Controller port 1 is iffy at best. How can I fix this?

Question

Sega Genesis

The Sega Genesis (also known as the Mega Drive) is Sega's most successful video game console to this date.

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Robby @robby65094

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crwdns2931729:0crwdne2931729:0: Maw 30, 2014

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Controller port 1 is iffy at best. How can I fix this?

Recently picked up a free genesis out of the trash. Everything about it works fine, except the first controller port. I'm guessing the pins aren't connecting right, because every controller i've tried with it has the same problem. If anyone has had a similar problem or knows how to fix this please let me know.

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crwdns2942205:01crwdne2942205:0

Robby, disassemble it and take a couple of good pictures with your question. That we we could may be check the connector better. You might even find the problem in a cold or fractured solder.

crwdns2934271:0Maw 30, 2014crwdnd2934271:0 oldturkey03 crwdne2934271:0

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Robby, disassemble it and take a couple of good pictures with your question. That we we could may be check the connector better. You might even find the problem in a cold or fractured solder. — oldturkey03

score 2 · Answer 1 · 2014-07-30T22:34:09-07:00

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james @james30242

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crwdns2931729:0crwdne2931729:0: Maw 30, 2014

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Hey mate, from what I've read this is a pretty common problem with the Genesis, due its age. The problem is quite often the solder joints on the pins of the port, that connect it to the main board are cracked/broken. This is due to people yanking the controller to disconnect it and ramming it back in, over and over. Luckily, if this is the cause, all you need to do is, open up the Genesis and reflow the solder joints.

This guide should help you opening your Genesis up, and getting the main board out; Sega Genesis Motherboard Replacement

And this should tell you how to reflow the joints (ok its using an amp, but its the same process); Reflowing solder joints on a TEAC GSA-5300 stereo integrated amplifier

Hope it helps you