I know this is probably a long shot. But is anyone aware of any guide discussing the modifications Intelligent Systems made to the color gameboys used with the IS-CGB-EMULATOR? I have the emulator and the probe, but not the modified CGB. Something like Kammedo / ConsoleFun's N64 to KMC N64 guide would be great if it exists.
Give me a month or so and I can possibly give you a photograph of the internals if nobody else comes up with anything in the meantime. I did the same with the AGB a while ago, but I am waiting on a mate testing the IS capture I am purchasing from him.
It's not really proper to call it a modified CGB. Rather it's really just a fancy controller. There are no CGB "guts" in the controller. It's just direct wiring to the screen and input buttons. Same setup that is used for the AGB system and the PSP Test kit. -hl718
The PSP controller unit does actually have a motherboard inside it called the "TPC-001PWB". It surrenders memory card, USB & UMD functions to an external development unit. But in the instance of the PSP, I seriously doubt a retail could be turned into a PSP test controller, granted. The idea that "...it's just direct wiring to the screen and input buttons..." is somewhat incorrect. A cursory glance at my AGB capture unit however suggests that unlike the PSP it's really just a bog standard AGB with a Capture probe stuck hard into it. The Intelligent Systems & ProDG AGB units I have are equally rustic in their nature, almost like something you'd knock together yourself with a bit of sellotape, solder and some spare old PC parts. As I said, I can take it to pieces and confirm this, however the unit I have functions other than cart pretty much like a retail i.e. it has button functions, screen, on/off, on-board audio & volume. No batteries however as power, like the AGB probe for my dev kit, is supplied by the capture unit itself. I am certain that if I modified it myself to have a power supply provided away from the capture unit that the AGB would spring to life. To that extent it is actually just a modified AGB. Before I put my foot right in my mouth however, let me have a look at the weekend. Last time I took it to pieces to clean it I didn't take any images as I was in a rush to get it up and running. If & when I get the CGB I can atleast confirm what is inside it. ;-) Like a few others here I am desperate to obtain a Nitro however. Lovely DS dev kit!
Right, as far as a capture AGB goes it is a case of removing the cartridge port on the motherboard and instead soldering a 40 pin connector / cable to what appears to be a standard IDE female ending. Looking at the endings the cables are NOT twisted so it's direct pin for pin connection and perfectly possible to do if you have the soldering skills. The on/off switch has been removed. Flipping the motherboard over it is actually missing the CPU on the main side of the motherboard- hl718 is correct. The Intelligent System unit DOES take the processing away from the AGB attached. Anyone with one of these units had better look after it. If offered the main body without the controller is pretty much stuffed! The CGB will more than likely be exactly the same. For reference the motherboard of the AGB capture unit is marked as "AGB LCD [ ]" - if you see one, snap it up! Back: Front: mother hubbard's cupboard - no CPU! An AGB dev system IS however a retail motherboard: Back: Front:
I might be able to fix some pic.. just have to check the if it's one of those crappy nintendo bits first. If it is then I can't open it.
The AGB has the same screws - I use a standard screwdriver - if you have a good set of jewellers screwdrivers then a standard (flat) one that is small enough can actually get them out. You need to be very careful however so if you are not confident then don't risk it!
well that's basically it, don't want to risk ruining anything when I can have a real screwdriver for < $10.. unfortunately I'm out of cash right now (as always :crying and xmas is soon here
If you're willing to take some hi-res pics Babu, I'd be happy to buy a tri-wing screwdriver for you. PM me your details if interested.
I'm going to check the office, might have something that fits there.. If not, I might bid on one that ends some time in the middle of next week that seems to be ending pretty cheap.
Sorry none of the things at the office worked.. I found one that looked like it was going to fit.. but it was to small! =/ Also looks like you'll have to wait until the end of the month as I don't have the economy to buy that screwdriver right now.
Just a little update, will be ordering the scewdriver tomorrow, should have it before friday next week.
Thanks. Looking forward to the pics. If you PM me a paypal account and the cost I'll cover it for you.
well it's ordered now, unfortantly I got a motice that they're moving this week so it won't be shipped until 3rd Decemeber >_< And thanks for the offer but considering the price and that fact that I need the screwdriver just as much for another project, I thought I might as well pay for it.
Here you go [clicky] - tried to make them as good as possible, but I'm just no photographer. Really need to get me a camera tripod or something
Nice pics, babu. On the CGB itself, what all does it say on the CPU? It looks like "CPU CGB D," but the wires are covering the last letter.
I checked one of the other images that was way to dark to post and it really only says that: CPU CGB D (M)(C) 1998 Nintendo JAPAN 0017 I
Thanks Babu. Great pics! Now I just need to do some soldering. The Retail CGB I picked up is a revision earlier but, I don't really see any differences other than the CPU revision. I suspect it'll work fine. My retail CPU is marked: CPU CGB C (M)(C) 1998 Nintendo JAPAN 9917 I The PCB is CGB-CPU-03 R18 and X1 as well as the rest of the board layout appear identical.
