View Full Version : SNES blank screen?
Syzergy11
09-12-2011, 04:25 PM
Let me start of by saying I have NO retro console knowledge at all and I HAVE searched for this issue and didn't find anything.
I recently found an old SNES in my basement and needed to buy the proper cords, a game, and a controller. I got the cords from amazon and it said that they would work with the SNES. I got the AC power adapter (NOT an official Nintendo power adapter) and it seems to work fine. I get the red light on the front of the system. I also got the RCA cord (Yellow,Red,White) and that also seems to work fine...I think. The problem is when I turn the system on my screen flickers a little bit (as it should?) and just goes to a blank screen. I've tried it on all the TV's in my house and they all do the same thing. When I slide the reset button the screen, again, flickers for half a second and then just a blank screen.
Some info the might help.
I've tried the SNES on a Modern flat screen TV (42" samsung plasma TV) and an old Tube box TV. Still have the same problem.
The RCA cable I ordered from Amazon is NOT Nintendo official but I have found my old GameCube RCA cable which IS Nintendo official. The problem still happens with both.
Hope you guys can help! :)
alec006
09-12-2011, 04:52 PM
First thing, what's the rating on your power adapter. The SNES requires DC 10v 850mA, with a negative tip, which looks like this on the adapter (+)----(o----(-)
Second, have you cleaned the game connector with a q-tip and some rubbing alcohol? Also have you tried multiple games to see if any worked?
Those are the two most common problems with the SNES, if the wire itself is showing a blank black screen as you said then the wire is working perfectly. In my experience third party power supplys tend not to work real well, especially with the SNES for some reason. But if the red light is coming on then, clean the games and see if that fixes the problem.
Syzergy11
09-12-2011, 05:06 PM
First thing, what's the rating on your power adapter. The SNES requires DC 10v 850mA, with a negative tip, which looks like this on the adapter (+)----(o----(-)
Second, have you cleaned the game connector with a q-tip and some rubbing alcohol? Also have you tried multiple games to see if any worked?
Those are the two most common problems with the SNES, if the wire itself is showing a blank black screen as you said then the wire is working perfectly. In my experience third party power supplys tend not to work real well, especially with the SNES for some reason. But if the red light is coming on then, clean the games and see if that fixes the problem.
The power adapter looks really really cheap and only says this on it "Input:AC 110V 60Hz and Output:DC 10V 1000mA"
And I will try cleaning the game connector when I get the chance.
EDIT: I tried cleaning both the game connector and the game itself and no luck. And I only bought the 1 game so that might be the issue....
alec006
09-12-2011, 05:33 PM
Hmm, well the power adapter seems to be fine 1000mA is enough since the SNES only takes what it needs which is 850mA. Link me to it on Amazon.
How long was it in the basement for, moisture could have gotten to it and/or extreme temperature changes could have done something to it. What sucks is you can't try the game on another SNES to see if the game works perfectly.
It leads me to believe that if you bought the game from somewhere else then, it's not the game it's the actual system, or that the connector inside the system is not making proper contact with the game.
Syzergy11
09-12-2011, 05:44 PM
Hmm, well the power adapter seems to be fine 1000mA is enough since the SNES only takes what it needs which is 850mA. Link me to it on Amazon.
How long was it in the basement for, moisture could have gotten to it and/or extreme temperature changes could have done something to it. What sucks is you can't try the game on another SNES to see if the game works perfectly.
It leads me to believe that if you bought the game from somewhere else then, it's not the game it's the actual system, or that the connector inside the system is not making proper contact with the game.
Power adapter:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000A7I71C
I also got the game used on Amazon for cheap. I ordered another used game that was "guaranteed" to work so we will see in a few days.
APE992
09-12-2011, 08:41 PM
Wouldn't be the least bit surprised if it wasn't a blown fuse:
http://www.mmmonkey.co.uk/console/nintendo/snes-fuse.htm
Leo_A
09-13-2011, 05:14 AM
Have you tried removing and reinserting the cartridge several times? Old cartridge systems, even with a recently cleaned cartridge, can be finicky at times.
FABombjoy
09-13-2011, 08:37 AM
It never hurts to continuity check the reset button, too. They seem to come apart easily and if they do, the system gets stuck in a permanent reset state.
Syzergy11
09-13-2011, 10:36 PM
It's been in our basement for probobly a good 10 or so years. And is a blown fuse easy to replace? I'm willing to try anything to get this up and running.
Pikkon
09-13-2011, 11:39 PM
Its very easy to replace the fuse,not much solder work at all.
http://www.mmmonkey.co.uk/console/nintendo/snes-fuse.htm
tpugmire
09-13-2011, 11:58 PM
If the fuse was blown, the red light would not come on. I have a SNES with this same problem, so I'm curious as to what others have to say.
Gameguy
09-14-2011, 03:35 AM
If you can, try a different power adapter. If it's not outputting enough power for some reason you could be getting problems, maybe it's defective. It's better to rule out possible problems like this before taking the system apart.
