(Part 3) Top products from r/Gameboy

He made a quick instruction sheet

1. Order original game boy in good condition: re-shells are usually of lower quality
   
2. Take apart, clean with soap and water and let soak for a bit
   
3. Use extra fine wet-or-dry sandpaper, like maybe 1000 grit and go over all the shell in all the nooks and everything
   
4. Wash it again to get all the particles off
   
5. tape each part of the shell to cans of food, so you can set it down and also hold it up in certain ways while painting
   
6. Paint each part of the shell with 3-5 light coats of Rustoleum Universal Metallic Satin Bronze spray paint, let dry for 30-40 minutes in between each coat. Let dry for 24 hours.
   https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-314560-Universal-Surface-Metallic/dp/B000LEL1JY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544044278&sr=8-1&keywords=rustoleum+universal+satin+bronze
   
7. Print out decals on "water slide decal paper", basic stuff is perfect.
   
8. Apply decals to shell. To do this, cut out each decal and put it in a little bit of water, then slide off the top part and lay it on the shell. Don't worry about getting the shell a little wet. Slide around until perfectly in place, then use fingers to press down and get bubbles out. You can re-wet and move it around easy if you screw it up. Let dry for a few hours
   
9. Coat the shell in Rustoleum Clear Lacquer spray paint, follow instructions on label and do 3-5 light coats from all different directions
   https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Specialty-11-oz-Gloss-Clear-Lacquer-Spray-Paint-1906830/100194482
   
10. Install the backlight using the tutorials on YouTube

I purchased my screen from AAA Retro Gaming on eBay.

These kits and screens are all coming from the same place in China. One store won't have a magical better stock than another. The one linked above will come with the 40-pin Type B cable (if needed), along with a glass screen lens.

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Not necessary, but it'll make your life easier ... a rotary tool.

I chose this one because of the bundled accessories and case, along with it's high rating. I've used one and couldn't tell the difference between this and a Dremel.

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If you go the rotary tool route, get some eye protection. Bits may go flying directly into your face.

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Can't forget the soldering iron.

I chose this configuration because it comes with stand, solder and other accessories for only $16.

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Flush cutters will help you get to spots too tight for the rotary tool. This isn't necessary, but it's very useful when needed.

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For various other mod bits, I've ordered from quite a few stores.

• Hand Held Legend - If you're in the US, these guys are my favorite. They'll get your package out within 24 hours.
  
  
• Retro Modding - They're based in Canada and shipments are ... a bit timely. Personally, it took 18 days for my package to arrive (to Chicago).
  
  
• eBay - Just make sure where the seller is from. (If the item is too cheap, it's coming over very slowly from China.)

> 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.

I'm the OP of the discussion /u/sharpfork linked you to. I hope you read this before buying a SuperCard from anybody online. The company stopped producing these some years ago, and as a result TONS of fakes/clones flooded the market. In some cases, these clones worked pretty well. However, nothing beats the original.

The differences between even the best clones and the original cartridges has shown over the years that the originals hold up better. There is an Amazon seller who has some of the originals left. This is where mine came from:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0085H4YDO/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new

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?)

Highly recommend some milling bits (find some that fit the collet your dremel has, don't get a chuck) and a dremel stand as well. I have one of these and it makes this carving out shells even easier.

Personally, I'd love a full size mill but I don't think I can fit one in my small 1 bed apartment =)

Pretty sure it wasnt the solder, bought some good stuff with flux: https://www.amazon.com/Alpha-AM31406-Cookson-Electrical-Solder/dp/B000G31NWK/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1503768546&sr=1-1&keywords=alpha+fry+rosin+core

I mean the best for dmg would be krikzz everdrive, but its quite pricey https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JZG3452/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_bGy2DbP34DP2D

If you're on a budget I would recommend a Chinese clone (lacks some features of the original)

Everdrive video:
https://youtu.be/CK4Z7iIj6xM
Clone:
https://youtu.be/jByCGV4evM4

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?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGUx15ZgTeQ

i followed this guys tutorial but i used a usb-c breakout instead and you dont need to remove the connector like he did the pads next to it work the same.

USB-C lipo charger: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MDPLQ18/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

USB-C breakouts: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VRAZMVE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Lipo: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BTV4J26/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Wireless charging: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076CBM777/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (need to remove all the paper and then solder to the wireless charging board.

Few more pics with the other one.
https://imgur.com/gallery/Fdlmlbs

I’m loving it so far! I was worried about fakes too but if you order on amazon you can get them direct from the creator (make sure it says “sold by Krikzz”) this was the one I got: EverDrive GB X7 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07JZG3452?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

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?

Your two questions have a common answer: a mixer will make your life easier.

Here's an unexpensive one with some room for growth.

$45 on Amazon, definitely worth it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00068P48O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RQFxCbAMKZEKR


If you don't have a workbench you can bolt the workstation down on, I would advise getting some of these clamps (not these exact ones, but this style) to keep the base from moving around. You can put them on the backside and it usually won't interfere with the project.

Xingsiyue Replacement Transparent Clear Full Housing Shell Case Repair Parts w/Lens&Screwdriver for Nintendo Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP Console https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V3KNQQR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2bJMDbVYS2VPW

It’s actually around $14.00 all things considered.

I don't know the dimensions off hand but I've used these for similar projects.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004Z5SN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_k.nwCb5YP58A6

eBay and Amazon - SanDisk 2GB MicroSD Card with SD & MiniSD Adapters (SDSDQ-2048, BULK package) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OT94PO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_92qEAbE208Q0J

I bought a cheap soldering kit from Amazon for $17 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XZ31W3M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_oedEzb5K4TWS4
Also a Dremel tool for sanding surfaces and cutting plastic https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BYRFH8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_NfdEzbEYCCFER

Do you know if this is a good one? Cheap enough and I have a micro sd card. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0085H4YDO/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&smid=A1RHG6U7D062GD

I got this one because they were out of stock on BP website at the time.

I have this and it works for Sp and GBC. Haven’t tested it with GameCube though

You had to buy it separately: https://www.amazon.com/Game-Boy-Advance-AC-Adapter-Set/dp/B00005B8G0

Here's a link to Amazon but some of the sellers are asking for high prices. Try searching eBay.

I just use a cheap 30watt iron, isn't anything amazing but gets the job done.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000L9C2CO/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_jy2xwbP7AWDNQ

Uf, that's quite the problem you've got there. For future reference, clean the contact pins on the cart with isopropyl alcohol or electrical contact cleaner. It's the most common cause for "jumbled Nintendo logo."

As for the solder, you'll need a solder sucker and desolder braid to remove that. Reflowing a chip is definitely not something I'd recommend to someone who hasn't soldered much before. It's not going to be easy, but it shouldn't be too difficult either. Avoid using the cart until you fix it, though. You might just damage the cart further.

Edit: Details.