Game Boy Advance TS Board

I believe this Nintendo GBA (AGB-STB-03) development board is a TS2. I'm usually more of a console guy, so my knowledge about this is lacking. I gathered some info about it from a couple of great members here.

It didn't come with a power supply. Does anyone know the proper ac adapter for this unit?

There seems to be very little about this online. (At least in English) From what I've gathered, the equivalent Game Boy Color board uses the SNES power supply. Which doesn't fit this board.

I compressed these pictures on my phone, so hopefully they aren't too terrible. If anyone wants different or higher quality pictures, just ask. Thanks!



Gallery: http://imgur.com/a/gF0UT
HD detail gallery: http://imgur.com/a/bRvNF

 

That's an amazing find, I was researching those just a few days ago! There is surprisingly little information available, except that it had a matching Wide-Boy64 AGB unit that itself lacked a cartridge slot. That, and the BIOS that has been dumped. Thanks for sharing!

EDIT: For what it's worth, it seems to match up with the 2.0 AGB SDK. You may find more info in its contents.
EDIT 2: From the 2.0 AGB SDK release notes:

Code:

//*****************************************************************
//     Release Notes: GameBoy Advance Developers Kit Version 2.0  *
//     2000/6/7 relnotes_rel2.txt                                 *
//     Copyright (C) 1999-2000 NINTENDO Co.,Ltd.                  *
//*****************************************************************

Overview:
--------
        GameBoy Advance Developers Kit Version 2.0 (AGBDevKit Release 2) has
    been remade for AGB target board TS2 (TS2). Therefore, please note it
    does not work with the previously released AGB target board, TS1.

        Please download the latest IS-AGB-EMULATOR, IS-AGB-DEBUGGER, and
    IS-AGB-CHARACTER, which are compatible with TS2, from the NOA
    Engineering web site.
      
          http://www.noa-engineering.com

        To learn how to change the source, please refer to the guide,
        "/agb/doc/AGB-CPU-TS1toAGB-CPU-TS2.txt". GCC changes
        are described in "/agb/doc/GNUPro-98r2toGNUPro-99r1.txt".

        Please see "/AGB/doc/AGB/AGB.htm" for details of each document.
        Before you install, if necessary, erase under /AGB and under
        /Program Files/Cygnus after backing up.

     
Modified functions with TS2:
---------------------------

    Change in CPU internal Work RAM capacitiy

      Changed from 48 Kbytes to 32 Kbytes.

    Deletion of IR communications function

      With Game Boy Color (CGB), IR communications function, which is a standard
      feature for the CGB unit, was deleted.  Therefore, this function does
      not work when CGB software uses the IR communications function.

    Changes in DMA function

      Added the decrement transfer function.
      Added a transfer function to CPU external Work RAM.

    Change in center coordinate for OBJ rotation.

      Changed from the center of dot to the boundary of dot.

    Change in OBJ type and specification method.

      Changed from 16 types to 12 types, and changed the specification method
      of OBJ.


New functions of TS2:
--------------------

    Addition of CPU external Work RAM.

      A 256 Kbyte (2WAIT) CPU external Work RAM was added to AGB.

    Serial Communications Function

      16 bit multi-play communication function (can be used)

        When more than one person (2 - 4 people maximum) play with AGB (AGB mode),
        this function is used.  It has a multiple simultaneous communication
        function using the UART method.

        The special cable exclusively for AGB (optional accessory) is necessary.

        * With AGB (AGB mode), using the existing cable for Game Boy series is
      prohibited.

      CGB compatible serial communications function (it is prohibited to use)

        With AGB (AGB mode or CGB compatible mode), it is used to communicate
        with portable telephones.
     
      UART communications function (not decided)

        High-speed communications by UART method is possible.
        Special equipment or cable will be necessary to use this function;
        however, they are not ready yet.

      General communications function (not decided)

        By directly controlling communication terminal, communication with any
        protocol is possible.  It is planned to control infrared adapter
        (optional accessory) using this function.  Infrared adapter is currently
        being prepared.

      JOY Bus communications function (not decided)

        Our standard JOY bus communication is possible.
        Special equipment or cable will be necessary to use this function;
        however, they are not ready yet.

    AgbMultiBoot.h

       A definition of multi play boot library was added.


New sample program:
------------------

    font_sample

      Includes display samples using LC font by Sharp and each LC font.


New demo program:
----------------

    dolphin
   
      Demo in which dolphin swims in the ocean.
      Swaying underwater is expressed by H-DMA, and ripples are reflected on the
      dolphin by OBJ Window function.
   
