RAM adapter diagnostic test problem

[ZilogZ80]

My error has more to do with the RAM adapter

When i run the RAM adapter diagnostic(start+select+reset) test i get PRAM CRAM "A000H" instead of OK.

Does this mean that my RAM adapter is faulty?

Im asking because I'm getting a lot of graphical glitches with Cleopatra games.

Oh and hello by the way

[P]

Sounds like you have bad RAM (or a loose connection to the RAM chips) starting from address A000h in your RAM-Adapter.

There is a case of glitchy graphics that happens for some people. It may only happen on certain combinations of RAM-Adapters and Famicoms, so it's kind of rare and hard to diagnose. But people with this problem have always said that the self-test gives a good result, so I don't think this is the case for you.
I would check if the RAM chips needs to be reflowed.

And welcome to Famicom World!

[ZilogZ80]

Hi P

Thanks for the welcome!

Is it worth it buying a functioning RAM adapter?
Or they fail to easily and I'm better off changing faulty chips?(if i can find them that is!)

[P]

I think it would be best to clean the cartridge pins first if you haven't already tried that. It's a bit more tricky than with normal cartridges as the fingers are covered with a plastic grill-thing. I'm not sure if it helps in this case though.
Then take out a multimeter and do a continuity test to see that all RAM pins are connected to the points where they should go to (there are schematics somewhere to help you). It might be an easy fix to just reflow them with new solder, or there might be some broken traces or something. Look for leaky capacitors as well.
If the chips really are bad, replacing them isn't that easy, but let's rule out more common problems first.

If it's too hard and you have nowhere to turn it in for repairs, buying a new is probably the easiest option. Just be aware that some RAM-Adapters has that other problem I mentioned which requires a different (but quite easy) fix if you are unlucky.
I wouldn't say that RAM-Adapters fails easily though. They are about as robust as other cartridges. The biggest problem is usually the cartridge connector that needs to be cleaned just like with other cartridges. Maybe they may need a recap as well.

[ZilogZ80]

I think it would be best to clean the cartridge pins first if you haven't already tried that. It's a bit more tricky than with normal cartridges as the fingers are covered with a plastic grill-thing. I'm not sure if it helps in this case though.
Then take out a multimeter and do a continuity test to see that all RAM pins are connected to the points where they should go to (there are schematics somewhere to help you). It might be an easy fix to just reflow them with new solder, or there might be some broken traces or something. Look for leaky capacitors as well.
If the chips really are bad, replacing them isn't that easy, but let's rule out more common problems first.

If it's too hard and you have nowhere to turn it in for repairs, buying a new is probably the easiest option. Just be aware that some RAM-Adapters has that other problem I mentioned which requires a different)

 (but quite easy) fix if you are unlucky.
I wouldn't say that RAM-Adapters fails easily though. They are about as robust as other cartridges. The biggest problem is usually the cartridge connector that needs to be cleaned just like with other cartridges. Maybe they may need a recap as well.

Well bitten the bullet and bought an operational RAM adapter,(i asked for a screenshot of the PRAM CRAM diagnostic)
I figured 60$ is OK for having an operational FDS.(i kind of fallen in love with this little system)
I think i will use the broken one as a learning bench

Oh and a sincere big thank you for your help!

[P]

Hope it works out for you.