Undecided whether to buy a SNES copier or flash card.

blackmyst · Post by **blackmyst** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 6:53 am

After making a thread about it on here a long time ago, I still haven't bought one. And now Tototek is out of Super Flash cards. :\ So I'm trying to decide whether to wait for them to restock, or just to buy a Game Doctor SF7.

A few questions:

1) Does the SF7 need the SNES to be switched on to be able to receive data from floppy/parallel port? And when playing games, does the SF7 need its own powersource plugged in, in addition to the SNES's? This because I'm wondering if I can get by with just the one SNES power adapter that I've already got (it's compatible, right?).

2) Speaking of uploading, I thought I was pretty sure the SF7 actually had a parallel port. Does it?

3) I think I saw Byuu mention that he was reluctant to get a Super Flash, because of the bios which always appears at startup. Can the SF7 be configured to skip right to the game when the console is switched on?

4) The expansion RAM for the SF7 that they sell at Tototek, is it easy/safe to install for a relative n00b like myself? i.e. no soldering or anything? I probably won't get any if I do decide to go for the copier, but yeah.

dr_slump · Post by **dr_slump** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 10:21 am

I cannot answer to your questions since I never had a SNES flashcart.
But wouldn't it be wonderful if a GBA flash company produced some modern flash carts for the SNES?
Imagine having something like this for the SNES.

FitzRoy · Post by **FitzRoy** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 11:42 am

blackmyst wrote: I think I saw Byuu mention that he was reluctant to get a Super Flash, because of the bios which always appears at startup.

Only shows up when there are multiple games.

Dumping a game with this thing takes 2 seconds. It's really quick. The flash software isn't perfect though and I'm SOL on a couple of games it refuses to dump.

EDIT: NM, cart's fault. This thing is perfect so far.

Snark · Post by **Snark** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 12:45 pm

I recently got an 'SF3' but maybe I could add some input keeping in mind I don't have the SF7.

blackmyst wrote:After making a thread about it on here a long time ago, I still haven't bought one. And now Tototek is out of Super Flash cards. :\ So I'm trying to decide whether to wait for them to restock, or just to buy a Game Doctor SF7.

A few questions:

1) Does the SF7 need the SNES to be switched on to be able to receive data from floppy/parallel port?

The SF3 is RAM-based. Meaning once you unplug it, even for a second, there goes your data. I assume the SF7 works the same. edit:I haven't really answered your question. Yes, the floppy drive need the power source. But if like I said the SF7 works the same way, you will not want to unplug it anyway, unless you specifically want to erase all data.

And when playing games, does the SF7 need its own powersource plugged in, in addition to the SNES's?

SF3: Yes. Note that you can power off the Snes. Just make sure the copier is always receiving electricity.

This because I'm wondering if I can get by with just the one SNES power adapter that I've already got (it's compatible, right?).

My copier use an AC 9-volt. Afaik, they are not the same as the one the Snes normally uses.

2) Speaking of uploading, I thought I was pretty sure the SF7 actually had a parallel port. Does it?

That's what I read. SF3 doesn't have a parallel port. Probably the biggest difference between the two.

3) I think I saw Byuu mention that he was reluctant to get a Super Flash, because of the bios which always appears at startup. Can the SF7 be configured to skip right to the game when the console is switched on?

SF3: yes. Actually they are not "configured". To boot to the bios (when a game is allready present), you must hold the R button as you power on the Snes. Otherwise it would start right off with the game, just like with a normal cart.

4) The expansion RAM for the SF7 that they sell at Tototek, is it easy/safe to install for a relative n00b like myself? i.e. no soldering or anything? I probably won't get any if I do decide to go for the copier, but yeah.

I have actually bought an expension (16megabytes)RAM for the SF3. But I doubt I will instal it,as it looks like you have to open the device... Also, I don't even know if there's room or if I would have to remove a pre-existing RAM...which would defeat the purpose as there are no 40mbytes games. I basically bough the RAM just for Tales of Phantasia (48mbytes) but it's no big deal I guess.

And again, I don't actually have the SF7, just to make that clear.

