SN Systems ProDG / Nintendo GBA kit

[Parris]

I received my GBA kit this morning from Pjfrith (new member). It was exactly as described, however my copy (which I already owned) of ProDG GBA software has disappeared, I normally keep everything together, but the slip case has a crack in it and I fear the worst :DOH:

Pete supplied me with an empty box & manual of ProDG as he too has been left without it.

So, I can't currently test it out.

My query is that there is the GBA, cart, cables, PCI card and a black box that accepts IDE cable and spits out a non-standard cable to the PCI card. There is a power input to the black box, but no PSU. I'd rather not split the box open to check, but if I have to I will. Does anyone know whether it is necessary to provide additional power? The previous owner never used this particular type of kit.

If it does anyone know the value of input?

Thanks! I'll put up an image as soon as I can grab the camera.

[Barc0de]

the masses want pictures!

[Parris]

The packaging is worth showing as it is FAR larger than I thought. Also note that the ProDG software box is marked GC, but has both GC & GBA booklets inside (sadly no software). Cheers to Pete for the excellent system.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/Parris1972/Nintendo/ProDGGBAsystem1.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/Parris1972/Nintendo/ProDGGBAsystem6.jpg

[Barc0de]

Firstly, since there is no AC place-holder in the official package, I would conclude that the AC adaptor is used when the Black Box is not connected via the custom SCSI interface to its PCI board.

However, then the unit is connected to the PCI board via the cable, there shouldn't be a need for an external power source.

[Parris]

Firstly, since there is no AC place-holder in the official package, I would conclude that the AC adaptor is used when the Black Box is not connected via the custom SCSI interface to its PCI board.

However, then the unit is connected to the PCI board via the cable, there shouldn't be a need for an external power source.

The PCI card doesn't actually 'neatly' fit inside the packaging. The foam isn't cut to size, hence me pondering whether a PSU was meant to fit in that space and not a PCI card. I literally plonked it on top, but if you look closely you'll see what I mean.

I am thinking that the power is provided via the cable as all it is doing is transfering data, but I like to know these things from people better placed than me.

[Parris]

Oh, and spot the development house! ;-)

[Barc0de]

Power-only is useful for tradeshows etc, meaning u only need to carry the black box with you+AC but no PC. Connecting it to the PCI card for changing the data inside the black box. Makes sense?

Although this is just an assumption, i ve never seen the black box at tradeshows, but i ve seen a similar looking early GC kit.

[Parris]

Power-only is useful for tradeshows etc, meaning u only need to carry the black box with you+AC but no PC. Connecting it to the PCI card for changing the data inside the black box. Makes sense?

Although this is just an assumption, i ve never seen the black box at tradeshows, but i ve seen a similar looking early GC kit.

Hmm, maybe I should "open the black box" see what that contains.

Just in middle of removing a laser... back in a bit

[Parris]

Just to let anyone looking at these system know, they DO require an additional PSU. I've still got to open the black box to establish the required input.

Opened it, basically no marks re voltage. Well as the GBA is 3v I'm going to try from there.

;-)

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/Parris1972/Sony%20PS/Sony%20Playstation%20Tool%20repair%20guide/IMG_4609.jpg

[babu]

I can check my kit when I get home on friday.

[Barc0de]

gotta love the little star on the bottom left ;)

The GBA uses different voltages for its cartridges , if that's of any relevence.

For old-style GB/C games it does 3.3 volts, whereas for GBA games it steps down to 1.5V I think.

[Parris]

I can check my kit when I get home on friday.

Thanks! I'd rather get it right than smell it burn lol :evil:

[jdc98]

Pics of mine if it helps....?

Top Layer.... SCSI card top right.
http://usera.imagecave.com/jdc98/Devkit/Top_Layer.jpg

Bottom Layer..... Power Supply bottom right.
http://usera.imagecave.com/jdc98/Devkit/Bottom_Layer.jpg

Close-up of PSU.
http://usera.imagecave.com/jdc98/Devkit/Power_Supply.jpg

Hope that helps :thumbsup:

[Parris]

Pics of mine if it helps....?

