Sega Genesis repair

[Oscar]

I have an old Sega Genesis wich I would like to use again, but I don't know why but it doesn't work.

The problem is that when I power it up the screen turns black and all I see are some white lines (kinda like vertical sync), and all I get at the sound output is noise.

At first I thought it was because the connector might have gotten a bit too much dirt over the years, but I cleaned it and still I get no picture or sound.

Oh, and it isn't the RF switch either cause I'm getting the signal from the composite AV output.

Can anyone help me?

Regards,

Oscar

[NFG]

You can try cleaning the cart port but it sounds like your problems may be more severe.  Bad power, perhaps.

[robert ivy]

genesis model 1 or 2?

(model 2 is small.....1 is big and says "16-bit" on it)

[pullthefuses]

I've run into this problem on both model one, and two genesis.  It usualy is one of two things.  
Both of these problems involve the cartridge socket.
1.The cartridge socket needs to be cleaned.  The metal contacts inside the socket over the years has built up oxidation, and is making poor contact.  If you can find an old cleaning cartridge, this might solve the problem.  If you can,t find one... go to radio shack, or other good electronics store, and purchase a "Tape head cleaning kit" (the type that comes with fluid, and foam tipped swabs).  With power disconnected, gently use the swabs to clean the contacts thru the cartridge slot.  DO NOT USE A SPRAY CONTACT CLEANER! It can damage the case, or worse, the cartridge
socket!
2. Over the years of removing/inserting cartridges, the solder connections on the socket have worked loose.  This is a tad more difficult to fix, but not impossible.  First, you will have to tear down your genesis, and remove the board.  It's not hard to find a bad connection. Look at the underside of the board.  If on any of the pins on the cartrige socket you see a tiny crack, of open ring between the pin, and the solder pad, you've probably found your problem.  These cracks can cause an open connection, or a high resistance point to the pin.  
If you know how to solder, using a low wattage (apx 25 watt) iron, and touch up the solder joints
that show damage, or have someone that knows how to solder do it for you.  It also might not be a bad idea to resolder all of the socket connections.  Before you reassemble the consol, Inspect the board thuroghly for any possible shorts/solder flashes across the pins. :lol: