Contents of this page:
Motherboard
Motherboard??? Well, I figured that is what I would call the main circuitry of this NESp -- gutted from a original NES -- not the NES 2 (top loading version). You could use a NES 2, but they are so rare it would seem a waste to wreck such a great system. The original NES is everywhere very cheap -- you can pick one up on ebay for $10 - $20.
I modified the NES motherboard by removing the RF modulator, which made it much larger.
Cartridge Slot
I need some way to connect game cartridges to this NESp, but the connector that came with this NES was poorly designed. This design flaw was the source to games blinking when the system became dirty, and lead to a total redesign when the NES 2 came out.
I decided that I would scrap the original NES cartridge slot and scavenge two NES Geme Genies for their slots. Why 2? Because the motherboard itself has an exact copy of a cartridge, or a 72 pin PCB edge connector.
I looked all over the internet for a male to male coupler, or even a female version of this connector, to no avail. Then I looked at my poor Geme Genie (I would never hurt you -- I will just buy two used ones!) and decided that that was the only place I would find this connector.
The plan was to desolder the female connectors and then connect them together with ribbon cable. That way the slot is moveable.
I since have found the connectors on-line. (my poor Geme Genies!)
Now I that things are coming together, I have decided that I don't want to use an ribbon cable connector, and I have decided to solder a Geme Genie connector directly to the board. It worked very well, and was alot easier then it was to solder the ribbon cable!
Display
I need a display for my NES if it is to be portable.
I did a little looking and I found TFT LCD displays on-line.
Here is a link to Santeca, the company that manufactures the display:
Here is a link to MCM Electronics a company that sells the display I decided to use:
Also Sharp Microelectronics sells LCD displays http://www.sharpmeg.com/products/lcd/lcd.html
Below is the product info on the display that I bought for my NESp
Product info from www.i-mcm.com
Designed for the custom autosound installer or for special design applications. This compact module is an open circuit board with no case or housing. It may be incorporated into automotive seat backs, custom panels, rack panels and other enclosures. Great for automotive multimedia and navigation systems, surveillance and security systems, and portable instrumentation. Power connection is made via a 7" pigtail lead, and A/V input is made via three conductor 3.5mm jack.
Order # | Description |
---|---|
60-9855 | LCD Monitor |
24-655 | 36" cable 3.5mm to (2) RCA male |
Item data:
Order Number | 60-9855 |
Description | 4" LCD COLOR MONITOR MODULE |
Manufacturer | |
Manufacturer Part Code | |
Pack Quantity | 1 |
Pack Type | EA |
Pricing Family | 0 |
Catalog Page Number | 0 |
Warranty (days) | 90 |
In Stock Status | Yes |
Discontinued Status | No |
Volume prices:
Quantity | Price $ |
1 | 85.00 |
Game Controller
I plan to either modifly a standard NES controller to fit in the casing, or buy some realy nice switches for the controls. I think that the nice switches would be better and easier to install in the casing.
Casing
Here is the Project box from Radio Shack that was going to use, but I found a cheaper box at RadioShack.
Below are pictures of the box I bought (much cheaper!)