Bit of a weird issue with a Pokémon Yellow cart

[H360]

This means that the real time clock is in the MBC IC?

[Segata Sanshiro]

The time is kept by the oscillator crystal, I think.

[H360]

No. The crystal does not keep the time, more it helps provide the frequency at which it will run at :D
It would be in an IC that is powered by the battery.

And... I found it. It is in the MBC chip.

"Beside for the ability to access up to 2MB ROM (128 banks), and 32KB RAM (4 banks), the MBC3 also includes a built-in Real Time Clock (RTC). The RTC requires an external 32.768 kHz Quartz Oscillator, and an external battery (if it should continue to tick when the gameboy is turned off)."

Source: http://meatfighter.com/gameboy/TheNintendoGameboy.pdf

[Bad_Ad84]

But you said it DIDNT keep the time, now you are saying it does and is kept by the crystal (which is wrong, but implies you knew it was keeping the time).

If you want the time to save, you need the battery.

[H360]

I said replying to Segata Sanshiro, "No. The crystal does not keep the time, more it helps provide the frequency at which it will run at :D"

[Bad_Ad84]

I was replying to him.

The fact I said, "But you said it DIDNT keep the time, now you are saying it does and is kept by the crystal"

You didnt say any of those things, so clearly it wasnt directed at you =/

[H360]

I was replying to him

Well lets use those quotes then buddy ;)

[Segata Sanshiro]

I don't want the time, just the save. lol

I assume I could remove the crystal in addition to the battery on a gold cart - maybe.

[H360]

No need to remove the crystal. Just the battery if you dont want the clock.

[Segata Sanshiro]

I know, but I could right?

[H360]

Sure. You can remove the crystal if you want :)