      * AGB does not emulate dolphin._:)


New tools:
---------

    agbcomp

      Compresses and outputs binary data.  Output file can be decompressed using
      a library for decompressing defined by AgbSystemCall.h.

 

Modified sample program:
-----------------------

    Overall sample programs

      All of sample programs have been modified due to the changes of compiler,
      header, and libraries.  For modifying method, please see the guide,
      "AGB-CPU-TS1-->How to Upgrade-AGB-CPU-TS2.txt", which uses a sample called
      "simple."

Modified sample program:
-----------------------

    yoshi

      All of demo samples have been modified due to the changes of compiler,
      header, and libraries.  Use this as a porting sample, and not as a working
      sample, at this time (sound is not played).   


Sample programs omitted this time:
---------------------------------

    Communications sample

      Sample program to use the special cable for AGB is not included.

    Sound sample

      As the specifications of the sound driver included in the internal ROM of
      TS2 are changing, samples which use the sound driver are not included.

    Previewer

      Sample to preview graphics by IS-AGB-EMULATOR is not included.

    * Above sample programs will be released via NOA Engineering Web Site later.


Modified functions:
------------------

    AgbSystemCall.h

      System calls have been modified considerably.  Do not use the sound driver
      and sound library because different types from the final product are built
      in the internal ROM. The library which is executed in CPU internal RAM
      will be released via our web site in late June.

      * However, there is a possibility of other changes.

       Addeded macros and functions
         SoftReset()
         RegisterRamReset()
         IntrWait()
         VBlankIntrWait()
         Sqrt()
         ArcTan()
         ArcTan2()
         MultiBoot()
      
       Deleted macros and functions
      
         IrqMaster_Disable()
         IrqMaster_Enable()
         FiqMaster_Enable()
         SemiStop()
         PauseRegRead()
         OamSortSet()

       Modified macros and functions
         FullStop() --> Stop()

       Macros and functions that will be used later
         SoundDriverMode()
         SoundDriverVSyncOff()
         SoundDriverVSyncOn()
         MidiKey2Freq()
         MusicPlayerOpen()
         MusicPlayerStart()
         MusicPlayerStop()
         MusicPlayerContinue()
         MusicPlayerFadeOut()
      
    Agb.h

       AgbMultiBoot.h was added.

    AgbDefine.h

       Definitions of register & RAM, reset, and system calls were added.

       Method to specify OBJ in the definition of OAM was changed.

       The definition of color palette data was changed.

       Definitions of program, status, and register were changed.

       Definitions of interrupt request flag and interrupt enable flag were
       changed.

       The definition of SIO control was modified considerably.

       Definitions of JOY bus and control were added.

       Definitions of JOY bus and status were added.

       The definition of general use input/output control was added.

       The definition of DMA control was changed.
    
    AgbMacro.h

       Added macro

         IntrCheckSet()
    
    AgbMemoryMap.h

       Because External Work RAM (2M bit) was added for TS2, memory map and
       memory size, including the existing Work RAM, were changed.
    
       Definitions of register and address were changed.

       Definitions of register and offset were changed.

       "Interrupt master enable flag", which had been assigned in the register
       IE was assigned to the new IME register.  Therefore, you need to set the
       new IME register (4000208h) to "1" when interrupting.

    AgbSound.h

       The definition of the AGB standard sound driver was modified considerably.
       However, it may change.

    AgbTypes.h

       PAUSE data structure was deleted.

       Interrupt request/enable flags structure was modified.

       OAM structure was modified.

       OAM sort set function parameter structure was deleted.

       Sound control structure was modified.

       Multi play SIO control structure was modified.

       General use SIO control structue was deleted.

       UART-SIO control structure was added.

       JOY bus communications control structure was added.

       JOY bus communication status structure was added.

       General use input/output control structure was added.

    /agb/lib
  
       The library was modified.


Fixed problems:
--------------

      Fixed the problem discovered when starting up TS1, the "Game Boy" logo was
      not rendered correctly, and sound was not played correctly.

      Fixed the problem discovered when the Halt function was used with TS1, DMA
      did not work correctly.  However, Stop (former Full Stop) and Halt
      will be the only usable functions.

      Fixed the problem that with TS1, due to the too low sampling frequency of
      PWM output circuit, jitter would occur and CGB compatible sound was not
      played with the intended frequency. 
   

Notes:
-----

      If you change an envelope or a sweep during operation and do not set the
      initial flag for DMG compatible sound, it does not work properly.  (With
      DMG, there was an instruction to set an initial flag; however, it operates
      without being it being set.)

