RF Generation Message Board

Hi,
I have a Genesis cartridge which simply refuses to work (I believe it's the only cartridge I own that I couldn't make work).

The game in question is Phantasy Star III, something I never played, and something I don't see every day, so I'd like to get it to run.

Here are things I tried:
- used both Model 1 and Model 2 Genesis (it eventually shows a red screen on model 1, the screen stays black on model 2, neither console shows any logos or text);
- cleaned contacts with eraser;
- cleaned contacts with alcohol;
- disassembled cartridge to check for damage - it's in a very good shape, no dirt, corrosion, or other damage. Of particular interest the cartridge board features a battery (to save games) and a single barrel-type capacitor (capacitor values are clearly stated).
I can provide photos if needed.

I found this thread, but I believe I already tried everything suggested in it:
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58957

Except for replacing the capacitor. Should I try replacing the battery? Would that even matter?
Any help is appreciated.

Replacing the battery is only if your game can't write the SRAM data when it dies out. I have a copy of Cyborg Justice and it won't boot either. Same case here, it's the only game in my collection that won't boot up.

I have a box full of Genesis games that won't boot.   Probably 50 or so games.  They were from a store that took them as broken however.

Ken

Red screen means a checksum problem.

It can either be a problem on the Genesis half or a problem on the cartridge half, which does not narrow it down at all...

You know what - I'm gonna bother with this. If after the stuff I did it still doesn't work, it's not worth it (the game was $5 at Bosco's, I can probably find it CIB on ebay for ~ $15 ~ $20). Thank you guys for replying.

Now what can I make out of a failed Phantasy Star 3 cartridge...

I've always used a dremel grinder to help clean the contacts.  Did you try cleaning the Genesis contacts?  That could help also.

So you think that if I have two Gennys and each of them play all my games, they are suddenly too dirty to play this particular cartridge?
Well, they are probably due for cleaning anyway.

Do they play every other catridge now?  I know my Genny gets pretty dirty pretty quick.  This catridge might just be a dud unfortunately.

I have had a few over the years that wont play. Out of 1000 or so games maybe 5-10 that didnt work.

Do you have a Game Genie by any chance?

I've had a few that wouldn't play on any of my Genny's but worked if I used a Game Genie as a pass through.