(PS1) Gameshark Pro Version 3.1 "Freeze Button" Crashes my Games

[TruKuu]

I recently purchased a GameShark Pro 3.1 from EBay to start hacking my own PS1 codes, but I have ran into an issue that I am stumped on.

When I try to press the "Freeze Button" on the GameShark to bring up the Code Generator/Memory Viewer/etc, the game always crashes when I return to it. The menu will pop up and even let me search for values, but as soon as I return to the game it will just be a black screen with a little bit of the game left over to the far right or something similar to that in appearance. I have tried with different games and it always crashes, but some situations makes the games respond differently.

For example, on Um Jammer Lammy the game will return to the gameplay and play as it normally should, but if I try to leave the level through any manner the game will crash. It will just show the last frame of video right before the loading screen is supposed to show and just loop the loading tune until the console is turned off. However, if you try to pause and restart the level, or have a game over and restart the level it will load and perform as normal. I tried restarting the level and then leaving the level right after, but that crashes the game as well.

Next I tried Syphon Filter 2. I tried bringing up the Cheat Menu during multiplayer and searching for values, but when I return to the game it crashes. I tried to do it while the game was paused and it didn't crash, however when I tried to return to the game from the pause menu it did. So I tried leaving the game from the pause menu, and returning to multiplayer through the game's main menu. I get all the way to when the game has fully loaded the map and asks me to press X! I press X and the game crashes immediately. I've tried everything I can think of and I can't seem to remedy the problem. I watched the GameShark Pro tape and read a bunch of guides online and can't seem to find the issue discussed anywhere.

For reference, I have tried adding already existing codes and got them to work without a hitch. All the Shark's features seem to work fine until I attempt to use the in-game freeze menu. I've tried more games than the ones listed but they all crash too just like the examples. As-is... to find known values would require me to completely restart the console and re-navigate through the GameShark menu and everything else until I finally find a low amount of possibilities, and as far as unknown value codes are concerned I'd figure it to be impossible to do since I can't return to the game to change anything to scan for differences. Is there something really noob-y I am doing wrong and just don't realize? Any help would be greatly appreciated

[dlevere]

Did you try cleaning the GameShark?

http://gamesharkpro.blogspot.com/p/i...on-manual.html

[TruKuu]

Did you try cleaning the GameShark?

http://gamesharkpro.blogspot.com/p/i...on-manual.html

Thank you for the response!

I did try that. I tried cleaning the contacts and also cleaning the board itself. I also cleaned the Parallel Port on the PS1 for good measure. Still no results. Is it normal for the screen to slightly shift over and/or stretch the moment I press the GameShark button? I've seen some other videos where others have used the GameShark button mid-game and it didn't do that, so I am assuming not. I also tried all the different resolutions when returning to the game as the manual suggested, but none of those seemed to work either.

[dlevere]

Yes, it is normal.

You have to be careful with alcohol, it may corrode if not dried off completely. Try cleaning the contacts with some Formula 409. That's what the manual recommends.

Try using some rubber bands wrapped around the console and the GameShark and game and see if that helps with the connection.

You have to be really careful when pushing that GameShark button, if it shifts too much you'll get the same result.

[TruKuu]

Yes, it is normal.

You have to be careful with alcohol, it may corrode if not dried off completely. Try cleaning the contacts with some Formula 409. That's what the manual recommends.

Try using some rubber bands wrapped around the console and the GameShark and game and see if that helps with the connection.

You have to be really careful when pushing that GameShark button, if it shifts too much you'll get the same result.

I went and got some Formula 409 and cleaned the contacts thoroughly and let it set out to dry. I added a few rubber bands and checked them for stability and proper placement of the contacts. I've started paying close attention to how I press the button on the GameShark to be sure not to shift it in any way, but despite all of this the games are still crashing when I try to press the button in-game. I should also mention the game also cuts the music out entirely when I press the button.

Are there any other possibilities as to what's wrong with it?

EDIT: I also thought I should add that I tried using another PS1 that was a different model (The first I tried was a SCPH-1001 model, and the second was a SCPH-5501) but it yielded no different results.

[dlevere]

Let me do some research on this. I'll post in this topic if I find a solution. You may have too many cheat codes activated, cut down on the amount you are trying to use. Also make sure you have entered the “M” code correctly.

[TruKuu]

I understand. Thanks again for your continued help and interest.

Many of the times I tried to use the GameShark button mid-game I didn't have any codes on at all. I tried with codes on and off and I still get the same result. If I turn on codes prior to entering the game, the codes I activate work fine, but if I use the GameShark button at any point while actually in the game it crashes. Even if I do nothing on the GameShark screen that appears from pressing the button mid-game, and instantly return to the game, it still crashes.

[dlevere]

That might be why the eBay seller sold it. I have several PSX and N64 GameSharks, many of which have the original codes that I've hacked, and I won't sell any of them, because I don't want anyone to buy them and then say that they don't work, even when I know that they do.

I also have a PSX Pro Action Replay (1996), which is very rare. Still wont sell it.