Hacking Unable to install core file on M3iZero

[JaapDraad]

Hi

I've just bought an M3iZero card. I have been trying all night to install the core file.

At the first try, the led didn't show up at all. Finally it started blinking, but the blinking wouldn't stop.
After about 20 minutes I took out the M3 USB power cable.
I thought the problem might be that I used a (4GB) SDHC card. So I tried again with a 1G plain SD card but with the same result.
I've been trying different versions of the core software but the result is always the same. he led just keeps on blinking.

At some point I watched a video of the update process and I noticed that my card was blinking a lot faster than on the video. Mine blink 3-4 times a second.

I've searched my ass of on this form (and will do for another couple of hours probably) but I haven't found a solution yet.

can anybody help me out?

 

[nitrostemp]

so im guessing you dont have a ds lite to update it with?

 

[JaapDraad]

I do have a DS-lite.

Can I update it with a DS lite?
I understand that I can use power from the DS lite instead of from the M3 USB power cable.
I have tried that with two kinds of result:
1. Same story; fast blinking led
2. No blinking led and both screens white on DS lite

From what I 've read so far the white screens indicate a problem with the cards contacts.

 

[gameguy95]

Hi

I've just bought an M3iZero card. I have been trying all night to install the core file.

At the first try, the led didn't show up at all. Finally it started blinking, but the blinking wouldn't stop.
After about 20 minutes I took out the M3 USB power cable.
I thought the problem might be that I used a (4GB) SDHC card. So I tried again with a 1G plain SD card but with the same result.
I've been trying different versions of the core software but the result is always the same. he led just keeps on blinking.

At some point I watched a video of the update process and I noticed that my card was blinking a lot faster than on the video. Mine blink 3-4 times a second.

I've searched my ass of on this form (and will do for another couple of hours probably) but I haven't found a solution yet.

can anybody help me out?

i had the same problem and when i tried to use my DSL to flash it, it blew the fuses in my DSL so now i can't charge it or turn it on, so dont do what nitrostemp suggested

 

[JaapDraad]

@gameguy95
How did you fix it?

 

[dsrules]

try format your 1gb sd using Windows Default settings and only put the core files in there, plug the usb cable to the pc and hold the M3 in your hand, don't let it hanging
and make sure that you plug in the cable the correct way into the M3 with the arrow pointing the bottom of the M3

 

[JaapDraad]

I've tried so many times. In all positions. Formatted the SD card with different tools.
I suppose I'll have to ask the supplier to exchange the M3i0 for another one.

 

[JaapDraad]

The funny thing is that when I put in an empty SD-card the led stays lit.
But when there is an f_core.dat on the card the led will go fast blinking without ending.
So it looks like its not completely bricked.

 

[DeltaBurnt]

I think it's supposed to stay lit when the fcore isn't on the SD, that's one of the signaling messages that you don't have it on there.

It sounds like your card or power cord may have gotten damaged during the shipping process.

 

[Jakob95]

If you have a DSi. Put in your M3 into the DSi with the Fcore in the microSD. Stay in the main menu, and wait 1min the M3 should be updating it self. After that turn off the power and turn it back on and check if the M3 will work.

 

[gameguy95]

@gameguy95
How did you fix it?

i wish i did. even the support team, after 3 days of trying to help, just told me to give up and send it back to the dealer (i couldn't though because they warranty wore out by then) so my advice: either return it for a new one or buy a scds2 when it comes out

 

[JaapDraad]

I finally managed to install the F-core.dat.
This was after I reformated the 1GB sd card with Windows to FAT32 and I used the Fcore-dat from http://www.handheldsources.com/M3DS/Download_M3DSR.html

However now I now I experience the contact issue. Only 1 out of * times I turn on the DS Lite i actually get the M3 interface, Most of the time I get 2 white screens.
I've been experimenting with pieces of paper stuck in the card slot and adhevise tape stuck to the M3 card but to no abail.

Today I ordered an Acekard2i.
I hope the supplier of the M3 card will take it back.
I've lost my faith in the M3i zero. It has great specs, but is a real pain getting it to actually work,

 

[gameguy95]

I finally managed to install the F-core.dat.
This was after I reformated the 1GB sd card with Windows to FAT32 and I used the Fcore-dat from http://www.handheldsources.com/M3DS/Download_M3DSR.html

However now I now I experience the contact issue. Only 1 out of * times I turn on the DS Lite i actually get the M3 interface, Most of the time I get 2 white screens.
I've been experimenting with pieces of paper stuck in the card slot and adhevise tape stuck to the M3 card but to no abail.

Today I ordered an Acekard2i.
I hope the supplier of the M3 card will take it back.
I've lost my faith in the M3i zero. It has great specs, but is a real pain getting it to actually work,

only if you have a faulty card, which you obviously do
mine actually flashed straight-away wwhen i first got it, but after a few months, it stopped working
also, i don't know how you got it to work because i just tried that and it does not work

 

[gamecaptor]

Hey JaapDraad,

I have purchased several of the M3i Zero's over time and just today I'm having my first encounter with programming problems as you have.

I received two M3i Zero's today. I was able to program one of them with no problem, the other will not, it just displays a solid red light (and after screwing around with it, it’s now doing the really fast red blinking light then stopping). I verified the F_CORE.DAT file was intact (used the same memory card as I did on the first M3i) and even formatted the memory card and placed the file back on the card. I then attempted to program the M3i with a different memory card, with two different programmers and on two different PCs. I had the same result no matter what combination I tried. So I believe the unit is defective.

I wouldn’t waste your time with that M3i, I would send it back (if you still can) as I am planning too.

Regards,

GC