My first project...

xriverfalconx · Post by **xriverfalconx** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 1:07 pm

Hey all...I've been reading the forums for some time now, and I had to join. I bought the book (you can test me, i'll prove i bought it =P ) and I've been reading it a lot. I've learned some good things from it too...but now, I want to make my own portable using an original snes.

Questions:
1st) Is it possible to take the port where the cartridge goes in, take it off, and rewire it so its facing a different position? If yes, can it be done with an original snes? If yes, how? If no, how?

2nd) Doesn't matter if question 1 can or can't be done: What do I need exactly in order to build a portable using an original snes? If the mini and original snes are the same (excluding size and output) then its safe to refer to the book for everything I will need?

That's all for now...once I have everything, I'll come back here and continue asking questions (if necessary).

extremesonic · Post by **extremesonic** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 1:12 pm

1. Yes you can relocate the cartridge slot. You have to desolder all 72(i think its 72, or 60) pins and then wire the pins back to the exact same spot on the board. In all honesty a lot of people here say its more trouble than its worth, it can take a long time.

2. Most of the things mention for the mini SNES in the book are useable on the original SNES, except for the audio(i think some else can confirm) and the on/off switch.

Turbo Tax 1.0 · Post by **Turbo Tax 1.0** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 1:16 pm

yup extremesonic is right

xriverfalconx · Post by **xriverfalconx** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 1:29 pm

Okay...thanks a bunch! I'll sit and rewire it all...it'll be worth it for a case I have in mind.

Next question...is there a way to cut the motherboard (like the NES controller) without damaging it?

Turbo Tax 1.0 · Post by **Turbo Tax 1.0** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 1:44 pm

yes i did that for my portables controller and got trhe buttons signals off the ic
the thread that i did it in

nos_slived · Post by **nos_slived** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 2:18 pm

I think he meant to cut down the mobo. Don't cut any traces, just cut down the sides with the grounding strips. Just score it with an exacto knife, and it will come off easily.

xriverfalconx · Post by **xriverfalconx** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 2:44 pm

nos_slived wrote:I think he meant to cut down the mobo. Don't cut any traces, just cut down the sides with the grounding strips. Just score it with an exacto knife, and it will come off easily.

Beautiful!!! This is getting better and better!!! What are some good case designs you've all seen (in your opinion)?

daguuy · Post by **daguuy** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 2:49 pm

atkafighter · Post by **atkafighter** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 3:35 pm

If you do decide to remove the cartridge slot be very careful. The traces from the board come up if you aren't careful in taking up every little bit of solder. If you have access to a heat gun I'm sure it would make this process much easier. With my first board I did relocate the slot and I managed only bring up one trace (then I fried it). For my second board im planning on leaving it alone. And one last piece of advice for a first portable ... Don't play around with the 7805.

Good luck

Turbo Tax 1.0 · Post by **Turbo Tax 1.0** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 3:35 pm

ben also has some good snes portable designs on his site

xriverfalconx · Post by **xriverfalconx** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 3:39 pm

atkafighter wrote:If you do decide to remove the cartridge slot be very careful. The traces from the board come up if you aren't careful in taking up every little bit of solder.

So make sure I pick up EVERY piece of solder from the slot?

EvilnessNMyVeins · Post by **EvilnessNMyVeins** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 4:47 pm

If you are new to this type of work, which i cant tell yet, don't go extremely difficult on your first one. Trust me it will save you from digging a hole to bury your failure. Also when the cart slot is relocated to a top loading style its i find it difficult to position your L&R buttons.

And to clerify extreme sonic, who was completely correct, you don't have the IC for the r&l audio so go to doomportable and find the pinouts.

xriverfalconx · Post by **xriverfalconx** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 6:20 pm

I just won a bid (finally) on a mini snes so i'll just use that instead. However, I will check out that site (doomportables).

I do soldering at my job a lot so that area will be almost nothing for me (except time consuming). What kind of wire should I use to connect it to the motherboard?

Also, getting the cart out of the L & R buttons will be a snap. I have thought about using Ben's design (the first handbuilt look) and in the back will look something like this:

EDIT::: Whats the URL for doom portables?

Turbo Tax 1.0 · Post by **Turbo Tax 1.0** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 6:40 pm

doomportables

Lucretius · Post by **Lucretius** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 6:41 pm

PoD

Dern, ya beat me...