(Part 2) Best products from r/Gameboy

Heh, I'll admit that I've been rude with such information and that was wrong of me.

I was wronged before, but that's no way to act towards other. I do sincerely apologize, I believe it was in regards to my paint techniques and sealants?

Let me share properly, with easy links! :D

I live by Krylon products, they're the best spray paints for using Posca Paint pens on. My most used Krylon products are:

-Krylon Chalky Finish

-Krylon Short Cuts these are a bit glossy so far, and haven't tested them with the paint pens yet. Will post once I do! Also do SUUUPER LIGHT COATS as it will bubble and look like crap, they aren't meant for plastic :D

-U-Pol Products 0796 Clear CLEAR#1 High Gloss Coat - 450ml for sealant You can apply a fresh coat after 1 hour, gives enough time for it to "cure" and allows you to see how much more you need! I do 3-4 coats for a super glossy finish! :D

-Posca paint pens for drawing me and my wife both live by these things, they're absolutely fabulous.

Again, I do sincerely apologize. We're all human behind these screen names and letters, surrounded by digital information and electricity. I'm no different, and prone to making mistakes.

Hope that helps make things a little better. Cheers man! Again, congrats on a gorgeous system.

To show my true honesty and being sorry, if you send me your system I'll backlight and bivert it - plus ship it back to you for free.

It's not all about the work and business, it's about making good friendships along the way. PM Me if you're interested bro.

There are three things you'll need, the battery, a charging board, and a diode. If you know someone who does some modding they might already have the second two. They usually come in sets of a few, making them cheap individually, but if you buy them yourself on Amazon or eBay and need just one, you'll spend a bit more money. However, diodes are super common in things like power adapters, so if you have a junk one laying around, you can most likely get one for free. By power adapter I mean the plugs with the big black end that never fit into a surge protector. If you crack one of those open, you'll probably find a few free diodes. I got mine from an old charger for a broken Phillips hair trimmer. If you have to order them and don't mind waiting much longer for shipping, Aliexpress has super cheap individual charging boards and diodes. I'm impatient though and didn't want to wait a month for shipping. I would also recommend using one of those little wire connector things between the charging board and the GBA so you can disconnect the whole thing easily. I'll link it all below.


Battery: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BTV3MXQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Charging Board: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DRT4PWY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Diode: https://www.ebay.com/itm/182714565793?ul_noapp=true Or if you want to stick with Amazon Prime but pay more: https://www.amazon.com/NTE-Electronics-1N270-Germanium-Optimized/dp/B008UG12M6/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=1N270+diode&qid=1564894452&s=gateway&sr=8-4


Little connector thing: https://www.ebay.com/itm/20-Pairs-Micro-JST-1-25-2-Pin-Male-and-Female-Connector-plug-with-Wires-Cables/361418912735?epid=1083311732&hash=item54263ef3df:g:kOYAAOSwmrlUrPoE


This is the GBA that I modded recently. More pics and details in the fist comment. https://old.reddit.com/r/Gameboy/comments/cm7i4o/my_first_gba_mod_more_info_and_pics_in_the/

1. Soldering for the 101 mod is super simple, got it right on first try when it was my first time soldering.
   
   
2. Repro screen in my unit works great, some people swear by the originals but I can't stomach the idea of ripping apart a perfectly good SP. Bought mine here. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L42ZIOQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_p0y-AbNPMV7S0
   
   
3. Previous experience shouldn't be too much of an issue, GBA internals are very simple and this mod is a fairly good first project in my opinion.

> Thanks for the detailed answer.
>
> I can't see the one you recommended on Amazon.ES, I've found either a 1900 mAh or a2500 mAh one
>
> Would you say these batteries would also work with Retroflag GPI case?

My pleasure, I'm happy to help. Get the standard Eneloop 1900 mAh batteries. Do not get Eneloop Pro. The BQ-CC17 charger is important, so get this package:

• Panasonic Eneloop SY3052296 - Cargador BQ-CC17 (Incluye 4 x AA): Eneloop: Amazon.es: Electrónica
  
  When you buy more Eneloop cells, make sure you get the ones that say 10 years and 2100 charges.

