Having some glitchy errors with a couple of Disk System games

[garyptaszek]

Got some disk system recently and they don't work properly or at all.
For the record I have other Disk System games that work perfectly well with no glitches or loading errors.
First off I have a 3D Hot Rally. It loads the game fine but as soon as I start the races the graphics begin to flicker and get progressively worse.



I also have a Super Lode Runner that loads the title screen but then when it prompts me to load side B it fails and the screen glitches out and crashes.


Any ideas why these don't work? Are the games damaged or is there another reason they might not be working correctly? I've tried reseating the RAM adapter and each disk several times.

thanks

[manuel]

He got the disks from me, but I didn't experience those glitches when I tested them.
I tested them when I bought them originally, before putting them up for sale and they worked nicely.

For reference, I used a Twin Famicom.

[Frank_fjs]

My guess would be a faulty RAM adapter. Have you given it a good clean, the contacts that is?

[garyptaszek]

But the rest disks you have, working fine, isn't it?

yep, all my other disks work perfectly

My guess would be a faulty RAM adapter. Have you given it a good clean, the contacts that is?

the RAM adapter and FDS were restored, cleaned and sent by 80sFREAK. The contacts are perfect.

[manuel]

Can disks be affected by X-ray checks at the customs or such?
(I have no idea...)
But then again if they were affected I guess they'd just be erased completely?

[garyptaszek]

Ummm, famicom slot? I forgot CHR RAM on the socket?

my Famicom has no issues playing any other Famicom games or Disk System games... But I'm willing to try cleaning the slot, any tips on how and what I should use?

[Frank_fjs]

I'm willing to try cleaning the slot, any tips on how and what I should use?

Use a credit card (or similar) tightly wrapped in a cloth (something like a thin t-shirt works well) and lightly dip it in isopropyl, then insert/remove from the cart slot. Rinse and repeat until the cloth comes out clean.

I don't think this is your problem but it can't hurt to have a clean slot.

[garyptaszek]

I'm willing to try cleaning the slot, any tips on how and what I should use?

Use a credit card (or similar) tightly wrapped in a cloth (something like a thin t-shirt works well) and lightly dip it in isopropyl, then insert/remove from the cart slot. Rinse and repeat until the cloth comes out clean.

I don't think this is your problem but it can't hurt to have a clean slot.

what do you think the problem is? Seems likely it's just the 2 disks that arent working compared to the other 5 I have that work perfectly...

[Frank_fjs]

Hard for me to say exactly what the problem is, it could very well be damaged or perhaps dirty/dusty disks. There's a Famicom disk cleaning kit you can buy for around $30, it's a handy thing to own even if it doesn't resolve your problem disks.

[garyptaszek]

hmmm, thanks, I'll probably get one of those if I find one for a decent price.
Still want to get to the bottom of why these are the only games I own for my FDS that dont work...

[garyptaszek]

yes I do have pro wrestling and ice hockey  they both work great!

[garyptaszek]

Hmmm... is there anything overheated?

added

One more thing involved - SRAM chip, that holding name tables. It's 2kB SRAM placed in Famicom. Could you please check voltage on Famicom's PCB.

I have no idea what you just said...
Post Merge: November 29, 2012, 02:57:46 pm
The 3D Hot Rally game works but displays flickering pixels and just doesnt look right. Super Lode Runner on the other hand just plain doesn't load...

[garyptaszek]

Update, Lode Runner recently decided to start working 

[fredJ]

I find it hard to believe it could be the games that cause this corruption.
Disks don't glitch the way carts do. If something glitches, it is the RAM adapter.
But graphical error (which seems to be the case here) could be caused by other things.

Say that 2 games give this error and 5 games don't I still think doesn't tell whether the system works as it should.
I have tried out many hundred of disk games without ever having glitching graphics from the game. 
If a disk doesn't work, it gives an error.

Corrupt graphics is most likely because of the RAM adapter or the disk system.
What are your other games? If they are all simple games like Pro Wrestling, Volleyball and such, that could be the reason why they work.
I would test with a different RAM adapter and possibly a different Disk system, and send the faulty disk to a friend so he can try it. And maybe try the disk system with a different famicom, if possible.
This should pinpoint where the problem is.