N64-Mod N00B Questions! Help!

Hey there all Nintendo 64 fans!
I have been playing N64 since I was a kid, but I am new in the modding community!
Therefor I have some questions, and if any of you, would help me answer them, I would be gratefull!

I live in Scandinavia, and therefore have been playing on a 50Hz PAL machine.
It has come to my knowledge, that a NTSC or NTSC-J machine runs at 60Hz, and that you’re able to RGB mod it as well (Certain Models).
I have been searching Ebay, in order to buy me a spare NTSC N64.
As far as I understand, there are only a certain amount of N64’s which is capable of RGB mod, if the Serial number of the console starts with 1 (Example: NS109807944) then there is a good chance that it has the VDC-NUS chip inside it.

I have found a Japanese console, with the Serial number: NUJ11766313.
Even though I can’t find any 100% confirmation, It should hopefully contain the chip.
Is there anybody of you who can confirm this? (Serial number isn’t present on: http://nintendo64.wikia.com/wiki/Console_Serial_Number_Guide )

Also, would I even be able to run the console at my television? It’s an older flat screen, which actually runs the older consoles quite well (Believe or not). But if my TV is 50Hz and the console runs 60Hz, is it even possible to get picture?
Would I need a other scart cable, one for 60Hz Tv’s?
As well goes as the power supply? Can I just use a standard travel adapter, and then just plug it in the wall?
Or maybe even use the PAL one?
Would it make any difference if I bought a USA NTSC, or will the Japanese do fine?

Sorry for all the questions! But I would rather make the mistake here, than with the actual console :-D

Thank You!!

- Mads

 

Google your tv and find the specs sheet, I believe most jap n64s supported rgb..

 

Nope, only boards NUS-CPU-04 and below.

What I can't figure out is why people assume their serial number needs to be on those lists for N64s in order to be identifiable. It's obvious that it fits within the range provided for the 03 board.

In order to display 60hz, your display must support it. Use a European power supply instead of one from another region, problem solved with the power. The only difference between the NTSC-J and NTSC-U N64s, for most intents and purposes, is the lettering on the bottom and serial. Both will play games from both regions just fine, just no PAL titles (unless you swap the PIF).

 

First of all thank you, for the answer!

I admit that the Serial number thing, was kinda of a No-brainer! I just wanted to be absolutely sure!
Is there some sort of test I can run on my TV, to find out if it is supported. Most TV's today support 60Hz as far as I know right?

I also need to understand this right, I can use a Nintendo 64 power supply from a Pal N64 ?

I actually understood the CIC-swap part
So there is still hope!

Sorry for all the questions, just need a bit of confidence in this project, before spending a fortune on it

 

All n64 psu are interchangeable, I use a pal psu on my jap no worries

 

Awesome!
Thank you!
I have also read somewhere, that the Japanese consoles uses a different Scart-lead, than the European ones?
So would I also need another Scart-cable?

 

Yes they are different, not just for n64 but the pin out is different

 

What if the N64 was a USA model?
Would I still need a Japanese scart lead?
Or would a European work?
Is it even possible to use scart on US models? Since Scart isn't a "thing" in the States ? :-D

Thank you, for the answers so far!

 

You need to use an NTSC (Japanese or US) cable as there are different components in the scart end.. The scart side can be whatever pinout you prefer (JAP21 or Euro Scart). Here is the euro scart cable that lots of us in the USA use:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Super-Ninte...DED-GROUNDED-cable-cord-US-SNES-/201100563863

 

FYI your expansion pak is region free too! I've been using a uk psu with a usa console for years, I modded the cartridge slot so it takes both usa and jap cartridges without and adapter. Not done the rgb mod (yet!)

 

Is the controllers region-free as well?

 

yes, controllers are region free.

 

Generally in the US, cables with a european scart end are easier to obtain. Not many japanese selector boxes and stuff here.

 

If you mod it you wouldn't need a Japanese SCART, or any specific scart variation for that matter, as you hook it up/solder yourself (because nintendo isn't doing the mod for you). And a RGB mod is also possible and as easy on a US N64, scart was a thing in the US just not popular, as the N64 use the same video-out port you solder to as any other N64.

Also don't listen to Mickcris. You are wiring the connections for the RGB scart to the port yourself, so there is no difference in the scart lead you need if you wire it up like practically all tutorials do. Which is due to the fact they all base the mods on the EU/US lead and not the japanese lead, as the japanese lead are quite rare.
But of course on japanese systems that natively support RGB would need such JAP21 cable, which isn't the case for the N64 of course.

 

Okay!
So let me understand this correctly!
I have a couple of scarts for the SNES/N64/Gamecube laying around, (Not sure if official Nintendo or not)
Anyway, I would be able to re-solder the connections inside the cable, to make it work with a Japanese/US N64?

 

Yes, you can rewire one. Here is the differences in the scarts between PAL and NTSC (SNES will be the same as N64):
http://members.optusnet.com.au/eviltim/gamescart/gamescart.htm#snes

This is what I was talking about that there are different components in the scart end.

PAL Gamecube cables is similar to the NTSC SNES cable with a couple slight differences, so you could also rewire one of those.

 

My understanding is it isn't just the PIF chip to change between NTSC and PAL but also crystal or the system will work at incorrect speed and game audio will not be at the right speed and therefore pitch.