Need advice for my GBZ parts shopping list

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dicemaster
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Need advice for my GBZ parts shopping list

Post by dicemaster » Sun Jan 07, 2018 5:27 am

Hey Guys,

I'm looking to start my very first GBZ. I have never done a project of this type before, so I'm not familiar with soldering and hooking up different electrical components, but I'm excited to learn.

I have already bought a Raspberry pie zero w and have installed and tested retropie with a few games on it.

I'm currently at the stage of choosing all the different parts to build the GBZ and so far this is my shopping list:
General Parts from deadpanrobot
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Electrical components from Amazon
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Battery from Ebay
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I'm probably missing a few things, I'm not too sure on what.
I would of liked to use a all in one board but nobody seems to be selling those at the moment.

I would like to know if any of you have any advice or suggestions for me about the project or just my shopping list.
Is there any better cheaper alternatives for some of these parts?
Am I missing anything?

All help and advice is greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

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tinkerBOY
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Re: Need advice for my GBZ parts shopping list

Post by tinkerBOY » Sun Jan 07, 2018 6:25 am

New! tinkerBOY PowerSwitch v1.0 with Safe Shutdown
Game Boy Zero Controllers available @ tinkerBOY.xyz * Support
tinkerBOY Controller v3.0 - built-in usb controller, usb audio, and usb hub
tinkerBOY Controller v2.0 - GPIO buttons and builtin PWM Audio and Amplifier
tinkerBOY Controller v1.1 - simple pcb button
* DPI Adapter - better display for GBZ
* keyboard converters - IBM XT/AT Soarer's Converter | ADB to USB Converter

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rodocop
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Re: Need advice for my GBZ parts shopping list

Post by rodocop » Sun Jan 07, 2018 9:12 am

Most of that looks good. But you can save a bit of money by ordering these. But shipping will take longer. The gearbest screen doesn't need any modifications to run on 5v and the banggood powerboost is just as good as the adafruit one but much cheaper.

https://m.gearbest.com/development-boar ... tml?wid=21

https://m.banggood.com/3Pcs-5V-1A-Charg ... 67469.html

Also, depending what you want for shoulder buttons, but I would skip the teeny tactile buttons and go this route:

https://sudomod.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3805

He has two versions, one for original gameboy buttons and one for larger tactile buttons. I have used the tactile version and am very happy with it. Although in my last build I did a diy version with perf board.

I will recommend this wire too, 28-30 gauge is good for most connections, you could get some 24 gauge for the power connections though. Mostly I like to recommend the silicone wire. It's very flexible and easy to work with. And you can even strip it with your fingernails needing no tools.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01KQ2LHFI/ref ... uAbJD0TTTN

I also notice you are missing a volume wheel. Not necessarily needed since you can set volume hotkeys to adjust in game. But if you want a wheel look here:

http://s.aliexpress.com/eM7faqIv

This seller also sells lots of gameboy items for pretty good prices. (Shells, button, membranes etc.) If you choose e packet shipping the ship time is decent (about 3-5 weeks to canada). I buy all my gameboy shells and buttons and membranes from this seller.

dicemaster
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Re: Need advice for my GBZ parts shopping list

Post by dicemaster » Mon Jan 08, 2018 11:28 am

tinkerBOY wrote:
Sun Jan 07, 2018 6:25 am
You also need a PAM8403 audio amp and a low/high pass filter module.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 2138732831

https://sudomod.com/forum/viewtopic.php ... wm+oshpark
Ah! yes thank you very much for telling me about this, completely forgot about audio boards.

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Re: Need advice for my GBZ parts shopping list

Post by dicemaster » Mon Jan 08, 2018 11:44 am

rodocop wrote:
Sun Jan 07, 2018 9:12 am
SpoilerShow
Most of that looks good. But you can save a bit of money by ordering these. But shipping will take longer. The gearbest screen doesn't need any modifications to run on 5v and the banggood powerboost is just as good as the adafruit one but much cheaper.

https://m.gearbest.com/development-boar ... tml?wid=21

https://m.banggood.com/3Pcs-5V-1A-Charg ... 67469.html

Also, depending what you want for shoulder buttons, but I would skip the teeny tactile buttons and go this route:

https://sudomod.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3805

He has two versions, one for original gameboy buttons and one for larger tactile buttons. I have used the tactile version and am very happy with it. Although in my last build I did a diy version with perf board.

