Recapping Sega Genesis

[Polygon]

I have my original model 1 Genesis that I got back in 91' and it has never been recapped. I've had it apart recently and the caps "looked" fine. Just curious if because of it's age, should I just recap it anyways? Even though it seems to be fine.

[bb_hood]

Its probably not worth the trouble or money. Unless it has alot of sentimental value.
Genesis systems are so cheap, probably cost you more to have caps redone then get a new system.

[FABombjoy]

If it looks and sounds good I probably wouldn't bother. It seems that cap failure in the Genesis presents with the typical degradation of audio / video quality. Sega was buying caps from half a dozen companies, none of which were very good, but I don't think there is a need for preemptive replacement... I haven't (yet) heard of cap failure accompanied by board damage.

[ApolloBoy]

I wouldn't replace caps unless there was something wrong, but I've done Genesis recaps before and in all cases, the systems exhibited audio problems (i.e. scratchy audio, distortion). In some cases I actually found caps that had leaked and caused minor damage to the board.

[FABombjoy]

In some cases I actually found caps that had leaked and caused minor damage to the board.
Ahh, damn. Time to add to my Genesis inspection processes.

[APE992]

Most through holes take more time to leak than surface mounted caps. On a SegaCD or CDX it's best to do it NOW. On a Genesis it can wait but it doesn't hurt to do it preemptively. The attitude of "oh they're so cheap you can get another" is bullshit and will just help create scarcity for no good reason other than treating everything as disposable.

[genesisguy]

A world full of dead Sega Genesis systems doesn't sound like a happy place. I'm yet to have one of mine die on me. But you guys say its ok to hold off on recapping until something isn't working. When do you think we'll enter that time period? I'm 31. Will these still work at 41?

[segafan1989]

I recapped mine because I have the mindset of preventative maintenance. I treat my truck the same way and it has never broken down or left me stranded in 14 years. A little bit of initiative goes a looong way.

[Polygon]

My reasoning is that leaking caps can damage the PCB and traces causing irreparable damage. I'd rather avoid that situation.

[bigbacon]

Would bad caps be the reason for bad color issues?

[8-Bit Archeology]

Go to console5.com/store and buy a cap kit. That is if you intend on doing the sokdering yourself. They have a great setup for refurb kits.

I have cap kits for a lot of my consoles on standby. I always like being prepared. If my turbo express or tg16 go bad I have the caps and dont have to wait for shipping.

Thats just my opinion. If its a concern, buy the parts you need. Then you will be set if something does go out.