Nomad questions...?
FearNo1
the nomad can use the same rechargeable battery pack (ie Power Pack) as
the game gear? I thought I read that somewhere. I am considering
getting a Power Pack, since the included battery case seems pretty
fragile.
Derek
It's slim and attaches to you belt with a cord that goes into the AC adaptor
plug on the Nomad.
Becareful as a company named performance makes rechargable batteries that
attach to the game gear's battery slots, which the Nomad does not have.
Do a search on the net and you should be able to find a picture of the
battery your looking for. I saw one the other day at e-bay on-line auction.
FearNo1 wrote in message <36DE10F3...@interaccess.com>...
suzan
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
So here it is, my little unofficial Nomad FAQ, version 1.4
Last date of modification: July 10, 1998
This document is a work in progress.
Special thanks to the contributors, for without your help, I'd have
no way of answering certain questions. You've been credited with
your submissions. I also can't thank you enough for all the money
you've saved me for not having to find out things the hard way.
Maintained and written by Chris Pickett
Web page under construction.
Please e-mail me any discoveries or changes, or new information you
think should be in here. You'll be given credit for your submissions
if used. NOTE: Not interested in stores selling titles or accessories.
Table of contents:
A table of contents suggests organization. There is no organization
here, but this should be in a fairly logical format.
I have no FAQ, just a Nomad that I enjoy. In fact, I don't think I've
used my Lynx, Game Boy, Game Gear, Virtual Boy or TurboGrafx Express
since I've gotten my Nomad. Please also take into consideration that I
do not own a console system of any kind, nor have I owned a Genesis or
SNES previously. I have seen them, I have used them, I do not have them.
Legal stuff:
Everything I say is opinion unless I say otherwise. I will not be held
liable or accountable for anything said in here. This document contains
no warranty of any kind and is to be used at the discretion of the end
user. Studio42, nor I, nor do any contributor take any responsibility if
your hardware and/or software becomes damaged or broken or destroyed as
a direct or indirect result of following the information contained
within this document or if something did not work as expected causing
either positive, negative or no results.
This document must be distributed in whole and intact, not in bits and
pieces. Also, I do not authorize this FAQ to be distributed via Andy
Eddy's site or any other site other than mine and via my email filter.
If he wants the file, he can ask me himself, he/she's a big boy/girl. So, I
now
claim copyright to this document, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998.
Quick facts: Stuff that Sega says WILL work with the Genesis Nomad:
Genesis 6 button Arcade pad
Genesis 3 button control pad
Genesis Mega Mouse
Activator
6 button Arcade Stick
Genesis 2 AC adaptor
Game Gear AC Adaptor, model MK-2103 (this is what I am using)
Genesis Team Player Adaptor
Sega recommends using AC power with this device due to power needs.
Stuff that Sega says WILL NOT work with the Genesis Nomad:
Genesis 32X
CATV(do they mean cable TV or am I misunderstanding something? I'm using
my Nomad with cable)
Sega CD(no expansion port on the Nomad)
Remote Arcade Pad
Remote Arcade System
Genesis 1 AC adaptor
Sega CD AC adaptor
Power Base converer
Reality check:
The Sega Genesis Nomad has the word "Genesis" in the name of the product.
This should steer you towards figuring a lot of things out for yourself.
No, it's not a 100% Genesis, so keep reading.
Service: I give this a top priority because you need to know where to go
if something goes wrong. Call 1-800-USA-SEGA
That's 1-800-872-7342 for those of you who can't figure that out.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Q: What is the Sega Genesis Nomad?
A: The Nomad is a portable version of the Genesis. It's a 16-bit color
portable gaming system. It has AV outs, a built in color screen, a
6-button controller and can accept a second controller. It will use just
about any standard Genesis controller and accepts all Genesis II AV
cables. Unlike the normal Genesis console units, it doesn't give you 100%
of the Genesis capabilities. Read on for more details.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Q: How do I keep my Genesis Nomad clean?
A: Believe it or not, a lot of people asked this question.
