The Blog

Aiwa Mega-CD CSD-GM1 Volume Board Repair Attempt

Nix McRetro // 4th September 2013 // Repairs, Sega, YouTube

This one didn’t have much luck, good thing I have since found another way to fix this board because honestly, volume control is important! In hindsight, I probably wouldn’t have used as much contact cleaner. It seems to eat away at the grease that is supposed to be there to... Continue reading

Sega Mega Drive Shelf Quick Look and Neighbours

Nix McRetro // 2nd September 2013 // Sega, YouTube

Sega Mega Drive Shelf Quick Look and Neighbours

Neighbours, everybody needs good neighbours. So why do mine play bongo drums? I live under a very thin roof/floor and my neighbours are inconsiderate. I hate apartment living so much. I don’t know what happened to the overview video, so there’s a cool dev unit from the near future! Continue reading

Catastrophic Multimeter Failure with Aiwa Sega Mega-CD Updates

Nix McRetro // 2nd September 2013 // Repairs, Sega, YouTube

Is there anything I won’t put on video? Probably a few things, this is not one of them though. A minor discussion about the Aiwa with myself, complaints that my $10 multimeter probes have fallen apart due to insufficient/fake stress relief and of course some random cat at the end.... Continue reading

Cleaning Game Cartridge Slots with Isopropyl Alcohol and a Card

Nix McRetro // 1st September 2013 // Hacks, Repairs, YouTube

Be sure to check for fluff and dust in the slot as well, it’s amazing what can amass after 20 years! Will work with all systems that have a cartridge slot. SNES, NES, Mega Drive / Genesis, Famicom / Super Famicom - probably will not help with the Saturn cart... Continue reading

Bob Parker's Blue ESR Meter by AnaTek Corp Assembly and Testing

Nix McRetro // 31st August 2013 // Guides, YouTube

Here are the final steps of assembly and testing of my new ESR meter. It can test capacitors for their ESR properties in-circuit! No more removing capacitors - unless I’m in the mood of course! Continue reading