Bacteria's "Make a portable Nintendo N64 handheld" video log

Don't have enough time to do my IntoDream videos (next week) so started the N64 portable handheld console video log.

There will be MANY videos in this collection, covering the entire process, start to end, to make an N64 into a portable handheld console device. This thread will be updated regularly when I have time, some days I may have multiple uploads, other days will be bare - depends on other things I have do do, including work schedules!

These videos are done in one take, so the quality of narration may be variable, especially as emphasis is on speed of project working.

Doing a video log like this takes time, especially in regards to uploading to YouTube!

I have set up my YouTube account with all the videos for this project into one convenient "playlist" (ie folder), so if you miss a video please just check out that folder!

Part 1: opening the console and removing the motherboard.



I know a few chaps said they will be making an N64 portable by following my guides - please feel free to post any queries you have in this thread, and add your progress pics too (unless you want to start your own threads of course).

BTW - when the video project is done, my intention is to get the whole thing onto Instructibles (if I can) - that will be interesting!

 

You should do the voiceovers afterwards, would be better But good luck regardless, its a heck of a project.

 

A video to show tools and components required for the project:

 

Upped another video - removing the game ports and also removing the heatpads.

Decided, far better to just refer to my page on my Wordpress site now - all videos one after another, looking smart!

 

Next video uploaded: relocation of the game cartridge port - why, where to, what wires to use, an easy way to achieve it and video to show how to do it.

On my Wordpress site - direct link:

 

Spent a couple of hours last night on this - cut out a piece of copper to fit neatly on top of the two main chips, and the recessed memory ships; and raised to meet the expansion pack. I originally had the top piece on as a single piece, however easier to mount the heatsink in place without, so made screw holes to secure it in place. This system will use passive cooling, will cover this more in the video...

BTW - the board in the pic below is a dead board, for illustration.



This will be covered in my next set of videos; I might be able to make, finalise and upload two or three videos tomorrow!

 

Next video log uploaded - discussion of reducing the N64 motherboard.



(and on my website - all videos shown - HERE )

 

Another video update - that's two today!!

Connecting audio, video and also powering the system providing the right voltages.



All pics and updates on my site

 

god damn you're awesome.

it hurts my brain a little trying to fully comprehend it.

 

Thanks for going through the trouble to create this detailed vlog, very appreciated!

 

Thanks, I am pleased you find it useful.

I'm hoping to put this whole project onto Instructibles when done!


Made heatsink from copper sheet to keep system cool; works great! Made video, will upload it tomorrow...

BTW - one thing didn't add to previous video, if the composite line is too bright for your screen (was on my 8" screen), use a 220uf capacitor and 47 ohm or 75 ohm resistor to connect between the composite output from the N64 to the screen - wire: from the N64, into resistor, to negative connection of capacitor, then a wire from the positive connection of the capacitor to the screen. This reduces the brightness and makes the colours right.

 

Uploaded 6th video - keeping the N64 cooler -

On my site with the others too!

 

Uploaded 7th video - opening up a Sony PSone screen, pinout, modding and basic board trimming.



What would take about 20 mins took all afternoon with video logs!

More videos to come over the next weeks!

 

Next video uploaded: video -8-

Preparing the case, sanding it; positioning buttons, screen and controllers; preparation.



(on my site too)

 

Finished sanding the sides down of the case. In places the case is very thin, about 1/4 to 1/2 mm thick, however the strength of the case is still fine. The case is very smooth indeed and there should be barely any noticable gap between the two case halves when shut. The holes are cut out for the Start, Z and shoulder buttons, speaker grills; have the A/V jack, recharge jack and headphone jack to install, then done. The speakers will be mounted at the back of the case, that way it is far easier to mount them; it doesn't make a lot of difference to the audio anyway if the speakers are at the front or back of the case. Regards cooling, going passive cooling might mean I don't need to add any vents at all, as there should be enough airspace between the cart slot - will experiment.

Regards joysticks, there are many types of third party joysticks about. I thought for my project I would use a flatter one, and dismantled the one from a Gravis X-Terminator controller. It looks like it will be rather good, however I need to test it to see if it is suitable, which means connecting it to an N64 controller and the N64 board and testing.

When these steps are done, I can crack on and paint the case after making screw holes to secure the case halves together.

I have taken one stage of the next video so far, will have two or three more stages to video before in a stage to compile it and upload.

 

On a portable you need some jacks/plugs/switches for the system to work, and also there are some nice addons you can apply to if you like.

Essential:

* Recharge jack for batteries
* System on/off

Not essential but certainly needed:

* Headphone jack
* Screen controls for volume and contrast

Nice addons but not important

* TV output
* Use of external controller instead of one in portable (if connecting to a television for example)
* Run system on external mains power instead of batteries


The PSone screen doesn't often need its contrast setting changed when set, and volume - well, again, you want a nice volume that is good for gameplay and not "pumpin", so don't often need to change this either; however you do need the ability to adjust contrast and volume settings. This means you don't NEED to have these controls prominent in the case, but have access to them.

Some people have built a small circuit to adjust contrast and volume using "C" keys on the N64 in conjunction with the start button, however, as a video of this principle working shows, the reality is the gameplay is affected whilst adjusting the screen; so not ideal. I prefer to keep things clean anyway and just use defined buttons.

In my portable, i'm going to therefore use the following:

* Headphone jack
* System on/off
* Multi-output plug from a PSone screen, has 12 pins, so 12 connections. This will interface with a modded male plug to control the screen contrast, volume, also external video and audio, and use of external controller if needed; also recharge facility. Plug in as needed.

This is therefore just three plugs, far tidier.



Pinout:



Comments?

 

Teaser:



Spent many hours on this - teeth to secure the case halves together and strenghen the final product, a lot of sanding work, spray painting. Result is very smooth and looks awesome! Probably spent something like 20 hours on the case part alone so far.

 

Video 9 is now uploaded, I hope you enjoy it!



It deals with the case backing, securing the case halves together, spray painting, finishing. Hope you like it!

 

Gay. Just kidding! Tremendous work, man. Can't wait to see the final product
-ud

 

Here we go for your delectation Video 10 -

This is where things get interesting!

This video shows preparation and installation of game cart holder; installing "Z" button and speakers. You also see the "Z" button being installed "live" and afterwards it being demonstrated along wtih the game cart insert and removal.

Hope you like it!