Question RE: CDX AC Adapter

[c0ldb33r]

When I bought my CDX, the seller noted that he had a problem with the AC adapter but had fixed it. When it arrived, I noticed that he spliced together the AC adapter portion of a CDX with the plug portion of another cord. It worked fine, so I wasn't concerned. It's a proper CDX adapter by the way.

Well, recently it stopped working. I think somehow the cord was damaged when we moved a few months ago. I took a try at severing the cords and reconnecting them (solder the cords together and electrical tape them). It doesn't work :(

So, I was going to sacrifice a Genesis 2 AC adapter and attached the cord portion to the CDX AC adapter. Will this work?

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/th_105-1.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/?action=view&current=105-1.jpg)

Also, I went to Radioshack today and they didn't have anything compatible :(

[Jimmy Yakapucci]

When I bought my CDX, the seller noted that he had a problem with the AC adapter but had fixed it. When it arrived, I noticed that he spliced together the AC adapter portion of a CDX with the plug portion of another cord. It worked fine, so I wasn't concerned. It's a proper CDX adapter by the way.

Well, recently it stopped working. I think somehow the cord was damaged when we moved a few months ago. I took a try at severing the cords and reconnecting them (solder the cords together and electrical tape them). It doesn't work :(

So, I was going to sacrifice a Genesis 2 AC adapter and attached the cord portion to the CDX AC adapter. Will this work?

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/th_105-1.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/?action=view&current=105-1.jpg)

Also, I went to Radioshack today and they didn't have anything compatible :(

That is almost what I am using. I have a Gen2 plug spliced to a Canon Bubble Jet printer adapter that has the same ratings as the CDX/X'Eye adapter. You should be fine.

JY

[c0ldb33r]

awesome - thanks for the help :)

I've been trying to find a proper CDX / Xeye AC Adapter on ebay forever, but everyone is selling gen model 2 adapters and saying they're compatible (FOOLS!)

[Jimmy Yakapucci]

Every time I go to a flea market or yard sale I always try to check out the masses of AC adapters laying around to see if any match the specs. I got lucky with the one for the Bubble Jet printer. I did, however, have to change the polarity. The other nice thing is that since I am combining 2 cords into one, I can use as much of each cord as I like and wind up with a very long lead on my adapter.

JY

[Oldskool]

Luckily, I just picked up a CDX adapter from Sparky for a great price. I have been looking for years too.

I still have yet to find one for my X'Eye (although i can swap them I guess).

They both have the same rating and plug.

If you swap the cord from the Genesis 2 (a little soldering required) it should work great. I wouldn't trust cutting and splicing like was done on yours. Just make sure the polarity is correct.

I personally am going to build an X'Eye adapter using a Genesis 1 and 2 AC Adapter. What I am going to do is remove the cord from the Genny 1 adapter, and solder a Genny 2 adapter cord in it's place, with the polarity reversed.

Then it will be 9.5V-10V @ 1.2 amps. Which is pretty close.

I have thought of building one using a Canon AC adapter too. The specs are identical (9.5@1.5)

Now that I have a proper CDX adapter time to test this CDX out (have waited to plug it in until I had the proper adapter)

[c0ldb33r]

Hey guys, update.

I spliced the CDX AC Adapter with a genesis model 2 AC adapter. It didn't work. I plugged it into the CDX and it did nothing. So, I wondered if it was actually the AC Adapter itself. I plugged it into the wall and left it for about 1 1/2 - 2 hours. It didn't get warm at all. So, I think the AC adapter is broken.

I poked around the internet and found that radioshack has a 9V 1.5A AC adapter with a tip that fits just fine. It cost $30 after tax, but I bought it and it works fine :)

Do you think the fact that it is 9V and not 9.5V will damage my CDX? I read a few posts online (and on this forum) indicating that the CDX AC adapter was pretty forgiving with V but not with A (which is why you can't use a .85A Gen 2 adapter).

TLDR; is my 9V 1.5A Radioshack AC Adapter good enough for my CDX?

