Wiring

[Sudi]

I'm interested in modding up a rig. I wanted to start out simple...something that many people have probably done before...make an old NES into a pc. The only problem I have is with the NES power/reset buttons. I'm not exactly sure how to rig it to work with the motherboard. I know soldering has to be done to the NES power/reset cicuit board...but I am unsure of where to start. Any help please!?!

My mobo is a Via EPIA SP13000 Motherboard if that helps out at all. Thanks for any help in advance!:)

[xmastree]

What are the NES buttons like? If they're just simple pushbuttons it shouldn't be difficult. Got a picture?

[Sudi]

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/2711/dscn3071a1xm.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/2080/dscn3072a0ef.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[xmastree]

Nice pics...

Right, the power presumably is a push-on push-off latching switch. See that spring plate on it, which isn't there on the reset switch? You'll need to remove that and there will be a bit of wire under it. Remove that too and it will become momentary, like the reset switch.

As for connecting them, there are five wires there, but you really need six. Two for the power, two for the reset and two for the LED (assuming you're using the LED).

The LED seems to be common with the reset switch, probably the ground. Easiest thing would be to remove all the wires, cut the track going to the LED, and just wire the three seperately.

If you're not sure about that, holler and I'll draw you a quick diagram.

Edit: I did it anyway.

http://www.lotechdesigns.com/host/images/9678switches.jpg

[Sudi]

Thanks...I understand what I'm am shooting for now except for the whole cut the corner thing...how far back do i cut??? Anyways...Thank you for your help!!!

[xmastree]

You see the thin track running along the edge of the board, connecting one side of the LED to one side of the reset switch? Just make sure that track is cut so that they are no longer connected. Anywhere along the track will do, I just chose the corner as it's easier.

[Sudi]

Alright...and one last question...I've been looking around for some of those wires to rig up the switches with...but it seems that I cannot find them anywhere. The only thing I can think of right now is to buy a case just to get those wires...is there any place that I can find those wires without needing to buy a case?

Also, I'd just like to thank you xmastree for your help with the wiring!:D

[xmastree]

wtf? I'm sure I posted a reply... :? Oh well, here goes again...

Pretty much any wire will do, I would probably go for cheap speaker wire.
Ribbon cable would look nicer.
http://www.cedmagic.com/tech-info/remote-control/02-peeling-ribbon-cable.jpg

It's the connectors which may be difficult to get.

These guys sell them:
http://www.frontx.com/order_c.html

Specifically you need these:
http://www.frontx.com/cpx075_8.html

and some of these:
http://www.frontx.com/cpx076.html

or maybe this for the power LED
http://www.frontx.com/cpx075_2.html

[Sudi]

hehe...sorry...yeah you replied...but i've never messed with wires and which ones to use before... and I was like :? . But anyhoo...Thanks for your help!!! I'll have to post my rig when I'm done with it!!! Thanks for your help xmastree!!!:)

[xmastree]

no, I meant I thought I posted that before, but it didn't show so i posted it again. I suppose out of context it could have been msinterpreted...

The wtf was wondering why my reply didn't show, not about your question.

Good luck with the wiring, it's not difficult.

Were you able to modify the power switch to make it momentary?

[Sudi]

yes, it became momentary, and I soldered the points where need be...and it works!!!:) Now i just have to figure out why im not getting any computer screen upon boot up...:( ...stupid computer...lol. Anyhoo...thanks again for your help !!!

[xmastree]

Excellent. :D

Pity about the video, but I'm sure you'll figure it out. Does it POST ok?

[Sudi]

Well it did POST okay at first....started up...got the beep and the whole 9 yards...but now it just turns on...no beep...hopefully I didn't short anything out...because I was messing with the headers quite a bit trying to get the power to work. The only way I had to shut it off was to pull the plug:mad: I havent had a chance yet to look at it in real depth yet...cause' I just got back from my 21st b-day bash...lol...good times!:)

[xmastree]

Hmm... When I have a problem like that, I remove pretty much everything except the CPU and one stick of RAM. It should fail the POST due to no video. One long and three short beeps. That's a good sign. Then replace things one by one.
If it doesn't, try different RAM if available.

[Sudi]

Yeah I'm about to check it out...only thing is...I have an ITX motherboard...so everything is basically integrated...lol. I'll keep posted of what happens...