Hello, I am new to the Famicom system, and I recently grabbed one up off ebay. While I am waiting for it, I read through the posts here and bought the step down/up voltage converter just to make sure it would run right. My only question is, can I use the RF switch from my original Nintendo on My Famicom? Will it make any difference?
Thanks
The Famicom transmits at a different frequency than the US models, I've heard people have success tuning their TVs to channel 96 for getting it to display properly. The best route to go is an AV modded Famicom, unless others here know better solutions.
I connect my old NES rf lug to the Famicom. Then I set the TV to use Cable Tuning and turn the channel to 96. It works for me.
-CFB
Interesting I should try using that method sometime.
on the majority of asian made tv's (samsung, sony, sharp, etc) you can use the original famicom rf cord and tune to channel 96. it wont work for all tv's.
I have a samsung hdtv that I have the rf cord hooked up to. I use channel 95 for the best signal
I just got a 1984 Famicom system, and it works crystal clear on channel 35 on my tv here in the US. All my other famicoms work on channel 96. At first i thought it was broken, but nope it works great on channel 35.
I got mine hooked up, and it works on channel 96, but its in black and white? Are the disk system disks supossed to be in black and white?
uh no. try a diff channel
I have a clone that came with the av and a reg fami that runs the rf but i can never get it to work so i always use the clone or my twin.
Thanks for your help so far guys. but now for some reason, this thing is only in black and white. It must be the rf plugg. It works fine on my regular Nintendo though. I turn to channel 96 and the picture is crystal clear, just black and white. I tried every other channel and nothing else comes in.
I have my famicom tuned in on channel 96 with the good old nes rf adapter but all i get is a grey screen of doom >:( can someone tell me what i've stuffed up? i dare not kill my famicom attempting an AV mod as i am retarded when it comes to electrical fixings of things i also want the danmed thing to work so i can test to see if the disk system i got with it works
I'll be honest and just say that I hate trying to set up the original Famicom in the US. I had it hooked up with an NES RF once, but it worked only on channel 98, though perfectly. It's just a matter of testing it on various channels until you find one that works best. Sometimes I'd get sound on one channel, but no video. Sometimes just the video. I ended up buying an AV modded original Famicom, but I wouldn't mind picking up an actual AV Famicom.
If all fails, maybe try different TVs. :-\
Generally the channel you want is somewhere in the 90's
Just an idea (never seen a Famicom myself) Would it be possible to tune the adjustment coils in the RF board to make the Fami broadcast in a more normal NTSC-US channel? I remember a Famiclone I had which broadcasted in channel 12 (while all of them do it in channel 3). Fiddling with the coils I got it to broadcast on different channels.
Just an idea ;D
maybe?
hmmm perhaps my problem is i'm not in the US i'm in Australia with a PAL tv but it seems to play the japanese superfamicom on the tv without any troubles and it's not possible to try it on another tv cause i only have the one :( maybe i just bought a dud one :(
Dude you are waaaay off. How do you plug yor SFC to your TV ? If you use composite video maybe that's why it works, some PAL TVs are multisystem, they are capable of displaying NTSC signals but usually only if they come through the composite inputs, not antenna. I recommend doing a temporary AV mod on the Famicom to see if it outputs any video, so you can know if the Famicom is good or not, then troubleshoot the TV issues.
I use the NES RF adapter from the teev to the superfamicom and my NES and it works fine with those my famicom just won't play though :( it just sits there with a boring grey screen
Even if his TV wouldn't display NTSC properly, he'd get some kind of scrolling picture on his screen, not just a blank screen. Sounds like a problem w/the Famicom to me.
>:( broken famicom make this girl sad :(
can anyone shed some light on what the problem could be ?
No power to CPU board maybe. Check if +5V is reaching the CPU board first (test the output of the 7805 regulator along its path).
Then proceed to troubleshoot individual sections.
