Sega Megadrive 1/Sega Master System PSU

[schmake]

Hi guys

I picked up a bare bones SMSII and Megadrive 1 from a local charity shop (a bargain at $5 for both). I have modified both AV plugs, but I wasn't keen to pay $AU20 for a PSU from Ebay.

My PSU for my original MD tells me that they require 9V DC (centre negative), 1200mA. I went back to the same charity shop and grabbed 2 random DC transformers that are 10V 500mA and 9V 850mA. I went to the local electric component shop and grabbed some 2.1mm plugs and wired them up to centre pole negative.

Both MD and SMS work fine, but my question is am I doing any damage by not providing the correct amperage (current)?

[izarate]

Although console makers usually mark the power requirements with some room for console powered devices (microphones, add-ons, etc.) I think that the 500mA one is a little bit underpowered. I mean, that was the 2600's power requirement.

With the 850mA maybe not so much since the SNES uses that ammount and I don't think the MD1 would use a lot more. If you aren't experiencing any adverse effects (video output with wavy lines, audio interference, lockups, etc.) then I guess it's fine.

[EnforcerOfJustice]

I was sold an SMS2 with a 9V, 1A SEGA branded PSU. It's been working fine for months. I don't think there's any danger using the PSUs that you bought.

[nebrazca78]

The 500ma adapter is definitely underpowered and may cause overheating leading to failure. You will probably be Ok with the 900ma but it could still overheat.

[schmake]

Thank you everybody for your responses.

I tried the 500mA on the Megadrive and there was some audio interference, so definitely not good. The 500mA still works fine with the SMS II, and the 850mA appears to work fine with the Megadrive... for the moment.

nebrazca78 when you say it will overheat, is that the transformer or the console?

If it is the transformer then I'm not really worried.... I don't want to kill the megadrive however. I may have to look further a field for some transformers