Let's Fix: Nintendo Gameboy DMG No Power!

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ก.ค. 2017
  • Video Sponsored by UTSOURCE
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    Since my RGB backlit gameboy controller business is getting off the ground I though I would get a cheap junker DMG off Ebay to make a prototyping and test unit with so I can develop future firmware and test new features without having to take apart my nice squeaky clean units.
    This unit came in the mail and I finally got time to sit down and check it out. I don my Dr. Mario stethoscope as I try to cure this sick gameboy. It was listed as not powering on, so let's see if we can resurrect this guy with a 1up or if it's game over ...
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ความคิดเห็น • 161

  • @landon8-bit881
    @landon8-bit881 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    These videos are so interesting to watch I’m so glad I found this channel

  • @vanessal7291
    @vanessal7291 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thanks to you I was able to find out my Gameboy works. I stripped a USB cord and hooked it up to the battery terminals and it turned on! Now I need to actually get the corrosion cleaned.

  • @Nick-ef8tu
    @Nick-ef8tu 6 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I love watching these kind of videos of people fixing game boy 😃

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Me too! I also have a few more videos I am working on related to game systems in the near future. My friend The Retro Future also does gameboy repair and mod videos so if you aren't already subbed to him check his channel out.

    • @Nick-ef8tu
      @Nick-ef8tu 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I enjoyed both of your channels keep up the great work👍

  • @tannerturben8754
    @tannerturben8754 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for finally being the one to explain what they jelly looking stuff does! I'd been wondering for so long...

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ... well sometimes I get hungry when i repair stuff ... jk

    • @TheRetroFuture
      @TheRetroFuture 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Well sometimes he gets really hungry when he repairs stuff!

    • @roarkemurdock8999
      @roarkemurdock8999 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Peanut Butter Flux Time! Peanut Butter Flux Time!

  • @roarkemurdock8999
    @roarkemurdock8999 6 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Great Video! I see everyone is saying to use White Vinegar for the corrosion. I also use Vinegar for most corrosion issues, however it should be noted that the DMG Battery terminals are a cladded (layered) metal, the thin, outer layer provides superior protection for the inner, more conductive layer. While the Vinegar does an amazing job removing the corrosion, if the corrosion has already eating through the outer layer you will have an unprotected terminal that will corrode again in the future. You will know if the inner layer is exposed because it is a different color than the outer layer. I still soak all corroded terminal in Vinegar, but if the inner layer is exposed, I toss it, otherwise a customer will have corroded terminals inside of a year.

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Roarke Murdock The one looks absolutely destroyed so I'll probably just dig into my parts drawer and find a suitable replacement.

    • @matthewpena4169
      @matthewpena4169 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I just learned this by doing. Damage is done, but thank you for the tip.

  • @ImOnNirvana
    @ImOnNirvana 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You know so much stuff! You really helped me out, thanks

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ImOnNirvana Comments like this really make my day!

  • @EJayNine
    @EJayNine 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Woo nice to see a gameboy video again!

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ikr, it's been awhile. Also got another on it's way in the near future.

  • @husky3g
    @husky3g 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just purchased a DMG with no power issues. Hoping that after I get it, it's just something odd with the main board for the display/buttons, as I already have a 100% functional front shell with a brand new glass lens that I took off to do an IPS mod on my main DMG. Planning on giving it to my son when he is of age to play some awesome GB games if I can get the new DMG fixed. As long as the issue is similar to yours and the rear board is good, it should be a fairly easy fix! Great video though. Watching these repairs is great, even if you don't have a broken DMG!

    • @dannymolns3573
      @dannymolns3573 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Did you manage to get yours fixed? (I'm in the same situation lol)

  • @przemysawk2685
    @przemysawk2685 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks, You helped me a lot finding problem in my dmg 01. Corroded battery joints, like Yours. Now i ned to fix this missing screen lines.

  • @Mochi4uSir
    @Mochi4uSir 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love watching your videos. :)
    Can you make a video about adding the AGS-001/101 battery to a AGS-001?

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Domi Senpai Thanks for the kind words. I'll add it to my todo list!

