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Making a Genesis Model 1 AC to SNES AC

Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2011 3:42 pm
by Vorde
Hey guys,
I have noticed that finding a real 10V 850 mAh SNES AC adapter is getting to either be impossible, or expensive.
All the stores around me sell those 9V adapters which work fine, but they heat up very very high (atleast 75C), and produce lines that go across your screen.

Now the Model 1 Genesis adapter uses the exact same specs but of course not that crazy barrel type ending. I'm wondering if you had a PCB with the ending AC adapter piece for a genesis, and the other end had a cable coming out for the SNES, could you use the same adapter?
I figured you would be able to do this quite easily :)

Lemme know what you guys think. Am I better staying with the crappy 9V or the adapter from a Genesis 1?

Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2011 10:04 pm
by infiniteneslives
Wow I didn't realize a good adapter goes for $15-20 on ebay these days. I've got stock of them I need to ditch now that I realize how valuable they are...

Even still I have a hard time believing your jerry rig contraption will actually end up less than $15. It certainly will be more of a hassle as well. So why not just drop the $15-20?

Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2011 10:37 pm
by Shiru
SNES adapters are AC-AC, Genesis is AC-DC - it would be better to desolder the rectifier board inside the Genesis adapter and connect cable directly to the transormer output.

Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2011 10:45 pm
by infiniteneslives
Shiru wrote:SNES adapters are AC-AC, Genesis is AC-DC - it would be better to desolder the rectifier board inside the Genesis adapter and connect cable directly to the transormer output.
At least in these parts SNES is AC to DC. The NES is AC to AC though.

Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2011 11:05 pm
by Shiru
PAL SNES is AC-AC for sure, probably NTSC is different then.

Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 1:12 am
by Vorde
Oh I see, so this won't work at all huh?
How can you tell if it's AC to DC or what not? Does it say right on the adapter?
Also how do those "Universal" adapters work? (The one that I bought incase I don't find a Nintendo Branded one that's affordable)

Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 1:41 am
by Shiru
It should be labeled on the adapter and on the console as well (at the bottom sticker and next to the power connector). There could be symbols like = (solid and dotted dashes) for DC and ~ for AC instead of letters. You need to use DC adapter for a console that takes DC, and AC (preferably) or DC adapter for a console that takes AC. Other than that, adapter should provide the same or a bit higher voltage (9-12V) and enough current. PAL SNES requires 1.3A (1300 mA), 850 mA is not enough for it and cause the problems with lines across the screen and adapter overheating.

Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 3:10 am
by TmEE
I am using unmodified SMS and MD1 adaptors on my SNES and so far I have not had any problems, but there is one problem which is that SMES has the center pole slightly thicker on the adapter input so not all bricks will fit in.

Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:49 am
by Vorde
TmEE wrote:I am using unmodified SMS and MD1 adaptors on my SNES and so far I have not had any problems, but there is one problem which is that SMES has the center pole slightly thicker on the adapter input so not all bricks will fit in.
Really? I own a Sega Master System and a Genesis Model 1, and I would try these if I knew this wouldn't damage my system.
Keep in mind i'm in Canada which has NTSC.