Doing two GP2x different mods; first one is to implement a d-pad into a GP2x, keep original casing, respray it, replace the short life AA rechargable's with a far longer life Li-ion cell. Making a full guide on it so anyone with any basic hobby skills can make their own. Putting the main worklog (what I am showing at the time) on the GP2x forum, and just a pic here and there here and on my forum. I promised the guys on the GP2x forum that i'd give theirs preference until such point as the project is done - then it'll be promoted primarily on my site of course, theirs and other forums too. Making the work into a video or two, will try and keep it into one 10 minute video, a step-by-step guide, easy to follow. I'm planning on selling it when done too - one of the lads on the GP2x generously donated me a broken GP2x F200 which i'm going to mod (the second one) for myself; so the first will be sold and some of the proceeds given to him as "thanks". * GP2x project forum link* A couple of pics to whet the appetite: Spray painted top, in metallic black. D-pad hole cut out for the circular d-pad I have. Not a great pic, but proves it is easy to do this mod with four rubber topped tact switches, piece of acetate/card, hot glue and d-pad. Pic is from the video (not released yet) - more work to do yet!
For some wierd reason, the center click button isn't working, and on close inspection of the board, probably didn't originally as one of the two pins supposed to be used for center click is connected on the board to ground. Doesn't appear that center click is needed anyway; checked on the Wiki of GP2x emulators; and a forum member said the center click works like the "B" button anyway, so no loss! Made a couple more video clips, got project to the stage the front is finished. The PSP Li-ion cell still works strongly after being used for a little while, which is very encouraging. Just need to put a PSP Li-ion battery in the back and do the case backing now.
Nice! How much battery life are you getting with that battery? I have a GP2X too and the thing consumes batteries.
Not sure yet, mine, like yours chews through NiMH cells, and NiMH cells aren't good at holding charge anyway. That and the d-pad have always been the thing that I didn't like about the GP2x. Probably had it on and off in total for most of an hour so far with the Li-ion cell and still on 3 out of 3 battery bars. The GP2x uses far lower amperage apparently using 3.7v instead of the 2.4v or thereabouts from NiMH cells; and when I suggested using a PSP battery, someone did and said he got about 10 hours between charges - which would be excellent! I'm going to test how long it works for in a game at 200Mhz by leaving it running before the battery dies; once project is completed; no point leaving it on the menu as that runs under 200Mhz so not a reflection of proper battery life.
Covering this in more detail on the GP2x forum, but just by removing the covering from a PSP battery you can fit it into the GP2x and close the lid! Only modding needed is to connect it to a charging jack! Easy!
FINISHED the GP2x project (project #1) it now has a proper d-pad and Li-ion cell. Had nowhere to put a stereo jack (using one for the external charger connection), had to trim inside the battery compartment to make space - took the afternoon to do that. Anyway, got lots of pics and video clips, going to have to pick what I want, edit, etc. I want to see how long the battery will last, charged, so charging the cell at the moment (I also want to know how long it lasts for the last video clip too). I'm making the build process and documentation all on the video, however having to use some stills with wording on, to explain the latter stages. Yes, used a PSP charger (well is it a PSP battery), modded the charger a bit so the charger can still be used to charge a proper PSP battery too. The charger unit is designed to take power input from a PSP wall power adaptor (5v) so that is connected too. The reason I used a stereo jack for recharging a battery is that the battery has three contacts on it, one for positive, one for negative, and the middle one presumably for recharge status. A stereo jack has three connections too. When the system is being used, the original battery cover is on, it has to be off though for the recharge jack to be used - although, I might make a hole in the backing piece and leave the backing closed... Needs a bit of a dust, etc, but: Intention will be to sell this unit as mentioned before; when the video is done, done games testing, etc. So, going to test some games and emulators, test how long the system lasts in a proper game (ie 200mhz or thereabouts); edit the videos, make a last video clip; post it!
Thanks! GP2x is dried, looking lovely in its two tone colour scheme (silver and black). Closed the case up, barely but did close ok; booted up, fine. Had a far better game on Gradius 3 on the SNES than before – the d-pad works great. So, two pics – one of finished system, and the other the GP2x logo i’ll be putting onto the back of the cover. Now I need to see how long it lasts with the two sets of PSP batteries installed. Whatever the result, is the best I can make it. Going to leave the GP2x on this afternoon on Gradius 3 on the SNES in demo mode (at 200mhz) and see how long it lasts. When I know that, I can make a final video, including using the system, etc. Will probably need to edit a few bits out to keep it all under 10 minutes!
FINISHED project 1 Here is the link to my site: LINKY YouTube video: (this is a step-by-step video guide too for d-pad modding and Li-ion battery modding a GP2x BTW) Pic of system (silver and black finish): D-pad modded; 4 hour 10 mins playtime on 200mhz game; 4 hours to recharge from flat. I will sell this item, details and terms on *HERE* - this is a one off item BTW. If you wish to bid for the item, you'll need to register on the forum first to post.
For anyone interested, these are the sites (so far) that have hosted this project... Engadget TechZone24 Wahyupurnomo Tech Pulse Revolution Reseller News Australia Ditted Gadget News Morning Digest ThaiDC Funny Gadget Gifts Technology Feeds eeePC for Free Vaya Huevos ITM You get the info Zunley ExattoSoft Hooked on Electronics Dominic Fallows Daily ICT Gadget News Lemenem Gadget News Gadgetorium Bloggii Brunotrani Tech Gear X Worlds greatest shirt Netbook Gizmo Top Blogs UpOff GizmoWhiz Information Technology Career tech Synd ipod iphone World Dreamvision Teratech Town Awzp E-smartech Gadgets Tech Thk Herobo New Gadget ipad orderlike
Nice mod! I always keep an eye on your mods but never post in the threads, I'm not too skilled in the art of modding yet but I'm working my way on it Congrats for this, and all your other mods, great stuff !! Keep it on!
Excellent mod this is and excellent mods you do. Not got a GP2X but if i ever get one i will at least try the PSP battery mod as it looks simple although saying that i'm useless at any sort of DIY apart from building computers myself.
