SD Gecko not working

[Blackmark05]

Recently, I bought an SD Gecko from DealExtreme and I can't get it to work. I tried to use it with Action Replay with the SDLOAD code but it didn't work. After rechecking the code multiple times, I tried to see if the SD Gecko works on my modded Wii and it doesn't read it in the Homebrew Channel. When I put in the SD Gecko, nothing happens and when I put in the SD Card, the Wii hangs. I seem to be the only one with this problem. I also got an SDload iso to work on the Wii. It reads the Gecko and SD Card but no files show up. I'll also attach a picture of the Gecko for people to see if it's not right. Please help me.

[megalomaniac]

SDLOAD only works with SD cards (non-SDHC)

[Blackmark05]

I know. The SD Card is a 512mb formatted to FAT

[Blackmark05]

Is there anything you can think of why it's not working? I also tried the tape mod that I found by you but that didn't work. I really hope I didn't buy a dud.

[megalomaniac]

when you insert the gecko adapter with a card, does the main menu show anything connected "device not recognized" or similar message?

format to FAT16, see if that makes a difference...

[Blackmark05]

It says the object inserted in slot a cannot be used.

In windows, when I format, I get FAT and FAT32, no FAT16. I thought FAT is FAT16. Is there a tool you use to format to FAT16?

[megalomaniac]

default is fine...
do you have another card to test with?

[Blackmark05]

Only non-sdhc card I have is the one that comes with the 3DS. It's formatted the same and still gives the same results as the 512mb. Here's a picture of it looks like if it matters.

[megalomaniac]

using SDLOAD with SD Gecko in slot A ??

[Blackmark05]

Yeah. I did everything I was suppose to do. Formatted the card to FAT, used SDpatch.exe on an XP machine, put sdloader.bin at the root, and used the SDLOAD code on Action Replay with the Gecko in slot a and the Action Replay dongle in slot b.

[Blackmark05]

I wonder if there's something wrong with the SD Card slot on the Gecko. When I run SDLOAD on my Wii, when I insert my SD Card, it says "reinsert sd card in slot a" with no files showing up even though there are on the card. Sometimes when I insert the Gecko without the SD Card, I get a list of files with weird names and symbols and when I load one, I get an error message that says exception type: program like the one attached.

[emu_kidid]

Wait up. If you are getting SDLoad working from AR using that 29 line code, then SDLoad is being loaded up from your SD card. it's just that SDLoad doesn't like your card from that point on for whatever reason. You could try writing the SDLOADER.BIN version of Swiss to the SD card then seeing how it goes.

[Blackmark05]

I actually haven't managed to run SDLoad through Action Replay. I've been using an iso of it on my Wii that can run Gamecube backups and I can't get it to read data of the Gecko. I really think there is something wrong with my Gecko. There are connections on the back of it that don't make sense to me as they don't seem to be connected properly. I'll attach a picture of it for you guys to check if it's right. Is there a way I can perform a diagnosis on it like with a multimeter?

[megalomaniac]

everything looks right with SD Gecko...
if you want to test with a multimeter, then check this pinout: http://www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=SDGecko
check for continuity


other than that, its really hard to determine what the problem is...
just to rule out this possibility, do both SLOT A/B read a memory card correctly?
does wii recognize the SD card from the front slot? can homebrew access the card in the front slot?

[Blackmark05]

Both the slots read my memory cards and my Wii has a faulty front slot where I have to hold the sd card in a specific way but does read homebrew.

[megalomaniac]

did you check continuity ??
try adding more tape under...i used about 4 - 6 pieces to raise it about .25mm - .50mm

[Blackmark05]

With tape, it has gotten to the point where it barely fits into the slot. Right now, I don't have access to a multimeter but when I do, I'll check and report if it's correct or not.

[Blackmark05]

I think I found the problem. The connection at 7 doesn't seem to be properly soldered. When I check the connection, in order to get a reading, I need to have the lead touching both the soldered point and the SD slot pin. The other connections work perfectly. I would fix this but I don't have a soldering iron. Any alternatives to soldering?

[megalomaniac]

How about an old oven or mini-toaster oven 240*c ??
Just don't cook any more food in it..


If you feel brave:
an oven mitt
a long needle
a butane lighter

Put on mitt. hold needle on solder pad, apply mini torch flame on needle...
Maybe that will get hot enough to rework the solder onto the pin...

[Blackmark05]

I think I'll just wait til I have access to a soldering iron to fix it or maybe I'll just buy another one. Anyways, thanks for your help. Is there anyplace that sells SD Geckos beside DealExtreme?

[novenary]

I don't know of any other place to buy them. The easiest solution is to borrow a soldering iron, or buy one, they're dirt cheap.