[ooXxXoo]

If you are able to open the CDX Adapter case, there is a fuse on board, chances are it is blown and it may be the problem...Give it a look...

And yeap, you can replace the cord from there too with a MK-2103 adapter cord, I just did it not long ago..

[Oldskool]

The Radioshack adapter is probably fine for it.

As far as the original AC Adapter, it should get warm plugged into the wall, even if the console is not on. I know mine does. When you say you spliced it, did you replace the entire cable and solder it onto the circuit board? Or did you just splice the wires?

It's not that you CAN'T use a Genesis 2 adapter, you CAN. It's just not recommended.

I prefer my adapters to say Sega on them, that's why I want to build one with a Genny 1 and 2 adapter. I have yet to get a new solder station though, so that project is still in limbo.


Hey guys, update.

I spliced the CDX AC Adapter with a genesis model 2 AC adapter. It didn't work. I plugged it into the CDX and it did nothing. So, I wondered if it was actually the AC Adapter itself. I plugged it into the wall and left it for about 1 1/2 - 2 hours. It didn't get warm at all. So, I think the AC adapter is broken.

I poked around the internet and found that radioshack has a 9V 1.5A AC adapter with a tip that fits just fine. It cost $30 after tax, but I bought it and it works fine :)

Do you think the fact that it is 9V and not 9.5V will damage my CDX? I read a few posts online (and on this forum) indicating that the CDX AC adapter was pretty forgiving with V but not with A (which is why you can't use a .85A Gen 2 adapter).

TLDR; is my 9V 1.5A Radioshack AC Adapter good enough for my CDX?

[c0ldb33r]

Cool. Thanks for the info guys. I cut the two cords, twisted the ends together and soldered. I didn't replace the entire cord, although tht would have been a good idea. Now that I've got a decent replacement, I likely never will try to repair it again.

[Theretrogamingroom]

Man. Those CDX power supplies are hard to find.
There is some printer or something that may work,
but you may need to splice the cable.

[Oldskool]

Those guys have been out of stock for that adapter for what it seems like AGES, at least 5 years. You won't find one there, trust me, I've checked into it.

Also, beware of people on Ebay saying their adapter is for CDX. Usually it's just a Genesis 2 adapter. Same for X'Eye. Don't buy those.

Retrogamingroom - we realize the Model 2 adapter will work, but sacrifice the life of the system. What we were talking about doing is using the Genesis 2 cord on a Genesis 1 AC Adapter, or like he did, swap a Genesis 2 cord onto the CDX adapter - if you read the posts he had a troublesome wire. The Genesis 1 AC Adapter is pretty darn close in specs, although you have to reverse the polarity.

[Oldskool]

Cool. Thanks for the info guys. I cut the two cords, twisted the ends together and soldered. I didn't replace the entire cord, although tht would have been a good idea. Now that I've got a decent replacement, I likely never will try to repair it again.

Next time, for future reference, you are better off replacing the entire cord. Cutting and splicing is not always recommended due to possible degradation of signal quality.

[c0ldb33r]

Next time, for future reference, you are better off replacing the entire cord. Cutting and splicing is not always recommended due to possible degradation of signal quality.
Yeah good idea.

My CDX has been working wonderfully since I plonked down the money for the Radioshack adapter. :D

Is there a market for a broken CDX adapter? probably not huh?

[ooXxXoo]

Is there a market for a broken CDX adapter? probably not huh?

How much?...I can always salvage a few parts :D ..

[electrochip]

This one works perfect for the CDX/X'eye http://cgi.ebay.com/AC-Adapter-Power-Charger-ASUS-700-701-2G-4G-8G-24W-/200419304210?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Laptop_Adapters_Chargers&hash=item2ea9ebe312 You have to trim some of the black plastic from the tip with a razor blade so that it will fit.

[Oldskool]

Wow, 2.5 amps seems like a lot. That's not too much is it?

[electrochip]

The system uses only what it needs, it doesn't matter if the power supply is 20A. The CDX/JVC will only use about ~1A.

