Jvc x'eye

[substantial_snake]

Hey, new member here.

I just recently grew fond for my wasted younger years on hours and hours of sega consoles that I decided to jump back in and pick up a few classics.

I found a JVC X'EYE for fairly cheap which seemed to cover most of what I want compatibility wise. The only problem being that it doesn't come with a power supply, cables, or any controllers.

I just have a few questions about the system.

Do any of the sega master system converters work with this system?
(im aware of at least 3 and if any of them do that would be a huge benefit for my retro needs :p)

Are their any good alternatives to the original power supply?

[Parodius Duh!]

a CDx power supply would work, which I guess is easier than finding an X eye supply...really, thats a tough one. What you need is a 9v 1.5a power supply in order for it to work problem free with the X eye.

dont know about the adaptors....search youtube I remember seeing a video of some guy testing the adaptors on various genesis systems and clones...cant remember if that included the X eye or not...

[theclaw]

Sega's rare converter 2 works on cdx. That I can attest.

Not sure about X eye, the one I had was broken so I sold it.

[Dreamstate]

Radio Shack has a 12v 1.5a that works good. The amps are important, while the voltage is only a problem if you don't have enough. Don't let folks try to convince you to use a Genesis 2 or another Power Supply with too low of amps.

[Graham Mitchell]

The SMS Power Base Converter will not work on the X-eye, mainly because it is only designed to fit on a model 1 Genesis. If you're willing to take the Power Base converter apart and shove the guts into the cartridge port, or saw off a significant amount of plastic, it may actually work, but itll be ugly as hell. I'd google or check youtube to see if anybody's come up with a solution to this problem.

Honestly, though, I've learned that the best way to play SMS games is on an actual SMS. Some of the 8-bit games won't work on the Genesis, and a fair amount of them don't like the Genesis controllers. SMS consoles are pretty cheap these days (likely the same price as a power base converter), and composite video cables for them are relatively inexpensive, and easy to find on ebay. I highly recommend going that route.

[todesengel]

Do any of the sega master system converters work with this system?(im aware of at least 3 and if any of them do that would be a huge benefit for my retro needs :p)

Are their any good alternatives to the original power supply?
I'm pretty sure that the Model 2 Power Base Converter works in the X'Eye, only downside is it was only released in Europe/UK and it's kinda pricey. As for power supply's get a Sega CDX power adapter, it's easier and cheaper to find compared to the official JVC adapter. For video cables you can use either a Model 2 Genesis AV cable or just a regular composite cable. Lastly all Genesis controllers work with it so that's the easiest part to get.

[j_factor]

The original Power Base Converter works fine if you cut off the part that hangs down in the back. Tototek also makes one that should work.

[Emperor Megas]

The second iteration of the Power Base Converter works just fine on my JVC X'Eye.

[InsaneDavid]

Radio Shack has a 12v 1.5a that works good. The amps are important, while the voltage is only a problem if you don't have enough. Don't let folks try to convince you to use a Genesis 2 or another Power Supply with too low of amps.

No no no NO NO NO. Voltage needs to be around 9.5v, give or take a half volt. Amperage can be ANYTHING over 1.5A. Circuits draw current, it will only take the amperage it needs. Voltage on the other hand, too little or an excess of will damage your system.


The original Power Base Converter works fine if you cut off the part that hangs down in the back. Tototek also makes one that should work.

Yup, PBC with the casing modded to fit works fine.

[MachineGex]

If anyone finds a place online to order the correct power supply, please let me know or post it here. I want to order the right one and cant find it locally.
Thanks!!!

[ottojello]

Google Sega Parts (now part of Left Coast Games or something) and order the CDX power supply, they are identical.

[todesengel]

Google Sega Parts (now part of Left Coast Games or something) and order the CDX power supply, they are identical.
Left Coast Games doesn't even sell real CDX power supply's. They sell Model 2 Genesis adapters and give out false info that it'll work with the CDX. At least that's what happened when I tried ordering one from them.

[retroman]

just buy one of those multi plugs where u can change the voltage, and switch the heads.

[substantial_snake]

Hey thanks for the info everyone.

I took a look around for universal adapters since it seems like it will be really difficult to find a original.I found a couple on amazon that were suggested on another forum site, any thoughts?

http://www.amazon.com/Sima-SUP-60-Universal-Digital-Camcorder/dp/B0008D5FRC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1293791901&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Sima-Universal-Adapter-Charger-SUP-60LX/dp/B0026VWNGU/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

[gcl1984]

http://www.amazon.com/15-Watt-9V-1-7A-Power-Adapter/dp/B002QHIVGK looks like a better choice

[substantial_snake]

That actually looks like it should work fine.

