Hacking Misc Fixing EZFlash Parallel's sleep issues once and for all!

[Apache Thunder]

I found the ultimate solution to EZP's issues supporting sleep mode. It turns out they left the IRQ pin unconnected on the cart's PCB. This requires a board revision to fix properly. So don't expect any updates from EZFlash on this. It's why they have not attempted to fix this problem. (it would require adding patches to all games to fix the sleep problem in software or manufacturing a revised PCB)

But I did find that it's possible to add a bodge wire to fix this problem myself. Photos show the bodge. All you have to do is ground the IRQ pin. I compared this pin with other flashcarts. The pin is typically grounded on them which is why they support sleep mode but this one does not. I used the ground side of the left most capacitor as the ground connection for the wire. It's a relatively simple mod if you have the soldering equipment. Does require a cut be made to the shell. Unless you somehow manage to keep the solder amount so thin that it would fit...but it's easier that you make the cut so you can make the proper connection.

As you can see sleep mode support for EZP can be corrected with a somewhat simple hardware mod. Does require some soldering skills and a razor for cutting a notch in the shell to make room for the connection. I'm not sure why they omitted this from their design..... Seems like a rookie mistake.

 

[SylverReZ]

I'm quite disappointed that nobody commented on this thread. I would like to say you have done some extensive research on the matter and had found a fix which might help the manufacturers of the EZ-Flash Parallel (original and/or clones) to revise the boards with the grounding fix on IRQ so it becomes less of an issue. But I have my doubts since EZ-Flash want nothing to do with them.

Maybe using AWG kynar, that is, 28 or 30 AWG single-core could remove the requirement of cutting through the shell to make room for the wire; however, grounds would need slightly thicker wire to have better continuity, even with anything power-related without resulting in shorts.

 

[Flame]

@Apache Thunder has always great work bro.

 

[Labestiajake]

I found the ultimate solution to EZP's issues supporting sleep mode. It turns out they left the IRQ pin unconnected on the cart's PCB. This requires a board revision to fix properly. So don't expect any updates from EZFlash on this. It's why they have not attempted to fix this problem. (it would require adding patches to all games to fix the sleep problem in software or manufacturing a revised PCB)

But I did find that it's possible to add a bodge wire to fix this problem myself. Photos show the bodge. All you have to do is ground the IRQ pin. I compared this pin with other flashcarts. The pin is typically grounded on them which is why they support sleep mode but this one does not. I used the ground side of the left most capacitor as the ground connection for the wire. It's a relatively simple mod if you have the soldering equipment. Does require a cut be made to the shell. Unless you somehow manage to keep the solder amount so thin that it would fit...but it's easier that you make the cut so you can make the proper connection.

View attachment 551045View attachment 551046


View attachment 551047

As you can see sleep mode support for EZP can be corrected with a somewhat simple hardware mod. Does require some soldering skills and a razor for cutting a notch in the shell to make room for the connection. I'm not sure why they omitted this from their design..... Seems like a rookie mistake.

I was one of the first to buy them. 29€. I hated that the Ezflash Parallel team wouldn't fix it. Thanks to you, it now works perfectly. I've tested other games that had background sounds. It doesn't anymore. Because of one pin that isn't connecting anything.

Thank you for this contribution.

 

[Flame]

The sad truth about EZFlash Parallel is that it had a cool shell and thought EZFlash might do an okay job considering it was the first flashcart and not first ds flashcart.

 

[moon_rabbit]

Interesting.
I’m wondering whether this could also solve the same issue on other cartridges (ex. R4DS Pro).

 

[k66]

Interesting.
I’m wondering whether this could also solve the same issue on other cartridges (ex. R4DS Pro).

Can fix the same sleep mode issue with r4dspro.

(some r4dspro PCBs might be different)

 

[Apache Thunder]

Yeah any other card that has similar issues and has a disconnected IRQ pin should be fixable with the same mod.

 

[x149te]

What to pin here?

 

[DSoryu]

What to pin here?
View attachment 552997

The easiest would be to solder it to the SD slot shell, since it should be grounded. For the capacitor option, you MUST confirm first with a multimeter which side is the ground, take my suggestion with a grain of salt until you confirm which side is ground (It's clear that the side I pointed out is soldered to ground, but better safe than sorry ).

 

[Fabax01]

Nicely done^^
Sleep mode issues... brings back memories of the good old days.
"Max Media Launcher" - If you know you know!

 

[MushGuy]

Here's hoping that a fix for the cartridge's speed is possible, too.

 

[x149te]

The easiest would be to solder it to the SD slot shell, since it should be grounded. For the capacitor option, you MUST confirm first with a multimeter which side is the ground, take my suggestion with a grain of salt until you confirm which side is ground (It's clear that the side I pointed out is soldered to ground, but better safe than sorry ).

I bought multimeter. But I can't find tutorials how to find ground on PCB. Can you give me basics what mode to use and where to place both red and black cables?

 

[ChronoCrossfangirl2002]

Oh this is awesome! great work i'll try this tonight!

 

[VonSlask]

Thank you so much, Apache Thunder!

This was the only issue I had unovercomable with this flashcard... I was considering giving it away for free, so me, with my horrible soldering skills went to work. I ripped apart the closest cable I had at my disposal and tried to solder the pcb.

Note that I haven't even manage to solder two pieces of cable together before. (Don't YOU try this at home unless you want a paperweight flashcard, people!)

And as they say in the industry: "It just works!"

It's not pretty - the cable might be a bit thick and the soldering work is stinky. But I am grateful, happy and I learned so much along the way. (I was researching soldering for 4 hours before attempting this, also.)

Super thanks, and thank Vikrinox for directing me to this post.

 

[ZaindORp]

Adding wires to a card with such a beautiful transparent casing actually makes it look terrible. What a pity.

 

[DSoryu]

Adding wires to a card with such a beautiful transparent casing actually makes it look terrible. What a pity.

You should get a DSpico!

 

[ZaindORp]

You should get a DSpico!

Yes, actually, just a few days after the first release was released got a hand crafted one. And few weeks later got a transparent simple shell made by Chiscart from a friend, which looks nice. It's sad that the DSPico from Chiscart didn't sold in China (They only do foreign trade, even though it's a Chinese company) so maybe it's difficult to get a second one.

 

[Jayro]

Adding wires to a card with such a beautiful transparent casing actually makes it look terrible. What a pity.

Feel free to add an LED or something to spruce it up.

 

[SylverReZ]

View attachment 553215

The easiest would be to solder it to the SD slot shell, since it should be grounded. For the capacitor option, you MUST confirm first with a multimeter which side is the ground, take my suggestion with a grain of salt until you confirm which side is ground (It's clear that the side I pointed out is soldered to ground, but better safe than sorry ).

One ground point should be enough. I have mine soldered to the shield pads of the microSD card slot and so far it works just like how it should.