I have a copy of Metroid Fusion, and the SRAM battery has gone flat. Rather than replacing the battery I want to switch the SRAM to non-volatile
First I looked into transfering the ROM chip to a non-volatile. Sadly no non-volatile GBA games have 256k of RAM, and they all have drastically different boards, I didn't really want to risk a non functioning cartridge.
The next step was looking at the existing SRAM; the BS62LV256SC70, I have the datasheet here.
It seems this SRAM was used by Nintendo for not only GBA games, but Pokemon Gold and Silver as well. I remembered a BenHeck thread where someone recommended replacing the BS62LV256SC70 with the FM18W08-SG.
Looking at the datasheets both seem pretty identical functionally, and operates inside of 3 Volts, which the GBA supplies.
Am I crazy for trying this?
Modifying a Non-Volatile Metroid Fusion - am I crazy?
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Re: Modifying a Non-Volatile Metroid Fusion - am I crazy?
I don't know if your crazy, but you're not the only one to think about swapping RAM chips :
http://www.dbwbp.com/index.php/10-elect ... memory-mod
It may have nothing to do with your project, but at least you'll be aware of this.
http://www.dbwbp.com/index.php/10-elect ... memory-mod
It may have nothing to do with your project, but at least you'll be aware of this.
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- Posts: 305
- Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2012 12:32 am
Re: Modifying a Non-Volatile Metroid Fusion - am I crazy?
cool, I remember someone making one of these with a switch to swap between 4 savedatasMockyLock wrote:I don't know if your crazy, but you're not the only one to think about swapping RAM chips :
http://www.dbwbp.com/index.php/10-elect ... memory-mod
It may have nothing to do with your project, but at least you'll be aware of this.
Re: Modifying a Non-Volatile Metroid Fusion - am I crazy?
I didn't know about your switch mod.
I've done the mod i gave you the link, so i know it works.
I've done the mod i gave you the link, so i know it works.
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Re: Modifying a Non-Volatile Metroid Fusion - am I crazy?
I have just attempted the mod.
installed the FRAM, Fusion would not boot, the game just hanged at the GameBoy boot logo
Removed the FRAM; game booted fine.
installed the FRAM, Fusion would not boot, the game just hanged at the GameBoy boot logo
Removed the FRAM; game booted fine.
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- Posts: 305
- Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2012 12:32 am
Re: Modifying a Non-Volatile Metroid Fusion - am I crazy?
Re-installed SRAM; failed to boot, as the FRAM previously
Doubted the quality of my soldering and re-installed the FRAM, failed to boot
Removed FRAM, lifted top right pin from board (no biggie, it's just VCC and easily bridged)
Re-installed SRAM, failed to boot, realised the contact pins of the board was gummed up from the painters tape used to secure board
Used some clean and lube, game booted.
As the contacts were gummed up I can't confirm whether or not this mod works, but I would wager it doesn't, the contact only really felt sticky on the last install
Doubted the quality of my soldering and re-installed the FRAM, failed to boot
Removed FRAM, lifted top right pin from board (no biggie, it's just VCC and easily bridged)
Re-installed SRAM, failed to boot, realised the contact pins of the board was gummed up from the painters tape used to secure board
Used some clean and lube, game booted.
As the contacts were gummed up I can't confirm whether or not this mod works, but I would wager it doesn't, the contact only really felt sticky on the last install