Worklog N64-AIO

[Gman]

N64 AIO (All-IN-ONE)

The 3X3 core is confirmed working. Now it's time to kick it up a notch.

This here is N64 core + PMS + digital audio amp. FFC connectors for the cartslot and digital video (for ultraVGA/HDMI or N64advanced)

 

[Shank]

View attachment 14473
This here is N64 core + PMS + digital audio amp. FFC connectors for the cartslot and digital video (for ultraVGA/HDMI or N64advanced)

I want this inside of me

 

[Gman]

I want this inside of me

you can fit it anywhere

 

[CrazyGadget]

N64SP Mini coming when?

 

[Nicholas298]

Holy moly, I never thought being this small would be a good thing Amazing work Gman!

 

[CrashBash]

I'm going to be looking forward to see everything that comes as a result of this. Seeing everything kind of come full circle from ye old N64 days back when I lurked is really interesting.

 

[StonedEdge]

 

[PiR8_BTY]

I think I speak for everyone when I say I am going to need a better rework station...

 

[Booshman]

An N64 classic with this inside would be amazing.

 

[Miceeno]

 

[MRKane]

I've been pottering on this ever since talking with some of the Goldeneye old-hands about it years ago (ShootersForever) so am frankly thrilled to see that you're taking this on as a project as it's always been beyond my financial means. I'm keen to see your development here and can help with brotherly hugs and the odd cup of coffee even!

 

[Bill Paxton]

 

[MRKane]

I've got a "nuts and bolts" question:

Ram line length. How did you get this to work as it appears shorter than the original lengths and this was something that scared me away from it in the past. I do know that xtal overclocks (on the RCP) lead to image glitching and the going theory had to do with ram read times. This lead us down a path of swapping out the RD ram for stuff with lower latency and that's where I really sunk my teeth into it. I'm very interested to hear how the length difference affects things, and if this would open up room for a system optimisation somehow.

 

[Gman]

I've got a "nuts and bolts" question:

Ram line length. How did you get this to work as it appears shorter than the original lengths and this was something that scared me away from it in the past. I do know that xtal overclocks (on the RCP) lead to image glitching and the going theory had to do with ram read times. This lead us down a path of swapping out the RD ram for stuff with lower latency and that's where I really sunk my teeth into it. I'm very interested to hear how the length difference affects things, and if this would open up room for a system optimisation somehow.

The goal of the rambus channel layout is to meet a 50 ohm impedance. According to some simple calculations mine is a bit more than that actually. It's determined by trace thickness, height, and distance between parallel traces but their could be many more sophisticated factors. But to answer your question: pray.

 

[Gman]

What a day it's been. I assembled the AIO and not even five minutes after building it I accidentally fried the RCP (didn't see tiny solder ball shorting the cartridge ffc and then accidentally put the cartridge in the wrong way, guess it didn't like that). It's not the easiest to assemble with large QFPs, 0402 components, and double-sided component assembly. I was able to swap a new one on though I ripped a few pads (hence the jumpers). So grateful it's working after all that.

Second mistake I made was schematic level. I misread the symbol and swapped SDA/SCL from D1 and D2 of the dual mosfet for the I2C logic level converter for controlling the audio amp via the PMS MCU. I was able to lift the pins and rewire it correctly fortunately. I'll fix this in the next PCB.

The new cartridge daughter board allows the AIO to sit directly ontop of the cartridge, this will be the ideal placement for a portable.

 

[CrazyGadget]

Holy guacamole, this is really coming together, and quite fast at that! I'm very much looking forward to seeing what kind of portable this gets used in when the time comes! Phenomenal work as always, Gman; you never cease to amaze me!

 

[MRKane]

Oh the money you could have saved Nintendo if you'd one this 25 years ago!

 

[PiR8_BTY]

From seeing that bare custom mobo to being fully populated... what a sight to behold. There's no stopping the gman!

 

[Elektix]

I can see I've logged back into Bit Built for my annual winter N64 tinkering at the perfect time!!

How many monies would you like for one of these once they're ready? (I don't actually care how much, I just need to know how much to tuck away! Haha)

 

[E64]

What a day it's been. I assembled the AIO and not even five minutes after building it I accidentally fried the RCP (didn't see tiny solder ball shorting the cartridge ffc and then accidentally put the cartridge in the wrong way, guess it didn't like that). It's not the easiest to assemble with large QFPs, 0402 components, and double-sided component assembly. I was able to swap a new one on though I ripped a few pads (hence the jumpers). So grateful it's working after all that.

View attachment 14672
Second mistake I made was schematic level. I misread the symbol and swapped SDA/SCL from D1 and D2 of the dual mosfet for the I2C logic level converter for controlling the audio amp via the PMS MCU. I was able to lift the pins and rewire it correctly fortunately. I'll fix this in the next PCB.

The new cartridge daughter board allows the AIO to sit directly ontop of the cartridge, this will be the ideal placement for a portable.

View attachment 14669
View attachment 14670