The Blog

Netgear DG834Gv5 ADSL2+ Modem Router Cooling Mod

Nix McRetro // 4th July 2013 // Hacks, YouTube

Here in the outback it sure can get hot, even in the middle of winter! My DG834Gv5 was running hotter than I liked, so I added some extra cooling. This solved the temperature problem I was seeing with this particular unit; it does not establish a cooling-design fault across the... Continue reading

Sega Sophia Target Box PAL Switch Settings and Hardware Notes

Nix McRetro // 2nd July 2013 // Guides, Repairs, Sega

Sega Sophia Target Box PAL Switch Settings and Hardware Notes

Here are the PAL switch settings and hardware notes I recorded from my Sega Saturn Sophia Programming Box. I originally called these the “factory settings”, but I have not established that they were universal PAL factory defaults. One useful troubleshooting note from the time: if no video appears, it may... Continue reading

Super Nintendo Serial UP17548016 - Repaired

Nix McRetro // 30th June 2013 // Nintendo, Repairs, YouTube

Who would have thought that it would be so easy? Just a simple rejigger of the reset switch and we have video and sound - loud and clear! I’ll replace the caps anyway in this unit after all these years. That is a separate maintenance plan: capacitor life depends on... Continue reading

Sony PlayStation 3 - Initial Assessment YLOD

Nix McRetro // 30th June 2013 // Repairs, Sony, YouTube

One Yellow Light of Death (YLOD) best served shaken, not stirred. A repair kit is on order, hopefully, it just needs a new pair of shims or a brand new hard drive. Time will tell. Sooner or later, time will tell. That was the troubleshooting plan at the time. YLOD... Continue reading

Microsoft Xbox 360 RROD Initial Assessment

Nix McRetro // 30th June 2013 // Microsoft, Repairs, YouTube

Here’s an Xbox 360 I picked up with the infamous Red Ring of Death and hope to repair in the coming weeks. Flux and repair gear is on order. Cross your fingers and let’s hope for the best! The red-light indication does not identify the failed component by itself. Recording... Continue reading