Notifications
Clear all
Topic starter
2023-08-10 12:52 pm
While cleaning and going through my electronic devices to take care of the rechargable lithium batteries, I stumbled over my old Gameboy Advance SP and thought about how to turn it into a better device.
First thing I wanted to change was replacing the charging port by a USB-C connector. There are basically two options here: one with audio support and one without. The audio support only works with USB-C to chinch cables that don't have a built-in DAC, and it also removes the reversability of the USB-C connection. But that's the one I chose.
Here the circuit board with the new connector next to it, the desoldered old connector, and the result:
The new connector came with a 3d-printed cover for the case, so it looks very nice:
Next thing I want to add is this bluetooth module, including a physical switch to completely turn it off the power to not drain the battery when not needed:
Still not sure where exactly I'll place the switch. I thought about cutting a small hole in the side of the battery compartment, so I can access it from there.
Current projects:
- Modding my Gameboy Advance SP
- Turning Dalek into robot
Finished projects:
- Talking plant monitor (ESP8266)
- Mail box monitor (ESP8266-01S)
Other devices:
- Raspberry Pi 4B 4GB running Home Assistant
primalbits and Inq reacted
2023-08-10 1:06 pm
First thing I wanted to change was replacing the charging port by a USB-C connector.
My curiosity is getting the better of me. In most instances the USB device tells a smart charger how much current to deliver. Will you be able to do high-speed charging? And the audio support allows you to run external speakers???
Next thing I want to add is this bluetooth module
What is the expected functionality you'll get with this?
FYI - For the rest of us of the older generation that still have nominal usage of our thumbs, here is an image of a Gameboy Advance SP. I had to look it up to see what we're talking about. 😋
3 lines of code = InqPortal = Complete IoT, App, Web Server w/ GUI Admin Client, WiFi Manager, Drag & Drop File Manager, OTA, Performance Metrics, Web Socket Comms, Easy App API, All running on ESP8266...
Even usable on ESP-01S - Quickest Start Guide
primalbits reacted
Topic starter
2023-08-11 5:34 am
In most instances the USB device tells a smart charger how much current to deliver. Will you be able to do high-speed charging?
You are right. And for using USB-C to USB-C cables, you have to configure the voltage. The simplest way is to add resistors to the control lines, but for higher voltages than 5V, you would need more logic to negotiate the voltage. As for the current, I don't really know what is needed to tell the charger how much it is allowed to deliver. Anyways, for different voltage or different current, I would need to replace the charging circuit, or add a second one. That would be too invasive for me.
What is the expected functionality you'll get with this?
I want to be able to use my bluetooth headphones, or a bluetooth speaker. The audio through USB-C needs a dongle, and a cable. It's a nice extra feature, but I don't really have non-bluetooth headphones any more.
Current projects:
- Modding my Gameboy Advance SP
- Turning Dalek into robot
Finished projects:
- Talking plant monitor (ESP8266)
- Mail box monitor (ESP8266-01S)
Other devices:
- Raspberry Pi 4B 4GB running Home Assistant
2023-09-14 8:25 pm
I love the idea of getting rid of the proprietary power connector. I your SP an AGS001 or a 101?
rommudoh reacted
Topic starter
2023-09-15 7:12 am
Current projects:
- Modding my Gameboy Advance SP
- Turning Dalek into robot
Finished projects:
- Talking plant monitor (ESP8266)
- Mail box monitor (ESP8266-01S)
Other devices:
- Raspberry Pi 4B 4GB running Home Assistant