Newbie Troubles

[Penguin66]

I received my GP32 yesterday and have been trying to figure out how to use this thing. I hooked everything up and registered it, then I downloaded the software to my computer. So then I hooked it up, and executed the PCLink software and tried to install the launcher and some other software.

Well nothing but trouble with this. Communications errors and all sorts of stuff. So then I figured that maybe I should reformat the card (The card is an older 32MB Microtech SMC, that I had been using in a old digital camera). Sometimes it would get through formatting, but not all the directories would be there, sometimes 1 or 2 othertimes no directories.

So then I took the card out of there and put it in a digital media reader that I have, well at first it just seemed to lockup the computer everytime I would put it in the slot. Then instead of using the Windows interface I went to the Command Line interface and unmounted the drive and set it to format the card. At least now it doesn't lock up when I insert the card. So then I formatted the card under Command Line and made the directory stucture.

To test it, I put an MP3 in the MP3 directory. Put the card in my GP32 and went to the MP3 app, the MP3 played. So then I put the card back into my Digital Media Reader and put some roms on there and some emus. Then since i needed the launcher app installed I put the card back into the GP32 and fired up the PCLink, well I saw the directories on there and then tried to install the file. I got a communication error and then the entire card was wiped. Put the card back into my PC and it said that it was unformatted and it needed to format it.

I am guessing that either I need a new SMC card (I am going to try and pick up a new one tomorrow)or the USB driver is screwing up the data and messing up the card. I am running WinXP as OS.

Has anybody had any problems like this? If so any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[TJFBryant]

(I don't know much about yuor problem but) The only thing I can say, is get a new SMC, because the older smc you have may not have the ID encryption. I know for a fact that I have a old SMC 16MB that I used for my digital Cam, and it didn't work in the GP32 because it did not have ID encryption. Back in the day, SMC were not IDed ..I dunno why but...they weren't. So I purchased a new 128 MB smc and Life is never better. If the ID isn't the problem than it might be the voltage difference running through your smc. a voltage other than 3v may not work correctly.

Again..I wanna stress these are only educated guesses at best. I only know from expereice and my oen personal problems.
Everything work great for my GP32 now. I have had it for 4 months. Good luck fellow GP gamer.

 

[devilman]

I'd say it was a SMC problem too.

 

[Penguin66]

Yes it was the SMC, went and picked up a 128MB one today. Popped it in and everything runs fine now.