InvisiWeb and Taking Apart a Wii

Last night I went to work on InvisiWeb and found that I couldn't find it. So, I decided to do what anyone would do and rewrite it from scratch. I compiled and published InvisiWeb: Version. 0.0.0.1 . It can be found Here (0.0.0.1). If this works, please email me! It has worked in the debugger but not when I actually run it. You can also get the first version Here.  I'm sorry that this is so short, but I should have a guide on taking apart the Wii soon.

Programs

Well, I just began programming in Visual Basic again and have created a new program. This took about an hour to make. It is basically a calcualtor. Download version 1.0.0.1 here. Another, simpler program that I wrote is InvisiWeb, which is a basic web browser, except that it's see-through (hence the name InvisiWeb). I don't currently have a stable build, but here is a screenshot of it:

I think that it is awesome, but it looks even better when you are actually running it. I will try to have a stable version soon, I use InvisiWeb when I want a change for a day. In fact, I am actually using the unstable build to write this post.

 I'm sorry for this being so short, but I am currently working on a guide to disassemble the Wii. Enjoy the calculator!

Taking Apart A Nintendo DS

After taking apart two Nintendo controllers, it felt nessecary to take apart a Nintendo system. I was working on another one, but wasn't finished. I decided to work with the Nintendo DS. Again, most anyone should be able to do this, but it will be easier with some experience.

Taking it Apart

Step 1

First,  remove the screws on the back of the DS with a Tri-wing screwdriver. There are three, with a few underneath rubber. Then remove the battery cover and battery. Unscrew the 2-3 screws underneath. Then slowly remove the back cover. It may stick, but don't force it, and slowly maneuver it until it pops open.

One screw remains

Then remove the two or three screws on the back and slowly remove the circuit board.

Step  2

Peace in the DS

Here is an interesting touch: Peace Symbols! Instead of the standard two of three connectors, the engineers decided to put peace symbols. It is an interesting touch; similar to microchip manufacturers putting their company logo microscopically on the chip.

Step 3

Next, remove the rubber and unscrew four screws on the top of the front of the Nintendo DS. This gives access to the top screen and speakers. Slowly pry open the screen with a flathead screwdriver.

Step 4

Remove the screen by slowly  pushing it away from the shell. Be careful as the section on the bottom will stick. It may sound like you broke it, but you probably didn't if you were careful and used common sense.

And that's it! Keep reading to find out special instructions when putting it back together.

Putting it Together

When putting anything together, especially a piece of precision electronics, be sure of three things:

1. That you are gentle

2. That you make sure that everything fits together

3. That you DO NOT FORCE ANYTHING.

If you follow those rules, you should be good for the DS if you look back. However, putting something together is very different from taking something apart, and the DS is no exception. There 

are a few things you need to be careful of on the DS:

1

1. Be sure that the screen, speakers, and board are in the correct way. The speakers should fit nicely into the slots; be careful because there is a plastic ring that the speakers rest upon. The board should fit right below the left speaker. The screen should be firmly in place.

2. The buttons should be put, face down, into the case so that the tabs on the side fit into where they should. Then the three rubber pieces should be put onto the buttons with the black facing up; the Start and Select buttons should also have rubber that fits over the pieces.

3. Be sure that all screws are screwed firmly, but not grindingly, tight. Also be sure that the circuit board is in place.

You are now finished! Whether you took it apart to paint the case or just to see the insides, you now know how to open up a Nintendo DS. Continue reading for an eye-catching change that doesn't require any internal modification.

A Simple but Eye-catching Mod

This is simple, but cool. All you need is tape.

To do this, don't screw on the top of the DS. That's pretty much it. You should tape down the speakers as you can see in the picture. This is garunteed to turn heads. The reason I figured this out was because I was modifying the top, but still wanted the DS to be functional. The one problem is that the screen is unprotected, and so be sure to protect your DS from sharp hits or falls. (You shouldn't be hitting it anyway. Even if you die on Bowser.)

Disclaimer: This guide may be reused, but please include my name and this blog's website (artmusicvg.blogspot.com) visibly near the top of the guide. This disclaimer shouldn't be reprinted, please write your own. It would also be nice to email me and let me know. Anything you try is at your own risk, but it shouldn't break if you follow the guide.  Thank You!

Questions, problems, or just want to tell me something? Email me at artmusicvg@gmail.com

Taking Apart Nintendo Controllers

Today we are going to take apart two Nintendo Controllers: The Gamecube controller and the Wii remote.
We will start with the Gamecube controller:

Step 1

Unscrew the screws on the back with a tri-wing screwdriver. This is like a phillips screwdriver but with three wings instead of the usual +. These can be purchased off of Amazon for $5, it is worth it.

There are six screws on the back of the controller. Be sure to put them in a bucket so you don't lose them. (This isn't as important for controllers instead of handhealds, but it is still a good habit to be in.)

Step 2

Slowly pry off the back. Be sure to note where the Z button is, it can be a little bit tricky when putting it back together (if you do).

Step3

You have now opened up the controller! Notice the large motor in the center of the controller. This is the Rumble feature. When we open up the Wii remote there will be quite a difference...

NOTE: There are two white switches next to the Rumble motor, when putting the controller back together be sure that they are pushed toward the wire.

Take the circuit board out of the plastic case. Examine it. Notice how the circuit board is (in this case) white, whick is an odd colour for a board.

And there you go! Sorry about the image quality. To put it back together, follow the steps in reverse. Be careful about the L and R white switches and the Z button.











The Gamecube controller is the most straightforward Nintendo product to take apart. Now, we are going to look at the Wii Remote.
Wii Remote

Step 1

The Wii remote is easy to take apart, but putting it back together is a little bit more complicated. To begin, take out the batteries and any extension controllers. Then unscrew four screws in the battery compartment. Next, slowly pry the area near the B button open.

Step 2

You will end up with this, unless you kept the buttons in the outer shell.

Step 3

Slowly remove the circuit board. DO NOT FORCE IT. It may stick a little, but that's okay. You are now finished! If you look below the white rubber in the picture, you can see the Rumble motor. Quite a difference from the Gamecube controller.

How the buttons should go on the shell

Now, putting it back together is a little bit more challenging, but only a little bit. Anybody with any experience will be done before they finish reading this, but it is important that you do this right if you are inexperienced. Put the buttons in the shell so that they fit into the slots and don't turn. Also, remember to put the speaker so it fits and that the plastic thing is on the four LED squares..  Then put on the rubber in the exact way shown, this is very important. When you are finished, put the circuit board in exactally as you found it. Then put the two parts together, and screw.




Voila! You just took apart and put back together a Gamecube controller and a Wii remote, and they still work!