Before I test this out on my hardware, would anyone with more technical knowledge be able to tell me about the following. I have a Sega Genesis model 2, Sega CD model 2, and 32X. I usually just play cartridge games, 32X and Genesis. Is it possible to keep all units connected and only power the 32X and Genesis without harming the connected Sega CD which would have its power unplugged? Even when I do not use these systems, their power adapters are always drawing power. I figure this must wear on the components if they are always hot.
I have the same setup and have run the Genesis/ 32X combo with an unpowered CD attached with no problems.
So there is no grounding issues? I would think the Genesis / Mega Drive tries to talk to the CD attachment on boot.
I just double checked to be sure. I had no problem booting my Everdrive MD cart on my model 2, 32X, and model 2 CD combo with the CD power cable unplugged. Loaded a game just fine for me. reason it works is if the there is a game cart in the console it defaults to that and ignores the CD side of things even when attached. Will ignore it in favor of game cart even with a game disk in the tray. I can confirm all this with video if needed.
There's a pin on the expansion connector that is a direct feed to the megadrive power cable at around 10v. It's possible to make the megacd draw power from here by soldering a single wire in the megacd, eliminating the need for the power cable. This works fine with even an unmodified power supply, its the setup I have at home.
You shouldn't do that. The traces on the PCB of the parts isn't designed to handle that much current. Just talk to Bad_Ad84. He can tell you more. I suggest scraping the solder mask off the top and coating the traces with solder if you plan to keep doing that. And get a better PSU. The original might work for now but it will eventually burn out from the higher amp load on it. I should know having burned up 3 doing this sort of thing. Get one rated for at least 2.5 amps for the Megadrive/ CD combo and 4 amps if you add a 32X to the mix. I have a 4 amp one for my model 2 Genesis, model 2 CD, and 32X setup. I have a triple power jack on it to run all 3 parts without risk of burning traces up by routing it through the expansion and cart connectors. May do the solder work and run it all from the Genesis plug.
