SNES Mini Repair Issues

Ramez · Post by **Ramez** » Fri Apr 15, 2005 2:28 am

So I found a very nice eBay seller who I managed to get a mini SNES from which worked fine and I've started modding it.

I emailed asking if he had any other mini SNES he'd be willing to part with, and he said he did, but didn't have any cables left. I didn't care, since I just needed the board.

So the second one arrived and to my dismay, he just sent it in a USPS "bag" envelope, instead of a box like he did the first time (though in all fairness he did charge me less for shipping, but I thought it was because he was only shipping the console without cables, games, etc..)

So I hoped the system would work without issues, but there does seem to be a problem with it. If you jostle or shake the system while it's on, the game will typically freeze and you get garbage sound/video till you reboot. Anyone have an idea that might cause this?

My best guess is that the cartridge connector may be lose/bad and simply need replacement, as there isn't much else I can think of. The A/V connection seems solid and the power isn't an issue.

As you can imagine this sensitivity to motion really isn't good for a system I'm trying to make portable. I'm not sure if it's worth trying to get exchanged or if I should just attempt to fix it by swapping the cartridge connector.

I had planned to move the cartridge slot anyways so game would fit in flush. Anyone that can recommend where to get a replacement SNES pin connector, or have any other ideas of what might fix my system?

goodie · Post by **goodie** » Fri Apr 15, 2005 4:19 pm

Yes, it sounds like there may be a loose connection on the cartridge connector. Or maybe the catridge isn't making good contact with it.

Ramez · Post by **Ramez** » Fri Apr 15, 2005 4:26 pm

Haven't had a chance to open this one just yet. I'll have to visit the local used video game store to borrow their security bits again (nice bunch of guys there, even let a friend of mine open a bunch of NES cartridges in search of the Famicom-to-Nes converter).

Can anyone recommend a reputable and resonable priced place to buy a new cartridge connector?

The eBay seller recommened MCM electronics, and I've seen some auctions on eBay.

Any suggestions?

Niku-Sama · Post by **Niku-Sama** » Fri Apr 15, 2005 11:42 pm

did your friend find any nes to famicom converters in the carts with security bits?

Ramez · Post by **Ramez** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 2:22 pm

Not yet, the owner offered to let us come back and check now and then when they get new NES cartridges in. I'll post if we come across any.