Apparently, The 32x Doesn't Need That Extra Power Adapter

[@billybobjoe4791]

Heads up! The likely possible reason why your 32X works on your model 2 without power connected to it is that your link cable for it is made incorrectly. On the mini-dins of the Genesis and 32x there’s a 5V pin. On the link cables this 5V pin needs to be disconnected, otherwise 5V will be shoved in where it’s not meant to be shoved in. The hardware is not meant to have power come in that way and it risks damage to the system. You need to find the pinout for a Genesis model 2 cable, find the 5V pin on the link cable, and make sure it’s removed or disconnected. The reason why it doesn’t work like that on your Model 1 is because that link cable likely WAS made correctly and isn’t backfeeding 5V into anything it shouldn’t. Also, running 2 devices on an adapter made for 1 device probably isn’t good either. Might get too much current pulled if it doesn’t have enough amperage. In short, don’t do that and make sure your link cable is safe. Also, the rear output of the Model 1 only outputs mono audio, so if you’re using a stereo AV cable on your 32X, it might not output any audio since there’s no stereo pin connections. Try using the front headphone jack on the Model 1 and see if you get sound output

[@_MasterLink_]

Bingo, I'm sure this is what is happening, because 5v isn't present on the Model 1, as the 5v is simply to power the external RF modulator that the Genesis 2 uses. This isn't good for the 32X, it's effectively putting 5v on the regulators OUTPUT.

[@SouthernGameNerd]

After looking at this comment, I tried it even without the mixing cable, and the 32x is still powering on, so I doubt the mixing cable is even messing with that thing.

[@billybobjoe4791]

@@SouthernGameNerd It’s still something to check. But also what? That’s… not at all normal as far as I’m aware. The model 2 I had didn’t work like that with my 32X. Something seems off. In any case it’s still very hard on the hardware to be running both systems off of one. But still as far as I’m aware the 32X shouldn’t just be working without power connector or a defective link cable powering it. I’ve seen and heard of the 32X powered by a link cable but never by a cartridge slot

[@billybobjoe4791]

@@_MasterLink_ Actually the Model 1 does have 5V out of the DIN connector. Not sure what it was used for. But I know it has it for a fact because I actually modded a Model 2 RF Modulator with a Model 1 plug since I removed the RF Modulator on the Model 1 to make room for an S-Video mod

[@_MasterLink_]

@@SouthernGameNerd The 32X must be modified then to get power from pin A31 on the cartridge port, which still isn't good, that's more current than the trace was designed for, let alone the single 7805 in the model 2 Genesis. I'd advise looking into this further, as you stated this only applied to the model 2 Genesis, yet the model 1 Genesis also provides 5v on pin A31 (or the ROM's never get power), so somethings up here. I've been modding Genesis/Mega Drives for near 26 years now, this really strikes me odd because none of my 32X's are being powered by any of my Genesis models.

[@undulut]

The problem with all perpetual motion machines is hiding the power supply.

[@cybermax12]

Don't you also need a metal bracket for the 32x to work on the model 1 genesis?

[@billybobjoe4791]

Nope! If I remember right, that’s just there to meet FCC requirements. My Genesis 1 runs it without it

[@SouthernGameNerd]

No, because it actually sits flat on the model 1.

[@cybermax12]

@billybobjoe4791 I thought it was just for grounding it. Hmm, the more ya know.

[@MrVestek]

Yeah you have a cable there that isn't made correctly and is backfeeding voltage into the console from the Mega Drive. That's supremely not good and will kill regulators in the 32x.

[@StreetFighterAlfil]

Un re lio con los cables! que bueno ver una consola real. Saludos

[@anthonycraig1995]

Well Lucky you! 😃