Do It Yourself GAMEBOY Flash Cartridge - Custom Electronics

[Gerry_MAN]

Hi Folks,

I'm going around to various forums, trying to collaborate with other Electronics Hobbyists working on Flash Cartridge development. My Background is in Electronics and Robotics. I'm currently working on a Flash cart for the SEGA GameGear. I just completed one for the Gameboy. I'm running into a few obstacles with my new Flash interface, but I'm making progress which is motivating.
I'm also working on carts for other platforms.

Anyone else an avid Electronics Hobbyist? I would love to trade research if anyone is interested.

I have just recently completed a 5 part Instructional Video that shows how to build a Standard GameBoy Flash cartridge. It also covers Flash Programming procedures using a Willem Programmer and an ATMEL AT49F040 4Mbit Flash Chip or (512Kb of memory storage).

I will be putting another video together for my other Flash Cart projects as soon as they are completed. I would love to chat with others that have successfully built similar models.

The video below is PART 1 of 5 for the GAMEBOY Flash Cart:

I look forward to your replies,

Regards,
-Gerry

[Lazy Bastard]

I'm not really an electronics hobbyist in the sense you're talking about, but I think your projects are awesome.

[Gerry_MAN]

Re: Do It Yourself GAMEBOY Flash Cartridge - Custom Electronics

I'm not really an electronics hobbyist in the sense you're talking about, but I think your projects are awesome.

Right on man! Thanks.

I hope it works out for those that are willing to give the projects a go.
Nothing like being able to run your own custom games on actual hardware.

I just recently got a prototype design working for a Sega GameGear Flash cart.
I'll be posting an instructional video for this Flash interface also. Hopefully soon.
These Hobbies are great.
Such a Blast!

Thanks for the positive feedback.
Cheers!

-Gerry

[firehawk9000]

Questions about GB flash

Hi Folks,

I'm going around to various forums, trying to collaborate with other Electronics Hobbyists working on Flash Cartridge development. My Background is in Electronics and Robotics. I'm currently working on a Flash cart for the SEGA GameGear. I just completed one for the Gameboy. I'm running into a few obstacles with my new Flash interface, but I'm making progress which is motivating.
I'm also working on carts for other platforms.

Anyone else an avid Electronics Hobbyist? I would love to trade research if anyone is interested.

I have just recently completed a 5 part Instructional Video that shows how to build a Standard GameBoy Flash cartridge. It also covers Flash Programming procedures using a Willem Programmer and an ATMEL AT49F040 4Mbit Flash Chip or (512Kb of memory storage).

I will be putting another video together for my other Flash Cart projects as soon as they are completed. I would love to chat with others that have successfully built similar models.

The video below is PART 1 of 5 for the GAMEBOY Flash Cart:

I look forward to your replies,

Regards,
-Gerry

Hey man I really want to do this project but I have some questions.
1. Can the Zelda DX cart play GBC roms?
2. Are there any other carts you could recommend, preferably a GBC cart?
3. Also, what does rosin flex do? Is it completely necessary?
Thanks in advance! This sounds AWESOME!!!

[Helder]

I love these projects and although I know shit about the programming logic that go in the chips I'm pretty handy with taking a schematic and making a nice PCB. I have a Willem so that I know how to use and have made a few functional PCBs in the last couple of months. But it seems he might not be around the site anymore, bummer.

Edit: I got his PDF with the instructions. Also got another site with info.

http://www.reinerziegler.de/readplus.htm

[Gerry_MAN]

Flash Cartridge Projects

it seems he might not be around the site anymore, bummer.

Nope Still around....just a bit slow these days..

All the docs and vid links are available on my Website if need be:

http://www.digital-circuitry.com/GameBoy.htm

http://www.digital-circuitry.com/GameGear_512KB.htm


To answer your questions:

1. Can the Zelda DX cart play GBC roms?
-Yep. The Zelda DX is the one cart that is recommended as it can play almost every game for the
Gameboy and Gameboy Color.

2. Are there any other carts you could recommend, preferably a GBC cart?
You can use any cart you want really. The only difference is the MBC chips within the cart will determine the
number of games you can play. The later GBC games require an MBC5 Chip and sometimes a RAM chip as well.

The Zelda DX cart has the MBC5 chip and the largest amount of RAM for game use.
This is why it is recommended.

If you try it with another GBC cartridge ....then certain ROMs you load into the Flash chip
may not function properly. Doesn't hurt to try tho.

As long as it has the MBC5 chip you should be good for most games.
If you can find a cart with the MBC5 and some RAM then that is ever better.


3. Also, what does rosin flex do? Is it completely necessary?
Rosin Flux is a chemical that is used when soldering. It creates a chemical Bond between the Solder and the metal on the PCB surface. Usually Copper. Using Flux when you solder makes sure that you have perfect electrical connection through the Wires to the PCB that you solder. If your solder is "Rosin core" then that should work fine, you won't need extra.



I hope this helps.
Cheers!
-Gerry
http://www.digital-circuitry.com

[Helder]

Is there a CPLD release of the MBC5 yet? I would like to build a PCB with that so no one has to cannibalize GB carts, something like David Pello's cart.

[root670]

Is there a CPLD release of the MBC5 yet? I would like to build a PCB with that so no one has to cannibalize GB carts, something like David Pello's cart.

Actually, the source for David's Xilinx-based MBC5 clone has been on Pastebin for some time, but I'm curious if it's fully working http://pastebin.com/c1SyhLEn
Maybe someone could test this out? Unfortunately, the XC9536 has been discontinued, but the code might be portable to a newer Xilinx chip.