  • @RetroPCUser
    @RetroPCUser 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I ordered 3 of those on eBay (lot of 3) that aren't functioning, however, when I get them, I'll be checking everything you've pointed out and fix them. I have a Play it Loud version that was advertised as fully functional along with games and accessories. I have the Game Light Plus units that are in good shape, except the 1 had battery acid that leaked all over and a couple of rust spots on the battery contacts. I'll be spraying them with Seafoam Deep Creep and scrub the contacts, soak in vinegar, and add baking soda to dissolve and neutralize the acid.

    • @dannymolns3573
      @dannymolns3573 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      How did it turn out? Did you manage to get any of them working ? (In the same situation right now)

  • @mibjt
    @mibjt 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    You know what grinds my gears? AA battery leaks.

  • @Tatakaus
    @Tatakaus 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thx for this video

  • @SevenDeMagnus
    @SevenDeMagnus 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi. It's so nice to be able to do what you love to do (and it's something that's a must in society- an ikigai in japanese). It's so nice really, to be able to restore something and repair it. I hope Apple and everybody would bring back the old methods and make repairability better (Right to Repair), like in the 70's & 80's, include the schematics and assembly everything with screws, instead of snap ons (which will break if it's repaired), soldered parts that most likely be upgraded (like RAM) and glue.
    By the way, if it's ok to as, my ceiling fan is slowing down again. I already replaced it's capacitors and in series too (the total voltage is way beyond the original one, hoping that it'd be more robust), it's a not so branded capacitor which was from a local electronics shop, I may need to order a really branded ceiling fan capacitor from abroad, online. Would you know what's a good brand, ceiling fan capacitor?
    Thank you. Have a great week.
    God bless, Revelation 21:4

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I had to read about ikigai, I wasn't aware of the concept. I definitely feel that fixing and making things is a core part of my identity and gives me great joy (and sorrow when I cant fix something lol). I've been keeping up with a recent right to repair bill in the US (where I live), and also wish we could have greater freedom but it's sad that manufacturer lobbyists for large companies are preventing that from coming true.
      As for your ceiling fan, could you remind me what the original cap values were and what ones you replaced it with in series? For reputable component brands I'd go with well known ones like panasonic and nichicon. Buy from sites like digikey or mouser and although it will cost a bit more you'll be guaranteed that you will get genuine parts.

    • @SevenDeMagnus
      @SevenDeMagnus 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hi. True, this is our mission in life, ikigai, why we're here.
      The ceiling fan's original capacitor was a 1.5uF 450v but it now has 1.5uF 800v (two 3uF 400v in series) but it's no name brand.
      True, it'll be expensive (has to be imported), will cost around US$25.

  • @aeons6969
    @aeons6969 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    thank you so much for this!! as a person who has no knowledge about circuitry (basic things like probing a circuit, corrosion, etc.), this really has been the most helpful video out there. i wouldn't even have thought to check the DC-DC Converter or to go over the solder joints. sadly, from the looks of it, I think some of the pins of the Sharp LH5264N4 chip of my gameboy got corroded (for some apparent reason). any suggestions on how to fix this, if it's even possible?

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Carefully try to scrape the pins with something small and pointy to remove as much corrosion as possible, clean with isopropyl alcohol, add flux and a little solder while going over each leg with a soldering iron to try and reflow the solder to get a nice shiny solder joint.

  • @georgbalzereit8952
    @georgbalzereit8952 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Nice video, very relaxing. Just wondering if it wouldn’t be good to check the power supply by using a power adapter upfront. Just as an idea….

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Of course, I was stuck at college so didn't have access to an adapter that fit so I did what I could with what I had on hand.

    • @georgbalzereit8952
      @georgbalzereit8952 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@sjm4306 I guess if it does not powering on by using the adapter with 5V output there is more advanced issue. But looking at your skills even this wouldn’t be an issue for you

  • @Timmymantwo
    @Timmymantwo 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Two uploads at once Shaun? Man we are lucky

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thx man!

