Looks very slick! A project like that is in my pipeline as well.
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Looks very slick! A project like that is in my pipeline as well.
Real hardware! That looks fantastic AND just under the amount I was willing to front for something like this. I hope they continue to make these.Quote:
Originally Posted by StuOhQ
I suppose I've got something to add, now, on the Game Gear consolisation front. I've wanted to fully consolise my Game Gear for a while, and I finally got around to finishing it up this weekend with a controller port and controller mod. I'd post a thread with the details, but no thread-posting privileges yet, so this seems like the best place to put it, and my observations regarding the mod.
Here's the basic before and after: https://i.imgur.com/hdS64Q2.jpg
And for the controller: https://i.imgur.com/MMAB9Gz.jpg
The Game Gear was already McWill modded and hooked up to a Kenzei and Framemeister for video output and capture, but using it held in hand under the circumstances was a bit of a nuisance.
It's the controller support I added this weekend. Both mods were non-destructive. All normal handheld functionality was preserved (Nintendo Switch eat your heart out). In the prior image above, the board is in something of an in-progress state. All the essential connections are there and the soldering's done. But wiring still needs to be secured, and nor is the DB-9 connector secured (though the dremel work on the case is done).
Basically, as far as the Game Gear goes, I did this the simple (and I'd venture most popular) way, which is wiring the test points for 1, 2, left, right, up and down to the relevant DB-9 pins for an SMS controller. Start is wired to pin 5, as that isn't used for anything in the SMS case (as the SMS controller and pinout does not feature a Start button), while it is used for +5V in the Genesis case (which we don't need).
The solution on the Genesis controller end of things was to desolder and remove the IC, which multiplexes controller input, then solder desired inputs to what would otherwise be the locations of the multiplexer input pins. It's thanks to the multiplexer that we can't just wire up a Start pin on the Game Gear end of things. As Start is on the Genesis 3-button the secondary function of Pin 9 (otherwise mapped to C). So cutting the multiplexer out of the picture for that purpose is the simplest solution. Once desoldered, there was enough wire to to work with, to manage all necessary connections using the original leads. It was necessary to wire up Left, Right, 1, 2 and Start. Up and Down could be left as originally wired.
Right now I'm running video to an OSSC for transcoding before sending it to the Framemeister (via HDMI) for scaling.
Another fun mod to add would be a reset switch (again likely added to the controller, presumably using the likewise unused Pin 7). But all the research I've read on that front has indicated a dearth of confidence regarding the appropriate approach to achieving that goal. So I'm hesitant for now.
Incidentally, for anyone doing this mod using an SMS controller, the relevant pins and test points are (likely but not guaranteed to be):
Up = DB-9 Pin 1 = M10 on GG PCB
Down = DB-9 Pin 2 = M11 on GG PCB
Left = DB-9 Pin 3 = M12 on GG PCB
Right = DB-9 Pin 4 = M13 on GG PCB
1 = DB-9 Pin 6 = M14 on GG PCB
GND = DB-9 Pin 8 = M32 on GG PCB (or take your pick).
2 = DB-9 Pin 9 = M15 on GG PCB
For anyone doing this mod with a Genesis 3-button controller (while preserving SMS compatibility), the pins, test points and leads are (likely but not guaranteed to be):
Up = DB-9 Pin 1 = M10 on GG PCB = Controller Default
Down = DB-9 Pin 2 = M11 on GG PCB = Controller Default
Left = DB-9 Pin 3 = M12 on GG PCB = Location of removed IC Pin 3
Right = DB-9 Pin 4 = M13 on GG PCB = Location of removed IC Pin 6
Start = DB-9 Pin 5 or 7 = M16 on GG PCB = Location of removed IC Pin 14
1 = DB-9 Pin 6 = M14 on GG PCB = Location of removed IC Pin 10
GND = DB-9 Pin 8 = M32 (or other) on GG PCB = Controller Default
2 = DB-9 Pin 9 = M15 on GG PCB = Location of removed IC Pin 13
I say "not guaranteed", as I gather there's some amount of variety among GG boards, so I'm not willing to bet that's a certainty for all cases.
Great work.
Man, this makes me regret selling my childhood sweetheart, I'd love to have fitted one of those great new screens and had TV out. Superb.
Where can i get one of these?
The system originally posted is the product of a rather elaborate series of mods which were accomplished as a one-off exercise. The creator explicitly states that it is/was not for sale. Consolised Game Gears have been created by a number of people at this point (myself included), generally for personal use. Each of them requires extensive mods, as I say, to an original system (and the creation of a custom controller, if the Start button is to be functional). Sometimes, modders do sell consolised Game Gears on Ebay. But as far as I know, nobody has ever offered full Game Gear consolisation (i.e., Controller Mod + McWill mod) as an on-demand service.Quote:
Originally Posted by CasetheCorvetteman
Well i for one would pay good money for the one pictured at the start... Looks bloody great...Quote:
Originally Posted by PixelPedant
Do you offer such service? Serious buyer here.Quote:
Originally Posted by PixelPedant
Nah, sorry, just requires sourcing of too many parts and too much time investment to pursue as something other than a personal passion project, for me. My recommendation to folks interested in getting one would be getting a McWill modded Game Gear (with VGA) off Ebay or from a modding service, then doing the controller mod yourself (controller 2 can connect to the EXT port, so you only need to build a port for controller 1).Quote:
Originally Posted by QuickSciFi
Not only is the prior (McWill) mod more difficult (requires very fine soldering), it's much more abundant on the open market, while conversely, the soldering work required for the latter (controller) mod isn't particularly tricky, and really anybody should be able to do it, but it's also very rare, so a do-it-yourself approach is comparatively necessary.
