The good news: the plug-in adapters look gorgeous. See:
The PCB and connector manufacturers really did a great job, I am more than pleased with the quality. Even better, they also work as they should :-) Here are the final specs:
| Plug-in adapter for A2600 carts Plugs in SNES slot of Retrode. Does not work in SNES console!! Gold-plated card edge contacts Custom-made connector for A2600 cartridges Dust cover unlocking mechanism integrated (may require a little wiggling) Individually tested Requires firmware v0.15r or higher |
Plug-in adapter for GB*/N64 carts Plugs in SEGA slot of Retrode. Does not work in original console!!! Gold-plated card edge contacts Custom-made connectors for GB/GBC/GBA and N64 cartridges Fits inside SEGA cart enclosure (additional cutouts required) Includes reset/re-detection button to facilitate hot swapping of games Includes external USB voltage converter for N64 and GBA games Individually tested Requires firmware v0.15r or higher |
Retrodes ordered with plug-in adapters will come with the latest firmware flashed. Everyone else will be sent the firmware file so they can perform the update on their own.
The bad news are twofold: (1) I am soldering these by hand, and they take forever to make. Lead-free solder is a veritable pain in the ass. Since I do not have any time to spare at this moment, I won’t be able to offer any adapters to the general public for at least 10 weeks to come. On that occasion, I also decided to take some time off the whole project and shut down the online store. Sorry folks, but at this point I really needed to set priorities right. I’ve only got a few weeks for a PhD thesis from start to finish, which you will understand is an extraordinary challenge. [Update: Almost done, up to a handful voltage converters. Approx. 10K solder joints in 35 hours of work - NEVER EVER EVER AGAIN :)] (2) My supplier was not able to provide the number of 3.3V voltage regulators I ordered. Which means that approx. half of the preorderers will be served next week, the rest may have to wait a few more weeks. Sorry for the inconvenience! [Update: Parts are in stock now. Farnell is hella expensive but they sure are fast]
Just got mine today! about to do the firmware update! Excited!
My adapters arrived today, the PCBs are lovely, nicely put together.
Thanks!
I wonder if I got mine.
I shipped ALL of them, but US is obviously going to take a lot longer than UK. You may want to give it another week.
[Update:] Apparently, Japan has already been served :)
Mine came today. Unfortunately, I managed to screw mine up modding it and will have to wait until the retrodes are back in stock before using it. Sigh, my fault, I just wish I had realized that I needed even smaller gauge wire before I started. Stupid pad ended up being pulled out by the wire.
I checked the mail today, and got mine :-D
Additional cutouts? I doubt I could do that. First, I do not have the tools. Second, I broke plenty of jeweler saw blades in my jewelry class (they were cheap, but fragile.) Third, I do not think I know anyone who could do that. Is there any chance you could created a special replacement case for the N64/GBA adaptors? Not too picky about the color of the case.
Sure! Just sign this letter stating that you will be buying at least 2000 of them ;-)
looks good matthias :)
How does the “external USB voltage regulator” work? Is it kind of a USB-B connector?
So I’d have to unplug it every time I want to play SNES games for example?
Yep, it’s something that plugs between the host and the Retrode and regulates the entire device down to 3.3V, which is the native voltage of N64 and GBA. I’m including it just to be on the safe side, because in practice I found SNES, Genesis, and GB/GBC games to work at 3.3V equally well as N64 and GBA at 5V. A2600 doesn’t work at 3.3V, though. So, if you are willing to risk potential-yet-unlikely damage on N64 and GBA games, you might just skip the adapter entirely.
So it’s safe to just leave that adapter on it at all times
Should be, yes.
I choose to interpret this in another good way: You had so many pre-orders for the adaptors you have unfortunately exceeded your ability to fulfil them all in the time you allocated. ;D