The eN64p STATUS: Finalizing case. Total cost: $134

robm · Post by **robm** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 8:35 am

Yeah, but that train's gotta stop sometime.

Frankly, I'm surprised the company hasn't said, "Hey... wait a minute..."

palmertech · Post by **palmertech** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 9:55 am

Actually, it did.

A year or two back, we were using a different regulator, but then they stopped samples for that model. They have a new and improved one now, though, so we are fine.

Keep in mind that it costs them pennies to make these, and the goal is to get engineers to use their products, so that they can sell more. And this is a shallow defense, but if I was ever in a position to be designing a product, I would want to use TI regulators. I honestly don't think the sample train will ever stop, it is an integral part of their business strategy.

Also, I think your case is gonna look cool, but even with big hands, I would think it hard to hold. It may appear to be fine now, but here is a tip: Calculate the weight of your final portable, then tape an equal weight (Like a book) on the inside of your case, THEN try holding it. While it is light, it may work fine, but all rigged up, it may prove uncomfortable. I made that mistake with one of my GP2X cases, I had to completely remake it.

robm · Post by **robm** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 9:44 pm

The main downfall to this case is that it's going to be top-heavy. Very much so. With that said, however, the way it looks right now, it's going to be fairly well-balanced (I hope) because it almost sits by itself in my hands, so it's almost at rest.

This is sans-battery, of course... but even with all other internals (board, LCD, speakers, etc) it seems to be OK.

But then, the case isn't fiberglassed yet.

I've decided to wait until at least Sunday to do it, since the temp is supposed to come back up to the 30's by then. It is currently -5.

robm · Post by **robm** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 9:58 pm

Alright, I'm waiting on my battery and 3.3 voltage regulator, and waiting for resin to dry on the case. (Will post pics when done.)

While I'm waiting on all that, I have a question regarding the N64's wiring diagram. Here's an example:

(Thanks Skytroniks.)

What is that 5v used for? Or is it used at all?

Is it possible to just use the left/right audio output and video output?

palmertech · Post by **palmertech** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 11:13 pm

Wait....

You can pull RGB off the video connector?

jleemero · Post by **jleemero** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 11:16 pm

palmertech wrote:Wait....

You can pull RGB off the video connector?

Nope.

deviouskoopa · Post by **deviouskoopa** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 11:47 pm

jleemero wrote:
palmertech wrote:Wait....

You can pull RGB off the video connector?
Nope.

What are the pins labeled in the diagram for then? (actual question)

jleemero · Post by **jleemero** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 11:49 pm

Well, that's nintendo's standard multi-av-whatever port.
Same on the SNES, N64, and Gamecube.
On the SNES, that's where the RGB came out.
Connect the pins to the RGB source inside the N64, and you can use a SNES RGB cable with it.

Classic N64 RGB mod.

palmertech · Post by **palmertech** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 11:51 pm

Ok, that is what I thought. Just making sure, thought maybe I missed some big chunk-o-news.

robm · Post by **robm** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 10:50 am

As long as I'm writing updates today, here is the battery I'm getting:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Battery-Charger-for ... 1|294%3A50

6000mah should be ok, right?

It's not exactly small, but neither is my case.

robm · Post by **robm** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 6:58 pm

I just received my pth08000 in the mail this evening (that was quick!) and I can see why it's so popular - this thing is TINY. If I saw the measurements for this thing anywhere on the forums, I completely missed it. It's maybe an inch long and 3/4 inch wide. Tops. I am quite impressed, especially as this thing is supposed to be able to put out a fair amount of amperage (I don't remember the exact amount at the moment.)

No wonder it's preferred over a standard regulator.

Well, I'll be preparing this unit for use in my case this evening. I am proven correct to my wife, who has never understood why I tear apart electronics to harvest their parts like some sort of demented surgeon - I've got a couple hundred 100uf capacitors, and countless extra resistors. Now I don't have to worry about tracking down extra parts.

Mario · Post by **Mario** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 7:23 pm

It can provide 2.25A, WAY more than the N64 needs. It only draws 1500mA even with the expansion pack and overclocked to 2.0x! Plus, that regulator is a switching regulator, so it saves lots of energy.

Also, scavenging parts is awesome! I've gotten many resistors, capacitors, LEDs, and tact switches from it. Always save old electronics.

robm · Post by **robm** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 7:25 pm

Precisely

It's allowed me to repair many other electronics, like my daughter's Game Gear that she loves playing constantly. Which is good with me, I love the sound of chip tunes from the early nineties.

robm · Post by **robm** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 2:54 pm

My battery just came in!

This thing also came with a car charger.

The only problem I see is that its charger is not corded; it's got a cradle you plug directly into the wall, so I'm going to have to figure out something there.

I will be charging it and using it to power the N64 this evening, *IF* I can find my stupid cart slot. If I cannot... then I'm dead in the water until I can procure another.

Work continues on the case, which, by the way, does not look like it's going to be coming along very well. Updates will continue.

robm · Post by **robm** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 10:58 pm

Well, crap.

I went to go fire this thing up... and the pth08000 I received from Digikey is dead. I cannot get output from this thing at all. SO... I am on the hunt for a 3.3v regulator while I wait for a replacement for the pth08000.

Updates to continue.