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NES Portable, CNC-built Chapter 8 of the book Build a portable NES system with a 3″ TFT display, portrait-style layout, large built-in battery pack and cartridges that slide down the back like a Gameboy Advance. This project can be constructed by using CNC-cut parts and other hobby materials. You’ll also need a soldering iron, X-Acto knife, wire, screwdrivers and other common tools. |
Construction Resources
Once you’re ready to begin work on this project the links and information below will be of much help. All links open in a new window so you can easily come back here during your online part collection. This information is all contained in the book of course, but the book itself doesn’t have internet access 😉
Major Project Components
The two primary components of these projects are the original game systems and the video screen. Below are the correct models to use, with a reference photo and easy-to-use automatic eBay search link.
| Console model: |  Original 1985 Nintendo Entertainment System |
Automatic eBay search for this item (NES) |
| Screen model:Â |  Casio EV-680 Pocket TV |
Automatic eBay search for this item (Casio EV-680 pocket TV) |
Electronic Components Lists and Part Numbers
 I’ve separated the electronics parts list into what you can get online from Mouser (www.mouser.com) and what you’ll still need to find at Radio Shack. Therefore the two lists below are the same as the single list in the book. You’ll still need everything from both lists, but the more things you can get online from Mouser the cheaper it’ll be.
 Unlike Digi-Key, Mouser’s website has no minimum order so it’s handy for the experimenter, plus they have good prices. Please note that the items for modding the Casio TV screen (10 ohm resistors and white LED’s) are also included on this list. Using this list you can easily copy/paste the part numbers into Mouser’s web site (or Radio Shack’s, below) to complete on online order. Sure beats typing!
NES CNC built
Electronic Parts List from Mouser:
| # | Part Name | Quantity | Vendor | Supplier Part # |
| 1 | 6mm Tact Switch | 8 | Mouser, Inc. | 101-0161 |
| 2 | Transistor 2N4401 | 1 | Mouser, Inc. | 610-2N4401 |
| 3 | 7805 regulator | 1 | Mouser, Inc. | 512-KA7805AETU |
| 4 | 220 ohm resistor | 2 | Mouser, Inc. | 660-CF1/4L221J |
| 5 | 33 ohm resistor | 1 | Mouser, Inc. | 660-CF1/4L330J |
| 6 | 47k ohm resistor | 8 | Mouser, Inc. | 660-CF1/4L473J |
| 7 | 10 ohm resistor (screen mod) | 2 | Mouser, Inc. | 660-CF1/4L100J |
| 8 | T1 size white LED (screen mod) | 2 | Mouser, Inc. | 606-CMD204UWC |
Below are the Radio Shack electronics parts. Mostly the bigger, more mechanical stuff, plus the PC boards.
A change: Since the printing of the book Radio Shack no longer sells rechargeable RC car batteries and chargers separately – now they’re typically in a “combo pack” The part number of the “combo pack” that will work with this project is listed below.
NES CNC built
Electronic Parts List from Radio Shack (stores or online):
| # | Part Name | Quantity | Vendor | Supplier Part # |
| 1 | Sub-mini Slide Switch | 1 | Radio Shack | 276-406 |
| 2 | Size K Coaxial DC power jack | 1 | Radio Shack | 274-1565 |
| 3 | Coaxial DC plug 5 mm OD, 2.1 mm ID (Size K) | 1 | Radio Shack | 274-1567a |
| 4 | Ni-CD 7.2 volt 2000mAH battery pack and charger | 1 | Radio Shack | 230-0322 |
| 6 | Grid-Style PC board | 1 | Radio Shack | 276-150 |
 For remaining materials (screws, glues, plastics) please see the book.
Support Files
 Contained in this single ZIP archive are all the files you need for this project. See book for more details. Includes templates, patterns and printable decal graphics.
Download NES_CNC.zip