MEGA DRIVE model 1, load TMSS then black screen..

I got this mega drive pal model 1 VA6 (with TMSS), I put the cartridge in it, I turn on and give me the tmss screen, then black screen, it doesn't load the game, no image no sound no anything....

I tought it could be a problem of cartridge pins but I have cleaned and restore them well but result is the same...

anyone could help me?

thanks

 

I assume you've tested it with more than one game?

 

yes with several games that usually work with the other mds I have

 

update: i tried the master system adapter with a master system cartridge and it works well in sms mode....but black screen after tmss screen with md games....

 

I have to think the problem is in the motorola chip?

 

TMSS is a 68000 program so NOPE, it would not display at all if 68000 was bad.

My guess it would be broken traces in the space between the cartridge connector and the gate array chip (315-5433/5402) or VDP (315-5313).

Because the hand has dirt, cartridges are hold by the user hand and during insertion/removal debris aways fall inside (exactly nearby these chips at the gap space between them and the slot connector) there's aways the chance that the traces linking the pins of these ICs to the board rust away breaking the circuit. I've repaired hundreds of Japanese MD1 units with that fault (it happens more on the JP MD1 because the traces are thin).

 

waou !

thanks I_oliveira for the tip !!

 

many thanks for the tip, so the solution would be find the damaged traces and repair them? I dont know if my soldering skills can manage this...

 

Repairing traces is easier than it sounds if you have thin enough wire (I'd strongly recommend kynar wire). Find the trace, scrape back a bit of the solder mask on each side, and solder a small amount of wire between two good sides, done.

Here's a guide I found useful: http://www.llamma.com/xbox/Repairs/repairing_traces_and_lifted_pads.htm

 

many thanks for the tip, Imma try it for sure, I see some rust on the lower side of the pcb maybe the problem is there.

 

A multimeter or logic probe can be very useful for finding faults, also. Sometimes the damage extends to places you weren't expecting.