Project DCH (dirt cheap handheld)

AluLagoa

Hi all!
This post will be like a diary for my first handheld project.

I was inspired by:
https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/2089/yet-another-pi-zero-portable
http://www.instructables.com/id/Breadboard-RetroPie/

The goal is to build a simple and very cheap handheld retropie console.

The first compromise is that it will be powered externally by a power bank, and sound will come later as a addon.

Parts i already have:
Raspberry Pi Zero W;
16gb Micro SD memory card.

Parts ordered:
2x 5 way tactile switch with breakoutboard;
ILI9341 display;
Various female to female jumper wires.

Parts I will get locally:
10x regular tactile switch (alternative to the 5way switches);
2x 90º tactile switch;
Prototyping board.

What I've already done:
I've already tested the "mk_arcade_joystick_rpi" script to use GPIO pins as buttons with sucesss. Can't really do much more with what i have at the moment. Still waiting for the display and some other parts from AliExpress.

Designs (for now):
Design 1:
Everything modular.
2x 5 way tactile switches.
Either: A,B,X,Y Or: A,B, LS, RS.
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Design 2:
Display and buttons on same pcb.
Full SNES style controller.
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For the case I am thinking about layered cardboard or layered laser cut wood.

So, I would really appreciate some input from you guys.

To be continued...

Cheers!

moosepr

Glad to be an inspiration! If you need a hand, let me know! 😀

AluLagoa

@moosepr
Thanks!
For now I would just like to know which design i should go for. I am more inclined to the 2nd one, because of the full SNES style controller.

moosepr

@AluLagoa individual buttons are better for action buttons, and the 5 way navigation switches are good as little joysticks so you might find you want to do a hybrid of the two

I also made this

https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/8614/my-take-on-a-gbz

And this

https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/10012/behold-the-world-s-smallest-raspberry-pi-based-gaming-device

So I have pretty much tried all configurations!

AluLagoa

@moosepr
Wow!
I had seen those before, but didn't know they where yours. Great work!

I am gonna go with individual buttons then.

AluLagoa

Video of the gpio controller script working:

AluLagoa

Still waiting for parts to arrive...

Last time I ordered from aliexpress I got my stuff in three weeks, but this time I will have to wait 6 to 8 weeks for the stuff to arrive, and only 3 weeks have passed.

My internship ends today, so I will have a lot of free time from now on.

I was expecting for the parts to arrive this week, so I would have something to do, but that isn't the case.

Feeling really tempted to buy another display for 6.5€ from a seller from my country so I can get it next week and continue with this project...

moosepr

@AluLagoa yeah shipping on AliExpress can be variable. I tend to pay the extra and go for the 20-40 day option rather than the 30-60 day one.

I'm still waiting for some screens that I ordered at the start of January!

AluLagoa

Decided to order another display from a guy in my country.
Should be here in the next few days, so i can go on with my project.

AluLagoa

Hi!

Finally got everything i needed to start the project!

Here are some photos:
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Controller board and front plate.

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Testing the screen.

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Back.

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Front.

Video of it in action:

Now just need to make some sort of case...

PS: Sorry for the dog hair...

Cheers!

moosepr

Awesome work! 😀

AluLagoa

Thanks!

For about 2h of work is not that bad.

Just did a cardboard case for it:
alt text

AluLagoa

@moosepr
How can i find the buttons that you used on you minimalistic build?
Mine are really hard to the press and kind start to hurt my fingers after a while... Yours look soft to the touch...

moosepr

@AluLagoa yeah they are soft. The only place I know selling them now is adafruit

https://www.adafruit.com/product/3101

I randomly found mine on eBay, but the seller doesn't have any more

AluLagoa

@moosepr
Thanks!
Adafruit wants $45 for shipping, and a seller i found in the UK wants $8 for 10 + shipping.

Well, when I do Version 2 I will 3D print a case, and I will try either to make bigger buttons to press on the tactile switches or use a SNES USB gamepad under the shell.

moosepr

@AluLagoa yeah adafruit shipping can be a pain.

Can probably get a few hundred from China for minimal prices

AluLagoa

Possible next version of the handheld.

alt text

Smaller, much nice looking, possibly 18650 battery on the back.

AluLagoa

Well, trying do desolder the pins on the display was a bust... Acidentally striped one of the contacts...

Lesson learned: Don't mess with something that already works.

obsidianspider

@alulagoa said in Project DCH (dirt cheap handheld):

Don't mess with something that already works.

Where's the fun in that? ;)

DD-Indeed

Interesting project. Sparks up couple ideas on my head as well. Could propably build something similar from a Odroid U3 that I have lying on the drawer, so definitely gotta follow this topic. :)