Ok, here is a quick troubleshooting guide for using a PassMe2.
First, we have two main "areas" of problems. One, is getting two white screens, and the second is the NDS booting into GBA Mode. We'll start with the two white screens, as it is the most common.
- Two white screens -
Now, the fact that you are getting two white screens indicates that the PassMe2 is "trying" to do it's job and redirect the NDS to the SRAM data. So, your PassMe2 device is not the issue. So, what could the issue be? Well, with the PassMe2, there are three areas to look at. The DS Game inserted, the SRAM Data, and the NDS Data.
- The DS Game inserted: This may sound funny, but I have received e-mails from people saying they have tried xxx game, xxx game, xxx game, etc. And the one game that wasn't on the list was the one they ordered for the PassMe2. If you purchased a PassMe2 for Metroid Prime Demo, then it means you HAVE to have Metroid Prime Demo inserted into the PassMe2, AND the SRAM data for Metroid Prime Demo on your media.
- The SRAM Data: This is the second area to look at when troubleshooting. After the NDS boots up, and authenticates with the DS game inserted into the PassMe2, it jumps to an SWI call inside the 4MB of RAM loaded with contents from the DS game inserted into the PassMe2. This SWI call in turn jumps to the SRAM on your media. So, if the SRAM data in your media is bad, you will receive two white screens as the DS hangs looking for instructions.
- 1) GBA Flash carts: The easiest way to check this is to write the SRAM data to your media for the game your PassMe2 was programmed for and then read it back and compare the two files in a hex editor. If you open the original .SAV file and then compare it to the read back .SAV file, they should look exactly the same. If they do not, then you need to figure out why they do not, and how to stop your GBA Flash cart from chaning it. In my experiance, it's normally changed due to the battery in the GBA Flash cart being low or dead. Be aware that these batteries only charge when they are either inserted into the DS or in the programmer (and some don't even charge when they are in the programmer, so that only leaves the DS to charge them). If your GBA Flash cart has been sitting around unused for a while, chances are it's battery is dead. So, lead your favorite GBA homebrew on it, and play for a while. While you are playing the GBA homebrew, it will be charging the battery. After it has had time (10 minutes or so, should be good), try writing the SRAM data again, and read it back. If you are unable to read the SRAM data back, and get good data (aka, unaltered) you will not be able to get the PassMe2 to work.
- 2) GBA MP : Well, if you only have a GBA MP and a PassMe2, you are out of luck. PassMe2 requires SRAM to work, and the GBA MP doesn't have any. So, unless you can get ahold of something with SRAM just long enough to install FlashMe or one of the homebrew firmware replacements out there, you might as well toss the PassMe2 in the garbage or try selling it on Ebay.
- 3) M3 : See the M3 review HERE.
- 4) Super Card : See the Super Card review HERE.
- 5) G6 : See the G6 review HERE.
- NDS Data: As with the PassMe1, if your GBA app is trying to add a header, delete intros, etc. the NDS data may be getting corrupted and will not work. So, even if your SRAM data looks good, the NDS homebrew rom will not start. Also, if you are trying to load a .nds file strait to your Flash Cart, that might be the issue as well, as it may need a header added. Start by downloading a known good Flash Cart rom such as PicrossDS and load the .ds.gba version meant for Flash Carts. If you are using a GBA MP, you will want to load the .NDS version and either rename it to _BOOT_MP.nds or have a boot loader installed (such as Mighty Max's).
- Booting to GBA Mode or DS Main Menu -
This means that either the PassMe2 is bad, the PassMe2 isn't making good contact with the DS slot on your NDS, or the DS game inserted isn't making good contact with the slot on the PassMe2.
Things to check:
- Make sure you are inserting the PassMe2 in upside right. Aka, the chip side pointing up.
- Make sure you are inserting it in all the way. You should only see a very small space between the connector that you insert your DS game into and the DS itself.
- Make sure the contacts on the PassMe2 aren't dirty. Pull the PassMe2 out and insert it a few times just to be sure it is making good contact.
- Try pressing gently on the back of the PassMe2 while inserted and turn your DS on. Depending on your DS slot, it might need some help to make a good connection.
- If your PassMe2 is brand new, again, pull it out and insert it a few times. You should see wear marks on the contacts on the PassMe2. Make sure all the contacts have wear marks on them.
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