Getting old systems repaired

[evil_ash_xero]

I have a SNES that's almost 20 years old. It works great, but I do worry that it's gonna bust at some point. I have a Genesis that about 16 years old.

If these systems break down, is it hard to get them repaired? I mean who does it? It seems like they would be easier, since they are not CD based systems.

[neorichieb1971]

There was a modder/supergun maker on neo-geo.com that could seemingly fix anything.

I don't remember his name. Tonk could probably help I know he frequents there.

[evil_ash_xero]

Thanks. Like I said, both of my systems work A-OK now, but i'm just curious about what to do if they do break down. They're getting old, and that SNES has seen a lot of play-time.

[Blackbird]

Unless your SNES is special somehow (sentimental attachment or upgraded hardware), you might be better served by simply purchasing a "new" used SNES. Most older consoles can be had very inexpensively, probably less than it would cost to replace parts or repair them, unless the repair was extremely simple.

[evil_ash_xero]

Yeah, I noticed that by surfing around on Ebay. I might just buy a back-up.

But, yeah, it is sorta "special" to me. Nostalgia.

[burgerkingdiamond]

in the old cartridge based systems there aren't any moving parts that could break or wear out. The only thing you should really need to worry about is keeping your carts and cart connectors clean.

I just replaced my NES cartridge connector ($7 shipped on eBay). It installs in about 5-10 minutes. Then I cleaned all of my games. Now my NES works like brand new. Every game starts on the first try. I don't even remember my NES working this well when I was kid. As long as I can remember I had to literally beat the shit out of it to get it to play, and even then it would randomly freeze on me.

[mrsmiley381]

Old consoles without moving parts are generally stable. Hell, the NES would be fine if not for the fact that putting games in the proper position caused the pins to bend. That's why top-loading NES consoles and Super Nintendo consoles don't usually have problems unless cart connectors are dirty or the carts themselves are dirty. In the event your console does break, though, you can always use Google to see if anyone else has had problems and what was done to fix them. How else do you think I kept my Dreamcast working for so long before it finally kicked the bucket? And even then, I might be able to go back and actually fix it. I like to keep consoles working as long as they can be fixed. If your SNES bursts into flames, well, get another. If it suddenly goes dead, see if someone figured out that resistors occasionally blow or something, learn to solder, and fix it! It's fun and satisfying.

[evil_ash_xero]

Well, my SNES is having serious graphical glitches. I've cleaned it, and the games. I have no idea what the problem is.

Does anyone here know anyone who has the skills to fix this?

Could a bad power supply cause graphical glitches?

[nZero]

Well, my SNES is having serious graphical glitches. I've cleaned it, and the games. I have no idea what the problem is.

Not really a helpful description, so we have no idea what the problem is either. What kind of graphical glitches? What games? Specific information about how your console is hooked up?

[evil_ash_xero]

Well, my SNES is having serious graphical glitches. I've cleaned it, and the games. I have no idea what the problem is.

Not really a helpful description, so we have no idea what the problem is either. What kind of graphical glitches? What games? Specific information about how your console is hooked up?

OK.

First off, my system is hooked up custom RGB cords to a component converter. Before you say "that could be it!", I have hooked the system up to that television, and another one, with the official Nintendo S-Video cables. Same problem.

First I started noticing glitches in Yoshi's Island. On the menu screen, when you choose your save file, the top of the screen has horizontal lines coming down about half way. Imagine prison bars. Then, later in the game, you notice little specks of those lines, in the background graphics. Not as bad, but there. Then there's on part, where i'm getting ready to jump down a pipe, and if I push pause, and then start, the whole screen has those horizontal lines. This time, going down to the bottom of the screen.

I was thinking it was a Super FX problem, but I had been noticing some problems with Super Metroid. I just thought they were average issues. Like, white pixels in the background, when you land on planet Zebes. Then also, white pixels surrounding those birdmen statues. Well, I didn't think much of it, but then I started a new game, and as soon as you go down that shaft to see the dead scientists, the colors are WAY off. It's hard to explain. They're like neon blue. But then, as soon as you get to the doorway, everything's fine.

These are long games, so i'm sure there's plenty more as it goes on.

If anyone can fix it, or give me some advice, that'd be great. I don't know how it could be messed up. It's always stationary, not used much, and clean.

[grobda]

sounds like a graphics ram error perhaps, mind you a fluctuating voltage from the psu can cause similar effects. ICs do die, capacitors dry out, you could have a bad connection on your cartridge slot.... you wanna try keeping a colleciton of 30yr old arcade PCBs going .. seems everything fails eventually.

when i get a problem ill usually google the symptoms and see what comes up, then get a multimeter and check the voltage to the PCB, take it apart and look for any stress cracks or dry joints, particularly where the cartridge slot attaches to the PCB and where the power supply is fed in. Visually check any capacitors for signs of leakage, and components for any heat discoloration. After that its out with the logic probe and oscilloscope, at which point you start to question whether its really worth your while to fix when you could pick another one up at a car boot sale for peanuts. if its sentimental then swap the cases, will still look like your snes ;p

[evil_ash_xero]

Do any of you guys know anyone who fixes these things on a semi-regular basis?

[antron]

If you are attached to your console, perhaps it would be acceptable to just replace its innards? Buy a working unit of the same model to sacrifice.

[evil_ash_xero]

Well, is it hard to change the body?

I'm still surprised no one on here repairs systems. You guys do everything!

[shmuppyLove]

It's very easy to replace the shell on the SNES.

I bought one on eBay a while ago that had slightly yellowed on the top half, so I found another that had a broken power jack connector for very cheap and just swapped the top part of the shell.

You will need one of those gamebit sockets though ... or use the melty Bic trick (much harder)