PCH1-01-CART NES Cart/Powerpak Tests

DackR

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I've made the compatibility list available on Google Docs. I've set up the permissions such that anyone with the link can edit the list.(I will only lock it down if I have to...)

I only ask that you please post on this thread when you update the list.

Go here to access the list:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArLih2HxwoqqdFJ4MlNBdTRHRnViaTZla0duTnJISGc

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Original Post:
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Since I haven't seen one of these anywhere yet, I thought we could start a thread where people who have the adapter can post what games they've gotten to work so far on the PCH1-01-CART NES to Playchoice-10 adapter by 2600 as well as any games you are having difficulties with.

I think it would be appropriate to point out what mappers (and where you got them) are being used on the Powerpak when compatibility issues are being identified. I will be compiling the compatibility reports on this page into one big list along with the names of the contributors.

For my own initial testing, I will be using the "stock" (v1.34) mappers for the Powerpak that are available at the Retrozone download page here : http://www.retrousb.com/product_info.php?products_id=34

I will be going through and testing many of my own original game carts as well.
 
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Good thread. I have interest in this information as I was thinking about getting the powerpak.
 
List update

I've tested all of the original game lineup for the Playchoice via the Powerpak. The results are above.

Also wanted to mention that I started having more issues with my Powerpak tonight on the Playchoice. Games that worked fine before are now no longer starting. (Blank screen) I know my Powerpak is fine because these same games work flawlessly on my NES. Also, Famicom Disk system games that worked before are now showing "Disk Error" #22. I've cleaned the contacts on my powerpak and also on the PCH1-01-CART with the same result.

Anyone have any ideas?

Also, as promised, here is a screenshot of the glitching of Akimajou Densetsu (Famicom2NES adapter). When my powerpak was working right, this game would start without graphic glitches, but freeze randomly. This one Freezes a few moments after beginning to move the player.

http://minus.com/lEYbQWkR6Er2f

The Sound mod I used for my Famicom2NES adapter is here: http://www.nintendoage.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=8&threadid=58017
 
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The issues are because your cart is dirty, what did you clean it with? I was having the same problems with my carts until I cleaned then with a pencil eraser and deoxIT.

Some mappers are more sensitive to dirty carts, also the edge connector 2600 used isn't as tight as a game genie connector so it is extra sensitive to a dirty cart.
 
Thanks for the tips! I will be re-cleaning my carts today.

I used isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel to clean the contacts. I will also try to transplant the edge connector from an old game genie if I continue to have issues.
 
In my experience you really need to take the game out of the case and rub the connector with a pink pencil eraser (pink parallelogram shaped) then swab deoxIT on the cleaned contacts. Alcohol doesn't do enough.
 
Where did you find deoxit? I wish my cab was at my house. I have to travel 20 mins to my inlaws to get to my cab. I'll try later today.
 
Thanks for the link. I've ordered some. Until I get this, I've disassembled my carts, rubbed the connectors with an eraser and cleaned them as best I can for now... I'm still getting the same thing. Games that worked before are still giving me a black screen. I will try the deoxyit when it comes in a few days.

For now, I was wondering if this is something I should think about doing: http://playchoice.riemen.net/downloads/manuals/pc10_PCB_Upgrade.pdf

I thought this was strange since one of the games listed in that document (Mario 3) is one of the original playchoice pcbs that came with my cab. I have the pck1-02-CPU and there is no mobo mod... Never had any problems either. Any advice there?
 
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Ideas?

Anyone ever try the mod presented above? Is this something that would help stability of the PCH1-01-CART?

Wanted to mention that at this point, the only carts that I am having trouble with are the Powerpak (used to work much better) and my Original Akumajou Densetsu Famicom cart that is utilizing an adapter. My other original NES games (the few that I've tried) worked as soon as I cleaned them once.
 
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I got some DeoxIT in the mail today. I'm not currently near any of the problem carts, but was excited enough to test it on one of the famicom carts I have lying around.ImageUploadedByTapatalk1348086003.820320.jpg
 
Anyone ever try the mod presented above? Is this something that would help stability of the PCH1-01-CART?

Wanted to mention that at this point, the only carts that I am having trouble with are the Powerpak (used to work much better) and my Original Akumajou Densetsu Famicom cart that is utilizing an adapter. My other original NES games (the few that I've tried) worked as soon as I cleaned them once.

I really don't think that is the problem. Doing that change wouldn't hurt either.

Also you shouldn't need a modded adapter for the extra sound to work, try using the adapter out of a Gyromite cart. Bring a scale with you to the used game store. The Gyromites that have the adapter weigh a few grams more than one that doesn't.
 
I got my famicom to nes adapter out of a stack-up cart. I believe the adapters are basically the same coming from gyromite, though stack-up ALWAYS has the adapter, and gyromite only has it sometimes.

