Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- carts:nintendo:n64 [2022/05/17 00:27]
hiccup
+++ carts:nintendo:n64 [2022/09/28 21:53]
hiccup moving to submission page
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 ===== Introduction =====
-{{wst>factory_save}}
+{{wst>carts_important_notes}}
 Dumping Nintendo 64 carts is pretty easy if you have one of the dedicated hardware solutions for it, but they can sometimes be hard to come by, or out of stock, or you have to build them yourself.
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 ==== Method 5 - RetroBlaster 2.0 + N64 (Pro) adapter ====
-Retroblaster 2.0 has the "N64" and "N64 Pro" adaptors. The latter is advertised as being able to dump prototype carts. Make sure to set the dumper to 3V.
+Retroblaster 2.0 has a standard "N64 Adapter" and a "N64 Adapter Pro." The latter is needed to dump prototype carts, whereas the former can be used for standard carts.
+  - Make sure the '3V' setting is selected on the device (not the '5V' setting)
+  - Connect the appropriate adapter to the Retroblaster
+  - Insert the cartridge or PCB into the adapter
+  - Open the RetroBlaster software (available on the [[https://github.com/retrostage/RetroBlaster|RetroBlaster github]])
+  - Navigate to the 'N64' tab, and click "Dump ROM."  Choose the location and filename for your ROM
+  - A progress bar will indicate the status of the dump, and information will be displayed on the 'status' log when the dump is complete
+  - You can also dump the SRAM or EEPROM from this same tab, by clicking the appropriate button
 ==== Method 6 - GameShark ProAction Replay Pro ====
-Unreliable - not recommended. If you do have to use it, dump the cart multiple times, making sure all the dumps match and clean the contacts in-between each try. Follow the NES World [[http://www.nesworld.com/article.php?system=n64&data=n64-howtodumproms|guide]]. It has been reported that parallel port adapters don't work for this, so you'll need to find an old desktop computer. You may also want to read this article by [[http://www.nintendoplayer.com/feature/n64/|Nintendo Player]].
+Unreliable - not recommended. Produces corrupted dumps for some/all prototype carts. If you do have to use it, dump the cart multiple times, making sure all the dumps match and clean the contacts in-between each try. Follow the NES World [[http://www.nesworld.com/article.php?system=n64&data=n64-howtodumproms|guide]]. It has been reported that parallel port adapters don't work for this, so you'll need to find an old desktop computer. You may also want to read this article by [[http://www.nintendoplayer.com/feature/n64/|Nintendo Player]].
 ==== Method 7 - Old copiers ====
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 E.g. v64, v64jr, z64, cd64. Unreliable - not recommended. If you do have to use it, dump the cart multiple times, and clean the cart in-between each try.
-===== Identifying Game Versions =====
+==== Opening carts ====
-todo: add info on cart/box serials (and non-standard carts if relevant)
+Unscrew the back of the cartridge with a 3.5mm "game bit" or line screw driver, carefully separating the bottom half of the cart's shell. Then, remove the phillips screws on the metal shielding to expose the PCB.
+==== For Reference: Identifying Game Versions ====
+Once the cart has been opened, you can decode the letters/numbers stamped on the main chip.
 {{:carts:nintendo:n64:n64-identifying_game_versions.png?400}}