Wipe it with a soft lint-free cloth. Cartridge slot has a "dust cover" to
keep out the crud as long as you aren't poking your fingers and toes in
it and other stuff that shouldn't be in there. I'm sure using a tad bit
of Windex and a rag would help keep the case and screen free from grime.
This is common sense and standard maintenance. I recommend a carry case
of some sort for no other reason than to just keep the dust off when not
in use. I recommend this for any portable system.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Q: AAARGH! I just bought a Nomad and the screen is all scratched to hell. I
even
brought it back to exchange it, and that one was scratched up too. What's
going
on here?
A: Because so many people couldn't figure this out: there is a very
thin and well-fitting clear plastic film that is on your Nomad screen
when you bring it home and take it out of the box. Your screen will
looked all scratched to hell. Simply flick a finger-nail in a corner and
lift/peel to remove.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Games: as far as I know it will play all Genesis games.
Note from Nomad manual: Some software requiring special peripherals
attatched to Console Port 1 cannot be used with the Genesis Nomad.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Screen: Full color side-lit display. I do not know if it's active,
passive, dual-scan or what. I suspect it's passive. Still, not a lot of
blurring or ghosting that I've observed.
Yes, text can be readable unless a micro-sized font is used. Some text is
more readable than others. Because the Nomad can be hooked into your TV,
you can get around the "unreadable text" problems if you're near a TV and
you have the appropriate cables. Graphics are great, equal to that of the
Genesis, which makes sense since this is really just a portable Genesis.
In some cases, graphics appear to be superior on the small screen because
you don't see the graininess that would appear on your TV due to the
graphics capabilties. For example: Mortal Kombat 3 looks better on my
Nomad screen than when I hook my Nomad up to my TV and view the TV image.
The internal screen is usable even when hooked up to the TV.
And speaking of hooking the Nomad up to your TV, all you need are any of
the standard Genesis II hook-up cables. There are 3 versions: RF, stereo
AV that terminates in standard RCA/Phono style plugs for ease of
connection to your TV/VCR/AV receiver, and the mono AV cable, which is
exactly like the stereo except it lacks the Right channel audio out.
Power: 6 AA batteries. Life unknown to me, I've only used AC power,
although my sister uses my Nuby Game Gear rechargable when she "borrows"
it. Read: when I allow her to use it. Batteries clip onto the back via a
special battery pack. I hear there's a rechargable version coming out
soon which I look forward to getting. It will work with any Game Gear AC
power accessory(Game Gear AC adaptor, car adaptor, Game Gear belt-clip
battery) and any other power source that plugs into the AC jack on the
Game Gear. Also works with your Genesis II power supply.
There is now an official Sega Genesis Nomad power supply in case you get
that warm and fuzzy feeling from using a properly labeled product. I
suspect it's a Game Gear adaptor with different markings on the
transformer case.
Sega also has a rechargable battery pack. At roughly $65, I think I will
pass. I'll wait for the Nuby equivalent, their's is almost 50% of the
Sega equivalent.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Sega Nomad rechargable battery update:
Date: Sat, 30 Dec 1995 19:56:54 -0800
From: flo...@ix.netcom.com (Florin Grosu )
Chris,
I bought the overpriced powerpack and I notice a small label on
it.NiMH. For sure this is the reason is so expensive.NiCa are more
cheaper. On laptop/notebooks the same.When you buy NiCa is much cheaper
than NiMH. I think is something to be posted in your FAQ.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
I'm currently using a Nuby rechargable battery intended for use with
the Sega Game Gear. The battery looks like a phone hand-set and clips
to the bottom of the Game Gear where the wrist strap would go. The battery
cost me roughly $30 when I purchased it with my Game Gear. It is model
SE-9.
The European model is: SE-13
I'm getting roughly 5-6 hours per charge. Charges overnight with built-in
charger.