Top Layer.... SCSI card top right.
http://usera.imagecave.com/jdc98/Devkit/Top_Layer.jpg

Bottom Layer..... Power Supply bottom right.
http://usera.imagecave.com/jdc98/Devkit/Bottom_Layer.jpg

Close-up of PSU.
http://usera.imagecave.com/jdc98/Devkit/Power_Supply.jpg

Hope that helps :thumbsup:

Hey, that helps loads and explains why the GBA stuff was bundled in with a copy of ProDG for the GC. As for the PSU - that is even better as I think I have something similar already for an old, lond since dead console. Up into the attic I go.

Thanks mate ;-)

[Festerfly]

so thats the kit i missed out on ! ;)

[Parris]

so thats the kit i missed out on ! ;)

I know the seller "might" have another kit. Not sure whether it is exactly the same, box or even complete, but I will try and find out for you.

[Parris]

JDC98, does the name of the development house appear anywhere on the unit or the packaging? I am interested to see whether we purchased the item from the same developers. I suspect so as the positioning of the sticker on the black box was the same. Seems a pretty obvious place to put it, but hey!

[babu]

So I guess I don't need to check mine now :)

[Parris]

So I guess I don't need to check mine now :)

;-) - thanks for the offer however!

[jdc98]

JDC98, does the name of the development house appear anywhere on the unit or the packaging? I am interested to see whether we purchased the item from the same developers. I suspect so as the positioning of the sticker on the black box was the same. Seems a pretty obvious place to put it, but hey!

Yep it's definately from the same developers as yours ;-) . I think there were originally 3 labels on or around the packaging - all of which have been removed. That said however, I person I bought it off provided me with a full background of the kit, so I know exactly where it came from :nod:.

As an aside, I've had the kit running from my laptop through a PCMCIA SCSI adapter, which is great if you code whilst you're on the move. The only draw back is that you need the PSU for the Break-out box which is a bit of a pain....... I was thinking that the break-out box could be powered directly from a USB port which would aid mobility, but I haven't been able to find anything on the net - anyone have any ideas?

[jdc98]

So I guess I don't need to check mine now :)

Sorry babu, I wasn't trying to steal your thunder - I just had my kit to hand so thought I'd do the honours...

[Parris]

Yep it's definately from the same developers as yours ;-) . I think there were originally 3 labels on or around the packaging - all of which have been removed. That said however, I person I bought it off provided me with a full background of the kit, so I know exactly where it came from :nod:.

As an aside, I've had the kit running from my laptop through a PCMCIA SCSI adapter, which is great if you code whilst you're on the move. The only draw back is that you need the PSU for the Break-out box which is a bit of a pain....... I was thinking that the break-out box could be powered directly from a USB port which would aid mobility, but I haven't been able to find anything on the net - anyone have any ideas?

I am wondering whether our "source" is the same? My copy of ProDG went astray and I have managed to get hold of V1.0, but this kit mentions a later version in the manual.

The unit will be attached to a PC and not moved, I don't trust myself on the hoof! Bad enough having a PSP to drop yet alone a laptop, GBA dev kit and all the breakout stuff lol

[babu]

Sorry babu, I wasn't trying to steal your thunder - I just had my kit to hand so thought I'd do the honours...

hehe. don't worry. now I don't have to digg it up from the bottom my wardrobe ;-) (starting to get out of space to put things so I have to store it there :( )

[jdc98]

I am wondering whether our "source" is the same? My copy of ProDG went astray and I have managed to get hold of V1.0, but this kit mentions a later version in the manual.

The unit will be attached to a PC and not moved, I don't trust myself on the hoof! Bad enough having a PSP to drop yet alone a laptop, GBA dev kit and all the breakout stuff lol

My Kit came with ProDG version 1.11, but I'm positive there are later version to be had if you can find them.

In addition to the ProDG software, you'll almost definately need the AGB Developer Toolkit installed which contains the libararies etc, otherwise you may have troubles. I've not yet had a clean install using the installer package, but I've had the kit all up and running via a manual install.

