First n64p possible worklog

[busterg]

Second post! Woot Woot!



   Okay so here we go, after contemplating this for a while I have decided to just go out on a limb and attempt A N64p. For various reasons this portable-in-progress is dubbed "Bust-A 64". 
   I have decided to go for a landscape layout, as out of the many n64p's I have seen I like this format the best. I think I am going to use a polycase for my first portable. I haven't yet decided on a screen model yet. Likewise I haven't decided on appropriate speakers. I want to incorporate a full n64 controller with a GC analog stick. I know this involves using a third party nintendo controller. I also plan on re-locating the game cartridge slot To be parallel with the screen with the cover of games to be facing away from the screen (really no reason for this but what the heck). I want a backlight in the screen so it can be played in the dark. The L and R buttons will (hopefully) be located where they would be on.......say a Gameboy Advance where they can be pushed by the index fingers. I plan on two tact switches acting as double Z buttons located more down toward the ring and middle fingers (Sound familiar? Inspiration from a modded Xbox 360 controller). I would feel like I wouldn't live up to the modretro standards without including a headphone jack.
   That was the system as I have imagined it. Some features I would like to include but am slightly doubtful of my ability to properly implement them. These features include: 
   1)A docking station including controller ports 1-4.
   2)Video/audio out (As to connect to a TV like a standard 64). 
   3) Memory Pak/Rumble Pak/ Transfer Pak slot (either in the docking station or the portable itself).
   4)Ram expansion Pak support built-in.
   5)GASP!!!! He's run out of ambitions!!!!!

Please reply and tell me if this sounds like a good idea and to tell me if I haven't put enough thought into it. I'm totally open to constructive criticism but please take it easy on me.....I'm a bit of a noob.
   If more than a few people come forward sang I'm in over my head I am going to take their advice and drop the project, at least until I have had more experience.

Thanks in advance,
Adam 

 

[bud]

Sounds good to me.
Here's a tip: Most people for their first N64p use a Polycase ZN-45 case. You can use that if you have no problem with being unoriginal.

Also use a psone screen or a Zenith xbox/PS2 screen. (Same thing as the psone, just in a different case.)

 

[Bush]

I recommend the dc series from polycase; its just a matter of finding a model to the dimensions you need. If you need any help with your dock idea, Toastbucket and I are working on a port standard, and would be happy to provide the pinout if you would like it. If you aren't interested in that, many members here or myself would be happy to help with a different setup, or just any questions you have in general. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions, and welcome to ModRetro!

 

[busterg]

Thanks to both of you guys and I'm going to take your advice on the screen. I found a deal on eBay for three psone's and one screen for around ten dollars plus shipping. Haven't checked out zenith yet but if they're cheaper then if course I'll be going with them.
Still indecisive about the case model but I think that I will choose one of the models you both mentioned. I might need a little basic help here and there throughout this project if nobody minds too much. The main thing I am worried about at the moment is batteries and charging as this seemed to be quite a complicated topic of discussion when other newer members were recording help.

 

[Bush]

Batteries are less confusing then you think. I was so confused the first time i tried to make an n64p, i wasnt even going to use them. But withs ome help from other members I have enough understanding to implement them.

 

[ToastBucket]

My name was mentioned

As for the case, I highly suggest you don't use a ZN-45. They have a lot of unnecessary heft and are rather large. I did a ZN-45 portable. I am now tearing it apart.

Batteries

PCB

Charger

 

[busterg]

Thanks Toast
How many batteries would I need? And would I need multiple PCB's?

 

[Bush]

2 batteries, one pcb. Check out all-nattery.com as well, they have different products, and you can use free shipping coupons.

 

[bud]

2 batteries, one pcb. Check out all-battery.com as well, they have different products, and you can use free shipping coupons.

Fix'd for ya.

Also batteryspace.com is a great source for batteries.

 

[busterg]

Okay.
So I think I will be going with the batteries an PCB toast provided the links for. Does anybody know any reliable source to get a zenith or psone screen?

 

[Bush]

Whoops, thanks bud.

 

[ToastBucket]

I found a deal on eBay for three psone's and one screen for around ten dollars plus shipping.

That is an excellent deal. Go with that.

 

[busterg]

someone already took it D:<
arrrghh
i guess ill go with the zenith
*EDIT found it lol nevermind
Also what do you guys think of the AG series from polycase?
And if i were to go with the AG or DC series what approximate demensions should i get?

 

[ToastBucket]

if AG, get the AG-85. It's a pretty good size, maybe a little tight, but it's very comfortable. Don't go with ZN-45. Please.

 

[XCVG]

ZN-45 is uncreative but it's good for a first portable because of the size. Yeah, you could be more creative, smaller, nicer looking, but you do NOT want to be trying to cram everything in an AG-85 for your first portable. Trust me. If you find a nice case that's the right size, by all means use it, but don't try to build an ultra small n64p the first time.

 

[ToastBucket]

AG-85 isn't ultra small. It could easily fit the contents of an N64p.

 

[3MZ]

but for a first portable it's pretty small.

 

[busterg]

What about a good place to find zenith or psone screens?

 

[ShockSlayer]

Ebay.

 

[busterg]

allright thanks ShockSlayer
**EDIT okay i think i've picked everything out that i need im going totest the n64 i'm going to be using for a little bit and then i'll place the order for everything else.
im going to use:

•(1)AG-85 case from polycase.com.
•(2)High Power Polymer Li-Ion Cell: 3.7V 4700 mAh (706285-8C) 17.39Wh, 37A rate Batteries.
•(1)PCB for 7.4V Li-Ion Battery Pack (8A +/-1A Limit)
•(1)Smart Charger (1.2A) for 7.4V Li-ion/Polymer Rechargeable Battery Pack
•(1)Psone/Zenith Game Screen
•(1)3rd party Nintendo 64 controller
•(1)Nintendo GameCube controller(first or third party)
•(1)Nintendo 64 console
•(Many)Wires
•(Large Quantities)Hot Glue
•JB Weld


If all goes well this is all I will need for the portable. If I missed anything please tell me. I've drawn up plans for the front, back, left, right, and top sides. I would upload pics but unfortunately my scanner is and my camera is dead at the moment. I might upload later.