The UberNES Modification Log

[Epicenter]

Here is a log to the progress of my modifications to the US model 1 NES for anyone interested..

Entry 1, 10/30/03
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Got the machine disassembled, cut hole in the lid for the window. Thx to a friend of mine for his m4d dr3m3ling skillz. Will install blue LEDs and acrylic window once parts arrive.

Entry 2, 11/01/03
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Was able to push the main CPU from the stock 1.79 MHz setting to approx. 2.35 MHz using a clock feed from a new oscillator. Will try higher speeds tomorrow, and wire up most stable accelerated clock, along with standard, to a 2-position switch. Testing this thing is a total bitch, though, since I am using an old, worn-out 72-pin connector .. new one is in the mail from ebay, though.

Plans for the machine: Overclock to highest speed possible, add switch w/ 1.79 MHz and highest stable speed, disable lockout chip, paint case blue and black, add acrylic window to lid, install 3 ultra-bright blue LEDs to illuminate case, install new 72-pin connector, alter or remove cartridge loader to make more of PCB visible through window, replace power/status LED with a blue version, mount switch in front of case.

Wish me luck.. photos coming soon once I borrow my friend's camera.

[1bigmig]

Did you get a gold plated connector or a regular one? Well, regardless of which one could you let me know if it holds the game like a vice? Interesting project, keep the updates frequent.

[jonjandran]

Hurry up with the photos you big tease..... :P

[Epicenter]

It's a non-gold 72-pinner, but the same kind I use in my other nes, which does hold it like a vice. You need insane force to pull the cartridge out. as for photos .. will post some today if I can find a camera. I'm off on that quest now..

[1bigmig]

It's a non-gold 72-pinner, but the same kind I use in my other nes, which does hold it like a vice. You need insane force to pull the cartridge out. as for photos .. will post some today if I can find a camera. I'm off on that quest now..

I normally wouldnt hassle someone over what connector they chose, but you did call this the UBER NES project and I have to wonder why you didnt shell out a few bucks more for the gold?

Actually, I bought three of the vice ones - non-gold - a while back and really am just curious if the others are just vices with a gold plating or if they are better overall?

[Epicenter]

Well, I'm strapped for cash after getting all the other parts and tools I need, ironically. But, I've never had ANY problem with a standard one.

[Epicenter]

Entry #3, 11/01/03:
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Preliminary tests at 2.35 MHz show a near-complete eradication of lag in 'Chip 'n' Dale's Rescue Rangers'. gameplay is smoother and controls react faster. the normal 0.3 second approx. lag time is removed. game still shows 50% of its normal lag when Zipper is onscreen (invincibility power), will see if this lag remains at 2.5/3.0 MHz, or if the machine can even handle that kind of abuse. Photos in the works.

[Epicenter]

11/01/03 Photos:
(sorry for the horrible quality, I am using my quickcam right now..)


The machine running 'rescue rangers' at 2.35 MHz.


Daughterboard with oscillator sitting on top of the cartridge, this is wired up to the CPU.


The lid, cut, but no acylic or lighting yet. Also needs paint.



The actual game running. No glitching at all.

[Balloon Fight]

A couple of questions for anyone, since i am pretty retarded when it comes to the insides of stuff. What is the lockout chip, and why disable it? Also, how do you disable it.

And one more question... Does anyone know of a site to repair NES's? At the flea some dude has a crapload of them for $1. I would like to know how to repair them so i can actually have one that works.
And maybe make a profit in the meantime.

[Flack]

A lockout chip prevents you from playing media in one region on a machine in another region. This is common with video games and DVDs.

[Balloon Fight]

A lockout chip prevents you from playing media in one region on a machine in another region. This is common with video games and DVDs.

Like Pal and NTSC games right? So if you disable it, you can play Pal games?

[1bigmig]

At the flea some dude has a crapload of them for $1. I would like to know how to repair them so i can actually have one that works.
And maybe make a profit in the meantime.

Ask what's wrong with them. If they just blink, just slap in a new 72 pin and good as new.

[Balloon Fight]

At the flea some dude has a crapload of them for $1. I would like to know how to repair them so i can actually have one that works.
And maybe make a profit in the meantime.

Ask what's wrong with them. If they just blink, just slap in a new 72 pin and good as new.

Will do. Im going tomorrow, so i will probably get around 5-10.

[omnedon]

Does anyone know of a site to repair NES's?

I did one!

http://www.cgcc.ca/articles/projects/nespin.php

[Epicenter]

Entry 4 - 11/01/03
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At 2.35 MHz, Kirby still shows lag, esp. when using fire ability. While shooting fire, enemies move at 40% proper speed or lower. will see how this goes at 2.5 or higher.

[Balloon Fight]

Does anyone know of a site to repair NES's?

I did one!

http://www.cgcc.ca/articles/projects/nespin.php

Thanks a ton omnedon! Very much appreciated!

[Epicenter]

Entry 5 - 11/02/03
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Going to try out some other speeds ASAP, approx. 2.5 and 3.0 MHz. Cannot find my other oscillators right now, but they oughta turn up sometime today. Will post further updates later on today after I try them out.

[Epicenter]

Entry 5 - 11/02/03
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Going to try out some other speeds ASAP, approx. 2.5 and 3.0 MHz. Cannot find my other oscillators right now, but they oughta turn up sometime today. Will post further updates later on today after I try them out.

[sniperCCJVQ]

Like Pal and NTSC games right? So if you disable it, you can play Pal games?

Yes, but some will be still screw up in some places. Look here :

http://simplynes.emucamp.com/nesuni.html

[Sylentwulf]

I normally wouldnt hassle someone over what connector they chose, but you did call this the UBER NES project and I have to wonder why you didnt shell out a few bucks more for the gold?

Because the gold ones are cheap, and the "gold" flakes off as you use it, making a mess, and decreasing it's life span.