See one of my earlier threads for more info - it may be of some use?
http://assemblergames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11313

I know what a nightmare it can be trying to obtain all the right bits, so feel free to PM me and I'm sure we can work something out :nod: .

[babu]

just noticed:


As an aside, I've had the kit running from my laptop through a PCMCIA SCSI adapter, which is great if you code whilst you're on the move.

So it's standard SCSI connector and none of the typical nintendo custom connectors.. nice, then I have 4 units :)

[jdc98]

just noticed:

So it's standard SCSI connector and none of the typical nintendo custom connectors.. nice, then I have 4 units :)

Yep totally! Nothing at all like the NGC ODEM Card which totally unique and difficult to come by. I use the Adaptec 1460 PCMCIA card for my GBA kit and it works a treat.....

http://assemblergames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12686

Just need to find a USB cable to power the break-out box and I'm all set :110: .

4 Units = nice work babu!!

[babu]

4 Units = nice work babu!!

best of all I got 3 of them for 'free' (I got them when biding on something else.. the seller wanted to get rid of them). :thumbsup:

[jdc98]

best of all I got 3 of them for 'free' (I got them when biding on something else.. the seller wanted to get rid of them). :thumbsup:

Ha ha ha - A good days work there my friend. If they're all complete with boxes and stuff, you could probably get around £200 each! Who was this crazy seller - I demand names :lol:.

I guess you're the guy to ask if we ever need spare parts then right??

[babu]

Unfortantly it was just the blackbox, cartridge and cable but none of the other stuff, still really nice :)
but I got a complete one too, I got for like £50-60 I think.
Wouldn't call him crazy just just a bit unlucky that none other then me seemd to find his auction, kind of feelt a bit bad about it afterwards.. =/
But I guess it was fair as that's how it works in a auction.

[babu]

Did a quick check and my PSU says the same as jdc98 :)
Thought my GBA unit looked sexier in it's pink transparent color :110:

edit: oh and the software for mine is 1.1b

[FaZyCrUcK]

If anyones after a mint one of these, It's up for sale for £250 ONO

Pics as soon as I can

Andy

[Parris]

jdc98, did you ever find the USB power cable for the black box? Curious.

Also Babu, if you still have the 3 incomplete units, I have opened my AGB dev unit and you'll see that there is little you need to do in order to get a standard AGB converted into a debugging unit. I shall check for you asap which is the grey/black connection, but the rest are clearly visible.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/Parris1972/Nintendo/Cart.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/Parris1972/Nintendo/SNSystemAGBconsole6.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/Parris1972/Nintendo/SNSystemAGBconsole7.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/Parris1972/Nintendo/SNSystemAGBconsole8.jpg

[jdc98]

jdc98, did you ever find the USB power cable for the black box? Curious.

I've been looking for ages to get my hands on a cable in the UK, but in the end I bought one from the States. Still waiting for it to arrive so I've not yet had chance to test it. Thing is I could only find a 3.5mm DC jack, but need a 5mm one to fit the box....

My £3 purchase...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=180148354941&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=008

I hoping that it will work regrdless (with the use of some elastic band jiggery pokery), but if not I can always replace the jack with a larger one :nod:

I'll keep you posted just as soon as I hear more....

As for converting a regular GBA to a dev unit, is it really that simple? I've tried using the SNSys cart in my SP, but it fails to load the .ELF from Target Manager. I'm guessing that the power cables in your pics must perform a soft reset before it loads an image...? I've not gone as far as modding my retail unit to that extent in order to test it....

[Parris]

I've been looking for ages to get my hands on a cable in the UK, but in the end I bought one from the States. Still waiting for it to arrive so I've not yet had chance to test it. Thing is I could only find a 3.5mm DC jack, but need a 5mm one to fit the box....

My £3 purchase...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=180148354941&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=008

I hoping that it will work regrdless (with the use of some elastic band jiggery pokery), but if not I can always replace the jack with a larger one :nod:

I'll keep you posted just as soon as I hear more....

