NES RF Removal/Bipass?

[kidw/32+systems]

I don't know the correct name, but I was wondering if there is any way to bipass the NES RF box or do i have to remove it? I'm using a pocket TV.

[S q u e e !]

RF box you mean? Naw, you just remove it. Maybe you can bypass it, but I doubt it.

[G-force]

I think you mean the RF (Radio Frequency...I think) shielding. You can remove the RF metal plate without any problems. I am not really sure if that's waht you meant or not...

EDIT: NM, squee! beat me to it nad he understood it too.
Some pocket TV's use RF input but most use composite. You will have to figure out which it uses.

[kidw/32+systems]

yes the rf box i mean remove the entire thing

[S q u e e !]

Yes. Just desolder the 5 leads on the bottom of the NES board, and the 4 big tabs (these are easiest with a 100w soldering gun).

[usbcd36]

Yes, you can remove the RF box, but there is some stuff in there you have to recreate. First is you need to put in a new regulator. There is also a video amp circuit required to make the picture visible on the screen you're using. It's still better than keeping the original RF box; they are very simple circuits. You may have some trouble desoldering it though.

[demonofaj]

Not sure, but how about I just, solder via RCA connector.

[usbcd36]

If you just grab the video signal off of a NES and send it directly to an RCA connector, you will get almost nothing, a barely visible picture. You NEED to do a video amplifier circuit. It takes a certain transistor and a few resistors to make it work.

[kidw/32+systems]

ok i have it out but i need details from usbcd36 on what to do

[usbcd36]

Actually, it is not me, the whole thing is explained in Ben's book. After removing the RF box, you will see 5 holes with contacts. Hold the board so it is in the upper-left corner and they are as follows (from left to right): Power, Reset, +5v (if you connect it here, it will go directly into the system, this is usually where the output from the Power switch goes), audio out, and weak video output.

The audio circuit works fine the way it is, just attach a wire from the rightmost hole to the audio input on your screen. The video needs to be amplified, so build this circuit:

Code: Select all

     220 ohm
+5v----o=o----|
              |
         /____|
 2N4401 O|------- Video from NES
         \----|
      33 ohm  |
  |----o=o----|
  |-----------------Video to TV   
  |----o=o------- ground of NES
     220 ohm

Sorry about my ASCII, it's not very good, but you get the point. Also, the transistor flat side is to the left.