x_SegaCD_x Project
So if you read up the other day, you saw that I came into temporary possession of a couple Old School Sega Genesis as well as a couple Old School SegaCDs to go with them. I broke them down, cleaned them up the best I could and inspected the parts to see if "theoretically" they would still run. However, they still needed some testing, and this is where part 2 comes in: testing...
Testing these beasts would be no easy task, not because they are hard to plug in, but because I would have to hunt down cords. Keep in mind that when they were found, it was just the systems. No cords, no controllers, nothing else that may aid in bringing them back to life. That being said, it's a good thing I'm a pack rat from time to time. I indeed found a controller, a TV hookup and DC adapter for the Seags themselves (thank you Curlin) and I also had a universal adapter and a A/V cord lying about that I could use to test. Excellent!
System one (the one with the extender) seemed to work just fine. The system powered on and showed the SegaCD welcome screen. That's always a good thing. I plopped a cd in, put a controller in and! ... ! ... ! ... ... .. nothing. I wasn't too excited, however, I figured it was because I was trying to use a burnt cd to test. So I tried another cd. This one...worked, kinda. It skipped all over the place. Almost made me think the cd motor wasn't spinning fast enough (or too fast) for the cd to operate correctly. So I went ahead and broke everything down before realizing I haven't tested the actual Sega Genesis yet. DOH! So I took the Sega Genesis off of the SegaCD and tested it with the game that was found (I think, Ms. PacMan) and sure enough, it worked. Excellent. I had to fight with the RF Unit. I think there is a short somewhere in it, I'm not 100% sure, but I fought with it long enough to see that it was indeed working. SWEET! On to system numero dos...
After the few mistakes I made on the first one, this one was a little bit easier to test. The cd seemed to work just fine, at first. At some point it did start getting faster and skipping. I'd like to attribute that to the fact that it's sitting on top of the XBOX 360 currently, but I can't be 100% sure on that either. However, the game worked as well (2 working Sega Genesis systems, alright) and the cd continued to play while I was playing Ms. PacMan. Excellent.
So where to now? I need to do a little research to see if this cd skipping was a general problem given the SegaCDs. If it was, there is probably an easy solution on how to fix it. I also need to test it with an actual SegaCD game. That will be the tell all as to whether it really does work or not. That will also be the best troubleshooting opportunity. Stay tuned while I get these beasts up and running, and back as good as new!
Currently Playing: Kenny Chesney - Down the Road (feautring Mac McNally)
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
x_SegaCD_x Project
A couple months ago I got a phone call from a friend saying that he had acquired a couple SegaCDs, with the older style Sega Genesis in each one. However, he wasn't entirely certain if they worked or not. Well, I finally got around to getting hold of them last Tuesday. Today, I finally got around to taking a good look at them. That was while #TheVoice was on. I was extremely excited to get in there and start taking a look at what was going on, and a little surprised at what I found.
It took me a minute to get the first one open. It wasn't because I couldn't figure out where the screws where, or the best way to get in it (side note on these older systems, they all pretty much use the exact same screw, which makes working on them extremely easy), but the culprit was: Deep Screw Holes. Yep, I had to search the house, and be find some ingenuity just to be able to reach the screws. With that done, it was time to let into it :)Keep in mind that I had two of them to get into. The first one, albeit much cleaner than the second, had a massive amount grass (that's my guess) as well as a bee. I broke it all the way down, removing every screw and every piece, trying to clean and inspect. Keep in mind that I have NO cords that I know of, so I can't test the SegaCD itself. Board inspection didn't show anything wrong with it however, with the exception that maybe the onboard battery is showing wear. I'm not completely certain, however. I pieced everything back together, took some pictures in between, and then started work on the second one!
