WIP: N64 portable

[mikeyg]

My first portable.
Looking for the rest of the parts next week.


***MATERIALS FOR THE PORTABLE***
Console: N64 (FREE)
Controller: I have a nintendo one, may need a third-party one. (Free)
Screen($10)
2 Canon BP-30 Batteries($35)
Case:
Vacuum former (?)
plastic. ($?)
TOTAL PRICE: $45 out of $160
Not doing bad, I have $115 for the case, and possible mistakes...

[robm]

There are no "full" tutorials to be had; this is mainly due to the fact that every single N64p is different, built with different budgets, different final product images, you name it. The best thing about these is that they are all unique.

The best thing you can do is read all of the stickies, and most importantly, read through as many worklogs as you can. You'll learn the most that way, as they are the closest thing to tutorials as it gets.

And by all means, if you don't find what you're looking for in the stickies, feel free to ask a question!

[themadhacker]

Bacteria has a pretty good n64 guide on his website.

[mikeyg]

Thanks guys. If I have a question, I'll just ask..
Edit: Is there a way I can open a nintendo 64 without a special screwdriver.

[themadhacker]

if you don't care for the case's condition you have several options.

1 the dremel. just dremel the case apart to get to the insides.
2 soldering iron. put the soldering iron tip against the screw's head, and let the screw heat up. then just pry open the case on the spot where the screw is. then do the same for the other screws.
3 the pen. get a plastic tube from a disposable pen and heat it up with a flame. then pust the pen shaft against the screw. let the pen dry, and twist the pen to unscrew the screw. I have yet to get this method to work, though.

[mikeyg]

Thanks. This community is very helpful.

[XCVG]

I've tried the pen, and it sucks. You'll use like 10 pens and it doesn't work very well. By all means do it if you have some pens and only plan on doing it once, but it's better to invest in a gamebit, or better yet the Zoozen Access kit which has both gamebits and a whole bunch of other tools useful for modding other consoles. Torx bits, tri-wings, even that weird 360 opener-thingy. And it's only $19.99.

[zealot2009]

I got mine open with pens in 10 minutes and I'm 11 (BTW I used 3 pens)

[themadhacker]

I still can't get anything open with the pen method. It's really just a waste of pens.

[robm]

I'm not sure why everyone has problems with the bic method. OH! I know. They're using generic pens, not bics.

But seriously, took me /one/ pen and got it done... eventually. :\

[Mario]

I used any pen, and just re-heated it for each screw. Took like, 10 min.

[eurddrue]

I'm not sure why everyone has problems with the bic method. OH! I know. They're using generic pens, not bics.

But seriously, took me /one/ pen and got it done... eventually. :\

That works for one, but I've taken apart 5 (not that I needed too ) Buying a gamebit is worth it in the long run.

[mikeyg]

I've heard that just taking the ink part out of a BIC pen, and unscrewing with that is a good way to unscrew an n64.

[samjc3]

I've heard that just taking the ink part out of a BIC pen, and unscrewing with that is a good way to unscrew an n64.

i seriously doubt that would work. just go to the hardware store. i picked up a bit set that has 10 gamebits, ten inverted hex heads, ten triwings, ten weird off kilter philips things, ten of those two pointed things(the flat head with the middle gone) and tons of regular bits for $4.99 at lowes..

[XCVG]

I've heard that just taking the ink part out of a BIC pen, and unscrewing with that is a good way to unscrew an n64.

i seriously doubt that would work. just go to the hardware store. i picked up a bit set that has 10 gamebits, ten inverted hex heads, ten triwings, ten weird off kilter philips things, ten of those two pointed things(the flat head with the middle gone) and tons of regular bits for $4.99 at lowes..

I want, I want.