Hooking up a 32X to a Model 1 Genesis...

[Tupin]

I know you have to put in those metal prongs, but do people who sell them on eBay and such actually sell them with it?

[Chickenpuppet]

The spacer for a model 1 genesis and the metal shields are almost never included with a used/loose 32x. Make sure you ask the seller before you buy. I *think* you can get away with hooking up a 32x without the metal shields, but it won't sit right without the spacer. Just as an FYI: if you do get a 32x without the spacer, i have an extra that i would be happy to give to you if you send me a S.A.S.E. Unfortunately, i do not have extras of the metal shields.

[Az]

Metal shields aren't required.

Thought the spacer was for the CDX only?

[j_factor]

The spacer is actually for the Model 2 only, and is completely unnecessary; it basically only exists to make it look nicer. A second version of the spacer for the CDX was prototyped, but never made (you can still hook up a 32x to a CDX without problems). The metal shields are only useful if you are hooking up via RF; if you're using composite or better, they can be safely excluded.

What you do need, however, too hook a 32x to a Model 1 Genesis is a special adapter cable, which came with every 32x when they were new, but they're often missing now. The adapter cable is needed because there's a cable that connects to the Genesis's video out, and the Model 1 has a different video out from the Model 2. The adapter cable plugs into the Model 1 Genesis video out port and has a female plug on the other end in the style of a Model 2 Genesis video out port. You then plug the 32x video cable into that plug. Note that you can also use the adapter cable to use Model 2 style hookups on your Model 1 Genesis (sans 32x) if you were so inclined.

[SpaceHarrier]

When I was a dumb 15 year old kid and got my 32x for Christmas, it took me an hour or so to get it hooked up right (to my model 1).

Now I am a dumb 28 year old kid... I'm just glad I left it all hooked together for these 13 years. I'd never figure it out now. LOL

[Xian042]

I heard Sega didnt get approval from the FCC to hook up the 32X to the CDX in time so they scrapped the adapter. So in other words Sega wasnt allowed to state the 32X was compatible with the CDX, even though it works fine.
Also, since the 32X didnt sit perfectly in the CDX, it poses liability problems.
I believe the little metal cart slot sheilds, and the metal tray that sits between the Genny 1 and SCD were an FCC reqirement as well. Had to do with interfereing signals.

This could all be donkey scat, its just what I heard.

[j_factor]

I heard Sega didnt get approval from the FCC to hook up the 32X to the CDX in time so they scrapped the adapter. So in other words Sega wasnt allowed to state the 32X was compatible with the CDX, even though it works fine.

I've heard that many times. In fact, new 32x's came with a little note saying not to hook it up to a CDX. But, that doesn't necessarily explain why they scrapped the special spacer. The FCC only applies to the US, not the world, and they didn't release that spacer anywhere. I'm thinking the real reason for ditching the spacer was that they simply didn't sell that many CDX systems, so they didn't feel it was worth bothering with.

[Ze_ro]

The spacer is actually for the Model 2 only, and is completely unnecessary; it basically only exists to make it look nicer.
Without the spacer, the 32X won't be as mechanically stable, and if it rocks back and forth, it could cause a loose electrical connection and crash the game. While it's not absolutely necessary, I'd say it's an important piece.

--Zero

[j_factor]

Without the spacer, the 32X won't be as mechanically stable, and if it rocks back and forth, it could cause a loose electrical connection and crash the game. While it's not absolutely necessary, I'd say it's an important piece.

How commonly does that occur? Unless you inadvertently yank the controller, or there's an earthquake, I can't see that being an issue.

[ooXxXoo]

Without the spacer, the 32X system does put a lot of pressure to the Genesis 2 cartridge connector....Not a good thing in the long run....

[j_factor]

You shouldn't be using a Genesis 2 anyway. Model 1, CDX, and X'Eye are the only acceptable Genesis models for keeping up appearances.

[ooXxXoo]

I guess for those that like and have a Genesis 2 system according to you are screwed....Besides, not all X'Eyes systems have the 9 mini pin din A/V connector...I encountered a revision like this myself ...Although, most of them do...

[Ze_ro]

I use a LaserActive for all my Genesis playing anyways... I have to sacrifice 32X support, but that's no big loss.

--Zero

[Tupin]

Wow, I hate to bump a thread, but I just experienced first hand how valuable the Model 1 connector cables are. X_x