low_budget

I finally broke down and created a website for the Super 8 bit. http://www.lowbudgetify.com/index.html Thanks for looking!

Since the Super 8 bit does have a large, dust unprotected opening in the top, I decided to finally do something about it. Soon I'll have 3d printed dust covers in a choice of 4 colors that will protect the cartridge connectors from dust and look nice when the system is not in use. These covers shown are just prototypes, the finished ones won't have any openings. These "dust plugs" will be included with all Super 8 bit systems and available for free to anyone who has ordered the v2.5 or v3.0 Super 8 bit system previously. Right now I have black, white, red, blue ABS and semi transparent PLA. I've tested the component video add-on board made by Viletim, but it didn't work well with either of my flat screen TVs I tested (the TVs didn't handle 240p component signal well.) I decided not to include this in any Super 8 bit systems as a result. I find the Jrok component video converter is currently the best option. All my v3.0 Super 8 bit systems are v1.7 NESRGB. So I guess it's safe to say 100% compatibility for the system then. Cool!

I have a Flashforge dual extruder 3d printer that printed good with the firmware it shipped with. Last night I updated my Replicator software to the latest Sailfish. I am liking the new Sailfish firmware and software, but I'm having a weird problem: Everything is printing crooked on the x axis. The picture pretty much shows the problem. The "death star birdhouse" is supposed to have a round hole (not oval.) The whole part leans to the left. The print quality is excellent and it does seem better than original otherwise. It seems that every layer printed, there is some x offset going on. Is there a way to adjust this? The firmware installed on the printer is Sailfish 40r30 the profile is set as The Replicator Dual (Sailfish) It's the right version for the main board on my printer.

Hello I am looking for someone who can design a 3d printable .stl file for a part I need to make. I will provide a detailed drawing and all dimensions. I will pay up to $100 for design work. Send me a PM and I'll explain further Thanks!

I haven't followed this post in a while, but I like where this project is going. Curious to see how adding the circuit to the trackball it turns out. I turned one of my masterly clones into a paddle controller just by adding a button. The adjustment knobs on the circuit can be used as horizontal / vertical paddles. I can play Breakout just using the masterplay clone by itself.

Famicom microphone support added to v3.0! https://www.tindie.com/products/low_budget/super-8-bit-console-with-new-v30-pcb/

I initially didn't think Famicom microphone support was needed, mostly because it is only used on 5 or 6 early Famicom games. However due to a lot of requests, built-in Famicom support is now featured in the new v3.0 Super 8 bit motherboard! Version 3.0 is not meant to replace v2.5, it simply adds Famicom microphone functionality using a built-in microphone. Sensitivity is adjustable and the input is tied to a LED so the user has a visual indicator when the microphone input is active (sound level loud enough.) Since I was designing a new PCB anyway, I made some small changes, like larger and easier to adjust potentiometers on v3.0. I hope to have Super 8 bit systems with the v3.0 motherboard available in 1-2 weeks. Due to the extra labor and parts cost involved, this version will cost more than systems using the v2.5 circuit board. Here's a video of the new v3.0 Super 8 bit being tested with a variety of Famicom and NES accessories.

About my 99.8% compatibility figure: The NESRGB is basically the only thing different electrically from an original system. I've heard a game called "duck maze" doesn't boot, but that might have been fixed on newer NESRGB firmwares. I did not want to say 100% compatibility because eventually someone might find a game that doesn't work. I think it's safe to say 99.8% compatibility for now......

The easiest way to connect the XRGB mini would be in conjunction with a Genesis 2 SCART cable and a SCART to 8p mini din adapter. bump

The A/V multi-out connector on the Super 8 is a standard 9 pin mini-DIN. It is fully compatible with Genesis 2 RGB and composite cables. I attached the pinouts I have and was able to find. It would be possible to make a custom cable, or maybe a pre-existing cable or adapter is available. I will look into this.... Using the XRGB Mini with the Super 8 bit would work as well as any NESRGB modded NES.

I actually bought many Playchoice 10 RGB PPU chips and CPU chips and have 3 sets left. They could now maybe be used to restore the boards that had them removed I'll sell a working RGB PPU and CPU chipset for $160. I also have a Playchoice 10 PCB working with one game, TMNT for $200. I also have two untested Nintendo VS. arcade game boards, Golf ($120) and Duck Hunt($150). Expansion audio is supported since the very first version It seems some flashcarts output auxiliary sound sound at a lower level than original Famicom carts. That's why there's a gain adjustment

The new Super 8 bit v2.5 is now available with many new features and improvements. Thanks for looking!

Here's some pics of the internals. It has a 3 circuit board stack that is very compact and incorporates the NESRGB nicely without any relocation boards. CPU, NESRGB, and PPU are all socketed and feature plug-in connection. Technically, a Playchoice 10 RGB PPU can still be used, but this Super 8 motherboard has no incorporated video circuitry, it relies on the NESRGB for all video signals coming from the PPU.

