Sega Genesis Bad Controller Ports - Retro Console Restoration

In this video I work on a faulty Sega Genesis Model 2. This console came bare (no cables or accessories) but I already have a Genesis with some of my favorite games and everything I need to test this system out.

The unit is visibly filthy with caked on dirt in all the crevices on the top and bottom shell. When plugged into power, the unit does not power on. I'm testing with a known good power supply, cables and cartridges so the accessories are not suspect. Once taken apart, it is immediately clear the unit has been repaired previously (poorly) and the power connector is not delivering power to the board.

Wiggling the adapter seemed to briefly illuminate the red power LED, so it was a good sign the console would work and this looked to be an easy fix. After cleaning up the previous repair attempt and properly soldering the power connector, the power issues were resolved.

The console still did not work properly however, and a quick test suggested the controller ports were bad. Upon closer inspection the broken solder joints became visible. Thankfully there were no ripped pads or broken traces, and a cleanup and resoldering of the controller pins resolved the gameplay issues.

Anyone that grew up in the 90s gamed on a Sega Genesis at some point. I still have memories of playing the demo unit at Blockbuster and playing hours of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with friends that owned a unit. Even today, a game like Aladdin on the Genesis stands the test of time and promises hours of fun and engaging gameplay. I'm thrilled to have saved this Genesis from the trash pile, and glad to have another working unit in my possession.

🎵 Music
Music: Sappheiros - Vibrant https://soundcloud.com/sappheirosmusic
"Sappheiros - Vibrant" is under a Creative Commons license (CC BY 3.0)
Free Download / Stream: https://soundcloud.com/sappheirosmusic/vibrant

Affiliated links below to some of the tools I use if you'd like to support the channel:

🖥 Composite and S-Video on my Mac
USB Capture Card: https://amzn.to/2YM4TT7
(Catalina 64-bit drivers can be found on the manufacturer's website)

🔧 Toolkit
Screwdriver Set: https://amzn.to/2X7s0Gj
Automatic Wire Stripper: https://amzn.to/30F5TJm

🖌 Soldering Essentials
TS100 Soldering Iron: https://amzn.to/2YIJZUR
No Clean Flux Syringe: https://amzn.to/2NFUZvQ
No Clean Solder: https://amzn.to/2NHEAqQ
Desoldering Braid: https://amzn.to/312Grws

🔍 Soldering Add-ons
Tip Tinner: https://amzn.to/31w2EF4
Helping Hands Soldering Aid: https://amzn.to/3ihgksP
Heat Shrink Tubing: https://amzn.to/31wGq4b
Heat Gun: https://amzn.to/3hsXKgi

🔥 Thermal Compounds
Arctic MX-4 Thermal Paste: https://amzn.to/2Ak2y8w
1.5MM Arctic Thermal Pads: https://amzn.to/2Vv1RQU

Видео Sega Genesis Bad Controller Ports - Retro Console Restoration канала Borderline OCD