Power is going through at the correct voltages and all of it seems fine but there is this little green bit that doesn't seem to have any power going through it ans i suspect it might be stuffed i have taken some piccies of the guts of my famicom
here is a full view of the mainboard (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y144/Security16/DSCF0130.jpg)
a closer look at the mainboard (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y144/Security16/DSCF0133.jpg)
and a closer look at the suspected problem green thingy
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y144/Security16/DSCF0132.jpg)
if the quality of the pics is not great please excuse my drunken photography if you need more pics to help me out i can take more cause any help is greatly appreciated :D :-* :-*
i shall go into an alcohol induced sleep for a while as the flu has gotten me down
What is the 'green bit' you are talking about? The entire CPU board?
i think she means teh green cap
That thing is some sort of multi-turn variable capacitor thingy for the clock circuit, there's no sort of measurable voltage there.
:D yeah the green cap :D
seeing as that won't have any voltage going through it i am now at a complete loss as to what the hell is wrong with this thing the grey screen is making me sad
What kind of electronics tools do you have at hand ? (multimeter, oscilloscope, soldering iron, etc).
I don't know the pinout of the ribbon cable which connects the RF board with the CPU board (I see it has 7 pins, at least four of them should be +5V, a ground, video signal (maybe weak) and a weak audio signal, but what about the other 3?) If somebody knows please tell us.
I suggest testing all 7 ribbon pins for +5V presence. Use a known ground point for the multimeter's negative test lead (such as the 7805's heatsink) and with the positive test each one of the ribbon pins. At least one of them should carry 5V, and then with the Famicom unplugged test for continuity (sometimes called diode test on some multimeters) between the known ground and the ribbon pins. At least one of them should be conducting. That concludes if the CPU board is getting power and helps us narrow down the problem to a specific area.
Allright, I purchased a Famicom a while back but never got around to hooking it up, in my idiocracy I hadn't realised that an NES RF switch could replace the wierdo JPN one. Anyhow, I also read that for an American television to be able to display the image, the Famicom must be set on "Ch3" and the actual television "Ch95" again, not a problem.
except for this...
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/7446/famicomswitchprob1gw2.jpg
again...
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/6167/famicomswitchprob2sk0.jpg
What the heck? There seems to be no , well, "switch" for the chanel selector... no black knobby , if you will. So... I'm stumped.
I haven't been able to hook it up and actually see as I'm in need of a TV that'll go to 95 ( My friends flat screen can, so i imagine that'll work) But, it really concerns me that this could be a major problem.
If anyone may be able to help in any for or fashion, please do.
Also, I'm new here, and I just wanna say it's a wonderful site/forum.
I would summeise that the switch either broke off or is stuck. Why not dissasemble your Famicom to see what's going on? The ottom is only kept in place by I think 8 screws and with while you have it apart it also might not be a bad idea to blow some electric, non-static cleaning solution to clear any exterior dirt dust and grime that's been building up for the last twenty years.
It looks like a recessed switch, the kind you move with a fine pointy object, like a small screwdriver.
Ok wierdness to the nth degree. I opened her up and, well it's as if there NEVER WAS ANY SWITCH. Yeah, the switch for tv/game is right there but the rf component is just a somewhat large metal box with the female end for the rf plug attached. The only resemblanse to a switch is like what 133 said, that little ressessed looking divit in the metal, but nothing else, its just a metal box with i divit in it. no moving parts, no nothing.
Hullo. I'm in the US, and wanted to know if there are any normal chain stores in which I can buy an RF cable to plug an original Famicom into an american TV. I've looked everywhere - JGS (Japan Game Stock) was selling some, but they are all out, and I don't even know if it would work.
I had checked out the Rising Stuff website, but they said that I can purchase one at an electronics store. Sadly, since I am a newb since I don't have much experience with electronics, I don't even know what kind of thing I would want to purchase.
