UltraHDMI group-buy ROUND 7 - 2021-01-30 UPDATE

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Ichinisan
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Re: UltraHDMI group buy ends 1/22. Install discount +xtras

Post by Ichinisan »

TooBeaucoup wrote:Can I get in on this, please!!! :lol:
Sure! I'll put up a web site ASAP to organize this one.

You're on my list. :)
nmalinoski
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Re: UltraHDMI group buy ends 1/22. Install discount +xtras

Post by nmalinoski »

Any developments with round 2?
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Ichinisan
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Re: UltraHDMI group buy ends 1/22. Install discount +xtras

Post by Ichinisan »

nmalinoski wrote:Any developments with round 2?
Getting much closer. I might be able to post something tonight or tomorrow.
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ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +xtras

Post by Ichinisan »

Round 4: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=63381 - accepting participants
(started early to include some people who were excluded from round 3)

Previous group-buys:

Round 3: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=63235
Round 2: (this thread)
Round 1: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=61658
Round 1: http://nintendoage.com/forum/messagevie ... did=179486




[edit 2018-09-13]

I've had several requests from people interested in joining the next round, including a surge of requests today. I'll try to get round 3 started tonight!

I've was too busy to update the thread for a while. We finished all of them quite a while back except for tacoguy64 and Quaze.

These all shipped a while back and tracking shows "delivered" for all of them:
  • Delivered:
  • Einhandr (1)
  • Einhandr (2)
  • zachjay
  • ustor
  • nmalinoski
  • gentlemenace
  • bag
  • DoomsDave (international)
  • wwoz9 (1) (international)
  • wwoz9 (2) (international)
  • jedegr (international)
  • jvggopher9
  • joek (took the place of everau)
  • mawe
  • danturcan (international)
  • These are still pending:
  • Quaze - waiting for N64 to arrive
  • tacoguy64 - installed, awaiting USB-blaster to upgrade custom firmware of his existing RGB mod
tacoguy64 has a Tim Worthington RGB mod with custom deblur firmware. We knew ahead of time that we'd need to install borti4938's custom flex PCB to improve compatibility between the existing mod and UltraHDMI. It's installed and working. Borti4938 urged us to update the custom firmware to correct some known issues with that very-early custom firmware, so I've ordered a USB Blaster from China. I suppose I'll be doing using that to add RGB to a lot of N64s :)

quaze sent an immaculate N64 from Canada that arrived with a couple cracks and chips, so he doesn't want the mod installed in that system and is sending another. I've seen a few standard black N64s with plastic that is far more brittle than other N64s. This is definitely one of them.

jedegr and everau these two international packages (kit-only) were returned without a real explanation. Postal employees weren't sure why. I sent jedegr's back to him again with a slightly higher rate and it reached him just fine. everau opted to cancel his order. A few people had asked me to let them know if anyone backs out from round 2, so everau's kit went to "joek" on NintendoAge.

[/edit 2018-09-13][/b]



[edit 2018-08-21]
The UltraHDMI kits have arrived!

I unboxed them this evening and counted the inventory.
  1. Serial numbers:
  2. R1DC210571
  3. R1DC210572
  4. R1DC210573
  5. R1DC210574
  6. R1DC210575
  7. R1DC210576
  8. R1DC190577
  9. R1DC190578
  10. R1DC190579
  11. R1DC190580
  12. R1DC190581
  13. R1DC190582
  14. R1DC190583
  15. R1DC190584
  16. R1DC190585
    [gap in the serial numbers]
  17. R1DC190587
  18. R1DC190588
In the morning, I'll record video as I test all of them to make sure we don't have any faulty boards. CZroe has a full day at work tomorrow but we will probably finish several installs.
[/edit 2018-08-21]



[edit 2018-08-17]
Just received an email shipment notice!

from: VIPParcel <noreply@vipparcel.com>
to: [my email address]
date: Aug 17, 2018, 6:46 PM
subject: Shipping confirmation.

