Seriously, what happened to all of the 32x pass through cables? Were they made to self combust or decompose? I need like three sets of these damn things.
Like all peripheral parts, they were easily lost. Back when the video rental places were dumping their game hardware, many of the 32x units they sold were already missing those cables. Based on dodgy anecdotal evidence, I believe that there are only half as many cables as there are 32x units in circulation. What's worse, you can't really recycle the connectors from a Genesis video cable because not all of the pins are present. Radio Shack used to carry a Playstation 2 controller extension cable that had the same 9-pin mini-DIN connector as the Genesis video port for a quick-release safety feature. One could easily hack together two male connectors via their existing wiring. Sadly, that part's been discontinued and is only sporadically available in actual stores. EDIT: The Radio Shack part number is 26-671 and might still be available online from their liquidator partners. If you're willing to build a cable, you can get connectors easily enough. This is Mouser part 806-KMDA-9P: http://domino.kycon.com/Pub_Eng_Draw/KMDA-9P.pdf MCM Electronics and Frys carry the connector on and off. Good luck.
Tell me about it. I was able to get a 32x for dirt cheap because it lacked the cable. I've seen 9 pin Mini Din cables mentioned on some sega forum for like $15 at some electronics parts dealer. I've also seen $2.50 connectors on some part sites [link, Mini-Din Data Sheet]. EDIT: Ah ha. I didn't read Kendick's post.
I got mine awhile back and I'm not sure if it is original or not. But I bought it off ebay. It looks extremely professional. I don't remember from who but it was on eBay. As mentioned you can go and buy the DIN plug and wire up your own connection. I did that for getting RGB out of my Genesis for my monitor. I certainly do believe that a HUGE number of Video Link cables for the 32X were just lost/binned. It's one of many reasons 32X head units are so cheap. I actually have two 32X units cause I bought the Knuckles 32X game which came with a boxed 32X unit missing power and video ofcourse.
They all went to Telegames! http://www.telegames.co.uk/index.php?cPath=326_117_119&osCsid=e6a718643557a74452e98ab7ac1127e1 Didn't you have a contact who got loadsa stock from Sega Parts?
