PAL Saturn, Image wobbles with CD drive access

[srrae]

Hi,

I have a PAL and a JP Saturn both are model 2.

I've noticed the PAL Saturn has a less stable image on the TV. This is noticeable with text on the screen however Im now noticing it in the middle of the screen. I'll get a band of a dozen of so lines on the screen which are wobbling but I've noticed this happens in time with the CD. IE, when the CD moves or the laser focuses it causes image interference.

This doesn't happen on my JP Saturn.

The cable I use is a Retro Gaming Cable so should be good quality.

Any ideas what could be causing it? Does it need a recap? Is there much to recap?

Thanks for your help and sorry for so many questions recently

[zyrobs]

It needs to be recapped.

[srrae]

Does anyone know if it is cheaper to get the cap kits from somewhere like console5 or ordering them yourself locally in the UK?

[mick_aka]

I always order caps myself but make sure you're not going through a dodgy Chinese supplier bad/fake caps are rife.

[srrae]

Sept 8, 2018 11:34:00 GMT mick_aka said:

I always order caps myself but make sure you're not going through a dodgy Chinese supplier bad/fake caps are rife.

Im looking at getting main brand ones through a major UK reseller. Its just a pain manually picking the ones you require.

Its a minefield, you need to know the diameter and everything. But in the long run I think it will be worth it.


Do you know which brand of caps are good? The only names a recognise is Panasonic and TDK.

[zyrobs]

Panasonic is good, so is Nichicon and Rubycon, and I think ELNA too. I don't remember the full list but I remember those brands. Don't know about TDK caps.

If you buy caps yourself, make sure they have a matching capacity (the uf number). The voltage can be higher, that's a tolerance limit, but higher voltage caps are more expensive, not by much but it adds up quickly when you order in bulk.

What you should pay attention to is the height of the cap. Anything larger than 7mm will not fit under the heatsink of the Saturn. Even if you install them 90 degree sideways, with all the other components in the way you may not have enough room.

[srrae]

I have found a list of all the caps for the Saturn. Im gonna get a micrometer and measure them all too.
I've noticed my Sega Mega Drive video quality is starting to get very fuzzy even with a "pack a punch" RGB cable so I may have that a recap too.