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CPS-3 Boot Issue - Solid White Screen

PolloLoco

PolloLoco

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Hey Arcade Projects community, I tried searching the CPS-3 forum for a post on this issue but couldn't find anything similar so hoping some knowledgeable folks out there can assist! I have a CPS-3 board that I've set up with a Darksoft UltraSIMM kit, however the board just boots to a white/pinkish screen as shown in the photo below. I've tried cleaning the security cart edge with 99% IPA and also tried cleaning the cart and SIMM slots on the board with contact cleaner but no change to the video output when booting up the board. The board has the same output shown in the photo whether I have cartridge + SIMMs or just the cartridge only. In addition I've also included photos of the setup and the bare board below.

Any suggestions on troubleshooting tips or is there something basic I'm missing? I have the board hooked up to a HAS 5.0 supergun. Thank you!

PXL_20250804_234541596 (Large).jpg


PXL_20250805_010413565 (Large).jpg
PXL_20250805_010440290 (Large).jpg
 
I had that issue when the security cart CPU wasn’t resetting due to one of the wires in the reset circuit being disconnected. Can you post pictures of the front and back of your security cart PCB?
 
Only seen this white screen twice, once on a bad watchdog chip and two on a board a customer busted a pad on the watchdog chip that went to a via underneath the chip.
 
ShootTheCore said:
Was your security cart updated with the UltraBIOS for the UltraSIMMs?
Click to expand...
My cart label says SuperBIOS so most likely will need flashing to UltraBIOS:

PXL_20250805_234708111 (Large).jpg


I did take a closer look at 12F on my board and there is a lifted pin, would it do any good at all to try and reconnect it to the pad?

PXL_20250805_235501311.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL (Large).jpg
PXL_20250805_235442453.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL (Large).jpg
 
I think it's supposed to be lifted. I wouldn't touch it.

Did this setup ever work for you at any point? Did you just purchase it? The label looks like the ones I see on AliExpress seller listings but I could be mistaken. You will need a reflash since SuperBIOS does not work with Ultra SIMMs.

Same screen with or w/o cart makes me think the board has a fault, because usually you get different types of garbage/colored screens depending on what exactly is failing. But I am far from an expert!
 
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That cart is some kind of newer repro. The mini pcb is a replacement that solders directly to the dip chip pins instead of the mini pcb thats glues with two wires running. Not sure how well it will work without the caps that are usually on the real mini pcb.

Also there has never been a battery soldered in that pcb. Otherwise the battery holes would be tinned. SH-2 was obviously used before it was on this cart which is not surprising but it also looks like they played hockey with it.

I see this is the same cart currently being sold on Aliexpress for $363. For that price the SH-2 could be NOS. Ouch. I'll be making a batch of Darksoft repros soon and the price will be $200 or less. I'll guarantee that they work too. ;)
 
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kazuo said:
I think it's supposed to be lifted. I wouldn't touch it.

Did this setup ever work for you at any point? Did you just purchase it? The label looks like the ones I see on AliExpress seller listings but I could be mistaken. You will need a reflash since SuperBIOS does not work with Ultra SIMMs.

Same screen with or w/o cart makes me think the board has a fault, because usually you get different types of garbage/colored screens depending on what exactly is failing. But I am far from an expert!
Click to expand...
I recently purchased both the board and cart from sheep_nova, unfortunately I don't have another cart on hand to try booting the board. :(

@Mitsurugi-w may I be added on that list for the next run of Darksoft repro carts? Hopefully that'll help resolve my booting issue or narrow it down - thank you!
 
Mitsurugi-w said:
I see this is the same cart currently being sold on Aliexpress for $363. For that price the SH-2 could be NOS. Ouch. I'll be making a batch of Darksoft repros soon and the price will be $200 or less. I'll guarantee that they work too. ;)
Click to expand...
Here we go! New batch coming soon!

I don't see the tiny sub-PCB which needs to be there. I also don't see one or two more elements. And the most important, if they use my BIOS, I think my logo or name should be there.
 
I had an issue with the same config, when the cart is not well detected, black screen, and when the cart is detected a message with not enough memory on this pcb, because of course it's not an ultrabios. The cart is near the same inside, si i hope i could flash it with ultrabios to make it work...but i never seen a white screen.
 
Maybe leonk can do it? Not volunteering him, but might be worth reaching out since he is also in Canada.

Probably worth sending the board and the cartridge so he has a way to verify functionality.
 
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