The PACMAN Mini - portable Namco TV games

sam_thornley · Post by **sam_thornley** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 4:07 pm

So here's a quick portable that I built back in November 2007 (still working fine to this day!)...

The PACMAN Mini!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCOKF76UWEw&fmt=18" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Specs:

Uses a Jakks Namco Tv Games PCB
3.5 LCD Screen
Runs off 4 AA batteries
No sound as off yet...

(Update: the original post got corrupted for some reason, so i've relinked the images and re-written some simple specs)

evilteddy · Post by **evilteddy** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 9:41 pm

I must say that is pretty awesome. Everything is extremely neat and I have a soft spot for jiffy boxes.

ghosstt · Post by **ghosstt** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 10:29 pm

Really really nice looking! Looks like it could have been quiet a bit smaller too!(custom case in the near future?

) Looks good!

ShockSlayer · Post by **ShockSlayer** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 10:44 pm

As plain and simple as it is, It kicks ASS!

SS

grossaffe · Post by **grossaffe** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 12:38 am

looks nice and clean.

bacteria · Post by **bacteria** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 4:41 am

What you could do is put three or four such systems as a single layer in a normal sized case, make them switchable. That is what I will be doing in my project. There are quite a few types of plug'n'play systems after all.

SonyPortableizer · Post by **SonyPortableizer** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 2:08 pm

Nice, Id buy one of those in a second

sam_thornley · Post by **sam_thornley** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 7:28 am

Hey, thanks for all the positive comments.

bacteria:

Thats quite a good idea, having mulitple systems that can be switched. I might try this some time becuase i've got quite a few of these plug and play games. (even a dora the explorer! plug n play

that was included in a sale on ebay)

HotDog-Cart · Post by **HotDog-Cart** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 11:41 am

Looking to sell that beast?

Looks pretty awsome.

NixonTech2071 · Post by **NixonTech2071** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 10:48 pm

Now how come jakks couldnt think of making portables?

moonmoon · Post by **moonmoon** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 10:35 am

Looks good!

DK · Post by DK » Thu Aug 28, 2008 2:41 pm

You've been Engageted

nubie · Post by **nubie** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 4:43 pm

You got Hackaday'ed too

(I bet they are just copying Engadget stuff though.)

Very nice, looks quite clean, the only way it could be better is with a flatter toggle or a push-on/push-off switch, the skinny metal type will eventually stab you if it isn't recessed. (and of course a d-pad, but your setup looks completely functional, and so clean the dpad can be forgiven. Maybe a round disc of acrylic on a ball and socket could act as a removable dpad, possibly with a Lego ball joint, then it can pop out for play button style.)

homebilly · Post by **homebilly** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 8:03 pm

i love it!

i am building something and would like to know

what is the part number for the red buttons (not the reset)
and where did you buy them?

ron

bacteria · Post by **bacteria** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 1:51 am

sam_thornley wrote: bacteria:

Thats quite a good idea, having mulitple systems that can be switched.

Some of the plug'n'plays use small boards, like the one in your pic, some use bigger ones. Consider modding the system with a cart slot (from GBO or GBA) and hacking GBO cart slots to hold individual game systems, like in my compo entry. Just a thought.

sam_thornley wrote: I might try this some time because i've got quite a few of these plug and play games. (even a dora the explorer! plug n play that was included in a sale on ebay)

Excuses, I am sure you played Dora just to "test it"??

homebilly wrote: what is the part number for the red buttons (not the reset)
and where did you buy them?

Consider using rubber membranes from old controllers, much better. Failing that, tact switches. More responsive (less play to press a button). Up to you though.