SNES:SNES Jr Mods: Difference between revisions

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(Category:RetroRGB Migration Sourced from [https://www.retrorgb.com/ RetroRGB.com] with explicit permission from Bob.)
 
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[[File:SNESMiniConsole.jpg|thumb]]
The SNES Mini has everything it needs to output RGB and s-video, but is missing the connections and basic circuitry. You can choose between using the Mini's built-in RGB amp and adding the missing circuitry, or adding a newer amp and simply connecting the RGB lines.


== RGB Mods ==


Here are installation guides for the best video mods you can do on your SNES Mini / Super Famicom Jr.  Here is the advantages of each here, and a link to the full guide:


=== Recommended ===
==== Pre-assembled THS7374 Amp ([[SNES:SNES Jr Pre-Assembled THS7374 Amp|Guide]]) ====
[[File:SNESVoultarAmp.jpg|Pre-assembled THS7374 Amp|150px|thumb]]
The newer THS7374 chips provide an '''excellent''' RGB signal but are notoriously difficult to solder due to their size. A handful of hardware developers have created pre-made amps that include all the circuitry needed to output RGB. This makes installation extremely simple and only requires 4 short wires to be added to the bottom of the board. It is recommended that beginners use this solution, for ease of use, but some experts actually prefer the look of this amp to the onboard S-RGB Encoder.


=== Older & DIY Mods ===


The SNES Mini doesn't output RGB (or S-Video) natively, but both can be easily added with a mod.
These are guides that show you how to perform RGB and S-Video mods as DIY projects.  The guides are still accurate, however it is strongly recommend to do either of the above mods, as they're cleaner, easier and offer more features.  Here is the advantages of each here, and a link to the full guide:


[[File:SNESMiniConsole.jpg]]
==== S-RGB Expansion Board ([[SNES:SNES Jr Pre-Assembled S-RGB Mod|Guide]]) ====
[[File:VoultarSRGBboardV2.jpg|S-RGB Expansion Board|150px|thumb]]
This method is essentially the same as the original DIY SNES Mini mod, however all you'll need is wire. All components are included on the board, resulting in a much cleaner look and easier installation. Plus, this includes S-Video support as well! If you're going to use the built-in amp, THIS is the method recommended if you can find a S-RGB  expansion board.


=== **A quick explanation:** ===
==== S-RGB DIY ([[SNES:SNES Jr DIY S-RGB Mod|Guide]]) ====
[[File:SNESMiniRGBModPage03.jpg|Using the built-in amp|150px|thumb]]
This method is sometimes referred to as the "3-wire" mod, since you're essentially just connecting the three RGB lines (and sync), plus a few resistors, but that's pretty much it. The biggest disadvantage is soldering to the S-RGB can be very challenging for beginners and if you're adding other mods, the components can get messy.


The SNES Mini has everything it needs to output RGB, but is missing the connections and basic circuitry. You can choose between using the Mini's built-in RGB amp and adding the missing circuitry, or adding a newer amp and simply connecting the RGB lines.
==== THS7314/THS7316 Amp Boards ([[SNES:SNES Jr DIY Bypass|Guide]]) ====
[[File:SNESMiniRGBPage03.jpg|Pre-assembled THS7314 amps|150px|thumb]]
People have integrated the THS7314 or THS7316 into their own board. This guide specifically shows how to make your own DIY board, however the basic instructions will be the same for pretty much any pre-assembled board as well.


=== **The Best RGB Mod Methods:** ===
== S-Video Mod ([[SNES:SNES Jr S-Video Mod|Guide]]) ==
 
If you're already doing an RGB mod on your SNES Mini, you might want to consider adding S-Video as well. <br> [[File:SNESS-Video01.jpg|S-video mod|400px]]
Here are installation guides for the best video mods you can do on your SNES Mini / Super Famicom Jr.  I'll explain the advantages of each here, then link to the full guide:
 
=== **[snesminiths7374.html Pre-assembled THS7374 amps:]** ===
 
The newer THS7374 chips provide an _excellent_ RGB signal.  You generally don't find them in DIY projects, as they are extremely small and hard to solder!  Luckily, people have created pre-made amps that include all the circuitry you'd need right on the board!  This makes installation _extremely_ simple and only requires 4 short wires to be added to the bottom of the board. I recommend beginners use this solution, for ease of use, but some experts actually prefer the look of this amp to the onboard S-RGB Encoder.
 
[[[File:SNESVoultarAmp.jpg)](snesminiths7374.html]]
 
=== **[snesminisrgbboard.html SNES Mini - S-RGB Expansion Board]** ===
 
This method is essentially the same as the original DIY SNES Mini mod, however all you'll need is wire!  All components are included on the board, resulting in a much cleaner look and easier installation.  Plus, this includes S-Video support as well!  If you're going to use the built-in amp, THIS is the method I strongly recommend.
 