The second one was much cleaner as far as the grass is concerned (some still fell out) but seemed to be much worse in a rust department. I did my best to clean it up with a dry paper towel and did a pretty close inspection of the boards. Once again, nothing seemed to be extremely noticeable except some wear where the onboard battery is (two for two? Shame Shame Sega) but it could be normal wear given how it's been handled. I can't speak on how they have been handled before @PittsLawMan got a hold of them.So this is where you come in handy, people of my life. I'm actually looking for DC adapters for this. Apparently they are only supposed to use 1602 DC 9V 1.2A Sega Approved adapters. I'm still gonna see if I have a universal one that will work though. Additionally, I can test to see if it plays cds, but I still need to see if it will play an actual game. So if anyone has one they would be willing to let me borrow, or can point me in the right direction of a store that has them relatively cheap (please, avoid the Vault. I like being tetanus free) please let me know! And as always, if you have something you want fixed, and you don't mind me taking a look at it, feel free to hit me up x86computing@gmail.com
Currently Playing: Dia Frampton - Inventing Shadows
Monday, June 20, 2011
LulzSec sides with Sega
In an interesting turn of events, LulzSec (you know, the people who brought down Sony...twice) has agreed to side with Sega in attempting to find the cyber infiltrators that made their was into Sega's database last week, making off with names, birth dates, e-mail addresses, and encrypted passwords of some 1.3 million users.
It speaks volumes to say that LulzSec is willing to put aside their seeming "torch the world via exploits one large company at a time" to back Sega and their holdings. Their reasoning? Well, perhaps their tweet best says it:
@Sega- contact us, We want to help you destroy the hackers that attacked you. We love the Dreamcast, these people are going down
They love the Dreamcast. Now that's a whole 'nother can of worms that I would love to discuss with anyone. I'm sure @KevinisSpiderman and @Oxynerd would happily join in on my side, as well as most of LulzSec when I say Dreamcast owns. But that's neither her nor there...
The side point that I would like to make, for those of you who read my previous blog, web security is a must. Outside of the fanboy (right on LulzSec!) love for the Dreamcast, loyalty does not exist. Imagine if money was involved? Loyalty goes right out the window (I'm assuming the same could be said for an endearing love of a game system, but I'm not one hundred percent positive). LulzSec even went as far as setting up a hotline asking for people to make requests for their next targets.
No me personally, I'm not a fan of the senseless hacking by LulzSec, however, they are making an extreme point. Security, across the board (you can ask Nintendo, EVE Online, Playstation, Escapist Magazine, PBS, and more) needs to be ramped up. If these corporations insist on keeping our data, they need to find a better way to protect it. It's pretty simple. Lemme try this again, for those of you out there not listening: PROTECT OUR DATA!
And to LulzSec, keep up the good work, the holes exist, and people need to know why...and Dreamcast Rocks!
Currently Playing: Bad Meets Evil - Lighters (featuring Bruno Mars)
It speaks volumes to say that LulzSec is willing to put aside their seeming "torch the world via exploits one large company at a time" to back Sega and their holdings. Their reasoning? Well, perhaps their tweet best says it:
They love the Dreamcast. Now that's a whole 'nother can of worms that I would love to discuss with anyone. I'm sure @KevinisSpiderman and @Oxynerd would happily join in on my side, as well as most of LulzSec when I say Dreamcast owns. But that's neither her nor there...
The side point that I would like to make, for those of you who read my previous blog, web security is a must. Outside of the fanboy (right on LulzSec!) love for the Dreamcast, loyalty does not exist. Imagine if money was involved? Loyalty goes right out the window (I'm assuming the same could be said for an endearing love of a game system, but I'm not one hundred percent positive). LulzSec even went as far as setting up a hotline asking for people to make requests for their next targets.
No me personally, I'm not a fan of the senseless hacking by LulzSec, however, they are making an extreme point. Security, across the board (you can ask Nintendo, EVE Online, Playstation, Escapist Magazine, PBS, and more) needs to be ramped up. If these corporations insist on keeping our data, they need to find a better way to protect it. It's pretty simple. Lemme try this again, for those of you out there not listening: PROTECT OUR DATA!
And to LulzSec, keep up the good work, the holes exist, and people need to know why...and Dreamcast Rocks!
Currently Playing: Bad Meets Evil - Lighters (featuring Bruno Mars)
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Can I get some Security, PLEASE!
Dear super big companies (but everyone else, listen up): IT'S TIME TO RAMP UP YOUR SECURITY.
