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N64 dead?

  • 18-02-2014 01:41PM
    #1
    gouche
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 416 ✭✭


    Recently took N64 out of the attic after 4-5 years.
    I had it stored in one of those hard cover cases that they used for rentals.

    When it was packed away it was working perfectly.
    Now it doesn't power on at all - power LED doesn't light up and no signal going to TV.

    I've changed the plug on the power supply - is there any way to test if it is functioning properly?

    I've also taken the console apart to check for any visible damage but didn't notice anything obvious.

    Is it a common occurrence for the console itself to die? Or is it possibly a power supply issue?
    Unfortunately I don't have a spare I can test with.

    I'd rather not buy a new power supply online and it turn out it was actually the console itself - rather just get the whole lot instead of making 2 purchases.

    Anybody any advice on anything else to check?


Comments

  • #2
    smcgiff
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,943 ✭✭✭smcgiff


    gouche wrote: »
    Recently took N64 out of the attic after 4-5 years.
    I had it stored in one of those hard cover cases that they used for rentals.

    When it was packed away it was working perfectly.
    Now it doesn't power on at all - power LED doesn't light up and no signal going to TV.

    I've changed the plug on the power supply - is there any way to test if it is functioning properly?

    I've also taken the console apart to check for any visible damage but didn't notice anything obvious.

    Is it a common occurrence for the console itself to die? Or is it possibly a power supply issue?
    Unfortunately I don't have a spare I can test with.

    I'd rather not buy a new power supply online and it turn out it was actually the console itself - rather just get the whole lot instead of making 2 purchases.

    Anybody any advice on anything else to check?

    Dude, there's a reason it's been in your attic for the last 5 years.

    Sorry for your loss.


  • #3
    Celeron Media
    Closed Accounts Posts: 222 ✭✭Celeron Media


    I've changed the plug on the power supply - is there any way to test if it is functioning properly?

    Yes with a multimeter.
    Is it a common occurrence for the console itself to die?

    Yes, it's caused by dust and dampness. Clean the board with isopropyl alcohol and toothbrush and it should fire up fine.


  • #4
    gouche
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 416 ✭✭gouche


    Celeron Media wrote: »
    Yes with a multimeter.

    Do you know what the pinouts are on the adapter?


  • #5
    TouchingVirus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,582 ✭✭✭TouchingVirus


    View the cable's plug head on in the orientation you would put it in the console. From left to right, top to bottom is 1,2,3 then 4,5,6.

    1, 4, 5 are Ground
    2,3 are 3.3v
    6 is 12v


  • #6
    gouche
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 416 ✭✭gouche


    TouchingVirus wrote: »
    View the cable's plug head on in the orientation you would put it in the console. From left to right, top to bottom is 1,2,3 then 4,5,6.

    1, 4, 5 are Ground
    2,3 are 3.3v
    6 is 12v

    Thanks!

    I'm not sure the pins on my multimeter are small enough to fit in but I'll try it when I get home.

    Either way I'd say I'll be off to eBay!


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  • #7
    TouchingVirus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,582 ✭✭✭TouchingVirus


    You can open the N64 and multimeter on the mainboard if you must.


  • #8
    gouche
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 416 ✭✭gouche


    TouchingVirus wrote: »
    You can open the N64 and multimeter on the mainboard if you must.

    Ok - where on the mainboard should I check?


  • #9
    TouchingVirus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,582 ✭✭✭TouchingVirus


    Where the power port connects to the mainboard. Each of the six pins has a mount point on the mainboard, usually under the port itself. Use a continuity test to determine which pin is which, then plug in the power cable and check voltages against a known ground port.


  • #10
    ozmo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,899 ✭✭✭ozmo


    Oh - and of course, really obvious, but be really careful not to let the multimeter probes slip and touch each other - these old psus might not be very forgiving for shorting them out.

    Check also the power socket on the motherboard is not wobbly - might need a resolder of the joints.

    http://www.ifixit.com/Device/Nintendo_64

    “Roll it back”



  • #11
    jenno86
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,636 ✭✭✭jenno86


    I recently took mine out of the attic and had the same symptoms as yours. I unplugged the expansion pak and put it back in and it worked.


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  • #12
    gouche
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 416 ✭✭gouche


    Just to update the thread, turned out it was the power supply.
    Tested with a multi-meter and wasn't getting anything.

    Picked one up on eBay and worked straight away!
    Thanks for all replies.


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