Trying to get my N64 DX 256 Super Game Saver to work
This is the item:
http://tcsr2001.tripod.com/carts/dx256/front.jpg
It's a save file storing device developed by Bung Enterprises.
I haven't been able to get any games to start-up while using this device, no activity on my screen. The seller says it worked fine before he shipped it. I've tried it on 3 different N64's. I'm wondering if this thing is non-compatible with the expansion pak, I don't have any standard jumper paks. Maybe it only work with the Bung Doctor z64 device and not stand alone N64's?
It's been cleaned, still no luck. Any advice from someone that owns one?
http://tcsr2001.tripod.com/carts/dx256/front.jpg
It's a save file storing device developed by Bung Enterprises.
I haven't been able to get any games to start-up while using this device, no activity on my screen. The seller says it worked fine before he shipped it. I've tried it on 3 different N64's. I'm wondering if this thing is non-compatible with the expansion pak, I don't have any standard jumper paks. Maybe it only work with the Bung Doctor z64 device and not stand alone N64's?
It's been cleaned, still no luck. Any advice from someone that owns one?
Comments
The reason it doesn't work for you is likely because it was configured for its intended purpose:
Copied games.
A Bung Doctor V64 interfaces with the N64 through the connector on the bottom, which is actually an extension of the cartridge connector. It still needs an original cartridge plugged in the top so that it can boot, since the device has no CIC chip to bypass the system's lock-out. That original cartridge can also provide the EEPROM so that games can save their progress, but they will each overwrite the save progress from the previously played game.
Enter, the DX256.
Now, I neglected to mention this until now, but the game inserted in the top has to be disabled from booting or else the system will boot that instead of the game loaded in the copier below. This is normally accomplished with a device that fits between the cartridge and the system that disabled the ROM but passes through the EEPROM and CIC pins. They call this an "Emulation Adapter."
Turns out, there is a solder jumper inside the DX256 to enable/disable the same in-built function so that it does not need to be daisy-chained with an Emulation Adapter. The vast majority of DX256 units sold were sold for use with the Doctor V64 so this reflects the true intended purpose. Back in the day, my friend and I ordered two from two Bung DX256 Super Savers. Original owners. I still have mine. Anyway, we ordered from two different official Bung distributors and mine was even a couple years later. BOTH came configured this way when brand new (unable to boot original games).
You have to open it up and bridge or unbridge (forget which) a solder jumper to use it with original games. It should be relatively simple, but there are instructions out there if you need them. I recall seeing them on Dextrose.com, which is defunct but there are mirrors out there (like icequake.net).
Some games have SRAM or FlashRAM save type. Those will not work with DX256.
Back in the day, folks with a V64 or Z64 would refer to this list for save type and CIC boot chip:
http://n64.icequake.net/mirror/www.elitendo.com/n64/usa_boot_save_list.html
(used to be hosted on elitendo.com or something like that)