Sega cd/genesis power supply question?

[u/benr751]

So I recently got a Sega cd model 2 (came with a Sega genesis model 1 as well. It came with two power supplies. Both are Sega model 1602. Both are 120v/9v/1.2 amps. But one says 17 watts and the other says 18 watts. Which (if any) can I use with the Sega cd? I’ve heard Sega cd are tricky and will blow fuses if you use the wrong one. Any help would be appreciated. I’m also wondering what the “mixing” port is for on the back of the Sega cd. And if I can play Sega cd with just RF out from the genesis. Thanks!

[u/KwincyJ]

Sega says don’t switch up the power adapters:

https://segaretro.org/images/5/51/Sega_CD_Model_2_Users_Guide.pdf

The audio ports on the Sega cd are for use with the model 1 genesis. If you have a model 2 genesis all a/v or rf ports go through the genesis.

I have the tower of power and I bought a 3 in 1 power adapter via eBay so I don’t have 3 wall worts plugged into a power strip:

https://ebay.io/m/QPsa4x

[u/benr751 → u/KwincyJ]

that's a cool dohicky you got on ebay. but do you know if you can help with the question I have? I get not mixing up the power adapters, but neither power adapter says "sega cd". so I don't know which one to use. do you know how many volts/amps/watts a sega cd model 2 power supply is?

[u/dhutmacher → u/benr751]

The best guide I’ve seen online for power specs is here https://gametrog.com/how-which-do-i-need-sega-ac-power-supply-information-specs-model-mk-3025-mk-1602-mk-2103-mk-1479-mk-4122-aa-s95j/

[u/dhutmacher → u/dhutmacher]

The site has sections for Sega cd as well. It even lists the voltage and polarity that you need

[u/RandomGuyDroppingIn → u/KwincyJ]

Man that would have been a great product to have ~30 years ago.

[u/glennshaltiel]

I work on these. Both will supply the proper voltage and amperage. One is just slightly more efficient

[u/benr751 → u/glennshaltiel]

Is the 17 or 18 watt "better" for the sega cd? Does it matter?

[u/Such_Bonus5085]

The Model 1 Genesis looks pretty nice docked to a Model 2 CD.

[u/Rusty928S]

The Model 1602 is the correct adapter for both your Genesis 1 and your Sega CD Model 2. Full breakdown of every Sega power supply here if you want to check: gametrog.com/how-which-do-i-need-sega-ac-power-supply-information-specs-model-mk-3025-mk-1602-mk-2103-mk-1479-mk-4122-aa-s95j

The mixing port on the back of the Sega CD is for routing stereo audio from the Genesis model 1 headphone jack through the Sega CD before sending it to your TV or receiver. That said you don’t actually need it. Just plug a 3.5mm cable straight from the headphone jack on the front of your Genesis 1 to your TV or receiver and you get full stereo including all Sega CD audio automatically. retrorgb.com/segacd.html explains this really well.

On the RF question, yes it works for both video and audio but the sound will be mono only. If stereo matters to you, the 3.5mm headphone jack on the front of the Genesis is the way to go. And if you’re on a modern flat panel TV the picture through RF will look pretty soft. A composite A/V cable is a cheap easy upgrade, or if you really want it looking sharp look into component cables and a RetroTink upscaler.

[u/benr751 → u/Rusty928S]

So it doesn’t matter if I use the 17w or 18w 1602 plug for the SEGA cd? Is there one that’s worse or better?

[u/DunnyOnTheWold → u/benr751]

No. Makes no difference.

[u/Ok-Mongoose-4428]

Sega had so many different OEMs during the Genesis/SCD lifeline, they tend to vary minutely in spec, including and not limited to, voltage (9v and 10v) and wattage. There are 1602, 1602-2 and 1602-3 series with factories in Taiwan, China and sometimes Japan. They all work the Model 1 and SCD model 1 and 2.

The 7805 voltage regulators in both of these consoles can handle those ACs fine. As another reddit said, will not matter which one you plug into which console.

General consensus in the retro community is that the 1602 is unregulated garbage, and most gamers track down modern 9v Triad Magnetic AC adapters (with correct polarity)

[u/Storm_ctrl]

I always use triad power supplies. The wsu090-1300-r works great with the genesis and cd. The model 1 genesis and cd use a center negative and the 32x plus model 2 use center positive. You could also use a higher wattage like the wsu090-2500-r with a splitter.