PALPi Version 2, Final Edition
Introduction: PALPi Version 2, Final Edition
Hey Everyone what's up,
This is the PALPi V2 which is a huge handheld retro gaming console powered by a Rpi 3 B+.
The goal for making this project was to make a low-cost game console like a Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck that can run most retro games that I enjoy.
For Example, Old DOOM, WOLFENSTEIN, Pokemon Games Etc.
This console has more than 40 games preloaded on it. also, we can add any game on this console. for example, I've loaded dragon ball advance adventure on this game console through WINSCP or by manually transferring ROM File on the memory card. 848
(will explain more about this process later in the post)
I first made the PALPi V1 which was powered by a Rpi Zero W, it had a Composite PAL display and it was functional.
To upgrade that setup I prepared the V2 which is now powered by a Raspberry pi 3 B+ and had a 7 inch IPS display that is connected to Rpi with an HDMI Cable.
Previously I made V2 but it was unfinished as it doesn't have custom Buttons and a power distribution board.
To Run PALPi V2, I wired it with my PALPI v1 PCB to just prove the concept that it can work with this setup if we change the shape of the PCB.
It Worked so basically all I had to do was to design two Button boards for the left side and right side buttons pad along with a Power distribution board which also breakout GPIO Pins from RPI headers to separate connectors for connecting the Buttons.
In this Instructables, I'm gonna show you guys how I made this Game console in a few easy steps.
So let's get started!
Supplies
For Power Distribution Board-
* Custom PCBs (that were provided by PCBWAY)
* IP5306 IC
* 10uf 1206 Package Capacitor x8
* 2R 0805 Package x1
* 1K 0603 Package x2
* 10uH Inductor x1
* SMD Button x1
* Indicator LEDs x4
* THT USB Micro Port x1
* 18650 Dual Li-ion Cells holder x1
* Li-ion Cells 3.7V 2600mah x2
* Female Header pins Con40 x1
For Button Board-
* Toggle switch x13
* Custom PCB (Provided by PCBWAY)
For Assembly-
* Raspberry Pi Model 3B+
* 7-inch Display with HDMI Port (got from the PCBWAY Gift shop)
* Power Distribution Board
* Left Side Button Board
* Right Side Button Board
* RED Wires
* Green Wires
* 3D Printed body
* Screws, nuts, and bolts
Step 1: GAMES!
This bad boy can run POKEMON Games, DOOM, WOLFENSTEIN, DRAGON BALL ADVANCE ADVENTURE, and many more.
Step 2: GETTING STARTED- 3D Printed Body
Previously, I prepared the body and basic setup of the PALPi v2 that included the assembly of the whole body and then ran this setup with OLD PALPi V1 PCB.
Step 3: Power Distribution Board- IP5306 Setup
Back then, this setup lacked the power distribution board and left-right side button boards, so I designed them on my OrCad PCB Suite.
The power distribution board contains an IP5306 IC which is a Li-ion power management IC that is usually used in commercial power banks. It has overcharge and over-discharge protection for Li-ion cells so we dont have to add any external PCM Modules to each cell for protection. It also has fuel gauge indicators that indicate battery level percentage which is just awesome.
Step 4: Powering This Setup
To power this setup, I used 3.7V 2600mAh Li-ion Cells (two of them in parallel).
For adding them directly on the Power Distribution board, I used the 18650 Dual Cell holder which is an SMD component that can be soldered on the PCB's top side.
Step 5: Schematic for Both PCBs, Power Distribution Board and Button PCB
This was the Schematic I used for the Power Distribution board and Button board.
I also added 2 Connector Pins for the Left side buttons and right side buttons on the power distribution board. all the assigned GPIOs are connected to these two Connector Pins.
My plan is to connect the button PCB to this power distribution board manually with wires.
Step 6: Getting PCB Made From PCBWay
After finalizing the PCB, I exported its Gerber data ad send that to PCBWay for samples. 848