starting a cube project......Meet the Noob Cube!

jeffslot · Post by **jeffslot** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 7:02 pm

Hi fellow benhecker's.

Here I go. I'm about to embark on a gamecube project. I know I'm going to need tons of help. I thought I should start the project on a positive note (to give me some motivation), so here is what I've done so far.

cube with dongle
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/7967/img0369yw0.jpg

screen (led modded)
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/8376/img0370co4.jpg

battery (recycled from last project).
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/4873/img0371zd5.jpg

I'm a little nervous to crack open the gamecube, but hopefully sometime in the next couple of days.

Please, if you have any suggestions send them to me. I'm still not sure about my design. I would like to go with the a straight forward plastic & aluminum approach. Similar to the cases in the book, but not too sure how to fit the optical drive into that scenario?

Well wish me luck.

Jeff S.

Harshboy · Post by **Harshboy** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 7:05 pm

Use the gamebit screwdriver, there is too much risk in cracking it open. I broke the fan (Then again, i used a 2 foot wrench

)

jeffslot · Post by **jeffslot** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 3:45 pm

Well I couldn't wait.

It has been cracked open.

1st I tried the melty pen method, while I didn't figure out how to make a melty pen screwdriver, I did find out how to bond a pen to the screw of a gamecube.

2nd I tried the drill out the screws with a drill bit, I only seemed have partial success with this method.

finally, I tried the pull the sides apart method. CRAACK!, just like the mini-snes from the book. Well the guts of my gamecube have been exposed to fresh air!

Now how can I get my disc to spin, so I can make sure that I haven't damaged anything? Thanks.

Jeff S

Harshboy · Post by **Harshboy** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 3:49 pm

get the DVD Drive (or part) and do you see the blue wire going to a switch button? Just cut both ends off of the switch and twist/solder each end together. Now turn it on and it should read the disk.

Post by **gannon** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 3:50 pm

Or just hold that switch down

jeffslot · Post by **jeffslot** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 3:57 pm

Thanks guys,

I tried what you guys said, but now on closer examination it looks like my drive ribbon has come loose. Hopefully I can get it back in there, but it looks like i might have to take the unit apart 1st?

Jeff S

jeffslot · Post by **jeffslot** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 4:05 pm

Whew,

I got the ribbon back in, it kind of reminded me of playing "Operation", but in reverse.

Jeff

totokan · Post by **totokan** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 5:10 pm

Nice work so far! Any newer ideas on what you're going to do for a case?

jeffslot · Post by **jeffslot** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 6:11 pm

No I wish I did. I'm trying to solicate some help from my buds on benheck.

I guess until I get a better idea, I'll focus on the controller. I hear that it isn't easy to split.

Jeff

Indigno · Post by **Indigno** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 9:06 pm

I think something purple would be nice. Differentiate yourself from the common black and white portables. Try and hold onto the general shape of the controller. Just some of my humble opinions

.

jeffslot · Post by **jeffslot** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 6:26 am

Hi guys,

I've been taking my cube apart further (I take some pictures in a bit). I noticed that there is a small board in the base of the cube that connects to the power button and fan. Can I bypass the need for this board by wiring the red/black wires from the fan directly to my 12v power supply? Thanks.

Jeff S.

Kyosho · Post by **Kyosho** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 7:55 am

I've never done anything with a gamecube, but I have a bit of experience with fans when it comes to PCs. If you're connecting just the fan to 12v, there shouldn't be any problem. Fans can be hooked up to lower voltage (people do this to make them quieter), or higher voltage (to make them faster/louder/blow harder). Even if you're not really sure if it originally had 12v, the 12v won't hurt it. Though if it was designed for 7v or or something, 12v would decrease its lifespan. Though probably not enough to matter.

jeffslot · Post by **jeffslot** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 8:21 am

Thanks Kyosho,

I really just want to find out if that board is performing any other important function that would require me not to bypass it.

Jeff

Turbo Tax 1.0 · Post by **Turbo Tax 1.0** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 8:46 am

yes you can feed the PSU 12 volts on its own, just make sure that the red and black wires dont get switched up. that can happen if you take them out of their plug thingy.

damn i wish i could make a better explanation

jeffslot · Post by **jeffslot** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 9:07 am

Thanks Turbo,

I'll try that later today. Also I'll see if I can find the thing on how to wire the the game cube connector with only 5 wires.

Jeff S

Update:

I freed the fan from it's protective casing & actually swapped it out with another cleaner fan I had (all without even firing up my soldering iron).