This is part 1 of my next project, after the N64 one (and maybe a GP2x mod too) - the Multi-System console which will incorporate several consoles into one integrated unit. It will be a "definitive" system, in ways that will become apparent over time as the system is made...
Anyway, over time, and neglect, a console board can get very dirty and dusty indeed. This video shows how to give it a good scrub and clean it again. This mod isn't just cosmetic, it would also be useful to make games run better, as muck and debris get into the game cart port easily.
After my N64 project, and a project for the GP2x, i'm going to tackle what will probably be a definitive integrated multi-console system.
There will be three sections to this:
1) controller
Games consoles communicate with controllers entirely differently; even the orientation of the joysticks are different, and also requirements for buttons and number of them.
I'm going to make one handheld controller device that will plug into the console systems via a cable; the handheld controller device will include an 8" screen, and swappable controls - yes, you heard correctly - swappable controls.
2) Multi-console system 1 - cartridge systems
Will include the following consoles: SNES, NES, N64, GX4000, GBA, MegaDrive, Jaguar, SMS, ColecoVision, plug’n'plays, Atari 7800, TurboGrafx, maybe Intellivision too. Undecided about NeoGeo as the cartridges are so massive!
3) Multi-console system 2 - CD systems
GameCube, DreamCast, Saturn, PS2 (plays PS1 games too), Xbox
The CD's will pop out using computer CD/DVD drive units.
The two console sections will stack, The system will include various output options like SCART, A/V; will be powered via mains power (maybe batteries for the cartridge system, not sure yet). The systems will be video modded (RGB/composite) and region modded wherever I can.
This will be a major project, very major indeed, and will need lots of planning. It could well be a 2 year project to complete! My aim, if possible, is to try and fit Multi-console system 1 into about the size of a PS1 console casing, although not sure at this stage if possible or not.
This should end up as a pretty "definitive" console system.
The project will be fully documented.
that's amazing. I've thought about building the multi-CD console myself. But of course my version would be a PC tower, with DVD drive and loaded with emulators that could just read actual discs (DC, PS1/2, 3D0, CDi, etc).
The multi-cart system seems incredible. And I have no idea how you'll pull it off. Though if anyone can...
I know I can do it at my current skill level, although it will be a hard project, I know - especially in regards to fitting boards from different systems into a tight space.
This video shows how to give it a good scrub and clean it again. This mod isn't just cosmetic, it would also be useful to make games run better, as muck and debris get into the game cart port easily.
Nice video... but I highly recommend you use Isoproyl Alcohol (%90 - 100%) instead.
As it's much safer than water and it evaporates quickly. It also does a better job of cleaning.
Why risk corrosion and shorting? Seems these would do the trick
That's not often enough.
In the past, I have submerged full bare game PCBs in rubbing alcohol for a few hours over night. I only do this for games that I can't get working anyway. There is virtually no chance of shorting anything out or corrosion if rubbing alcohol is used and it is let evaporate. Using water is a whole 'nother story. I always use a can of compressed air on it afterwords to make sure that whatever it is I am cleaning is bone dry. If you are wondering; yes I have been able to get many noin-working games to work using this method.
Why risk corrosion and shorting? Seems these would do the trick
That's not often enough.
In the past, I have submerged full bare game PCBs in rubbing alcohol for a few hours over night. I only do this for games that I can't get working anyway. There is virtually no chance of shorting anything out or corrosion if rubbing alcohol is used and it is let evaporate. Using water is a whole 'nother story. I always use a can of compressed air on it afterwords to make sure that whatever it is I am cleaning is bone dry. If you are wondering; yes I have been able to get many noin-working games to work using this method.
Just concerned how some capacitors take to that drenching, kind of hard to dry them out.
