Virtual boy glitchy?

[xDragonWarrior]

OK so i got my Virtual boy from a thrift store for $4 with the controller and game(Mario tennis,no stand but still awesome). around like 2 weeks ago i found out that i didn't need the virtual boy stand to play it(WTF?) so i just got a Virtual boy controller and battery pack(only needed the battery pack) from Play N trade for $10(i didn't really want it,i just wanted to see if it worked) got home to test it and the game when it started was beautiful!(Kinda made me wanna punch the people that say's it's bad) but as as i start to get into the game it starts to glitch up.when i turn the system on and it says"Important read instructions and precaution booklet etc virtual boy and automatic pause makes me believe that it's not the system but the game rather.when im playing it the screen becomes somewhat redder than what it's supposed to be.So What's my problem and what's the Solution?Your help is appreciated

[goldenegg]

You'll need to be more specific about what the problem is. When you say it starts to 'glitch up', what exactly happens? Also staying that the screen gets redder than it should doesn't really mean anything.

 

Virtual Boy systems are pretty well known for being unreliable, due to the way the screens are connected. There are several method for fix that, should that be your issue. I'd suggest you check out the forums at planetvb.com

[xDragonWarrior]

When the game glitches up the characters look glitchey and on the character select screen the words are messed up.

[RickR]

I would definitely try cleaning the contacts on the cartridge, or find another game to test with.

[Austin]

I don't think it's the cartridge. It sounds like the ribbon cables on the inside of the unit are loose and need to be reseated. It's very common with Virtual Boy systems.

[StoneAgeGamer]

Like Austin said could be ribbon cables, it can be fixed, but the tutorial I read was way too advanced for me to try to fix mine. It required to use an over and some chemicals to dissolve glue or something.

[+Gemintronic]

Like Austin said could be ribbon cables, it can be fixed, but the tutorial I read was way too advanced for me to try to fix mine. It required to use an over and some chemicals to dissolve glue or something.

 

StoneAgeGamer does things on the very edge of what a normal person can do with video game stuff. Like update the firmware on EverDrive carts. if he can't figure it out..

[goldenegg]

I would definitely try cleaning the contacts on the cartridge, or find another game to test with.

 

There are no contacts to clean, like there are for other consoles. You can think of it in similar terms to a Sega Genesis controller. The controller itself has a female DB9 connector and plugs in to the male DB9 connector on the system. VB carts have a covered female connector, plugging in to a male connector inside the system.

 

StoneAgeGamer does things on the very edge of what a normal person can do with video game stuff. Like update the firmware on EverDrive carts. if he can't figure it out..

 

There's a MASSIVE difference between fixing a VB and flashing an ED cart. Flashing an ED cart is ridiculously simple. All you need is the hardware. there's nothing difficult with the process.

 

Fixing a VB is tricky and can potentially destroy the system if not done correctly. I've fixed two systems myself. A lot of people seem to like the 'oven method' for fixing the display cables. I don't like putting my game systems (or their components) in the oven, so I made up my own 'hairdryer method'. If done right, it's safer, but there's still a risk of damaging something permanently.

[xDragonWarrior]

I would definitely try cleaning the contacts on the cartridge, or find another game to test with.

 

Yeah i took your advice and cleaned the cartridge with alcohol(didn't think of trying to clean the cartridge before) and it plays perfectly.I tried it twice yesterday and this morning to see if the first time after cleaning wasn't a "lucky" try and it wasn't

[+Gemintronic]

There are no contacts to clean, like there are for other consoles. You can think of it in similar terms to a Sega Genesis controller. The controller itself has a female DB9 connector and plugs in to the male DB9 connector on the system. VB carts have a covered female connector, plugging in to a male connector inside the system.

 

 

 

There's a MASSIVE difference between fixing a VB and flashing an ED cart. Flashing an ED cart is ridiculously simple. All you need is the hardware. there's nothing difficult with the process.

 

Fixing a VB is tricky and can potentially destroy the system if not done correctly. I've fixed two systems myself. A lot of people seem to like the 'oven method' for fixing the display cables. I don't like putting my game systems (or their components) in the oven, so I made up my own 'hairdryer method'. If done right, it's safer, but there's still a risk of damaging something permanently.

 

No argument here, dawg. I thought I made it clear flashing an ED was still within the realms of end user capability. Although it is towards the far end of what an end user should be expected to be capable of. StoneAgeGamer even offered vouchers so that HIS end-users didn't have to upgrade firmware themselves. I also mentioned that if he can't fathom the VB repair an end user probably doesn't have a chance.

 

Don't understand where the need for point-counterpoint exists between us.

[goldenegg]

 

 

No argument here, dawg. I thought I made it clear flashing an ED was still within the realms of end user capability. Although it is towards the far end of what an end user should be expected to be capable of. StoneAgeGamer even offered vouchers so that HIS end-users didn't have to upgrade firmware themselves. I also mentioned that if he can't fathom the VB repair an end user probably doesn't have a chance.

 

Don't understand where the need for point-counterpoint exists between us.

 

Your comment stated the updating the ED firmware was " very edge of what a normal person can do". That implies most people wouldn't be able to do it, as it requires some special skills. I simply pointed out that no such special skills are required. With the right hardware it is a simple process anyone (even those who aren't tech savvy) can perform.

 

Not to knock SAG, but his ability to update ED carts really has nothing to do with his ability (or lack thereof) of fixing VB consoles.

[RickR]

Yeah i took your advice and cleaned the cartridge with alcohol(didn't think of trying to clean the cartridge before) and it plays perfectly.I tried it twice yesterday and this morning to see if the first time after cleaning wasn't a "lucky" try and it wasn't

 

Awesome! You know, getting a working Virtual Boy for $14 has got to be one of the best deals I've heard of in a while. Personally, I love the VB. Great graphics, and a very good 3d effect.