Retro Gooning - User contributions [en]

Cart Cleaning 101

2013-04-23T20:44:08Z

Vkeios:

The nature of collecting ''old things'' quite frequently means dealing with items that have been forgotten by their owners. When this isn't the case, it often means these items carry the scars of years of (ab)use. When collecting old video games, dealing with cartridges that have been collecting dirt, dust, stickers and permanent markers is the norm. This guide was created to hopefully teach new collectors and enthusiasts how to reverse some of these conditions.

It's worth noting that this guide was created based around PAL Super Nintendo cartridges but should be applicable to almost all old game carts assuming a minimal amount of common sense is applied.

__TOC__

== Preparation ==

[[Image:cart_cleaning_toolkit.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A basic cart cleaning toolkit.]]

There are a number of different tools and cleaning materials used in this guide. If you are unable to obtain a certain product, it shouldn't be a big deal. For the most part, they can be substituted with a similar product unless otherwise noted.

* [[Gamebit]] (3.8MM for Nintendo Carts)
* Thin craft knife.
* Possibly a hairdryer.
* Cotton buds.
* Cotton pads.
* Magic Eraser (More about these later, including a warning on their use).
* De-Solv-it citrus label remover.
* Isopropyl Alcohol 100%.
* A well ventilated working area.
* Plenty of time and patience.

== The Cartridge ==

<center>
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;"
|[[File:Dirty_cart_example_front.jpg|none|300px|The front of the example cart.]]
|[[File:Dirty_cart_example_back.jpg|none|300px|The back of the example cart.]]
|[[File:Dirty_cart_example_pcb.jpg|none|300px|The inside of the case, showing the PCB.]]
|- valign="top"
|The front of the dirty cart.
|The back of the dirty cart.
|The inside of the case, showing the PCB.
|}</center>

The cartridge to be cleaned in this guide is a Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 cart. It's a good example for this guide because it has a sticker and "permanent" marker on the front, a sticker on the back and the internal lip and PCB contacts are quite dirty.

== Screw Removal ==

To open NES, SNES, N64 and Gameboy cartridges you will need a 3.8MM bit, often referred to as a "Gamebit". Depending on where you live, this could quite possibly be the most difficult step of the entire process. But once you have one, removing two screws will give you access to the inside of the cartridge.

[[Image:Open_cart_example.jpg|thumb|center|400px|An open Super Nintendo Cartridge]]

Take note of which way the PCB (that green board) is facing and carefully put it aside for now, the next few sections will focus on cleaning the exterior casing.

== Sticker Removal ==

The first things that need to go on the example cart are the stickers on the front and back of the case. If they are directly on the plastic they can simply be removed by carefully peeling them off. If they are in grooves or on the top of the case, it may be necessary to '''very gently'' scrap it with the crafting knife. Be very careful and press very lightly if you decide to take any sharp edge to the case, you want to remove the sticker not create permanent damage by carving chunks of plastic out.

Once the stickers are removed, you might notice leftover residue from the glue. This is normal and will happen almost every time. To remove it, use a cotton pad with some '''De-Solv-It'''.

<center>
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;"
|[[File:Cart_sticker_removal_front.jpg|none|300px|The sticker on the front removed.]]
|[[File:Cart_sticker_desolv_front.jpg|none|300px|The residue in the front removed.]]
|[[File:Cart_sticker_desolv_back.jpg|none|300px|The sticker removed on the back.]]
|- valign="top"
|The sticker on the front removed.
|The residue in the front removed.
|The sticker and residue removed on the back.
|}</center>

If the parts of the sticker you want removed is on the label, you will need to take a different approach. Attempting to remove a sticker which is over the label may have disastrous results. The best approach is to get a hair dryer and heat the edge of the sticker. Alternate between heating it and '''very slowly''' peeling it off. If you meet resistance, stop immediately and heat again with the hair dryer. Be patient and keep repeating this until the sticker is completely removed.

== Marker and Dirt Removal ==

A significant amount of general scuffs and marks can be removed with a cotton pad or bud and Isopropyl Alcohol, including most marker pens. If the marker pen simply refuses to be removed when using Alcohol, it's possible to use a '''Magic Eraser'''. Be warned, the use of the Magic Eraser comes with a risk, if it's overused on a surface which is textured (such as the front of a SNES case) you may permanently damage it. Like with the rest of this guide, you will need to be careful and use common sense. You may also choose to forgo using the eraser at all and instead spend more time with the Alcohol attempting to remove the marker that way.