    • @Timmymantwo
      @Timmymantwo 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      No problem, gotta love the Gameboy Whisperer

  • @VanguardRaven
    @VanguardRaven 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'll be following your steps to work out what went wrong with my motherboard. I'm installing an IPS super OSD Q5, and the first time I tested it, the screen stayed off but the LED came on. Then after reopening it and trying a different IPS display, not even the LED would come on. I tried a different motherboard and it all works perfectly. The broken one's switch is in a pretty bad corrosive state, so I'm figuring this is the main culprit.

  • @fr-ll9ju
    @fr-ll9ju ปีที่แล้ว

    sorry but what did you put at 6:02 to remove the corrosion?

  • @ininjaduck98i40
    @ininjaduck98i40 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    How’d you learn to fix this game boy? Mine just recently got the same problem as the one in the video. I want to learn how to fix it but also understand how everything works, ya feel? Any tips on how to learn/fix? Thanks

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I started out self taught by tinkering and taking things apart before going to college to learn electrical engineering. After taking apart many gameboys I'd say a good majority that don't power on are due to leaking battery or water damage. Once you open them, it is usually visually obvious what is wrong. As to learning how the circuitry works there are lots of good descriptions online, I even found a site with the entire dmg schematic.

  • @MikeKatchmar
    @MikeKatchmar 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks! Corroded battery connector for me!!

  • @trenzinhodaalegria8012
    @trenzinhodaalegria8012 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    A strange thing I've been thinking... Is that the Gameboy Color is just twice as powerful as the original Gameboy... But supposedly having color would require at least 3 times more power to manage all these subpixels... The amount of dots on the screen is literally increased 3 times. So I suppose that it would require 3 times more computing to make it work properly... The PCB quality of the GBC however is worlds apart from the original GB.

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Trenzinho da Alegria Having color vs monochromatic doesn't necessarily scale computing power linearly. For instance the gameboy has 2 bit mono while the gbc has three color at 15 bits (I'm guessing 5 bits per color). The generation and rendering of color data is also likely handled in parallel and not sequentially so processor speed would have no effect. And it doesn't stop there, the clock rate and hardware are two separate factors. If you add extra hardware you can process more data at the same clock rate. Like I can throw more balls with two hands than one even if I keep the rate of throwing the same. This is why comparing different cpus from just clock rate is so difficult since it ignores all the other differences.
      As for pcb quality, by the time the gb rolled around Nintendo's handheld line was very mature with many revisions under their belt and a lot of experience so it's no surprise that they did a great job.

  • @ioanvapi
    @ioanvapi 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi. What caused that voltage drop on your device? I saw you measured about 100 ohm between power wires. Why it was so low? Thanks.

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      There was considerable corrosion near the power switch so my best guess is there was some conductive gunk there shorting power and ground. Cleaning and resoldering the pins brought it back to life.

  • @8o4h10essohess6
    @8o4h10essohess6 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    At this point I’m torn between finding someone who can repair or just putting it on display. This was my comfort item growing up I wouldn’t leave it behind even if I couldn’t play it.

    • @altrock17
      @altrock17 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The repair is worth trying. You'll be thrilled being able to play your old Gameboy, it would bring a tone of nostalgia for you. Worst case scenario, it can't be fixed and you can still put it on display.

  • @EJayNine
    @EJayNine 6 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    Soak the contacts in vinegar, it will dissolve the battery acid

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Thx for the tip. Next time I'm out shopping I'll have to pick some up.

    • @SumDumGy
      @SumDumGy 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Then use baking soda after to neutralize that acid.

    • @TekMoliGy
      @TekMoliGy 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      then use rubbing alcohol to wash off the baking soda

    • @Meechree
      @Meechree 5 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      Then use battery acid to clean off the rubbing alcohol

    • @alexbridenbaker9261
      @alexbridenbaker9261 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      No it's supposed to be put in vinegar, then put in isopropyl (99% is best) to get rid of the vinegar. Then let it dry, and put it back in

  • @linkmasters535
    @linkmasters535 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yeah if you are going to keep the original shell you can completely take apart and both of them wash in warm or hot soapy water and it will come back to its original color as for the buttons idk I did this to my both Nintendo entertainment systems NES both work and it is for sale just need two power cords two audio cables and two controllers I have the cords but I keep them for future systems that I fixed