[Arasoi]

The region modded X'eye I bought from electrochip works perfectly with that very replacement adapter, which it came with.

[Oldskool]

So a modded Genny 1 AC Adapter should be fully sufficient then.

I noticed there are two Genny 1 AC Adapters. One is a 9V@1.2A (1602), and the other is a 10V@1.2A (1602-3). I never noticed this before until I acquired both of them. Maybe one of them is for Sega CD? They both say for Genesis console on them.

So basically, having a surplus of amperage is ok, because it only uses what it needs, while having too LITTLE is harmful, because it's working harder to pull the amperage that's not there.

X'Eye and CDX owners have had this problem for years now. It's great that we have a thread here full of different ideas on affordable ways to power these great consoles up.

I wonder with the Genesis 1/Genesis 2 hybrid AC Adapter, which of the Genesis 1 adapters would be safer to go with, the 9V or the 10V. Considering that they require 9.5V is it safer to have .5V too little, or too much?

[ooXxXoo]

NO ....The Genesis 1 and Genesis 2, 32X CDX, and others, have different polarity to begin with = accident waiting to happen :shameful: ...

[c0ldb33r]

If you switch the polarities they'd be okay though right?

I mean, that's beyond my skill level, but if someone wanted to do it, they could.

They probably could make a few bucks selling them off too.

[shadowkn55]

I wonder with the Genesis 1/Genesis 2 hybrid AC Adapter, which of the Genesis 1 adapters would be safer to go with, the 9V or the 10V. Considering that they require 9.5V is it safer to have .5V too little, or too much?

The exact voltage doesn't really matter. All the systems have voltage regulators inside them that convert the power supply voltage down to 5V anyway.

[Oldskool]

NO ....The Genesis 1 and Genesis 2, 32X CDX, and others, have different polarity to begin with = accident waiting to happen :shameful: ...

Yes, I know. That was mentioned earlier in the post. It would be as easy as removing the old cord, swapping the Model 2 cord in it's place - but with the two wires soldered into the circuit board opposite the way it was.

[Jimmy Yakapucci]

Next time, for future reference, you are better off replacing the entire cord. Cutting and splicing is not always recommended due to possible degradation of signal quality.

I didn't realize that it was a problem when dealing with 9.5v of DC. For a video or RF cable, sure, but for just DC voltage?

JY

[Oldskool]

It's probably not an issue really, but I personally think it would be more reliable to replace the whole cord.

[Theretrogamingroom]

I am sorry. I didn't understand what you guys were saying.:oops:

[Oldskool]

OK well, my theory did not hold true for some reason.

Today I took a Genesis 1 AC Adapter, and a Genesis 2 AC Adapter. And basically took the cord from the Genesis 2, and soldered it onto the Genesis 1 AC Adapter with the polarity reversed. For some reason it didn't work. I could hear some sort of audio interference on the screen as soon as I plugged the AC Adapter in, even when the console was off. No change turning it on either.

Then I got scared and thought I fried the X'Eye somehow - and plugged my CDX adapter into it and it was fine.

I guess even though the circuitry on the two ac adapters look the same, there is some sort of a difference, what I have no idea.

You'd think it would be happier with 1.2A than 800mA but meh. I am pretty sure the polarity was correct, I didn't pop anything inside the X'Eye.

The + and - are marked on the Genesis 2 circuit board, and the CDX adapter. But on the Genesis 1 it's not marked. So there is a bit of confusion there.

I think I will try round two soon. But this time I am gonna use my multi-meter to test it.

Man what a pain in the ass. That Canon adapter sounds like the best way to go, the specs are perfect, and all you do is shave something down a tad? I guess I'm just trying to be all Macgyver here.

[ooXxXoo]

OK well, my theory did not hold true for some reason.

Today I took a Genesis 1 AC Adapter, and a Genesis 2 AC Adapter. And basically took the cord from the Genesis 2, and soldered it onto the Genesis 1 AC Adapter with the polarity reversed. For some reason it didn't work. I could hear some sort of audio interference on the screen as soon as I plugged the AC Adapter in, even when the console was off. No change turning it on either.

