Blog: Solving the mysteries of the SF1 (08/15/22 - 08/19/22)

Note: I actually finished this blog on Friday, but simply forgot to press "Publish." Whoops! Sorry about that.

Hello Patrons! I'm hoping to start filming the SF1 video this week, so lets get right to work, shall we?

Monday, August 15th

I can't quite continue my SF1 research without a few key items. They are as follows.

1.) The Satellaview

The Japanese Wikipedia page states the SF1 does not work with the Satellaview. However, the US Wikipedia page says it does work. I want to find out once and for all, so I ordered a Satellaview.

2.) Universal Remote

My Sharp SF1 did not come with the remote. The remote is the only way you can adjust video settings on the television. So I ordered a universal remote from 1990 to see if it might work. 

3.) Nakitek Game Saver+

Can you play Super Nintendo games on the SF1? I would assume yes, since you can with the Super Famicom. But I wanted to be sure. The only reason you can't play SNES games on an SFC is because the cartridge slot is physically different. So, I ordered the Nakitek Game Saver+ because it acts as an adapter.

All of these items should arrive later today. So in the morning, I wrote about 3 more pages for the Super Mario Kart script. At around 2pm, the mailman arrived with the goods! Here is what I discovered...

- The Satellaview does not work. There is absolutely no way it can plug into the EXT port on the SF1. Furthermore, I realized the EXT port on the SF1 is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than the one found on a standard Super Famicom. This means the Exertainment Bike also would not work. So what uses this port? I have no idea. I also confirmed the SF1 did not come with some sort of special adapter or cable. 

- The universal remote I ordered did not work with the TV. Darn. It was worth a try. Anyone want a universal remote from 1990?

- It took me a while, but I did get the Game Saver+ working and I was able to play Super Nintendo cartridges on my SF1. 

With that out of the way, I can officially write this script tomorrow. 

Tuesday, August 16th

I started this morning writing an outline. I usually don't do this with quick hardware videos, but I wanted to be organized and have all my ducks in a row. I actually ended up finding a few more little fun facts about the SF1 too, so I'm glad I decided to outline! For example, the SF1 controller cords are longer than a standard Super Famicom controller. That's because there is no console to extend your distance between you and the TV. Smart thinking, Sharp!

I spent the rest of the day writing the script. It went very smoothly and I think it's going to be a fun little hardware video! My program predicts a 12-minute video based on the word count. It's always awkward ending hardware videos. I'm not really sure what to say at the end. But hopefully we figure it out during the editing process. 

I ended the day fighting with Photoshop. I'm trying to update thumbnails on my channel, but Photoshop kept freezing on me whenever I tried to save. I'm not really sure what is happening there, but I'll try a restart and hopefully that solves it. 

Wednesday, August 17th

Mystery solved? Twitter user GoodTofuFriday noted that the EXT port on the SF1 sure does look like the "Image In" port found on the Sharp x68000 Compact computer. Apparently it is just a proprietary serial port. So Sharp would have had to make a cable to hook into the Satellaview for the SF1 to work with it. Was a cable ever made? I've never seen one!

I finally got Photoshop working today, so I updated a few thumbnails on YouTube. I also edited the script. I'm handing it over to Kristin now for final edits. Production should start tomorrow!

Thursday, August 18th

Kristin & I sat down and edited the script. This one is ready for production! But before I get on camera & narrate, I want to make a few upgrades...

- I did a deep clean of my office. I cleared out a ton of stuff, vacuumed, and re-organized.

- I bought batteries for my lights. Right now, I have to plug them in to use them. This works, but I really hate tripping over wires and getting them jumbled up, especially when I'm shooting b-roll. I also sometimes need an extension cord. Not anymore! I bought some batteries that should last up to 10 hours.

- I hung another curtain in my office in front of my desk, which turns one side of my office into a little recording studio! Now I can narrate episodes right from my editing computer. This will save me so much time. 

All upgrades were made possible thanks to Patreon supported funds. So thank you everyone! I can't wait to try out my lights without cords. 

Friday, August 19th

After a few last-minute script changes, it's time to record the narration! I always wait until nighttime to record on-screen narration. It is quieter inside and outside the house, and there is less light from the outside to mess with shots. 

I thought it would be nice to show the TV while I talked. I felt like a news anchor. I will say, it was comfortable to speak while sitting at a desk rather than just...sitting there.

Filming this narration took me 3 tries.

The 1st time, I felt like I was behind the TV a little too much. 

The 2nd time, my hoodie was flipped awkwardly over my shoulder.

The 3rd time was just right (see 1st image).

I always get really anxious when I film on-camera, so I forget to check these little things. One day I'll get the hang of this!

Have a great weekend everyone.

- Norm