SNES hardware "boot up" process?

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SNES hardware "boot up" process?
by on (#130965)
Hey I have two SNES's that are not working properly

* one has issues with rotation/scaling other PPU-related issues, but otherwise loads and plays games properly

* the other will load only a "black screen" when the power is applied, and sometimes some graphical garbage for different carts.

My question is whether there is any documentation about what happens when the SNES boots up or documentation about what chips do what (ie which PPU chip handles rotation and scaling).

Is there anything I can do for the motherboard to verify what is working besides looking for bulging caps and checking continuity? (I have a few other working systems so I can test adapters/av cables/cartridge slots/working SPC module for older systems). For example how could I check an SPC module besides testing it on another working system?

I have seen working SNES consoles (no wires etc) going on ebay for ~$30/$40 so at this point I am probably going in that direction, but I am interested in trying smd soldering and maybe trying to get these systems to work. I figure if I can't get it to function I can salvage the working components like the cartridge ports or the sound module, the controller port, etc.
Re: SNES hardware "boot up" process?
by on (#130977)
Contact the guy from http://www.collectorscardsandgames.com/ , I bought an extra SNES from him a couple years ago and it was in almost mint shape, no discoloration at all. He charges $35 for a discolored system, $45 for a system with no discoloration, or $55 for a SNES jr. They all come with one controller and proper hookups.

He may not have stock of them currently, but at least you can be sure that he tests each system before shipping (unlike eBay where that is hit and miss).
Re: SNES hardware "boot up" process?
by on (#130981)
getafixx wrote:

Man, I wish this store would ship internationally! They have a lot of stuff and the prices are pretty good... even if I had to pay import taxes (which doesn't happen often with obviously old, used, unboxed stuff) it would still be fairly cheap. Consoles aren't very light though, so I shouldn't overlook the shipping costs...
Re: SNES hardware "boot up" process?
by on (#130986)
You're in luck.
In this page, the owner wrote:
8) Do you ship to Canada, UK, France, Italy, Australia, Sweden, etc?
YES EVERY DAY. I ship anywhere and everywhere.