So Sony gets hit twice in six weeks, we see a string of other companies get hit, and the latest to fall victim to hacks is Sega. When are you going to catch up? You as a big company have a right and a duty to protect our information as consumers, and it doesn't seem like you are doing a great job. Sure, we can argue the fact that groups like Anonymous and LulzSec are trying to make companies look bad by getting into their system. You know what I say? Let them keep trying. As a matter of fact, let them try harder. How about this, Mr. multi-billion dollar company. Try reaching out to some group like this and actually pay them to get into your system (or try). In today's day and age one little hole in your security wall can allow anyone with access to wreak havoc on said system, or entire network. Do SOMETHING, Please?
With that being said, to the consumer, because really, that's why this blog is all about. I know I've said it before. I know it's been said time and time again. Be careful what you put out there. We are all interconnected, whether we know it or not. It's simply a matter of knowing how to control a computer half way across the world without it's owner knowing about it. And part 2 of that, is DEMAND that these companies start doing more to protect your information. You trust enough in their product to pay for it, companies should care about it's clients enough to protect sensitive information. And, if for some reason your trusted company of choice screws the pooch, demand restitution, and make sure that you are getting some kind of monitoring for any given time period after a breach. You never know when someone may have your information and are simply waiting until later to use it. It's been said that up to 1 out of every 3 (that's right, 33%) of people's identities have already been compromised. Whether or not someone chooses to actually go ahead and steal your information from there is on them.
It's a crazy world out there. Be safe, demand that the people you do business with keep your information safe, and if there is a breach, demand restitution and protection. Keep yourselves safe in the cyber world.
So Sony gets hit twice in six weeks, we see a string of other companies get hit, and the latest to fall victim to hacks is Sega. When are you going to catch up? You as a big company have a right and a duty to protect our information as consumers, and it doesn't seem like you are doing a great job. Sure, we can argue the fact that groups like Anonymous and LulzSec are trying to make companies look bad by getting into their system. You know what I say? Let them keep trying. As a matter of fact, let them try harder. How about this, Mr. multi-billion dollar company. Try reaching out to some group like this and actually pay them to get into your system (or try). In today's day and age one little hole in your security wall can allow anyone with access to wreak havoc on said system, or entire network. Do SOMETHING, Please?
With that being said, to the consumer, because really, that's why this blog is all about. I know I've said it before. I know it's been said time and time again. Be careful what you put out there. We are all interconnected, whether we know it or not. It's simply a matter of knowing how to control a computer half way across the world without it's owner knowing about it. And part 2 of that, is DEMAND that these companies start doing more to protect your information. You trust enough in their product to pay for it, companies should care about it's clients enough to protect sensitive information. And, if for some reason your trusted company of choice screws the pooch, demand restitution, and make sure that you are getting some kind of monitoring for any given time period after a breach. You never know when someone may have your information and are simply waiting until later to use it. It's been said that up to 1 out of every 3 (that's right, 33%) of people's identities have already been compromised. Whether or not someone chooses to actually go ahead and steal your information from there is on them.
It's a crazy world out there. Be safe, demand that the people you do business with keep your information safe, and if there is a breach, demand restitution and protection. Keep yourselves safe in the cyber world.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Dust Bunnies
Computer slowing down? Is your system hot? Are you getting a thermal warning upon a restart of your system? The answer could be quite simple, and the fix easily so. A big issue that many people rarely consider when dealing with their own system is the dust build-up that occurs within the system.
Keep in mind that while the computer is blowing air in the system to keep it cool it's also picking up dust that is floating around and pulling that into the system as well. So what can you do to ensure that system doesn't get overrun with those nasty little dust bunnies?
1. Think about where you are putting your system. Stored in the corner, out of the way, and on the floor will only increases the chances of dust buildup inside your system. Keep this in mind when trying to find a home for your system.
2. Vacuum, just don't "feather dust." When you dust your house you are doing a great job of removing that dust from it's current place. However, when that dust gets in the air and begins to settle, you will see a lot of that dust begin to settle (on the floor) and thus pulled into your system by the system fans. Finding ways to minimize that dust getting into the air, such as vacuuming or using a damp paper towel/cloth when dusting will help in this process.
3. Minimize the dust in your house. Seems like something impossible? Check this website out to learn how to "dedust your house." House Dust
4. This is by far the most important step of all: clean your computer. Don't be afraid to open the side of your computer and then take a bottle of compressed air to blow the fans out. A vacuum will work well to put on the other side of the fan you are blowing out in order to collect the dust that you are blowing out of your system.