Make sure you are using rather current AC adaptors. Apparently an old
Game Gear power adaptor doesn't work well with the Nomad.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Worth the money: well, I have no intention of buying a console any time
soon, although I hope Nintendo makes a SNES portable SOON! I'd buy that
too. Sure, the Nomad is a tad pricey and I think the price could drop
about $40 or so, but consider what you are really getting:
A Genesis with no "expansion" abilities, ie: you can't add the CD-ROM.
Multi-player game play without duplication of hardware/software and a
communications cable.
Built-in 6-button controller.
Volume and brightness controls, plus headphone output jack.
A controller input jack for 2/3/4 player gaming(needs Sega Multi-player
adaptor for 3-4 player gaming)
You can hook it up to your TV via the standard Genesis II cables(RF,
Stereo and mono AV cables)
A great looking color side-lit display built-in.
Runs on batteries or most Sega Game Gear power supplies. I'm using a Nuby
rechargeable that snaps onto the bottom of my Game Gear(reminds me of a
phone handset.) and my Game Gear AC power supply.
You can use it on the road, in a plane, in the airport, wherever. Take
your Game Gear with TV tuner along(with mono AV cable) for 2-player
action. You can use the Nomad screen, let the other player use the Game
Gear screen. Don't forget to get a second 6-button controller for player
2! If you're going to try this option, you're going to need a 1/8" stereo
plug that terminates in 2 female phone plugs. I believe the tip is video
and the ring is audio and the sleeve is the common ground. Use heavily
shielded cable, as large a gauge as you can get. 18 gauge cable is more
than sufficient. Use gold plated connections whenver possible. OR you can
use a Sony Discman cable with a pair of gold plated RCA/phono couplers
that have female connectors.
Probably the best and smartest feature of this particular system is that
it does not require a need for a whole new slew of video games to come
out for it. This is the first system to come out with a HUGE selection of
games ready for it. If it says Genesis on it, then it's for your Nomad.
It's like buying a console that fits in your pocket. Yes, finally you can
take it with you!
Of course, I can now see why some games that are on both SNES and Genesis
are better on the SNES(Mortal Kombat series comes to mind), but hey, I'm
not complaining. I really like my Nomad. But if Nintendo comes out with a
portable SNES, I'm getting that too, no question about it.
Some common questions:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Q: Is there a Game Gear Adaptor?(for playing Game Gear games)
A: Not that I am aware of. Of course, it would come out for the Genesis
as well: same hardware.
Clarification: when people are refering to a Game Gear adaptor, they are
talking about the AC adaptor. Sorry for any confusion. Also, sorry to
who brought this to my attention. I can't find your e-mail address so
as to credit you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Q: Is there a TV Tuner?
A: No, nor is one planned. Remember, this is a video game system, not a
TV. Yes, I know that there is a TV tuner for the Game Gear and it works
great. I speak from experience. Yes, there is also a TV tuner for the
TurboExpress and that works better, I think the receiver is better.
Again, I speak from experience.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Q: Will the Nomad work with the Sega Game Gear screen magnifiers?
A: I have the Sega Super Wide Gear for my Game Gear, and it will not fit
on the Nomad. I can say with authority that the Super Wide Gear will not
fit. I don't think any other Game Gear screen magnifiers will fit either.
Disclaimer:
Neither Studio42 NOR the author of this description take any responsibility
for
any damage that you cause you your Genesis Nomad as a direct or indirect
result
of following the information in this section. This information is supplied
AS-IS
with no guarantee or warranty of any sort. User assumes all risks. So, in
simpler
terms: if you me mess things up, you only have yourself to blame.
Submitted by: Curt J. Wiederhoeft, March 20, 1998
I've found one that works very well, and requires no permanent
modification to either part. The Recoton "Wide Gear" magnifier
is currently being sold for under $2 each ($5 with a carrying
case, cleaning kit, AC adapter and headphones at EB). This
magnifier screws into the threaded hole on the back of the Game
Gear, and wraps around the bottom of the unit. Here's how to adapt
a Nomad:
1. Buy a size 10-12 plastic drywall anchor (cost: about 5 cents).
Actually, buy several, in case you make a mistake.