This ship notification is being sent to you by VIPparcel.com at the request of [RetroActive].
A package with a VIPparcel.com label is scheduled to be shipped on 08/17/2018.
If the "Shipped To" address information is not correct, please contact the Shipper.

Shipped from:
[RetroActive PO Box]

Shipped to:
[My correct home address]

Type of Service: USPS Priority

Also I received a couple more N64s:
tacoguy64 (Shmups) Smoke Gray S/N ending 530 [8/10]
danturcan (Email) Grape Purple S/N ending 008 [8/16]
[/edit 2018-08-17]



[edit 2018-08-06]
Received 4 N64 systems today:

- Einhandr #1 (NintendoAge) Daiei Hawks S/N ending 189
- Einhandr #2 (NintendoAge) Charcoal Black S/N ending 180
- gentlemenace (Shmups) Jungle Green S/N ending 290
- jvggopher9 (Shmups) Charcoal Black S/N ending 836

Signature confirmation is recommended. At least 2 times that I know of, USPS has attempted to deliver a package to Maple Ct (a few miles away) instead of Maple Dr.
[/edit 2018-08-06]



[edit 2018-08-01]
UPDATE: If you are getting installation service, it's time to send your N64 system to me!

Here's what GameTechUS said about the current production run on 2018-07-25: https://twitter.com/GameTechUS/status/1 ... 6013741056
"#UltraHDMI update! Marshall says the fab finally sourced all parts and has started production!"

I expect to receive ours very soon.
[/edit 2018-08-01]



[edit 2018-07-05]

Einhandr (2 systems, NintendoAge)
zachjay (NintendoAge)
ustor (Shmups)
Quaze (NintendoAge)
nmalinoski (Shmups)
gentlemenace (Shmups)
bag (NintendoAge) received Ice Blue S/N ending 436
tacoguy64 (Shmups)
DoomsDave (Shmups)
wwoz9 (2 systems, referred by round 1 participant "OptOut")
jedegr (Twitter)
jvggopher9 (Shmups/Twitter)
everau (Email)
mawe (Email)
danturcan (Email)

[/edit 2018-07-05]



Detailed list:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/ ... sp=sharing

Previous UltraHDMI group-buy:

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=61658
http://nintendoage.com/forum/messagevie ... did=179486

The previous UltraHDMI group-buy went smoothly and everything wrapped up MUCH more quickly than anyone expected. CZroe and I had to take care of some things at home and we're finally ready for "round 2." I still haven't built a web site, but we'll just handle it through the forum the same way as before. I hope to launch WeStillPlay.com sometime in 2018.

The only change for round 2 is the tweaked shipping cost. I take a slight loss on each kit after fees and such, but that doesn't matter to me since most participants choose the discounted install option. Keeping round numbers makes it easier to process.

Working as a team, my twin brother (CZroe) and I have performed ~90 UltraHDMI installs to date and many Hi-Def NES installs. Even since our last group-buy, N64 fans are clearly still desperate for UltraHDMI. Three of our eBay listings ended for $1,000.00+

https://www.ebay.com/itm/132502449882 $1.000.00 (02/11)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/132518768280 $1,077.00 (02/25) 24 hour auction
https://www.ebay.com/itm/132523502365 $1,007.03 (03/01)

In each case, we started the listing for $0.01

Hopefully this group-buy will satisfy another chunk of UltraHDMI demand so you won't have to pay eBay prices. I don’t want to exclude anyone. If you're part of a local retro gaming group on Facebook or another forum, let them know. Let's try to get as many participants as possible this week and I'll order the kits direct from RetroActive.be on Tuesday July 3rd. In a chat with UltraHDMI creator MarshallH, he told me: "Turn time is 5 weeks." It should be within 7 weeks if we consider all the shipping around. I’ll pass along any updates I get from RetroActive during the process. Until the order is sent, participants can back out and I will refund ASAP.
  • $130.00 UltraHDMI kit (required to participate)
  • $50.00 install service + extras
  • $5.00 mini-HDMI cable
If you are confident in your tools and precision soldering ability, buy the kit and install yourself. I can install for $50 and toss in some extras.

