Buying an SNESp

Gileum · Post by **Gileum** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 6:35 pm

Hello. First off let me get all of my "stupid"-ness out of the way. When i first heard about a portable snes, i knew i needed one. I REALLY want one. However i am unwilling to tear apart my snes as it holds too much sentimental value. On top of that, it is the OLD kind of snes, i got it almost on release date, or rather, i had it when i was born (1989), thus ensuring that my life would be one of video games and pwning all n00bs in my path. So to be able to carry that greatness with me wherever i go would be a godsend.

And now for my request. I lack the know how to build one of these amazing devices. I already sent in a request to Ben in hopes he will return my e-mail this time (i tried about 2 years back). But should he deny my request, perhaps one of the many talented Forum Goers may abblige.

My request has certain parameters.

1) I dont request that you build the entire system/unit, just that it is in simple enough parts to be assembled with a screwdriver or other common tools. As in screw drivers, pliers, hammer(?).

2) That the cartidges load vertically and not outward where they may be prone to damage/falling/josteling (which may cause the game to shut off and/or freeze).

3) I dont really care how wide or tall the unit is, as long as it is within reasonable limits. (the one ben made that looks like a gameboy is the perfect size, except that the cartidges stick out and i am afraid that i may damage them if they are that way)

4) i suppose i dont care about the screen, as long as its a normal "viewable" size, I'm good.

After that, it really doesnt matter. I guess the mini snes that uses less battery power (or so ive heard?) would be best as it is smaller and would use less power. I mean, if the thing ran off of a buttload of double A batteries, i wouldnt care, as long as the battery life was reasonable. So maybe a larger battery would be more practicle. Use whatever you think would be the most practicle.

I know my request may sound a bit rediculous, but i really wouldnt know the first thing about wiring and circuit routing. As long as it will definitely play a game, have sound, and the screen is big enough for me to see my Charge Shots in megaman x 1, I'm happy.

Give me an estimated price and maybe if you feel like showing off, show me some of your ideas for the case! I hope i dont sound like some spoiled brat over here or something...In my opinion, ever portable made is a work of art and cant just be concidered some material thing to be waved around.

Thanks for reading my request! I hope to hear from you soon

Retromaster · Post by **Retromaster** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 11:21 pm

This really would belong in the trading post, but I have an idea.
I never worked with SNES before, only NES (see my N. Gadget that's coming out soon) but I use Benjamin Heckendorn's book a lot for help on wiring and case construction and the whole 9 yards. I own the book and it is VERY simplistic and easy to understand, he even says that in the intro. You don't need much experience in electronic engineering to build these projects in the book. There are zero complex shematic instructions in it so I think even you could understand it. However, the SNES projects in the book all have the cartridges sticking out, so you might want to design your own case out of something. building the project yourself will probably be much cheaper and faster than custom requesting one.Also, you can show it off at work or school and you get a fun project to work on.
It was very easy to build most of my N.Gadget NES portable. for more info on what you can easily build, go to the homepage and go to the search icon and type in 'project 42' to get some links with info on what you can build. Or, the easier way, go to the homepage and click on 'buy stuff' and click on 'Hacking Video Game consoles the book' to see what you can do. PS- the book's name is 'Hacking Video Game Consoles'

Ask me anything if you need help- my screen name is Retromaster- click PM to send me a message.
Hope I could help

Post by **Triton** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 11:34 pm

snes portables are fairly straightforward to build but things like cartslot relocation are timeconsuming, no matter how you look at it its a LOT of soldering.

Retromaster · Post by **Retromaster** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 11:44 pm

It's better than spending 400$ on a custom system. And isn't direct soldering easy? In ben's book I don't think you have to rewire the cartridge slot at all.

Post by **Triton** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 12:28 am

in bens book you dont have to but this guy doesnt want carts sticking out the back, its not hard to solder but when you have 124 solder joints for the cartslot alone plus desoldering it it tends to take a while lol

Retromaster · Post by **Retromaster** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 12:43 am

OK then.....Buy a soldering and desoldering iron off radioshack, preferabely 10-15 watt, since you might be doing light soldering jobs.
Also for the case, you might use another items case or just look at other user's designs and get ideas.
Use this site or ben's book as a list of materials because you also will need other parts for portableizing.

Gileum · Post by **Gileum** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 2:47 am

eeeehhh...ok, lemme reword this bit. I am now a 10 year old kid, i dont even know how to spell soldering iron, let alone know what it is.

Is it possible in any way for someone to create the bits and pieces enough for me to just put them all together? I dont have a soldering iron, nor can i get access to one.

is it possible to do all the soldering/circuit work but leave it so that all there is left to do is screw everything into place?

Again i said i am willing to pay extra for the work. But i am really just looking for an estimated price for this project.

Just gimme an estimate on how much it would cost to build a verticle loading snes portable up to the point where all there is left to do is screw everything into place. I know NOTHING of soldering or rewiring circuit chips and boards...I dont really care that much about the case design, as long as it is within reasonable limits...(i dont think anyone would expect either a really long or a really tall case that resembles a plank of word or something...) And the case doesnt need any special decals or color to it, i can always do that myself.

To risk sounding like a spoiled brat, i really am requesting for all the hard work to be done. i need someone to do all the soldering and case building and etc etc for me. My goal is to have the case and boards in simple enough sets of parts that i can simply "put them together" with a screwdriver. As in, i can screw the boards and stuff to the insides of the case (or however it would be attached) and then screw together the case itself.

Again, i need a guess at the price for something like this. I havent said i was going to buy one of these yet, just that i am interested and need a price to know what to expect and what to work towards.

Then again, if when your mentioning all these soldering jobs and such, your not referring to me, then disregard this message =P

Retromaster · Post by **Retromaster** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 3:42 am

In the trading post you could probably get a whole unit done for you. Most of the portable crusaders on this site have built or dealt with the SNES. I'm out of the question because i've never built anything or even really played anything involving the SNES. You can request a custom system from ben himself, but don't be suprised if the price takes your deed to your house away. In the trading post, you may trade or pay something to get a good SNES portable. If you have an old '90s PDA you can probably trade that or something. Good luck.

Turbo Tax 1.0 · Post by **Turbo Tax 1.0** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 12:00 pm

black in in sig is for sale pm me if you want it \/