Retro GEM N64 Installation Instructions

Disclaimer: This kit is for advanced installers only. Install at your own risk. We cannot be held responsible for damage to your console and/or kit. Each kit is individually tested and confirmed working before being shipped.

Before you begin:

The kit is compatible with all N64 models/regions; with the exception of Pikachu models. (This requires special mounting not supplied from Pixel fx)

You will be required to preform a small case cut for the mini HDMI connector. There is a NO CUT option but these parts must be 3D printed and used during the installation:

GEM_N64 NOCUT_REARPANEL.stl

GEM_N64 NOCUT_BASE.stl

These parts can also be purchased at: https://laserbear.net/shop/ols/products/n64-digital-no-cut-mod.

Please be aware that both Analog and HDMI cannot be used at the same time when using the no cut solution.

Please review the installation video. Always reference these install docs and use the video as an aid for techniques on how to preform the required steps. Coming Soon

Kit includes:

N64 Main Flex
N64 HDMI Board
Male HDMI Adapter
150mm 18p FFC Cable
Plastic Panel block
M2 Nuts (2x)
M2 4mm Screw (2x)

Items required

Temperature Controlled Soldering Iron
Leaded Solder
Non Corrosive, No Clean Flux (Amtech 559 / Kester 959T)
99% Isopropyl Alcohol
Multi Meter
Miniature File Set & Exacto Knife (Cut Version)
Kapton Tape
30 AWG wire
4.5mm Gamebit Adapter (N64 Teardown)
Small screw phillips screw drivers

Step 0 - Clock Control and GEM Jumpers.

The Retro GEM N64 can either run from the original console clock or use a generated clock that is identical to the consoles. Using the generated clock allows the console to run both PAL and NTSC frequencies. There are some restrictions with the clock mod. Composite and S-video will be out of phase with the generted clock and jailbars can be present these outputs. Some N64s also do not work well with the clock mod (Sync drops), particulary PAL consoles. A resistor is needed for these consoles that do not work well. With these caveats its not recommened to do the clock mod unless you need the DFO.

Set the Retro GEM jumpers using this page:

https://docs.pixelfx.co/fxdigital-config.html

Step 1 - Console Disassembly

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Remove all gamebit screws on the bottom of the console to remove top case.

Remove all screws and remove motherboard:

Step 2 - Creating the mini HDMI port hole

If using the no cut version, skip to Step 3

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Align the N64 HDMI board in the case and lightly mark the case with an exacto knife.

Slowly carve/file out the plastic in-between the knife marks on the console

Step 3 - Installing the HDMI board

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Break apart the plastic panel block:

Insert the FFC cable into the N64 HDMI Board:

Be extra careful with the latching mechanism as to not break it off

Select your version

Cut

Insert the plastic block as shown:

Install the HDMI board and cut spacer (Longer)

No Cut

Remove the small tab on the hdmi adapter board using side cutters.

Insert the plastic blocks as shown.

Install the HDMI board and no cut spacer (Shorter)

Step 4 - Soldering the RCP Flex

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Align the flex on the RCP to pin 6.

Solder the flex cable in place keeping it flat as possible.

Hookup RC, RST and CON connections from the flex cable to the PIF using 30 AWG Wire. You must use wires for this, do not use the blue retro flex

Slightly bend the RCP flex aligning it to the multiout. Refer to the image below.

Solder the flex arm to the 5V leg. Refer to the image below.

If you have a PAL console, solder the jumper found on the Flex cable.

Step 5 - Testing the installation.

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Insert the bottom shield and N64 Motherboard board back into the case.

Temporarily hookup the main flex to the retro GEM (Make sure the jumpers are set correctly)

Insert game cart, mini hdmi cable, jumper pak, and controller into port 1. Double check jumper pak is correctly oriented. Verify there is no short between 3.3V and GND before moving on.

Insert N64 power supply then power on the console. Do not leave the console powered on for more than 30 seconds since the heatsink is not installed. Verify you get an image on the screen, and open up the N64 Digital OSD using: L Trigger + R Trigger + DPad Right + C Right. Confirm everything works, including sound.

After testing, remove the game cart, power supply, controller, and jumper pak.

If you do not get video and/or audio, verify the audio/video work using a composite video cable + analog audio.

Composite doesn't work - one of two things is wrong. Bridges on the RCP flex or a poor connection with the jumper pak / game cartridge.
Composite does work - then the issue is related to mini hdmi to hdmi adapters. Also try another TV just to rule out any issues.

DO NOT continue on until video and audio are working properly.

Step 6 - Clock Control (Optional)

If you're not doing the clock mod, skip to Step 7

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The N64Digital can recreate the original N64 clock that is sent to the RCP. With this control you can switch between PAL and NTSC frequencies when using an ED64 that has UltraCIC . Official games and older ED64 that use donor CIC will need a PIF replacement to boot out-of-region games.

Lift the pin based on your N64 motherboard revision below.

Early NTSC and PAL consoles