How to replace a cartridge battery without losing your data.

I know this one is really basic, but I figured since I was doing it anyway, I would snap a pic or two for anyone who this isn't obvious to.

Now, I'm sure it doesn't matter for this, but I like to use my butane soldering iron for any live circuitry. With a butane soldering iron, the tip isn't a ground.


Get a second new battery (you now have 3 total: old, replacement and "life support"). Solder wires to each of the battery's tabs.
Now solder the wires somewhere on the board that isn't the original battery's terminals.
Desolder and remove original battery.
Replace original battery with new one. Remember to watch polarity!
Desolder your "life support" battery.


Success! Preventative maintenance saves the day for FFVI! A bit too late for Mario RPG. Guess I'll just have to beat it again  
              

Awesome.  I've seen people use a similar method to keep their cps3 arcade security carts alive.  A big reason why I started using flashcarts is because when you save the data is flashed, no more annoying batteries to worry about.

I'm a fan of installing ebay cr2032 battery sockets in carts where saving is important.  Once you install a socket you don't have to desolder the battery you can just wire up a "life support" battery and then remove the old battery from the socket and slap in a new one before desoldering mr. life support.

I know I've said this before but I just want to say it again....love your avatar!!!

Sorry I'm a huge yoshitaka amano fan.

Drakon wrote:

Awesome.  I've seen people use a similar method to keep their cps3 arcade security carts alive.  A big reason why I started using flashcarts is because when you save the data is flashed, no more annoying batteries to worry about.

Agreed. I use flashcarts whenever possible, but there's still no flashcart solution for a few games though. Super Mario RPG being one of those.

Drakon wrote:

I know I've said this before but I just want to say it again....love your avatar!!!

Sorry I'm a huge yoshitaka amano fan.

Thanks I like it too.

I made it back when I was trying to Photoshop up a good label for my Super Everdrive (it was the only one I owned at the time!).
I couldn't get anyone to print it though :P arcade (over at Krikzz's forum) was going to print for me, but never ended up doing it; Something about problems at his workplace.
Anyhow, here it is, if anyone wants to use it:
http://grahamprofit.com/SuperEverdrive_SNES_USA_FFVI_Label_CMYK.pdf

I just use shells from some of my favorite games instead:
NES = Mario 3
SNES = FF3
Genesis = Sonic Spinball (Hoping to find a good, cheap condition Sonic 2 without the "Not For Resale" badge)
N64 = Goldeneye 007
MVS = Clear, unlabeled.

I feel kind of bad for keeping FF3 in my "Ballz 3D" shell... It keeps it safe, but I can't help but feel like I've horribly disgraced it.

Yeah arcade bailed on me too.  My new buddy in NYC is hooking me up with some labels I've needed for a while.