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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.

Above: Here is the NES motherboard with the RF modulator removed. I reconnected it with a ribbon cable so I could move it around. I now have completely removed it from the NES and no longer need it...
...almost.

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!

Above: Here is the inital ribbon cable cartridge connector. It took alot of work, and I finally decided that it was to prone to breaking. It should be noted that it did work.
Above: Here is the board with the Geme Genie connector soldered directly to it. I think it looks really good. This is the best way to do this.

Display

I need a display for my NES if it is to be portable.


Above: Here are pictures of the screen running, I haven't removed the protective plastic screen cover. I will remove it when I finish the unit.

Above: Side views of the screen. The rear circuit board can be removed and placed in a diffrent location.

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.

Specifications:

  • Resolution: 383 (H) x 234 (V)
  • Color configuration: R.G.B. delta
  • Power requirements: 12VDC, 500mA
  • Back light: Cold cathode filament tube
  • Video system: NTSC
  • Overall dimensions: 3 1/2" (H) x 5" (W) x 1 1/2" (D)

    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!)


    Above: picture of the project box I bought at RadioShack that will be the casing for the NESp

    Above: picture of the project box with the NESp board in it. I plan to cut about an inch from the right side of the board. This will allow it to fit in the case better.
    Above: pictures of my meaty mitts holding the casing.

     

    Power Supply

    I plan to use NiMh AA rechargeable batteries to power the NES and the Display.

    Here you see my NES running on 4 AA batteries, it's RF modulator removed, and a newly soldered cartridge port, allowing games to be connected without the stock connector.


    Click to see full-size prototype Click to see full-size prototype