Modding a PAL French N64 for RGB. Also, what cable do I need?

Necro!

I've recently picked up an NTSC N64 and I'd like to RGB mod this one too. For my PAL model, it was a simple case of soldering up a few wires and resistors, but all the guides I've seen for NTSC involve amplifying the signal (ala the PC Engine RGB mod) is that truly the case? I also see these guides don't mention cutting the sync trace on the connector like I had to, why's that?

 

It's been a while for me, but if the N64 has the VDC chip (which is the case for the early JAP and US models), you'll need to boost the signal (or the RGB cable). The French model had the SRGB chip like the SNES which doesn't need aforementioned boost. I don't have experience with cutting the sync trace.

 

Depends on your N64. I had to cut the trace for composite video and hook the luma up to that pin for sync to avoid crosshatching, or whatever the effect is called.





Used the same THS7314 based amplifier as I did in my Duo R. Looks mint.

 

Ah, that's probably why I was advised to do that when I did my PAL N64, probably a good idea to do the same on the NTSC. Where'd you get that little amp kit? It looks neat! Though if it's intended for the PCE, wouldn't the amplification level be incorrect for the N64? Also, who's that little figure there? She doesn't have much presence.

 

http://www.amibay.com/showthread.php?59384-PC-Engine-TG16-RGB-amplifiers

 

Cool! And they're suitable for use in the N64? They don't make the picture too bright or dark?

 

Nope. Using an Official GameCube SCART in the above image.

 

Cool, thanks!

I notice you didn't solder directory to the video chip in your photos, why's that?

 

Isn't any need, same values as directly to the chip.

 

I see. I also notice you secured the amp to the heatsink instead of somewhere on the board, is it too tall to fit under the RF shield?

 

Yeah it is.

 

Dang. Was hoping for something neat and tidy. Wonder if there's a little spot somewhere I can hide it?

 

Who's looking inside your N64?

 

Me!

 

Looking at it now, you could probably hide it on the underside of the heatsink that I placed it on. I just wanted to make sure it was secured to the hardware and not loose.

 

Cool, I'll have to pick one up then! Do you use a PAL or NTSC GameCube cable with it?

 

I have the Official PAL one.

 

NTSC GameCube doesn't output RGB.

 

Hopefully the SCART cable isn't as freakin' rare at the component cable definitely a good idea to go for the official cable, I always had noise issues with every 3rd party Nintendo SCART cable I ever tried.

True, but I figured it still might need different values from the PAL version since that's how Nintendo console always seem to be.

 

N64 depends on the mod. Since it's not official.
GC no idea. I doubt anyone outside Nintendo (or their hardware partners) knows what values RGB on NTSC systems, would've used if present.