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  • Joined: 15 Aug 2019
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  • Location: Lancashire UK
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SMS RF Output
Post Posted: Thu Aug 15, 2019 11:47 am
I've had my SMS MK1 since 1991 and camer across it again when my mum moved house. It doesn't work as I can't get a signal. I know the analogue signal works on that TV as my SMS2 works fine but it's the mk1 I really would love to see working again. I've tried a few retro gaming shops but no one offers repair services.

I've hear about mods to the video output such as hz/av changes but that's a bit technical for me. Is there any obvious thing I'm missing or is there something I can try myself to get the RF outputting signal again?

I'd even consider someone who offers a service to repair/mod to get this working again. I don't want to buy a new one, I want my old one working again for sentimental reasons. Happy to travelin Lancashire or ring someone if I need to.

Any suggestions?
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Post Posted: Thu Aug 15, 2019 12:57 pm
Could be that the RF conversion is dead, typically a capacitor problem. If you can test it on the AV cable that would help rule a lot of other things out.
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Post Posted: Thu Aug 15, 2019 1:02 pm
Only has RF output and s-Video which I've never really used. Any other ideas? Keen to get help if you know more.

(and thanks for the reply)
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Post Posted: Thu Aug 15, 2019 4:11 pm
Could you open it up and send some pictures of the top and bottom of the system board?
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Post Posted: Thu Aug 15, 2019 6:43 pm
The model 1 has composite and RGB output, no S-video. However if you don't have a cable you can't test that.
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Post Posted: Thu Aug 15, 2019 9:42 pm
It is possible your MS2 RF channel does not match with your MS1 RF channel, you would to re-scan TV channels (ANALOG)

Best option you buy a cheaper cable, and use AV connectors

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Post Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2019 8:29 pm
IllusionOfMana wrote
Could you open it up and send some pictures of the top and bottom of the system board?


I have taken some pictures on the phone and will try and get them on the laptop shortly. Thanks for the replies everyone. I really need some help here. I have found out its an AV Out on the MK1 and not s-video (what a numpty) Anyway, that doesn't work either and I've re-scanned the analogue channels each time for each console, obviously the SMS2 works every time still so I can test ideas out on that first.

The board does appear a little worn now I've taken a look but nothing out of the blue, I reckon it could be a component inside but no idea how the test for fault diagnose.

Pictures to follow.
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Pic 1
Post Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2019 8:48 pm
Pic 1 of top of board
1a.jpg (1.96 MB)
1a.jpg

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Pic 2
Post Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2019 8:49 pm
Board from underneath
2a.jpg (2.3 MB)
2a.jpg

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Pic 3
Post Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2019 8:50 pm
Board from underneath - close up part 1
2b.jpg (2.01 MB)
2b.jpg

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Pic 4
Post Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2019 8:51 pm
Underneath close up - otherside
2c.jpg (2.69 MB)
2c.jpg

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Post Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2019 11:12 pm
well... I dont see any real damage but who knows. It does look like there may be a damaged capacitor between the VDP and the RF Module.
I guess my suggestion to take in diagnosing whats wrong are

Check for Sound and Video on a modern TV:
Test to see if you can still get sound from the AV port (use a modern TV for this just for reliability).
If you can still get sound then perhaps look into cleaning and resoldering the RF Module Power, and AV DIN port. Do the same for the VDP ( Chip 315-5124) just to be safe.
You may want to look into a capacitor replacement kit if the system does still power on but wont output a video and/or audio signal.

Further More:
If nothing outputs and even the LED light doesn't come on then you may have a power issue. Check for any burned fuses, resistors, or transistors. Fuses may be full ceramic and require a multimeter to check (I actually have no clue if the SMS is fused or not).

Other things you can do:
Make sure you are using a compatible power supply for your unit.
Try testing with other compatible power supplies to be sure.

Extended Diagnostics:
Literally probe each chip with a multimeter. If you have access to a scope you can go even further and test signal lines. I dont know if going that far would be worth it to be honest though but to each their own at that point.
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Post Posted: Sat Aug 17, 2019 2:44 am
If you pay for shipping to and from Australia I'll fix it for free and just the cost of any parts if needed given the sentimental value to you.
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SMS
Post Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2019 7:37 am
I think I may have to pay someone to look at it, appreciate the offers to ship to Australia but not sure about that journey. Appreciate the offer though. Just such a shame it's not quite right.

Does anyone have any ideas of who might know what they are doing and useful with a soldering iron?
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still need help
Post Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2019 2:50 pm
hi all, still need help with this, does anyone know or can recommend a repair service/person ideally in The North West (UK), but will post if I have to, who can diagnose faults and fix please?
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Post Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2019 5:35 pm
People from UK has recommended this guy for Game Gear repairs. You may contact him and ask about a Master System repair. He's based in York.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/140482783266
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Post Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2021 4:41 pm
Thought I'd wrap up this thread just so it's a close cut. I fixed my Master System, it was the voltage regulator in the end. I used a voltage tester and it was suspiciously low so I bought a new voltage regulator off eBay and did the soldering myself. It wasn't pretty but it did the job and now its working perfectly. Thanks to those to contributed. I'm just pleased I managed to get a small piece of my childhood back and the console running again.
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SMS RF Output
Post Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2021 10:19 am
Nice!
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Post Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2021 7:22 pm
Amazing, well done! Must be a great feeling.

You should try a 60hz switch now. I did it last week (my fourth ever soldering project) and it was much easier than I thought it'd be.
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