06/25/2024

• Laser Bear has made an incredible interconnect flex cable. I invite all to check this out!!
  
• https://x.com/dubesinhower/status/1805235309203845310/photo/1
  

06/15/2024

• We have a new solution that is 100% based upon J D'Silva's Ampersand Board.
  
• J D'Silva was kind enough to let his design be used for our solution. Give this guy some love!! https://twitter.com/jdsilva
  
• Gerbers will be released shortly and will also be on PCBWay
  
• Availble at PCBWay https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/NES_Slotmaster_Ampersand_2f90f55d.html
  

05/31/2024
- 2 solutions have been developed and are currently being tested. If you would like to help with the testing, please reach out through email.
- Laser Bear developed a [Flex cable](https://twitter.com/collingall/status/1795501525734768719) for the interconnect which allows better GND Coupling of the signal traces.
- J D'Silva developed a [interconnect board](https://github.com/J-DSilva/NES-Ampersand) which will also provide better GND Coupling.
- Check out the [Ninten-Drawer](https://twitter.com/RockerGameMod/status/1784955436606673254) as well for an alternative solution that solves the death grip issue in a very unique way.

J D'Silva's NES Amerpsand's solution means you do not have to replacet he current PCB's if you have already ordered them.
If you are a DIYer, this solution will be the most cost effective while Laser Bears solution is very elegant if you are not into DIY.

Here is some of my work with J D'Silva's NES Ampersand

05/17/2024

• We are aware of potential issues with some EverDrive N8 Pro CARTs and the Slotmaster.
  
• Issues can range from freezing, graphical artifacts and just plain refusing to boot.
  
• It seems to be Hit or Miss when it comes to folks Everdrives. We have lots of reports of some working fine.
  
• We are working on a solution so that more Everdrives will work. More to come.
  
  

05/01/2024

• New FPC Flex Slotmaster PCB Annoucement. There is a seperate folder now for Flex version vs DIY Version.
  
• Both Flex and DIY Versions have added footprints for ATTiny so a Krikzz AVRCIC can be used (if desired)
  
• DIY Version now has a 8 pin breakout that will help connect all 72 pins. (if desired)
  
  

04/22/2024

• New Version 1.8 Board that ensures better game compatibility. Gerbers Above
  
• We have a quick fix for anyone with that wants better compatibity with the V1.7 Board
  This issue will not impact the majority of NES Game titles out there, but could impact a few.
  https://github.com/ShawMerlin/NES-Slotmaster/blob/main/Slotmaster%20DIY%20Version/Better_Compatibility_Fix.md
  
  

04/17/2024

• FAQ information on the recent 3D Model and PCB change
  https://github.com/ShawMerlin/NES-Slotmaster/blob/main/SlotMaster_April_17th_Information_Update.pdf
  
• The Gerbers have been taken off Github as there is a small change that needs to be further researched.
  
• This change will not impact the majority of NES Game titles out there, but could impact a few.
  
• I plan to have everything tested and the new Gerbers released later this week
  
• New SMD FPC Ribbon PCBs should arrive this week. This design passes through all 72 pins.
  
• Laser Bear was gracious enough to share his changes to the 3d Model to provide more support. This is V9 above
  
  

NES Slotmaster

A fully open-sourced drop in replacement for the 72 Pin Cartridge Slot on a Front Loader NES.

if downloading Gerbers and STL is not your thing, both of these are included in my PCBWay Project.
https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/NES_Slotmaster_bc9ea5b8.html
https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/NES_Slotmaster_3D_Base_02da723d.html

Laser Bear is also offering these pre-ordered as a kit from his website
https://www.laserbear.net/products/nes-slotmaster

# Features of the NES Slotmaster - Open sourced, build it yourself, make changes, the world is your burrito.
- No modification is need to your NES Console. Just enough skill to remove the top portion and swap the connector.
- Uses an existing 72 pin Connector. (Designing a brand new connector is not in my wheelhouse)
- The NES Cartridge is held close to the door of the NES so it's easy to grab and remove from the console.
- Minimul components, this can be built for less than $20.
- PCB uses a through hole design so this will be easier to solder for beginners. I great first project.
- Can be used with the RF Shielding on the top and the bottom if desired, there is plenty of clearance.

The 3D Model for this design was influenced by malleetech123 on Thingiverse and built using Autodesk Fusion 360.
I recommend using 100% in-fill with FDM printing for strength or print in resin.
A design using FPC Cables is in the works, it won't be as beginner friendly but will have less holes to solder.



Clearance of the top and bottom shield