      When you start up DMA in the CPU internal RAM program, it will start after
      the next command is executed.  Therefore, if you tried to change the
      destination using the CPU immediately after DMA was started, DMA would be
      started while reading/rewriting, and the DMA transfer data may be
      different from what was intended. This problem can be solved if you wait
      for the DMA to complete.
    

Notes on communications:
-----------------------

      Communication between AGBs (2-4 people) is possible only for 16-bit multi
      play communication function using a special cable exclusively for AGB.
      Normal serial communication is prohibited.

      Serial communication between CGB and AGB (AGB mode) using the existing
      special cable for Game Boy series is not possible (it is prohibited).
      However, when a CGB Game Pak is inserted into AGB, it is possible since it
      works with CGB compatible mode.

      Existing CGB software with the IR function does not work with IR adapter
      for AGB (optional).

      AGB software that is programmed to communicate with CGB IR communication
      can be used for communication using an IR adapter for AGB (optional
      accessory).

      Communication between AGB (AGB mode) and Pocket Printer is not possible
      (it is prohibited).


Other notes:
-----------

    Cautions on back-up memory

      Basically, SRAM + battery cannot be used for back-up memory for AGB.

    Capacity of back-up memory

      256Kbit flash memory is no longer used.  From now on, you are to select
      from the following 3 types. The library will include minimum read/write
      functions.
   
      - 4Kbit-EEPROM (4kbit EEPROM)

      - 512Kbit flash memory (512kbit, 8bit bus general use flash memory)

      - 1Mbit flash memory DACS
        (AD bus custom 1Mbit flash memory with security and patch functions.)

    Release schedule for flash cartridge

      We will make an announcement about releases of Flash cartridge and Flash Gang Writer      on the NOA-Engineering web site (www.noa-engineering.com).

    Sound tool composition

      1) MIDI cartridge

       MIDI cartridge exclusively for IS-AGB-EMULATOR which makes realtime
       playback from sequencers which are on the market possible.
       (Product Name: IS-AGB-MIDI)
       One end is connected to the extension terminal of the IS-AGB-EMULATOR, and
       the other end is connected to the MIDI port of the existing sound card of
       the PC (Mac) via existing MIDI cable.

      2) NINTENDO Composer's Kit Music Player 2000

       Tool kit suite for AGB sound development.
       It consists of:

       MKS4AGB---Tool to convert AIFF and MIDI data together to be used for
                 Music Player AGB.
       Driver and library for Music Player for AGB
       AGB version sound sample (sound sample for which Wario appears on plane)
       Tutorial manual (2 parts--for creater and for programmar)
       MIDI sample tone generator

      3) AGB speaker

       The speaker equipped with TS2 is not a final product.
       Features of the AGB speaker have been changed considerably.  We will
       provide speakers in a housing (use CGB) so that volume adjustment can be
       done for game development. (limited release to sound developers only)

    
      * It is possible to develop sound without MIDI cartridge (IS-AGB-MIDI);
        however, it is not efficient since realtime playback is not available.

    Time for releasing sound tools

      We will make announcements on releases of those tools on the NOA-Engineering
      web site (www.noa-engineering.com). Please stay tuned.


    IR adapter for AGB

      If you need an IR adapter for AGB for game planning, please contact
      "support@noa.com", as we will handle it case-by-case.

Terminology:
-----------

    JOY Bus communication

      Communicatiion standard for NINTENDO64 and Dolphin Controllers.

    AGB (AGB mode)

      A mode in which AGB program and AGB functions work when AGB Game Pak is
      inserted into AGB.  If described simply as AGB, it means this mode.

    AGB (CGB compatible mode)

      A compatible mode in which CGB compatible programs and CGB compatible
      functions work when a CGB compatible Game Pak is inserted into AGB.
      Except for IR function, CGB accessories (printer and special cable for
      Game Boy series) can be used.
      * AGB functions and accessories exclusively for AGB cannot be used.

EDIT 3: Further SDK documentation seems to indicate it's supposed to be used together with the IS-AGB-DEBUGGER software:

Code:

3. IS-AGB-DEBUGGER

This tool can be used to transfer, execute, check and debug user programs on Game Boy Advance.

* Requires IS-AGB-EMULATOR and Modified AGB.

4. Modified AGB

This is a modified Game Boy Advance, needed when using the IS-AGB-DEBUGGER. The release date for this hardware has not been decided. Until that time the AGB Target Board will act as a substitute.