USA Shipping:

$10 UltraHDMI kit + extras
$20 N64 console with UltraHDMI upgrade installed + extras

If you're ordering multiples, you can save on shipping. At least four kits with extras can fit into a USPS small flat rate box. Two N64 consoles with extras will fit into a USPS medium flat rate box (no power adapter or controller).

I ship from Newnan, GA 30263 (United States). Each kit is insured @$150 and each upgraded console will be insured @$250. Signature confirmation required.

For shipping outside USA:

I will contact you before kits are ordered to work out the cost of shipping.

Extras included with install service:
  1. In-game reset feature: Allows you to reset the system with a button combination. Older UltraHDMI installs cannot get IGR by simply updating to 1.06+ fw. An internal wire must connect to the reset button.
  2. 3D-printed cartridge tray for NTSC systems: Allows North American N64 to fit and play Japanese games with 100% compatibility, or vice-versa. Your original unmodified cartridge tray will also be returned.
  3. Custom power LED color: Choose green, blue, yellow, white, or original red.
Each UltraHDMI kit or installed system will be tested before packing and shipping. The latest firmware will be installed (currently 1.07A). If you order a kit with no install, it will be shipped as soon as I receive and test them. If you’re getting install service, I’ll process the list of participants in order from first to last. For installs, send only the console. I don’t need the controller, power supply, or anything else. N64 systems will be prepped and ready for installation so I can begin installs as soon as the kits arrive. If MarshallH can send the flat cables first, I might even have the soldering part done before the UltraHDMI boards arrive.

After performing dozens of these installs, I am confident I can install / test / pack / ship 5 systems per day.

To participate:
  1. Shoot me a PM or email Image.
  2. Tell me if you’re interested in kit+install or just the kit.
  3. Tell me if you want a mini HDMI cable.
  4. Tell me your name and return address.
I will provide my mobile phone number, street address, and email.

I’ll keep a public list of participants here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/ ... sp=sharing
Make sure you're looking at the "Round 2" tab.

The group buy is open until I submit the order on Tuesday. Then I will post each status update in this thread.

We'll probably keep this one going continuously. After I submit an order to RetroActive, I'll keep a list of anyone else that wants to be included in the next order. If there's anyone that hasn't paid at least $130 for the kit at the time an order is submitted, I'll just move them to the list for the next order.
Last edited by Ichinisan on Tue Oct 09, 2018 4:14 am, edited 43 times in total.
CZroe
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by CZroe »

Since Ichinisan is offering my installation services I thought I’d check in myself. As usual, Ichinisan will be doing most of the group buy organizaing, shipping, assembly, disassembly, 3D printing, testing, and cutting. I work a lot so my role will primarily be the soldering and whatever I have time to help Ichinisan with. Luckily, I can do several after work when my brother has all the boards prepped and ready to go, so there will be no bottleneck! Last time I was able to do them as fast as you could send them in. I typically did 5+ a night and recall doing 10 installs on one of my days off. I could easily do twice that or more if I had more. Maybe we can set up to do some live-streaming this time. :)

Of course, you aren’t required to use our installation services to participate. This is offered mostly to increase participation in the group buy. Just like last time, there’s absolutely no obligation to go through us. You’re free to self-install or use your preferred installer. If you can do the installation yourself don’t hesitate to order extras to distribute as you see fit! The bigger the better, since the stated goal is to make these more accessible to the end users who want them and any extras will find their way to the market to meet demand one way or another.
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Ichinisan
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by Ichinisan »

Order in the list is based on when a participant first inquired. Since round 2 began last night, these users have confirmed that they are interested in joining this round of the group-buy:

Einhandr (2 systems, NintendoAge)
zachjay (NintendoAge)
ustor
Quaze (NintendoAge)
nmalinoski
gentlemenace
Rookie1 (NintendoAge)
bag (NintendoAge)
tacoguy64
DoomsDave
wwoz9 (2 systems, referred by round 1 participant "OptOut")
WalterWhiteJr (NintendoAge, referred by round 1 participant broncofantd793)
jedegr (Twitter)
Last edited by Ichinisan on Mon Jul 02, 2018 2:41 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by Ichinisan »

Welcome, jvggopher9

The thread may appear to be inactive. That's just because we've done everything in PM / email.

