What's currently the best AV mod for the Famicom?

Hmmm, I've downloaded some datasheets for the 2N3906 pnp transistor, and I can't make heads nor tails of it :\

If we're talking specs, wouldn't the diagram Pikkon posted be the one to use? He says it's used in the AV Famicom, so that's probably the best choice, despite what the other guide says. Thoughts fellas?

 

You dont need the datasheet for the 2N3906 - you have been told thats what you need, so just buy one.

 

Yup, but I'd like to sort the whole "who is using the correct resistor and capacitor values" thing before I go forgin' ahead. I'm inclined to go with the diagram Pikkon posted, since it's suppose to be the official one Nintendo used, unless someone can give me some reasons for the other one.

 

That information isnt in the datasheet. Its dependant on the circuit you are using it in.

But id go with the nintendo one too.

 

I'd say go with the simpler mod, only because I've used it myself and was quietly impressed with the quality of the output. Easily matched my PAL NES, which is what I was after. Because it's simple it's also not that tricky to put together.

As for buying parts, eBay's not too bad and you'll find uses for excess parts over time I use a combination of eBay, Futurlec, Jaycar and have recently ordered some gear through Debco Electronics after grabbing some gear from their eBay store. I'll be giving Element 14 a whirl when I start buying up stuff for my crazy AV switchbox, so they're worth a shot too (free postage when you spend over $50 I think - my memory is hazy, but RetroSwim has recommended them to me, as has Calpis). RS Components are also worth a go too.

Like I said, I started out by relying on photos and then gradually board layout diagrams. These days I'm more confident with simple schematics, but nothing too crazy. Given the wealth of info out there, I'm confident you'll get the hang of it!

 

Which one is simpler? they are both almost identical, just with different value components.

The one you didnt post being the values Nintendo used in the AV famicom.

 

Cool, I think I'll go with Pikkon's diagram then!

Does anyone know a nice, tidy way of doing this mod? Everyone seems to drill three holes in the case for the video and audio jacks, but is there a solution that involves drilling less holes? Like, installing the type of jack the Mega Drive, Sega Saturn ect used, where it's a small, circular jack with multiple pins that have both the video and audio together. Ideally, the plug should be small enough that it can fit in the RF hole.

 

Have heard of people using a cam-corder type plug, so 3.5mm but has video + 2 x audio, looks like a headphone plug but has an extra "section" You could get away with a standard stereo plug even since you would have common ground, video and audio.

 

Thats exactly what I did to mine.

 

Nice! Do they work well? I'm worried that having three signals on the same "pin" (i.e the big metal plug with three sections on it) might create some cross-talk. What about using a mini DIN connector instead? They're 9.5mm so they should fit quite nicely in the RF hole.

 

If you are keen take a trip to jaycar and have a browse for ideas.

 

My connection is fine,have no interference and doing a side by side comparison with my av famicom I see no difference in video quality,it's on par.

 

That's a relief! How did you secure the jack into your Famicom? How many pins should the jack be? I'm assuming 4, 1x for video, 1x for left audio, 1x for right audio and 1x for ground?

 

It's secured where the rf port used to be with a nut,as for the jack I used this one.
http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/km-161-7900.htm

 

Ah, I see, you bolted the jack to the metal shielding? IS THIS THE SAME JACK YOU USED? It sure looks like it, and shipping is cheaper than the store you linked to.

Looking at my components collection, it looks like I already have some 220uF capacitors (they're 10v), though I don't think I have the right resistors. The ones I have are purple, green, black, gold and brown, so this makes them 75 ohms right? And you seemed to think adding a 100uf capacitor to the mix helps with jailbars, so I guess I should pickup some of those too.

 

Yup and same jack.

When I did this mod it was trial and error but let me know when you start doing this mod and I will help you the best I can.

 

@Bad_Ad84: My bad - only skimmed the other circuit!

@FireAza: Good luck with putting everything onto the 3.5mm socket. Great idea Pikkon and one I didn't think of when I built mine (I mounted RCA sockets on my Fami).

 

Will do! I'm gonna order that jack and resisters now. Are there any particular types of resistors and capacitors I should be buying? I read something about ceramic capacitors being better for the Famicom or something like that.

What cable would you suggest? It needs 4 poles right?

Thanks Mangaman! I'm quite fussy with keeping my consoles looking stock and tidy, hence asking if there was a tidier solution.

 

Any reason why you keep calling him mangaman?

 

I know him from a different forum, where he's known as "Mangaman"