SNES Troubleshooting

[GrouchoGlasses]

Yeah, the console is just outputting black as it isn't able to start the program.

Does that make you believe the problem lies with the cartridge or with the system?
What other troubleshooting steps do you recommend?

[Hobie-wan]

I've had some SNES carts that the board will move a little, so I doubt that's the issue. really it does still sound like some stubborn dirt somewhere. Do you have the tool to open the cart? You might try getting slightly more aggressive with scrubbing it. Take a green scrubby sponge, either dry or barely damp. You don't want it to leave any water when squeezed. Use that to lightly buff the pins a little. It will be like super light sandpaper and might cut some crap without really damaging as long and you don't scrub forever. If you don't have a bit, you could squeeze the end in there green against the pins and scrub back and forth a little on both sides. But you really want it dry then. Just damp enough to be pliable then clean again with alcohol/contact cleaner and qtips and really let it dry for a while before trying again.

[GrouchoGlasses]

Hobie-Won, Lurv, and SpoonyBard, you are wiser beyond your years. A good, thorough cleaning has made Zelda ALttP boot up on the first try for the entire morning!

These are the cleaning steps I took (all from common household tools) to clean my pin connector.

1. Use a gum cleaning dental pick. It is important to choose a model that has soft, non-abrasive bristles but is also sturdy enough to not loose any bits inside the pin connector.

This is the exact type I have http://www.gumbrand.com/dental-floss-pi ... cks-15-ct/

I like these because they are made of a soft rubber. Worked very well for gently cleaning along the length of the inside of the connector.

2. A clean razor brush. I have this model. http://www.amazon.com/Norelco-Shaver-Ra ... B000IAK2NW

Using the softer, longer brush end, I gently swept over the pin to try to sweep out any grime and grit the gum cleaning pick was able to remove.

3. Lastly, I used the credit card in a t-shirt trick that is lightly dabbed with isopropyl rubbing alcohol (I was able to use a "green" labeled Windex glass cleaner--its ingredients are water and isopropyl).

Very important too, between each step and to dry off the connector at the end, spray the pin connector with compressed air. This is the most effective way of removing loose bits and debris.

Thank you, everyone, for you assistance. Now it is time to find me a Master Sword!

[Hobie-wan]

Awesome, glad you got it going.