Release N64HHv2 RCP Flex

[Teatimetim]

With the Summer competition in full swing, I wanted to get this out here in case others may find a use for it in their projects.

The N64HHv2 RCP Flex - https://github.com/programmerta/rcp-n64-flex?tab=readme-ov-file

NOTE - I am still waiting on my flex order from PCBWay to get here so I haven't actually successfully installed one of these yet although they fit with my paper test. I will update this thread once I have with my results so order at your own risk or wait for me to update back before ordering, which should hopefully be by the end of this week.
It works! Order away! I highly recommend using PCBWay, JLCPCB will give some trouble with the tolerances on the castellated edges.

First and foremost I want to thank @CrazyGadget and @YveltalGriffin. CrazyGadget provided the initial baseline for the idea of this flex and offered a lot of input. YveltalGriffin helped me immensely in revising my initial flex design to make it cleaner and more economical. Thank you both!!!

The intent behind this flex is to provide an easy way to relocate the original cart slot of an N64 (this footprint will not work with some aftermarket slots as the pitch may be different) specifically for an N64HHv2 build. The cart slot portion is reinforced by an FR4 1mm stiffener with instructions on how to order it in the github project. As this is my first release here, any feedback is greatly appreciated on input, advice, or anything I can do to improve.

And lastly, thank you all for being such an awesome community!

Updated Install pics

Recommendations for install

• Do not crease the flex cable
• Place the N64 board then gently tuck the flex under it in the cavity between the charge board and cart slot. You want to push it just enough in so that you can get it lined up with the pins.
• Reinforce the flex at the edge of the board to provide strain relief for the castellated edges. You can use Kapton tape or epoxy.

 

[Nicholas298]

Now this is epic I’m gonna need one of these, very nice work

 

[Elektix]

It's like you read my mind! I was looking to make the exact same thing, but with an FPC connector on a seperate FR4 board so it could be disconnected!

Fantastic work!

 

[Teatimetim]

The flexes are finally on there way so will hopefully have an update soon!

 

[Teatimetim]

Flexes arrived today! Checked fitment...

I had to pinch the two rows of pins together a little to get them to fit into the holes, but not too much to cause any concern.

Some up close shots of the flex:

And a test run of it in action!

C141 is in the way of the flex, so in this case just to test it I moved it with some temp wires. A more permanent solution would be to use some tantalum caps instead. @CrazyGadget recommended these ones (he used them in one of his N64 trims) https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/kyocera-avx/TLJA686M010R1500/1858851

I also had to trim the original cart slot on the front side so it will align with the holes of the N64HH case. You may not run into this issue if you use an off brand slot but do note that the pitch may be slightly different and not align correctly with the flex.

 

[Skeletonicus]

Def using this in my project!

 

[Teatimetim]

Some more fitment shots. Tolerances are fairly tight with this but there is still some room to maneuver it.