As for converting a regular GBA to a dev unit, is it really that simple? I've tried using the SNSys cart in my SP, but it fails to load the .ELF from Target Manager. I'm guessing that the power cables in your pics must perform a soft reset before it loads an image...? I've not gone as far as modding my retail unit to that extent in order to test it....

Let me know when your cable turns up! I'd like to see the result. As for the conversion, to be honest I have not tried it yet but have scanned the entire motherboard and everything is exactly the same as a standard AGB other than those 4 cable connections.I wasn't as software knowledgable as you, however the 2 cables appear to reset the unit. We can but try!

If it works then yahoo!

[jdc98]

Yahoo indeed my good friend - it would make life so much easier using an SP with a backlit screen! That said I wouldn't want to de-solder the cables from my one and only dev unit, so I'm now on the hunt for a spare cable (shown in your top pic) or spare (*cheap*) dev unit - Babu do you have one a cheapie you'd like to sell?

I'll take some pics of my set-up just as soon as I get my hands on that cable....

[babu]

parris > thanks for the pics, thought I did a check on what stuff I had and the only thing really missing is the interface card.


jdc98 > never send anything to another country before so I'm not sure how much work it would be. =/

[Parris]

The IS-AGB-Capture unit connects to another revision of Gameboy Advance motherboard. On the capture unit there are a number of features either removed or disabled. I'll see whether I can go inside the unit over the coming days and see what connection points are soldered. It too would presumably soft reset and is literally handing over the responsibilities of running titles to an external box. Might shed some light on the solder points in the development motherboard.

Tbh, the price of a cheap second hand AGB has dropped to peanuts so I may be tempted to test a genuine retail unit I mess around with. Not got time in the next few weeks though as I am back to my studies and straight into exams come Thursday.

[jdc98]

The IS-AGB-Capture unit connects to another revision of Gameboy Advance motherboard. On the capture unit there are a number of features either removed or disabled. I'll see whether I can go inside the unit over the coming days and see what connection points are soldered. It too would presumably soft reset and is literally handing over the responsibilities of running titles to an external box. Might shed some light on the solder points in the development motherboard.

Tbh, the price of a cheap second hand AGB has dropped to peanuts so I may be tempted to test a genuine retail unit I mess around with. Not got time in the next few weeks though as I am back to my studies and straight into exams come Thursday.

Good idea - I might do the same. If only my soldering skills were up to scratch though... Would be interested to see the AGB-CAPTURE set-up too.

On a related note, I got the cable today and can confirm that it will work. I say will because the 3.5mm jack on the cable I got is far too small to fit the break-out box (It was worth the gamble for the price I paid). However I have managed to power the unit up from the cable via the means of "experimental twisted science" - don't ask :lol:

Found the correct cable today, but again it's in the states. There HAS to be one nearer to home (UK), but I just can't find one for love nor money!

http://cgi.ebay.com/NL0003-usb-to-5-5mm-jack-plug-charge-cable-5V_W0QQitemZ220142998669QQihZ012QQcategoryZ42322QQ rdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

Tried looking for a 3.5mm > 5.5mm converter too, but alas no joy on that front either.

Babu, I don't think the P&P from you to me would be too bad at all. If you have any spare items, feel free to PM me and we can go from there.

[babu]

I got lots todo at work right now, but I can try to check with the post office this week (gha. just switched to dvorak and can't find the keys >_<)

[Parris]

Reviving this thread from the dead to post an image I should have posted a couple of weeks ago. I had 2 of these kits. Sold one on and kept the other. However, this unit is now up and running after developing a fault. Also thanks to Jon for sending a file I was missing from my dev HDD.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q265/Parris1972/Nintendo/IMG_7171.jpg

One of the Nintendo tech demos bundled with the AGB SDK.

[babu]

Is that the dolphin demo? looks like it :)

[Parris]

Is that the dolphin demo? looks like it :)

Yeah, it's quite a cool tech demo really. Better than that Yoshi one as frankly the music drives you mad!

[ASSEMbler]

Are you curling or is that a giant power brick? Looks like a landmine. Any info on it?

