SummerCart64 Setup & Maintenance Guide (MacOS)

This guide is made for MacOS users (me) but the steps should be pretty much the same for Windows users.

Link to this sectionPrerequisites

Make sure you have these things ready before you begin.

Link to this sectionHardware

Keep in mind that many SummerCart64 carts don't come with a battery.

• SummerCart64 Cartridge
• CR2032 Coin Battery (for Real Time Clock)
• 64GB+ MicroSD Card (Brand name recommended, e.g., SanDisk/Samsung)
• USB-C Data Cable

Link to this sectionSoftware

All free, open source software:

• Firmware & Deployer: Download from the SummerCart64 GitHub Releases.
  • ex: sc64-deployer-macos-v2.20.2.tgz
  • ex: sc64-firmware-v2.20.2.bin
• Menu System: Download sc64menu.n64 from the N64FlashcartMenu GitHub Releases.

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Link to this sectionPart 1: SD Card Setup

The SD card stores your games, save files, and the visual menu interface.

1. Format the SD Card
   • Insert the card into your computer.
   • Format the card to "MS-DOS (FAT)"
2. Install the Menu
   • Copy the sc64menu.n64 file to the root (top level) of the SD card.
3. Add Games
   • Create a folder named Games (or N64) on the root.
   • Copy your ROM files (.z64, .n64, .v64) into this folder.

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Link to this sectionPart 2: Firmware Update

This process updates the internal chip of the cartridge. The SD card does not need to be inserted.

1. Prepare Tools
   • Unzip the SC64 Deployer tool for your OS (Windows/macOS/Linux).
   • Place the Firmware .bin file in the same folder as the deployer.
2. Connect
   • Plug the SummerCart64 into your computer via USB-C.
3. Run Command
   • Open your command line interface (Command Prompt or Terminal).
   • Navigate to the folder containing your tools (cd path/to/folder).
   • Run the update command:

     bashCopy
     ./sc64deployer firmware update <firmware_filename.bin>

   • Type y to confirm and wait for the success message.

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Link to this sectionPart 3: Real Time Clock (RTC)

The RTC is required for correct file timestamps and time-based game events. Most units ship without the battery installed.

1. Install Battery
   • Remove the screws on the back of the cartridge.
   • Insert a CR2032 battery into the holder.
2. Sync Time
   • Via USB (Fastest): With the cart connected to your computer, run:

     bashCopy
     ./sc64deployer set rtc

   • Via Menu: Boot the cartridge on the N64, press Start to open Settings, and select RTC Setup to manually enter the time.

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Link to this sectionPart 4: Customization (Box Art & Wallpapers)

You can customize the menu with game covers and background images.

Link to this sectionBox Art Setup

1. Download: Community Box Art Pack
2. Install:
   • Extract the zip file.
   • Copy the resulting boxart folder into the menu folder on your SD card.
   • Final Path: SD:/menu/boxart/ (containing many .png files).

Link to this sectionWallpapers Setup

1. Download: Community Wallpaper Collection
   • Source: /u/kvnhntn on reddit.com
2. Install:
   • Create a folder named Wallpapers on the root of your SD card.
   • Copy the .png images (must be 640x480 resolution) into this folder.
3. Apply:
   • Boot the SummerCart64.
   • Navigate to the Wallpapers folder.
   • Open an image (Press A), then press A again to select "Set as Background".

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Link to this sectionPart 5: Usage Tips

• In-Game Reset: Press Start + Z + A + B (default) to return to the menu without getting up.
• Saving: After saving in-game, wait 2-3 seconds before powering off to ensure the save writes to the SD card.
• USB Safety: You do not need to "Eject" the device. You may unplug the USB cable safely as long as a command is not actively running in the terminal.