Sometimes, a simple can of air won't help (especially for those systems who has never had a dust cleaning). Using a few Q-Tips (they aren't just for ears anymore!) to knock of some of that caked on dust can do wonders for your system. Just keep in mind that you don't want that dust to fall back into your system. Continue using that vacuum to gather up the dust. If you feel comfortable in doing so, remove the entire part from the system and then clean it independently of the system (such as a fan on the side, usually require you removing two screws and replacing those screws when inserting it back in). Just be careful when choosing which pieces to clean (such as a Power Supply) and if you have ANY questions about this, or anything else technical, feel free to drop us a line a x86computing@gmail.com
Currently Playing: Lupe Fiasco - I Don't Wanna Care Right Now
Keep in mind that while the computer is blowing air in the system to keep it cool it's also picking up dust that is floating around and pulling that into the system as well. So what can you do to ensure that system doesn't get overrun with those nasty little dust bunnies?
1. Think about where you are putting your system. Stored in the corner, out of the way, and on the floor will only increases the chances of dust buildup inside your system. Keep this in mind when trying to find a home for your system.
2. Vacuum, just don't "feather dust." When you dust your house you are doing a great job of removing that dust from it's current place. However, when that dust gets in the air and begins to settle, you will see a lot of that dust begin to settle (on the floor) and thus pulled into your system by the system fans. Finding ways to minimize that dust getting into the air, such as vacuuming or using a damp paper towel/cloth when dusting will help in this process.
3. Minimize the dust in your house. Seems like something impossible? Check this website out to learn how to "dedust your house." House Dust
4. This is by far the most important step of all: clean your computer. Don't be afraid to open the side of your computer and then take a bottle of compressed air to blow the fans out. A vacuum will work well to put on the other side of the fan you are blowing out in order to collect the dust that you are blowing out of your system.
Sometimes, a simple can of air won't help (especially for those systems who has never had a dust cleaning). Using a few Q-Tips (they aren't just for ears anymore!) to knock of some of that caked on dust can do wonders for your system. Just keep in mind that you don't want that dust to fall back into your system. Continue using that vacuum to gather up the dust. If you feel comfortable in doing so, remove the entire part from the system and then clean it independently of the system (such as a fan on the side, usually require you removing two screws and replacing those screws when inserting it back in). Just be careful when choosing which pieces to clean (such as a Power Supply) and if you have ANY questions about this, or anything else technical, feel free to drop us a line a x86computing@gmail.com
Currently Playing: Lupe Fiasco - I Don't Wanna Care Right Now
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Oh the things I have done...
Big last couple days for me here. Unfortunately, the big is with my own equipment. However, that's not necessarily a bad thing. I've managed to learn (and remember) a few things in the process of it all. Ready to see what has went down in the past 48 hours? Here we go...
Problem 1: The printer has (not so) randomly decided to stop operating correctly. Crazy lines randomly through printed pages started irritating me. What happened? My child decided he was going to attempt to pull the cartridge case completely out of the printer. Luckily he failed, but it did affect the printing overall. A quick download of the printer manual, overview of how to align, and a quick alignment, I'm back in business. The printer is working just fine (even though there is pen ink all over the top of it, but that's a completely different issue).
Problem 2: My video card doesn't support Open GL 2.0. Which is a lie, it does, but apparently the driver was out of date. A quick glance at the Device Manager, finding the device in the list, and clicking "Update Driver." One minute later the driver is updated and I'm freeing birds in Angry Birds: Rio
Currently Playing: Dia Framption - Heartless (Live)
Problem 1: The printer has (not so) randomly decided to stop operating correctly. Crazy lines randomly through printed pages started irritating me. What happened? My child decided he was going to attempt to pull the cartridge case completely out of the printer. Luckily he failed, but it did affect the printing overall. A quick download of the printer manual, overview of how to align, and a quick alignment, I'm back in business. The printer is working just fine (even though there is pen ink all over the top of it, but that's a completely different issue).
Problem 2: My video card doesn't support Open GL 2.0. Which is a lie, it does, but apparently the driver was out of date. A quick glance at the Device Manager, finding the device in the list, and clicking "Update Driver." One minute later the driver is updated and I'm freeing birds in Angry Birds: Rio
Currently Playing: Dia Framption - Heartless (Live)
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