[Parris]

Are you curling or is that a giant power brick? Looks like a landmine. Any info on it?

Nothing nearly as exciting as that. I was using a PC, Monitor, desklamp, the dev kit and charging my camera. Running out of sockets I decided to use an extension cable running from another room.

[babu]

heh. my parents got one of those extension cables. :)

[jdc98]

Oh I should have mentioned that I successfully found a USB to 5.5mm power cable which works with the ProDG Breakout box. That combined with the Adeptec PCMCIA SCSI card, I can run the complete SNSys AGB dev kit from the laptop. I'll post some pics if anyone is interested?

Also as I bought the USB power cable from the US, I actually had 10 shipped to make it worth my while. With that in mind I'm happy to sell off the others if anyone wants one? (Although, I take no responsibilty for any damage caused).

Glad you got your kit up and running Parris!!

[Parris]

Oh I should have mentioned that I successfully found a USB to 5.5mm power cable which works with the ProDG Breakout box. That combined with the Adeptec PCMCIA SCSI card, I can run the complete SNSys AGB dev kit from the laptop. I'll post some pics if anyone is interested?

Also as I bought the USB power cable from the US, I actually had 10 shipped to make it worth my while. With that in mind I'm happy to sell off the others if anyone wants one? (Although, I take no responsibilty for any damage caused).

Glad you got your kit up and running Parris!!

Hi Jon, count me in on that cable! I thought you'd given up on that one. Images, exact details of the Adaptec PCMCIA card and instructions please (to avoid issues for anyone, especially me!) ;-)

I'm up late tonight with a sick son. I think it's an inner ear infection :-(

[jdc98]

Right, here's a few pics etc as promised....

As you will note form the history of this thread, my challenge was to find replacement components to enable me to use with my AGB Dev Kit with my laptop, rather than leaving it permenently set-up on my desktop.

First up is the PCMCIA SCSI card which I've had running under XP and is fully compatible with the SNSys Suite of tools. As you can see it's an Adeptec Slim SCSI card (1460B), which I managed to pick up on ebay for £20 delivered to my door. I had to hunt down some new drivers, but that didn't take long at all. This replaces the need for the PCI card in the back of the desktop along with the long SCSI cable;
http://usera.imagecave.com/jdc98/Devkit/PCMCIASCSI.jpg


The second part of my challenge was to replace the original external PSU with a simple USB power cable. By doing this, I then have the option of using the kit on-the-go without the need for a power outlet being near by. Finding this cable took bloody ages, but I got there in the end. I have 6 spare cables if anyone wants to buy one - I ordered extra in case anyone was interested (£5 to your door). Parris - yours will be in the post in the next few days.
http://usera.imagecave.com/jdc98/Devkit/USB5.5vDC.jpg


The next couple of images just show the kit up and running with a screen dump of Target Manager.

SCSI Card Connection:
http://usera.imagecave.com/jdc98/Devkit/AGBShot2.jpg

Power Cable Connection:
http://usera.imagecave.com/jdc98/Devkit/AGBShot1.jpg

Target Manager Dump:
http://usera.imagecave.com/jdc98/Devkit/TargetManagerAGB.jpg

Alas I now want to have this up and running on my new laptop, but I'm guessing that the Vista challenge maybe a step too far...:lol:

Kev, I hope you don't mind me using the Assembler logo for the demo - I'll replace it with a different one if you do ;-) .

[Nitro734]

Just be sure that your new laptop doesn't use the new ExpressCard format (replaces the PCMCIA PC Card format). If you've got the new format you might be out of luck for now.

But as for getting your kit mobile, I am impressed! Took some hunting but you got it, congrats! Nice screen on the GBA too :)

[Parris]

HI Jon, thanks for posting up the information. I've received your PM and shall respond. Thanks!

By the way, I had a look for an Adaptec 1460B and discovered a few other versions. Was there any particular reason why you selected the the one you did (compatibility issues or anything) or did you select and random hoping it would work?

Great idea and I bet SN Systems (if they were to see this) would be thinking 'damn it, why didn't we think of that?' :-)