N64:RGB-Compatible Systems: Difference between revisions

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[[Category:N64]]
[[Category:N64]]
= Intro =
All versions of the N64 can be RGB and HDMI modded.  The [[N64:UltraHDMI_(HDMI)|UltraHDMI Board]] works with all versions of the N64, however there are a few choices for RGB.
All versions of the N64 can be RGB and HDMI modded.  The [[N64:UltraHDMI_(HDMI)|UltraHDMI Board]] works with all versions of the N64, however there are a few choices for RGB.


= N64 RGB Kits =
== Compatible with all N64s ==  
== Compatible with all versions of the N64 ==  
<small>'''Every N64 can output RGB using a more complicated RGB kit, which are generally more expensive and harder to install, but offer extra features:'''</small>
<small>'''Every N64 can output RGB using a more complicated RGB kit, which are generally more expensive and harder to install, but offer extra features:'''</small>


:Tim Worthington sells an excellent kit that's compatible with all N64's and can be purchased directly from his store:
:Tim Worthington sells an excellent kit that's compatible with all N64s and can be purchased directly from his store:


::*Tim's N64RGB:  [http://etim.net.au/shop/shop.php?crn=209&rn=548&action=show_detail http://etim.net.au/shop/shop.php?crn=209&rn=548&action=show_detail]
::*Tim's N64RGB:  [http://etim.net.au/shop/shop.php?crn=209&rn=548&action=show_detail http://etim.net.au/shop/shop.php?crn=209&rn=548&action=show_detail]
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:Borti has released ''two'' designs for an N64RGB solution!:   
:Borti has released ''two'' designs for an N64RGB solution!:   
::#A 'general' RGB-output kit, plus a more advanced kit that can output component video ''and'' VGA. - [https://8bitmods.com/nintendo-64-rgb-v2-0/ 8BitMods(US)]
::#A 'general' RGB-output kit, plus a more advanced kit that can output component video ''and'' VGA. - [https://8bitmods.com/nintendo-64-rgb-v2-0/ 8BitMods(US)]
::#An advanced kit that can also linedouble to 480p...as well as just output standard RGB. - [https://retrogamerstuff.com/collections/nintendo-64/products/n64-advanced-rgb-mod? RetroGamerStuff(US)] | [https://8bitmods.com/n64-rgb-advanced/ 8BitMods (US)]
::#An advanced kit that can also linedouble to 480p as well as output standard RGB. - [https://retrogamerstuff.com/collections/nintendo-64/products/n64-advanced-rgb-mod? RetroGamerStuff(US)] | [https://8bitmods.com/n64-rgb-advanced/ 8BitMods (US)]
::#Open Source Files - [https://github.com/borti4938/n64rgb GitHub]
::#Open Source Files - [https://github.com/borti4938/n64rgb GitHub]


:<small>'''Borti also released custom firmware [[N64:N64blur|that allows for "de-blur" options.]]  This firmware will work on both his and Tim's kits!'''</small>
:<small>'''Borti also released custom firmware [[N64:N64blur|that allows for "de-blur" options.]]  This firmware will work on both his and Tim's kits.'''</small>


 
 
 
== Only compatible with early N64s ==
== Only compatible with early versions of the N64 ==
<small>'''Early versions of the N64 (the first 4 board revisions) can output RGB with a board that offers the same video quality, but are _much_ easier to install and less expensive.  There are a few tricks to find compatible N64s, but the only way to be 100% sure is by opening it up.'''</small>
<small>'''Early versions of the N64 (the first 4 board revisions) can output RGB with a board that offers the same video quality, but are _much_ easier to install and less expensive.  There are a few tricks to find compatible N64's, but the only way to be 100% sure is by opening it up.'''</small>


====How to find RGB-outputting NTSC N64 Systems====
====How to find RGB-outputting NTSC N64 Systems====


:#If you have a serial number that starts with "NS1" (USA), "NUJ1" (Japan) or French systems with the model number "NUS-001(FRA)", then you most likely have an N64 that's compatible. Supposedly, some early Canadian N64's also contain this chip.
:#If you have a serial number that starts with "NS1" (USA), "NUJ1" (Japan) or French systems with the model number "NUS-001(FRA)", then you most likely have an N64 that's compatible. Supposedly, some early Canadian N64s also contain this chip.
:#Many older Brazilian N64's contain the same chip and can be RGB modded.  Even though Brazil used PAL-M, is was still 60Hz and only compatible with NTSC games:  [http://s9.zetaboards.com/Nintendo_64_Forever/topic/7405289/1/ http://s9.zetaboards.com/Nintendo\_64\_Forever/topic/7405289/1/]
:#Many older Brazilian N64s can also be RGB modded.  Even though Brazil used PAL-M, it was still 60 Hz and only compatible with NTSC games:  [http://s9.zetaboards.com/Nintendo_64_Forever/topic/7405289/1/ http://s9.zetaboards.com/Nintendo\_64\_Forever/topic/7405289/1/]
:#If you have a serial number that starts with anything else, or is a PAL console, you'll need to use the "advanced" kits described above.
:#If you have a serial number that starts with anything else, or is a PAL console, you'll need to use the "advanced" kits described above.
:#For more information on which serial numbers have each motherboard revision, please visit these sites: [http://forums.modretro.com/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=1417 http://forums.modretro.com/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=1417]  /
:#For more information on which serial numbers have each motherboard revision, please visit these sites: [http://forums.modretro.com/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=1417 http://forums.modretro.com/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=1417]  /
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====Confirming the correct chip====
====Confirming the correct chip====