I will recommend this wire too, 28-30 gauge is good for most connections, you could get some 24 gauge for the power connections though. Mostly I like to recommend the silicone wire. It's very flexible and easy to work with. And you can even strip it with your fingernails needing no tools.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01KQ2LHFI/ref ... uAbJD0TTTN

I also notice you are missing a volume wheel. Not necessarily needed since you can set volume hotkeys to adjust in game. But if you want a wheel look here:

http://s.aliexpress.com/eM7faqIv

This seller also sells lots of gameboy items for pretty good prices. (Shells, button, membranes etc.) If you choose e packet shipping the ship time is decent (about 3-5 weeks to canada). I buy all my gameboy shells and buttons and membranes from this seller.
Thank you very much Rodocop!
This was some much needed info for my shopping list, I had no idea aliexpress and banggood existed, that's definitely going to save me a few pounds!!!

And I had also completely forgot about wiring, ha ha!
The only type of wire I could find on the amazon UK store was this https://tinyurl.com/yb9sn4sw I'm not sure if it's the same type.

Do you know if the TFT LCD Display Monitor Module you suggested is any better in resolution and quality compared to the one I was thinking of buying?

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rodocop
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Re: Need advice for my GBZ parts shopping list

Post by rodocop » Mon Jan 08, 2018 12:13 pm

dicemaster wrote:
Mon Jan 08, 2018 11:44 am
rodocop wrote:
Sun Jan 07, 2018 9:12 am
SpoilerShow
Most of that looks good. But you can save a bit of money by ordering these. But shipping will take longer. The gearbest screen doesn't need any modifications to run on 5v and the banggood powerboost is just as good as the adafruit one but much cheaper.

https://m.gearbest.com/development-boar ... tml?wid=21

https://m.banggood.com/3Pcs-5V-1A-Charg ... 67469.html

Also, depending what you want for shoulder buttons, but I would skip the teeny tactile buttons and go this route:

https://sudomod.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3805

He has two versions, one for original gameboy buttons and one for larger tactile buttons. I have used the tactile version and am very happy with it. Although in my last build I did a diy version with perf board.

I will recommend this wire too, 28-30 gauge is good for most connections, you could get some 24 gauge for the power connections though. Mostly I like to recommend the silicone wire. It's very flexible and easy to work with. And you can even strip it with your fingernails needing no tools.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01KQ2LHFI/ref ... uAbJD0TTTN

I also notice you are missing a volume wheel. Not necessarily needed since you can set volume hotkeys to adjust in game. But if you want a wheel look here:

http://s.aliexpress.com/eM7faqIv

This seller also sells lots of gameboy items for pretty good prices. (Shells, button, membranes etc.) If you choose e packet shipping the ship time is decent (about 3-5 weeks to canada). I buy all my gameboy shells and buttons and membranes from this seller.
Thank you very much Rodocop!
This was some much needed info for my shopping list, I had no idea aliexpress and banggood existed, that's definitely going to save me a few pounds!!!

And I had also completely forgot about wiring, ha ha!
The only type of wire I could find on the amazon UK store was this https://tinyurl.com/yb9sn4sw I'm not sure if it's the same type.

Do you know if the TFT LCD Display Monitor Module you suggested is any better in resolution and quality compared to the one I was thinking of buying?
No problem, so the wire you posted seems similar, it does not specify that it is silicone coated, but PVC (which is fine),silicone coating isn't a 100% requirement, it just makes things a bit easier. Before I found that silicone wire existed I used PVC wire for everything. Also note your link is for 18 AWG wire, that will be way to thick. Look for 26-30 AWG.

As for the screen, it will likely be the same quality, it's just a known screen board that needs no modification, where the amazon screens, it's kinda a gamble what screen driver board you actually get.

