Just getting started...

Got an idea for a project? Found a cool project you want to share? Post it here!
Post Reply
NickPDX1980
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2018 1:23 am
Has thanked: 1 time

Just getting started...

Post by NickPDX1980 » Thu Feb 22, 2018 1:35 am

Hello everybody, I've been lurking around the site for some time now reading a ton and admiring all the cool work that's being done. I am at the point where I want to take a stab at a portable pi myself. I'm thinking something in the form factor of the RasPi Boy with the screen above and the controller below. This form factor seems like it would make it easier to fit all the components in without much struggle.

I'm going to 3D print the case. I think that I want to use a Pi3 so that I can emulate up N64 and maybe PS1 games. For the controls I was thinking of getting a USB controller, using the PCB from inside of it and wiring it directly to the Pi. Is that my best option? For that I was looking at a PS4 Mini Wired controller. https://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-4-Mi ... B076MQ34PQ

I'm really just getting started but I was going to build my shopping list, buy all the components and then design a case that will house it all. Is this the best approach to the design and build process?

I appreciate any help and advice that is offered. I'm excited to share this journey with you guys along the way too! :-)

User avatar
tinkerBOY
Posts: 710
Joined: Tue May 30, 2017 4:00 am
Has thanked: 294 times
Been thanked: 206 times

Re: Just getting started...

Post by tinkerBOY » Tue Feb 27, 2018 4:12 am

That's what I would do buy all the important parts first and figure out next the design.

I'm looking forward on how you're going to implement this project. 👍
New! tinkerBOY PowerSwitch v1.0 with Safe Shutdown
Game Boy Zero Controllers available @ tinkerBOY.xyz * Support
tinkerBOY Controller v3.0 - built-in usb controller, usb audio, and usb hub
tinkerBOY Controller v2.0 - GPIO buttons and builtin PWM Audio and Amplifier
tinkerBOY Controller v1.1 - simple pcb button
* DPI Adapter - better display for GBZ
* keyboard converters - IBM XT/AT Soarer's Converter | ADB to USB Converter

NickPDX1980
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2018 1:23 am
Has thanked: 1 time

Re: Just getting started...

Post by NickPDX1980 » Wed Jul 25, 2018 5:51 pm

Man I've got stalled out so many times on this project .. over thinking it I'm sure. I have a friend that just bought a 3D printer now and we're ready to move forward. I think that I have almost decided on the options for the internal parts but I'm going back and forth on the screen. Going with a 3.5" component screen seems like a very easy option and would take up little power and space. A 5" HDMI screen looks really nice though. I'm only going to go with SNES style controls so would the 5" screen and resolution be a waste. Also, with a 5" screen it sounds like the Powerboost 1000c would have issues powering all of that, correct?

Here are the parts I'm looking at for now:
PowerBoost 1000 Charger - Rechargeable 5V Lipo USB Boost @ 1A - 1000C
https://www.adafruit.com/product/2465
Mini Metal Speaker w/ Wires - 8 ohm 0.5W
https://www.adafruit.com/product/1890
Adafruit Mono 2.5W Class D Audio Amplifier - PAM8302
https://www.adafruit.com/product/2130
Breadboard-friendly SPDT Slide Switch
https://www.adafruit.com/product/805
Lithium Ion Polymer Battery - 3.7v 2500mAh
https://www.adafruit.com/product/328
Breadboard-Friendly 3.5mm Stereo Headphone Jack
https://www.adafruit.com/product/1699
2 Pack iNNEXT SNES Retro USB Controller Gamepad Joystick, USB PC Super Classic Controller Joypad Gamestick for Windows PC MAC Linux Raspberry Pi 3 Sega Genesis Higan
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7ANDLC/?c ... _lig_dp_it
BW 3.5 Inch TFT LCD Monitor for Car / Automobile
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0045IIZKU/?c ... _lig_dp_it
Waveshare Raspberry Pi LCD Display Module 5inch 800480 TFT Resistive Touch Screen Panel HDMI Interface for Any Model of Rapsberry-pi A/A+/B/B+/2
https://www.amazon.com/Waveshare-Raspbe ... e+5%22+LCD

A couple additional thoughts/questions:
- Is that the best option for a battery pack? I can get a portable battery pack from Target that's larger capacity for cheaper. Should/Could I just take the cells out of a battery pack instead and ditch the controller inside the pack and wire to the Powerboost instead?

- If I go with the mono sound card option (which I'm ok with on the console it's self) the sound would still get routed to both headphones but it wouldn't separate channels, correct? Would I have to bridge some points or something on the jack to make this happen if not?

NickPDX1980
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2018 1:23 am
Has thanked: 1 time

Re: Just getting started...

Post by NickPDX1980 » Wed Jul 25, 2018 6:34 pm

Another thought about the screen that I just had ... the 5" screen is not a 4:3 aspect ratio which is what 99.9% of the games I would be playing will be displayed in. So the difference between the size on the 3.5" and the 5" is less than a Centimeter of actual used display space. Not sure it's worth it for the size but would be it be worth it for the quality?

User avatar
Strider
Posts: 29
Joined: Fri Feb 16, 2018 9:03 pm
Location: Elsewhere
Has thanked: 20 times
Been thanked: 4 times

Re: Just getting started...

Post by Strider » Thu Jul 26, 2018 3:56 am

Not to be That Guy© but if you're sticking with SNES controls and a 3.5" screen have you considered a Gameboy Zero build? A lot of people cut their teeth on a GBZ, it has the features you're looking for, and there are plenty of documented builds.

The only downside is no N64 or PSX games but if you're limiting yourself to ABXYLR and a D-pad those games would be difficult to play anyway.

NickPDX1980
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2018 1:23 am
Has thanked: 1 time

Re: Just getting started...

Post by NickPDX1980 » Thu Jul 26, 2018 8:34 am

No worries about being "that guy", ha! I've considered it for sure. Mainly I've got a Pi3 with retro pi on it collecting dust. I know I'll use a handheld more often so I wanted to use what I've got (my friend is in the same boat). I'm the end the build I'm going to do is basically a GBZ with a Pi3 and a custom case so most of the build guides apply (and have been very helpful). Plus I can always print a new case, update the controls and I'll have something that'll do N64/PSX. 👍

User avatar
Strider
Posts: 29
Joined: Fri Feb 16, 2018 9:03 pm
Location: Elsewhere
Has thanked: 20 times
Been thanked: 4 times

Re: Just getting started...

Post by Strider » Thu Jul 26, 2018 1:48 pm

Legit! There's something to be said for modularity. With a 3D printed chassis and USB controller it'll be a lot easier to update your controls. And if they come out with a newer Pi it'll almost be plug and play.

NickPDX1980
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2018 1:23 am
Has thanked: 1 time

Re: Just getting started...

Post by NickPDX1980 » Sat Jul 28, 2018 2:17 am

So, I went ahead with the 3.5" BW Composite screen. I've got a general shell made up but I'm going to have to wait until all the components are here to get it all figured out (mounting posts and such). I'm very excited to get going on this project! I'll certainly be asking questions and sharing progress on here as I go. Any final words of wisdom before I get rolling? Wish me luck!

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest