PALPi Lite Edition
Introduction: PALPi Lite Edition
Hey everyone, how are you doing!
So this is the PALPi V4 which is a DIY Retro Game Console powered by a Raspberry Pi Zero W.
The IDEA here was to make a portable handheld gaming console that can run RETRO Games like Contra, Pokemon, Super Mario ETC.
For Display, I've used a 4 inch Car Monitor Display which is controlled by Composit PAL output.
As for the emulation OS, I used RECALBOX as it comes with many preinstalled games.
In this Instructables, I'm gonna show you guys the whole built process for this Retro Game Console.
Supplies
Following are the things I used in this built-
* Custom PCB (which was 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
* Li-ion Cells 3.7V 2600mah
* Female Header pins Con40 x1 (or use two CON20 Pin)
* Toggle switch x13
* Raspberry Pi Model 3B+
* 4 inch PAL Display (salvaged from CAR MONITOR)
* 3D Printed Body
* DC Barrel Jack
* 5V Barrel Adaptor (for charging the Li-ion cell)
Step 1: Previous Edition
Previously, I made the PALPi V1 which had the same internal spec as this console but it was thick and uncomfortable to hold.
https://www.instructables.com/PALPi-Retro-Game-Console/
The PALPi Lite is an improved version that is now slimmer than the original V1 and is comfortable to hold.
Step 2: Getting Started
I started by first designing a slim box-shaped body in fusion360 along with a basic PCB Shape as a reference.
After finalizing the design, I exported the PCB's DWG file so I could import it into my PCB Suite to make the outline for the PCB and place the switch in its assigned place.
Step 3: RECALBOX
I used RECALBOX OS to run this setup.
Why Recalbox OS, why not Retro Pi or other OS?
well, the answer here is simple, recalbox is an easy-to-use OS that comes with a lot of Free games pre-installed.
Also, it's small and can run on low spec raspberry pi systems.
like in my case, I'm using a Rpi Model 3B+ which has 1GB ram.
it's not exactly a powerhouse but it can handle a few retro games without breaking a sweat.
Installing it is also very easy
* Download the Raspberry Pi imager.
* Select the right OS for your device, which would be RecalBox
* select your system which is Rpi Model 3B
* Raspberry pi imager will do your work of downloading and installing the RecalBox on the memory card.
After installing the RecalBox os, you need to plug your Raspberry pi setup with a Keyboard as the first boot always requires a keyboard.
After booting the whole setup, the RecalBox works like a normal emulator.
Step 4: PCB Design
One of the hurdles during the designing process was how to power Raspberry Pi and Screen together with a 3.7V Source.
For that, I used a Power management IC which was IP5306.
It's a boost converter IC with a bunch of features that includes Low and high cut of the cell during overcharge and over-discharge along with a battery fuel indicator.
It can output 5V 2A which is enough for our setup.
I took its minimal setup from its datasheet and prepared a board that has switches along with the power management ic setup that boosts the Li-ion cell to power the Raspberry pi and display.
After finalizing the schematic, I converted the schematic into PCB File and started the layout by first placing the switches in their place by using the earlier PCB Outline as a reference.
Step 5: Getting PCBs From PCBWAY
I used PCBWAY PCB Service for this project. I first uploaded the Gerber file of this project on PCBWAY's quote page.
I choose yellow soldermask with white silkscreen, there was no special reason for choosing yellow soldermask, I just wanted to see the yellow PCB.
I received the PCBs in a week and the PCB quality was pretty great, This PCB is small and I like how the quality of these PCBs was not compromised because of quantity or size.
PCBWAY, you guys rock.
Check out PCBWAY service for great PCB service at less cost! 848