NES (with RGB mod) shows image for only a second.

sketchussketchus
in Help Wanted!
Hi folks,



I'm having a problem with my NES. I had it modded here in the UK by an official reseller of the RGB kit. The console worked perfectly for a few months but I've taken it out today and am having a problem. No matter which game I try, the image will appear for a second and then disappear. The sound stays however. If I use the composite outputs I get a constant image, but the picture is grey. You can still see the outlines of stuff, but there is no detail and it's impossible to play.



Does anyone have any suggestions? I plan to clean the 72 pin connector, but this doesn't sound like the other grey screen issues others have because they usually get no picture at all but the grey.



Thank you.

Comments

  • CZroeCZroe


    Does the composite look anything like this?



    Or this?



    That was caused by a spontaneous PPU failure. The PPU still works great with Hi-Def NES, so don't trash it if you have the same problem!
  • sketchussketchus
    It looks more like the second one but no exactly. I'll try and snap a picture shortly, I'm currently boiling the 72 pin.



    If there is a PPU failure is there anything that can be done?
  • sketchussketchus
    Alright no luck with the boiling, here's what my image looks like using composite:



    https://imgur.com/tUJhoij
  • CZroeCZroe
    Strange. It looks almost how composite output looks when using HDMI simultaneously on Hi-Def NES.



    https://youtu.be/P5XsdSbGUOc

    It may still be a PPU failure. GameTechUS had one with a B&W PPU that also had a problem with the CPU that caused voltages to be too high until he replaced it. That's probably what killed his PPU but mine didn't have that problem. It may make sense to move the mod to another system and then see if that system can be modded with Hi-Def NES instead (after checking the voltage, of course). As I recall, GameTechUS had some trouble diagnosing it because the high voltage did not appear with certain adapters (AC versus one polarity DC versus reverse polarity DC).
  • sketchussketchus
    Yeah you're right I do see the resemblance there. The odd thing is the RGB image seems to be perfect for the split second it's there and then dies.



    Luckily before I went any further today I realised I'm about ten days inside the warranty the installer offered, so I will ask if I can send it in. If that doesn't work, I honestly don't know what I'll do.
  • BouncekDeLemosBouncekDeLemos
    If you can't get a refund or exchange, there's bound to be someone here with spare PPUs that could also install it for ya.
  • sketchussketchus
    Thanks, it does sound fixable. Thankfully the chap has agreed to take a look at it for me, so I'll send it over to him.
  • VGS_OptOutVGS_OptOut
    Originally posted by: sketchus



    Thanks, it does sound fixable. Thankfully the chap has agreed to take a look at it for me, so I'll send it over to him.





    Let us know how you get on, interesting (and hopefully fixable) problem there!
  • MobiusstriptechMobiusstriptech
    If the modder didn't hook up the composite video output from the nesrgb to the original composite jack, it will display without colors. That's super common/normal. My guess would be there is an issue with the output connector being used or your cable, but I would lean towards the output connector.
  • sketchussketchus
    Originally posted by: Mobiusstriptech



    If the modder didn't hook up the composite video output from the nesrgb to the original composite jack, it will display without colors. That's super common/normal. My guess would be there is an issue with the output connector being used or your cable, but I would lean towards the output connector.

    Is it normail to have the lack of detail in my image too? Because it's not just kinda a black and white image, there's no details in the sprites etc.



     
  • MobiusstriptechMobiusstriptech
    From the original composite jack, if the video was not connected from the nesrgb and disconnected from the main board, yes that can be totally normal.
  • sketchussketchus
    Right, ok that's probably a good thing? Might mean it's an issue with the RGB board itself and not the console.
  • MobiusstriptechMobiusstriptech
    I would be surprised if the issue was the RGB board. From what you have described it sounds like the connections likely broke for the output connector. I suppose anything is possible though.
  • sketchussketchus
    Ok positive news.



    The modder gave the console a once over, cleaned the connector etc and reseated it. Also wired the palette swap differently so that you can use original composite output. Everything is working fine now.



    So yay!
  • MobiusstriptechMobiusstriptech
    Glad to hear it all worked out for you. Did they happen say what the cause of the problem was or send you a picture?
  • BouncekDeLemosBouncekDeLemos
    Sweet deal! Kudos to the modder! I also want to know if there's any info on what it was that could've caused it for curiosity and future reference.
  • sketchussketchus
    I think it's just a case of a bad connector somewhere along the line. He gave me a new cable, and I'm not positive, I will have to check emails, but fitted a new connector at the back of the console itself. I don't think there was anything wrong with the RGB board itself.
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