Hi All, I dug out my Sega Nomad and a MD 2 power supply, plugged in a MegaDrive game and the unit works (comes out) but the screen is just a constant dark grey screen with evenly spaced black lines. I'm awaiting a game bit to open it, but any tips on where to look (besides doing a full Cap replacement)?
Id reccomend replacing the lcd with something more modern if youre so inclined. There are lots of write ups on it and make playing on the nomad much more enjoyable. The stock screen is pretty crappy and gets very blurry with fastmotion games.
Yes but most modern screens use composite video and don't look as good as one with RGBS. I'd say wait until a RGBS-compatible replacement screen becomes cheaper or modify a composite screen for RGBS input. RGBS looks sharper than Composite video and has proper colors.
Yes, if he was outputting to a TV. A replacement composite screen will still look immensely better than the stock screen. That's even IF the stock screen is using full RGB.
I read somewhere that the screen uses digital video signals. I'm not 100% sure on that though. If it is analog, then it uses RGB. It would still be better to use RGBS as it is a much better quality image. Composite video still looks like crap, even on a small screen. Because it's smaller, you have to really look to see the blurriness and color issues. Once you see it, you can't stop seeing it. The biggest advantage to using RGBS is that no extra circuitry is required to get color in 50Hz mode (60Hz for PAL consoles). This is extremely useful for region mods.
Yes, i know the how and why RGB is better. I use rgb scart cables for all my retro consoles whenever Im able to and I connect these systems to an Xrgb mini or a Sony PVM. I completely understand that RGB is the best option. However, how many screens have you seen that will fit inside a Nomad that also accept rgb without some elaborate mod? Have you played on a Nomad with a stock screen? The screen is so washed outl, that having correct color via analogue is null. How about the ghosting? Good luck enjoying that beautiful correct color in all its blurry mess. Lets talk about the 20yr old screen itself. Its as sharp as a bowling ball. Yes, I know and agree that using RGB would be ideal but adding a modern composite screen is still LEAPS AND BOUNDS an improvement over the stock screen. If small rgb screens that fit inside the Nomad were easy and readily available, Id want to be the first to know. Hell, i went out of my way to put an RGB screen on my home built SNES portable. RGB screens are just not a very accesible for the Nomad. Please, before you suggest something, make sure it is a viable option.