PHoNyMiKe · Post by **PHoNyMiKe** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 12:20 am

I would go for an sf7. it needs to be plugged in using a sega genesis ac adaptor, an nes adaptor will fry the sf7. the ram typically comes installed from tototek, but requires a screw driver to change (it plugs in.) I have an sf6, which has a parallel port, and it can read/write srams to cartridges without special chips. the sf7 is compatible with tototek's custom ram expansions (up to 128mbit, you can play star ocean translated,) also has a picture viewer to view pcx files. and it's really not that bad if you get a pack of floppies and store games on them, 32mbit games need 4 floppies. they can be formatted to 12mbit, so you'll have 4mbits left on each floppy to store srams or small games like mario world and fzero.

a flash card is more simple, fits in a cartridge. the programmer gets power from usb but programs with parallel port. it always shows a menu even if there's only one game. I think the srams can be a problem, you'd have to dump them to change games.

I'd say sf7 all the way.

blackmyst · Post by **blackmyst** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 4:10 am

Alright, thanks for all the answers. I've decided to just buy an SF7 now, I can always get a flashcart later if I really want to.

Just wondering about a couple more things:

Apparently there are PAL and NTSC versions, but since my PAL SNES is modded, I guess it won't matter that I've got an NTSC copier?

And I've read that the Mega Drive 1 power supply is incompatible with the Mega Drive 2, and vice versa. Not sure which to get. However, I just remembered I own one of those universal power supplies with a lot of different plugs and a voltage selector. I suppose if I just put that to 9V, I'll be alright?

SquareHead · Post by **SquareHead** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 6:57 am

blackmyst wrote:However, I just remembered I own one of those universal power supplies with a lot of different plugs and a voltage selector. I suppose if I just put that to 9V, I'll be alright?

Just make sure you have the polarity right.

dr_slump · Post by **dr_slump** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 7:08 pm

Good news. I just found out about a company that produces carts for consoles with inputs for GBA flash carts with SD card support (unfortunately they sell the GBA SD adapter separately).
For the moment they only have a mega drive model but they claim they will make cart adapters for SNES and N64.

ReRuss · Post by **ReRuss** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 9:44 pm

that will be good...

I'd like to have SD on SNES , easier to play player hacks and try out some fan translations without the need of my PC , great if you're like me and take consoles over to friends houses

adventure_of_link · Post by **adventure_of_link** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 10:53 pm

SquareHead wrote:
blackmyst wrote:However, I just remembered I own one of those universal power supplies with a lot of different plugs and a voltage selector. I suppose if I just put that to 9V, I'll be alright?
Just make sure you have the polarity right.

Also, have greater than or equal to the needed amperage.

Jagasian · Post by **Jagasian** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 8:50 pm

The NES Power Pak is a compact flash card to NES adapter! It is like the original compact flash based SuperCard, but instead of being for the GBA, it is for the NES. You can easily store every NES game on one compact flash card.

Since the NES Power Pak is being designed and developed by a single guy working out of his home, there is going to be a massive shortage in supply. So get in line if you want one.

adventure_of_link · Post by **adventure_of_link** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 10:10 pm

uh.. you are mentioning NES flash cards, because...?

Jagasian · Post by **Jagasian** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 7:17 am

adventure_of_link wrote:uh.. you are mentioning NES flash cards, because...?

Because it is the first NES flash cart, and it has a design similar to that of the SuperCard, which was also mentioned in this thread. Also, the SuperCard, Tototek SNES flash cart, and the NES Power Pak are all flash carts for Nintendo game systems. So I figured that it was related enough to mention.

soulmata · Post by **soulmata** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 10:25 am

adventure_of_link wrote:
SquareHead wrote:
blackmyst wrote:However, I just remembered I own one of those universal power supplies with a lot of different plugs and a voltage selector. I suppose if I just put that to 9V, I'll be alright?
Just make sure you have the polarity right.
Also, have greater than or equal to the needed amperage.

The voltage source does not determine amperage

The load does, as well as the diameter and composition of your wiring

Quit pretending like you known anything about electricity because u doo not. Most especially don't give advice when you don't know what you are talking about because it just throws people off.

