How to hook up your SEGA Genesis – Model 1
with the SEGA 32X
This page will show you the various ways to get your SEGA Genesis 1 and SEGA 32X up and running!
The SEGA Genesis, what you will need:
METHOD – RCA Connection
SEGA Genesis
(original model MK-1601)
SEGA MK-1602
AC Power Supply
Stereo 1/8” mini-jack to RCA
Audio cable (optional)
The SEGA 32X, what you will need:
SEGA CD
(original model MK-1690)
SEGA 32X Cartridge Bay Clips
(optional)
SEGA MK-2103
AC Power Supply
SEGA 32X to Genesis 1
crossover cable
SEGA 32X to Genesis 1
crossover cable
SEGA Genesis Model 2
(and 32X) RCA AV cable
Before we start running cables we have some hardward we need to install. We will start with the SEGA Genesis.
STEP #1
(optional)
To start off grab your SEGA Genesis and the two (2) metal cartridge clips. These clips will be inserted into the cartridge slot to hold the door flaps open. The longer of the two clips goes on the back side of the slot and the smaller one goes on the front side.
Start with the back clip first. Using your fingers press in and hold open the cartridge door flaps. With your your other hand insert the long clip, with the 2 “hooks” going inside and facing the rear of the system. Your are basically going to try and clip the rear cartridge flap into the hooks . The four (4) flat tabs on the metal clip with sit flush with the top of the Genesis. As you fiddle with the clip it will “snap” into place and hold the back flap open. Now move onto the front flap.
Same thing with the shorter metal clip. The two (2) “hooks” go down into the system, pointing to the front of the system. Now fiddle with it some more and try and clip the cartridge flap into the clip. Again, it will sit flush on the top and “snap” into place.
If you don’t have these clips, don’t worry. They are used to block to SEGA from electronically interfering with other devices. I have never noticed any difference with anything with them in or out. Heck the 32X holds the doors open. Just move on to step 2.
STEP #2
This one is easy, I promise. Take the SEGA 32X System and plug it into the SEGA Genesis cartridge slot, like it’s some gigantic new game you just got!
NOTE: There is an extension plate that came with the SEGA 32X. It is used only with the smaller Genesis model 2. If this piece is currently on your 32X, it will not sit correctly on the Genesis model 1. Simply slide this piece from the bottom of the 32X to solve the problem.
Now lets plug these bad boys up together. Grab all your cables and read on. First let’s take a look at the ports we are going to be using.
SEGA Genesis – Model 1
& SEGA 32X
Ports and Connections
SEGA 32X A/V OUT:
This port is used for the SEGA Composite RCA AV Cable (red, white & Yellow). And can be used with an RF Box (but don’t).
SEGA 32X A/V IN:
This port is used for the 32X crossover cable that connects the Genesis to the 32X.
SEGA 32X AC ADAPTER:
This is the 32X power supply port for the SEGA MK-2103 AC Power Supply unit.
SEGA GENESIS A/V OUT:
This port is normally used to run the video out on your Genesis. But with the SEGA 32X attached this cable now runs to the 32X A/V in.
SEGA GENESIS AC ADAPTOR:
This is the power supply port for the SEGA MK-1602 AC unit.
1/8 Headphone Jack to Stereo RCA cable:
(optional)
This port is used to pump stereo sound from your games out to your TV or Stereo. The AV port on the back does not output stereo audio. But when hooked to the SEGA 32X you will get stereo from the 32X to TV AV port. So the only reason you would need to use this port is if you wanted to run the audio seperately to a stereo, and not the back of the TV along with the video.
Here’s how everything will look when we are done.
STEP #6:
OK, grab the two 32X crossover cables and lets plug them together. It does not matter which way you combine them.
Alright, that was easy. Now lets plug them into the SEGAs.
Take the larger end of the combined 32X crossover cable and plug it into the A/V Out port on the SEGA Genesis.
Now plug the other end into the A/V In port on the SEGA 32X .
STEP #4: 
Plug the SEGA Genesis Model 2 RCA AV cable into your SEGA 32X system.
Attach the other end of the RCA cable to you TV. You could have multiple options available like on the diagram to the right. You can place it in any one that is not in use. YELLOW is always the VIDEO and should be plugged into the YELLOW port.
NOTE: The RED & WHITE Audio cables are not used! The SEGA Genesis Model 1 will not push stereo sound through the AV cable once a 32X is added. We will fix this on Step #9
STEP #5:
Plug the SEGA MK-2103 AC Power Supply into the SEGA 32X system.
STEP #6:
Plug the SEGA MK-1602 AC Power Supply into the SEGA Genesis system.
Plug both power supplies into the wall.
STEP #7:
The original SEGA Genesis does not output stereo sound from the A/V Port on the back, only mono. Once you hook a 32X up to it then NO sound will be transmitted through the AV Cable which now comes from the back of the 32X! The ONLY way you can get sound from a Genesis 1 & 32X Combo is to use the headphone Jack on the front of the Genesis.
For this you need to buy a 1/8” Headphone jack to RCA cable,. Run the cable from the Genesis to your stereo. (See pictures on right) In this method you only use the Video (yellow) from the back of the 32X and leave the audio cable(s) unplugged. The SEGA 32X sound will play through the headphone jack in stereo as well.
STEP #8:
Plug in a game, turn on the game system on. Doing this first will help in finding the right TV settings, when you see the game, you got it right! Go ahead and turn on the system. You will see a power light only on the Genesis, the 32X does not have a power light.
At this point you can use a Genesis or 32X cartridge, they will both play through the 32X now.
STEP #9:
Turn your TV to the appropriate VIDEO SOURCE You probably have several INPUTS available from COMPONENT, VIDEO 1 2 & 3 and so on. In the diagram above you would need to change your TV to VIDEO 1. To change to these different video signal options, you usually have a INPUT button on your remote or television.
STEP #10:
Blow the Death Star up in Star Wars 32X!
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