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Flash cartridge fitting original case

Posted: October 15th, 2010, 14:41
by zoranc
After some chat concerning flash cartridge with MrBlinky we came to a conclusion that although it would be really nice to have a flash cartridge it is impossible to build it unless one takes again the connector from a PM. If we only could fit some wireless chip and antenna into the cartridge...

Few days later it hit me: the PM actually has a wireless connection, just not very popular now days... So the idea would be to use infrared communication to send the ROM image to the PM, which in turn would burn it to the flash chip.

Now my question is which way to use IrDA would be the easiest? Here are some ideas:
1) External USB->IrDA PC adapter. Those typically emulate a virtual COM port so it should not be so difficult to write a program that uses them. Probably easiest to implement.
2) Use 2. PM device as a programmer. We would need some way to connect it to a PC and also a way to run programs on it. So USB/Serial/Paralel connector + Flash/ROM + CPLD for addressing. This would make it possible to run homebrew fast on the "Programmer" PM, and make a real nice flash cartridge on the go.
3) Use Nintendo DS + Pokemon HeartGold or SoulSIlver. One of the expensive solutions and not the most convenient to use in practice. Not sure if the IrDA of those games is reverse engineered...
4) Use Gameboy color Irda. Not sure is the flash cards for those are still available.

Other ideas? What do you think?

Re: Flash cartridge fitting original case

Posted: October 18th, 2010, 13:20
by Agilo
I'm sorry but in my mind this (ROM via IrDA) isn't a very elegant solution at all.
It would be slow, somewhat crude and rely on older deprecated technology.

Maybe USB isn't the best solution either, that's up for debate, but in my mind it seems to be a better solution than IrDA.

Not saying it's not a fun project, though, proof-of-concept wise.

But anyway, as it stands: anything is better than nothing. ;)


Just my 2 cents..

Re: Flash cartridge fitting original case

Posted: October 18th, 2010, 14:48
by zoranc
Yeah since we have none I think we should concentrate on the easiest solution that fits the cartridge with or without cuts. The variant 2) in my first post includes an USB solution as part of it.

Probably in general the USB version is the most balanced one. It's shame that lupin doesn't answer lately. It's basically what he already did...

Anyway I received the parts for the USB programmer, and I intend to build that one first. Anyone willing to take care of the cartridge itself?

Re: Flash cartridge fitting original case

Posted: October 18th, 2010, 21:17
by Mr. Blinky
I had the idea to use backup/backup EEPROM using IRdA a while ago. Speed would be slow about 8Kbyte or maybe 16Kbyte But getting the IRdA part work properly on PC side is more of a hassle. USB is the faster and probably better choice.
But somehow the USB linker has to be connected to the PM card. so it needs to be cut to fit a extra connector or a PM connector would be required meaning another PM has to die. Theres no alternative connector.

Personally I'm looking for a Micro SD solution. The Card would stick out a bit.But Advantages are you don't need to cut a PM card as it won't fit anyway :P and dont need a linker or special software for transfers.

For cosmetic looks the cart could be crafted using polymer clay to look like a real cart that just extends a bit. Just like some carts stick out of a gameboy(advance) with rumble function.

MrBlinky