2. Using an X-acto knife or Dremel tool, cut off the top
flange on the anchor, and shave down the "fins" just a
little bit near the top. (see diagram)
[=====] <- cut off
\|||/ <- shave off "fins"
|||
|||
\|/
v
3. Shove the anchor into the hole in the back of the Nomad
until it's flush with the surface.
4. Voila! You now have a surface for the magnifier's threaded
screw to grab into. The magnifier rests about 1/8" below-
center of the Nomad screen, but the whole thing can still
be seen. The anchor can be extracted with a forceful pull
on the screw, if needed.
Caveats: this magnifier blocks both the battery pack and
second controller connections. This could probably be
worked around with a little judicious carving around the
base, but I play two-player games on the TV, and I almost
always use an external power source.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Q: Where can I go to buy this:
There are these things called STORES, where you exchange currency(money)
for goods and/or services. You might try experiencing this concept before
asking such silly questions.
October, 1995
Currently, to the best of my knowledge, the Genesis Nomad is only
available in the United States at a national toy chain called "Toys R
Us". Retailing at $179.99 US dollars. I don't think it is available at
all stores either.
UPDATE: January/Febuary 1998
The Nomad can be purchased for just under $60 at many Electronics Boutique
outlets.
I do not shop at Electronics Boutique because they spammed me. Still, a
bargain is
a bargain. When you figure a NEW Genesis is going to run you about the same,
I say:
GO FOR IT!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Correction by the Sega Webmaster in a message to me dated: 10/9/95
The Nomad will be available starting this Sunday at all Toys R Us stores,
and will be in full distribution throughout most of our retailers within
a few months. The unit plays nearly every Genesis game (over 600) with
the exceptions only of very, very old Genesis 1 games. I believe the
retail price will be $179.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Q: What is that darn "Mode" button for?
A: It is to make your thumb happy. But seriously, the purpose of this button
is
the same as the reason there is a Mode button on 6-button controllers, and
that
is to ensure compatability with older games that for some reason or another
will
not work with a 6-button controller. I don't think you'll have much of a
need
for the Mode button unless you are playing some very OLD titles.
CLARIFICATION
Submitted by: Curt J. Wiederhoeft, March 20, 1998
You might want to make clear that this is an entirely different issue
than with the very old games that won't work without the "Game Genie
Trick." Some games just aren't "six-button savvy," and will exhibit
strange behavior when used without the MODE button. A few examples are
Ms. Pac-Man and Clue. There are also a few games (Lost Vikings springs
to mind) that use the MODE button during play, effectively making it
a seven-button controller.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Q: Can you use a 32X with a Nomad?
Nope, it won't fit down far enough. Other than that, I don't see why it
wouldn't work. Got a saw? I don't have a console system so I can't
comment on the actual hook-up. Also, the 32X interferes with the AC jack
and the power switch and the AV/RF output jack.
More importantly, the way the 32X works would prevent you from seeing
anything on the internal screen. This just helps an already complicated
problem get even more complicated.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Subject: Nomad compatibility
Sent: 01/21 12:25
Received: 01/21 14:49
From: Mark Wood , bam...@ix.netcom.com
To: Chris Pickett
32X : There is away around the clearance problem for the 32X
(without using a hacksaw). We wanted to make sure it worked at all, so
we tried it with a Genesis. First we tried the 32X plugged on top of a
Game Genie (switched off) and the GG into the Genesis. The game we
tried was 36 Holes Golf for 32X. The GG screen came up even though it
was off, and after we exited it the title screen for Golf came up, then
it went blank. Next we tried the convertor cart (set to USA).
Although shorter than a Game Genie, it is still long enough to give
clearance. So we plugged a 32X on top of the convertor, then the
convertor cart into the Genesis, again using 36 Holes Golf. Success!
The game played fine. Then the real test--the Nomad. While the words
'Licensed by Sega' come up, that is all you get, even though we had it
hooked to a full size TV. It would probably work if the Nomad screen
switched off when the TV cable was plugged in, but that's just a guess.