The group-buy is going strong! We have 14 participants on board for 16 kits.
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Ichinisan
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by Ichinisan »

If you know anyone who might want to join in, let them know ASAP! It's almost time to send the order to RetroActive.

A few participants are getting N64 consoles from me. I'll clean up some systems today and send pictures so you can choose.
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by Ichinisan »

Welcome, "everau" and "mawe!"

Today is the last day to join!
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by Ichinisan »

"danturcan" was a last-moment addition. Welcome!

I just got in touch with MarshallH of RetroActive and submitted the order for 17 kits! :)
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by Ichinisan »

UPDATE: If you are getting installation service, it's time to send your N64 system to me!

Just before ordering 17 kits for our group-buy, I ordered 20 units for my roommate. Marshall said he had enough on-hand for that order, so it wouldn't have to wait for the next production run. He never confirmed if he had enough on-hand for our 17 group-buy units. A few weeks later my roommate contacted Marshall to check on it. Marshall had been too busy to prep the order and hadn't spent much time at home. He did finish moving his programming / testing station.

About an hour ago, I got a shipping notice from RetroActive for my roommate's 20-unit order. It's possible the 17 unit order is going out next, or those might be part of the current production run. Here's what GameTechUS said about the current production run on 2018-07-25: https://twitter.com/GameTechUS/status/1 ... 6013741056
"#UltraHDMI update! Marshall says the fab finally sourced all parts and has started production!"

Even if our 17 group-buy kits were part of this production run, I expect to receive them very soon.
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Ichinisan
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by Ichinisan »

Received 4 N64 systems today:

- Einhandr #1 (NintendoAge) Daiei Hawks S/N ending 189
- Einhandr #2 (NintendoAge) Charcoal Black S/N ending 180
- gentlemenace (Shmups) Jungle Green S/N ending 290
- jvggopher9 (Shmups) Charcoal Black S/N ending 836

Signature confirmation is recommended. At least 2 times that I know of, USPS has attempted to deliver a package to Maple Ct (a few miles away) instead of Maple Dr.
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Ichinisan
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by Ichinisan »

Just received this email shipment notice!

from: VIPParcel <noreply@vipparcel.com>
to: [my email address]
date: Aug 17, 2018, 6:46 PM
subject: Shipping confirmation.

This ship notification is being sent to you by VIPparcel.com at the request of [RetroActive].
A package with a VIPparcel.com label is scheduled to be shipped on 08/17/2018.
If the "Shipped To" address information is not correct, please contact the Shipper.

Shipped from:
[RetroActive PO Box]

Shipped to:
[My correct home address]

Type of Service: USPS Priority

Also I received a couple more N64s:
tacoguy64 (Shmups) Smoke Gray S/N ending 530 [8/10]
danturcan (Email) Grape Purple S/N ending 008 [8/16]
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Ichinisan
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by Ichinisan »

The UltraHDMI kits have arrived!

I unboxed them this evening and counted the inventory.
  1. Serial numbers:
  2. R1DC210571
  3. R1DC210572
  4. R1DC210573
  5. R1DC210574
  6. R1DC210575
  7. R1DC210576
  8. R1DC190577
  9. R1DC190578
  10. R1DC190579
  11. R1DC190580
  12. R1DC190581
  13. R1DC190582
  14. R1DC190583
  15. R1DC190584
  16. R1DC190585
    [gap in the serial numbers]
  17. R1DC190587
  18. R1DC190588
In the morning, I'll record video as I test all of them to make sure we don't have any faulty boards. CZroe has a full day at work tomorrow but we will probably finish several installs.
CZroe
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by CZroe »

Though Ichinisan hadn’t tested the group buy kits at that point, I went ahead and got the soldering work done for a couple of you last night and tested my work with a board from our existing stock. Actually, I think Ichi said it was for one guy who’s getting two installs. Regardless, the point is that we’ve already started and things will be going fast!

