N64 Question Thread

[Shakespeare]

So, I know this has been discussed before, but what would the practicality of casemodding the game cartridges for the N64 be? Yes, if you have a lot of games, it'd be a pain, but what if you were to vacuum-form all of your cases in one go? Would it still be too impractical? I'd really want to cut down the size of a Nintendo 64 portable in any way I could without affecting the gameplay/comfort. I'd think mass-producing a bunch of custom cartridge cases in one go (with the same mold) would leave less room for error and would therefore be doable.

Also, I have no clue what I'm doing when it comes to wiring this N64. The diagram says it needs a 100uf electrolytic capacitor, but what voltage should it be? God, that's an embarrassing question.

[argelfraster]

So, I know this has been discussed before, but what would the practicality of casemodding the game cartridges for the N64 be? Yes, if you have a lot of games, it'd be a pain, but what if you were to vacuum-form all of your cases in one go? Would it still be too impractical? I'd really want to cut down the size of a Nintendo 64 portable in any way I could without affecting the gameplay/comfort. I'd think mass-producing a bunch of custom cartridge cases in one go (with the same mold) would leave less room for error and would therefore be doable.

Also, I have no clue what I'm doing when it comes to wiring this N64. The diagram says it needs a 100uf electrolytic capacitor, but what voltage should it be? God, that's an embarrassing question.

Why would you need to change the games case? if its to make it smaller, you're wasting your time the game itself is a tiny tiny bit smaller than the cartridge.
And im not sure what voltage you NEED, but im using a 35V and it works fine.

[Shakespeare]

I could've sworn someone said the cartridges were bigger than the games inside them. Dang.

[robm]

Well, they are, obviously. Just not considerably so.

Voltage on capacitors doesn't particularly matter, as long as the rated voltage EXCEEDS the maximum voltage of the intended circuit. In other words, don't use a 10v cap on a 12v circuit, or they make great noises and then don't work very well. I use a 16v 100uf cap, and it works just fine.

[Shakespeare]

Well, they are, obviously. Just not considerably so.

Voltage on capacitors doesn't particularly matter, as long as the rated voltage EXCEEDS the maximum voltage of the intended circuit. In other words, don't use a 10v cap on a 12v circuit, or they make great noises and then don't work very well. I use a 16v 100uf cap, and it works just fine.

Thanks, that answers my question perfectly. I have quite a few 100uf caps, but didn't know which voltage to use. I'll use a 16v 100uf as well.

[samjc3]

I could've sworn someone said the cartridges were bigger than the games inside them. Dang.

thats snes and nes your thinking of. n64 carts are basically full.

[mikeyg]

I could've sworn someone said the cartridges were bigger than the games inside them. Dang.

Maybe, you're thinking about the actual console... The case for the console is HUGE compared to the bare insides. Would be cool to vacuum form the cases to a character as in the duke nukem cartridge, make it look like the character, almost like this memory card of lora craft.

[metalcookie]

the n64 isn't the easiest to wire, but the n64 is so well labeled it makes things a lot easier. the only problem is that the 3.3 volt line needs a specific amperage and a specific voltage to run properly.

[Shakespeare]

Next set of questions! From now on, I'll use this to dump my random N64p-related questions, instead of making an individual thread each time. Feel free to use this thread for your own questions, too. My thread is your thread.

Anyway, what size is the power LED for the N64? I was planning on swapping its red one with a bright blue one while I wait for IRL things to be sorted.

Also, I have a 7.2v Ni-Mh battery from an old DVD player. This'll work with the PTH08000, right?

Fiiiiinally, the same DVD player I salvaged the battery from has a 7" LCD that supports composite input. It's an Audiovox D1708. Any idea where I can find the points I'd need to connect to the N64, or would I need to find it myself/take pictures? Heck, I'd just be happy to know if it can be used for the N64. That or the SNES/Atari FB2.

[Basement_Modder]

Feel free to use this thread for your own questions, too. My thread is your thread.

Thanks. You may wish to change the title of the thread, then.

Anyway, what size is the power LED for the N64?

5mm, methinks. Looking at one right now.

Also, I have a 7.2v Ni-Mh battery from an old DVD player. This'll work with the PTH08000, right?

Yes. It takes 6-14v

Fiiiiinally, the same DVD player I salvaged the battery from has a 7" LCD that supports composite input. It's an Audiovox D1708. Any idea where I can find the points I'd need to connect to the N64, or would I need to find it myself/take pictures? Heck, I'd just be happy to know if it can be used for the N64. That or the SNES/Atari FB2.

If you have the case, look for where it says "A/V in." If it has the standard RCA jacks, then you know where to connect. If it has a headphone-style connector, there are pinouts on these forums that will tell you what's what.

Cheers,
Basement_Modder

[eurddrue]

This is so ironic it is funny. Yeah, you can make the cartridges smaller. The carts are pretty empty inside other than a few select carts. e.g. *the heavy ones*

[Shakespeare]

Anyone know of an alternative lubrication for the N64's analog stick? I know it uses this powdered plastic junk, but I opened mine up to paint and accidentally cleaned it out. Would a silicone lubricant work? Seems like it might be too thick/slow. Ideas would be appreciated.

[marshallh]

Take it apart and spray some silicone spray lubricant inside it

[Basement_Modder]

Relocating power question-

I know that if I chop the board up that the 7.4v goes to the 7805, but where does the 3.3v go? I know that one spot is the controller jack's 3.3v line, but is there another place it must be attached?

[Rixer 1337]

@Basement Modder

Connect 3.3v to pin 6 and 7.2v to pin 7 underneath the power switch. Also, connect GND to one of the four posts that hold the power switch on.

SS