Any modders here that can look at a NES toploader?

jperryss · 06/19/2014, 10:49 AM

Hi all,
I've got a NES toploader that I had composite and LED modded years ago. At some point the LED went out and I never cared to have it fixed until now. I'm useless when it comes to modding but I'm hoping this won't be too difficult to fix for someone who knows what they're doing.

Here are a few pics. The first one was taken by the person that did the mod (while it worked). Basically a piece of clear frosted plastic was fit in underneath the power switch, and then the LED (or maybe two) were installed underneath. The last two pics are from today showing outside and inside. The hidden LED idea is actually pretty slick but was not my idea.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/433791/nesled.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/433791/2014-06-19%2010.37.48.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/433791/2014-06-19%2010.33.05.jpg

I'm hoping I can fix this while keeping the repair+ship costs down, if not I might not bother.

I've also been considering selling it or trading for an AV Famicom, but not sure I want to just yet.

If one of the modders here wants to take a stab at this, PM me please!

Thanks!
JP

esadajr · 06/19/2014, 04:39 PM

Shipping both ways it's probably around $40. Replacing the leds and resistors is less than a $1. I wouldn't think having the work done by a local technician would cost more than that.

Medic_wheat · 06/20/2014, 05:34 PM

I might sound like a dick but that mod looks all kinds of messy sloppy and crudy

I am sure it works just fine minus the led issue but it doesnt look clean.

Not that I could mod a tooth pick to save my life.

Anyone here who is a modder care to clean this hot mess up wgile they are at it?

Maybe use less clear glue lol

DeshDildo · 06/20/2014, 07:45 PM

Quote from: Medic_wheat on 06/20/2014, 05:34 PMI might sound like a dick but that mod looks all kinds of messy sloppy and crudy

I am sure it works just fine minus the led issue but it doesnt look clean.
It's not the best and it looks like the original modder just used parts that were laying around. The wire used for the A/V mod is actually re-purposed intercom/ security system low voltage wire which is fine. I'm not sure why two different types of LED's were used but having them more permanently mounted would be nice.

Not that I could mod a tooth pick to save my life.

Anyone here who is a modder care to clean this hot mess up wgile they are at it?

Maybe use less clear glue lol

DeshDildo · 06/25/2014, 09:34 PM

FIXED!

Although the workmanship was a little sloppy on the original mods, I have to say this video circuit is really good. This top loader is an extremely clear, jail bar free zone. The original LED setup was a bit hokey so I came up with a cleaner more simple solution. There was no way to disassemble this console as everything was hard wired so I added a 4 pin connector to the video and sound wires to make taking this thing apart much easier in the future.

xcrement5x · 06/25/2014, 11:58 PM

Awesome improvement man. I love the use of the molex too, very forward thinking!

DeshDildo · 06/27/2014, 12:07 AM

Quote from: guest on 06/25/2014, 11:58 PMAwesome improvement man. I love the use of the molex too, very forward thinking!

Thank you!

I did, however, have to revise the LED setup again. I was a bit worried at the amp draw from those large 4 pin LED's and the single resistor I had to use causing a bit of heat. Well it turns out it caused a lot more heat than I expected.

Since none of these mods have been submitted, tested or approved by UL I would still have a guilty conscience if I melted someone's console or burned down their house. I was forced to use smaller LED's and used multiple resistors to try and dissipate more heat over a larger area. Here is the result that I tested playing a couple of hours of my favorite NES games Contra, Super C and Journey to Silius.

jperryss · 07/01/2014, 10:41 AM

Just wanted to mention that Desh does excellent work and is a great communicator. I wouldn't hesitate to use his modding services again in the future. Thanks again!

esadajr · 07/02/2014, 10:39 PM

Looks really clean professional. I should give it a shot.

Joe Redifer · 07/02/2014, 11:01 PM

Nice job with the molex connector. I really like that idea. Is there anywhere they can be had in bulk? The only drawback is that they can take up quite a bit of space.

ApolloBoy · 07/03/2014, 01:38 AM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 07/02/2014, 11:01 PMNice job with the molex connector. I really like that idea. Is there anywhere they can be had in bulk? The only drawback is that they can take up quite a bit of space.

I wouldn't recommend using Molex connectors because of how big they are. I use DuPont connectors in my mod work which are much smaller and more readily available.

DeshDildo · 07/03/2014, 08:47 AM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 07/02/2014, 11:01 PMNice job with the molex connector. I really like that idea. Is there anywhere they can be had in bulk? The only drawback is that they can take up quite a bit of space.

I used the molex connector because there was plenty of room to do so and I have a ton of them on my work truck. I work in HVAC and sometimes circuit boards for certain equipment come with a new connector so when they aren't needed I save them for just such an occasion.