Sega Cd metal plate question

[vultar]

I found a model 1 Sega Cd at a thrift store about a week ago, but it does not have the metal plate that attached to the bottom of the Genesis with it. It loads up and plays fine, even better than my model 2 I bought back when they were new, but I'm somewhat concerned that the plate might be important to maintaining the long term health of both systems. My guess is that the plate doesn't do anything but help hold the Genesis and the CD together, but I wanted to make sure I'm not hurting either system by not having it. Does anybody know if it's required?

[Graham Mitchell]

I guess it's not required, but it blocks out a lot of interference given off by the unit. When I owned one, if I removed to plate, the TV would get a hell of a lot of static if I had it connected via RF. I could be wrong, and that could be specific to my situation.

The FCC often requires that most machines have similar aluminum plates just to prevent them from interfering with other electronics. All those circuits probably let off a lot of electromagnetic radiation. Can't you tell I took physics at some point? :D

[Wavelflack]

The plate primarily functions as a heat sink, not as a RF shield.

[Bluteg]

The metal plate keeps it from harming the plastic underneath on the Sega CD after long periods of play and at the same keeps it in place on the Sega CD.