<center>
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;"
|[[File:Cart_marker_removal.jpg|none|300px|Using a cotton pad and Alcohol to remove marker pen.]]
|[[File:Cart_eraser_removal.jpg|none|300px|Removing dirt in grooves and gaps with a cotton bud and Alcohol.]]
|[[File:Cart_gap_dirt_removal.jpg|none|300px|Removing dirt in grooves and gaps with a cotton bud and Alcohol.]]
|- valign="top"
|Using a cotton pad and Alcohol to remove marker pen.
|The more stubborn pen is removed with a Magic Eraser.
|Removing dirt in grooves and gaps with a cotton bud and Alcohol.
|}</center>

== Interior and PCB Contacts ==

The inside of the case contains plenty of little sections that accumulate dirt and dust. Taking a cotton bud with a small amount of Isopropyl Alcohol into the various corners and lips is the best approach. Using a toothbrush is also a great way to get dirt out of the hard to reach corners.

<center>
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;"
|[[File:Cart_inside_dirt_removal.jpg|none|300px|Removing dirt from the inside of the case with a cotton bud.]]
|[[File:Cart_pcb_clean.jpg|none|300px|Cleaning the contacts with cotton buds and Alcohol.]]
|- valign="top"
|Removing dirt from the inside of the case with a cotton bud.
|Cleaning the contacts with cotton buds and Alcohol.
|}</center>

One of the most important parts of the process is cleaning the contacts. You will quite often find them in disgusting condition if the previous owner is not a collector or serious retro game enthusiast. Dip the end of the buds in the Alcohol and slide them across the front, back and edges of the gold contacts. If you use anything other then 100% Isopropyl (perhaps because it is hard to find in your country) you will need to be extremely diligent with making sure the contacts are completely dry with clean buds before putting the board back into the case.

An alternative method to clean the contacts that does not involve using Isopropyl Alcohol is to rub them rigorously with an eraser. That's a regular eraser or "rubber" for removing pencil marks, not the "Magic Eraser" cleaning product used for cleaning the exterior of the cart.

Once you are satisfied with the state of the contacts, put the board back into it's case in the same direction it was facing when you removed it and reattached the screws.

== The Result ==

Congratulations, you hopefully have a clean (or at least cleaner) cartridge then when you started. Assuming the contacts on the machine that will be running the game are also clean, you will find that the game is significantly more reliable.

<center>
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;"
|[[File:Cart_clean_result_front.jpg|none|300px|The front of a relatively clean cart.]]
|[[File:Cart_clean_result_back.jpg|none|300px|The back of a relatively clean cart.]]
|- valign="top"
|The front of a relatively clean cart.
|The back of a relatively clean cart.
|}</center>

If you make a habit out of cleaning every game before it enters it's place in your collection, you will find that you will have very few issues when it comes time to actually playing them. If you are also smart with how you store your games you will be able to keep them in a clean condition for a very long time.

<center>
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;"
|[[File:Cleaning_lot.jpg|none|300px|Hours of cleaning large quantities of carts can be draining.]]
|[[File:Clean_carts.jpg|none|300px|All worth it in the end.]]
|- valign="top"
|Cleaning large quantities of carts requires patience.
|Store cleaned carts in bags to keep out dust.
|}</center>

Gamebit

2013-04-23T20:42:03Z

Vkeios: /* Where to buy */

A '''Gamebit''' is a type of screw driver used to open consoles and game cartridges secured with a special type of torx screw.

[[File:gamebit-2.png|200px|thumb|right|4.5MM gamebit]]

==Types==

===4.5MM===

These gamebits are used to open most [[Genesis]] carts and various video game systems.

===3.8MM===

These gamebits are used to open almost every [[NES]] carts, all [[SNES]] carts, all [[Nintendo 64]] carts, all [[Virtua Boy]] games, and all [[Gameboy]] and [[Gameboy Color]] games.

==Where to buy==

Be careful when buying one, some gamebits are soft and will break after a handful of uses. Make sure you're buying cheap in price, not quality.

*[http://store.kitsch-bent.com/product/security-bits Kitsch-Bent] sells them at a nice price. though he doesn't always manage to have both kinds in stock.
*[https://www.newelectronx.com New Electronx] sells good ones.
*[http://www.racketboy.com/store/system-cartridge-repair-tools.html Racket Boy] sells both types for a fairly reasonable price, and are made fairly strong.

MSU1

2013-04-14T02:21:04Z

Vkeios: Created page with "== What is the MSU1? == Higan (formerly known as BSNES) developer Byuu decided that snes games could use more FMVs and CD quality music, so he decided to make an enhancement ..."

== What is the MSU1? ==

Higan (formerly known as BSNES) developer Byuu decided that snes games could use more FMVs and CD quality music, so he decided to make an enhancement chip for that. Seriously. Also allows up to 4 GB roms, I'm sure someone is working on the longest SMW romhack right now.

== What can I do with it?==

[http://dforce3000.de Super Road Blaster] The laserdisc classic ported as a massive fuck you to the Sega-CD.