Even if it did work, the 32X cart/32X/adaptor/Nomad all plugged in is
very wobbly and the game would probably crash if you tried to play it
using the built-in controller in the same way Genesis games crash in
the Nomad if the cart gets bumped. Let me know if you find a way to do
it, though, okay?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Q: Can a PowerBase converter be used with the Nomad?
A: Like the 32X, the Power Base converter will not fit into the Nomad slot,
it won't go down far enough, but other than that, Sega sees no reason why
it wouldn't work.
Here's a more authoritative answer sent to me by one of the folks who
visited this page:
Subject: Re: Sega Nomad FAQ?
Date: 01/13 9:49 PM
Received: 01/13 10:01 PM
From: -Kev-, kard...@cheetah.spots.ab.ca
To: Chris Pickett
Since there seems to be no definitive answer regarding the use of a Power
Base Convertor with the Nomad, I'll contribute my experience, you can take
it or leave it:
I stripped my PBC down, removing the outer shell completely -- once bare,
it fits all the way down into the cart slot, and doesn't obstruct game
play in any way. However, I still haven't been able to get it to run a
single SMS game. The screen goes completely blank; the startup screen
doesn't even come up -- game after game, cart or card, the same result.
Being that the board was loose in the cart slot, it is *possible* the
connection wasn't good enough -- but _very_ unlikely. I can only
conclude, until someone demonstrates otherwise, that the PBC will NOT work
on a Nomad.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Q: Can I play MegaDrive games in my Nomad?
A: Excuse me for not knowing what a MegaDrive is. I think that's the
European version of the Genesis.
Subject: Nomad compatibility
Sent: 01/21 12:25
Received: 01/21 14:49
From: Mark Wood , bam...@ix.netcom.com
To: Chris Pickett
Megadrive : Yes, Megadrive is the foreign Genesis. I have an
adaptor cart that has settings for Japan, USA, and Brazil. Go figure.
With an adaptor cart, Megadrive games will work with the Nomad, at
least the ones I have, Dragon Ball Z and Yu Yu Hakusho. If you like
fighting games, check these out right away. YYH is made by Treasure
(Gun Star Heroes) so you know it's good and with the team adaptor you
can play 4 players at once!!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Subject: MegaDrive games on Nomad
Sent: 02/26 07:38
Received: 02/23 08:51
From: Danny P. Quizon, dqu...@cello.gina.calstate.edu
To: Chris Pickett
I have about 6 or so MegaDrive games & they all work fine on the Nomad.
They fit directly into the Nomad's cart slot, but you have to be careful
while inserting & removing because its a tight fit. MegaDrive carts have
bumpy ridges on the side.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
From the Sega Webmaster on a message dated: 10/10/95
The Power Base Convertor (much like the 32X) won't fit onto the Nomad.
It blocks the power connector and the cartridge connector itself is too
short -- the PBC doesn't plug into the cartridge port all the way and it
hits the power switch on the Nomad.
As far as I know, however, there is no technical reason why the Power Base
Convertor shouldn't work. It's something I'll have to try when I
find someone with a Megadrive convertor cart for the Genesis. I'll keep
you updated with my findings.
So, as far as I can tell, neither the 32X, nor the converter, will fit
into the Nomad. They would probably work, but that's small consolation
when they don't fit, huh?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Q: Can I hook my Sega CD up to it?
A: No, there is no expansion slot.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Q: What is the Sega Genesis Nomad? Is it 16-bit, 8-bit or 32-bit?
A: Like the Genesis, it's a 16-bit unit. Remember, this is a portable
version of the Genesis. The Game Gear is an 8-bit unit.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Q: Can I use Xband with my Nomad?
Special thanks to contributor Mark Wood on this subject. He also brought
the omission of this question to my attention as well. Kudos to Mark!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Subject: Nomad compatibility
Sent: 01/21 12:25
Received: 01/21 14:49
From: Mark Wood , bam...@ix.netcom.com
To: Chris Pickett
XBand : Yes, the XBand modem cart does work in a Nomad just fine. The
text is large enough to be readable as well. The clearance for the
power plug is close, but you can do it. The XBand keyboard works nicely
in port 2! Hey, you have a portable internet e-mail connection! Cool!
