Introduction: NES Cartridge Wireless Router

By Unconventional Hacker

Check out the new gear at our shop and get yourself a Nintendo cartridge shirt!

Now on YouTube!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSsPpOVJvhc

The goal of this Instructable is to create your own wireless router using an NES cartridge housing. 

Thanks everyone for the positive feedback! We sincerely appreciate it. We never thought it would get this much publicity! Check back often for more innovative and original posts brought to you by Unconventional Hacker.

Step 1: Materials and Tools Needed

NES Game Cartridge
(Preferably a very common game)

Belkin Wireless G Router
Model: F5D7230-4

Gamebit (3.8mm) or Flathead Screwdriver
Dependent on cartridge type 

Soldering Iron
Low-heat soldering iron is recommended

Solder

Thin Wire

Razor Blade

Desoldering Iron (Optional)

Desoldering Braid (Optional)

Pliers (Optional)




Step 2: Disassembling the Game Cartridge

First, identify the type of NES cartridge you have and acquire the appropriate screwdriver. One variation uses five flathead screws to hold the cartridge together, while the other variant uses three 3.8mm gamebit screws as well as two plastic tabs. 

Now, remove the screws using the correct tools based on your cartridge type. Once the screws are removed, the cartridge can then be easily halved. After the housing has been dismantled, remove and discard of the game's motherboard as this will not be needed.


Step 3: Disassembling the Belkin Wireless Router

Remove the two screws veiled beneath the information label on the bottom of the device. Refer to the image for screw locations if any complication may arise. Remove the screws adhering the router's mainboard to the casing. This should be rather simple.

Step 4: Preparing the Cartridge

You may find that the router's mainboard will not fit into the cartridge for quite a few reasons. The main problems lie with the unneeded plastic inside the cartridge. Specifically the long horizontal beams, the assembly holding the game board in position, and the vertical screw threading cylinder on the front half of the cartridge. Use your dermal, razor, or wire cutters to remove these cleanly. 

Step 5: Rewiring the Capacitors

Try fitting the board in once again and you'll find the capacitors are causing the cartridge housing to not close properly. These must be removed and rewired. Use either your desoldering braid or desoldering iron to remove the solder connecting the capacitors to the mainboard. Remove the three capacitors, labeled in the image, and resolder them with your wire. This is necessary for the casing to close. 


Step 6: Create Label for Cartridge

Now you can create a custom made label for the cartridge. We decided to go with a retro, Nintendo-style label for our router. Higher quality image here: http://www.tinyurl.com/nesrouter

Step 7: Final Result

And this should be your final result!

Visit: www.unconventionalhacker.com