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Sp00n
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Re: Need advice for my GBZ parts shopping list

Post by Sp00n » Tue Jan 09, 2018 5:09 am

Hey Dice
Check out:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Flexible-Sili ... 1296232202

8AWG to 30 AWG in 5 colours and free UK delivery.

hpstr-doofus
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Re: Need advice for my GBZ parts shopping list

Post by hpstr-doofus » Thu Jan 11, 2018 12:21 pm

rodocop wrote:
Sun Jan 07, 2018 9:12 am
Most of that looks good. But you can save a bit of money by ordering these. But shipping will take longer. The gearbest screen doesn't need any modifications to run on 5v and the banggood powerboost is just as good as the adafruit one but much cheaper.

https://m.gearbest.com/development-boar ... tml?wid=21
SpoilerShow
https://m.banggood.com/3Pcs-5V-1A-Charg ... 67469.html

Also, depending what you want for shoulder buttons, but I would skip the teeny tactile buttons and go this route:

https://sudomod.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3805

He has two versions, one for original gameboy buttons and one for larger tactile buttons. I have used the tactile version and am very happy with it. Although in my last build I did a diy version with perf board.

I will recommend this wire too, 28-30 gauge is good for most connections, you could get some 24 gauge for the power connections though. Mostly I like to recommend the silicone wire. It's very flexible and easy to work with. And you can even strip it with your fingernails needing no tools.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01KQ2LHFI/ref ... uAbJD0TTTN

I also notice you are missing a volume wheel. Not necessarily needed since you can set volume hotkeys to adjust in game. But if you want a wheel look here:

http://s.aliexpress.com/eM7faqIv

This seller also sells lots of gameboy items for pretty good prices. (Shells, button, membranes etc.) If you choose e packet shipping the ship time is decent (about 3-5 weeks to canada). I buy all my gameboy shells and buttons and membranes from this seller.
Rodocop,
Newb question: that gearbest screen you linked says on specifications: "Operating voltage: 12V". How it does not need any modifications to run 5v? Am I missing something?
Thanks for all great links you posted, I'm leaning so much here.

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rodocop
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Re: Need advice for my GBZ parts shopping list

Post by rodocop » Thu Jan 11, 2018 12:47 pm

hpstr-doofus wrote:
Thu Jan 11, 2018 12:21 pm
rodocop wrote:
Sun Jan 07, 2018 9:12 am
Most of that looks good. But you can save a bit of money by ordering these. But shipping will take longer. The gearbest screen doesn't need any modifications to run on 5v and the banggood powerboost is just as good as the adafruit one but much cheaper.

https://m.gearbest.com/development-boar ... tml?wid=21
SpoilerShow
https://m.banggood.com/3Pcs-5V-1A-Charg ... 67469.html

Also, depending what you want for shoulder buttons, but I would skip the teeny tactile buttons and go this route:

https://sudomod.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3805

He has two versions, one for original gameboy buttons and one for larger tactile buttons. I have used the tactile version and am very happy with it. Although in my last build I did a diy version with perf board.

I will recommend this wire too, 28-30 gauge is good for most connections, you could get some 24 gauge for the power connections though. Mostly I like to recommend the silicone wire. It's very flexible and easy to work with. And you can even strip it with your fingernails needing no tools.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01KQ2LHFI/ref ... uAbJD0TTTN

I also notice you are missing a volume wheel. Not necessarily needed since you can set volume hotkeys to adjust in game. But if you want a wheel look here:

http://s.aliexpress.com/eM7faqIv

This seller also sells lots of gameboy items for pretty good prices. (Shells, button, membranes etc.) If you choose e packet shipping the ship time is decent (about 3-5 weeks to canada). I buy all my gameboy shells and buttons and membranes from this seller.
Rodocop,
Newb question: that gearbest screen you linked says on specifications: "Operating voltage: 12V". How it does not need any modifications to run 5v? Am I missing something?
Thanks for all great links you posted, I'm leaning so much here.
Yeah, it specifies 12V but it will run on 5V too. I'm not too familiar with how the screen is powered, but I know from experience that it will run fine on 12V or 5V.

Maybe someone else can chime in and let you know the specific reason why. But I think the screen takes 12V and reduce it to 5V which powers the screen, but when you apply 5V directly it does not need to step it down.

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Re: Need advice for my GBZ parts shopping list

Post by jakejm79 » Thu Jan 11, 2018 3:23 pm

You can also use I2S for audio, adafruit (and probably others) offer a cheap combo amp/DAC which can simplify wiring and has no need for low pass filters it also doesn't tie up the single USB port (or require an additional hub).

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