I am using a powerbase converter on a genesis 1 original model (with ext port) and it doesnt work properly. When the powerbase is inserted and a master system cart is played the screen flips and buzzes. It doesnt happen when regular genesis games are played. If it matters I am using a RF switch for video and a model 1 sega cd is connected to the system. The games that I have are After Burner, Alien Syndrome, Choplifter and Hang on/Astro Warrior. All 4 carts do the same thing. Any idea whats going on? The powerbase converter its self is in flawless physical condition. BTW, Any clue what the EXT Port was used for?
There is nothing really in the converter, all it does is change around the connections for the cart slot to suit sms cartridges. The Genesis, to put it simply has a master system built in as standard. So check that there are no bent pins or dirty contacts on either end of the converter.
As I said the Powerbase effectively has nothing in it. The price and way it was sold by Sega was very misleading, most people think it has sms components inside when it doesn't at all. SMS games use the exact same graphics chip in the console as the Genesis games do, it just selects a different mode. So the video output of sms games in RF or Composite will be just the same as playing Genesis games. Oh and composite is always better than RF.
I looked into the cartridge connector of the power base (where it goes into the genesis) and the only thing that looks slightly strange is one pin all the way on one side is like a half pin, but it is the same on both sides of the board, could this be the pin that puts the genesis in sms mode or is it a defect ? The sms cartridge slot looks fine. BTW, Does it matter that the sega cd isnt plugged into the power? Edit: Disconnected the genesis from the sega cd and tried to use the system without the powerbase or sega cd and it does the same thing so it isnt a problem with the powerbase, It basically like a big line thing in the midle of the screen that buzzes and the screen sometimes flips, any idea what would cause that? Could the rf switch have gone bad? Edit2: RF Unit is fine since it works with my nes. Kinda strange that a sega thing works with a nintendo. The strangely weird solution: I have two original genesis/sega cd type 9v power plugs. The genesis will only properly with one, the other one causes the interference effect mentioned earlier. The other plug powers the sega cd fine though. Both plugs have the exact same power rating and everything, any idea why? Does anyone know what that EXT Port is for?
The EXT port on the Meag Drive (No idea if the Genesis one is the same) is for the Japanese only released modem. yakumo
www.tototek.com sells a converter if you need it. It goes to show that there really is nothing to the power base.
