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ChimyFolkButter · Joined: 15 Oct 2005 Posts: 50

I picked up a GDSF3 on ebay. When I plug it into the SNES, I just get a black screen. Sad

I am using 9V with a max 1300ma center tip negative power supply. I measured the voltage coming off the 7805 voltage regulator and it is 4.94 volts. According to the STElectronics 7805 datasheet, it is within specs.

Is there anything I have to reset if you take the GDSF3 apart? Can this run without the RAM card?

How is the quality of GDSF3? Have they been reliable throughout the years?

Just for a sanity check, I plugged in my Super Wild Card and loaded a game. It worked fine.

ChimyFolkButter · Joined: 15 Oct 2005 Posts: 50

I replaced the 7805 voltage regulator with the same specs as orginal and it is reading 5.01v. When I turn on the SNES, it shows a black screen just like when you turn on the SNES without a cartidge plugged in.

Any ideas?

ChimyFolkButter · Joined: 15 Oct 2005 Posts: 50

Well, I am wondering if this is a RAM problem. I picked up a used SWC DX2 that exhibited the same problems. I check the voltage at the 7805 pins and it was 4.92. I did notice that the RAM was seated incorrectly so I reseated the RAM to match the motherboard socket. In other words, pin 1 on the RAM board placed into PIN1 on the motherboard socket. I plugged it into the SNES and it worked. Great!

So, this leads me to suspect that RAM could be the issue. Has anyone seen this behavior in their GDSF3. How do I test the RAM board?

Thanks,

-CFB

Tomy · Site Admin Joined: 02 Aug 2005 Posts: 414

Your SNES is Pal ? if yes, you have to replace SF3 cic to Pal cic.
And I remember SF3 will have display with no ram installed.

ChimyFolkButter · Joined: 15 Oct 2005 Posts: 50

Unfortunately no, it is NTSC. The GDSF3 was an NTSC version (well thats how it was sold to me). How can I tell on the GDSF3 motherboard?

Thanks,

-CFB

MottZilla · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 765

I have a GDSF3. I use a Sega Genesis Model 1 AC Adapter which is 9V, 1.2Amps, Negitive Tip.

The GDSF "RAM Card" is for EXTRA memory. It has 16mbits built into the unit. Are you using this unit on a SNES or a SFC? The SFC probably works better as I have that. I suggest that your problems may be related to contact issues. Try moving/tilting the cartridge and the backup unit itself. If its not making contact very well, you'll see nothing but blackness.

If the GDSF3 wasn't already opened (you can tell if the sticker that is over a screw has been damaged) then there is no reason really to open it. I think your problems are related to contact issues probably where the backup unit goes onto the top of the connector cartridge, or maybe at the SNES cart port.

Mine I have a piece of folded paper wedged between the connector cart and the back of the it to hold it firm in the cart slot so it can't jiggle. I also have a couple pennies to stop the unit on the top from being able to rock back and forth. With a SNES you'll need something much larger to stop the rocking.