Ichinisan finished up the plastic side of those two with cuts and 3D printed import trays so they are just waiting for him to test the 17 boards and drop a couple in. I’ll be doing a couple more on my lunch break (now) and at least a couple more after work tonight. I was supposed to have all day off tomorrow to work on the GB installs but I’ve had to switch shifts for someone else. Regardless, I believe I can get several more done before work, on my lunch break, and after work. This is because the soldering goes particularly fast and Ichi will spend the rest of the day catching up with disassembly/reassembly, cutting/filing, testing/burn-in, etc.

The final stretch!
CZroe
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by CZroe »

Ichinisan finished testing all the kits. None DOA, which is good news since my last two orders each had a DOA kit. Anyway, I added an reset pin header to all 17 kits and added solder to the mounting tabs for the mini HDMI type C ports. Yes, MarshallH’s supplier still isn’t getting these tabs soldered down. In all 17, only one had any solder and even that was just one tab out of four.

Doing that for all the kits was a bit tedious but I still managed to get 5 more installations done (7 total). Ichinisan also packed and shipped the DIY/self install kits for those of you who opted out of installation services, which means we are more than half way done in the first full day even though I squeezed in a 12 hour shift at work. :) He should be updating you guys soon on which kits and consoles have shipped.

I didn’t do any this morning since Ichinisan was up late dealing with this stuff and couldn’t tell me who’s console was next. I should be able to blow through the rest much faster since the kits are now tested, prepped (header + solder tabs), and ready. Hope Ichinisan’s ready to cut and file all day! ;) I know we are still waiting on consoles from at least one of you so if you haven’t sent in yours, well, we’re waiting on you now. :)
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by Ichinisan »

I've been too busy to update the thread, but we've finished a bunch of these!

Status:
Einhandr (1) - installed, shipped, delivered
Einhandr (2) - installed, shipped, delivered
zachjay - installed, shipped, delivered
ustor - installed, shipped, delivered
Quaze - waiting for N64 to arrive
nmalinoski - shipped, "delivery attempted"
gentlemenace - installed, shipped
bag - installed, shipped, "delivery attempted"
tacoguy64 - preparing to install (I have borti's adapters to see if we can make the Tim Worthington mod play nice with UltraHDMI)
DoomsDave - installed, ships Monday when post office opens (international)
wwoz9 (1) - waiting for N64 to arrive
wwoz9 (2) - waiting for N64 to arrive
jedegr - shipped
jvggopher9 - installed, shipped
everau - shipped
mawe - installed, ships Monday when post office opens (drop box is full)
danturcan - installed, ships Monday when post office opens (international)
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by Ichinisan »

Status...
  • Delivered:
  • Einhandr (1)
  • Einhandr (2)
  • zachjay
  • ustor
  • nmalinoski
  • gentlemenace
  • bag
  • Shipped:
  • DoomsDave (international)
  • jedegr (international)
  • jvggopher9
  • everau (international)
  • mawe
  • danturcan - installed, shipped (international)
  • Pending install:
  • Quaze - waiting for N64 to arrive
  • tacoguy64 - preparing to install (I have borti's adapters to see if we can make the Tim Worthington mod play nice with UltraHDMI)
  • wwoz9 (1) - waiting for N64 to arrive (international)
  • wwoz9 (2) - waiting for N64 to arrive (international)
Last edited by Ichinisan on Tue Aug 28, 2018 2:01 am, edited 1 time in total.
CZroe
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by CZroe »

LOL! Kinda weird that no one has posted here except my brother and me. Come on, now, don’t be a stranger!

