N64 questions

NES, SNES, N64, Gamecube, Wii
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Ack
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N64 questions

Post by Ack »

Ok guys, I have two issues. First, I know I can cut out the plastic tabs that keep me from playing imports, but what's a good way to do it? Are there any guides for dismantling the console so I don't have to hold the flaps open as I saw away at a couple of plastic pieces? And they're not solid, are they?

Second, I have a Nintendo 64 cartridge that's giving me issues. It doesn't want to display color half the time, and when it does, it's often garbled and wrong. Red comes out as purple, green changes to blue, you get the idea. While the contacts don't look that dirty, could cleaning it with rubbing alcohol fix this, or is it fubar?
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equalsign
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Re: N64 questions

Post by equalsign »

Ack wrote:Ok guys, I have two issues. First, I know I can cut out the plastic tabs that keep me from playing imports, but what's a good way to do it? Are there any guides for dismantling the console so I don't have to hold the flaps open as I saw away at a couple of plastic pieces? And they're not solid, are they?

Second, I have a Nintendo 64 cartridge that's giving me issues. It doesn't want to display color half the time, and when it does, it's often garbled and wrong. Red comes out as purple, green changes to blue, you get the idea. While the contacts don't look that dirty, could cleaning it with rubbing alcohol fix this, or is it fubar?
You can use rubbing alcohol without worry, but I don't know if it'll be any better than water. The Nintendo recommended way is to use a Q-tip or other type of cotton swab. I usually moisten one to clean it, and then use another to dry it off and get any remaining dirt. It's worked for me quite a few times when games wouldn't play right. You'll be surprised by how much scum you'll get off of those old carts. As for the modding, a guide to dismantling the console can be found here: http://guidesarchive.ign.com/guides/n64/index.html
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Post by Hatta »

Get a Dremel. You can do almost anything with a dremel. The variable speed models are especially nice.

I use 97% rubbing alcohol to clean my carts. It dries faster, water will lead to more corrosion.
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Post by Ack »

Ok, I see that it's gonna require a 4.5mm gamebit. Problem is, that's not carried in local hardware stores. The guide mentions a place to purchase them by phone, but some researching found a few other sellers online. Do any of you guys have this, and where did you get it? How much did it cost? Is there a different name for it besides "gamebit," because the guys in Home Depot had no idea what I was talking about. Seriously, I want to mod this thing but I'm missing just that one tool.
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Post by Gamerforlife »

Ack wrote:Ok, I see that it's gonna require a 4.5mm gamebit. Problem is, that's not carried in local hardware stores. The guide mentions a place to purchase them by phone, but some researching found a few other sellers online. Do any of you guys have this, and where did you get it? How much did it cost? Is there a different name for it besides "gamebit," because the guys in Home Depot had no idea what I was talking about. Seriously, I want to mod this thing but I'm missing just that one tool.
Same place I get pretty much anything not in stores. Ebay. Should be pretty cheap
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Post by equalsign »

Play-asia has one for $6.90 with $1.40 shipping.
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Post by ZenLogikos »

Home Depot?? :lol:

Yeah, it's a specialized tool, mainly for electronic equipment, and usually a different gamebit for each one (or only a couple devices per gamebit). Definitely very few applications.
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Post by Ack »

What? I don't know of many other hardware stores, and that's where the guide you posted told me to try. Local hardware stores.
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Post by equalsign »

Ack wrote:What? I don't know of many other hardware stores, and that's where the guide you posted told me to try. Local hardware stores.
You could try bringing your N64 (or Gamecube) into a hardware store and showing them what you need. Gamebit might not be a widely used term. Personally, I'd just buy it from play-asia.com, but if you really don't want to do that you can try the pen trick. Be warned that it is a little difficult: http://www.mmmonkey.co.uk/console/other/diy-gamebit.htm
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