Is a NES RF plug compatible with 1st Sega Genesis?

[dalton4life]

I picked up a Genesis for $8 a thrift but it didn't have a RF plug but I tried my NES RF and it stared up but the screen was messed up. I was wondering was it the Genesis or the RF? Thanks.

Edited December 28, 2005 by dalton4life

[Avid Fan]

I've used an NES RF with a 1st model Genny. It worked, but the picture and sound weren't as good as I remember a genny looking, but it was playable

[dalton4life]

OK thanks. I guess this Genny is bad. Win some, lose some.

[JB]

As an attempt to salvage the 8 bucks...

 

I assume you scrubbed the carts and deck first?

In my(admittedly limted) experience, the Genesis has filthier connectors than the NES.

 

Lacking a definition of "messed up", the Genny's cart slot would be the first thing I'd hit.

[Bruce Tomlin]

It should be compatible. The NES and Genesis (and SMS as well, IIRC) all used the same method, which was to apply a DC power signal to the RF output. When the switch got the DC power, it would disconnect the antenna and send the game RF to the television.

 

I've even modded classic systems to support them. The Colecovision is the easiest, since you only need to pop the top of the RF modulator and work with the exposed board. The Intellivision II was tricky because the RF modulator was multi-sectioned, and the final section didn't have power in it, so I had to add a wire for it. The 7800 required me to desolder the entire RF modulator so that I could mod it.

 

If somehow your Genesis is messed up such that it's not providing DC power, maybe that would account for your problems.

[Prodos8]

If you insist on using RF output try one of the inline F-RCA adapters, they'll reduce interference to a miniumum. But, my first choice on this would to use the composite output cable available just about anywhere online.

 

I've purchased several genny's from thrifts and every one has worked so the hardware is probably good your cable maybe suspect though.

[awsomo3000]

I picked up a Genesis for $8 a thrift but it didn't have a RF plug but I tried my NES RF and it stared up but the screen was messed up.  I was wondering was it the Genesis or the RF?  Thanks.

990301[/snapback]

 

I had the xact same problem, It does suck, but I just try to live with it, I dont play my genny mutch anyway

That didnt help you at all did it? Im sorry

[Artlover]

If you insist on using RF output try one of the inline F-RCA adapters, they'll reduce interference to a miniumum. 

Probably want to use that with a DC Block.

 

Now, for some personal comments. I personaly have never really had an issue with switch boxes being any signifigant cause of interference in of themselves. I've always found that it's the really really REALLY cheap RF cable they all used. Not shielded for crap. Just enough to keep signal from leaking out, but not in. Tho switch boxes exaggerate the problem. I prefer to keep the switch boxes and replace the cables with RG-58. Custom cables also allow you to get the length right to match the wavelength. 10.59 foot in the case of RG-58 for channel 3.

[dalton4life]

Thanks for a feedback guys. I know a pawn shop that has 2 big boxes full of various loose plugs and apapters for mostly video game systems. I picked a NES power supply a week ago for $2. I'll give them a try and see what happens.

[JB]

If you insist on using RF output try one of the inline F-RCA adapters, they'll reduce interference to a miniumum. 

Probably want to use that with a DC Block.

Yah. I did it for a while, when I was less knowledgable.

 

Always wondered why the image looked like shit...

[Famicoman]

http://users.erols.com/tiltonj/games/tech/power.html

[Prodos8]

If you insist on using RF output try one of the inline F-RCA adapters, they'll reduce interference to a miniumum. 

Probably want to use that with a DC Block.

 

Now, for some personal comments. I personaly have never really had an issue with switch boxes being any signifigant cause of interference in of themselves. I've always found that it's the really really REALLY cheap RF cable they all used. Not shielded for crap. Just enough to keep signal from leaking out, but not in. Tho switch boxes exaggerate the problem. I prefer to keep the switch boxes and replace the cables with RG-58. Custom cables also allow you to get the length right to match the wavelength. 10.59 foot in the case of RG-58 for channel 3.

990692[/snapback]

 

Ahh...no wonder my RF outpout on the Genny looks like washed out sh*t even while the Atari VCS looks fine using same setup. I guess I'll only use the A/V output for now on or get a proper switchbox. Good point, thanks.