The controller mod is only difficult to the extent that it's somewhat poorly documented and requires some understanding of controller electronics. But the rundown I put together basically lays out every required connection, so the latter consideration might not be much of a worry at this point. And I'm happy to explain any of it further.
Ive got a pile of Game Gears you couldnt jump over that i was going to fit new screens to, but having my partner very ill i just havent had the time to do anything like that.
Hope things get better on that front. And not just so you can get back in the modding game. In a perfect world, we wouldn't have to choose between the well-being of our loved ones and the well-being of our Game Gears.
Thanks very much for your kind words, i appreciate that. While we live in hope, the unfortunate reality of it is that this may not be something that will go away, which is something ive struggled quite a bit to deal with.Quote:
Originally Posted by PixelPedant
Yeah, family is the most important thing. The recent hurricane situation here made me appreciate that on a whole new level. I hope things work out, CasetheCorvetteman.
While I'd LOVE to have a console GG, I have would be happy just to have a new screen installed. One of mine won't power up and the other's screen is slowly dying.
Bump!
Well, since no-one is willing to do this mod, and the prospect of my left kidney versus eBay prices still doesn't seem very appealing, I went for the Retron 5 with the 3-in-1 adapter.
It is satisfactory. It plays my favorite Game Gear game beautifully, Defenders of Oasis. So, I'm set.
QuickSciFi, never say never! I'll let the cat out of the bag and say that I'm also hoping for an affordable consolized game gear produce in the near future! If there is a demand, someone will create and sell it!
The Beharbros. are producing their model on-demand. I'm a big fan of their products. Here's a review I did of their VGA box for Dreamcast:Quote:
Originally Posted by CasetheCorvetteman
https://youtu.be/u4Hld3ewARk
Yes that’s the best option.Quote:
Originally Posted by QuickSciFi
The new Mega SG is going to feature a Game Gear adapter for an extra $10 - which means we have an FPGA solution. Hype!Quote:
Originally Posted by djtwok
My work in progress Game Gear consolized. Got lots of wires to shorten up and the housing to fix up, but it's playable even in this messy state. Attachment 14814
If interested, a small update to my consolized Game Gear. I shortened and cleaned up all the internal wires, organized the setup and secured everything before working on the top case. I have most of the back panel done, but still working and trimming the edges. My GG box is using Tim Worthington's board and I have that wired to a Genesis 2 multi-out for the video (composite and RGB) and stereo sound. As you saw before, I removed the battery components from the GG power board and removed the input jack so I could mount that to my back panel along with the multi-out. I have LED's planned, but I have to pick up a couple more mini ones because I burnt out because I had them in series, but forgot the resistor getting lost before I cleaned up and shortened all the wires going all over the place. I'll pick up more from Console 5 since the local store is a rip for those. Attachment 14817
Pictures of the consolized Game Gear I just finished putting together.
Attachment 14820
Attachment 14821
Attachment 14822
That looks really slick!
Damn, I just saw my previous post and realized my GG still doesn't work. :Panda:
Thanks Melf. That was from a completely destroyed GG that I got for $14. It had bad caps on the sound and power boards, but the coil inductor on it's power board was also bad - so I had to replace that as well. After getting it back to life, that's when all the crazy work began with cutting and modifying an old Net Gear router I got from Goodwill for another $2. Your Game Gear would probably work too if you replaced the caps everywhere. A lot of time that helps with the screen issue also - although I'm sure you likely know that. I have some extra Game Gear parts that I could give you (like a repaired sound or power board), but I don't have a screen because it's a one way trip pulling it off. If your screen has backlight issues, have you considered an LED backlight mod? It's cheaper than the way more expensive (but far superior) McWill screen and you get better battery life.Quote:
Originally Posted by Melf
Man, I'll need one of these too in addition to a Nomad screen.Quote:
Originally Posted by Vorenge
That looks really nice, is that an old cable modem for the box?
Close. It's an old Net Gear wifi router I gutted and modified.Quote:
Originally Posted by xelement5x
I can confirm that the Mega SG is a great solution for GG games on the tube. Can't wait for the official adapter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDPFtY7l57I
I'd love to but all these solutions seem expensive. I have still yet to buy a 3rd party newer console or adapter for older games. I know I should given the age of my systems.
Yeah, there's not exactly a cheap option. A Retron 5 with adapter is going to set you back almost as much as a Mega SG, and won't be as pretty or accurate. A consolized Game Gear is pricey and they aren't made at regular intervals so you have to pounce. Even VGA mods are going to kill your wallet.Quote:
Originally Posted by SegataS
Is this still available? Has the price changed at all over time?
You really should consider selling these. That is one of the prettiest executions of a consolized GG I have seen.Quote:
Originally Posted by Vorenge
I like the Master System mockup from 11 years ago's design. But are there folks actually still making these out there? I wouldn't mind having one with an all-in-one flash cart for a modern tv.
I would love to have a consolized game gear. My skills are not where I could do it myself.