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Forum Index : Microcontroller and PC projects : Naked for the world to see

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CircuitGizmos

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Joined: 08/09/2011
Location: United States
Posts: 1427
Posted: 08:21pm 10 Nov 2020
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When I created the RetroMax (CMM2 compatible) I wanted to put it in a unique case and made this:







Most people have purchased the RetroMax in this enclosure. You can add the rPi "HATS" through the slot in the top:



But I also wanted some way for hardware enthusiasts to use the RetroMax and build hardware directly on the board. So I made the sea-of-holes for the RetroMax (just like I did for the CircuitGizmos version of the CMM1)

I also wanted something a bit more than just a bare board set on a surface. But also not something too elaborate. I think that a simple base like this would work well:



More complex would be a version with a solderless whiteboard attached. But I don't think that has a wide appeal.

What does everyone think?
Micromites and Maximites! - Beginning Maximite
 
CircuitGizmos

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Joined: 08/09/2011
Location: United States
Posts: 1427
Posted: 08:27pm 10 Nov 2020
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The sea-of-holes supports - toward the right in the picture - a place for an Arduino shield, although there are no hard connections to the CMM2 processor. Just an extra set of holes to facilitate wiring in some connections. Also there is a group of holes offset, just like the Arduino.

Same with the MikroBus area. Nothing hard-wired except 3/5/gnd.

Adding any modules (MikroBus / Arduino Shield / ESP8266) could happen within the case only if the modules are very slim. So the "naked to the world" open PCB on the base is a reasonable approach.
Edited 2020-11-11 06:32 by CircuitGizmos
Micromites and Maximites! - Beginning Maximite
 
elk1984

Senior Member

Joined: 11/07/2020
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 228
Posted: 08:39pm 10 Nov 2020
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  CircuitGizmos said  When I created the RetroMax (CMM2 compatible) I wanted to put it in a unique case


Is that a portable DVD housing?  Looks funky, although I was warned off having Nunchuk connectors without a surround (risk of putting in upside down, stability etc.)
 
CircuitGizmos

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Joined: 08/09/2011
Location: United States
Posts: 1427
Posted: 08:45pm 10 Nov 2020
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  elk1984 said  
Is that a portable DVD housing?  Looks funky, although I was warned off having Nunchuk connectors without a surround (risk of putting in upside down, stability etc.)


Yup! It's a DVD case. I like how thin the case is.

The Nunchuk plugs in "notch up" on the RetroMax.
Micromites and Maximites! - Beginning Maximite
 
markboston36
Regular Member

Joined: 27/10/2020
Location: United States
Posts: 76
Posted: 09:45pm 11 Nov 2020
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i just purchased this so ill give a review once i get it. im wondering does anyone make a controller with the nunchuck connector? i know third parties made wii compatible ones.

im not sure if i still have my wii i don't know if i took it with me in the move and i'd hate to buy one just for this. it might be downstairs with my wii u i'd have to look.

would usb joysticks work? also im assuming if i had a game with keyboard controls that would work? or do i need to program for the nunchuck?
 
TassyJim

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Joined: 07/08/2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 6283
Posted: 10:01pm 11 Nov 2020
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  markboston36 said   im wondering does anyone make a controller with the nunchuck connector? i know third parties made wii compatible ones.

would usb joysticks work? also im assuming if i had a game with keyboard controls that would work? or do i need to program for the nunchuck?


I made a PS2 mouse to wii classic emulator.
Also an IBM style joystick to wii classic.

The latest offering is PS2 mouse and joystick to HobbyTronics protocol emulator

All the above us an Arduino nano so very cheap and readily available.

For USB joysticks and mice, you will currently need to go with the HobbyTronics offerings.

To use any in your programs, that is up to the programmer to cater for the various inputs.
The MMBasic firmware does most of the hard work for you.

Jim
VK7JH
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Cyber

Senior Member

Joined: 13/01/2019
Location: Ukraine
Posts: 161
Posted: 05:54am 12 Nov 2020
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  CircuitGizmos said  More complex would be a version with a solderless whiteboard attached. But I don't think that has a wide appeal.


I use this thiggy with my CMM1, so I vote for integrated solderless board.

Edited 2020-11-12 15:55 by Cyber
 
markboston36
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Joined: 27/10/2020
Location: United States
Posts: 76
Posted: 07:42pm 12 Nov 2020
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  TassyJim said  
  markboston36 said   im wondering does anyone make a controller with the nunchuck connector? i know third parties made wii compatible ones.

would usb joysticks work? also im assuming if i had a game with keyboard controls that would work? or do i need to program for the nunchuck?


I made a PS2 mouse to wii classic emulator.
Also an IBM style joystick to wii classic.

The latest offering is PS2 mouse and joystick to HobbyTronics protocol emulator

All the above us an Arduino nano so very cheap and readily available.

For USB joysticks and mice, you will currently need to go with the HobbyTronics offerings.

To use any in your programs, that is up to the programmer to cater for the various inputs.
The MMBasic firmware does most of the hard work for you.

Jim


HappyTronics is exactly what i was looking for thanks.
 
CircuitGizmos

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Joined: 08/09/2011
Location: United States
Posts: 1427
Posted: 05:32pm 13 Nov 2020
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Here are examples of using the base plate with the RetroMax 1.4a for adding MikroBus modules, Arduino shields, and rPi HATS.
















Micromites and Maximites! - Beginning Maximite
 
Cyber

Senior Member

Joined: 13/01/2019
Location: Ukraine
Posts: 161
Posted: 04:40am 14 Nov 2020
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  CircuitGizmos said  Here are examples of using the base plate with the RetroMax 1.4a for adding MikroBus modules, Arduino shields, and rPi HATS.

Nice examples.
I agree that sea of holes is more practical solution than integrated solderless board.
User can choose if he wants to use sea of holes directly or attach solderless board on top of it.
Thank you!
 
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