Pretty easy to do! The printer is rated to run on nine volt DC, so a 9v battery should work fine. I did this about three weeks ago, been using it frequently, and all is well.

If you need paper, it's just 38mm/1.5" thermal paper. Here's enough for like 3,000 Game Boy Camera prints for seven dollars.

Been having lots of fun with it, been taking it into work and taking pictures of my friends. Everyone's been receptive of it so far.

And since we like sharing Game Boys here's my very clean DMG-01 with a bivert and backlight mod. I'm going to keep it looking as stock as possible, only thing I've done is the backlight mod, bivert, replaced the speaker, and the button rubber thingies, whatever they're called.

Have Ni-MH's in there for now, but if anyone knows of any Li-Ion mods, let me know!

Edit: A conversation in the comments has made it apparent that your nine volt batteries mileage may vary. I've been using my 9.6v 230 mAh Powerex batteries, and it's drained the charge after about 100 prints. You could probably get 50 out of a regular 9 volt you buy at the store, but you really should invest in rechargeables. 100 prints is really tenable, it took me about three weeks to go through that many, haha. But do keep in mind that if you don't have rechargeables, and instead would be using cheap 9 volts, this mod will likely burn through them.

Hello again! Here was my shopping list (I am sure that there are better!) and I think that this was everything that I had in front of me when working:

For the Gameboy:

- screen and glass (and this came with screwdrivers but I bought others because it doesn't say that it does), https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-Levels-High-Light-V2-IPS-Backlight-LCD-Screen-Kit-For-Game-Boy-Advance-GBA/312745721491?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

[one regret = I should have bought a funny playing screen to support the person that came up with this mod rather than from China directly]

- screwdrivers: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01KFJK7MQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

- black silicone buttons (haven't arrived yet so I cleaned my original ones with a toothbrush and isopropyl alcohol for now), https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/For-Game-Boy-GBA-Advance-Button-Silicone-Rubber-D-Pad-Conductive-AB-Select-Start/312608709452?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=611338502576&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

- black button set, https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Button-set-for-Game-Boy-Advance-Nintendo-GBA-custom-mod-AGB-001-Black-ZedLabz/371907958966?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649


From this company I bought the following (but their website is down for maintenance now): www.deadpanrobot.co.uk/

- case that was pre-cut for a new IPS display (it is central in the glass screen now): Mandarin Shell For Nintendo Game Boy Advance

- 3D printed mount (useful but the screen came with two bits of plastic that would have done the job (see the video that I linked 'person that filmed the whole process')

- Model Sticker For Nintendo Game Boy Advance (just so it doesn't look empty on the back)

​

For soldering:

- solder, https://www.amazon.com/EL60-40-25-Electronic-Solder-Resin/dp/B0001P171K

- wires, https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01F8PO8OA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For cleaning connections:

- Isopropyl alcohol

- Cotton wool buds (Q-tips?)

Super Mario Land https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002ST28/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_Srb7wbQDTWX04

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002ST27/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_1sb7wb52SK5B0

Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002SVER/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_utb7wbPG84F48

I'm not sure about that one, but I can say don't buy this one from Circuit Specialists. It's what I've been using for years for the odd project here and there and it was always frustrating. I don't have enough experience to have known why it was so difficult, but I finally decided I was due for an upgrade and I got this Hakko soldering station, and the difference is amazing. Mainly, it gets hot and stays consistently hot, which it turns out makes things much easier. Another big difference is the tip, which perhaps would have been an easy upgrade to my old iron if not for the inconsistent heat. But I notice that the one you linked has a sharp slender tip, and I've learned that the chisel shaped tip that came with the Hakko is much better for heat transfer since you can apply more of the tip's surface area.

I've bought through Ebay, bc robotics, aliexpress, banggood etc...

Most small parts like tactile buttons, power switch, volume wheels, rubber membranes, gameboy shells, and buttons were bought from ebay/aliexpress. Long shipping times but cheap prices.

