Project DCH (dirt cheap handheld)
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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.
Design 2:
Display and buttons on same pcb.
Full SNES style controller.
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!
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Glad to be an inspiration! If you need a hand, let me know! 😀
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@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. -
@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
So I have pretty much tried all configurations!
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@moosepr
Wow!
I had seen those before, but didn't know they where yours. Great work!I am gonna go with individual buttons then.
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Video of the gpio controller script working:
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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...
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@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!
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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. -
Hi!
Finally got everything i needed to start the project!
Here are some photos:
Controller board and front plate.
Testing the screen.
Back.
Front.Video of it in action:
Now just need to make some sort of case...
PS: Sorry for the dog hair...
Cheers!
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Awesome work! 😀
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Thanks!
For about 2h of work is not that bad.
Just did a cardboard case for it:
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@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... -
@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
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@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.
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@AluLagoa yeah adafruit shipping can be a pain.
Can probably get a few hundred from China for minimal prices
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Possible next version of the handheld.
Smaller, much nice looking, possibly 18650 battery on the back.
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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.
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@alulagoa said in Project DCH (dirt cheap handheld):
Don't mess with something that already works.
Where's the fun in that? ;)
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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. :)
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