PHoNyMiKe · Post by **PHoNyMiKe** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 1:30 pm

soulmata wrote:
adventure_of_link wrote:Also, have greater than or equal to the needed amperage.
Quit pretending like you known anything about electricity because u doo not. Most especially don't give advice when you don't know what you are talking about because it just throws people off.

speak for yourself. let me explain what aol said in terms even a retard (such as yourself) can understand:

I believe aol was stating that the ac adaptor must be able to output enough amps. I bought an ac adaptor off ebay, it has two plugs on it. one is a snes plug, the other is a geny plug. I thought "holy shit, I could power my snes and gamedoctor using only one ac adaptor!!!1!" guess what, it didn't work. this ac adaptor puts out 500ma. it could power the snes by itself, while using a geny adaptor for the gd, or it could power the gd, while using the snes adaptor for the snes. to power both the snes and the gd, I figure it would need at least 800ma, or preferably 1amp output.

so as aol was trying to say, the ac adaptor must output at least 500ma. again, for a gamedoctor, just get a genesis ac adaptor. nes adaptors don't work because they output AC and will fry the voltage regulator in the gd.

blackmyst · Post by **blackmyst** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 2:06 pm

Well I've got my GD now, and with my regulated power supply it works like a charm.

I'm glad I didn't have to go hunt for a Genesis/Megadrive power brick, since it's apparently very hard to find a European one (Ive tried). Then there's the problem I mentioned earlier about which of the two versions to get.

This one I have can bear 1000mA max. On the back of the SF7, it says 800mA~1.5A. If I had to assume I'd think this would mean it varies between the two, but I guess it's not that simple. Anyone?

Also, this power supply always makes a light buzzing noise when powered, whether it's attached to the copier or not. A few others that I've seen make the same noise, though most that I own don't (at least not audibly). This somehow makes me paranoid that it'll explode or something if I leave it on for very long (like if I'd want to leave the SF7 powered to keep its RAM state). Well, I'm sure it's nothing, but I'd still like to hear from someone who actually knows what they're talking about, unlike me.

soulmata · Post by **soulmata** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 7:47 pm

phOnYmIkE wrote:
soulmata wrote:
adventure_of_link wrote:Also, have greater than or equal to the needed amperage.
Quit pretending like you known anything about electricity because u doo not. Most especially don't give advice when you don't know what you are talking about because it just throws people off.
speak for yourself. let me explain what aol said in terms even a retard (such as yourself) can understand:

I believe aol was stating that the ac adaptor must be able to output enough amps. I bought an ac adaptor off ebay, it has two plugs on it. one is a snes plug, the other is a geny plug. I thought "holy shit, I could power my snes and gamedoctor using only one ac adaptor!!!1!" guess what, it didn't work. this ac adaptor puts out 500ma. it could power the snes by itself, while using a geny adaptor for the gd, or it could power the gd, while using the snes adaptor for the snes. to power both the snes and the gd, I figure it would need at least 800ma, or preferably 1amp output.

so as aol was trying to say, the ac adaptor must output at least 500ma. again, for a gamedoctor, just get a genesis ac adaptor. nes adaptors don't work because they output AC and will fry the voltage regulator in the gd.

No voltage source "puts out" amps. It doesn't "have amps" or "Generate amps". It is merely rated, by the manufacturer, to be capable of supplying that current should the load placed upon it require it. It is the load which generates the current draw, not the power adapter. If it is rated to be 500mA at 12V, the actual draw is likely to be much less, maybe only 200mA. And, I know that is what AOL meant, I just wanted to give him shit for his technical error because it amuses me.

tardface

adventure_of_link · Post by **adventure_of_link** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 10:10 pm

Uh, excuse me:

1. I've taken electricity classes in high school/college, for about four years now. (it was mostly geared towards wiring houses, but whatever.)

2. I was mearly talking about how devices have the mA rating on the device (the actual input, as you said, is detemined by the load, so for example you pry wouldn't need all 850mA in a SNES adaptor)

so with that said (yes I know I said I'd stop using the image, but whatever):

MOTHERFUCKING GODDAMN PLEASE.

PHoNyMiKe · Post by **PHoNyMiKe** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 10:58 pm

soulmata wrote:yadda yadda I hope this smoke gets blown up your ass cause I don't even buy it

...

I would love to insult you, but you stated a defense that doesn't leave you wide open. I respect the fact that you'd take the opportunity to 'diss' aol (as would I,) but in this situation I believe you are incorrect.

adventure_of_link originally wrote:Also, have greater than or equal to the needed amperage.

phonymike's adaptation of what adventure_of_link originally wrote:Also, the ac adaptor must have greater than or equal to the needed amperage otherwise the snes won't have enough power to opperate.

my additions to what he said can be understood taking in two factors:

1: you read what he typed, thus understanding the context.
2: you have a brain.

since you don't understand what he said then either or both must be true.

