New Unportablizing Project.. Probably

x24 · Post by **x24** » Tue Nov 01, 2005 12:40 pm

Today I was walking around my college and they had a bunch of stuff discounted in thier computer/media department.. they were selling perfect cases for two projects I want to start so I picked up about 10 for approx 3.50 US..

One kind of box i got (x4) would be perfect for a battery pack (at least in my giant pockets)
The other is a basic CD mini binder but without the metal rings (x6, thinking now, I dont think im gonna screw up that many times so I dont know what I'm going to do with them) which is the perfect size for a GBA console making project I've wanted to do for a long time.. ever since I modded my original GBA with the tv transverter about 7 months ago.. ur probably wondering why I dont just use it and say im done with it.. No. 1.. the tv transverter gets very hot for some reason.. i'm going to try to fix that while making this.. no2, i have a micro and think its 50x better as a portable than the original..

the system is going to feature a controller.. and on/off button on top with LED.. port for multiplayer/transfering (note to self, have opponent use tv for pokemon).. A/V or Svid out.. wall plug and anything else cool I can think of before it done..

*before I get started there were a few things I was wonderin if anyone knew:
-is any of the actual controller removable without damaging the board? I'd like to move the sides of the board into a controller and keep the guts needed for the cartslot etc inside the actual system.. Cennar, you've worked with a lot of SPs.. would u know?
-ill probably have more after I start

This is my design.. I've always liked the 90s top loader look to systems so thats what I'm going with.. I'm going to use an original GBA system case for the controller.. probably one from the xbox repair site cause mines alittle beaten up/multicoloured due to modding..

Wish me luck! All help would be appreciated.. Will document all I can..

darkshadowx180 · Post by **darkshadowx180** » Tue Nov 01, 2005 2:41 pm

go for it

Reaperman@home · Post by **Reaperman@home** » Tue Nov 01, 2005 2:48 pm

the controller isn't really removable since it's a two sided board, however you can solder extensions onto either the controller test points, or directly to the controller pads to make your controller port. It's a fairly simple operation--if I got it my first time, you will too.

x24 · Post by **x24** » Tue Nov 01, 2005 4:29 pm

I got the thing open.. It has a lot of screws, like 20-25.. between the main pieces and the a/v board.. inways, i've moved on to how I'm gonna distribute the power..

New Question Time: The tv transverter gives power to the GBA through a metal object that looks like an alien anal probe.. would it be better if I remove this odd component and solder the red wire directly to the metal piece from the original battery holder?? kinda a n00b question, i know..

Another quicky: What would be the best way to remove the screen.. or should i just leave it in.. it just kinda sends things off balance while messin with it..

Reaperman@home · Post by **Reaperman@home** » Tue Nov 01, 2005 4:50 pm

you could easily hardwire your power so long as you don't do anything too crazy. I am having trouble picturing exactly what you're talking about, since my transverter hasn't been that intact in quite some time. If you're talking about cutting off those annoying battery leads, go for it.

as for the screen, it clips into the adapter provided with your transverter. I don't see any reason for you to leave it there. But you might want to relocate it somewhere on your case--to make it a little flashy.

have you decided which joystick you're going to use yet? or are you going to scratchbuild? Neo Geo units are a common choice, but they tend to cost more than the rest of your setup. Other controllers will require some modification to use.

you also could go wireless--but that might be better saved for a second look at the project.

you'll probably also want to reorient the cart slot...which will be a pain. Or you could abandon the common cart slot all together for something like an internal M3 compactflash adaptor

x24 · Post by **x24** » Tue Nov 01, 2005 6:52 pm

for the joystick I think I'm going to use a modded GBA Case (Always thought it was the most comfortable.. with a custom inside and a few decals.. I dont have the money to order controllers on ebay anymore so im stuck with what I got.. I wont be doing wireless.. I'm having enough trouble trying to make this work than to dive into somethin 100% new..

ill have pics as soon as I can find drivers for my lousy digital camera..

So basically its ok if i remove the screen but I should keep the ribbon cable that the transverter connects to intact..

I'm going to have to relocate the link cable port probably aswell..

I have the GBMP Version 2.. I'm not upgrading it unless I get my own DS.. and right now.. the only portable on the market that looks promising at all (for someone of my interests) is the gp2x

EDIT: Just a quick poll.. what do u peeps think the best colours for the system and controller would be? Oh and what colour LED u think I should use?

demonofaj · Post by **demonofaj** » Tue Nov 01, 2005 7:06 pm

If you can a transparent neon, or just neon itself

. Neons roxors joo, dey b 1337. Lol,

. I'm sorry for the 1337 5p3a|<.

Reploid Ayla · Post by **Reploid Ayla** » Tue Nov 01, 2005 8:14 pm

x24 wrote:for the joystick I think I'm going to use a modded GBA Case (Always thought it was the most comfortable.. with a custom inside and a few decals.. I dont have the money to order controllers on ebay anymore so im stuck with what I got.. I wont be doing wireless.. I'm having enough trouble trying to make this work than to dive into somethin 100% new..

ill have pics as soon as I can find drivers for my lousy digital camera..

So basically its ok if i remove the screen but I should keep the ribbon cable that the transverter connects to intact..

I'm going to have to relocate the link cable port probably aswell..

I have the GBMP Version 2.. I'm not upgrading it unless I get my own DS.. and right now.. the only portable on the market that looks promising at all (for someone of my interests) is the gp2x

EDIT: Just a quick poll.. what do u peeps think the best colours for the system and controller would be? Oh and what colour LED u think I should use?

black and green idiot, i love halo!!!!!!!!!!!

x24 · Post by **x24** » Wed Nov 02, 2005 11:03 am

I think I'm going to go with Dark Green (for the system and controller) and a Yellow LED to match Rayquaza from PM Emerald..

The title screen above blinks yellow on and off inside the lines so I think it'll make a good addition to it since it's one of the best games I have for the system..