    • @linkmasters535
      @linkmasters535 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah I love getting gameboy advance because j4u sells it like it is but it has no power image or sound nothing works so I take it apart check the terminals no damage or corrosion I clean the motherboard with rubbing alcohol 70 or above and squeeze it in the power connector and let it dry out and it is alive I do this to all of them I bought lol they didn’t know what was wrong with it but if the terminal or bad straight white vinegar cleans it up nice

  • @notthatdigusted7468
    @notthatdigusted7468 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    My Gameboy powers on and shows the nintendo logo and then the game does not boot. Do you know how to fix that so that the games boot?

  • @adriancampano7154
    @adriancampano7154 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Bro cool video I gave thumps up, I have a problem I just bought a dmg-01 from ebay and it dont work... I bought a tool kit so I can take it apart but I dont know what to fix... the batterie compartment is free of corrosion.

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Do you have a multimeter to test the board with?

  • @gilliland426
    @gilliland426 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    on electronics to clean up corrosion i always clean them with the strongest white vinegar then iso alc. 70% or higher!

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I love watching it bubble in vinegar

  • @pocketreviewgaming
    @pocketreviewgaming 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Do you happen to have any video of how to fix a dmg speaker for some reason I can’t get sound to work:(

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I made a video recently for a clear pocket recently that had that problem. Basically it is either the speaker needs replacing (likely), the headphone jack switch contactsneed cleaning (likely), or the audio amp is burnt out (not as likely)

    • @pocketreviewgaming
      @pocketreviewgaming 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      the aux still works. idk maybe ill get a beat up gameboy to fix it.

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Inside the headphone jack in the back there are switch contacts to disconnect the speaker when headphones are plugged in. If these contacts are oxidized bad enough the speaker wont work but headphones will.

  • @ashiya029kaulitz
    @ashiya029kaulitz 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can i use the 70% alcohol to clean the inside? I have the same problem with mine it wont turn on but i dont want to do anything first especially with the inside cause i just might corrode it

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Should be fine, just make sure you give it enough time to dry or hit it with a hairdryer before powering it on

  • @mannyp.52
    @mannyp.52 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    From my experience I use Hydrogen Peroxide it works great,put it in a small spray bottle and spay some on the corroded battery contacts, once cleaned rinse with IPA and let it dry.Good luck

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  ปีที่แล้ว

      I'll have to give it a try, never even thought of using peroxide.

  • @Cajetaization
    @Cajetaization 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I am having the same problem that you found in the video. Lower voltage when turning on. However my board looks fine. The solders around the power switch are fine.
    I don't know where to go next to find the problem. Ideas?

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Do you have a multimeter? You'll need to measure voltages if nothing is visibly wrong.

    • @Cajetaization
      @Cajetaization 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@sjm4306 yea I do. Where do I measure and what would I be looking for?

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Measure between ground (anywhere connected to the big copper plane or the metal shell of the link port) and the battery + tab (should be ~6v depending on your batteries). Then measure the input of the power switch, should be close to the same voltage. Then turn the switch on and measure the output pin, should also be close. Then move to measuring the caps near the cpu, they should be near 5V. If anything is way off then that's a hint to what's failed.

  • @pocyetl
    @pocyetl 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    hello there, my Game boy dmg, it does not work with a power adapter, but it does work with batteries. what can be the fault?

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The dc input jack is probably oxidized/dirty inside and could use a good cleaning with some isopropyl alcohol and a toothbrush

  • @crueltuber2887
    @crueltuber2887 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a dmg-08 that turns on but doesnt display or have sound. The display board is fine as i tested it in another dmg. Really bad water damage by the looks of things.
    I know what to do to fix the sound, but not the display, any thoughts? Should i reflow the solder joins on the ribbon cable connector??

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Test every connection with a multimeter set to continuity. Tedious but it will save you a lot of needless resoldering in the end.

    • @crueltuber2887
      @crueltuber2887 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@sjm4306 i had to unsolder a bit of stuff as it was flaking off. There was no rf shield either, which means someones been inside. I think they put lead based solder on it instead. Theres a few revealed traces too.
      I'll have to whip out the multimeter and see but is the board salvageable if its been eaten away internally?

