View Full Version : SMS Quality Question
Emperor_Jim
01-25-2004, 08:45 AM
Hello, I have been having an issue with my Sega Master System. I have some pictures to show what I have been experiencing. The second picture it's hard to see anything wrong, but I notice it most on the solid colors.
It's really nothing drastic, but I want to know what it is and if there's any way I can fix it. I'm thinking maybe it's interference, but I've tried placing the system in every possible location away from other systems, but I get the same effect. Any help?
omnedon
01-25-2004, 10:41 AM
Are you using RF cables or using AV cables to hook it up?
FABombjoy
01-25-2004, 03:04 PM
If you're referring to the halos or shadows that you see around objects, it's pretty typical of either the CXA1145 RGB chip or Sega's particular implementation of that chip. The Genesis gets that effect pretty badly, also. The effect disappears when modified for S-video.
Emperor_Jim
01-26-2004, 09:27 AM
Are you using RF cables or using AV cables to hook it up?
I'm using RF cables because I don't have the AV cable that the SMS needs. I don't notice any halo effects, but I definitely have the lines/grainy picture. What type of AV cable would I need to get for my system?
omnedon
01-26-2004, 10:24 AM
I have them for $7, and you can get them direct from MCM electronics, but beware the shipping from them. I think you can find the cable on Ebay too. It's the same AV cable the Genesis 1 uses.
That alone, should improve things significantly.
You could also make your own for a few bucks (AV cable, 8 pin Din - about $3 bucks) if you have a soldering iron. But keep reading for a caveat...
http://users.erols.com/tiltonj/games/tech/smsav.html
I picked up an 8-pin-din the other night to make my own AV cable.
Funny thing - the top two pins don't line up with the SMS's port. It's really weird. It looks like a standard 8-pin-din but the top two are "out" farther thatn they should be. I had tried to bend the pins out, but the angle didn't allow the din to be interted far enough in to make contact.
Not too big of a problem if you're only making an AV cable - you can cut them off. But if you ever wanted to make an RGB connector you'd have to find whatever kind of din they use.