Hacking EZ Flash IV Not Going Past GameBoy Loading Screen - What Steps Should I Take?

[MA3STRO]

In December I ordered two EZ Flash IVs.

The first one loaded fine. It went to the menu in Chinese and I updated it to the latest kernal and then put all my ROMs on it. I then passed it onto my brother.

I've just attempted to do the same with the second EZ Flash IV. I suspected something was wrong from the start as when you put the cartridge in it did not go past the GameBoy loading screen. I suspected that maybe this one didn't have the firmware on it yet and the other had came with it pre-installed.

So I went through the same process again, but I still cannot get past the GameBoy loading screen. This is despite the fact that I am using a brand new 32GB Sandisk MicroSD card.

What do you think is the issue?

I've tried the paper trick and it didn't change anything. The other cart that worked properly loads fine even if you put in a 64GB card, so I don't think this is an issue about the micro SD card itself.

Is there anything else I can try?

Perhaps a reset method or something.

Thanks guys.

 

[FAST6191]

If they are microSD ones then they should come with something.

What is the GBA logo like, specifically the Nintendo thing at the bottom? Fully there or absent/garbled?

Anyway have you cleaned the contacts, both the ones in the GBA and the ones in the microSD slot.

 

[MA3STRO]

If they are microSD ones then they should come with something.

What is the GBA logo like, specifically the Nintendo thing at the bottom? Fully there or absent/garbled?

Anyway have you cleaned the contacts, both the ones in the GBA and the ones in the microSD slot.

Thanks for responding.

I haven't cleaned the contacts. What's the best way to do that?

I'll be back home tomorrow morning and I can upload a screenshot or short clip of what happens when I load it up

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[FAST6191]

Electric contact cleaner if you have it, not automotive though as that can be a bit harsh.

Failing that any solvent that is not likely to leave anything behind. Nail polish remover if it is pure (mainly as it is then often pure acetone which is used for PCB washing anyway) and not one that also moisturises or something can do well. You can try a more mechanical approach with a pencil rubber but be careful with that.

The microSD slot is much the same, however if access is a problem (and it is a microSD slot so...) then putting the card in and out 50 times is not a bad plan.

 

[MA3STRO]

Thanks. I'll look into this tomorrow.

I'll open it first and see if I see if anything is out of place.


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[MA3STRO]

Electric contact cleaner if you have it, not automotive though as that can be a bit harsh.

Failing that any solvent that is not likely to leave anything behind. Nail polish remover if it is pure (mainly as it is then often pure acetone which is used for PCB washing anyway) and not one that also moisturises or something can do well. You can try a more mechanical approach with a pencil rubber but be careful with that.

The microSD slot is much the same, however if access is a problem (and it is a microSD slot so...) then putting the card in and out 50 times is not a bad plan.

It never gets past this stage. It just stalls here.

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[FAST6191]

So no logo at all. Sounds like the thing is not detected.

Do you have a DS or DS lite or another GBA you can test it on? Assuming you have cleaned the contacts that is.

 

[MA3STRO]

So no logo at all. Sounds like the thing is not detected.

Do you have a DS or DS lite or another GBA you can test it on? Assuming you have cleaned the contacts that is.

Same thing on my micro. Both the SP and micro work fine with all other cartridges.

Sorry, no I haven't cleaned the contacts yet. Was just uploading the pic for reference before I forgot.

I'll order some cleaner just now.

Would this do the job?

WD40 Fast Drying Contact Cleaner 250ml https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00KPUBO2S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Nr0Lyb7G34TWA


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[FAST6191]

Yeah that looks like suitable contact cleaner, bit more than I care to spend on such things but likely still far cheaper than a trip to maplin. Useful to have around as well (cleans sticky switches, scratchy volume knobs and iffy charge ports and sockets quite nicely) so hopefully not a one time thing.

If you want to try inserting and removing it a bunch of times as well pending the arrival of that then that can do a bit for cleaning it up.

 

[MA3STRO]

Yeah that looks like suitable contact cleaner, bit more than I care to spend on such things but likely still far cheaper than a trip to maplin. Useful to have around as well (cleans sticky switches, scratchy volume knobs and iffy charge ports and sockets quite nicely) so hopefully not a one time thing.

If you want to try inserting and removing it a bunch of times as well pending the arrival of that then that can do a bit for cleaning it up.

The fact you mentioned Maplin makes me think you're in the UK too.

If I could pick it up from a shop I'd do that just now or tomorrow morning. I just wasn't sure where I would get it. Places like Home Bargains and B & M Bargains and The Range can be good sometimes, but I wasn't sure if they would have it.

Is this is a common electrical product I suspect the range will have it.

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[FAST6191]

Though I would be surprised to see any of those have it I would not walk into anything other than maplin or somewhere like it/better and expect them to have it. Or if you prefer I checked screwfix and toolstation and of the two only screwfix has it.

That said I looked at http://www.maplin.co.uk/search?text=contact+cleaner&x=0&y=0 and it appears they have made their prices a bit more sensible than they once were (they once wanted north of £10 when I needed some one day) so maplin could be an option.

 

[MA3STRO]

£4.99 at The Range. I'll let you know how I get on

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[MA3STRO]

Unfortunately, it didn't help.

I sprayed the cartridge both sides and in the micro SD port. Also sprayed the GameBoy SP. Nothing has changed.



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[FAST6191]

Also gone over with a cotton bud or something after spraying? It is good stuff but it is like most cleaning things in that you want to wipe up what it suspends/removes. Did you try the paper trick after you had cleaned it?

 

[MA3STRO]

I didn't use a cotton bud afterwards. I've not got any just now. Would anything else work such as a fine cloth used for screens etc?

Tried the paper trick there and it isn't working. Not sure if I've done it right. I tried too much paper at first and couldn't close it. I now have just one small bit of paper from a flyer folded over but I'm still not getting past the GameBoy screen.

 

[FAST6191]

Yeah, as long as it is not crazy abrasive and mops up it should be fine. Obviously if it leaves something behind you want to get rid of it but it is not optics or anything.

That much paper usually does for anything I have done it for, however if you want to try three layers then do so.

Otherwise time to consider whether you have a dud one. Hopefully your vendor does returns well enough.

 

[MA3STRO]

Yeah, as long as it is not crazy abrasive and mops up it should be fine. Obviously if it leaves something behind you want to get rid of it but it is not optics or anything.

That much paper usually does for anything I have done it for, however if you want to try three layers then do so.

Otherwise time to consider whether you have a dud one. Hopefully your vendor does returns well enough.

Yeah I'm starting to think it's a dud. Will hopefully hear back from them tomorrow or Tuesday.

Appreciate all your help with this

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[MA3STRO]

The seller got back to me today.

They said it's probably a dead unit so they are going to send me out a replacement today. Very pleased with how quickly they are resolving this. You can see their store at http://stores.ebay.co.uk/levitechretail/. I'd definitely buy from them again in the future if I buy another one as a gift for a friend.

Thanks again for all your help @FAST6191. Really appreciate it. Hopefully the new unit will be working fine.