Not to mention opponents no matter where you may travel. You could
probably even use one of those cellular phone adaptors for really
portable online gaming.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Q: Since we're talking about communications, can I use the Sega Channel with
my
Genesis Nomad?
A: Apparently so. Here's the proof:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Subject: Nomad FAQ note
Sent: 03/26 08:03
Received: 03/26 08:40
From: Joseph J. Charles, jcha...@kodak.com
To: Chris Pickett
Hi Chris,
I was just reading your 2/6/96 version of the Nomad FAQ. I'd like to
mention that the Sega Channel, although a little bulky, is compatible
with the Nomad. It's not as top-heavy as you might think, and the cart
adapter fits in securely. Sure, it's not portable, since you're
connected to a cable, but it works very nicely.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Q: Can I use the game "Sonic and Knuckles" on my Nomad?
A: Although this seems to be a cartridge specific question, I recall there
was
some "innovative" technology used on this cartridge. I think it was called
"lock on" technology. What it allows is you to plug in previous Sonic titles
and play them with the new cartridge. This question qualifies as a technical
issue. And here is your answer:
Subject: New Nomad info...
Sent: 8/15/96 23:36
Received: 8/15/96 21:59
From: Matt Stelzer
To: Chris Pickett
Hi, I asked you a few weeks ago if Nomad could handle Sonic and Knuckles. I
also asked the guy I bought the game from, and he called Sega. They told
him that the game works just fine. Only the very top of the game is larger
than normal. I also heard from someone else that it works, but it's a
little unwieldy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Q: I'm a cheap-skate. I want to make my own cable. Do you have the pin-outs
so I can
make my own cable?
A: You bet I do, as long as all you want to make is the stereo AV cable. The
RF adaptor
has some additional parts in it and I don't feel like cracking mine apart to
get the
information. Also, I do not have the S-VHS cable, but I do have a use for
it. If I get
that cable, I will pin it out as well.
I think there may be a problem finding a correct Mini-DIN style connector.
Cable End Genesis Stereo AV cable Pin-Outs Genesis RGB Cable Pin-Outs
Sleeve/shield: to sleeve on Video, left and right.Pin 1: Not usedPin 2: Not
usedPin 3: Not usedPin 4: Video signalPin 5: Not usedPin 6: Not usedPin 7:
Not usedPin 8: Left SignalPin 9: Right SignalThis schematic was taken from
an actual stereo AV cable Sleeve/Shield = ground1 = RGB blue2 = +5 volts
(for modulator)3 = RGB green4 = composite video5 = composite sync (both
hsync and vsync)6 = mono audio7 = RGB red8 = left audio9 = right
audioContruted by Bruce TomlinDon't forget to ground all connections. Note:
there is a very distinc possibility that the Nomad may not support certain
cable wiring configurations. It is confirmed that the Nomad will work with
the RF/Composite, stere AV, mono AV, and S-VHS cables. These diagrams are
provided as-is and the authors and contributors take not responsibilty for
any equipment damaged and/or destroyed by following this instructions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Apparently some Electronic Arts and Accolade titles do not work properly in
the Nomad
or even the later Type II Genesis. If this is affecting you, please read
this. It
involves and requires the use of a Game Genie. While I don't support the
Game Genie, this
appears to be a use of this device I would approve of for myself. This is
known as
"The Game Genie Trick":
From: oce...@cyberbeach.net (Ocelot)
Newsgroups: rec.games.video.sega
Subject: Re: Nomad is great!
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 1998 05:19:09 +0000
Well the Game Genie trick is pretty simple:
Some of the first EA and Accolade games for the Genesis dont work
with the Genesis II hardware. I'm not sure of the reason for this, what
may have happened is that Sega tried to lock out 3rd party developers at
some point.
The checksum for the carts occurs during the 'Liscened by' screen. The
games I know of that dont boot properly on the Genesis II and Nomad are:
Ishido
Populous
Zany Golf
Budokan
Sword of Sodan (?)