Have any suggestions? Anything would help. It is very, very much appreciated. Thanks. ;D
Jearb
If you have a NES, I'm pretty sure you can use the same one...an RF Adapter that is...if you don't have one, you can buy one for the NES here----> http://www.amazon.com/Universal-adapter-NES-Genesis-Nintendo-Super/dp/B00002STYY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1230092119&sr=8-8
Anyone correct me if I'm wrong...
Also make sure you have a voltage converter...as the Famicom is obviously different from the NES
Or you can go here--------> http://www.retro-console.com/index.htm and get an A/V Mod
Quote from: nintendodork on December 23, 2008, 08:12:25 pm
If you have a NES, I'm pretty sure you can use the same one...an RF Adapter that is...
Correctamundo!
I didn't realize I could buy an RF Adapter for 24 Cents...WHAT A BARGAIN
Amazon never ceases to amaze me :P
Quote from: nintendodork on December 23, 2008, 08:12:25 pm
Also make sure you have a voltage converter...as the Famicom is obviously different from the NES
Err...Wait, what do you mean by voltage convertor? And do you know where I could get one?
So you...plug it into the RF...and...convert it?
Quote from: nintendodork on December 23, 2008, 08:12:25 pm
If you have a NES, I'm pretty sure you can use the same one...an RF Adapter that is...if you don't have one, you can buy one for the NES here----> http://www.amazon.com/Universal-adapter-NES-Genesis-Nintendo-Super/dp/B00002STYY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1230092119&sr=8-8
Anyone correct me if I'm wrong...
Also make sure you have a voltage converter...as the Famicom is obviously different from the NES
Or you can go here--------> http://www.retro-console.com/index.htm and get an A/V Mod
The A/V mod site is a rip-off. They wanted to charge me 60$ to mod my NES 2; and then 9$ to ship it back to me.
Total ship there + mod + ship back = 78; thats more then I paid for the console and you can find A/V modded NES 2's for $90.
Quote from: Jearb on December 24, 2008, 05:45:53 am
Quote from: nintendodork on December 23, 2008, 08:12:25 pm
Also make sure you have a voltage converter...as the Famicom is obviously different from the NES
Err...Wait, what do you mean by voltage convertor? And do you know where I could get one?
So you...plug it into the RF...and...convert it?
You can plug the NES RF directly into the Famicom. Nintendodork is likely talking about a step down converter for the AC adapter which is really unnecessary in the US.
Quote from: son_ov_hades on December 24, 2008, 07:35:19 am
You can plug the NES RF directly into the Famicom. Nintendodork is likely talking about a step down converter for the AC adapter which is really unnecessary in the US.
Yes I was, and I've heard horror stories about people who think the way you do son_ov_hades...
I guess I'm not sure how important they are...but I would definately want one if I ever imported a system....I don't wanna take any chances
Quote from: The Uninvited Gremlin on December 24, 2008, 05:46:35 amyou can find A/V modded NES 2's for $90.
And plz tell me where :P
Maybe you're talking about people living in European countries with 220V mains electricity who plugged their 100V Japanese AC adapters with no more than a simple plug adapter, that's an explosive combination. But the difference between 100 and 110V is negligible (for the Famicom, the output voltage on the secondary rises a miserable volt).
Exactly, in the US there is no problem. In a 220v country you're gonna blow it up.
Quote from: 133MHz on December 24, 2008, 02:09:34 pm
110V
Typo, but anyway
Famicom AC adapter: 100V in, 10V out
Turns ratio: 10:1
for 110V in you get 11V out
for 120V in you get 12V out
and so on
Quote from: son_ov_hades on December 24, 2008, 02:31:28 pm
Exactly, in the US there is no problem. In a 220v country you're gonna blow it up.
BTW son_ov_hades, now that you're travelling to Chile, remember to buy a step-down transformer, since we use 220V here :P.
Yeah I know you guys are 220v. I have one for heat producing appliances, but not one for electronics. I don't think I'll be bringing anything electronic though, maybe my laptop but probably not.
