The most effective GCN PSU I could build without modding it?

Includes PS2, Xbox 1, GameCube (but not the Phantom Game Console)

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Bisected8
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The most effective GCN PSU I could build without modding it?

Post by Bisected8 »

I'm new to console modding, I asked about this on GameFAQs and someone linked me here.

Anyway, basically I just want to make my Gamecube portable, with the minimum amount of modding, i.e. I just want to build the best battery operated power supply I can for it. I've looked into buying commercially produced ones, but they're hard to find nowadays and they only give a few hours worth of battery life.

My Gamecube's PAL region, I still have the original power supply (but I'd rather leave that intact) and SCART lead.

I've been doing simple electronics projects for a few years, so I'm familiar with soldering (although my knowledge of how to wire components is a bit patchy as I mostly used kits).

Summery: What's the most effective battery operated power supply I could build for my GCN (and an LCD screen) without having to mode the console too much (preferably not at all)?
XCVG
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Re: The most effective GCN PSU I could build without modding it?

Post by XCVG »

Well the gamecube takes 12 volts. A 3 cell lithium ion or lipoly pack should work, but might not have enough voltage.
Bisected8
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Re: The most effective GCN PSU I could build without modding it?

Post by Bisected8 »

Would I need to build some sort of circuit to regulate the power from the cells or would they be fine on their own?
64M320N3
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Re: The most effective GCN PSU I could build without modding it?

Post by 64M320N3 »

if you have lower than 12 volts, then you'll need a step up regulator.
Otherwise, no, because there is a PSU board in the GC itself (unless you want to remove it, then that is a different story entirely).
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Re: The most effective GCN PSU I could build without modding it?

Post by ShockSlayer »

64M320N3 wrote:if you have lower than 12 volts, then you'll need a step up regulator.
Otherwise, no, because there is a PSU board in the GC itself (unless you want to remove it, then that is a different story entirely).
Quit posting wrong information.

You can power it off of as low as 10v, but no less.

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Bisected8
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Re: The most effective GCN PSU I could build without modding it?

Post by Bisected8 »

So if I just wired a 10-12v cell (or cells) up to the part the power supply runs into, it'll run? Because I was thinking of making some sort of set up with its own screen using on of these;

http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=224379

Maybe with a circuit to monitor the battery level.
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Re: The most effective GCN PSU I could build without modding it?

Post by ShockSlayer »

Yes, you can feed it through the GC'spower suppy. Just don't let it drop below 9.9v

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Bisected8
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Re: The most effective GCN PSU I could build without modding it?

Post by Bisected8 »

If it drops below 9.9 will it cause any damage to the console, or will it just turn off?
asdfjkl;
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Re: The most effective GCN PSU I could build without modding it?

Post by asdfjkl; »

It will just turn off, but if you put too high, it will fry the system.
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Bisected8
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Re: The most effective GCN PSU I could build without modding it?

Post by Bisected8 »

Just out of interest, are you guys sure the GC has an internal power supply? Because there's a large brick shaped block on the power cable which is clearly labeled "power supply"...
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Re: The most effective GCN PSU I could build without modding it?

Post by vskid »

Bisected8 wrote:Just out of interest, are you guys sure the GC has an internal power supply? Because there's a large brick shaped block on the power cable which is clearly labeled "power supply"...
That turns wall power into 12v. Inside the GC, that 12v is converted to 1.9v, 3.3v, and 5v, 12v is used too.
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Bisected8
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Re: The most effective GCN PSU I could build without modding it?

Post by Bisected8 »

So one of these would work then?;

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=27088
WERD
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Re: The most effective GCN PSU I could build without modding it?

Post by WERD »

I don't know much about the Gamecube but as others have stated if you give the Gamecube too much voltage then it will fry the system so I do not suggest just making a cable that goes from your cigarette lighter straight to the PSU inside the Gamecube because a car battery doesn't output a true 12v. It's usually at 14v and you can have engine cranks and I'm not sure what voltages are produced in that time but it would probably fry the Gamecube.
Bisected8
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Re: The most effective GCN PSU I could build without modding it?

Post by Bisected8 »

I'm not trying to run it in a car. I just thought it would be cool if I made some sort of portable device (with its own screen) I could just plug the GC into and play without plugging it in.
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Re: The most effective GCN PSU I could build without modding it?

Post by ShockSlayer »

WERD wrote:I don't know much about the Gamecube but as others have stated if you give the Gamecube too much voltage then it will fry the system so I do not suggest just making a cable that goes from your cigarette lighter straight to the PSU inside the Gamecube because a car battery doesn't output a true 12v. It's usually at 14v and you can have engine cranks and I'm not sure what voltages are produced in that time but it would probably fry the Gamecube.
That's untrue. I ran a wii straight off a car battery(a cookie to the members who remember) after testing that it worked with a GC.

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