Project log: NES-in-a-cart

[ifkz]

Time to hack!  Years ago now, while in a thrift store, I came across one of those knock off Super Joy III units that is an NESOAC.  I kept it around while waiting for the right project, and now I've found it:  hacking this thing into a game cartridge to create a custom top loader of sorts.

Supplies on hand:
Super Joy III
Dragon Warrior cart (to reflect my fondness for RPGs)
NES controller port plugs (x2)
72 pin connector
Scrap wire from a floppy cable, the 9V power supply, the AV cables, solder, etc.

As of today, I think I am ready for the solder work:  removing the Famicom connector and soldering on the 72 pin connector so I can play US games.  This will be the first step!

Once this is done, I'll be needing some help figuring out the pinout so the control ports can match up to a real NES controller.  It is currently undocumented on the list of Super Joy III KO's, but it does have some helpful silkscreening on the PCB to make things easier.  But first things' first:  get the cart connector in order.  Updates to follow, I'll have a few weeks of vacation soon to focus on this little project.  Yes I could have just spent $20 getting a Retro-bit clone, but where's the fun in that?

[cr8zykuban0]

that'll be cool! be sure to update with pics! I would love to see it!

[cjameslv]

Sounds fun! you can get a write up on it here: http://www.benheck.com/nes-on-a-chip-portable/ One thing i did notice was to enable the 72 pin connector you will have to disable the built in games, but on the other hand it does look awesome.

[esteban]

Sounds fun! you can get a write up on it here: http://www.benheck.com/nes-on-a-chip-portable/ One thing i did notice was to enable the 72 pin connector you will have to disable the built in games, but on the other hand it does look awesome.

What? Oh. Now I get it.

[cr8zykuban0]

Sounds fun! you can get a write up on it here: http://www.benheck.com/nes-on-a-chip-portable/ One thing i did notice was to enable the 72 pin connector you will have to disable the built in games, but on the other hand it does look awesome.

it does look really cool! a game played on a game lol

[Medic_wheat]

Inception!

[ifkz]

Yep, that is exactly what I plan to do!

[cjameslv]

Yep, that is exactly what I plan to do!

Well be sure to post pics as you make this, i'll be checkin it out.

[ifkz]

Parts picture:


I have been eyeballing all of the available high resolution scans and Famicom to NES pinout documents I can find.  I found that installing the 72 pin connector is a bit reversed from how I thought it would logically go.  Once I get time away from work, I'll get started removing parts.

[roflmao]

What a cool project!  I'll be keeping an eye on this thread.

[thesteve]

i recommend using a standard 72pin board connector (as found in the top loader)
otherwise a direct wire option, as the fami has no lockout circuit