Hardware EZ-Flash Omega DE - NOR Flash Issue

[kylemoores]

Hello,
I've encountered a few recent issues when using my EZ-Flash Omega DE. I bought it in February and it's been working great until now.
However, I've recently come into an issue when trying to load games on via NOR Flash.
Due to the length of the videos I've recorded, I've uploaded them as unlisted on YouTube.

PART 1 (VIDEO LENGTH = 10:55) (Basic Tests, plus safe mode menu test):


PART 2 (VIDEO LENGTH = 5:00) (Formatting Test):


Additional Notes (For context behind the issue and my own attempts to resolve the issue):

• This is an issue that has only just appeared when the last few days.
• Almost every time I move a game to the NOR Flash, the issue seems slightly different. Sometimes the game won't load at all, sometimes the game menu works perfectly but the game save won't load, sometimes I have a few graphical issues, yet sometimes very rarely the game will work with seemingly no issues at all (Only to break again after turning the GBA off and on)
• While I'm using the custom Simple theme, I've also tested with the stock set-up and the same issues occur.
• I've never shut down the GBA while formatting in the past, and I've made sure to wait around 5 seconds before shutting down my GBA after saving a game.
• The ROM files are probably not the issue, as I've replaced them with new ROM files before posting this.
• I have made sure the connector points are clean, using 'WD-40 Specialist Fast Drying Contact Cleaner'.
• The EZ-Flash cartridge hasn't been opened, so I haven't touched the board.
• I have used Mode-B to connect the EZ-Flash to send Pokémon to and from Pokémon Colosseum, XD, and Box: Ruby & Sapphire. However the cable I used was the official Nintendo branded one.
• The SD Card has been reformatted using FAT32. This is something I did when I got the EZ-Flash and once again when the issue started occurring.
• This EZ-Flash was specifically ordered from SenkoGames.

In conclusion, the Direct Boot works, but weirdly the NOR Flash loading seems to not be working. If someone has any idea on what's causing the issue, it would be greatly appreciated.


PS; Sorry for the background noise in the videos. My windows are open and my computer is on plus, I live near an main road so a lot of loud noises can get in. Thank you in advance for your understanding.

 

[EZ-Flash2]

At the moment I can only give a suggestion, when performing NOR FLASH (write, format) operations, it is best to plug in your GBASP power supply, because NORFLASH requires a lot of current when performing erase/write operations.

I'm not sure the status of the current battery installed in your GBASP, so I suggest you try formatting and writing to NORFLASH again after plugging in the power.

 

[kylemoores]

At the moment I can only give a suggestion, when performing NOR FLASH (write, format) operations, it is best to plug in your GBASP power supply, because NORFLASH requires a lot of current when performing erase/write operations.

I'm not sure the status of the current battery installed in your GBASP, so I suggest you try formatting and writing to NORFLASH again after plugging in the power.

Thanks for the response; although after trying what you've recommended, the NOR FLASH still fails to work. I've opened up the GBA SP and it seems to be using the Stock Nintendo GBA SP Battery.
To double check whether it's a power issue, I also pulled out my original GBA (Which worked fine before I made the switch to the SP), but the issue still occurred.

In addition to ensure the board and chips had nothing wrong, I decided to open up the EZ-Flash.

The only possible issue I can see, based on what I saw is a slight bit of possible chip damage on one of the back chips.
I have included images of the board so you yourselves can judge if there is anything out of the ordinary. With a close up image of the chip which looks slightly damaged (I've put a red ring around what looks to be chip damage).

As a side note, I know almost nothing about PCBs and can only really work on a basis of what I can see on the surface. So it might not be the problem at all.

 

[EZ-Flash2]

First of all, the chip marked with a red circle is S71, which is used for storing kernel and SRAM, and is not the same chip as the NOR-FLASH problem you encountered, which located at the right side of the main chip. The small wound on the chip only damages the resin used for protection.

Since you already tested with power plug-in and another device. the NOR-FLASH issue still persisted. But your direct-boot (PSRAM) is working fine, maybe there is a defect in the NORFLASH part. I suggest you contact your dealer for replacement.