N64 hookup to hdtv

Sorry it's an old post, but I'm sure other folks are curious.

The main symptom of CIC failure is the console resets during play or stays on a black screen at boot. Even if this is true, usually it's a smaller problem of cleaning all of the PCB contacts. (Too many products and techniques to go into and doesn't address the OP's other questions.)

A Logic Analyzer is the best tool to determine if the CIC is working. N64 Game PCB Image The linked image shows a nice clean trace coming from pin 43 (next to the 44) that goes to the far side of the CIC chip. It's hard to say exactly which CIC pin but there aren't many CIC pins actually used. Pretty much any kind of a digital signal on this pin would suggest it's working. Probably good to compare the same signal on a known working game, for example if there is a group of 64 Hi/Lo changes on the good cart and only 32 Hi/Lo changes on the bad cart it could still be a CIC issue.

For reference the CIC is actually a Sharp SM5 4-bit Microcontroller that was customized for Nintendo.

All of the CIC 6102 chips should be interchangeable. There are some CIC 6102A that should work but I wouldn't promise it.

Also since this was first posted, an Ultra CIC has been created that can be used to replace a CIC, this may affect the collecting aspects of a cartridge, but could be a good solution for a player.

I dont know if it helps at all but I connect mine via the 3 Pin Colored cables into a scart plug, then from that into a HDMI converter box and it works perfectly, I used to have this problem with the snow levels on Mario 64, Never had the problems since.