Worklog First N64 Project

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Prelude-

This type of project been on my bucket list for sometime, and the N64 holds a special place in my heart/memories (we all know). I've spent the last few months collected the pieces, tools, machines and (some) knowledge, and am finally ready to embark on this first "portable/custom console" project.

At this point there is no solid plan other than to just take the fundamental steps (try not to kill all the N64s), and see where this one ends up. I just want to get one working before moving on to more ambitious goals / projects. Lets go-


Chapter 0: (previously done)-

-On this N64, I (poorly) soldered new capacitors on the entire board (and power adapter). It still works, and hopefully continues to for a long long time.
-Tested playing several games, and found the ever drive wouldn't load. Troubleshooted and resolved a bad cartridge pin connection, works great now.


Chapter 1: LCD-

Good ol' Amazon sent me the 5 Inch ZJ050NA-08C 640x480 LCD Screen. I first tested it out by connecting it to my PC as my party wanted to see me try cod zombies on it (lol). I then wired up the comp video signal (and ground) to the board.

screen.jpg comp_connected.jpg

With a jamble of power adapters, it worked, so I moved on to connecting the screen power input to the n64 12v rail, right at the power in section (and after resolving a ribbon cable issue, we had power overwhelming):

screen_connected.jpg screen_n64powered.jpg


Next-

Thats it for this log entry. Next up, waiting for the N64 power management board to arrive so I can get rid of this beastly power adapter, and try not to explode any batteries!

original_power_adapter.jpg
 

Pablo

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Just to make sure you're aware, the N64 PMS doesn't have a 12v rail, so you'll want to mod your driver board to accept 5v instead. Good luck, the N64 is a great but finicky console.
 
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Joined
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Chapter 2 - Power

So I tried that modification to step the video board down to 5v, and connected it to the 5v rail of the n64 motherboard, success!
152465223_2908445366101443_846022683386555911_n.jpg 152552011_901138543967431_7913313714681345420_n.jpg 152795069_4438037899542997_5735131040111371923_n.jpg

Next up, the N64 PMS-
152912717_4166311426722124_9218418187104568576_n.jpg

I got a tact connected to the button and ground (hope that's right), connected the female barrel connector (that came with the screen) to the charge pads, and wired up the RGB pads + 3.3v.

Before powering the N64 with it, I tried connected a 12v 1a power supply, but get no indication its working. I did read a 3 amp adapter is recommended, and I have yet to connect it to the n64, or any batteries.

152491214_3955752664489829_6170775468385328710_n.jpg

I am ordering a 3amp power supply, and will continue when it comes in (and will remember my multimeter next time). Still happy with today's results.
 
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I couldn't wait and connected a battery anyways, and it appears to be working! So cool. Next up, audio.

152856391_704712623552200_7509949839285407937_n.jpg
 
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Thanks for the heads up, I did some more reading. I always assumed you needed the full 12v in, but now understand you only need 5v (and I'll have the step down for 3.3).

It looks like someone on the forum has already solved the screen voltage problem for me. I can remove a piece from the driver board to get a 5v in (post/image below).


This forum rocks!
Hi, I have the same screen with the same board KYV-N2 V6 and it runs with 5v without do anything. did you try to put in the female jack 5v?
 
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