<small>'''Regardless of serial number, please open your N64 to double check that it has the correct video chip that's required for RGB-modding (explained below).  To open the system, you'll simply need a 4.5MM game tool and a philips screwdriver, as described in the [[N64:Repair Tools|Repair Tools]] page.'''</small>
<small>'''Regardless of serial number, please open your N64 to double check that it has the correct video chip that's required for RGB-modding (explained below).  To open the system, you'll simply need a 4.5 mm gamebit driver and a Phillips/JIS screwdriver, as described in the [[N64:Repair Tools|Repair Tools]] page.'''</small>


::1. Remove the memory module, then unbolt the plastic cover using the 4.5mm game tool. 
::1. Remove the Jumper Pak or Expansion Pak, then remove the six 4.5 mm gamebit screws holding the shell together.  
::2. Unbolt only the screws that are circled in the picture below:
::2. With the top case removed, unscrew only the screws that are circled in the picture below:


[[File:N64ShieldRemoval.jpg|center]]
[[File:N64ShieldRemoval.jpg|center]]


::3. After removing just those, the entire metal heat shielding will lift off as one piece, exposing the motherboard:  
::3. After removing these screws, the entire metal heat sink and RF shield will lift off as one piece, exposing the motherboard:  


::4. Once it’s disassembled, look for the following chip. 
::4. Once the console is disassembled, look for the following chip. 
   
   


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==Where to purchase?==
==Where to purchase==
If your N64 is compatible with a basic mod, you can either make your own RGB amp board, or buy one pre-assembled.  The pre-assembled ones are recommended, as they generally use better amp chips (THS7374 vs 7314) and some offer more features like a sync stripper.  Links to everything you need are found in the mod instruction pages:
If your N64 is compatible with a basic mod, you can either [[N64:RGB_Mod_DIY_RGB_Amp|make your own RGB amp board]], or buy [[N64:RGB_Mod_Basic_Amp_Install|one pre-assembled]].  The pre-assembled ones are recommended, as they generally use better amp chips (THS7374 vs 7314) and some offer more features like a sync stripper.
 
**[/n64rgbmod.html N64 Pre-assembled Basic RGB Mod Instructions]**
 
**[n64rgb.html N64 DIY RGB amp mod]**

Latest revision as of 04:23, 8 December 2022

All versions of the N64 can be RGB and HDMI modded.  The UltraHDMI Board works with all versions of the N64, however there are a few choices for RGB.

Compatible with all N64s

Every N64 can output RGB using a more complicated RGB kit, which are generally more expensive and harder to install, but offer extra features:

Tim Worthington sells an excellent kit that's compatible with all N64s and can be purchased directly from his store:
Borti has released two designs for an N64RGB solution!: 
  1. A 'general' RGB-output kit, plus a more advanced kit that can output component video and VGA. - 8BitMods(US)
  2. An advanced kit that can also linedouble to 480p as well as output standard RGB. - RetroGamerStuff(US) | 8BitMods (US)
  3. Open Source Files - GitHub
Borti also released custom firmware that allows for "de-blur" options.  This firmware will work on both his and Tim's kits.

 

Only compatible with early N64s

Early versions of the N64 (the first 4 board revisions) can output RGB with a board that offers the same video quality, but are _much_ easier to install and less expensive.  There are a few tricks to find compatible N64s, but the only way to be 100% sure is by opening it up.

How to find RGB-outputting NTSC N64 Systems

  1. If you have a serial number that starts with "NS1" (USA), "NUJ1" (Japan) or French systems with the model number "NUS-001(FRA)", then you most likely have an N64 that's compatible. Supposedly, some early Canadian N64s also contain this chip.
  2. Many older Brazilian N64s can also be RGB modded.  Even though Brazil used PAL-M, it was still 60 Hz and only compatible with NTSC games:  http://s9.zetaboards.com/Nintendo\_64\_Forever/topic/7405289/1/
  3. If you have a serial number that starts with anything else, or is a PAL console, you'll need to use the "advanced" kits described above.
  4. For more information on which serial numbers have each motherboard revision, please visit these sites: http://forums.modretro.com/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=1417  /

Confirming the correct chip

Regardless of serial number, please open your N64 to double check that it has the correct video chip that's required for RGB-modding (explained below).  To open the system, you'll simply need a 4.5 mm gamebit driver and a Phillips/JIS screwdriver, as described in the Repair Tools page.

1. Remove the Jumper Pak or Expansion Pak, then remove the six 4.5 mm gamebit screws holding the shell together.
2. With the top case removed, unscrew only the screws that are circled in the picture below:
N64ShieldRemoval.jpg
3. After removing these screws, the entire metal heat sink and RF shield will lift off as one piece, exposing the motherboard:
4. Once the console is disassembled, look for the following chip. 


N64Page03.jpg


5. If it says "VDC-NUS" or "VDC-NUS A" (like pictured below), you should be fine and can proceed with the basic RGB mod. 
  • If it doesn't have this chip, you'll have to use one of the advanced mods.


Where to purchase

If your N64 is compatible with a basic mod, you can either make your own RGB amp board, or buy one pre-assembled.  The pre-assembled ones are recommended, as they generally use better amp chips (THS7374 vs 7314) and some offer more features like a sync stripper.