Want to make a GCp, but no idea where to start.

[jameslieb1]

Hello, recently I have become very fascinated with portable console mods. It's really amazing what people can do. I have an old GameCube that I no longer use thanks to my Wii, and I thought it'd be a great idea to turn it into a portable. However I'm a total noob at this sort of thing and would appreciate some pointers as to where I should start, what I need to know beforehand, and how much it'll cost me. My only specifications are that it must have Wiikey, be rechargeable, and be not too bulky and have a comfortable design. As a noob I am looking for the easiest way to do this, however time is not an issue. Thank you.

 

[hailrazer]

The Gamecube with a WKF is one of the hardest portables to build.

If you don't even know where to start , it might be a good idea to start on something a LOT easier.

 

[jameslieb1]

The Gamecube with a WKF is one of the hardest portables to build.

If you don't even know where to start , it might be a good idea to start on something a LOT easier.

N64?

 

[hailrazer]

Yes an N64 is a bit easier.

Still plan on ruining a few.

 

[jameslieb1]

Yes an N64 is a bit easier.

Still plan on ruining a few.

Is it inevitable? Like I said time isn't an issue and I have the patience and the OCD factor to get everything EXACTLY right..

 

[watsug]

Here's the gamecube megasticky, read that. Most of the forum sections have a megasticky at the top of all threads
Also reading other peoples worklogs is a great way to gain insight in what you will have to do.
I would suggest starting with a casemod or something like that if you have no prior experience. Or just make a crappy portable, then make a new better when you have some experience.

I made my first N64 portable with just one system but it was huge and lacked most functions

 

[jameslieb1]

@Watsu Do you mean starting with a case for a future portable, or modding the actual console's case?

@hailrazer How hard would it be to make something like your N64boy that uses a pre-existing case that just needs some cutting?

 

[watsug]

Casemaking is the hardest part in my opinion, atleast if you want it to look good.
You could do something like make a new "box" for the console, add in some leds, modchip, rewire some ports, just to get you comfortable with a soldering iron, case making tools and working with electronics in general.
Or you could just start on a portable project, but as hailrazer said, if you want a "high end" portable you will break some things along the way...

 

[jameslieb1]

Casemaking is the hardest part in my opinion, atleast if you want it to look good.
You could do something like make a new "box" for the console, add in some leds, modchip, rewire some ports, just to get you comfortable with a soldering iron, case making tools and working with electronics in general.
Or you could just start on a portable project, but as hailrazer said, if you want a "high end" portable you will break some things along the way...

Ok. Like I said I'm thinking of using a pre-existing "case" and working with that, like hailrazer's N64boy whose case is a modified GBA carrying case. I want to start right off the bat with a low end portable. Can you give me an example of what would be the bare minimum to be considered a "high end" N64 portable? Also, how much should I expect a low end build to cost?

 

[watsug]

I built my first portable for about 500 swedish kronor (that's about 75 usd). I didn't want to destroy anything so I didn't trim the motherboard or relocated the cartslot. This made it big (the case was a 1.1liter food container) but it was working and I was proud.

It's really hard to estimate costs as it all depends on what you find at yardsales or at home.
This is pretty much minimum for a N64 handheld
Console
Controller
Case (old router is a cheap option)
Screen (ebay car tft screen 20USD with shipping)
Audio Amp (ebay 5USD)
Wires (harvest from old electronics)
Voltage regulator for 3.3v (free sample from ti.com)
Power source (12v wall adapter)
Heatsinks (harvest or buy vga ram coolers 4USD)

-Optional stuff-
RAM expansion pack
Batteries + protection circuit + smart charger (25USD and upwards)

If this is your first time then you will most likely need tools
Soldering Iron (essential 8USD)
multimeter (good to have 10USD)
Dremel tool
Acetone for ABS Cement
+ Other stuff I probably forgot