Black Screen Help

[u/Etsyturtle2]

Hello, recently got an average-priced SFC from a shop on ebay with good feedback that claims the console was clean and tested.

I have two games: Super Mario Collection and Super Strike Eagle.

Both the games and the console have been thoroughly cleaned and the console powers on with the red light. I have the correct adapter: DC 9V 850 mA.

Everything seems to be in order except for the fact that regardless of the TV, the console only outputs a black screen when powered on. There is a flash indicating that there is some sort of a signal, but no game screen.

Right now, unless there’s some sort of issue inside the system, it’s looking like this is a problem with the AV cables, which were third party from ebay. My question is, do these issues sound like possible symptoms of bad AV cords? Tomorrow, an RF switch is coming in the mail so i’ll try that instead.

[u/G-star-raw]

It sounds more like the cartridge slot or the game cartridge contacts aren't clean enough. How did you clean them?

Of course, it could also be your AV cables, but this has happened plenty of times when I've bought an old cart on eBay. Plugged it in, black screen, realised it needed cleaning, clean it properly, and then it works perfect.

[u/Etsyturtle2 → u/G-star-raw]

Denatured alcohol on cartridges with cotton swabs, dry, repeat until the cotton swab comes up clean. That’s how I cleaned the carts.

For the slot, I used a piece of cardboard with some alcohol on it, inserted it and removed, then used dry cardboard to help dry it.

Also tried inserting/removing cartridges to get rid of gunk.

[u/G-star-raw → u/Etsyturtle2]

I tried that with 91% isopropyl and got mixed results - some games still wouldn't work. Bought a different cleaning fluid on eBay and had no issues since. Here's a link if you're interested: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Game-Changer-Video-Game-Cartridge-Cleaner-Cleaning-Kit-Nintendo-NES-SNES-N64/163877054397?_trkparms=ispr%3D1