn on. I've tried new AC adapters and that didn't work on any of them, so if it is a voltage resister, is there any easy way to fix it, or am I out 2 power bases?
As for the main issue: from what you've said, it doesn't sound like it's the RF switch that's the problem. I've used NES cords for mine as well without any hassle, so to quote Ned Flanders, "as the tree said to the lumberjack, I'm stumped!"

[qbertandernie]

im getting power to come on, but no picture.

[Agressivadue]

So you're using the RF switch right? What kind? I find it hard to believe they ALL have the same problem unless you got them all from the same place? I feel like you're leaving out some bit of information.

[ApolloBoy]

Are you sure you're using the correct power supply? If you're using an NES power supply on them, I'm surprised you haven't fried any of them yet.

[evildragon]

you know, i got a new samsung hdtv 1080p, and it hates my genesis and mastersystem.. flickering to black "No sync" screen, where my NES and SNES work fine on it...

try another TV, one that is a regular tube TV?