New Portable N64 Project - *i64*

Wilson735 · Post by **Wilson735** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 2:08 pm

Hey everyone. I'm starting a new portable N64 project. I'm going to call it the i64. Why? Because it's going to be incredibly sleek, like an iPod.

It's sort of going to be a remix of Marshallh's L64.

http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/25/porta ... -mocks-us/

There are a few things I want to change, though.
I want to make my own proprietary Video Out and Controller ports (small of course). I was thinking maybe Firewire, idk. But I'm doing that because I want to make 4 of these, and have it so you're able to all play together, each looking at your own screen. The way I'd do that is by having one the i64's as a host, and the rest hook up to that one via their proprietary Video Out/Controller ports. So everyone will be getting Video from one and sending the controller data through that same cable to the host machine. I think it makes sense.

I want to make it by vacuum forming. I already have 2 N64's coming in. I'll start by making 2 for now. I also have a few sheets of High Impact Styrene Sheet 0.08 coming in. I'll be picking up a new Dremel tool and I'll be making the mold soon. I'll keep you guys updated.

lifeisbetterwithketchup · Fri Apr 20, 2007 2:35 pm

Sounds like a cool idea. You may want more than 2 N64 mobos to start out. You WILL fry some.

Wilson735 · Post by **Wilson735** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 3:31 pm

True, that's why I ordered two already. But I'm pretty confident that I won't fry too many. I've taken 4 years of electronics in high school, modded countless Xboxes, N64s, Gamecubes, and PS2s. All that experience really helps. I think the only thing I might have some trouble with is vacuum forming. I'll let you guys know. Any more input?

jeroen · Post by **jeroen** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 4:00 pm

You don't get the point. n64's fry themselfs!

Twisted Warthog · Post by **Twisted Warthog** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 4:05 pm

Post some pictures when your case is done! I hope it is up there with the L64 good luck dude.

Jongamer · Post by **Jongamer** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 4:13 pm

jeroen wrote:You don't get the point. n64's fry themselfs!

He never said anything against them frying themselves.

But He says he has modded n64s.

Just be sure not to build up static on your body and touch the N64, thats what frys it. Mabye some anti-static gloves (Rubber?)

none of my n64s died on me (and I wasnt wearing any kind of gloves), I had one opened and was being messed with for weeks and never closed it up, yet it didnt fry or have any ill effects.

So Many Kinds of Bagels · Fri Apr 20, 2007 6:57 pm

I'm excited for this. Your ideas for custom controllers ports etc. were really unique and cool, and I can't wait to see what you can do.

johnbjuice · Post by **johnbjuice** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 7:30 pm

Basically, the N64 boards (As I found from my N64 modding) are as follows -

Old, High-Quality N64 Boards - The boards on the first line of N64s were GOOD. High quality. I am using one for my portable, and it will probably never fry. Ever. My N64 that I use normally is one of these too. It has gone through many, many years of gaming and is still in perfect condition. I've even dropped the N64 a few times and it works like new.

Newer, Lower-Quality N64 Boards - Still good, but slightly different. The second shipment and on N64s had these, slightly less durable boards. They are the notoriously-easy-to-fry boards. Most common.

Really Crappy Color N64 Boards - The boards in the colored N64 units are the worst quality of all 3 types. They tend to fry upon the opening of the console. They are the most different from the others - I don't know why.

My 2 bits on the N64, the greatest system of all time (In my humble opinion). A bit long, but oh well.

Wilson735 · Post by **Wilson735** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 11:13 pm

Thanks guys.

UPDATE: I picked up my new Dremel tool, received two N64s (now I have three), and started tearing up a few controllers. I also received two N64 Transfer Paks (the ones that allow you to connect game boy color games to your N64). I'm thinking about stuffing that into my design if I have enough room. I also bought a new in box Intec 5" PS1 LCD Screen from MannyD for $35 shipped. I'll start tearing up and relocating the cart slot on the N64 probably on Monday. I'll also try to make the vacuum table then. Gotta head to Lowe's and get me some 1'x3's. The plastic will be here by Tuesday.

Turbo Tax 1.0 · Post by **Turbo Tax 1.0** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 12:00 pm

they dont fry themselves

they fry easily but the only board i fried was my fault. i shouldt have been moving wires around while i had it on and touched the 12 volt line to ground on accident

Wilson735 · Post by **Wilson735** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 9:24 pm

UPDATE:
I went crazy with my new Dremel tool and ripped open my N64, of course being careful to not hit the board. Success!

The styrene sheet came in and I went to Home Depot to get some 5/4"x3" and brackets. Here's the final result of my frames along with the plastic I'll be using.

The LCD Screen should be coming in soon, MannyD said he sent it out on Monday.
I'm in the process of relocating the cart slot.

Wilson735 · Post by **Wilson735** » Wed May 02, 2007 5:14 pm

UPDATE: The 5" PSone LCD screen has just arrived. Also, last night, I started with the cart relocation. The wire is soldered to the motherboard already, now I need to solder the other end to the cart slot. I've desoldered the controler ports, video ports, and power connector from the mainboard as well. Now I'm going to hack the screen.

ShockSlayer · Post by **ShockSlayer** » Wed May 02, 2007 6:05 pm

I'll just have to take your word for it.

SS

nightwheel · Post by **nightwheel** » Wed May 02, 2007 9:21 pm

I would be hacking a console right now if I had one to that. And have the stuff to do it. But oh well!!! Good job though.

ghosstt · Post by **ghosstt** » Sat May 12, 2007 10:00 am

how many wires are there for the cart slot

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New Portable N64 Project - i64

New Portable N64 Project - i64