Hellweaver666's All Clear GBZ (Circuit Sword Lite)

[Hellweaver666]

Hey folks,

I've been quietly stalking this community for a while now, trying to help where I can, but it's finally time to share my own GBZ project with the community! I ordered my CSL back in May I think but had to have it delivered to family back in the UK. It finally arrived with me just under a week ago and I was finally able to get to work!

Firstly... here's what it's made of:

• Transparent aftermarket case and buttons from AliExpress
• Kites Circuit Sword Lite, screen, speaker etc
• Helders Megabat (via Galaxy Gaming)
• YaYa's screen protector
• 3D printed screen surround and power button bracket from HoolyHoo
• 3d printed Shoulder button bracket from Eric Gee
• 3d printed parts self printed on Ultimaker 2 in Glow in the Dark PLA.
• Raspberry Pi Zero WH
• 8GB SD card (to be upgraded soon!)

And some pics:

frontShow

backShow

Still to do:

• order more buttons in clear for the rear
• add case lighting
• install cartridge
• Need to tweak the hole for the mode button or swap the button to make it more accessible
• Find and install clear start/select buttons (is this even a thing?)
• pad the buttons to make them less spongy
• Neogeo games from my library aren't working and I really wanna play some Metal Slug!

Things I could have done better:

• My step drill bit was 2mm increments so my button holes are a little wider than they need to be
• The cutout around the USB port is a bit shoddy
• I should have cleaned up better before closing the case (the dust is annoying!)
• Wish I had installed 6 buttons on front (may still do!)
• Shoulder buttons need some tweaking as they're super spongy and sit a little wonky
• I slipped when trimming the screen and you can see it in the bottom right.
• Battery bay needs cleaning with Dremel, I hollowed it out using side cutters!

Things I love:

• No need to install charge LED's because the onboard ones are visible through the case!
• Screen is BEAUTIFUL!
• Awesome 3d prints made it possible to use almost zero hot glue! (just a tiny bit on the screen and speaker)
• I'm pretty sure MegaBat lasts FOREVER
• Using the stock power button to

I have to say - I had a ton of fun putting this together and I can't wait to do another. I'm currently debating whether to get a GB pocket kit from Galaxy Gaming (more compact) or the CM3 kit from Kite (so I can play more powerful games). It's a big hit with my kid too - he asked if I would swap my GBZ for his Switch!

Feel free to ask if you have any questions about the build or hardware!

[MrErickson]

Looks very slick, a nice looking build, how well does the glow in the dark PLA show thru?

[Hellweaver666]

Looks very slick, a nice looking build, how well does the glow in the dark PLA show thru?

I feel really bad but i didn't actually check yet!

[MrErickson]

Looks very slick, a nice looking build, how well does the glow in the dark PLA show thru?

I feel really bad but i didn't actually check yet!

It's all good, if you do check it let me know.

[Hellweaver666]

I'm currently "charging" the glow in the dark material next to a window so I'll take a photo later.

Funnily, I only used the glow material because it was the closest my 3d printing guy had to a translucent / clear material

[MrErickson]

I'm currently "charging" the glow in the dark material next to a window so I'll take a photo later.

Funnily, I only used the glow material because it was the closest my 3d printing guy had to a translucent / clear material

My kiddos have seen some of my projects as well as others and are hard at work doing a few extra chores to earn themselves a GBZ. They would very likely cheer wildly if it glowed in the dark to any degree.

[Hellweaver666]

So I tested it but my phone isn't up to the task of getting a decent photo. It glows "ok" at best. I'm currently working on a little mod to get some LED strips running inside it so that it glows when charging and changes from red during charging to green when fully charged. You can see my first tests here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtEVtW2tRk0

[Hellweaver666]

ok - I have the LED strips up and running. Right now it's just "glowing" but I have to work a little more to understand how to get the necessary signals from the board to see when it's in charge.

SpoilerShow

SpoilerShow

I'm using an 4Tronix 4Duino mini (it's basically an arduino micro) at the moment to power the lights. It's not glued down just now, but I'll probably put it inside a cartridge with a small hole for the USB port so I can still access it when needed:

SpoilerShow

Video of it in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31fRsrOmfdI

[Gnome Sane]

ok - I have the LED strips up and running. Right now it's just "glowing" but I have to work a little more to understand how to get the necessary signals from the board to see when it's in charge.

Great looking build! Did you figure out where to attach the LEDs to show the signals?

[AntFJ]

FYI there are clear start select buttons out there
https://www.retromodding.com/collection ... 0958441505

looks good!