The Basics

The First Steps

Before you dive in and start tearing up your system, you should check everything to make sure it all works:

Step 1
Get the system to play off of batteries while connected to the television. Don't leave this for last or you might have wasted a lot of time on a system that doesn't like to be portablized (like the Dreamcast).

Step 2
Make sure the screen will work on the same set of batteries separate from the system (c'mon, one step at a time).

Step 3
NOW get everything to work on the batteries at the same time. This can get tricky, because screen requires a certain amount of amps. If it won't turn on, try using twice as many batteries running parallel.

Now that everything is working, you can begin the annoying process of compacting the system into a handheld. Goodluck!

SOLDERING

I recommend soldering with a 15 watt soldering iron. 30 or even 45 watts will work, but it's possible to overheat and destroy circuitry with the hotter irons. If you are on a budget, there are soldering irons that can switch between 30 and 45 watts. As a rule of thumb, the thinner the solder wire, the easier it melts. This is good.

For desoldering, I recommend a 40 to 50 watt soldering iron. You can use a "de-soldering iron" or the stand alone suction pump. I use desoldering copper strips (usually located next to the solder wire).

It takes some practice to solder (especially mod chips!). Try starting out with desoldering the controller jacks on the board, and then soldering the controller wires directly into the board. It's usually pretty easy to follow the lines, and is good practice for the inexperienced.

Get a new tip for the iron if you solder onto batteries, or else you'll have trouble with the solder balling up.

The NESp site has links to many pages that offer far more detail on soldering.