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Corrosion that eats its way under soldermask and through the copper is the worst. I'd say there's a chance it's toast but still worth the effort of inspecting the extent of damage. If you are lucky it'll just need a few traces jumped to get it back up and running.

    • @crueltuber2887
      @crueltuber2887 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@sjm4306 there was also the fact that the pwer regulator is dead too, someone tried to skip a few traces by jumping it, that one is most likely DEAD. My friend noticed that as ive not been inside a dmg before. We're going to test his power regulator on it, see if thats the problem.

  • @ChrisMX9
    @ChrisMX9 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Bought a clear play it loud DMG in good condition with battery cover just a couple of vertical lines on the screen for only 20€ from J4U :D

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Nice score. Vertical lines should be pretty easy to fix. Elliot from theretrofuture recently got a clear dmg too for about the same price. I gotta say that backlighting the clear gameboys looks so cool.

    • @ChrisMX9
      @ChrisMX9 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      sjm4306 I have already destroyed a game boy screen by trying to do the mod so I'm not sure if I'm going to mod it :/

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      It is quite risky. I am sure if you really wanted just the rear film removed you could find a local experienced modder willing to do it for you and then you could do the rest of the wiring/cleaning/etc yourself.

    • @ChrisMX9
      @ChrisMX9 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      sjm4306 yeah but I don't know if I can find a modder in France

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wish I could help, but shipping to and from the US would probably cost quite a bit.

  • @retrocosas5923
    @retrocosas5923 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hello friend, I need help with my game boy dmg, the problem is when I turn it on it shows lq pqntqllq completely black. When you raise the contrast it goes up and down without a problem but there is no point where it shows the game, although if you hear the sound of it, what could be the problem, I tried it open and closed and still the problem persists, I hope your help many times. thank you.

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Sounds like there's a problem with the connector between the screen and main board.

  • @minivipers
    @minivipers 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    hi, my gameboy problem is: nintendo brand comes from up, sound beeps and then there is nothing on screen but power lamp is on...what would be the problem ?

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      It could be the lcd is dead or just the contrast bias voltage coming from the dcdc converter. Do you have a multimeter to check the voltage?

    • @minivipers
      @minivipers 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@sjm4306 i have...i will check it...

  • @JohnnMug
    @JohnnMug 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi i have a problem with powering my gameboy dmg 01 with an adaptor. Batteries work fine. It was bit corroded inside and could see some sugar like residue on a big part of PCB. Physically scratched it off and it works but still no power adaptor.

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'd check and clean the female ac adapter plug on the gameboy as the pins inside could be oxidized/corroded preventing electrical connection. Another possible issue is if someone inserted a plug with higher than 3v or opposite polarity then some input protection fuse or diode could be damaged/destroyed which would obviously need to be replaced.

    • @JohnnMug
      @JohnnMug 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      sjm4306 thanks I will try tomorrow and look for the things you mentioned!!

  • @paulpjr3224
    @paulpjr3224 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice video. I been trying to get mine to work and it too had corrosion all over the areas this one had but even had some in the game slot. The only thing is my LED light comes on but nothing on screen or any sound. I used CLR to clean it after using alcohol and backing soda. Those didn't do much but the CLR cleaned it good. I wish I had one of those power level detectors to check things. Any idea what it could be?

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      It could be the ribbon connector between the front pcb and back, or the dc converter isnt putting out 5v (the led is wired up to the unregulated 6v battery before the 5v converter).

  • @AlexLarsen-K
    @AlexLarsen-K 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I just fixed my gameboy about five minutes ago, it somehow works with twice as much water damage as that one on it

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Amazing how resilient these things csn be.

    • @AlexLarsen-K
      @AlexLarsen-K 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@sjm4306 one sad thing though, I thing all the guts are to corroded to do anything, I'm going to need some more vinegar, and yes it is.

  • @hmdanker
    @hmdanker 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My game boy won’t power up, battery terminals don’t look bad and have continuity, wondering is someone (me) may have plug the wrong power supply into the power port, and blew something up?