== Links ==

http://byuu.org/snes/msu1/

Flashcarts

2013-04-14T02:11:17Z

Vkeios:

== What is a flashcart? ==
A flashcart enables the playback of dumped ROM files on a custom PCB board designed to be used with the original intended hardware. Typically consisting of 3 main components. The PCB, the removable media and the cartridge shell. In the last few years development & sale of flashcarts has risen with the increase of retrogame prices. Owning a flashcart for a given system allows you to play most games for that console although some flashcarts may have problems with selected games. It's always advisable to check a compatibility list before investing in a flashcart.

Flashcarts are usually region free, but due to changes in cartridge shapes it may not be physically possible to insert the cartridge into the console with modification.

Flashcarts can often be bought as the PCB only or within with a custom cartridge shell for extra cost.

== How to use a flashcart ==

Although every product will have it's own set of instructions, the basics of usage remain the same. A flashcart possess a slot on the PCB for a type of removable media (CompactFlash, SD, etc). With some flashcarts, firmware needs to be loaded onto the removable media in order for the flashcart's operating system to function. ROM files are be placed onto the removable media for playback. The operating system will playback ROM files by “flashing” them over to internal memory on the PCB itself and loading the code from that memory. The operating system will also have several other features depending on the firmware/manufacturer.

== Recommended Flash Carts ==

===Nintendo (NES/Famicom)===
'''The Powerpak (NES)'''
Sold by RetroUSB.com, this flashcart uses CompactFlash as removable media. The cartridge shell is the typical NES size.

[[File:NESFlashcartPowerPak.jpeg|300px]]

'''Everdrive N8 (Famicom)'''
Developed by krikzz and sold in many places, this is Famicom only flashcart using Micro SD as removable storage. It can be used with the NES if a 60 to 72 pin adapter is used.

[[File:Everdrive_N8.jpeg|300px]]

===Super Nintendo (SNES/Super Famicom)===
'''SD2SNES'''
Developed by krikzz and sold in many places (when in stock). This is a hard to find flashcart due to it’s overwhelming popularity, despite it’s high price point. Supports almost every enhancement chip under the sun, including the very cool [[MSU1]]. As the name implies, the storage media is SD Card.

[[File:Sd2snes_sag.jpeg|300px]]

===Genesis (Mega Drive)===
'''Everdrive MD'''
The cheaper of two options from krikzz. The media used is SD Card and it can playback both Megadrive and Master System (Sega Mark III) ROMs. It can also play 32x ROMs when used with appropriate add-on.

[[File:Everdrivemd.jpeg|300px]]

'''Mega Everdrive'''
The more expensive option due to improved hardware and functionality. The argument for picking this model over the Everdrive revolves around the addition of the USB port, save states and faster loading. It also has the option of using Micro SD in addition to SD Card for the removable media.

[[File:MegaEverdrive.jpeg‎|300px]]

== Flashcart Vendors ==
http://shop.retrogate.com/

http://krikzz.com/

http://www.stoneagegamer.com/

http://www.retrousb.com/

Gamebit

2012-06-11T16:53:05Z

Vkeios:

A '''Gamebit''' is a type of screw driver used to open consoles and game cartridges secured with a special type of torx screw.

[[File:gamebit-2.png|200px|thumb|right|4.5MM gamebit]]

==Types==

===4.5MM===

These gamebits are used to open most [[Genesis]] carts and various video game systems.

===3.8MM===

These gamebits are used to open almost every [[NES]] carts, all [[SNES]] carts, all [[Nintendo 64]] carts, all [[Virtua Boy]] games, and all [[Gameboy]] and [[Gameboy Color]] games.

==Where to buy==

Be careful when buying one, some gamebits are soft and will break after a handful of uses. Make sure you're buying cheap in price, not quality.

*[http://store.kitsch-bent.com/product/security-bits Kitsch-Bent] sells them at a nice price. though he doesn't always manage to have both kinds in stock.
*[http://www.racketboy.com/store/system-cartridge-repair-tools.html Racket Boy] sells both types for a fairly reasonable price, and are made fairly strong.

Gamebit

2012-06-11T16:46:29Z

Vkeios: added a warning and another store to buy from (kitsch-bent)

A '''Gamebit''' is a type of screw driver used to open consoles and game cartridges secured with a special type of torx screw.

[[File:gamebit-2.png|200px|thumb|right|4.5MM gamebit]]

==Types==

===4.5MM===

These gamebits are used to open most [[Genesis]] carts and various video game systems.

===3.8MM===

These gamebits are used to open almost every [[NES]] carts, all [[SNES]] carts, all [[Nintendo 64]] carts, all [[Virtua Boy]] games, and all [[Gameboy]] and [[Gameboy Color]] games.

==Where to buy==

Be careful when buying one, some gamebits are soft and will break after a handful of uses. Make sure you're buying cheap in price, not quality.

[http://store.kitsch-bent.com/product/security-bits Kitsch-Bent] sells them at a nice price. though he doesn't always manage to have both kinds in stock.
[http://www.racketboy.com/store/system-cartridge-repair-tools.html Racket Boy] sells both types for a fairly reasonable price, and are made fairly strong.