I pitty the fool that don't nigga plz.

soulmata · Post by **soulmata** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 10:32 am

i am just dicking with you guys because you are using the teminology all wrong. It's like watching old ladies talk about "those internets" "a series of tubes" and "formulating the megabytes".

AoL, I am an electrical engineer. I have a degree. You are overweight and work at an old folks home. that's really all that has to be said.

if he'd said "the adapter must be rated to supply xxxmA or higher " i'd have ignored it

yes i'm a dick

soulmata · Post by **soulmata** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 10:38 am

blackmyst wrote: Also, this power supply always makes a light buzzing noise when powered, whether it's attached to the copier or not. A few others that I've seen make the same noise, though most that I own don't (at least not audibly). This somehow makes me paranoid that it'll explode or something if I leave it on for very long (like if I'd want to leave the SF7 powered to keep its RAM state). Well, I'm sure it's nothing, but I'd still like to hear from someone who actually knows what they're talking about, unlike me.

Depending on the type and quality of the power supply you have, it's common to hear buzzing, particularly on AC to DC adapters. Check it for unusual levels of heat. In fact, any device running on AC will generate some buzz, though it is inaudible to most peoples ears. As long as it is not overheating you are fine.

adventure_of_link · Post by **adventure_of_link** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 1:11 am

soulmata wrote:AoL, I am an electrical engineer. I have a degree. You are overweight and work at an old folks home. that's really all that has to be said.

dude, as I've said before, I've taken classes. All I need to do now is do co-op, however I don't have a car (commi bastards), so I'm working other jobs to try and get one.

also yes you would've picked me apart regardless

Snark · Post by **Snark** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 4:14 am

Somewhat related to this topic:

Upon trying to play Super Metroid I'm greated with a generic: "U play illegal copy. U go hell! No play for U, just go hell message. Haha!" warning.

Looks like some sort of anti-copier protection (didn't even know those actually existed on the Snes) is there any way to defeat these? As far as I know, Super Metroid didn't have any special chips or anything.

blackmyst · Post by **blackmyst** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 9:00 am

The power supply doesn't get very warm at all, even when left on overnight. No need to worry then, thanks.

Snark wrote:Somewhat related to this topic:

Upon trying to play Super Metroid I'm greated with a generic: "U play illegal copy. U go hell! No play for U, just go hell message. Haha!" warning.

Looks like some sort of anti-copier protection (didn't even know those actually existed on the Snes) is there any way to defeat these? As far as I know, Super Metroid didn't have any special chips or anything.

What version of the game are you playing? I've seen a few messages like that so far. Though it seems mine are only region related. It seems to detect it in two ways (someone correct me if I'm wrong): by regional lockout chip, and/or by checking the refresh rate somehow. Either one is easily remedied for me by putting a cart on the copier that has the correct region, and/or switching the SNES to the correct refresh rate.

Snark · Post by **Snark** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 4:01 pm

blackmyst wrote:The power supply doesn't get very warm at all, even when left on overnight. No need to worry then, thanks.

Snark wrote:Somewhat related to this topic:

Upon trying to play Super Metroid I'm greated with a generic: "U play illegal copy. U go hell! No play for U, just go hell message. Haha!" warning.

Looks like some sort of anti-copier protection (didn't even know those actually existed on the Snes) is there any way to defeat these? As far as I know, Super Metroid didn't have any special chips or anything.
What version of the game are you playing? I've seen a few messages like that so far. Though it seems mine are only region related. It seems to detect it in two ways (someone correct me if I'm wrong): by regional lockout chip, and/or by checking the refresh rate somehow. Either one is easily remedied for me by putting a cart on the copier that has the correct region, and/or switching the SNES to the correct refresh rate.

JU version (so there's not really a U version per-se). I have a US/Canada console.

ZSNES board

Undecided whether to buy a SNES copier or flash card.

Undecided whether to buy a SNES copier or flash card.

Re: Undecided whether to buy a SNES copier or flash card.

Re: Undecided whether to buy a SNES copier or flash card.