Hacking Question about EZ-FLASH 4 EZCart

[Videomanman87]

I am looking at possibly replacing my cart EFA Linker SImple (if I can't get it going that is). And I was wondering about the EZ-Flash 4 cart EZ Cart, does it just work like a USB drive? No drivers required? Also does it have a battery? And if so, is it easy to replace? Does it require soldering to do so? (I suck as soldering).

 

[how_do_i_do_that]

The EZ-Flash IV cart uses a miniSD slot. The only thing you need is any standard reader to use to put your files onto the miniSD. Because miniSD are basically hard to get, many people get a microSD to miniSD adaptor. The problem with this setup is that getting a crappy no-name adaptor will cause you more problems than making it easier.

Yes there is a battery, it should last anywhere from 3-5 years. You can practice in the meantime, you can buy a soldering iron, solder, pcb, pins and wires to practice for less than 20 bucks at radioshack, you can find any video instructions on howtos online. Otherwise you can get a new cart in that time.



miniSD adaptor on the right:

Spoiler

battery

Spoiler

 

[Deleted-236924]

The battery should not cause that many problems if you use in-game soft reset, because the in-game soft reset will backup the contents of SRAM to the .sav file on the miniSD without having to turn off the power.

 

[Videomanman87]

Interesting about soft-save.  I am surprised they don't put battery holder in that does not require soldering.  I have a old GB Emerger Ecard (still works well btw and the battery is still good amazingly enough) that you just slide the battery out and a new one in, no soldering required.  In old game carts I understand soldering but in flash carts?  My problem is the smell of solder makes me sick so I really can't replace it myself (and back when I could..my soldering skills sucked anyway)...ah well will have to find someone else to do it for me.

 

[how_do_i_do_that]

You can solder a battery insert, the only problem is that the battery you will be using will be smaller and have a shorter life span, the flipside is it doesn't require pre-soldered tabs and is more easily available anywhere.

Other options is to use things like capacitive epoxy or electronic glue, either of which can carry a charge. You still have to remove the original battery either by soldering iron or to cut it off.

 

[Videomanman87]

Ohh that would work..a battery insert. Even if it was smaller that is ok, as long as I could replace it later. Do they have rechargeable batteries that size? I assume I need a rechargeable since this one is. (having the cart plugged in trying to recharge a non-rechargeable battery is definitely not good)

 

[how_do_i_do_that]

You will have to make the insert with a wafer thin pcb and the metal SMD battery holder and a little wiring. All the plastic retainers and holders are all too big to fit inside the cart. Still requires knowing how to solder.

 

[Videomanman87]

Well I figured it still required soldering, but I thought if I could find someone that could do it for me, then I would be all set (especially since I would need to find someone else to solder a new battery in anyway).  My battery is indeed toast (as per the other thread).  I am trying to see if I can get the battery out without soldering, hard to see as the label is right over the battery.  I took out the screw in the back without any issue, but still having problems getting the cart appart.  I don't want to break it, and I found that one side slide towards the contacts and pops open...but the other side is still stuck fast.  Is there a special trick to getting these EFA Linker Simple carts apart? Oh Btw where is the best place to get batteries? I was thinking of rechargeable considering if the cart is plugged in it will try to charge a installed battery, which would not be a good thing if it was a standard battery?