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First time build gbz

Posted: Sun May 14, 2017 5:56 pm
by Mattyp
Hi all,
I'm looking at doing my first gbz build using the Pi zero w, just looking at sourcing parts in Australia, happy to shop on line and just wanted opinion on what parts to buy and what are best?

Also has anyone had experience with these button boards before and are they worth a buy?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/322511594884

I'm looking at trying to keep this build at a minimum would there also be a suggestion for a teensy or arduino board (or alternative) to use with the button pcb?

I see the suggestion of using the powerboost 1000, as it has passthrough capabilities, is this only nessesary if you wish to play while charging could a cheaper alternative be take. There or are there google alternative boards you could suggest? I was thinking of buying a cheap phone charger bank to take power the build and using its dcdc boost and charger interface to save cost any suggestions with that?

If there are any other suggestions you have for a first build feel free to lemme know thanks.

Cheers
Matthew

Re: First time build gbz

Posted: Sun May 14, 2017 8:46 pm
by rodocop
I've used similar button boards in 2 gbz's. They work fine. I would suggest skipping the teensy and wiring to the pi's gpio pins. I personally didn't use the teensy since i didn't want to use up the usb spot and didn't want to use a usb hub either.There is a good guide for gpio controls:

viewtopic.php?t=57

As for power supply. I've used only these, you can play and charge and they are cheap.

https://m.banggood.com/37V-Liion-Batter ... 28948.html

Re: First time build gbz

Posted: Sun May 14, 2017 10:20 pm
by RetroRocket
rodocop wrote:
Sun May 14, 2017 8:46 pm
I've used similar button boards in 2 gbz's. They work fine. I would suggest skipping the teensy and wiring to the pi's gpio pins. I personally didn't use the teensy since i didn't want to use up the usb spot and didn't want to use a usb hub either.There is a good guide for gpio controls:

viewtopic.php?t=57

As for power supply. I've used only these, you can play and charge and they are cheap.

https://m.banggood.com/37V-Liion-Batter ... 28948.html
Would this replace the powerboost?

OP I'm just starting my first build as well. Got a nearly identical PCB, but green (http://www.ebay.com/itm/361672717529?_ ... EBIDX%3AIT)

Have it wired up to my leonardo pro micro (didn't go GPIO because of my lack of faith in my own programming abilities) but haven't sorted out the arduino yet.
I got one of these http://www.ebay.com/itm/152437840542?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT which seems to have the exact same pinout as the teensy. @sota made a great guide for utilizing it here: http://www.sudomod.com/forum/viewtopic. ... =pro+micro

It took a little over a month for all my parts to arrive, so I had plenty of time to practice my soldering. My one suggestion as a designer/model maker is to take your time with the case modifications. A little screwup can permanently goof your case in a highly visible way. There are plenty of great builds on this site, but if you want to follow in parallel, my thread is here: http://www.sudomod.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=2968

Good luck and I'll be looking forward to watching your progress when you begin!

Re: First time build gbz

Posted: Sun May 14, 2017 10:54 pm
by rodocop
RetroRocket wrote:
Sun May 14, 2017 10:20 pm
Would this replace the powerboost?
Yep. This is equivalent to the powerboost. Just a cheaper alternative, I've used 4, and never had problems.

Here's a pic of it in use. Just desolder the large usb and it's quite small and fits well.
powerboost alternativeShow
Image

Re: First time build gbz

Posted: Tue May 16, 2017 2:10 am
by Mattyp
Cheers for the advice guys I'm looking forward to the build it's gonna be a semester break project and I'm looking at adding in some unique and extra mods so watch this space 😉

Re: First time build gbz

Posted: Tue May 16, 2017 3:27 am
by Lphillimore
Im in Australia mate. Got a fair few parts from UK and US however more popping up here now, especially accessibility to Pi Zero W for example. Lots from China and alike, too. Shoot me a message if you're stuck for any parts.