i FINALLY got Ben Heck's book...

[BJWanlund]

Jeez, after a YEAR of thinking about it, I finally buckled down and got one! I am actually going to ask several questions, but I want to get a GameBit screwdriver (b/c I don't have a grinding wheel) for the nonstandard Nintendo screws on the Mini Super Nintendo, among others...

I think that the links are to a Gamebit. However, that isn't my question.

My questions are:

What is a good way to get PSone screens in bulk? Lots are OK, but I want them really cheap per unit.

Is the knowledge attained in this book transferrable to other projects, such as a DCp project, or a SCD portable, or whatever?

Will my Radio Shack soldering iron (which isn't seeing any action at all) get some actual use with the projects in this book?

BJ

[SuperZeldaBros]

What is a good way to get PSone screens in bulk? Lots are OK, but I want them really cheap per unit.

Is the knowledge attained in this book transferrable to other projects, such as a DCp project, or a SCD portable, or whatever?

Will my Radio Shack soldering iron (which isn't seeing any action at all) get some actual use with the projects in this book?

BJ

Not sure where you can get PSone screens in bulk but i got one on eBay for roughly $38 including shipping, so they're not that expensive.

There is a lot of general information in there that can help with building other portables. Nothing too specific, but its there.

And yes, you will use your soldering iron a LOT.

[Sparkfist]

What is a good way to get PSone screens in bulk? Lots are OK, but I want them really cheap per unit.

There is non, PSone screens are rather rare. You might strike it lucky by going into the werehouse section under videogames on ebay and find something, but it's not likely. You will have to buy them in a small quanity when ever you come across them.

Is the knowledge attained in this book transferrable to other projects, such as a DCp project, or a SCD portable, or whatever?

The general idea of how to portablize is transferable. If after reading the book you understand what info you need to get and how to use it to get the A/V, power and controllers working, then yes.

Will my Radio Shack soldering iron (which isn't seeing any action at all) get some actual use with the projects in this book?

Yes it will. You'll be desoldering componits and soldering on new connections to parts the board and other componits.

[psychotic_mechanic]

With some careful ebaying you can get new PSone screens for around $30, of course I've seen broken ones go for more than that, so be careful. Always include the shipping into your prices on ebay, too many people will try to overcharge for shipping since ebay doesn't take a percentage of shipping charges.

[CronoTriggerfan]

Scherubino bought his PSOne screens in bulk from Best Buy, although some don't have it. They sold them for $25 a screen. Keep in mind, though, it was the Zenith screen, not the Sony.

You can learn quite a bit from Ben's book to use on other projects, but it won't be enough to jump in and start building a DCp. You need a bit more knowledge than that!

As far as the soldering iron, you WILL use it! You'll also need a desoldering iron.

A word of advice from one who has tried Ben's projects: I actually found Ben's portables to be quite aggrivating, especially if you are building by hand. If you cut the case even 1mm too small, nothing will fit and you've gotta start over again. Plus, the aluminum is very hard to bend. Another downside is that tact switches aren't press-sensitive, so they default when playing. Ex: When playing Mario and you want to jump farther, you push the button harder and hold it longer, right? WRONG! (at least with a tact switch). The tact switch just reads it as a button press, and Mario preforms a standard jump. My advice: use Ben's book and this forum as a guide to build your own custom portable with REAL controllers in it!

CTFan

[daguuy]

i ebayed a broken verge for $13 and fixed it, that's the cheapest way to get them

[Zzebotes13]

what was wrong with the screen

[BJWanlund]

thanks for your kind and helpful comments everybody (or at least 3 bodies)

I have to say that the main problem is getting all the parts to make them work. I have one question regarding the NESp projects: Will any old toaster NES do, not just the one from 1985? I say what I got in my NES package, and you tell me whether I have "the right" NES control deck or not. Mine came with the 2 controllers, a Zapper, and Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt. Help!!!

I know a 1985 model that came with ROB, but I don't have one personally.

BJ

[SuperZeldaBros]

Yes your NES should work as long as it looks like the picture in Ben's book.

[BJWanlund]

great, i have to wait until Friday or Saturday when I get this thing so I can see that pic...what chapter is the picture in?

BJ

[SuperZeldaBros]

Don't remember where it is in the book, but it should look like this.

[BJWanlund]

mine looks kinda like that, and that's all I know.

BJ

[Sparkfist]

The book uses the first model NES. The big gray and black one that was sold by the hundreds of millions in the U.S.A. The only thing you need to be worried is if you have the PAL verion (which I doubt, your image would be B&W) or the version 2 that is a top loader. So yes you have the right model.

[BJWanlund]

I don't have the PAL version (thank God), so i'm cool. thank you.

BJ

[daguuy]

what was wrong with the screen

the auction said the video didn't work but i did the 5v fix before even testing it and it worked after that