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[Interest Check] GBA-SP msAIO

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2017 10:51 am
by codeman0624
Hi Everyone,

I'm checking interest in a "mostly-super-All-In-One" board for the GBA SP. I'm including the "mostly" qualifier because it does not include quite as many pieces as kite's SAIO, but it is still pretty super in that it fits perfectly within a GBA SP.

To see details on the board, see my post here:
http://www.sudomod.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=3734

Since then, I have added the capability to use a SPI screen instead of heavily modifying a composite screen driver board. This should make it much more accessible to everyone.

Pros:
-Contains almost all the electronics you need to get a RPi0 into a GBA SP shell. Missing only a screen and the RPi itself
-Button wells included in the PCB cutout
-Can make a build with zero cuts in the GBA SP shell if you are ok with emulation just up through GBA. This allows for a very clean looking build.
-I've developed code for on-screen battery display

Cons:
-Decent soldering skill is required
-Screen not included (since you can choose your option)

Unfortunately the asking price is $130. Why so expensive? This is a very compact, complicated board, with a small form factor to fit into the SP. As such I needed a 4-layer board to get the PCB routing completed, and 4-layer boards are expensive. I also wanted this to be a quality product, so I did not use any cheap components on the board.

Right now I am in the process of getting a small batch of boards fabricated and assembled. I am looking to gauge general interest in this board, and am looking for 3 individuals willing to purchase one of these early run boards and help me iron out the build process and build manual. I need people with strong soldering and mechanical skills, as well as the ability to get the RPi working. For these three people I will include a SPI screen so they can get off to a quick start.

If all goes well, and there is enough interest, I will make more boards available to everyone. So please let me know who is interested and who is willing to be one of the first.

Re: [Interest Check] GBA-SP msAIO

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2017 11:45 am
by rodocop
I'd be Interested. I can possibly be one of the first testers too. I am unsure on the time I can commit though. So I would be okay with waiting until the final release too. Depends how much interest others show to help test out the initial boards.

Re: [Interest Check] GBA-SP msAIO

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2017 12:11 pm
by dryja123
I'm in the same boat. I'd love to be a tester but I'm about to move, so I don't know how much time I'll he able to commit to it.

Definitely interested to see where this project goes.

Re: [Interest Check] GBA-SP msAIO

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2017 2:01 pm
by codeman0624
rodocop wrote:
Mon Oct 09, 2017 11:45 am
I'd be Interested. I can possibly be one of the first testers too. I am unsure on the time I can commit though. So I would be okay with waiting until the final release too. Depends how much interest others show to help test out the initial boards.
dryja123 wrote:
Mon Oct 09, 2017 12:11 pm
I'm in the same boat. I'd love to be a tester but I'm about to move, so I don't know how much time I'll he able to commit to it.

Definitely interested to see where this project goes.

Thanks for the interest! As of right now it would be about 4 weeks before anyone would get a board to work with. But that should give plenty of time to order the rest of the necessary parts.

I hope not to ask too much of those that are the first testers. I mainly want others to confirm that the manual I will make is clear enough, and that what I'm requiring of any builder is not too difficult. I will probably share a google doc of the manual with whoever is testing, and it will be a "live" document. With the proper tools I do not see the electronics assembly part taking more than a few hours. Mechanical part may take a little longer.

Let me know if that changes your thoughts at all.

Re: [Interest Check] GBA-SP msAIO

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2017 2:28 pm
by dryja123
codeman0624 wrote:
Mon Oct 09, 2017 2:01 pm

Thanks for the interest! As of right now it would be about 4 weeks before anyone would get a board to work with. But that should give plenty of time to order the rest of the necessary parts.

I hope not to ask too much of those that are the first testers. I mainly want others to confirm that the manual I will make is clear enough, and that what I'm requiring of any builder is not too difficult. I will probably share a google doc of the manual with whoever is testing, and it will be a "live" document. With the proper tools I do not see the electronics assembly part taking more than a few hours. Mechanical part may take a little longer.

Let me know if that changes your thoughts at all.
Ok, I'm down. Could you PM me the part list?

Re: [Interest Check] GBA-SP msAIO

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2017 6:02 pm
by rodocop
What parts would be necessary other than the pi, battery, and case? Since you would include the screen. Pm me as well so I can prepare some parts if needed. I would likely only do a 2 button variation. Since I don't think I could make the 4 buttons look nice enough.

by the way. This is me commiting to be a test builder if you like.

Re: [Interest Check] GBA-SP msAIO

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 2:32 am
by cobramike
Woot be a nice option. But i hate these kind of screens. I have read here some has a 3.5 spi screen. Maybe that's a option. Greets Mike

Re: [Interest Check] GBA-SP msAIO

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 6:20 am
by codeman0624
cobramike wrote:
Tue Oct 10, 2017 2:32 am
Woot be a nice option. But i hate these kind of screens. I have read here some has a 3.5 spi screen. Maybe that's a option. Greets Mike
I'm confused on what kind of screen you hate? The board was designed to be able to use either a 3.5in composite screen, or any 18-pin SPI screen that you can get to fit into the shell. 3.5in SPI screens are too big to fit unfortunately.

Re: [Interest Check] GBA-SP msAIO

Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2017 11:44 am
by YaYa
What are the mechanical skills you are talking about ? :?:

Re: [Interest Check] GBA-SP msAIO

Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2017 12:00 pm
by codeman0624
YaYa wrote:
Wed Oct 11, 2017 11:44 am
What are the mechanical skills you are talking about ? :?:
Nothing too complicated really. Mainly just being able to use a dremel to modify the case, as well as help figure out a clean way to cut in the X and Y buttons. I am also interested in the vinyl stickers you and VeteranGamer have been working on printing, since right now I don't have a good way to put a border around the glass insert.