Dreamcast VMU makes controller stop working when plugged in.

[pukalo]

I have an OEM VMU that makes the controller stop working when it is plugged into a controller with the console power on. I've tried this both with and without batteries. Any idea what the issue might be? I have tried cleaning the contacts to no effect. I have a third party memory card that works just fine.

If I go into the file menu and plug in the VMU, the controller disappears, and then reappears when the VMU is removed. I've heard different things about this issue, such as a short circuit happening somewhere, the smd capacitors on the controller's board being bad, a fuse somewhere being blown, and oxidation on the contacts.

 

[Tiviat]

If you haven't already figured this particular thing out, that's probably what it is. The DC controller's mobo obviously supports the vmu, and the components are probably jerry rigged together like cheap Christmas lights. Meaning that the input you're getting is probably true, regarding any sort of malfunction. However, taking apart the controller, and cleaning controller-> console port contacts, any part of the motherboard you can reach, your VMU's also might need to be checked for possible defects/and possible electronic build-up as well, because all of these things are pretty old, in terms of electronics equipment. I have like 5 VMU's, and NONE of them affects any of my controllers, even now. OEM VMU's could have been possibly mishandled...