I also bought the custom button PCBs from eBay. Although I did get one all in one board from Helder at sudomod.com
http://www.ebay.com/itm/232363938160

I bought my power boosts from banggood for a few dollars (works the same as adafruits but much cheaper)
https://m.banggood.com/37V-Liion-Battery-Mini-USB-To-USB-A-Power-Apply-Module-p-928948.html?p=9B1915347037201311DI

I bought 1 screen from Alibaba and two from geatbest. I prefer the gearbest screens. You can also find some 23$ screens on Amazon with prime shipping too. Which apparently will work.
http://m.gearbest.com/development-boards/pp_29447.html

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0045IIZKU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_nkSqzb14CJP3C

As for the batteries, amplifier, speakers, etc...i bought from BC robotics online store. You can get adafruit parts from them. Still expensive, but shipping isnt bad if you are buying lots. Plus they have a 5$ shipping promo on now. you can also find cheaper batteries on ebay, or like I did in one build i used a 9$ galaxy note 3 battery.

http://www.bc-robotics.com/products/

I've bought my pi zero's from the pi hut. They seem to have them in stock often and cost about 20 CAD after shipping and conversion:

https://thepihut.com/products/raspberry-pi-zero-w?variant=30332705425
(Seems they are sold out now)

That's all I can think of now. Let me know if you have any questions. Also browse through the sudomod.com forums or wiki for tons of info.

If you are looking for good rechargables, try out the eneloop pros. The regular eneloops are a bit underpowered for gameboys (1900 mAh to the pro's 2550 mAh) but these things will hold a charge almost forever if you take care of them right. Well worth the expense

Eneloop is my favorite.

The standard version is cheap and performs very well (2000mah) and widely available at most stores

https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-K-KJ17MCA4BA-Individual-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B00JHKSMJU


The XX or pro version is expensive and only last 500 charges but hold 25% more power (2500mah) which will mean an additional couple of hours

https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-K-KJ17KHCA4A-Individual-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B00JHKSL1O/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1465615985&sr=8-3&keywords=eneloop+xx

I prefer the pro version if you can get it cheap since 500 charge cycles will last you atleast 2 years of use on a portable like the gameboy. Found them on sale at my local camera store for $20 during the holidays

while I use the regular version on devices that gets charged daily like my gaming mouse

Amazon has you covered.

I got this charger and it works perfectly. $6
http://www.amazon.com/Game-Boy-Micro-AC-Wall-Charger/dp/9882106463

I also replaced my micro's battery with this one, which made it run all day like brand new. $12.50
http://www.amazon.com/Lenmar-Battery-Nintendo-Game-Systems-GameBoy/dp/B001BWJ52K/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405306543&sr=8-1&keywords=gameboy+micro+battery

I keep my GBC, MGB, AGS, and AGB units in these.

The AGB units are a little snug, and the AGS units obviously have some wiggle room, however there is a strap inside that will hold it steady. GBC and MGB units fit perfectly in them. Combined with these it makes what I believe to be the ultimate storage/transportation method for those units. Put it in the bag and then put it in the case.

If you want I can take pictures for you later when I get home.

Hmmm, i would use cassete cases since its cheaper and they are really fun to make, im casing my entire collection and its really satisfying, here is a video in case you dont know what im talking about:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZhZBXln9gw

Anyway, here you go:

https://www.amazon.com/Standard-Black-Nintendo-Empty-Replacement-VGBR14DSBK/dp/B0039ZWQQY

https://www.amazon.com/Standard-Black-Nintendo-Empty-Replacement-VGBR14DSBK/dp/B0039ZY4NM

If you have a CostCo membership, their eyecare center has a tremendous cleaning kit package. It's about $7, comes with 2 bottles of cleaning solution (with lifetime refills) and cleaning cloths. I use it on everything (glasses, phones, laptops, tablets, etc).

If you don't have a membership, normal glass cleaner is the way to go. Just don't go spray happy on the surface. Saturate your cloth, then wipe (in circles).