My only concern is the 15 watt versus the 25 watt input on the original power supply.

I don't know much about power supplies, so would this be a problem?

[substantial_snake]

(sorry, double post)

So far I seem to have found success. :)

Picked up a enercell multiple value power adapter from radio shack. I think that its in good shape so far, the contacts on the cartridge port need to be cleaned but the sega CD portion boots up fine. Ill need to test if it can actually play games but it spun up a music CD and read from it just fine.

Thanks for the help everyone, this thing is in rough shape so im really suprised it even turned on. ;) Ill post up pictures and update if I have any further issues.

[c0ldb33r]

Radio shack makes a compatible ac adapter. Search the tech and restoration forum.

[substantial_snake]

Yeah I found one today and so far it seems to work great.

If anyone else is looking for a compatible JVC X'eye power supply look for the enercell 6-12volt 2.5A power supply works fine with the "C" tip. Just remember to set the tip to positive and the voltage at 9 volts.

[gcl1984]

ouch... 40 bucks

[InsaneDavid]

ouch... 40 bucks

Well, if you look at it as something you'll use later on for other devices, it's a decent investment. Having a universal power adapter for consumer electronics is pretty useful for this hobby.

[drmay]

Some of the 8-bit games won't work on the Genesis, and a fair amount of them don't like the Genesis controllers.

Um... just plug a master system controller into the genesis when using the power base converter and they work fine.

[Graham Mitchell]

Um... just plug a master system controller into the genesis when using the power base converter and they work fine.

Try that with F-16 Fighting Falcon. Black screen.

[InsaneDavid]

Try that with F-16 Fighting Falcon. Black screen.

Yeah, but who would really want to play F-16 Fighting Falcon?

[Graham Mitchell]

Yeah, but who would really want to play F-16 Fighting Falcon?


True :lol:, but it is an example that not all SMS games work on a power base converter.

[InsaneDavid]

True :lol:, but it is an example that not all SMS games work on a power base converter.

True as well.

Anyone looking at the PBC as a serious replacement for an SMS needs to have an SMS controller on hand for the games that don't like the Genesis controller but still work otherwise.

[substantial_snake]

So I have a really weird awesome update.

I found a craigslist seller who wanted to get rid of 14 games for 20 bucks. The add said that the games were in good shape with complete boxes and instructions, only really being interested in the Sonic games I thought I could make the money back easily by selling the ones I don't like, expecting the majority to be in bad shape. Also was interested in picking up a few more cheap games to test out on the X'eye since ive been having issues with it.

The place was about an hour away so talking to the seller on the phone he offers to throw the genesis in as well for free, stating that it doesn't seem to work. I drive up there expecting a bunch of games in bad condition and a broken genesis when the guy hands me the box.

Its filled with every game in well taken care of boxes, each cartridge looks fantastic outside of a little grime here and there and all the ones ive looked at so far have complete instructions.

Then I notice the genesis, its a dusty first generation with a 32X sitting on top of it, along with two correct ac adapters, the genesis 1 to 32X split av plug, RF switcher, SEGA wireless controller hub and two used but clean wireless genesis controllers. The seller tells me that he is not sure if there is a problem with the system but when he turns it on he only gets a blank screen. I thank the guy, hand him his 20 bucks and drive home.

I get home and after playing with the channels for a bit the genesis works perfectly. Then I untangle the rest of the wires and hook up the 32X, plug it in expecting nothing and it works.. perfectly.

My mind has be totally blown by this deal ive just come across. I am now enjoying SEGA again and am loving it. :D

Game List:
Primal Rage
Jungle Srike
Pitfall 32X
Taz-Mania
F-117 Night Storm
Star Wars Arcade 32X
Motocrss Championship 32X
Beavis and Butthead
Sonic 2
Street Fighter 2 Special Championship addition
Ultimate Mortal Combat 3
Sonic Spinball
Sonic and Knuckles
Doom 32X

On a side note I have no idea whats wrong with the X'eye. The CD portionfails to boot at all now and on the three games ive tested go as such.

Urban Strike: Fails to load after "sega of america licensed...."
SuperTank: No Sound
Sonic and Knuckles: No Sound but has massive slowdown using RCA but played fine on AV...?

Ill update this with the more games I test on the X'eye but its starting to look like its simply done. :(

[gcl1984]

True as well.

Anyone looking at the PBC as a serious replacement for an SMS needs to have an SMS controller on hand for the games that don't like the Genesis controller but still work otherwise.

from what i remember Bomber Raid needed a SMS controller on the PBC also