Let's Play "What's wrong with Invader's Genesis?"

[InvadErGII]

Hey friends - my Genesis setup is doing something weird and I have no idea what the problem is. I'm hoping the super smart folks here can help me out. First, a few possibly important details:

- It is a model 2 Genesis, with a model 2 Sega CD and a 32X attached.
- Video is connected via RF directly to the TV. A few consoles are daisy chained behind it, though that probably isn't relevant.
- Power is connected to a power strip using a Sega Trio adapter.

As for what's happening, it typically starts out fine, and then after a few minutes the audio and video starts flipping out, like this:



It does this off and on for a few minutes, and then eventually it crashes like so:



It does this with any Genesis, Sega CD, or 32X game. It also consistently does it no matter what's connected to the Genesis - removing the Sega CD and/or 32X doesn't make a difference.

So...what might be to blame here? Power? AV? Is the Genesis just borked?

[mumboking]

Could be bad capacitors, the cause of most issues with old electronics.

[Addicted]

Try the Genesis 2 by itself to narrow down the issue.  Does the same thing happen with AV/Composite out?

The system is easy to take apart. If you take it apart please take pictures. The solder points for the power plug on the Model 2 Genesis systems are notorious for coming loose.

[Shadow Kisuragi]

Initial thought is power.

[Duke.Togo]

Follow the power chain, and check each step. If it happens consistently like this, I'd guess that it is an issue when it heats up (so bad solder joint or part failure). First check power input jack, next check voltage regulator, then inspect capacitors.

[SirPsycho]

A good rule of thumb with electronics is just to always test power first.

If its a bad solder joint it might look perfect, it probably won't, but there's a chance you won't see anything out of the ordinary. Put some liquid flux on it and reflow it anyway, it doesn't hurt it.

[InvadErGII]

So, an update - I think it's the Trio. After some additional testing I've found that at least the Genesis works fine on a first-party AC adapter. Now I need to dig out a Gen 1/Sega CD adapter to test the whole Voltron setup, but that'll hopefully take care of it.

[Addicted]

@InvadErGII: Glad to hear that things are starting to work!

[yZoneFox]

So, an update - I think it's the Trio...

Are those 3-in-1 power adapters known to have issues?

[SirPsycho]

I don't trust them.

[CrossBow]

Haven't used the Trio myself, but I do have and use a modified GC power supply for my model1 genesis, model1 CD, and 32x combo. Never had an issue with it and I've it for nearly a year now with quite a bit of play on the Genesis during that time.

If the Trio is the cause, then at least that is an easy enough fix. But my other suggestion before that was something the RF modulator itself being the possible cause.