The Super 8 bit is back with new features and improvements with version 2.5! Very limited quantity available on http://www.tindie.com. No $500 pre-orders followed by a six month wait! The systems will be listed as I build them with no pre-orders taken. https://www.tindie.com/products/low_budget/nes-super-8-bit-video-game-system-complete/ Overview The Super 8 bit is a new hand-assembled game console that can play all your favorite NES and Famicom games. It uses the original CPU and PPU chips for pixel perfect gameplay and 99.8% compatibility. The Super 8 bit has video, audio, and reliability improvements over the original systems in a compact form factor. The Super 8 was the very first console to work using original hardware CPU and PPU chips when v1.1 was originally sold over 2 years ago. A lot has improved since then! Features included with the new v2.5 circuit board: Dual cartridge slots allow playing games from any region. Compatible with 99.8% of the entire NES and Famicom 8 bit library. Two original NES controller ports and 15 pin Famicom expansion connector have all pins wired for compatibility with all known accessories (some require a CRT television.) Designed to work with Viletim's NESRGB and original console PPU. Composite video, s-video, and 240p RGB video outputs with stereo sound. A/V multi-out connector is pin-compatible with any Genesis 2 A/V cable; standard s-video and RCA connectors are used to eliminate the need for proprietary cables. Three selectable color palettes: original, improved, and arcade. New cartridge connectors with no lockout chip, so any game with a clean connector will work every time. Adjustable hi-fi stereo sound circuit supports auxiliary audio input from game cartridges. Three-piece 14 gauge aluminum powder coated case. Efficient switching 1.5A regulator provides plenty of power to system and accessories. Firmware updates are completely unnecessary with the Super 8.

Will pay $5 apiece, new or used. They must be the type that can be soldered directly to a PCB. Parallax sold them until recently when their stock ran out. They're the same ones that were previously used in my Super 8 and I desperately need for an upcoming project.

I just noticed the excellent Parallax NES controller ports have been discontinued and are out of stock. These are the ports I used on the Super 8 and are perfect replacements. Please help me petiton Parallax to re-stock them. It's on the Parallax web site, product ID 450-32360 It's the last part I need in an upcoming project and very useful for hardware mods. This sucks

I've been absent from the forums for a while now, but I've still been working on projects. I thought of a crazy idea when I bought a new flat screen 25 inch tri-mode CRT monitor and I knew a welder that was out of work. Build an aluminum arcade game cabinet of course! Unlike traditional arcade cabinets that use heavy particle board as both structural components and covers, the aluminum arcade cabinet has an aluminum endoskeleton frame that provides all structural support with covers being just covers. This allows the side covers to be made of almost anything. This arcade cabinet weighs about half what a traditional particle board arcade game cabinet weighs. Plus it's on wheels. I still have much to do: all wiring add shelf for mounting arcade PCBs and electronics add hinged door for access to electronics and PCBs cut and mount remaining aluminum diamond plate side covers mount stereo 2 way 4 x 6 speakers somewhere buy, cut, and mount lexan sheet for the upper side / rear / top side covers. Cut and mount a bezel surrounding the screen add lighted box for adding marquee (optional) add coin door (optional) I'll keep updating the progress.

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The NESRGB board will work with the Super 8 v2.0, but it is not a plug in install. The PPU socket must be relocated slightly away from the cartridge slot. Version 2.0 was designed and released before the NESRGB was announced, unfortunately.

My goal making these was the best picture possible on original hardware. I know the cost of original RGB chips is high, but using composite PPU would not save any cost besides the chip itself. So I did not see much need for a $260 NES with composite video. I have done testing with a composite PPU removed from a NES and the video was black and white. I have various theories and a possible fix in mind, but didn't think that would be a popular option.

I listed all my assembled NES Super 8 systems left after the pre-orders on Tindie.com. I was able to build these faster by doing several at a time, so they are cheaper than my earlier estimates. I really worked hard making these the highest quality. https://www.tindie.c...ystem-complete/ https://www.tindie.c...eo-game-system/ I'm going to take a short break from the project over the holidays, but I will resume in 2014. Thanks for the support everyone.

http://www.lowbudgetify.com/index.html The newest v3.0 motherboard adds the following features: Built-in microphone (with adjustable sensitivity) that mimics the function of the Famicom controller 2. Now you can yell at the system to defeat Polls Voice enemies in The Legend of Zelda in the FDS version! A led indicates when the input is active. USB port provides 5v up to 500mA for charging miscellaneous accessories. Sound adjustment pots are larger and easier to adjust. Features shared with the v2.5 and new v3.0 circuit board: Dual cartridge slots allow playing games from any region. Compatible with 100% of the entire NES and Famicom 8 bit library. Homebrews too. Two original NES controller ports and 15 pin Famicom expansion connector have all pins wired for compatibility with all known accessories (some require a CRT television.) Composite video, s-video, and 240p RGB video outputs with stereo sound. Standard s-video and RCA connectors are used to eliminate the need for proprietary cables, while a Genesis 2 style A/V multi-out connector is used for 240p RGB video. Three selectable color palettes: original, improved, and arcade. New cartridge connectors with no lockout chip, so any game with a clean connector will work every time. Adjustable hi-fi stereo sound circuit Supports audio input from game cartridges featuring built-in sound chips as well as the Famicom Disk System. Three-piece 14 gauge aluminum powder coated case. Efficient switching 1.5A regulator provides plenty of power to system and accessories Compatible with all flash carts. Includes 3D printed cover for the cartridge slot opening. Firmware updates are completely unnecessary with the Super 8. Compatible with NES accessories: Zapper, R.O.B. Robot, Power Pad, 4 Score (4 player adapter.) Compatible with Famicom accessories: Zapper, Famicom Disk System, 3D Glasses, Family Basic Computer, 4 player adapter.

I made up a schematic for a digital controller adapter for the 5200 that only needs one IC and works with most games. I made mine with keypad built in and joystick adapter wired for atari/genesis/SMS. It has 1M pots used to adjust the centering.