Bacteria's "Make a portable Nintendo N64 handheld" video log

[Josh]

I actually enjoy the videos. I would tackle this project if I had the time/money/patience but it's great insight and can help people wanting to take on a project like this. And I think there were some people here that were interested in making one but I can't remember who they were.

And personally, I'd rather not risk frying my N64, seeing as I've had it since I was a kid. I would have to buy another one. 14 year old budget = probably not going to attempt for a while.

[bacteria]

Josh - indeed, about 8 people were interested in making one originally!

Pleased you like the videos. Many of the techniques in the videos can be used for making many other portable systems too.

[hailrazer]

I enjoy your videos of course

I "might" be stealing a few ideas LOL

[bacteria]

Hailrazer - No problem, if I wasn't happy for people to use my techniques I wouldn't show them! I use a lot of information I get from various sources for my research into projects, so that is my way "to give back".

Niode - Very excellent project you have there, will look fantastic when done. BTW - you have more than enough in your post to start a new thread of your own on the project, and as a Moderator, can easily move your post to a new thread!

[bacteria]

Video 15 uploaded!

Installing the A, B and Start buttons, also the "C" buttons and how to stop them rotating; also a preview of what the portable will look like when done!

[bacteria]

Video 16 uploaded!

Showing the screen working, some of what I had to do for that; rumble motors - choosing one and installing it, and insertion of the controller



The next video will be just about wiring up the controller - tips, techniques, things to look out for, etc. Mostly completed that video already, I anticipate uploading it over the weekend...

[bacteria]

Video 17 uploaded!

Wiring up the controller, using flux, finding ground, tips, hints. Dedicated a whole video to this as it covers quite a lot.

[bacteria]

For those of you still watching the updates here:

Video 18 uploaded!

Planning location of batteries, opening them up to make easier to locate in case, wiring them up, testing.

[bacteria]

My next N64 video log might be the last one in the series, as the system is now about 95% completed.

[bacteria]

Spent all day wiring, made excellent progress.

Tested the system, with console in place (but not lowered properly); as you see on the screen on the right of the picture, the system works fine. I just have a little more soldering work remaining, cover the console board with electrical tape to stop shorts, and then start the testing phase, to check the controls work as they should, etc.

I did a lot of work to the system today, so pleased so far that all is ok, although until everything is wired and fired up I won't know if all works great or I made a silly mistake and fried something.

I am still on course to finish the project before the end of next week, or even mid week - it all depends what, if any, tweaking and resolving is needed.

I thought, as the project is so close to ending that I would provide this update, as the next WIP N64 video log is likely to be the last one before the system gets its final videos made, working and running.