These cloths are great. After a while, the cloth becomes a bit ineffective. At this price, toss out the used cloth and get a fresh one.

https://www.amazon.com/Microfiber-Cleaning-Cloths-Spectacles-Silverware/dp/B00A7OTO74/

If you're dealing with a nice clean break in the plastic - i.e. no chipping or lost fragments - a plastic welding product should work nicely. These products work by melting the very top layer of the plastic so that it will bond with the molecules of whatever layer it comes into contact with (ideally though you'd probably want to apply the weld to both surfaces of the break).

Have a look at the following for an example of this type of adhesive product:

https://www.amazon.com/Plastruct-Plastic-Weld-applicator-2oz/dp/B00FDFWJD8/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1551156641&sr=1-1&keywords=plastruct

​

Also, if at all possible, practice on some scrap plastic, preferably some abs plastic which is similar in composition to the SP shell, so that you can get a feel for how this kind of stuff works.

I got my kit on Amazon I think the value for it is really good Nintendo Gameboy Advance GBA Backlit AGS-101 Upgrade Modify Tool kit Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L42ZIOQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_IEp6BbGY095XC

Yes, here is the full parts list:

Parts List:

Pi Model B: http://www.microcenter.com/product/414588/Raspberry_Pi_Model_B

LCD: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0045IIZKU/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Control PCB: http://store.kitsch-bent.com/product/common-ground-dmg-button-pcb

3W Audio Amplifier: http://www.ebay.com/itm/221352271996?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Retropie (Emulation): http://blog.petrockblock.com/retropie/

Retrogame Program (mappion GPIO to keys): https://learn.adafruit.com/retro-gaming-with-raspberry-pi/buttons

I'm planning on doing a writeup on what was done if you are interested.

Gameboy printer thermal paper, even the rolls that are still sealed, are all degraded by this point in time and will print like that.

I suggest you get new paper so you get a better print, here's an alternative that works according to comments i've read:

https://www.amazon.com/PM-Company-Register-One-Ply-05201/dp/B002M9BFGA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1527522847&sr=8-2&keywords=gameboy+printer+paper#customerReviews

Over time, those will fade too but you can at least scan them after getting a crisp and clear print, instead of what you have now.

Thanks for the detailed answer.

I can't see the one you recommended on Amazon.ES, I've found either a 1900 mAh or a2500 mAh one

Would you say these batteries would also work with Retroflag GPI case?

this is the cheapest one I would ever recommend anyone buy

https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40-Watt-Soldering-Station/dp/B000AS28UC


this is the one I would recommend to anyone who who repairs stuff on a daily basis and wants something a little more professional

https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-Digital-FX888D-Soldering-Station/dp/B00AWUFVY8

https://www.amazon.com/Super-Mario-Land-Pc/dp/B00002ST28 is this box fake I'm not planning to buy it from Amazon but found one localy that looks like this

For some games (I believe) but for sure with the Game Boy Player, you can use a GBA along with the GBA-Gamecube link cable to use it as a wired controller.

This is the one. https://www.amazon.com/Link-Cable-Game-Boy-Advance-Gamecube/dp/B0000E5U6M?

> Weller WD1

Seriously? If you're going to be dropping $400+ on a soldering station, then you buy some quality HW. JBC > Weller in precision soldering equipment.

OP is looking for something like a TS-100, or a FX-888

OP can buy cheaper if they're not planning to get into the hobby, but I'd suggest investing in a station with adjustable heat as a minimum.

Just pick up some of these cases on Amazon.

A little different. I checked my Amazon and it was this one.
AmazonBasics External Hard Drive Case https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00F5CKWBA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_tnM1AbFQ9NMMV

Nintendo Gameboy Advance GBA Backlit AGS-101 Upgrade Modify Tool kit Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L42ZIOQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_CkkKzbYD90AN0
It came with a replacement shell, new speaker, screwdrivers, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Battery-Nintendo-Replaces-OXY-001-GameBoy/dp/B001BWJ52K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427062319&sr=8-1&keywords=gameboy+micro+battery

I found a full modding kit with a pre-cut GBA housing on amazon for 58usd and it included screws, screwdrivers, tape, and the pin adapter Shipping is long af but still a decent price