...

7. AGB Target Board

This target board is for AGB development use. Nintendo will lend it out for use as a substitute until the Modified AGB is available to developers.

 

Cool, haven't seen anything like this in years. Let me know if you decide to sell it on later.

 

I'd be interested in it as well.

Either way, from later SDK versions it seems the final GBA was TS4:

Code:

//**************************************************
// GameBoy Advance Development Environment Setup
//     for Target Board TS2, Development AGB (TS4)
//     2001/2/6 toolSetup.txt
//     Copyright (C) 1999-2001 NINTENDO Co.,Ltd.
//**************************************************

TS1's existence is confirmed from SDK 2.0, but the omission of TS3 makes me wonder...

EDIT: More TS2/TS3/TS4 info: http://www.ign.com/boards/threads/latest-gba-dev-kit-info.1935814/
EDIT 2: According to our very own subbie the TS1 used an N64 for video out (which presumably is the special Wide-Boy64 I mentioned earlier). In the post after, an annotated picture of the TS2 unit is provided. Seems like you're missing the PC interface...

 

Also, maybe some pictures of the back side may help?

 

The input runs trough a fuse, into the switch and Pin 1 of that low dropout Voltage regulator.

Looking for the data sheet, I'd be guessing that its a 3.3v output vreg going off the part number

EDIT:

Ok looking at the data sheet for this series, the part number is a PC2933T

Datasheet: http://pdf.datasheetcatalog.com/datasheet/nec/UPC2912HF.pdf

Pinout matches the Photo it seems

Min input voltage: 4.3v
Max input: 16v
Max Current output: 1A@3.3V

Input isn't rectified SO DOUBLE CHECK THE POLARITY

 

Wow, that is damn cool

 

You can't just assume it's only going into the voltage regulator though. The snes for example uses the PSU power directly as well as the 5v generated via the voltage regulator.

Need some high res pics of the power jack and voltage regulator area to confirm that the only place the input is going.

 

hmm yes very true

 

Thanks for all the responses. I'll try to get some more pictures tomorrow.

I'll also dig out the multimeter and double check polarity.

 

As requested, HD detailed pictures:
http://imgur.com/a/bRvNF

@LeHaM @Bad_Ad84 @beepboop

 

I like the R & E Dept, what does the STB stand for?

 

Does look like the DC input isnt used anywhere other than the 3.3v voltage regulator.

But use a 5v PSU just to be sure.

 

I'm not entirely sure.

I doubt it stands for "set top box" which is the only use of the acronym I could find. Haven't found a reference to it in the Nintendo history yet.

 

This should be essentially an early GBA dev board, like youve imagined. They did the same thing for the 3ds, so Im sure they did it for the DS as well. With the 3ds, it used a modified classic controller instead of a SNES pad

 

The DS equivalent is a TEG board, from what I understand.

This board should output via an N64 wide-boy or pc interface. Neither of which I have. However, it is a slightly later revision that includes the screen. Once I figure the power supply out, I hope to have this up and running!

 

I imagine STB stands for S... Target Board, as that is what the SDK uses to refer to it. The S is maybe the same S that appears in "TS2". System, maybe? TS2 could potentially mean Target System 2, then.

 

Anything to do with the old video card company STB?

 

Worth mentioning on the old ign links, I am chakoo as well. =P

Far as I remember I think the unit we had at work was a TS1 which was sans LCD and used a modified wideboy for video out.

The system it self is never directly connected to a PC. What is used is a modified IS-GBC-Emulator (*) that is connected to a cart that plugs into the system (you can see the cart in the IGN photo). I really don't remember what voltage the kit was. GBA runs on 3.3v but again I don't fully remember if the kits did. The TS kit was later replaced with a modified GBA unit that would get power from a cable comming from the IS-GBC-Emu cart.
(*)http://devkits.handheldmuseum.com/IS-CGB-EMU/GBC_Emulator.jpg

Actually in writing this response I found this old topic.
http://assemblergames.com/l/threads/is-cgb-emulator-is-agb-emulator-development-cartridge.57411/

=( No, I got first dibs. I was even helping via pm a while ago. =P

DS had a few models. As mention they were under the name TEG. I really regret shipping ours back at work. Work really did not give a ***k about them and other then nintendo telling us one time to send them back they never bugged again for them. We only shipped them back because we got annoyed with them in the boxes sitting around long after DS was on the market.

 

Going by nintendo's standards. It probably just means Standard Test Board. Nintendo isn't very deep with their short hand names. =/