Sonic 3 doesn't save

[Gameguy]

I have a copy of Sonic 3 that can't save any game. The save file is there as long as my system is powered, but if I turn it off and try again later the save is gone. Anyone know if I can fix this?

I'd like to point out that Sonic 3 doesn't use a save battery, it uses FRAM so I'm not sure why this copy doesn't save.

[izarate]

ugh... this is why I don't like non-volatile memory. It seems that the chip in that Sonic 3 cartridge has reached its maximum write cycles.

[Rickstilwell1]

I had a copy of that game where the same thing happened to me. I ended up selling it locally to someone who didn't care and buying another copy.

[Gameguy]

If I somehow managed to replace that chip, would the saves work again? Is it a common type of chip that's available somewhere? Will I have to worry about the same thing happening with EEPROMs? I know a lot of sports games use EEPROMs for saving, and some other games to.

This is an extra copy for me, but I hoped I could fix it.

[BetaWolf47]

Yeah... unless some company keeps manufacturing memory cards, all recent systems are going to lose their ability to save forever.

[izarate]

If I somehow managed to replace that chip, would the saves work again?

It would allow you to save again but the previous saves would be lost.



Is it a common type of chip that's available somewhere?

You should take a look at the chip markings an look for the model number. Then you'd have to look around. If I recall correctly, Sonic 3 used FeRAM so you might take one from a GBA game.



Will I have to worry about the same thing happening with EEPROMs?

Yes, EEPROMs have 100,000 or so write cycles.

[Gameguy]

It would allow you to save again but the previous saves would be lost.
The saves are already gone so that's ok, I just want to cart to work properly.


You should take a look at the chip markings an look for the model number. Then you'd have to look around. If I recall correctly, Sonic 3 used FeRAM so you might take one from a GBA game.

I found a pic of the circuit board, I'm guessing I need to look for the "Ramtron" chip. Is that right?

http://www.randomsonicnet.org/workshop/sonic3insidepins.jpg


Yes, EEPROMs have 100,000 or so write cycles.
So even those Blockbuster World Video Game Championships II carts will go dead eventually? They used EEPROMs for the NBA Jam portion, I'm not exactly sure what information they were used for though. At least EEPROMs are easier to find, plenty of cheap sports games used them. It still bothers me that all these chips will go dead.

[jb143]

Ramtron makes FRAM so I'm guessing that's it. The part appears to be obsolete though. I haven't been able to find it through any of my regular channels. There might be a cross you could use but I'd have to check the datasheet which I haven't found either(didn't look too hard though). Otherwise, obsolete parts parts pop up on ebay from time to time but you'd more than likely have to buy a tube of 30 or so.

Also, have you tried cleaning the contacts? May have nothing to do with it but it's worth a try.

[Gameguy]

From what I've found on google, the chip is still in stock at lots of places. The only thing is it's just sold in bulk and there's no prices listed. I'm not even sure what to expect these chips to be worth individually. If they're over $10 each it would be cheaper to just buy another copy of the game.

I cleaned the contacts a few times before I tried it. I played through and saved a few times and each time I saw the save there, it disappeared after I turned off the system. This isn't even an old ex-rental copy, I'm not sure why it just died. I got it used like this but it appeared to be complete and in pretty good shape overall. Would there be any other cause for the chips to not save properly?

Here's the part number in case anybody else wants to know; FM1208S-200CC

[izarate]

You could also test the traces with a multimeter. Maybe one or two aren't making contact? Also, inspect the FRAM chip pins and look out for cold or broken solder joints.