The trick invovles using the game genie in the 'off' position, and
letting it supply the checksum that the cart is missing. It seems the
Game Genie uses it's own checksum and bypasses the carts regular checksum.
The Game Genie also serves as a nice cart port extender for the
Nomad, letting you use Japanese Megadrive carts (they *just* barely fit,
but are a pain to remove). For later (after '93?) Megadrive carts that
are locked out by electronic means you'll have to get a Magic Key
converter. Whatever you do, don't buy just any Megadrive pinnage
converter because you'll have no idea if it will defeat electronic
lockout. Stick with a MegaKey.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Special section: How do games look on the Nomad
Because of popular demand, I see I've been forced to say how games look
on the Nomad screen, with an emphasis on text. Here it is.
Rules: send your opinion of your game(s) as they appear on the Nomad
screen. Please focus on details and text/numbers/symbols. Please keep
your review on this topic to 10 lines or less per title, not including
your name and e-mail address and message topic. Any reviews of this matter
without a name associated with it is mine.
Remember, these are OPINIONS and NOT facts. Your eyeballs may vary.
I reserve the right to edit your comments due to space constraints and/or
language.
If need be, I'll make more pages to cover this topic better.
Boogerman: Text is not really an issue except at the very beginning and
the end and between levels, nothing really worth reading anyways. It is a
tad hard to see how many plungers have been collected, but you get used
to that. Also a little hard to see how many lives you have left, but you
get used to that too. This is a platform game, not an RPG.
Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat II, Mortal Kombat 3: text is readable, but
don't strain your eyes. The font selection makes it a little hard to read
at first. Let your eyes unfocus a tad.
FIFA Soccer '95: Everything is readable. There are no numbers on jerseys,
and numbers for penalties, injuries and substitutions are clear. Text for
selection screens is easy to read.
Submitted by: Curt J. Wiederhoeft, March 20, 1998
Lost Vikings and Humans: on password screens, easy to confuse
C/G and O/Q combinations.
Risk: easy to confuse 0 (zero) and 6 on map.
Landstalker: diagonal movement (the only movement in this game)
is difficult due to the smaller D-pad.
Herzog Zwei: Difficult viewing of all text.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Before you panic!! Read this section before calling Sega.
Let me share an experience with you that happened to me on 01/22/96
I had purchased Pitfall the Mayan Adventure at Toys R Us, it was the last
one in stock, no that any of that is important. Anyways, the game was not
coming up, so I wanted to see if the cartridge was a bad one. Take these
steps yourself to determine if the game is defective before calling up
Sega and NOT getting throught to a service rep(it's a crap shoot).
Make sure you use an AC adaptor to ensure you are getting adequate
power to your Nomad.
Description of my particular situation:
1: Game shows the licensed screen
2: shows the Sega Logo
3. Plays some music, shows a boring Activision intro screen(text on
black background), then goes black and appears to freeze. Music doesn't
sound cut-off, it just sounds like it was intended to be an intro piece.
Step 1: Dirty Contact test
Insert and remove the cartridge about 25 times. Then turn the unit on.
Make sure the unit is OFF before doing this. I was able to figure this
out all by myself, but I was reminded anyways.
Still dead?
Step 2: Maybe the game doesn't like the 6-button controller test
Turn unit ON while holding the MODE button. I guess that if the cart
was functioning, it would have continued further along and perhaps
even loaded properly.
Still Dead?
Step 3: What the heck, try this:
Turn the unit on and off about 5-8 times, leaving it ON at the last
switching.
Still Dead?
Step 4: Sega proclaimed my cart dead, but also suggested calling the
manufacturer just in case, which I did. They also said it was dead.
Under normal circumstances, this would be warranty work, but this was not
normal because the game was no longer made. I was able to get a cash
refund.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Alternate Controllers section:
I added this because there are a wide variety of third-party controllers
available for the Sega Genesis Nomad. Why should YOU take a chance when
others already have. Learn from out experiences or mistakes.