Seriously: It’d be helpful/comforting for the next round participants to actually see third party confirmation that this round, you know, actually happened. ;)

Saw some beautiful consoles this time around. Show em off! Glad to help with usage, setup, and settings suggestions too.

Oh yeah: Enjoy!
nmalinoski
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by nmalinoski »

I wasn't home when the board was being delivered on Saturday, so I picked it up from the post office today, and the flex cable was in my mailbox when I got home. I'm planning to install it shortly. :)
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by Ichinisan »

nmalinoski wrote:I wasn't home when the board was being delivered on Saturday, so I picked it up from the post office today, and the flex cable was in my mailbox when I got home. I'm planning to install it shortly. :)
Some quick notes for those performing a self-install:

A lot of guides online tell you to remove the jumper/expansion pak, but you really don't need to. Just gently pull the two halves of the N64 apart after you remove the six exterior screws. The jumper/expansion pak will remain in its compartment and you don't need to gouge the case by prying without the proper tool.

Many guides suggest removing far more heatsink screws than necessary. Also I've watched many videos and livestreams that show the RAM chips being accidentally ripped off the board while lifting the heatsink improperly ("why does this keep happening?!"). If you lift properly from the back, this will never happen to you. I just uploaded this demonstration earlier today for an eBay buyer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51bs58e17zs
(WARNING: obnoxious iMovie music)
Our test N64 has some of the most corroded shields ever :)
CZroe installed a single pin right-angle header on each UltraHDMI and I included a wire with a single-pin female connector. This way you can connect IGR without permanently tethering the UltraHDMI board to the N64. Since the official install guide is a bit vague about where to connect IGR, this is how we connect it and route the cable:

Image
https://i.imgur.com/JD2Xqar.jpg?1

Image
https://i.imgur.com/lL6ekzy.jpg

Official UltraHDMI install guide:
http://ultrahdmi.retroactive.be/install ... _guide.pdf
tacoguy64
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by tacoguy64 »

CZroe wrote:LOL! Kinda weird that no one has posted here except my brother and me. Come on, now, don’t be a stranger!

Seriously: It’d be helpful/comforting for the next round participants to actually see third party confirmation that this round, you know, actually happened. ;)

Saw some beautiful consoles this time around. Show em off! Glad to help with usage, setup, and settings suggestions too.

Oh yeah: Enjoy!

You guys are doing great with communication. I haven't said much since everything seems to be going so smooth lol. I had an extra request and they are helping me out with it.
nmalinoski
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by nmalinoski »

This is probably better suited for the normal UltraHDMI thread, but I was wondering what the consensus is on what kind of flux to use for installation.

The official installation guide specifically says not to use no-clean flux, instead recommending rosin flux; but Voultar used no-clean flux in his UltraHDMI installation video, and I've seen a couple mentions of using no-clean flux on Reddit.

So, is it okay to use no-clean flux or not? Do I just need to clean the board with iso afterward? The no-clean flux I have is MG Chem 8351.
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by Ichinisan »

nmalinoski wrote:This is probably better suited for the normal UltraHDMI thread, but I was wondering what the consensus is on what kind of flux to use for installation.

The official installation guide specifically says not to use no-clean flux, instead recommending rosin flux; but Voultar used no-clean flux in his UltraHDMI installation video, and I've seen a couple mentions of using no-clean flux on Reddit.

So, is it okay to use no-clean flux or not? Do I just need to clean the board with iso afterward? The no-clean flux I have is MG Chem 8351.
CZroe removed the whole RCP chip once and he could see there was flux all underneath. The flux would still be there after you clean with isopropyl. If it doesn't all get activated (like with a heat gun), it's corrosive. We already had the exact same flux formula MarshallH recommended, but in a bottle instead of a pen. I ordered the pen anyway. The bottle was purchased from Fry's Electronics.
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Ichinisan
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by Ichinisan »

It was a very busy week with lots of other things going on, so it's possible I could have left something out -- like a universal cartridge tray or mini-HDMI cable. Please let me know if I forgot anything!
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ustor
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by ustor »

I've had my UltraHDMI modded N64 for about a week now. After putting it through its paces (just shy of 120 stars in Super Mario 64), I figured it might be a good time to relate my experience as a round 2 participant.



