First Build

[Micho523]

Hello everyone!

I've been lurking here for a while, and I figured I'd finally actually post. I'm building my first GBZ, based off of the TinkerBoy v3 board and DPI display adapter. I'm still waiting on the majority of the parts to arrive, but here's what I'm planning:

Raspberry Pi Zero W
TinkerBoy Controller v3.0
TinkerBoy DPI adapter
TinkerBoy Add On Board
HoolyHoo Back Button Board
RetroPSU
Helder MegaBat 4.5
LQ035NC111 Display
PSP 1000 Joystick
Camble's Safe Shutdown Switch


I think that's everything... I've also modified an existing screen bracket to incorporate the joystick.

IMG_6123.jpg (2.06 MiB) Viewed 7352 times

IMG_6127.jpg (3.66 MiB) Viewed 7352 times

What does everyone think? I'm open to all suggestions and critiques!

[MrErickson]

Looks like you've got your parts all picked out and well on your way. The only suggestion I might make would be to consider a Pi3 A+ (or B/B+ if you want to do the desoldering to remove bits). I love my Gameboy Zero and Freeplay Zero, but almost always find myself grabbing either my Freeplay CM3 or Circuit Sword as both run on the Compute module, are up in running in seconds and offer more games. If you plan to do more builds then maybe not worth worry about but if you think this will be your one and only and think you might want to venture into what N64/PSX you can it may be worth considering jumping up in power on the Pi.

Regardless Can't wait to see how the build progresses.

[Micho523]

I've actually been considering the Pi3 since the day my zero arrived. Would the B+ be the best of the options? I don't really need all the usb ports that the B+ offers, but the ram is certainly more attractive.

[MrErickson]

I've actually been considering the Pi3 since the day my zero arrived. Would the B+ be the best of the options? I don't really need all the usb ports that the B+ offers, but the ram is certainly more attractive.

A Pi3B+ build is on my list to attempt at some point, there are a few here if you dig around the previous pages of the Show off corner. I remember at least one that left the ports on and a couple that removed the ports. I will probably attempt to remove the ports accepting that I may very well toaster the board in the process. I'm OK with that but understand if not everyone wants to roll the dice on a $35 piece.

[Micho523]

Eh, might as well go for it. I've also ordered a small blower fan for it as well. Now I'm brainstorming different mounting and air ducting options. I think I can follow similar ideas with cartridge mounting the fan, but I want positive airflow across the heatsink, as well as in and out of the case.
Here's the fan: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075R2CJH8/re ... bDbMXETW3X

[infinitLoop]

I've actually been considering the Pi3 since the day my zero arrived. Would the B+ be the best of the options? I don't really need all the usb ports that the B+ offers, but the ram is certainly more attractive.

the a+ gives the same performance as the b+ and is way easier to fit in a gb.

[Micho523]

Made a bit of progress!

EB33EEAF-81B2-49D0-8663-FFB0B30CD4ED.jpeg (2.35 MiB) Viewed 7133 times

DC9735F0-F646-4505-BE07-C012093512E3.jpeg (2.75 MiB) Viewed 7133 times

09963181-CA7F-4E8C-AEBF-24E11634F993.jpeg (3.64 MiB) Viewed 7133 times

[Micho523]

Tiny bit more progress. I’m trying to keep the wiring as tight and neat as possible. Undecided whether to use a barrel jack for DC in or cut a slot for the mini usb at the top.

F68F5237-27D6-4AD2-82D9-AA2A4EDB9958.jpeg (3 MiB) Viewed 7044 times

[Micho523]

Got it booting! I think I’m going to play around with the screen bracket a bit to incorporate mounting the Pi with easy access to the SD card.

14DADCF0-9123-4325-B646-6F481D381061.jpeg (2.41 MiB) Viewed 6960 times

20CCFF84-6ECD-4014-ABA1-64787B38EE61.jpeg (649.18 KiB) Viewed 6960 times

[Micho523]

Had to rework some wiring. Making progress though.

7976687D-BAA5-46F6-878A-14C0D0AC9AA3.jpeg (3.65 MiB) Viewed 6867 times

1D2965CF-646E-48C2-9D2B-20414CE09862.jpeg (3.54 MiB) Viewed 6867 times

BC9EDAFB-21FE-42E0-A5E8-7850A150335D.jpeg (2.78 MiB) Viewed 6867 times

80D754D1-AAC6-4AF7-8E3B-7FE6B8769F78.jpeg (2.69 MiB) Viewed 6867 times