I want to start a GBZ project, but need some help

[keem85]

Hi guys

I've been following sudomod since before this webpage was created. Trying to man myself up and get the necessary tools, parts and motivation to start this project.. It wasn't until the new GBZ custom parts-guide that I really decided I wanted to try out this project. And the guide is very detailed aswell, and I think a newbie like myself can pull it off, but with a little bit push in the right direction.

I saw the GBZ custom parts tutorial, and it requres a PCB Board from Helder, but it looks different from the one in the video.. This is where I get confised. Also I see that many parts are sold out or just isn't possible to obtain anymore (The pcb board included).. Was wondering if anyone have other places I could try ordering from? Anything new that has arrived after the guide that I should take in to consideration aswell?

[cobramike]

Hi and welcome to the forums.

I now all are verry soon sold out. Therefor i was looking is i can get evry thing verry cheap and here is the PCB Board with buttons.
http://www.ebay.nl/itm/112163787574
Because most sites are selling the 15 \ 20 Dollars and i find that to much.

Also i orderd aloud from other sites like from OSH Park
3X Power Strip
3x Gameboy Zero PWM Audio Through Hole
1X Teensy 3.2 boards OSH Park Edition
And i am waiting for this.

Look aloud on Ebay and also google. And you find all the parts that you need.

Have fun and see you around.
Greets Mike

[CarbonKich]

I ordered one of these to try out before dumping money on all the other parts: http://www.ebay.com/itm/361672717529?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT I found it easier to solder to than Kitch Bent's boards due to the larger spacing.


I'm holding out for Helder's AIO board (as are many people) since it has almost everything built in and should make the whole project easier. If you have to buy one of these boards now, don't forget to pick up a Teensy LC or something similar.

[keem85]

I ordered one of these to try out before dumping money on all the other parts: http://www.ebay.com/itm/361672717529?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT I found it easier to solder to than Kitch Bent's boards due to the larger spacing.


I'm holding out for Helder's AIO board (as are many people) since it has almost everything built in and should make the whole project easier. If you have to buy one of these boards now, don't forget to pick up a Teensy LC or something similar.

Ah that's Nice! Where can I follow him, so that I can also be in line when the AIO board comes out?
Also, is there another GBZ guide that includes the AIO Board?

[mike_louisxvi]

I am like you, I have been following since the beginning, but only got interested when it seemed like the project got easier with the all in one board.

So far it has been a journey. I jumped in late last month and have been learning a lot of stuff since then. I didn't really understand the AIO board thing exactly, so when i found an 8 dollar board on ebay from PRS, I thought it was going to be the same one from the custom parts guides. I was wrong, and wound up with the plain old button PCB. When I realized this, I was kind of worried about all of the work I would have to do, but I also feel like building it all up yourself helps you learn the most. I also figured that by saving money, it would all even out after buying the parts that were built into the AIO.

So far I have found that the easiest part is the one thing that wermy said was the hardest - the screen, and even that has been pretty difficult because it's very finnicky. If you go the route of buying just the PCB, the only part that you save yourself from is ripping the old DMG buttons and doing all of that work with the copper tape, which looked really difficult imo. It does save time, and it seems (or seemed) to me that if you buy just the regular pcb button board, you could have it all done faster than if you were to wait for the constantly sold out AIO boards.

This route requires a lot of surfing the boards to solve problems, trying stuff on your own when nobody replies to your problem questions, and buying small parts left and right that you wouldn't have had to with an AIO. The Teensy, the audio low pass, some of the power supply stuff. Not to mention exactos, soldering stuff, wire cutters, wire, hot glue, de soldering braid, resistors etc. Its sort of assumed you have those already.

I am finding it very difficult to understand the audio component because if you buy the regular pcb, you are kind of stuck in the middle of both of those guides. You basically have the aftermarket audio stuff, which is shown in the custom guide, but only how you would wire it up to the AIO. Going back to the old guide shows you how to wire it up directly, but then he is using the old DMG parts and a handmade low pass filter. The 3.5 jack is different, and you have to use a guide from the forums and kind of know what is what to understand how to emulate his wiring. Basically, this project seems to require a moderate understanding of electronics, because even in the forums, half of the things people talk about relating to electronics is sort of supposed that you understand.

Right now I am personally waiting for Kites AIO package, which includes a board that has almost everything attached to it already, AND the screen. Hes saying it will cost 100 bucks and it wont arrive until around or after christmas (though he seems pretty late on announcing the pre-order), but I really think its going to make this project waaaaay more accessible. Kills the learning aspect though. It's also kind of hard to justify making another one when its kind of expensive in the first place. I haven't looked at how much I have spent so far, but its probably up there.

Anyways, those are just my thoughts that I figured I would share with you. Good luck on your build!

[keem85]

Thank you for taking time to reply. Good to know I am not the only newbie here and struggle with the same .. Right after I posted this, I found out about the Kite. I'm also going for that.. Also I have a friend that is active on these forums. I didn't know he was until recently.. So when I get my parts, he's gonna guide me through it all