Your symptom is the exact one I get when I recently tried a game that had dirty contacts. You need to clean your games and possibly your console. My trouble game was only partly fixed with q-tip and alcohol as it would work about half of the time. A soft scrub dish pad rubbed back and forth in the cart slot a few times fixed it for good.
Orion Pimpdaddy
09-14-2011, 12:20 PM
Try turning it on with no game in it. If the screen does the exact same thing, you're probably looking at dirty contacts with the cartridges. You may also want to unscew the unit and take the top off. Look for signs of rust (from being in a humid environment) or dead bugs.
I once bought an Atari 2600 from a flea market that didn't work. When I opened it up, there were several dead roaches laying across the boards. After cleaning it up, it worked.
Syzergy11
09-14-2011, 03:45 PM
The second game I had I got today also isn't playing so I ruled out that its the game. Also when the system turns on without a game the screen does the exact same thing. Flickers quick then blank black screen.
I used compressed air to blow out some dust on both the cartridge and the system it self and still no luck. Before I clean anything else I would like to try the soft kitchen sponge but im fairly certain you don't use a dry one. What exactly should I use to clean it?
RP2A03
09-14-2011, 04:56 PM
To clean the cartridge slot, repeatedly insert and remove a clean game, stopping occasionally to clean the game. Repeat as necessary.
Syzergy11
09-14-2011, 05:25 PM
To clean the cartridge slot, repeatedly insert and remove a clean game, stopping occasionally to clean the game. Repeat as necessary.
Didnt work. I think its an issue with the connector. Might be dead? I can get the 62 pin SNES replacement connector for pretty cheap but I want to know how easy it is to replace.
Pikkon
09-15-2011, 12:35 AM
Just follow this vid that lunkmore1 did to clean the cartridge connector.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zMVOIkR4Jk
Just be careful. I used that method on a NES 72 pin connector and it permanently bent the pins.
Syzergy11
09-15-2011, 03:45 PM
Alright. I cleaned both the connector on the system and the cartridge using all of the above methods. STILL has the same problem. Can we rule out that its a dirty connection?
I was thinking that the connector is broken or damaged?
Orion Pimpdaddy
09-15-2011, 07:03 PM
Do you have an N64? If so, you can test the cord you got from Amazon on it. That would narrow the problem down. The two systems use the same cord.
Syzergy11
09-15-2011, 07:22 PM
Unfortunately I don't. But i must ask what does the power cord (I'm assuming that's the cord you where talking about as I bought an RCA as well) have to do with the image not showing up?
alec006
09-15-2011, 07:36 PM
Unfortunately I don't. But i must ask what does the power cord (I'm assuming that's the cord you where talking about as I bought an RCA as well) have to do with the image not showing up?
Well since it's a cheap knock off, it may not be providing enough power to the system, best way to check that is a multimeter. I still think it's something in the system itself since it's been in the basement for so long.
Orion Pimpdaddy
09-15-2011, 08:44 PM
I was actually talking about the RCA cord. I'm not sure if N64 and SNES have the same power cords, but the A/V cords are interchangeable.
By the way, I went to my setup and turned the SNES on without a game and got a flicker and a blank screen like you did. Everything seems to be pointing to your system not sensing the cartridge.
Syzergy11
09-15-2011, 10:02 PM
I was actually talking about the RCA cord. I'm not sure if N64 and SNES have the same power cords, but the A/V cords are interchangeable.
By the way, I went to my setup and turned the SNES on without a game and got a flicker and a blank screen like you did. Everything seems to be pointing to your system not sensing the cartridge.
As I said earlier. And I have a cheap knockoff RCA cables and Nintendo official cables. Both do the same thing. Also I will check the power cable but im fairly certain that's not the issue.
RP2A03
09-15-2011, 10:42 PM
I find it odd that you don't at least get garbled graphics and sound. Check the cartridge slot pins for rust and if present clean with an emery board. If they look good, then you'll likely have to open her up with a 4.5mm gamebit and check for cracked solder joints and rust. Be sure to use a magnifying glass and to have lots of light. I suspect the problem is somewhere between the cartridge slot and the lockout chip (labeled F411, F411A, or F411B). Also be sure to check for bulging or leaking capacitors using this (http://www.capacitorlab.com/visible-failures/)as a reference if needed.
Syzergy11
09-15-2011, 10:54 PM
I ordered a set of gamebit screwdrivers earlier today. I'll have an update and maybe some pics in a few days when I get them. I also checked for rust and it seems clean from what I saw.
Orion Pimpdaddy
09-16-2011, 10:50 AM
As I said earlier. And I have a cheap knockoff RCA cables and Nintendo official cables.
Sorry about that, I should have read your original post more carefully. Good luck with the repair.
cynicalhat
09-16-2011, 08:56 PM
try another power supply. i had that problem with mine, it would intermittently work and eventually didnt at all. i swapped it with another one and works every time.
Syzergy11
09-19-2011, 03:27 PM
try another power supply. i had that problem with mine, it would intermittently work and eventually didnt at all. i swapped it with another one and works every time.
Unfortunately I don't have another one and I don't want to order another but will as a last resort. I should be getting my gamebit either tomorrow or Wednesday and before I start opening up my SNES would anyone please post a guide on how to properly open and diagnose a SNES? Would be greatly appreciated.
