How do I open megadrive cartridges?

[f2bnp]

I have an unwanted game and I want to use the case for my Everdrive Flashcard (when that arrives that is), but I have no idea how to open the cart itself. I remember some guide saying that you have to use a BIC pen, heat the side with the cap and then quickly insert it into the screw. Anyone know any other methods?

[MasterOfPuppets]

A 4.5mm gamebit will open it up.

[f2bnp]

Is there any other way :P?

[Jamtex]

A hammer? :p

[f2bnp]

Hmmm I have a friend with such a "screwdriver". I might borrow it from him.
In the meantime, I can't remember where I read that BIC pen thing. Now that I think of it, it must have been for another console.

[alphagamer]

I remember giving that BIC pen guide as a quick tip, but of course it is always better to use proper tools!

[Cyantist]

Hmmm I have a friend with such a "screwdriver". I might borrow it from him.
In the meantime, I can't remember where I read that BIC pen thing. Now that I think of it, it must have been for another console.

Melt the end of the bic and place it into the screw hole. It will cool quickly and act as a temp bit. It takes a while and requires re melting

[michal99]

Hmmm I have a friend with such a "screwdriver". I might borrow it from him.
In the meantime, I can't remember where I read that BIC pen thing. Now that I think of it, it must have been for another console.

It was/is used to open GameCube.

[alecjahn]

Yeah, I've only had luck with the BIC trick back in the day opening a GC. Tried a 64 cart shortly after and it was a bust. Pen only works for one or two screw until you need to fully re-melt the end... just don't burn it.

[Segata Sanshiro]

Yeah, I've only had luck with the BIC trick back in the day opening a GC. Tried a 64 cart shortly after and it was a bust. Pen only works for one or two screw until you need to fully re-melt the end... just don't burn it.

I burn it. :-)

Blow it out and jam it on that gamebit. :033:

[Yakumo]

Just use a Japanese game cart. they uses standard screws behind the back sticker.

Yakumo

[raylyd]

Hi use the nintendo bit right tools for the job. There are two driffernt sizes.
Yakumo is right juse use a japan cart.

[BM-Viper]

I'd also recommend that you DO NOT get the access tool kit pro v3. I picked one up the other day, the driver opens 3rd party (EA carts) pretty well, but neither bit fits the normal sega ones, or n64 or NES ones. So awesome. Also, picked it up hoping that it'd open my GameCube up as well, well fooled again! The way the driver handle is, it physically doesnt have enough reach to reach the screws to remove the case. On the plus side, its all fairly well constructed; just useless.

Also, the package says it comes with a Tri-wing bit as well, it doesn't. Even better. I have an e-mail in to the company, I doubt they'll get back to me about it, but they likely wont.

[raylyd]

to open my game gube i got a xcm tool cost me about £8
and does my mega drive/32x games
i dont know if they still sell them i will have a look around


I'd also recommend that you DO NOT get the access tool kit pro v3. I picked one up the other day, the driver opens 3rd party (EA carts) pretty well, but neither bit fits the normal sega ones, or n64 or NES ones. So awesome. Also, picked it up hoping that it'd open my GameCube up as well, well fooled again! The way the driver handle is, it physically doesnt have enough reach to reach the screws to remove the case. On the plus side, its all fairly well constructed; just useless.

Also, the package says it comes with a Tri-wing bit as well, it doesn't. Even better. I have an e-mail in to the company, I doubt they'll get back to me about it, but they likely wont.

[raylyd]

http://www.modchip-store.co.uk/product.php?productid=1224&cat=113&page=1
£3.99 cheaper than when i got one
or there some in Switzerland
http://esons.ch/shop/USER_ARTIKEL_HANDLING_AUFRUF.php?javascript_enable d=true&lang=de&darstellen=1&Kategorie_ID=58&Ziel_ID=183&anzeigen_ab=0&PEPPERSESS=03f165055312b84cfa8a18df6f448fed
CHF 9.95 i dont know how much in pounds or dollers

[BM-Viper]

Yeah, I ordered some new bits for like $5 on eBay, so hopefully these ones will work lol

[raylyd]

good luck mate

[biscuit]

They're known officially as a Line Head Bit

[Cyantist]

Alternatively you can melt a biro and press it onto the screws. It will get them out but it pretty crap for putting them back in.

[PCB_Master]

Needlenosed pliers. Worked for me! :P

[biscuit]

You can also use a pair of wire cutters,ones that have a small long cutting head ,a bit like needle nose plies thin,the type for getting in tight spots.Each blade will fit into the screw head's grooves and just twist.

[cage]

Anybody have any tips with dealing with ea carts?

The tab on the corner doesn't seemingly allow you to open the cart completely. I was having some specific problems with the style used in nhl 96. I could slide the pcb out eventually but actually removing the entire casing doesn't seem doable.

[H360]

You grab your soldering iron, and hold the tip on the screw head for 1-2 minutes. You will see the screw 'sink' in as the plastic has melted.This will allow you now to pull it out with some pliers.

Only problem is, you can not screw it back xD


Otherwise, just buy a gamebit. There really cheap!

[l_oliveira]

An better approach for the hot soldering iron method is scratch the paint from the screw head then apply some solder to the screw head. At the point you should be able to solder an small metallic part on the screw head and while it's still hot you might be able to unscrew it without causing too heavy damage to the casing (and allowing you to replace the special screw with an standard one after ...).