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

Video 11 done - controllers, memory packs, rumble packs, dual memory/rumble packs; wiring them to a controller, what to use, flatten boards; also a video of Doom 64 running on an 8" TFT screen - image is not sharp as normal as had to dim the lights to stop screen reflection.

Anyway,

Are the videos running at about the right pace??

Before the end of the video log guide, i'm going to also make a series of short videos into one video (under 10 mins) showing some tips and tricks i've picked up, learnt and also developed myself.

 

Sucks that the counter on the forum here still isn't working, you don't know if people are viewing and interested in a topic if the counter isn't working. :banghead:


Ok, here we go again, video 12

This is about making the multi-function plug port.

The video was taken in many snippits and stages.

Hope you like it!

 

Video 13 uploaded - the first part of installing the innards for the screen front - the screen itself. The video covers opening up the screen to smoothen out the metal sides, installing the metal surround centrally, securing it and installing the screen firmly in place.



The next video(s) will contain details about installing and making the assemblies for the buttons, d-pad and joystick into the case too.

 

I've really enjoyed watching these videos bacteria - thank you! The project so far looks awesome - can't wait for the next instalment.

 

Thanks! Pleased you like them.

Next installment should be up on Sunday or Monday - finished the first half of it, more to do. Probably about another dozen videos to do before project finishes, maybe less...

 

ooooh very good and nice tutorial if i can find a spare n64 ill try this for sure

 

If you're in the UK, I have some spare N64's - I have about 5 consoles, so can spare a couple. They are PAL units.

 

Video 14 uploaded now!

It shows installing a d-pad and joystick, and more importantly, how to build their assemblies.

These are techniques I have developed, which I find work very effectively.



The next video will show how to install the "C" buttons and stop them rotating in the case, also installation of the other buttons too.


Hard to know how many people are reading this topic as the post counter doesn't work here!!

 

Thanks bacteria - another great update

 

This is cool! I've always wanted to do something like this, but I have no idea how to get a custom mold for the handheld, do you make it yourself or order it?

 

Made it from a clay mould I designed, it's documented on my site.

I can provide some case halves if you want them, or you can make/adapt your own.

 

Video 15 uploaded!

Installing the A, B and Start buttons, also the "C" buttons and how to stop them rotating; also a preview of what the portable will look like when done!

 

Video 16 uploaded!

Showing the screen working, some of what I had to do for that; rumble motors - choosing one and installing it, and insertion of the controller



The next video will be just about wiring up the controller - tips, techniques, things to look out for, etc. Mostly completed that video already, I anticipate uploading it Saturday...

 

Looking forward to the next update - thanks bacteria!

 

Video 17 uploaded!

Wiring up the controller, using flux, finding ground, tips, hints. Dedicated a whole video to this as it covers quite a lot.

 

Video 18 uploaded!

Planning location of batteries, opening them up to make easier to locate in case, wiring them up, testing.




PS - nice to see the post counter working again! YAY!

 

My next N64 video log might be the last one in the series, as the system is now about 95% completed.

 

Very impressive, bacteria. A few more questions to add to the pile.

How much time did it take?
How much money did it cost?
Is there a parts/resources list?

 

Time - hard to tell as making a video log all the way through massively increases the project time. Start to end, just doing the work, probably something like 70-100 hours

Cost - something like £80 in raw materials, roughly. Mind you, PSone screens are harder to get hold of now and can be quite expensive - still under £100 though.

Part list - tools were covered mostly in the first of the N64 video log guides.

Regards hardware for the project itself:

N64 console + expansion pack
PSone screen
Superpad 64 Plus controller
PSone controller
rubber topped tact switches
some 2mm perspex
combined N64 rumble pack and memory pack
2 x 7.4v Canon BP-915, 2 amp camcorder batteries
pair of vacuum formed case halves (I made them)
wires, various colours and thicknesses

lots of time

 

Spent all day wiring, made excellent progress.

Tested the system, with console in place (but not lowered properly); as you see on the screen on the right of the picture, the system works fine. I just have a little more soldering work remaining, cover the console board with electrical tape to stop shorts, and then start the testing phase, to check the controls work as they should, etc.

I did a lot of work to the system today, so pleased so far that all is ok, although until everything is wired and fired up I won't know if all works great or I made a silly mistake and fried something.

I am still on course to finish the project before the end of next week, or even mid week - it all depends what, if any, tweaking and resolving is needed.

I thought, as the project is so close to ending that I would provide this update, as the next WIP N64 video log is likely to be the last one before the system gets its final videos made, working and running. :dance: