Now let's listen to MY power issues.

NES_fanatic · Post by **NES_fanatic** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 12:26 pm

As you all might know, I've been saying that I'm working on a jillion different projects at once: a PS1, a NES, an N64, even possibly a PS2! Well, all those went into the "Stuff box" in my garage because I found a nice batteery power guide for the N64 from a link by some member here. I don't quite remember who he is, but he's always had the dancing ninja avitar.
Anywho, I read up about the 12 volts, and 3.3 volts, and the converters, and the grounds, and all that stuff and decided to try it out. I'm too poor for any converter, to what I decided to do was generate the twelve volts with two 6v rechargables I had lying around, and generate the other 3v seperately with a couple AA's. I haven't busted open my N64 yet, so to get power where I needed it, I smashed open my N64's AC adapter for the male end of the power thing and hooked up the batteries to the appropriate pins. When I plugged it in and turned it on, I couldn't get past that dark green "boot-up" screen you always get for a few seconds before the game starts. In other words, it does turn on, but won't play a game. I know you need a controller inside for it to work and all, so I did that too, but whatever I try, the game toesn't boot. What could I be doing wrong?

P.S. I think the 3v are exclusively for the power indicator LED, so could I do away with them?

G-force · Post by **G-force** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 12:56 pm

I doubt 2 AA's have enough power to keep the 3.3V line running... And yes you need the 3.3V line powered.

What I would do in your case, is hook together your two 6V rechargables in series to get 12V, then get a free DC-DC converter from to.com (read about timmeh87's wonderful find here)
Although I don't know the amperage of your batterys, so I can't be sure if they would work very long.

NES_fanatic · Post by **NES_fanatic** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 2:44 pm

I'm not home right now, so I couldn't give the ampage of the batteries off the top of my head.

daguuy · Post by **daguuy** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 3:45 pm

yeah the free dc-dc convertor G-force suggested would be perfect for you. and about 3.3v powering the LED, it also powers the CPU so you do need it

. and while you're getting free stuff, maybe you can find a free 5v (optional but suggested for slightly improved battery life) and 8v (for the screen) dc-dc convertors.

NES_fanatic · Post by **NES_fanatic** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 4:42 pm

Hey I just found in my basement a 3.7 1100mAh Lithium Ion rechargable. Is 3.7 too much?

NES_fanatic · Post by **NES_fanatic** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 4:45 pm

daguuy wrote: and about 3.3v powering the LED, it also powers the CPU so you do need it

Oh f*ck. Last night when it wasn't working I got mad and accidentally put the 12v where 3v should go. please, God, please don't let me have fried the sucker.

daleighan · Post by **daleighan** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 4:49 pm

you probably did fry it

NES_fanatic · Post by **NES_fanatic** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 4:59 pm

Oh well, my games shop has a whole storeroom full of them for $25 each. I can move on and get another.

G-force · Post by **G-force** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 5:02 pm

Well there is always hope you didn't connect ground. If so then you might be ok. Try powering it on and see, you can't damage it anymore than dead!

$25, that's a lot! Every place near me has them for $15.

NES_fanatic · Post by **NES_fanatic** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 5:10 pm

I can't do that because I had to break open my adapter, remember? Boy, I'm in a pickle. I may be able to borrow a friend's some day.