Then I got scared and thought I fried the X'Eye somehow - and plugged my CDX adapter into it and it was fine.

I guess even though the circuitry on the two ac adapters look the same, there is some sort of a difference, what I have no idea.

You'd think it would be happier with 1.2A than 800mA but meh. I am pretty sure the polarity was correct, I didn't pop anything inside the X'Eye.

The + and - are marked on the Genesis 2 circuit board, and the CDX adapter. But on the Genesis 1 it's not marked. So there is a bit of confusion there.

I think I will try round two soon. But this time I am gonna use my multi-meter to test it.

Man what a pain in the ass. That Canon adapter sounds like the best way to go, the specs are perfect, and all you do is shave something down a tad? I guess I'm just trying to be all Macgyver here.


Dude, you just can't do that :roll:




..

[c0ldb33r]

Why not just get the Radioshack adapter like I did?

[Oldskool]

Why not just get the Radioshack adapter like I did?

Just bored, messing around using spare parts that I had no use for, and I just felt like soldering something.

On the plus side, I fixed the Genesis 1 adapter I was trying to use. It had a short/corrosion at the solder joints on the circuit board, after re-soldering it back into place (when I realized my other plan would not work), it works good now.

[SithWarrior]

Why not just get the Radioshack adapter like I did?

Hey can you possible show a picture or give a URL from radioshack because I been searching for a long time to get some ac adapter's for some of my model 1 Sega gen's plus Sega cd that I own, but theres no radioshacks in Canada anymore or at lest in my area so I'm hoping to find that Radioshack adepter it will just have a different packing and name on it.

[dreamcaster]

I recently grabbed a JVC X'Eye off eBay and it works great - unfortunately I have to use a step-down converter to run it here on our 240v outlets - which is annoying because I only have one, and they can be a pain to plug into the wall securely (and I am already using it on my Jap Saturn).

I was planning on getting a universal 9v 1.5A from my local Dick Smith/Tandy - they're pretty cheap and always come with a variety of useful plugs.

My query is that - is it safe to use a 9 volt power supply on my X'Eye despite it requiring 9.5v? Is the .5 volt a big deal? Would I be better off with a 10v power supply?

[Oldskool]

I had wondered the same thing myself, but apparently people have said that it steps it down to 5V eventually anyways. The amps are more important.

[dreamcaster]

Actually I just remembered I had a multimeter in my parts box and I did a test on my X'Eye power supply tip - it's outputting 14.3 volts! So I can probably just get a 12 volt generic power supply and that will be fine.

I did some other checks:

Mega Drive model 1 AC adapter:
Stated 10v
Actual 14v

Master System AC adapter:
Stated 9v
Actual 14v

US SNES AC adapter:
Stated 10v
Actual 18.5v

Mega Drive model 2 AC
Stated 10v
Actual 13v

[FABombjoy]

You need to test them under load, otherwise they will read high (as you've seen).

[Oldskool]

Yup, take the case apart and power it up and test the voltage then, great idea.

[raylydiard]

easy repair theres a 4 amp fuse inside you will need a tool to open the power pack and you will find a fuse tool needed to open the power pack is called a Precision Nut Spinner Set i can get one here for £5
:-D i hope this will help you if you want me to fix pm me and i will help i done one myself this is how i found out:)



When I bought my CDX, the seller noted that he had a problem with the AC adapter but had fixed it. When it arrived, I noticed that he spliced together the AC adapter portion of a CDX with the plug portion of another cord. It worked fine, so I wasn't concerned. It's a proper CDX adapter by the way.

Well, recently it stopped working. I think somehow the cord was damaged when we moved a few months ago. I took a try at severing the cords and reconnecting them (solder the cords together and electrical tape them). It doesn't work :(

So, I was going to sacrifice a Genesis 2 AC adapter and attached the cord portion to the CDX AC adapter. Will this work?

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/th_105-1.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/?action=view&current=105-1.jpg)

Also, I went to Radioshack today and they didn't have anything compatible :(