Panasonic 'Q' Gamecube doesn't read Freeloader discs anymore

Yesterday, when trying to startup a 8-player Mario Kart session, I discovered my Q doesn't read my Freeloader disc anymore. Note, this has worked since I own the Q from back in the days, so that was weird! It's a classic 1.06B Freeloader. I also tried the Action Replay, but I recall that only works with toploader consoles, or something like that, and it, indeed, (still) didn't work. Also got a Wii/GC Freeloader recently, but didn't read that either. Popping in a NTSC gamedisc, works fine ?_?

Does anyone recognize this issue, and how to resolve it? Is it some internal hardware component, or is it likely the laser? Perhaps I could try a cd lens cleaner.

Luckily I had another (PAL) Gamecube, so 8-player still got saved ^^

 

Not seeing you mention trying the disc in another GameCube?

 

Assumption is the mother of all etc... ^^
The old Freeloader and Action Replay indeed do not work on my other Gamecube. Apparently the Q doesn't like the Wii/GC Freeloader >_< (which does work on my normal GC). Guess I'll have to find a new old Freeloader, bah! And I actually bought that Wii/GC one as a backup!
Tx for the tip!

 

Ok, still having an issue. So my Freeloader 1.6B disc died on me, so I couldn't play my PAL games on my Panasonic Q anymore (I'm in the Netherlands, so PAL tv's). I got a 1.6b disc now, it is recognized and I can boot it, but I don't get the game screen, just black (it works fine on a normal GC). Did only the 1.6B work with the Q, or should the 1.6b or even 1.4 work as well? (hope my Q isn't dying after all). Again, NTSC games on the Q work without a hitch.

Fetched some info from this topic as well.

PS: I tried Mario Kart and Wario Ware. Reading a Play-Asia article, http://www.play-asia.com/freeloader...ble-with-panasonic-q-paOS-17-74-1n-49-en.html, perhaps I should try some other games as well.

 

Let me know if U are keen on a freeloader or action replay that works with the panny Q. I think I might have spare copies around. I used them for my Q too.

 

Can you enlighten me which versions work then? So I have a Freeloader 1.6b which boots, but the PAL games I tried so far result in a black screen. I also got a new Action Replay, which is the later 'European only' version, which the Q doesn't read at all.
I'm asking friends around if they have a Freeloader I can try. I had the idea even 1.4 (which was my first Freeloader back then) worked with the Q, but guess I should test everything now to be sure.

 

That's strange, is your Q region modded in any way? It's strange it takes in NTSC-U games without a Freeloader.

I had the same issue with the newest Freeloader version (the one with Wii support), that it didn't even read it. But my old Freeloader v1.06B worked wonders. It was funny because I had the old freeloader all along while I sat waiting for the new freeloader to come in the mail and didn't even bother to try out the old freeloader first, supposing it wouldn't work lol.

In any case, I can double check my Freeloader version when I get home but I'm pretty sure it's 1.06B.

Btw there are a few right now on eBay, but around 40 or 50 bucks.

 

Is the NTSC name that you tried on Q US or JP version?
Now I have seen a few Q that have a region modchip.
You need to hold power or reset for several seconds when booting.

 

Have you tried washing the disc with warm water and a little washing up detergent? I tend to dab a small amount on a paper towel and then put it under the hot tap then rub the disc, rinse with cold water & use a soft towel to dry it. I put the towel around the disc and hold it in place by using the thumb and forefinger in the centre hole and turn it using the edges of the disc.

That works with most discs that have scratches, it's not the scratches themselves that are the problem but the dirt that gets trapped inside.

 

My Q is modded yes, so I can boot in US mode to play US games without Freeloader (and it's DVD region free).
I tried Bomberman Generations PAL with my 'new' 1.6b Freeloader, and that game works! But like I said, it doesn't work with Mario Kart and Wario Ware (just a black screen then). I guess I should try to find a compatibility list, maybe 1.6b didn't support many of the (PAL) Nintendo published games for NTSC consoles...?

My 'died' Action Replay and Freeloader 1.6B just doesn't have scratches. It looks like someone sat on them or something. The discs are about to break into pieces, so I have little hope they can be repaired (but I'll upload some photos later on).

 

Forgot to update here. I found a compatibility list: http://chrisjm.myby.co.uk/fl/us.htm
So apparently Mario Kart and Wario PAL don't work with 1.06b and 1.06B, but DO with 1.04! (what were the odds I picked about the only 2 PAL games to test that don't work with 1.06 *rollseyes* lol )

In the meantime I got hold of an old region free Action Replay (1.08), which can boot these PAL games on the Q, so I'm good again!