I had to modify the adapter in order to get the extra sound on my NES console. As far as I know, the reason a mod is needed is because the Famicom supported external sound chips and the American and European NES consoles made this feature inaccessible to carts and only accessible through the expansion port. (I had to mod the console to get the sound-- one for Powerpak and one for modified famicom to NES adapters.) This is why Castlevania 3's music is so different from the Japanese version, Akumajou Densetsu-- they use different mappers.

I'm still kinda wondering if there is another mod that is needed for the sound to work on the playchoice with the famicom to NES adapter.

I'm going to have time to clean my carts with DeoxIT today and test. Hopefully that clears up some of my issues with the Powerpak. I don't have as much hope for the famicom games with the extra chips... Maybe I'll ask 2600 if he knows if another mod is necessary.
 
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I got my famicom to nes adapter out of a stack-up cart. I believe the adapters are basically the same coming from gyromite, though stack-up ALWAYS has the adapter, and gyromite only has it sometimes.

I had to modify the adapter in order to get the extra sound on my NES console. As far as I know, the reason a mod is needed is because the Famicom supported external sound chips and the American and European NES consoles made this feature inaccessible to carts and only accessible through the expansion port. (I had to mod the console to get the sound-- one for Powerpak and one for modified famicom to NES adapters.) This is why Castlevania 3's music is so different from the Japanese version, Akumajou Densetsu-- they use different mappers.

I'm still kinda wondering if there is another mod that is needed for the sound to work on the playchoice the famicom to NES adapter.

I'm going to have time to clean my carts with DeoxIT today and test. Hopefully that clears up some of my issues with the Powerpak. I don't have as much hope for the famicom games with the extra chips... Maybe I'll ask 2600 if he knows if another mod is necessary.

What I am saying is that I believe that 2600's adapter will accept the extra sound channels on an unmodified gyromite/stackup Famicom/NES adapter. The Playchoice doesn't need any modifications, it will support the extra sound channels.
 
Thanks for the help, Tighe!

Okay. So after doing some more tests, I've found the issue with the Powerpak compatibility. I was trying to play NSF files that have the extra channels, and adjusting the volume which sometimes played garbage sounds when i turned it up... Then I noticed a jumper next to the volume control. J4- it was closed. I don't know if I did this or the kids that were over a week ago did it, but as soon as I opened the jumper and adjusted the volume, bam! The extra sound was there!! Also, games that stopped working about the same time that the sound started glitching started working again.
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1348236655.883968.jpg
After cleaning the contacts with the deoxit, ALL of the powerpak games that work on my NES now WORK on the Playchoice!!

The only problem I have that persists is that my original Akumajou Densetsu famicom cart doesn't work right still. It's basically still doing what it was doing before being cleaned. (I guess I will try removing the mod to my adapter and see if that helps the glitching like you suggested ,Tighe. Though I'm not sure if it will help the sound situation since then the VRC6 chip won't be sending out extra sound channels as the traces don't connect on a non-modified adapter.)

I will update the list above accordingly!!!
 
Thanks for the help, Tighe!

Okay. So after doing some more tests, I've found the issue with the Powerpak compatibility. I was trying to play NSF files that have the extra channels, and adjusting the volume which sometimes played garbage sounds when i turned it up... Then I noticed a jumper next to the volume control. J4- it was closed. I don't know if I did this or the kids that were over a week ago did it, but as soon as I opened the jumper and adjusted the volume, bam! The extra sound was there!! Also, games that stopped working about the same time that the sound started glitching started working again.
View attachment 121500
After cleaning the contacts with the deoxit, ALL of the powerpak games that work on my NES now WORK on the Playchoice!!

The only problem I have that persists is that my original Akumajou Densetsu famicom cart doesn't work right still. It's basically still doing what it was doing before being cleaned. (I guess I will try removing the mod to my adapter and see if that helps the glitching like you suggested ,Tighe. Though I'm not sure if it will help the sound situation since then the VRC6 chip won't be sending out extra sound channels as the traces don't connect on a non-modified adapter.)

I will update the list above accordingly!!!


I am so glad you figured that out! That deoxit is great stuff right?? :D
 
I'll recommend Deoxit to EVERYONE who has this adapter and a Powerpak. My contacts looked pretty clean to me, but the Deoxit made all the difference in the world! Wonderful stuff!!

Thanks for the recommendation and all your help man!!!
 
I'll recommend Deoxit to EVERYONE who has this adapter and a Powerpak. My contacts looked pretty clean to me, but the Deoxit made all the difference in the world! Wonderful stuff!!

Thanks for the recommendation and all your help man!!!

Now what you bought was pure deoxit there is no mineral oil in it, which.is great for cleaning, but to protect the connection from oxidizing the other formulations have mineral oil in it.

What you got is the best bargin and most potent, if you want to protect and lube thr cart put a drop of mineral oil on a cotton swab and rub the pins so they have a light film on them.
 
I just tried Mr Gimmick the other day. It works great! I will add to the list. :)
 
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