DARKSOFT CPS2 Champion Multi: Instructions and tips (new Version after 10.2020)

[djsheep]

You didn’t test before you installed the multi, so it could be anything honestly.

Biggest piece of advice I can give anyone installing multis is to work with 100% tested and working boards. Without using working boards, it’s impossible to know where the issue stems from. It’s usually always the donor game.

Volume issues are common with CPS-2 boards. It’s one of the only things that commonly goes wrong with them outside of leaky batteries.

If holding down the “volume down” button and powering on doesn’t work. I’d start by making sure the actual volume buttons are mechanically / electrically functional with a multimeter. Also making sure the switches are making contact with the plastic buttons of the case. If all that checks out then change out the super capacitor.

You should be able to use the search function on the forum to get the procedures for both of those things. Report in after you’ve done that.

 

[kernelchagi]

You didn’t test before you installed the multi, so it could be anything honestly.

Biggest piece of advice I can give anyone installing multis is to work with 100% tested and working boards. Without using working boards, it’s impossible to know where the issue stems from. It’s usually always the donor game.

Volume issues are common with CPS-2 boards. It’s one of the only things that commonly goes wrong with them outside of leaky batteries.

If holding down the “volume down” button and powering on doesn’t work. I’d start by making sure the actual volume buttons are mechanically / electrically functional with a multimeter. Also making sure the switches are making contact with the plastic buttons of the case. If all that checks out then change out the super capacitor.

You should be able to use the search function on the forum to get the procedures for both of those things. Report in after you’ve done that.

I was not able to test it beforehand because my board was suicided. Anyway i made it working, the buttons were really dirty inside, now everything is good. Thanks.

 

[djsheep]

Glad you got it sorted.

Secondly, if the board is suicided, you're playing russian roulette by installing a multi and expecting it to work.

Path to least problems for people thinking of doing the same with a suicided board:

Buy an openkey or Infinikey, install it, confirm it all works, remove it and then install the multi.

Makes life much easier if you have a problem.

 

[raynex]

Finally got my Multi installed in my CPS2. Beautiful all around. CPS2DigitalAV works beautifully. Finding an adapter that fits that tight space was difficult.
Some tips if you're buying new and may have the same experience.
1) Key writing cable...not included, so if you intend to use Encrypted set, be prepared to make your own or buy one. I thought a basic one was included somewhere, but contents list showed it missing. I guess many will use decrypted? Anyways, buy one if you're not sure or make sure you have the ability to make a cable (this is what I did).
2) I can't imagine the IDC cable has an orientation, but just in case, my LCD didn't light up at all until I flipped the cable around to where it is now in the pictures. Might be a fluke.
3) If you have infinikey or Openkey, remove it prior to installing the multi. May be obvious, but not noted in instructions; was mentioned in one of the threads here.
4) CPS2DigitalAV related: if wiring the buttons, make sure you don't make the same mistake I did. I thought just wiring directly to the digital board would trigger the OSD; no...it needs the volume control buttons to trigger, so take that into consideration when wiring. I made a disconnect to easily separate if need be.
5) Green Screen: On first boot, you will most likely get a green screen. Even though the guide says this is a symptom of an issue, mine was that nothing was written into memory. Makes sense...nothing to boot. Select your game first, let it flash, and wait for the screen to confirm flash completion. Green screen should go away. If it's still there, Then proceed with the troubleshooting.

That was my experience.
Now I can close this up and enjoy it. I've only had access to Vampire Savior until now. Looking to enjoy everything else.