The Ascii 6-button fighter stick for Genesis WILL work on the Nomad, as
will all the other switches on the joystick. Why spend up to $50 on the
Sega joystick when the Ascii one costs roughly half as much? The only
real justification I can think of is that you want a larger device, as in
more spread out. I like the compact design, but a friend of mine wanted it
more spread out. Valid point, something to consider before you buy.
Any other people using controllers OTHER than the ones mentioned in the
beginning of this file with success? Let me know, I'll add you and your
information to this file in this section.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
------Add your knowledge to my FAQ!------
Questions that still need answering:
I am curious if some of those "alternative" controllers are usable, like
the light gun-type devices, and other such input controllers. It's too
much for me to take a chance on.
Wiring schematic for stereo and mono AV cables for Genesis II for those
who want to build their own cables.
Will MegaDrive games work in the Nomad?
For an answer, please see above.
Is the Nomad compatible with both PAL and NTSC games?
------
From: aa...@freenet.carleton.ca (Keith Ng)
Subject: Sega Channel
Do you know if you can play games on the Sega Channel with the Nomad?
------
Questions I won't bother answering and will not respond to:
How does it look with "insert game title here" on the Nomad screen?
I can't really afford to be buying/trying every game out there. Stand about
40 feet away from your 27" TV(hope your cables reach) and stare at the
screen. Maybe that will give you some perspective. Trust me, it will
look fine.
WARNING: Read this before plunging headlong into Mark Wood's examples:
--------
Subject: Nomad compatibility
Sent: 01/21 12:25
Received: 01/21 14:49
From: Mark Wood , bam...@ix.netcom.com
To: Chris Pickett
Please note in all of the examples, we used an AC adapter for the
Nomad's power supply. Since certain add-ons draw power from the
Genesis/Nomad (ie team player which Sega recommends you use on the
Nomad only with the adapter and not batteries) some of the stuff that
worked with the adapter may not work with batteries. Let me know if
you find out, okay? Also, I can't be held responsible for anything
that happens if anyone tries any of the connections we tried on the
Genesis/32X/Nomad, etc. You're on your own!
--------
OK, for those of you who like taking things apart, check out this little
tidbit I found
on usenet:
From: kend...@pentagon.io.com (Kendrick Kerwin Chua)
Newsgroups: rec.games.video.sega,alt.sega.genesis
Subject: Re: Sega Star screwdriver
Date: 19 Jan 1998 03:39:39 GMT
Organization: Illuminati Online
The star-shaped screw which holds the Nomad together is called a security
bolt, and a bit used to remove it us available from MCM electronics. Ask
for part nos. 22-1150 and 22-1145 when ordering. Not affiliated with them,
just a satisfied customer who was happy to be able to take apart Game Gear
cartridges with said bits.
MCM Electronics
650 Congress Park Dr
Centerville Oh 45459-4072
1-800-543-4330
http://www.mcmelectronics.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
I don't work for or with Sega, I'm just a satisfied customer who is
really into portable video game systems.
Chris Pickett, the guy who wrote this darn thing
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
If you have any comments, then send email to:
me
If you have any questions, please see above before emailing me. All flames
will be promptly ignored. People who email me regarding the above issues
will be greeted with rudeness. Please THINK before hitting that "mailto"
link.
FearNo1
which aint too bad. The sucky thing about it is that it doesnt come
with the AC adapter. Furthermore the nomad itself didnt come with
one either. No wonder the nomad went belly up...sega nickle and
diming...sheeesh. The nomad was a great idea at its time, just a lil
bit too expensive...and too late
Derek wrote:
>
> The official Sega Game Gear Rechargable Battery is the one your looking for.
> It's slim and attaches to you belt with a cord that goes into the AC adaptor
> plug on the Nomad.
>
> Becareful as a company named performance makes rechargable batteries that
> attach to the game gear's battery slots, which the Nomad does not have.
>
> Do a search on the net and you should be able to find a picture of the
> battery your looking for. I saw one the other day at e-bay on-line auction.
>