Quote from: son_ov_hades on December 25, 2008, 06:25:10 am
I have one for heat producing appliances
Good that you bring that up. Those 'converters' labeled for heating appliances only (which usually are much lighter than a transformer and have ludicrous power ratings like 1500W for their small size) are no more than a simple rectifier diode in series with the power line. The diode only lets the current flow in one way, blocking the negative cycles of the alternating current, effectively chopping the waveform in half, so it's like the appliance SEES half the voltage since the current is only flowing half of the time. This works well for dumb things like space heaters and other resistive devices (you're effectively feeding them 220V, just half of the time so it LOOKS like 110V), but if you plug something electronic to it, like a TV or a Famicom console, the distorted high-voltage waveform is going to cause serious trouble, like letting the smoke out of your equipment :-\.
In conclusion: don't buy these things, unless you're going to use them for heating appliances. For everything else use a proper step-down transformer. Don't be tempted by the low price and high power rating, unless you like blowing up your stuff.
Quote from: son_ov_hades on December 25, 2008, 06:25:10 am
I don't think I'll be bringing anything electronic though, maybe my laptop but probably not.
Laptop power supplies are universal, get a plug adapter and you're set.
But Mr. MHz, the magic smoke makes my salmon taste delicious!
Quote from: 133MHz on December 24, 2008, 02:51:11 pm
Quote from: 133MHz on December 24, 2008, 02:09:34 pm
110V
Typo, but anyway
Famicom AC adapter: 100V in, 10V out
Turns ratio: 10:1
for 110V in you get 11V out
for 120V in you get 12V out
and so on
So what y'all are tellin me....
I don't need any kind of converter at all for use of a Famicom in an American plug......right?
The general consensus is that you don't need one, though it doesn't hurt to have one. If you can't afford one or don't want to get one right now you will be perfectly fine.
How much are they usually?
The step down converters? I bought one a few months ago that was recommended by Famicom World here (http://www.voltageconverters.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=VC100J) for 20 bucks.
Do you think I could get one of these in a store such as Walmart or Radio Shack?
*shrug*
No idea, probably not. Either way, online shopping is the way to go. If anything, the shipping costs are going to bring the discounted price up to anything you'd pay in the store. But at least this way you don't have to leave the house.
I may just have to look in our Walmart tomorrow, I'm either going to buy 2 Wii games and a DS game (130 Coins) or I'm gonna buy a CIB A/V modded Famicom....
AV modded famicom...
I suggest you just buy a Sharp Twin then. :P
thing is....AV Modded Famicom is alot cheaper than a Sharp
EDIT** Bought the AV Modded Famicom from Famicomshop.com
Can't wait for it to get here!!
Ok, it's christmas morning and it's my last present. I open it up and it's my old style famicom in a box! I bring it downstairs and hook it up, I get an unclear picture after doing all of the correct connections (ac adaptor it comes with, channel 95, and an rf switch from USA). I then switched the rf switches between my top loader and famicom, I turn it on and then I get to see the opening movie to THUNDERBIRDS. That feeling was just awesome!
But I am still confused, the rf switch I had set up for the famicom was the grey boxed rf switch that came with the toploader, and now uses the small black box. Both rf switches work with the top loader. What the heck? Can anyone explain this situation?
The NES RF Adapter will work completely fine with a Famicom.
I find that an NES RF switch gives a clearer signal than the one that came with my Famicom. It seemed to me the Famicom's RF switch was poorly shielded, and picked up a lot of interference. Even standing with my foot too close to the wire would cause the picture to go nuts.
Two words.
A/V Mod....
Best quality on an original Famicom I've seen
Maybe I was not clear in asking this question let me try again. I live in USA and already knew about using an american r/f switch thanks to The Bible Teen on youtube. Now I have two different kinds of these switches that are both american. One with a grey box, and one with a black box. For some reason, the famicom (official old version HVC-001) prefers the black boxed rf switch instead of the grey boxed rf switch.
