The Family Computer has arrived!!!

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rubber_jonnie
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Re: The Family Computer has arrived!!!

Post by rubber_jonnie »

Well good news on the Famicom front, it lives!

I pulled the transistor that is fed by the video output of the PPU and connected it directly to the display:

IMG20251108133056.jpg

And voila!

IMG20251108133101.jpg

It has horrible jailbars, but at least it has a picture and though its NTSC my workbench display can take it. Next I need to tap the sound.
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Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
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HigashiJun
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Re: The Family Computer has arrived!!!

Post by HigashiJun »

Good news !

:D
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: The Family Computer has arrived!!!

Post by rubber_jonnie »

HigashiJun wrote: 09 Nov 2025 01:49 Good news !

:D
Indeed. I've since also added a simple transistor buffer and a 220uF cap across pins 20 & 22 on the PPU and the jailbars are considerably reduced and overall picture quality isn't that bad.

I've also tapped sound from the cartridge slot so all works great.

Just need to finish cleaning the case and figure out how to get it all in the case without modifications or hole cutting.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
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HigashiJun
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Re: The Family Computer has arrived!!!

Post by HigashiJun »

Lots of AV mods are available here in Japan, but all require case modding...

There are even kits sold on Amazon, like these ones:

https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%9C%AC%E6%A ... J913&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%83%AC%E3%8 ... YXWJ&psc=1
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: The Family Computer has arrived!!!

Post by rubber_jonnie »

HigashiJun wrote: 09 Nov 2025 09:37 Lots of AV mods are available here in Japan, but all require case modding...

There are even kits sold on Amazon, like these ones:

https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%9C%AC%E6%A ... J913&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%83%AC%E3%8 ... YXWJ&psc=1
I watched Adrian Black in his basement install a mod like those, but I want the mod to be reversible hence why I don't want to cut or drill the case. They are a great idea though if you're not fussed about case mods.

TBH it isn't just the Famicom, wherever possible I try to make all mods reversible. I did do some case mods in the past but once I did I regretted it. After that I just decided I needed to find a better way.

I have got a spare TRRS adapter cable and have a breakout board on the way with the socket on it, so it should be relatively easy to figure it out.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
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HigashiJun
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Re: The Family Computer has arrived!!!

Post by HigashiJun »

@rubber_jonnie

I think the second link is a non invasive mod, since it uses the original openings.

I also avoid to mod cases as much as possible, but I reckon I had to do it twice...
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: The Family Computer has arrived!!!

Post by rubber_jonnie »

HigashiJun wrote: 09 Nov 2025 10:30 @rubber_jonnie

I think the second link is a non invasive mod, since it uses the original openings.

I also avoid to mod cases as much as possible, but I reckon I had to do it twice...
Actually I think you're right, the 2nd one is non invasive, might need to have a bit more of a look around.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
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HigashiJun
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Location: Tokyo

Re: The Family Computer has arrived!!!

Post by HigashiJun »

And the second one also powers your gear with an USB power delivery.
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: The Family Computer has arrived!!!

Post by rubber_jonnie »

HigashiJun wrote: 09 Nov 2025 23:03 And the second one also powers your gear with an USB power delivery.
Not found it in the UK yet, or in Ali Express or Temu...
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
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HigashiJun
Posts: 2381
Joined: 19 Jun 2020 07:21
Location: Tokyo

Re: The Family Computer has arrived!!!

Post by HigashiJun »

rubber_jonnie wrote: 09 Nov 2025 23:33 Not found it in the UK yet, or in Ali Express or Temu...
Better ask HigashiJun... :lol:

Do not hesitate if you want me to get one for you.

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