[SOLVED] CSO build with HoolyHoo's SNES screen bracket

[SparkySid]

Note: preemptively marking this post as [SOLVED] since it contains a newb's build issues & solutions that may be helpful to other first time builders

For my CSO build, I ordered from HoolyHoo a SNES screen bracket from here along with the brass inserts and M2 screws. Please note that HoolyHoo clearly states (and I read prior to purchase) that the brass inserts are not necessary. Being the stubborn daft fool I am, I of course didn't listen... I followed HoolyHoo's brass insert instructions and while I can solder SMT parts in my sleep, I'm clearly not cut out for insert installations:

Not only did I have to reshape the the mount posts while hot with pliers, I successfully broke a screw off in the insert while trying to remove it post installation. I had to cut the post with a broken screw off and epoxy in one of the case mount posts that I removed from the original screen mount.

Something to note, the X and Y button pads on the CSO board are not centered with the SNES screen mount holes. Not sure if there was a minor change in X Y button position from the SAIO board to the CSO board?

Nonetheless, I've had zero issues with the X and Y buttons and I think there is a large enough margin on the circuit board pad size that ensures the conductive pad on the membrane has no issues. Thanks to the drill template HoolyHoo provided, a newb hack like me got perfectly aligned case holes for the SNES screen mount X Y buttons.

Also note that the screen that Kite provided with the CSO kits is a bit smaller than the HoolyHoo's frame. Some cut card stock was used to shim the sides of the screen for centering. Make sure you test fit to ensure it's centered with your case and shim appropriately.


I epoxied the screen (with too much epoxy) to the frame to ensure it stayed centered.

(the replacement blue post broke right off after starting a screw into it; my case is held on by the 3 remaining screen posts and 2 in the battery box)

Using a sharpie on the paper shims and the metal screen bezel hides the screen mount pretty well on a clear case build.


A sharpie also does a good job of hiding how bad you are with a dremel tool and a knife.



For my next build, I'll do a better job of taking HoolyHoo's advice and skipping the brass inserts. The screen mount really simplified my CSO build, saved me a bunch of time, and positioned my screen perfectly centered.

[smoothoperator]

I also broke a screw off in a insert after installation. I simply drilled a small hole in the opposite side of the bracket, heated up the insert with soldering iron, and pushed it back out with a pick. After I had it out I could grip the insert with pliers and grip the other end of the screw with pliers and turn it out. I then installed a new screw and reinserted it in the bracket. Worked like a charm. Hope this helps in case it happens to someone else