Technical and Repair Assistance

[Rcoehrs]

I have a question when it comes to Controller extension and what I can do about it, I recantly had to move my famicom and the short wires of the controllers make it very hard to play the games from a reasonable distance from the tv..What products will help me with this? what's the best on the market? are any really worth it?

[turbo D]

You know, I've pondered this question too. I've been thinking about buying some longer wires from the electronic store to replace the short ones. I would just solder the longer wire to the controller and pcb either directly or with the existing connector. Not sure if this has been done before or if it would cause lag, but it is something that I have been seriously thinking about. If I do end up doing it, I'll take a few pics for you.

[133MHz]

It's perfectly doable. You'd have to get wires longer than 5 meters to have any noticeable problem.

[Rcoehrs]

but is there anyway to extend without having to open the Famicom? I really am not to handy with the soldering and it's already been modded with A/V cables by another so I have no idea what else he might have done in there before hand, that's why I ask. thaks for any help.

[133MHz]

Yes, you can plug controllers into the 15 pin expansion port. The only problem is getting a long enough DB-15 plug to reach into the Famicom's pins.

[Rcoehrs]

I'm sorry I don't understand..what controllers would I be plugging into the port exactly? Are you saying they made longer corded famicom controllers? Or something else? which is the best ? how much does it run and where do I go to get one?

Sorry for all the questions, Kinda new to all  this still and having a hard time understanding the workings of my first foreign system thanks for being patient, friendly and answering my questions everybody, really cool forum.

[133MHz]

There are standalone Famicom controllers which plug into the console's 15 pin expansion port, like this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/FAMICOM-NES-JOYCARD-CONTROLLER-FC-HUDSON-JAPAN_W0QQitemZ250334056151QQcmdZViewItemQQptZVideo_Games_Accessories?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

There are several models by various brands, with or without turbo features, varying cable length, etc.

You can also wire a pair of NES controllers so that you can connect them to the Famicom's expansion port, if you have some soldering skills and if you can find the right plug.

ooXxXoo did a very interesting thing: He rewired a NES Four Score Multitap so that you can use it on your Famicom!
Excellent idea IMO, you get to use your NES controllers and Zapper light gun on your FC without modifying them!

Here's his video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFLwMCRQuGc

[BadWolf42]

Hey, 133mhz, A few days ago you suggested I tried my RAM adapter on a Famiclone, and still no luck. The graphical glitching was gone, but it still didn't load past the copyright screen.

You said something about the RAM chip, and I was wondering if
A) You could tell me exactly which chip it is, and
B) You could tell me how to get a replacement.

Again, your help is much appreciated,
Ruyzaki

[FamicomFreak]

I have a question and want to know some info before opening my second controller. The d pad seems to be stuck when you try to move from one direction to the other so I was wondering if you guys think this is an easy fix meaning there is probably something out of place inside or it'll be more complicated like having to buy another 2nd controller for the Famicom.

[133MHz]

It could be dirty. Open it up and clean it with some rubbing alcohol and an old toothbrush.

[FamicomFreak]

Thanks I'm going to need to borrow one from my bro because I don't have the screw driver at the moment.

[Drakon]

oh, some guys on gamesx.com managed to use a playchoice 10 ppu and get good rgb from it.  I've never tried it myself because honestly....NES graphics don't need rgb

[Rcoehrs]

FDS question, Sure yea guys get alot..
Recently got my first game for the system Super Mario Brothers 2.
Place it in and all I get is the loading screen and loud buzzing, any ideas of what's going on?
-Using the AC Adapter
-Famicom works fine with carts no buzzing
-Both Disk and Disk system have said to been  tested
-A/V modded Famicom [Not sure if that matters]
-Disk System works fine without disk in. No Buzzing]

[133MHz]

If the buzzing comes from the TV speakers, your AC adapter is faulty.
If the buzzing comes from the FDS drive itself, your drive belt is broken.

[Rcoehrs]

well then I need some business advice
I got the famicom disk system around the end of feb, with money restraints and all I JUST got my first game today.
I only turned in the disc system once to make sure it turned on at all, But now I have a never played on by me disk system with a broken belt..what should I ask of the seller? if anything?