GBA SP output

Dean_Kreger · Post by **Dean_Kreger** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 5:16 pm

Three things before I start:

1) I have been searching every forum I came across with the term 'GBA' and reading every thread that looked related

2) This question has been asked exactly three times on this forum and not recieved an anwser that was what I needed

3) This is something I really want to do, so please don't laugh me off

Okay!

My question has to do with either the GBA SP or the standard GBA...

Backround info: I have a dream to take an old broken NES controller, rip out the guts and install a *screenless* GBA or GBA SP board... From there I would install a charge port and internal batteries. Next I would cut out the original cord and run RCA or S-Vid (lol) out through the original hole...

Problem: Where I stopped is where the problem arises: How do I get RCA (or what have you) from the GBA/SP?

No matter where I searched the only thing people said was, "use the Transnverter!" But that is not what I mean.

So! If you know what I should do (such as: soldering on some wires or getting a ribbon to rca converter) please tell me! And if it is not possible please break it to me nicely

But I'll stay open to any suggestions.

-Thanks in advance; Justin.

Contact: kll36@hotmail.com or kool.name@gmail.com

totokan · Post by **totokan** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 5:24 pm

On hackaday they had an article that showed updating a gba with an external screen, controler and something else. You could check there.
EDIT: hackaday links to http://www.konlabs.com/articles_data/gb ... /index.htm
and their article is on http://gameboy.hackaday.com/entry/1234000070035726/

Foxx373 · Post by **Foxx373** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 5:44 pm

or just use one of these: http://www.superufo.com/pp/item_detail. ... F29094A3C7}

I can get them at my local import and bootleg shops, but then again, i live in NYC. E-bay might be easier for you.

daguuy · Post by **daguuy** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 5:47 pm

you need the transverter to convert the digital signal to composite

soundwave · Post by **soundwave** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 6:16 pm

And theres no transverter for the SP, so you're SoL.

Dean_Kreger · Post by **Dean_Kreger** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 4:21 am

As I said before I have both a broken SP and GBA so, no I'm not SoL...

But is the tranverter the only way to go? No other way to change the signal?

Edit: More specifically there are no other products on the market for any LCD's that can do this?

Also... Has anyone ripped open a transverter? If so what size are the parts?

-Justin

Reaperman@home · Post by **Reaperman@home** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 9:40 am

I may still have pictures on my webpage. *points to "www" button*

the transverter board is actually LARGER than the GBA (orig) board. It has pretty much the same shape, but the componants stick farther from the board.

There are no other products that I'm aware of--I recall something for the SP at one time, but it is from the generation the 'transverter' came from and both are now gone. (that other product is new, and we're just calling it a transverter because it does the same thing and looks pretty close)

since the GBA screen is digital rgb, you'd need an LCD that takes the EXACT digital same signal to scam out without a transverter. and since these were likely built to nintendo's spec, searching for one is useless. don't confuse digital RGB (used for a lot of dedicated portable lcds) with analog rgb--analog rgb is usable. actually you can mod the transverter to output analog rgb for a noise-free picture.

totokan · Post by **totokan** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 11:01 am

I don't think he needs rgb, because he's trying to have it just output to a t.v. Most tv's don't have RGB, they have composite and coax.

Foxx373 · Post by **Foxx373** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 11:24 am

I think it was Analog (the company) that makes RGB (both analog and digital) to composite comverters. i have built Analog RGB to Composite adapters, its not that hard. I am pretty sure the chips i used are obsolete now, but its still worth a shot if you know WTF you ar doing.

Dean_Kreger · Post by **Dean_Kreger** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 2:02 pm

Arg! I can't get to that konlab article...

Edit: and that would be like EXACTLY what I need.

And yeah: I don't need RGB just composite, I'd even take coax...

Also Foxx373: You say you've made one? Got any plans for it? Or anything...

totokan · Post by **totokan** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 3:20 pm

go to reaperman's site. it has all the stuff you need.

Reaperman@home · Post by **Reaperman@home** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 3:40 pm

coax would be a problem to get, but I don't think you really want it.

the transverter outputs audio and video from a standard playstation jack in the back. It did both S-video and Composite, but as I mentioned can be modified to output analog RGB

you'll want to use it in at least s-video mode (the composite really looks like garbage...colors bleeding everywhere.) and you'll probably want to use it on an LCD of some kind, because if you notice my picture of it running sonic advance on my CRT tv, it crops the edges considerably. This is because the tube goes well behind the plastic casing of the TV and the transverter has no fine adjustment for image size. you can, however, opt to take your video uncropped, with a large black border

you can't fit it into a nintendo pad...but a nes advantage stick is easily doable.

Dean_Kreger · Post by **Dean_Kreger** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 9:12 pm

So... Your agreeing that I need to use the transverter?

And your saying that I, if I use the transverter, won't be able to it in an standard nes controller?... I think that's what I got out of it...

Edit: Hmm... I was thinking... And I could build a case... slightly larger but exactly like the nes controller... I mean... It's perfectly squared! what more could you ask for?

Reaperman@home · Post by **Reaperman@home** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 11:06 pm

sorry, I tend to ramble... when it's coherent it's fine, but when rabbitsâ€¦

but yes, the transverter is the only way without scratchbuilding something expensive that nobody here will be able to help you with. None of the other gba projects I've seen use anything but the commercial solution.

Foxx373 · Post by **Foxx373** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 11:54 pm

Ive build an Analog RGB to composite adapter. Not a GBA RGB to Composite. The only thing i can tell you is check out the company Analog. Thats where i got my converter chip from. I built this thing about 8 years ago, before everything was available online. I dont have the original schematics, or even the name of the chip I used (which is obsolete now). I think it was the AD722, (holy crap i actually rememberd it http://www.analog.com/en/prod/0%2C2877% ... %2C00.html )