Is it okay to use a 3rd party AC Adapter; set it to 9V or 12V?

[Estil]

As many of you already know, I finally got the chance recently to jump into the Genesis pool. And I purchased a S-video modded Genesis 1 (V6) with the Sega CD 1 and Power Base Convertor (I wish I could get the smaller version but it seems they virtually don't exist). Unfortunately, the guy only had one real AC Adapter (1602-1) and had to send me a 3rd party one.

Obviously I'm using the real AC Adapter for the Genesis. I'd love to go ahead and try out and test my Sega CD 1 (you guys know how hard those front loaders are to come by so I certainly don't want to fry it!!), but I'm concerned about if I should trust the 3rd party AC Adapter. Furthermore, it's one of those "adjustable" ones--should I put in on 9V or 12V?

And yes, I do want to get another real 1602-1 AC Adapter, but is the 3rd party one safe to use in the meantime?

[Jax184]

You'll want to use 9v if you use it at all. Adjustable AC adapters tend to be shoddy and of low current. Meaning you might not be able to get enough power out of it under heavy load, and under light load the voltage might spike too high and blow the fuse. 9V adapters are really common, it shouldn't be hard to find something compatible.

[konio38]

i only have a mega cd model 2 and i use the ac set to 9v and i havent had any problems, but in my mega drive model 1 i cant set it to 9v because if i do the image has static, so it depends on the system. but try with 9v, and if it works you can use it, just dont use 12v.

[db-81]

Edit2: Nevermind don't do it, my info. was wrong. Sorry!

You can use a Genesis 1 supply with a Japanese Super Famicom, that's where my confusion came in, but that doesn't matter here.

Again sorry about my mistake.

[cheaterdragon1]

NEVER USE A NES POWER SUPPLY! You'll kill your sega system.

[LordGeo]

i only have a mega cd model 2 and i use the ac set to 9v and i havent had any problems, but in my mega drive model 1 i cant set it to 9v because if i do the image has static, so it depends on the system. but try with 9v, and if it works you can use it, just dont use 12v.

Thanks for the info; I've had similar issues. I've been using 12v for my CD system for the past few days with no problems so far, but I'll try 9v on my adjustable adapter out tonight. And a Jaguar AC adapter works great for both the Genesis model 1 and Sega CD as well.

My Sega CD itself has been "living on the edge" anyway since I got it: Using a 12v power input and overriding a busted fuse via a metal clip (I do have a new one one the way, though, and a friend can help solder it in). Yeah, it's not safe, but I'm new to the CD unit and I wanted to make sure the unit actually turns on and works, which it does.

[Defolto]

NEVER USE A NES POWER SUPPLY! You'll kill your sega system.

Not entirely, while it may damage the electrical components to a minor extent it is possible to get it to work (with static in the audio/video) depending on the motherboard revision and the capacitors, but I would not recommend it.

[Estil]

So it sounds like I better wait for the real AC Adapter I currently have on order.

[db-81]

So it sounds like I better wait for the real AC Adapter I currently have on order.

Yes, definitely. It's better to wait a few days than regret frying you Sega CD forever.

[CurlyPaul]

You should be alright to use it on 9V supply. Sega hardware doesnt seem too fussy over voltages, the Game Gear states that it needs a 9V supply yet the official GG PSU was rated at 10V.

I understand the risk and its up to you. Could you plug the 3rd party supply into the genesis, and the official one into the CD? Gensisis's are cheaper and easier to replace

[l_oliveira]

Majesco GG (Or SEGA 2nd GEN GG) can be run with a Playstation 2 slim power supply and that's 8.5v

Yes SEGA hardware will work as long the power supply you use ranges from 8v to 13v, IS OF PROPER POLARITY and delivers enough juice (current in milliamperes)

[konio38]

Thanks for the info; I've had similar issues. I've been using 12v for my CD system for the past few days with no problems so far, but I'll try 9v on my adjustable adapter out tonight. And a Jaguar AC adapter works great for both the Genesis model 1 and Sega CD as well.

My Sega CD itself has been "living on the edge" anyway since I got it: Using a 12v power input and overriding a busted fuse via a metal clip (I do have a new one one the way, though, and a friend can help solder it in). Yeah, it's not safe, but I'm new to the CD unit and I wanted to make sure the unit actually turns on and works, which it does.

well if its a model 1 sega cd dont do that, take care of it, those things are rare, and even harder to come by, i still dont have one because i cant aford one, so take care of it, put some time on it, replace the fuse and everything its worth it.

[Estil]

You should be alright to use it on 9V supply. Sega hardware doesnt seem too fussy over voltages, the Game Gear states that it needs a 9V supply yet the official GG PSU was rated at 10V.

I understand the risk and its up to you. Could you plug the 3rd party supply into the genesis, and the official one into the CD? Gensisis's are cheaper and easier to replace

Not this one; this one was custom built: S-video modded, V6 model, and with a blue LED light. In my case it's not quite that simple.

[TmEE]

If you get a too weak brick you'll get a loud humm in sound and probably wavy image. Polarity must be correct. In case of MD1 you'll blow the 7805's, in case of MD2 nothing will happen as its got a diode to protect from reverse polarity supply and in case of MCD the fuse will blow, and/or a green colored transistor.
MCDs that don't turn on even after fuse replacement have that transistor most likely blown.

[CurlyPaul]

Not this one; this one was custom built: S-video modded, V6 model, and with a blue LED light. In my case it's not quite that simple.

Yeah fair enough, wouldnt want to blow that one up