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Problem loading from CF--Solved(interesting solution)

Started by majincline, October 23, 2005, 03:56:59 PM

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majincline

A while ago I started having a problem with my supercard that has become progressivly worse to the point that I can no longer (well...5% of the time) play a game. The SC starts up like normal but when when it lists the games it shows nothing in the list. After moving the SC around in the slot of my DS I can manage to get it working but it has become just about impossible to do. The same problem occurs on my GBA showing that its not the infamous voltage problem and its probably not the connection to the console. When I do get a game to load, Moonshell for SC for example, the slightest bump to the CF sticking out of the unit causes it to sound like nails on a chalkboard. This leads me to believe that it's in the SC or CF, and most likely some moving part, possibly the CF or CF slot. I bought another CF and it does the exact same thing. There must be a loose connection somewhere. Can someone confirm my assumptions or give me more info?

Edit: Problem seems to be solved.

SigmaX6

well best thing is the connectors/poins of the sc are not contacting or poorly contacting, form dust or build up of something, trying can of air to blow it out, or a smal tad bit of sand paper
TF WAS THAT?

majincline

Before giving up on this card I gave it another once over to see if I could do anything. Just by chance I found that one of the solder pads holding the side of the CF slot in was able to move meaning that the solder joint broke off. I whipped out my cheap yet useful soldering iron and soldered it back down(burning part of the case). It took a couple tries being that I'm not great at soldering but it stuck down after a little bit of effort. I tested it and I can just about pull the entire CF out before I have problems. This is great...but now I have 2 supercards.

majincline

I began having trouble with it again but soldering that part did seem to be at least part of the solution. I have found what I believe is the real problem...that joint just provoked it. At the base of the CF slot is a very insane mess of SMT connections that are very close together and appear to be shoddy, with chunks of solder stuck to them. What the problem seemed to be was that, without the support of both joints on the slot some of the connections at the base touched and made it do random stuff. I pushed up on the slot while resoldering both joints and it works fine again. We'll see how long it lasts or if this was the real problem.

Anyone with a CF that is recognised but the games don't show up in the list, this is a possible solution!