Worklog N64SP take2

Gman

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Starting a new thread because this isnt an MGC thing :( Also lots of SP builds happening :rothink:

I'm making a few changes all around to the design to hopefully improve it for a better prototype. The last one had a few shortcomings:
1. Using thin dome buttons on larger buttons (namely A and B) wasnt very comfortable and required extra force to hold down during gameplay which kinda hurt.
2. N64+ isnt fully developed so I am switching it out for official n64 controller
3. Small mechanical changes to the model


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New PCB in. It has official N64 controller IC with FRAM (non-volatile memory pak) and a 3DS slider to N64 joystick converter (using PIC mcu). I always knew the N64 joystick operated differently but never knew exactly how it worked. It's pretty neat. It uses an optical encoder, essentially a rotating disk with slits in it. On each side of the disk there is an IR emitter and IR sensor. As the disk rotates, the sensor produces quadrature pulses due to the led shining through the slits. I made my own take on the encoder converter code for PIC mcu though it's very similar to codes already floating around on the web.

The PCB also has spring leaf connections to the speakers on the back half. In another PCB redesign I would've moved the headphone jack to the top of the pcb so it could be surface mount on the board. If there is USBC connector and headphone jack on opposite sides of the board, then you would quickly realize there is no way to assemble it (without a creative case solution). Anyway 4 wires isnt a big deal so I went ahead with the pcb.

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This isnt the color scheme but I just think that is hot.

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Friction fit cartridge slot. There's another piece that is assembled on top of it to hold it in place. Less hardware!

This is probably going to be pretty quick build. Might stream it in the next few days.
 

Gman

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Another shortcoming of the first design were the shoulder buttons. They weren't very comfortable to wrap your fingers around the boxy case. I think this will be slightly better.
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Awesome, I just caught your stream last night. Would be cool to make a version of this was a ED64 PCB added internally to free up some case space. You could possibly shave 9mm off the bottom of the case. Than reroute SD card slot. Just a thought, glad to see your improving the design.
 

Gman

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Awesome, I just caught your stream last night. Would be cool to make a version of this was a ED64 PCB added internally to free up some case space. You could possibly shave 9mm off the bottom of the case. Than reroute SD card slot. Just a thought, glad to see your improving the design.
Would be cool to make another version with that built in. Though I actually take advantage of it pretty well by using 20700 cell and the jumper pak tucked in.
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Your right, that does look well optimized for a 18650. Next your gonna start using smart phone and ultrabook batteries.
 

StonedEdge

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Looks great! What hinges did you use for the hinge mechanism? My portable inserts them from the outside, but yours are completely invisible which is really nice. I’d be interested in seeing how you mounted them, stop them from rotating etc. I am going to go the grub screw route for mine, since 3D printing key tabs is not really going to be possible.

Didn’t think it’d be possible to keep getting better and better but this is truly impressive! Bring on the N64 portables (SoonTM)
 

Gman

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Looks great! What hinges did you use for the hinge mechanism? My portable inserts them from the outside, but yours are completely invisible which is really nice. I’d be interested in seeing how you mounted them, stop them from rotating etc. I am going to go the grub screw route for mine, since 3D printing key tabs is not really going to be possible.

Didn’t think it’d be possible to keep getting better and better but this is truly impressive! Bring on the N64 portables (SoonTM)
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Haha thanks! The plan is to continue fine tuning this model until it is perfect! I'm just about ready to recase it with some more improvements after seeing the assembly. On the left side is a 3d printed hinge insert piece and on the right is a 3DS XL hinge. It's pretty easy to add in, just two squares on both mating pieces.
 
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Looks great! What hinges did you use for the hinge mechanism? My portable inserts them from the outside, but yours are completely invisible which is really nice. I’d be interested in seeing how you mounted them, stop them from rotating etc. I am going to go the grub screw route for mine, since 3D printing key tabs is not really going to be possible.

Didn’t think it’d be possible to keep getting better and better but this is truly impressive! Bring on the N64 portables (SoonTM)
We await for the N64SP with bated breath...
 

Gman

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Made a PIF Breakout board with all the minimum required components to make trimming/debugging easier not having to guess if the chunk of board you trimmed off has all the components/connections. (note all the 0603 resistors I tacked on to the PIF). The pads are actually 0603 pads but I used 0402 resistors btw.

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Gman

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Some updates to the N64SP. On the pcb I added optional circuit for RGB amp + HV buffer for VGA out port. I added test pads for the volume + - control buttons, and both speakers to be wired to the new ultraVGA. Obviously I have not populated the digital audio amp circuit either on the pcb. I guess if you break enough ultraVGA-rev1's you get free flex cable with it :)

This build features tesla model 3 2170 cells (5000mah each). Almost done I will show you more after :)

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Good gravy, two 5k mah cells....sounds like the only limitation to play will be eye fatigue. Congratulations on your world record btw!
 

Gman

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Lot of twisted wires inside. Next time I will add secondary pads for the input side for the screen and RGB amp. I dont mean to rep the everdrive but the blue does look nice here. @marshallh pls help me get the 64drive functioning on these N64 trims. UltraVGA-2 is a banger. The on-screen volume level display is a great touch.

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