NES help please...

[Vehemont]

I just recently purchased an NES today, but I am sad to say that it does not work. I was going to take it back but by the time I got home and got done trying to get the system to work the store closed. The system does not power up at all when I pulg it into an outlet, but when I plug it into a power strip the red light flashes on an off on the system and the screen flashes between a red and blue color. I suspect it to be the AC adapter malfucntioning but it could also be the system. I am unsure and I decided to post here to see if anyone could give me any help and advice on this situation.

P.S. It would really be helpful if I can get some help as soon as possible, because the longer I keep the console the harder it will be for me to take it back and get a refund if that is even possible.

[evildragon]

Dirty cartridge, or damaged cartridge adapter internally... (the thing that connects the cartridge to the motherboard..

check for bent or dirty pins...

the NES is notorius for this..

[Vehemont]

Uh..... how would I go about doing this?

[evildragon]

Open the door and look inside... Non of the pins should look bent or broken...

[Vehemont]

They do not look bent or broken

[evildragon]

Then keep trying to insert a cartridge, move it around a little while down (like left to right), and try again..

My NES can take 3 minutes before I can even get a game working...

[Vehemont]

Well the system is not powering up at all now........... I do not think it has anything to do with the cartridges, because they are very clean.

[evildragon]

Well the system is not powering up at all now........... I do not think it has anything to do with the cartridges, because they are very clean.
Check your connections.. The AC adapter won't cause the LED to flash.. What DOES cause it to flash is a lose cartridge, OR a cartridge not for that region (or some funky bootleg)...

What does this is the region protection.. Got a multimeter? Check the NES powerbrick voltage.. It should be 9v AC...

If you have another, you can use 9v DC (either polarity, as the NES has an internal rectifier)...

[Vehemont]

I am using the 9v AC adapter that is an official nintendo adapter. The system is doing nothing now, not even flashing. There is no red light at all. The games I have that I am trying to get to work are Dragon Warrior and Super Mario Bros./ Duck Hunt.

[evildragon]

Then CHECK the adapter... Is it producing 9v AC? Use another DC adapter that has 9v.. As I said, since the console normally accepts AC, polarity won't matter for a DC adapter.. I think the Genesis model 1 DC pack will work on the NES (just not vice versa)

[Vehemont]

Like I said before, I am using the 9v AC adapter that was manufactured by Nintendo itself for use with the NES. I am sad to say that I have no other adapters to try.

[evildragon]

I thought you said you had a Genesis.... Isn't it a model 1?

[Vehemont]

No, it is a model 2, in other words I am screwed right?

[evildragon]

Well, look on ANY thing you have, that has a power brick.. It needs to be atleast about 8v-10v, (i hear even 5v working!), and abut 700ma and above...

The Genesis 2 powerbrick has a smaller tip, and I don't think it will fit.. You can try it though..

[Vehemont]

I already have tried to use my genesis 2 adapter but the tip is too small. I am currently looking too find things that are compatible, but I do not own many old systems. I have a Super Nintendo but I am currently waiting to an adapter for that off of ebay.

[evildragon]

It doesn't have to be old, a modern device can have a wall-wart too.. For example, my USB hub is able to power my GameBoy...

[Vehemont]

Well, I found some thing that would make the system work, my stepdads walkie -talkie adapter fits and make the system work fine. I will have to purchase one off of ebay now. Thank you for your help evildragon.

[evildragon]

glad it worked out..

i'll need to see the effects of a underpowered AC adapter is on my NES.. It might be low enough to trip the region check (10NES)

[Vehemont]

Good luck, and thanks again.