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OpenTendo NES PCB

Fluffy

Fluffy

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I am thinking about getting an OpenTendo NES PCB:
https://github.com/Redherring32/OpenTendo

I was wondering, does anyone know of clone cases for the front loader NES? I had a quick look on AliExpress and eBay, and there is a lot of noise from phone cases, and from Raspberry Pi cases. I am sure I've seen third party transparent cases in the past.
 
Never seen any reproduction/clone cases for original NES, frontloader OR toploader.
Recently reproduction cases have been made for PC Engine (Core Grafix/CG2) and Saturn (only the version two with rounded buttons)...
So something like that maybe in the works for the future?

Retro Game Restore
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Game-Tech
red-top.jpg
 
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That is a original shell... If thats what you want why not provide your own?
The open NES PCB requires an original CPU/PPU so a console is getting sacked anyway (ie no harm in also using its case).
 
I see...
I was hoping for a transparent case, to show off the internals.
 
Yea never seen one, but if you come across one (transparent toploader case) please let me know.:thumbup:
 
I've considered an OpenTendo too but I can't really justify the cost of "X" number of boards being made just to upgrade/mod one NES. How were you planning on getting the PCBs made?
 
No idea, maybe gift a few to friends, maybe make a kit out of all the stuff you get from AliExpress.
 
Apocalypse said:
Coolness.
But not why not including RGB in the design?
Click to expand...
I guess that is always the question how far you go between replicating a board and enhancing it. It does include the expansion slot mod for cartridge audio. AFAIK the RGB mod is mostly replacing the graphics chip with an FPGA, or a variant that produces RGB for another reason.
The github includes the schematic and pcb files, so it is possible to make any changes. I added the jlcjlcjlc string to make sure the board identifier lands under a chip.
 
Fluffy said:
AFAIK the RGB mod is mostly replacing the graphics chip with an FPGA, or a variant that produces RGB for another reason.
Click to expand...
Not really. Actually the RGB mod isn't that complicated, I have studied it a bit. All colour bits are easy to sniff and externalise, the only tricky one is the one used to define background/sprite. The workaround is intercepting data and use only white for sprites internally in the PPU and only black for background. Then you can easily recreate the missing bit by comparing video output level generated by the PPU.
The solution offered by Tim Worthington is more complex because it also provides audio and video amplification, s-video, composite video encoded from the generated RGB signals, extra user palettes,etc.
 
Found a few more cases:
131817146_custom-clear-blue-nes-nintendo-system-.jpg

ef4653a7aeeee2ac1ac17bc111d3ba85.jpg

All reverse searches on these images seem to end up on pinterest, which is useless to get more context or find the origin. I have no idea if these are limited original releases.

The seller "Ladytreasures" still exists, but hasn't got items for sale...
"the.golden.ax" could be a user on AtariAge, though a quick search didn't uncover the thread this image is from.
 
werejag said:
in for a pcb if there is a line forming
Click to expand...
It may be much cheaper and faster if you order yourself:
Get the gerbers.zip from https://github.com/Redherring32/OpenTendo/releases/tag/V1.1
Then upload it to https://jlcpcb.com/ (or pcbway or oshpark)
Use surface finish "ENIG" for chemical gold coating, or HASL for solder coating. Select a PCB colour of your choice.
(The price will be for 5 boards. There are some fixed engineering costs, so cost per board goes down significantly if you order more. Also keep an eye on shipping.)
 
I agree with @Apocalypse in that this PCB should have supported RGB from day fucking one.
Without that I keep asking myself the question "why even bother?" ya know.

Sure its cool and everything, but honestly who cares?
I have no shortage of solder projects, I guess if you enjoy it as an activity (like building models) that makes sense.
For actual use/gameplay? I just LOL'd in my Livingroom.
 
Apocalypse said:
But not why not including RGB in the design?
Click to expand...
that would definitely be cool.

heck it would also be cool if it was reconfigured as a JAMMA board, throw an ever drive on it and you've got yourself a PlayChoice 1000
 
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I don't see the point of this board, but a jamma edge on one would really be something.
 
I guess that wouldn't be too hard if you fork the design. Would you add playchoice 10 slot connectors as well, in addition to a NES and/or Famicom connector?
 
Fluffy said:
Would you add playchoice 10 slot connectors as well, in addition to a NES and/or Famicom connector?
Click to expand...
I don't think that would be needed at all, and only serve to raise the cost of the PCB.
With a proper color pallet loaded the NES Everdrive can even play Vs ROMs (but you have to patch-in a coin input).

Vs. Super Mario Bros. > Super Mario Bros. (aka the only version I play on NES)

+1 for putting a JAMMA edge on this!
 
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