Upcoming Project w/custom hardwood/plexi case

[wermy]

Hey! Just a quick question when you get a chance. I have been looking and cant find an answer. Maybe I am not looking the right way.

I just ordered about 90% of the parts I want to use in my project and about 90% of that will be here tomorrow (yay!)

Safe Shutdown: I dont know much about this. I tried to do a quick search here, but I just find either talk about how its needed and talk about ordering a safe shutdown module. Which I will probably end up doing, if there isnt a DIY method. When I had a retropie P2 used on my TV, I just unplugged it. Through my little bit of research, I realized I probably shouldnt be doing that. haha. Is there a way to shut it down from the program, prior to just disconnecting the power?

Audio filter: I know you showed one on your tutorial and I am sure I could find all the parts at a cool little mom and pop electronics store here in my home town, but is it REQUIRED, or just helps with sound quality.

I really want to get a good jump on this project, but be patient if I MUST. haha

Thanks!

Here's a guide that camble put together for a DIY safe-shutdown:
viewtopic.php?f=22&t=1059

Emulationstation does have a menu option to shut down the system, though. So you can select that, wait until it shuts down and then flip the power switch (which is what I usually do).

As for the audio filter, I've actually never tried it without it haha. Would be easy and interesting to try out, though! Basically the signal output straight from the GPIO pins comes with a lot of extra noise. The filter helps filter (duh) that out. So I suspect it would work but will probably sound pretty bad (which it honestly doesn't sound that great to begin with). Another option is to use a USB sound card, which you can find for a few bucks on amazon (there is one by sabrent that is pretty popular and I'm actually using in an upcoming build).

Hope this helps!

[ICMF]

Is there a way to shut it down from the program, prior to just disconnecting the power?

It probably depends on the program (Lakka or Recalbox may differ), but you can definitely shut down from within Retropie. Hit 'start' from the main menu, then select 'quit' and 'shutdown system'. The Pi will power down, then you can shut off the power. Sort of like shutting down a PC - you shut down the OS, wait for the system to shut itself down, then cut the power.

The benefit of a safe shutdown switch is that it does the whole process automatically. You just flick the power switch and the safe shutdown takes care of the rest. So, more like shutting down a 3DS, or whatever - you push the power button and the system takes care of the rest

The other option is a GPIO shutdown button. That triggers a switch so you don't have to shut down the OS, then you can turn off the power. Saves navigating the menus, but you still have to physically power off yourself.

[inches]

Have you done hardwood milling before? What kind of design are you going for?

[negrete35]

Is there a way to shut it down from the program, prior to just disconnecting the power?

It probably depends on the program (Lakka or Recalbox may differ), but you can definitely shut down from within Retropie. Hit 'start' from the main menu, then select 'quit' and 'shutdown system'. The Pi will power down, then you can shut off the power. Sort of like shutting down a PC - you shut down the OS, wait for the system to shut itself down, then cut the power.

The benefit of a safe shutdown switch is that it does the whole process automatically. You just flick the power switch and the safe shutdown takes care of the rest. So, more like shutting down a 3DS, or whatever - you push the power button and the system takes care of the rest

The other option is a GPIO shutdown button. That triggers a switch so you don't have to shut down the OS, then you can turn off the power. Saves navigating the menus, but you still have to physically power off yourself.

Thank you for the information. I appreciate it. I will probably end up purchasing a nice custom switch from here on the forum. But even if I ordered it right now, it will take a bit to reach me in Idaho. haha. And I am an impatient person and would like to get this thing running soon. For now, I will end up using the shutdown option within RetroPie, waiting for the shutdown and then cutting the power.

[negrete35]

Have you done hardwood milling before? What kind of design are you going for?

Milling? No. Haha. I have put together a couple wood projects. So this wont be a perfect, but it will be unique and fun to put together.

I am thinking it will be laid out sort of like a GBA, screen in the center and controls off to the sides.

[negrete35]

Well, I broke the very delicate connection from the screen to its controller. Time to order another. Dang....

[negrete35]

Since I have to order a new screen anyway, I was thinking of ordering a USB sound card. Do I still need an audio filter?

[inches]

Well, I broke the very delicate connection from the screen to its controller. Time to order another. Dang....

Posting embarrassing pictures of broken things helps others avoid doing it themselves ^_^ Care you share what happened to your screen and what you did when it broke?

[negrete35]

IMG_0264.JPG (1.61 MiB) Viewed 9823 times

Well, I broke the very delicate connection from the screen to its controller. Time to order another. Dang....

Posting embarrassing pictures of broken things helps others avoid doing it themselves ^_^ Care you share what happened to your screen and what you did when it broke?

[/img]

IMG_0264.JPG (1.61 MiB) Viewed 9823 times

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[negrete35]

Guess I have to learn to do this better from my phone.