I found my old GameBoy Printer and it still works!
I just had to disassemble it because the batteries were still inside and they kind of melted and destroyed some stuff.
Anyway, i'd really like to connect the printer to arduino and somehow make it print some text.
My first problem is the connecter. Its a weird gameboy link cable.
Second problem would be to program something to send the right data so the printer actually prints something.
The most important thing i'd like to know would be how to solve this kind of problems by my own. Where to search, What to read, and how to make it work
If anyone has some info on how i could find a good way to connect the printer to the Arduino so i could interface with it, great.
Also, some info about the Data packets would be a good start for the Software to send teh data to the printer
I tend to doubt you'll find much if anything for the original interface; Nintendo's always been pretty stubborn about keeping their stuff secret and proprietary. With the proper tools (a logic analyzer, perhaps), you could do a "man in the middle" attempt by inserting the analyzer in between the printer and the gameboy, and capture data sent/received to the printer, then attempt to figure it out...
It should be noted that the MakeNYC project involves really bypassing a bunch of the parts of the printer, essentially using the hardware directly. It doesn't use the EXT cable link or anything.
Yes i actually found that website also. I didn't know if i should registe or not (to get access to the pictures). It just seemed like one of those weird websites with a million publicity banners and so. Maybe i'll take a look with more detail.
I have the original cable. I could cut it in half but what then?
Maybe i should mention I began working with electronics and arduino only a few months ago, and not everyday, just now and than ;D
There's actually a substantial community of people writing their own games for GBx, hacking the hardware for other purposes, and so on. Here are a couple of links I have saved:
http://www.devrs.com/ Seemed just what i needed however most of the links are broken. I did get a Printer Library for C , hopefully it works. Gotta test it out later.
Komkon.org has a schematics for the cable. Tells you where the 5volts ground and data pins are. Great, thats a good step.
Does that mean that, connecting it to the arduino, i'd have to put 1 pin for each Data pin on the cable? (obviously GND and 5V too)
And then i'd just try and send some data thru the cable?
I've been in the GB scene a long time. I remember detailed communication protocols for the GB Printer. I think I have a document explaining them somewhere. If you haven't already found it, I can try digging it up.
Error: Sorry, you are not allowed to post messages containing active links to websites or images before you have posted 1 normal messages.
sorry
maybe this means next time i can send the link.
btw i am in the same boat.
my plan is to connect an Arduino unit to my Mac via USB then i make a simulation of a parallel port on the Arduinos pins then i can connect my GB. So that i can transfer data (the captured 2 bit images) to my Mac - based on the GB Printer protocol. I have found a tutorial on the net how to build a madcatz style parallel-gb cable but parallel port is not an option in my case, thast why possibly the Arduino is a soulution.
i hope this is possible, i have some basic knowledge of assembly and C, MAX/MSP. we should share information in the future to get this project done!
cheers,
peter
