N64-Mod N00B Questions!

[Madsmaten]

Hey there all Nintendo 64 fans!
I have been playing N64 since I was a kid, but I am new in the modding community!
Therefor I have some questions, and if any of you, would help me answer them, I would be gratefull!

I live in Scandinavia, and therefore have been playing on a 50Hz PAL machine.
It has come to my knowledge, that a NTSC or NTSC-J machine runs at 60Hz, and that you’re able to RGB mod it as well (Certain Models).
I have been searching Ebay, in order to buy me a spare NTSC N64.
As far as I understand, there are only a certain amount of N64’s which is capable of RGB mod, if the Serial number of the console starts with 1 (Example: NS109807944) then there is a good chance that it has the VDC-NUS chip inside it.

I have found a Japanese console, with the Serial number: NUJ11766313.
Even though I can’t find any 100% confirmation, It should hopefully contain the chip.
Is there anybody of you who can confirm this? (Serial number isn’t present on: http://nintendo64.wikia.com/wiki/Consol ... mber_Guide )

Also, would I even be able to run the console at my television? It’s an older flat screen, which actually runs the older consoles quite well (Believe or not). But if my TV is 50Hz and the console runs 60Hz, is it even possible to get picture?
Would I need a other scart cable, one for 60Hz Tv’s?
As well goes as the power supply? Can I just use a standard travel adapter, and then just plug it in the wall?
Or maybe even use the PAL one?
Would it make any difference if I bought a USA NTSC, or will the Japanese do fine?

Sorry for all the questions! But I would rather make the mistake here, than with the actual console :-D

Thank You!!

- Mads

 

[Miceeno]

I'm almost certain that you have to have a NTSC or NTSC-J model of the N64. As for the serial number I can't tell you that, check the serial number thread for that. http://forums.modretro.com/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=1417 I can tell you that you need a NUS-CPU-03 or NUS-CPU-04 board, (01 and 02 work but are extremely rare).

Here's a guide by mmmonkey: http://www.mmmonkey.co.uk/ntsc-nintendo-64-rgb/ If you follow that link there's actually a hidden Extra Info thing near the top of the page. Click show and it looks like there's a list of revisions and serial numbers.

As long as you have a SCART ready TV you should be fine, otherwise the 31.5kHz RGB is a pretty incompatible with modern displays. The mmmonkey guy has plenty of guides around the internet for an RGB to VGA setup as well as other means of getting the sync line from the N64.

The only other thing you may want to consider is that if you end up with an NTSC console and all your games are PAL than you will have to mod the console. The PAL carts have 710X CIC chips which only work with the PAL PIF. You can easily swap the NTSC PIF for a PAL PIF on the N64. Oh and you will also have to swap the plastic keyed blocker piece that keeps you from putting different region carts in different region consoles.