Model 1 with no sound. Again.

[Cloud121]

Is there something up with Model 1 MegaDrives/Genesis' that cause them to stop outputting sound?

I've had to repurchase many of my consoles my father bought me, so I could play them at my mother's. I purchased a Model 1 a few years ago, as my original Model 1 (December 1990. my first game console) was at my father's. It sat dormant for awhile (though I tested it shortly after receiving it. It worked perfect), as I stuck with my slick looking Model 2/CD/32X setup. One day I decided to hook up the Model 1, and I got no sound. Puzzled, I tested all the combinations:

Model 1 via RF
Model 1 via A/V
Model 1 with Model 2 CD via RF
Model 1 with Model 2 CD via A/V
Model 1 with 32X via RF
Model 1 with 32X via A/V
Model 1 with Model 2 CD with 32X via RF
Model 1 with Model 2 CD with 32X via A/V

Got nothing. I tried them on two or three other TVs, and still the same result.

I got another Model 1 later on, and it didn't have any sound from the get-go. Again, tried all the possible combinations on multiple TVs.

My response to all this? "Meh, they're used consoles. The previous owners must not have taken good care of them. If only I had my own personal one from Christmas 1990."

So I finally got it back this past Christmas (I promptly asked my dad for all my gaming stuff that was rightfully mine. That's all I wanted.), and tested it out a week or so later...

No sound! I was absolutely dumbfounded! This was my own personal machine, that I had taken the utmost care of. Sure, it just sat away in my dad's closet (Or wherever he stashed it) for the last four years, but it was just the way I had left it. No dust, dirt or anything. Perfect shape.


So, does anyone know what the deal is with these Model 1's? Why does the audio go out? This actually happened to my old Saturn (that I since traded for a working one) a few years back.

Anyone know where I can send it to get repaired if need be? I know of Old School Gamer, but that's it.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Oh and, while a bit off-topic, anyone know where I can send my NES Top Loader for an A/V mod?

[omnedon]

Is there any constant between these consoles? Are you maybe using an improperly rated AC adapter?

I've seen hundreds of Genesis units, and have not seen audio failure, and you have it twice.

Are you connecting directly to the TV in your tests, or to a system switcher?

[Cloud121]

I'm using the official Sega AC that's used for Model 1's, and both Models of Mega CD.

I've tried both connecting directly to my TV, and through my system selector, same deal.

[ZiLL]

Have you tried using a 1/8" -> RCA cable out of the headphone port?

[DKTheArcadeRat]

I could sell you one that I know is 100% working for $15 with 4 games? Then you wouldn't have the problem?

[djh82uk]

hmm, check the voltage coming out of the adapter, i had one once outputting 18V.

Other than that i would start looking for dry joints or start swapping caps.

DJH

[Cloud121]

I opened it up today and gave it a good cleaning, and tested it again. This time I got sound via RF, but not the A/V cables.

Then I got to thinking... Do the Model 2 Stereo A/V cables not work with the Model 1 via the 32X cable? The transfer/conversion/whatever cable. I remember having a set of Mono A/V cables that came with my 32X that worked fine with my Model 1.

I just bought some Mono cables specifically designed for the Model, so hopefully those will work fine.

I just tested my headphones, and those work great too.

It has to be a compatibility problem with the Model 2 A/V cables.

[Cloud121]

Yep. Turns out it was a compatibility issue. I got the Model 1 specific Mono A/V cables, and they work great. I'm getting audio and everything.