About the Install
Ichinisan was always quick to respond and super helpful with any of my (numerous) questions. When it arrived, it was very well packaged. Not just safely, but also with a nice presentation. Everything was well organized, clearly marked, and even the tape had little folded over tabs at each end for easy removal. This all felt pretty slick.

The tiny cutout for the mini HDMI port looks quite clean, almost as though it had always been there. I didn't fully disassemble the console, for fear of accidentally harming something, but I did open it up to take a peek. From what I can tell, the actual board installation is well executed. The replacement power LED has been installed with a socket, so that it can be easily swapped out for a different color, which is a really nice touch.
Spoiler
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About the UltraHDMI
Although it's been covered in depth in many other places, I can't stress enough how impressive the UltraHDMI output is in person. Going from composite to HDMI is not just a monumental leap in sharpness/clarity, but also in color and contrast. This is how the games had always looked in my mind's eye, and now the screen finally matches that perception. It's truly remarkable.

Pictures do not do it justice, but here are some comparisons just the same:
Spoiler
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In Short
I am over the moon for my souped-up N64! The quality of service that I received from Ichinisan and CZroe, start to finish, was first rate. For the price paid ($50 for an install + extras, with everything else basically at cost), it feels like a tremendous bargain.
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Ichinisan
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by Ichinisan »

ustor wrote:...

In Short
I am over the moon for my souped-up N64! The quality of service that I received from Ichinisan and CZroe, start to finish, was first rate. For the price paid ($50 for an install + extras, with everything else basically at cost), it feels like a tremendous bargain.
Thanks for the kind words! I'm glad you're enjoying it :)
nmalinoski
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by nmalinoski »

Finally got my UltraHDMI soldered and working. PSA: Always be sure to put the Expansion or Jumper pak back in before wondering why the UltraHDMI seems to be working fine, but you get no picture on the screen. :roll:

Now I just need to cut the case. :3
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by Ichinisan »

nmalinoski wrote:Finally got my UltraHDMI soldered and working. PSA: Always be sure to put the Expansion or Jumper pak back in before wondering why the UltraHDMI seems to be working fine, but you get no picture on the screen. :roll:

Now I just need to cut the case. :3
That used to trip me up pretty bad. If it happens now, I usually figure it out before wasting too much time. :)

Congrats on the install!
nmalinoski
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Re: ROUND2: UltraHDMI group-buy ends 7/3 Install discount +x

Post by nmalinoski »

Ichinisan wrote:
nmalinoski wrote:Finally got my UltraHDMI soldered and working. PSA: Always be sure to put the Expansion or Jumper pak back in before wondering why the UltraHDMI seems to be working fine, but you get no picture on the screen. :roll:

Now I just need to cut the case. :3
That used to trip me up pretty bad. If it happens now, I usually figure it out before wasting too much time. :)

Congrats on the install!
Thank you! I'm all set now. I'm not all that pleased with my case work, but I think it's not bad for only having a multitool file on hand.

In retrospect (from a self-proclaimed non-expert at this), the soldering was pretty easy. Certainly not as easy as anything through-hole, and the pins seem much tinier in person compared to the blown-up images you see on the internet; but, with the recommended flux and solder, a nice Hakko iron (I bought an FX-888D a few years back), and a set of angled tweezers, it was straightforward to tack down the flex cable and do the drag soldering. Honestly, the case cutting took way longer than getting the cables soldered.

Now to wait till round 3 to get another for this second N64 I picked up recently, assuming it works. :P


Question, though: Is it normal to have audio hiss through the UltraHDMI when using an EverDrive 64 v3? It only seems to happen when I'm in the ED64 menu. Once I've booted a game, like Top Gear Rally (which does have some audio crackle, but I think that's just the game), it seems to go away once it starts playing the music, and it goes dead silent when I get to a save dialog, like it should.
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