Changed capacitors on Game Gear but still not working? Any other ideas?

lpoolm · Nov 28, 2019

So I bought a game gear that thought would just need a capacitor change (done a few before)
Originally it would not turn on, only with a game inserted, now it turns on with/without game. Screen is bright but no games load, no sound? Contrast works?
Are there any other things I can check as searching google almost all issues seem to be fixed by a capacitor change and not really any other routes to go down?
Tried cleaning the contacts on the games and cartridge reader within the console but it doesn't make any difference?
Thanks

ChiefReginod · Nov 28, 2019

I would double-check that the polarity of all the new caps were oriented correctly.

Also, it goes without saying that all caps should have been replaced and not just the obvious bad/leaking ones as you can't always tell just by looking at them, and at this point basically all stock GG caps are bad.

lpoolm · Nov 28, 2019

ChiefReginod said:
I would double-check that the polarity of all the new caps were oriented correctly.

Also, it goes without saying that all caps should have been replaced and not just the obvious bad/leaking ones as you can't always tell just by looking at them, and at this point basically all stock GG caps are bad.

Thanks for the reply, I bought a kit so all capacitors including sound board have been changed, I will double check they are all in correct way, not touching anything but was pretty certain they are all OK

tech3475 · Nov 28, 2019

Do you have access to any tools to make sure other things are fine e.g. clock signal, reset lines, etc.

You could check the solder joints, continuity, etc.

lpoolm · Nov 28, 2019

tech3475 said:
Do you have access to any tools to make sure other things are fine e.g. clock signal, reset lines, etc.

You could check the solder joints, continuity, etc.

I have just resoldered the joints on the cart reader hoping one might be loose but it didn't do anything.

Captain_N · Nov 28, 2019

He gonna have to test all circuit traces. test all resistors. might have to scope it to see if any signals are "dirty"

lpoolm · Nov 28, 2019

Captain_N said:
He gonna have to test all circuit traces. test all resistors. might have to scope it to see if any signals are "dirty"

I shined a torch on it before and it shows the traces well but didn't get further, will check around replaced capacitors to see if any area is damaged from leakage.

Captain_N · Nov 28, 2019

some of the dry solder points are hidden in-between the joint and the old solder. you might have to do continuity tests as well as voltage tests to try and find if there is a disconnect. its a really tedious process..

lpoolm · Dec 6, 2019

Finally had time to come back to this, I have checked capacitors are fitted correct without any shorts, I have also checked continuity from pins within cart reader to pins on opposite side and all are connected.
Plugged in and checked a few resistors to check for any shorts, all seem to be ok?
So back to not having a clue again!!

asper · Dec 8, 2019

Z80 chip may be gone, try to replace it.

lpoolm · Dec 8, 2019

asper said:
Z80 chip may be gone, try to replace it.

Thanks will check that later.
Watched a few vids on YouTube before, came across a few that had completly dead ones and they seem to think when the capacitors get replaced and you turn it on sometimes it's too much for the board and other parts blow so may end up checking everything..

Changed capacitors on Game Gear but still not working? Any other ideas?

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