WesternNYCollector
09-22-2011, 06:12 AM
Dis-assembly is pretty easy.
BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING ELSE:
Unplug the SNES, then turn the power switch to the "On" position. The SNES stores some electricity internally after it is turned off, possibly for a long time. If you don't discharge this energy before you open it up you can blow the fuse or fry internal parts.
After you unscrew the security screws on the bottom, the top of the unit just lifts off. Make sure to remember which screws go where on the inside, if you put the long ones back in the wrong holes you can mess up the look of the shell by drilling through it. The only part you have to be really delicate with is the ribbon cable for the controller port assembly.
The hardest part to disassemble is the spring loaded bar that keeps the dust cover for the cartridge slot closed when not in use, make sure to look at how the spring is positioned before you take it apart so you don't find yourself scratching your head trying to figure out how it goes back in. The metal bar itself is a real pain to get in and out, but you'd have to try really hard to break it.
I hope this helps, I've only ever taken mine apart to clean it, so I have no advice on diagnosing hardware problems.
Syzergy11
09-22-2011, 03:51 PM
Dis-assembly is pretty easy.
BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING ELSE:
Unplug the SNES, then turn the power switch to the "On" position. The SNES stores some electricity internally after it is turned off, possibly for a long time. If you don't discharge this energy before you open it up you can blow the fuse or fry internal parts.
After you unscrew the security screws on the bottom, the top of the unit just lifts off. Make sure to remember which screws go where on the inside, if you put the long ones back in the wrong holes you can mess up the look of the shell by drilling through it. The only part you have to be really delicate with is the ribbon cable for the controller port assembly.
The hardest part to disassemble is the spring loaded bar that keeps the dust cover for the cartridge slot closed when not in use, make sure to look at how the spring is positioned before you take it apart so you don't find yourself scratching your head trying to figure out how it goes back in. The metal bar itself is a real pain to get in and out, but you'd have to try really hard to break it.
I hope this helps, I've only ever taken mine apart to clean it, so I have no advice on diagnosing hardware problems.
Thanks man. I decided to open it up a few days ago and take everything out. From what I saw there was really no hardware problems, only a bit of dust. I decided to buy another 62 pin cartridge for the SNES which should come in a few days.
WesternNYCollector
09-22-2011, 11:25 PM
Thanks man. I decided to open it up a few days ago and take everything out. From what I saw there was really no hardware problems, only a bit of dust. I decided to buy another 62 pin cartridge for the SNES which should come in a few days.
I hope you got the right one, there's a version that requires soldering as well as one that just plugs into a socket on the board. I got the wrong one about 3 years ago so it's been sitting in a drawer ever since, thankfully I managed to get mine back into working order just by doing some thorough cleaning.
Syzergy11
09-23-2011, 03:27 PM
I just received the new connector this afternoon and after cleaning and installing it...STILL the same problem i have. Blank black screen. I'm honestly out of options. Only one i have left is to try another power supply but I want a Nintendo OFFICIAL one. Anyone know where i can get one for cheap? like under $15?
Pikkon
09-24-2011, 06:47 AM
Here's a official one for $9.99 plus 5 for shipping.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Authentic-AC-Adapter-Power-Cord-Super-Nintendo-Brand-SNES-/180727840815?pt=Video_Games_Accessories&hash=item2a1438002f#ht_500wt_1202
Also have you tried plunging the psu in different outlets or using a surge protector.
Syzergy11
09-27-2011, 05:36 PM
Got a new power supply. Still having the same problem. Idk what to try anymore but at this point I might as well just buy a used SNES that will work. Thanks for all your help guys. I'll still check up on this thread for a week or two if anyone has ANY other options for me to try.
RP2A03
09-27-2011, 10:17 PM
I got a few more things that you can try:
1. Disable the lockout chip by lifting pin 4, being careful not lift the trace off the board since a few of the later games will not work with a disabled lockout chip.
2. Replace all electrolytic capacitors regardless of visual condition. They can go bad and still look good.
3. Smack the hell out of it.:D
Beyond this, the only other thing I can think of is to replace all of the chips one at a time. Of course, at this point it probably isn't worth the trouble to repair unless you want practice working with SMD components.
APE992
09-28-2011, 11:45 AM
4. Threaten it with a sharp hunting knife.
DisastrophE
12-03-2011, 11:01 PM
Sorry to resurrect and old thread but I am having a similar issue though just not as bad.
I picked up a SNES lot today with the console and 21 games. When I first brought it home, half of the games didn't work. I got the same blank screen as the OP. So I cleaned all the games with rubbing alcohol and qtip. I took the console apart, cleaned it all out, including the pins and got most of the games to work.
However, 4 out of the 21 still give me the blank screen and 2 of those are doing odd things. I have a Killer Instinct cart that plays sound but there is no video and a Super Metroid cart that powers on, I get the Nintendo logo and then blank screen. The other 2 just give me the blank screen and nothing else.
At this point I've just chalked them up as faulty carts, but I have a hard time believing that they are all dead. Anyone have any idea what this could be? Faulty games or a defective SNES?