Why?!
I don't think it matters.
I didn't think it mattered either but on my tv it does.... could this simply be just a tv issue? But both rf switches work on my nes top loader so what the heck?
You need to understand some of the basics of RF switch inner workings. As the name implies, it switches between two RF inputs (one from the coax input: antenna or cable TV, and one from the RCA input: the gaming system). By default coax input is connected to the output (gaming system signal is zero), but when the signal from the RCA jack raises over a certain threshold, the RF box switches the output over to the RCA input.
This means that the TV signal broadcasted by the gaming console should have over a certain strength to make the RF switch operate. Nintendo and Sega consoles emit a fairly strong signal, while Atari and similar systems (like PONG units, the Commodore 64, etc) emit a weaker one, that's why they don't work with a Nintendo RF switch and you have to use a manual TV/Game switch with them: the signal isn't strong enough to trigger the switching mechanism inside the RF switch, or make it trigger partially, causing a weak signal being broadcasted to the TV set.
What could be happening is that your Famicom is broadcasting a slightly weak signal, or your RF switches have different sensitivity settings for their switching signal threshold (be it for manufacturing differences, hardware revisions, old age, etc), so that the Famicom doesn't trigger one of them quite fully, but the other one works perfectly fine.
Hope this clears your confusion ;).
Quote from: 133MHz on January 01, 2009, 06:18:00 pm
Hope this clears your confusion ;).
Thank you 133MHz, it cleared up the confusion for me.
Is it worth it to sell it or am I better off not selling it?
Well, if you can't see yourself using it, you might as well sell it and help somebody out who needs one.
It won't sell for much, but you might be able to trade with a game or something.
Just my 2 Yen.
Cool, could I theoretically use it on an american NTSC tv?
Yes, you could. They've got the ancient twin-screw rooftop aerial connection that old Japanese houses used to have, but with the right adapters it will work perfectly on your standard TV.
How could I use the RF switch I'm given on an american tv with the famicom?
Fit your RF switch with these adapters (dirt cheap at any Radio Shack or similar), then just plug it to your TV, tune into Channel 95/96 and play :).
(http://www.summitsource.com/images/products/COTRAN.jpg)
(http://www.summitsource.com/images/products/CO320P.jpg)
Oh I've seen those with the 2600, I have those. Will the cables I have that came with the 2600 work? Also how do I hook it up?
I have a cable the has the bottom picture combined with the top picture that came with the famicom, is that what I use instead?
still someone who can help me with the black/white screen? I wont give up! There must be something! Anyway, Im going to the biggest electronic shop in holland soon, so I think they have something there :'(
Does anyone know how to hook up the famicom on an american tv with the japanese rf?
It would be cool if I could use it.
I already told you, get the two adapters that I mentioned and fit them into your Japanese RF switch. Now you can plug it in your US TV.
The Atari 2600 RF switch will also work with your Famicom, but it's manually operated instead of automatic.
Here's something interesting. All I had to do was plug the switch into the back of the famicom and then plug the other bit on top of the coaxial plug thingy and it worked.
That's great! I thought I needed to use the screw thingies. What would they be for anyway, the antenna?
Yes sir, apparently you misunderstood me and plugged it the other way around :P.
The 'screw thingies' as I mentioned before are for the antenna connection. Old Japanese houses used that kind of hookup for the rooftop aerial.
I don't know what I was thinking but this helps quite a bit for my future plans in my gaming room... basement. Because I hope to get an av splitter and use the extra av cable with my nes as the bridge from the tv to the splitter since now I can use the other rf switch.
Thanks for the help 133Mhz.
Alot of people here say to go to Channel 96 on Cable ..but on non cable it's UHF Ch. 35 ..34 for me on the PAL SMS
When I first got my Famicom it came with an RF switch, but eventually the thing just fell apart. Now I use my NES RF switch and I get a crystal clear image on channel 95.
Wow, the same exact thing happened to me. :O