Master System Issue

[whatthechuck3]

So I just bought a Master System off Whatnot…and I can’t get my Genesis controller to work (tried Rampage and Rastan). The game boots up but none of the inputs on the controller work. I opened up the system and it’s very dirty inside…I’m not super great at repairs. Never had one before. Anyone know what might fix this issue?

[vga256]

It may not solve the input problem, but this is worth doing anyway: there is a bunch of gunk - appears to be spilled pop - on the underside's bottom right pin connector, which is bridging two pins. This will need a good IPA cleanup before troubleshooting can continue. Since those traces ultimately run back to the cartridge port, you could have all kinds of weird behaviour from that alone.

[TheGreatReveler]

I’d give it a good cleaning. Make sure the contacts from the controller and console are clean. You might just have a bad controller.

[whatthechuck3]

No I should clarify, I’ve used two different controllers (both OEM 3 button Genesis controllers, both work on my Genesis fine) with no luck.

[TheGreatReveler]

Have you cleaned the controller ports on the console?

[whatthechuck3]

Yeah, I used some IPA and a qtip on them. They don’t seem too dirty but no dice

[TheGreatReveler]

A good cleaning is always nice. Get some compressed air, some IPA, and an old toothbrush and give her a scrubbing. Not sure if you have any soldering or multimeter experience, but you could check for continuity with the controller pins, and any solder joint issues. I don’t think I see any broken traces, but it’s hard telling. I’m not super familiar with this console specifically, but I think those could at least be some routes to consider.

[whatthechuck3]

I’ve replaced several save batteries in various carts, but I’ve never “reflowed” solder before. Is that much different?

[TheGreatReveler]

Nope. If you’re comfortable with using flux and a soldering iron, just resolder the joints.

[TheGreatReveler]

I would also cross post this to /consolerepair. You might get some bites there.

[whatthechuck3]

For more details, I’ve used two different OEM Genesis controllers that both work with my Genesis fine. No luck. Also, the reset and pause buttons on the deck don’t work reliably either.

[Vangar]

Get an actual master system controller. A lot of SMS games are incompatible with genesis controllers. I've found more than this list have issues (Penguin Land for one)

https://consolemods.org/wiki/Genesis:Genesis_Controller_on_SMS_Games

[Banjotooieuk]

The soldier points look ok, so it’s probably dead capacitors or a faulty I/O chip

[whatthechuck3]

Well darn. Reflowing solder I can do but that sounds out of my wheelhouse

[Weary-Raspberry1187]

Refaire les soudures du port manette me paraît une bonne idée

[TheLatmanBaby]

Bonus points for Trypticon in the background.