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It could be, best to check the input and output voltages of the dcdc converter board inside with a multimeter to be sure.

    • @Recan404
      @Recan404 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@sjm4306 I justed checked my DCDC coverter board and i'm not getting any output on the + or - rail, my VCC is measuring fine at 5.95v, smells kinda funky as well but no visible evidence of damage is there a way to replace this component? Any help would be welcomed, i know the other parts of the gameboy work because i have a spare and the screen and speakers work fine when attached to it. Thanks for making this video it helped a lot when trouble shooting.

    • @Recan404
      @Recan404 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Just want to mention, in case you don't notice, i'm not the original poster just happened to have the same problem and found your video!

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Sounds like your dcdc has a short somewhere (perhaps one of the components failed as a dead short) which would explain the smell and no output. Did a quick search and I couldn't find anyone selling aftermarket replacement dcdc modules for the dmg. Looks like your best bet unfortunately is to either debug and fix your broken one or buy a wrecked dmg with the hopes of scavenging its dcdc.

    • @Recan404
      @Recan404 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@sjm4306 I have located the problem, its the black hockey puck looking thing (I have no idea the correct name for it). Seems to be the short as when i compared the electrical readings to a know working system they differed, for example the working system had 5.92volts on a pin and .001volts on the dead system. Probally explains why that area of the board is also getting warm to the touch.
      I also had no luck in finding dc/dc modules for the dmg, or at least no that could also output the -19volts needed for the lcd screen. Do you happen to know if there is anyway to buy that black hockey puck looking device? I know there is probably a 0% chance but tried searching with any markings on it and i'm coming up with nothing. Even knowing the correct electrical device name would be helpful.
      Do you know what is a good price for a wrecked dmg on ebay? I'm looking at some lower boards that are in working condition that are around $20 on ebay that have the dc/dc module, just don't know if that is the best price. I'm in no rush to finish this project, this was my childhood Gameboy that is why i'm trying to keep as much of the original device as possible.
      Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions! I hope you get as much enjoyment out of repairing things as i do, its a funny little blessing in life.

  • @mizooo1984
    @mizooo1984 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi i have a faulty DC-DC board on my Gameboy, i get a spare one and i installed that board to the machine, unfortunately i measure -31V instead of -19V?! How it is possible? :(

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Gábor Gitye Sounds like the lcd bias rail isn't loaded. Pretty sure it runs open loop so under no load conditions it's output will be higher than expected. Is your screen plugged in when you made the measurement?

    • @mizooo1984
      @mizooo1984 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      It wasn't plug i will try! Thanks

    • @mizooo1984
      @mizooo1984 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks! The voltage is now around -20V! :) Unfortunatelly when i turn on there are several lines appeares for a while on the LCD, but nothing else.

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Gábor Gitye Measure the 5v rail to make sure the cpu is getting power. Is there audio at least. Might also be a lcd connection/ribbon issue.

    • @mizooo1984
      @mizooo1984 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi, with the spare screen there was a scratch from the speaker so i tried to inser a card :) and it's working. Still no sound but there is a picture and the machine is working. Thanks, for the help!

  • @chairgaming1997
    @chairgaming1997 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    The gameboy i have is really messed up
    It doesn’t turn on and it isn’t the battery contacts sometimes it turns on but i don’t know what’s wrong with it

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sounds like the contacts inside the power switch may need a good cleaning

    • @chairgaming1997
      @chairgaming1997 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It was actually the contacts that needed cleaning because they were badly corroded

  • @graygoza8075
    @graygoza8075 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Help my gameboy won't turn off so every time I want to swap a game I have to take out the batteries

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      What gameboy model? Have you opened it up to inspect the area around the power switch?

  • @overcasts
    @overcasts 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Do you fix phones? Just asking I have a broken IPod with a shattered screen and the screen doesn’t work by moving

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I used to buy stopped after a couple generations in when they started gluing and permanently fusing everything together.

  • @siko142
    @siko142 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    game boy zero???? coming soon?