[[[File:VoultarSRGBboardV2.jpg)](snesminisrgbboard.html]]
 
 
 
 
 
=== **Older & DIY Mods:** ===
 
These are guides that show you how to perform RGB and S-Video mods as DIY projects.  The guides are still accurate, however I strongly recommend either of the above mods, as they're cleaner, easier and offer more features.  I'll explain each mod below, then link to the full guide:
 
 
 
=== **[snesminisrgb.html Use the SNES Mini's Built-in amp:]** ===
 
This method is sometimes referred to as the "3-wire" mod, since you're essentially just connecting the three RGB lines (and sync), plus a few resistors, but that's pretty much it.  The biggest disadvantage is soldering to the S-RGB can be very challenging for beginners and if you're adding other mods, the components can get messy. [[[File:SNESMiniRGBModPage03.jpg)](snesminisrgb.html]]
 
 
 
=== [snesminidiybypass.html **DIY THS7314 Amp:**] ===
 
The THS7314 amp is commonly used in many modding projects, as it's cheap and easy to assemble.  It's a good quality amp and learning how to make your own might be fun for any DIY'ers.  Here's a guide on how to install one in a SNES Mini and for reference, here's a page all about the amp itself:  [http://retrorgb.com/thsamps.html http://retrorgb.com/thsamps.html]
 
[[[File:RGBAmpwResistors.jpg)](snesminidiybypass.html]]
 
 
 
=== [snesminipremade7314.html **Pre-assembled THS7314 amps:**] ===
 
People have integrated the THS7314 into their own pre-made board.  This guide specifically shows how to install Borti's board, however the basic instructions will be the same for pretty much anything similar (add the csync line first, tap RGB, add brightness-attenuating resistors, done):
 
[[[File:SNESMiniRGBPage03.jpg)](snesminipremade7314.html]]
 
 
 
=== **[snesminisvideo.html S-Video Mod:]** ===
 
If you're already doing an RGB mod on your SNES Mini, you might want to consider adding S-Video as well:
 
[[[File:SNESS-Video01.jpg)](snesminisvideo.html]]
 
 
 
=== **Counterfeit SNES Mini's:** ===
 
A reader emailed me to tell me there are counterfeit SNES Mini's out there.  I've never seen one, but if you're worried about buying a clone, [http://gamesx.com/wiki/doku.php?id=counterfeit_snes check out this page] to make sure you have a real Nintendo-made system.
 
Feel free to go back to the [snes.html main SNES page].  If you'd like info on mods for other systems, head to the [/systems.html Getting RGB From Each System page] or check out [/ the main page] for more retro-awesomeness.

Latest revision as of 19:54, 31 July 2022

SNESMiniConsole.jpg

The SNES Mini has everything it needs to output RGB and s-video, but is missing the connections and basic circuitry. You can choose between using the Mini's built-in RGB amp and adding the missing circuitry, or adding a newer amp and simply connecting the RGB lines.

RGB Mods

Here are installation guides for the best video mods you can do on your SNES Mini / Super Famicom Jr.  Here is the advantages of each here, and a link to the full guide:

Recommended

Pre-assembled THS7374 Amp (Guide)

Pre-assembled THS7374 Amp

The newer THS7374 chips provide an excellent RGB signal but are notoriously difficult to solder due to their size. A handful of hardware developers have created pre-made amps that include all the circuitry needed to output RGB. This makes installation extremely simple and only requires 4 short wires to be added to the bottom of the board. It is recommended that beginners use this solution, for ease of use, but some experts actually prefer the look of this amp to the onboard S-RGB Encoder.

Older & DIY Mods

These are guides that show you how to perform RGB and S-Video mods as DIY projects.  The guides are still accurate, however it is strongly recommend to do either of the above mods, as they're cleaner, easier and offer more features.  Here is the advantages of each here, and a link to the full guide:

S-RGB Expansion Board (Guide)

S-RGB Expansion Board

This method is essentially the same as the original DIY SNES Mini mod, however all you'll need is wire. All components are included on the board, resulting in a much cleaner look and easier installation. Plus, this includes S-Video support as well! If you're going to use the built-in amp, THIS is the method recommended if you can find a S-RGB expansion board.

S-RGB DIY (Guide)

Using the built-in amp

This method is sometimes referred to as the "3-wire" mod, since you're essentially just connecting the three RGB lines (and sync), plus a few resistors, but that's pretty much it. The biggest disadvantage is soldering to the S-RGB can be very challenging for beginners and if you're adding other mods, the components can get messy.

THS7314/THS7316 Amp Boards (Guide)

Pre-assembled THS7314 amps

People have integrated the THS7314 or THS7316 into their own board. This guide specifically shows how to make your own DIY board, however the basic instructions will be the same for pretty much any pre-assembled board as well.

S-Video Mod (Guide)

If you're already doing an RGB mod on your SNES Mini, you might want to consider adding S-Video as well.
S-video mod