NEO GEO AES - issues with the graphics

Galder

Crossed Swords Squire
Joined
May 26, 2014
Posts
191
Hi all - does anyone know what is the problem with my AES? It started by having some kind of "noise" in the graphics for days, which would eventually go away, and it ended up being like this:

https://ibb.co/fksc2S

Now it is a constant problem.
 
Last edited:

Galder

Crossed Swords Squire
Joined
May 26, 2014
Posts
191
I noticed today that one of the slot's contacts was twisted:

https://ibb.co/fHtooc

Could this be the reason? Is there a fix for this?
 
Last edited:

Suplex

n00b
Joined
Mar 21, 2018
Posts
12
You've checked to see what color screen you get without a cart in? I'm fairly certain the NeoStore has replacement slots if you need them.
 

Suplex

n00b
Joined
Mar 21, 2018
Posts
12
I would try inserting a cart without the top cover on and (VERY) gently moving it back and forth to see if you can get a proper image. Those contacts look somewhat worn, I see a couple pushed completely back in the housing, and that twisted one isn't helping. I'm guessing you've give it a good clean as well?

Also take a quick look over the PCB to see if any theres obvious corrosion.
 

Galder

Crossed Swords Squire
Joined
May 26, 2014
Posts
191
Thanks again - I haven't noticed any corrosion - cleaned the slot, moved the cart but nothing helps ;[
 

Suplex

n00b
Joined
Mar 21, 2018
Posts
12
Its probably time to get the multimeter and start checking continuity off the pins. Its not an exciting job but should pinpoint the issue. The fact that the problem was gradual makes it sound like a pin or pins wasn't connecting properly and perhaps broke at some point. Looking at the pins again they look to be quite bad, they should be lined up evenly in the housing. From the pins it looks like you have an earlier revision 3-3 to 3-4 PCB which I don't have any pin-out experience with but a decent starting point would be to match pins to the closest through-hole, since the assumption is that the problem is with one of the pins rather than the traces.

The next step would be to see if this pin-out is correct (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qkuiJgJSxI0/RoYOPTp8OeI/AAAAAAAAAAU/3fkFGfIjInE/s1600/MVS-1_cartridge.jpg) and start searching the wiki (https://wiki.neogeodev.org/index.php?title=Main_Page) and matching chip pins to cart pin solder points to check that a broken trace isn't the problem.

A replacement slot is probably going to be the best option at this point but a trace check is worth doing for peace of mind if you have the time and patience. Although a blue screen which would indicate hardware is fine. (https://www.neostore.com/Neo-Geo-AES-cartridge-slot-replacement-kit-p/1326.htm)
 
Top