SN Systems ProDG / Nintendo GBA kit

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 OH:

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.

 

the masses want pictures!

 

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.

 

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.

 

Oh, and spot the development house! ;-)

 

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

 

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.

;-)

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

Pics of mine if it helps....?

Top Layer.... SCSI card top right.


Bottom Layer..... Power Supply bottom right.


Close-up of PSU.


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 ;-)

 

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.

 

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!

 

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

 

;-) - thanks for the offer however!

 

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?