  • @bigbootybusiness8726
    @bigbootybusiness8726 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    you dont have to buy new battery contacts. Soak them in distilled white vinegar or get an old toothbrush, get some vinegar on it, and scrub away. Thats how i fixed a broken gameboy advance off of ebay. no need to buy new ones

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I was more worried that now the chrome plating is eaten away and bare copper is exposed, there is nothing to prevent more corrosion as copper tends to oxidize quickly in open air. As a quick fix cleaning with vinegar works well, but long term and given how cheap replacement contacts are it's a better idea just to replace them and remember not to leave batteries in for long periods of time.

  • @leirisal
    @leirisal 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    If you tried and used the DC in instead of batteries, you would've found out the problem in 5 minutes

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Ideally that would've been the case but I was at my college apartment and didnt have an adapter with me that would fit. Sometimes you just gotta make do with what you have.

    • @leirisal
      @leirisal 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Ah, understandable. Nothing like a cheap universal power supply cant handle anyways. They are always useful

  • @romainpic2446
    @romainpic2446 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You just need To put in white vinegar .

  • @RSDDL
    @RSDDL 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Multi-meter!

    • @TheRetroFuture
      @TheRetroFuture 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Mull-Tim-eater

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      lol, I heard Ben Heck pronounce it this way and for some inexplicable reason it greatly amuses me.

    • @SumDumGy
      @SumDumGy 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      I got a kick out of that pronunciation also. Reminds me of my preferred usage of "thermo-meter". :)

  • @timothydelaval1089
    @timothydelaval1089 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    i have a original gameboy, works fine on batteries, the second i plug in a ac adapter it powers off

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Assuming the polarity, voltage and current of your adapter are correct I'd guess the contacts inside the gameboy ac jack need cleaning.

    • @timothydelaval1089
      @timothydelaval1089 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      i tried that, no luck, ive got a handy boy that should plug in to the jack, no power gets to it. i dont know if the convertor board might be bad but i know once i plug in the adapter the power comes out of it, but it doesnt go to the gameboy. i wanna say its the power board thats responsible but im not sure, i havent seen this topic talked about online so i need as much help as i can get.

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      The dcdc converter module has to be working or it wouldn't work on both battery and ac. The most likely culprit is the ac detect switch inside the ac jack. The headphone jacks in gameboys have a similar switch to disconnect the speaker when headphones are inserted and most audio problems are attributed to this so I'd hazard a guess that's also the case for your ac jack.

    • @timothydelaval1089
      @timothydelaval1089 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@sjm4306 ok just tried it, conection when nothings plugged in, no connection when i plug something in so i think the switch in there is working

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ok another option is the diode in series with the ac input is blown. You can see it marked 2S110A in the switching power supply schematic on this page gbdev.gg8.se/wiki/articles/DMG_Schematics

  • @DCupintheHIZZY
    @DCupintheHIZZY 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    You got way too technical to begin with when it was just corrosion in the battery contacts. That should be the first thing you do.. especially when it's visually corroded

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I saw the corrosion had made it's way to the rest of the pcb and started eating copper, I think it was reasonable to check for more serious potential damage when I already knew cleaning the battery contacts would be necessary but quick and simple. Also I wanted to point out what to check for non-trivial faults which could be more useful to a wider set of situations to help viewers, afterall there's already so many "repair" videos on yt that just end up being battery contact cleaning.

  • @KawaiiZenboOLD
    @KawaiiZenboOLD 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    what does dmg even mean

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Dot Matrix Game (the label text written on the gray plastic lcd bezel)

  • @RetroGeek16
    @RetroGeek16 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    You had to check and clean the battery contacts first instead of using your poor philosophy on that safe motherboard...you made a long video while the problem was above your nose !!!🙄

    • @sjm4306
      @sjm4306  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I saw the corrosion had made it's way to the rest of the pcb and started eating copper, I think it was reasonable to check for more serious potential damage when I already knew cleaning the battery contacts would be necessary but quick and simple. Also I wanted to point out what to check for non-trivial faults which could be more useful to a wider set of situations to help viewers, afterall there's already so many "repair" videos on yt that just end up being battery contact cleaning. Clearly you lack experience in making instructional videos where the most important thing is educating viewers on the repair process and debugging rather than finding a simple fix and stopping there.