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- Oct 5, 2020
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Hey, I'm working on my first proper console mod!
I'm going to put a DS Lite into a calculator case, one of the older Nspire models.
I have decided to go with the original TI-Nspire CAS. It seems to be the best option for my needs. This is for a few reasons:
I've seen others put a GBA in calculators before, such as zeldaxpro, who has done an amazing job on his: here
Similarly, I've seen others such as haihaisb put a DS lite in a DMG case. Both of these have been a huge inspiration for this project. Though I haven't seen anyone put a DS inside of a calculator
I'd prefer to use a DS lite instead since it has a lot more features, and there is a very large game library with emulation and backwards compatibility (NES/SNES/GB(C)/GBA/NDS). Not all games will be playable though due to only having one screen. Also, the price of anything involving the GBA has been quite inflated recently. DS Lite consoles and parts are a lot cheaper and easier to get ahold of.
A few things to note:
As for what I still need. I'm looking into smaller magnet wire, as well as some silicone wire. Would love to see some suggestions for which to get, as I've never done anything like this before.
Thanks for reading. I'd love to see what others have to say about this!
I'm going to put a DS Lite into a calculator case, one of the older Nspire models.
I have decided to go with the original TI-Nspire CAS. It seems to be the best option for my needs. This is for a few reasons:
- The case should be large enough and thick enough for a DS Lite motherboard along with everything else needed (screen, charger, speaker, buttons)
- The cutout for the screen is larger than other calculators such as the T-83 or the TI-89. On my more modern TI-Nspire CX CAS calculator, I measure the screen to be around 3.3in, while the DS lite screen is closer to 3.3 in as well (including the bezel). As far as I know, the original model Nspire has the same sized screen as the newer ones (it's hard to find specific info online).
- This model of calculator has a directional pad closer to the middle, instead of on the right side (like on the TI-83 or TI-89. Having the directional pad in the middle is more comfortable than on the right side.
- In addition, this calculator is not like the newer calculators with the touch pad. It would probably be difficult for me to use the touchpad since it is is very non-standard compared to the traditional button pad. Interfacing with the ribbon cable would be a headache.
- The non-cas original TI-Nspire has some sort of removable button pad which could be difficult to work with. The CAS version does not have this feature as far as I know.
I've seen others put a GBA in calculators before, such as zeldaxpro, who has done an amazing job on his: here
Similarly, I've seen others such as haihaisb put a DS lite in a DMG case. Both of these have been a huge inspiration for this project. Though I haven't seen anyone put a DS inside of a calculator
I'd prefer to use a DS lite instead since it has a lot more features, and there is a very large game library with emulation and backwards compatibility (NES/SNES/GB(C)/GBA/NDS). Not all games will be playable though due to only having one screen. Also, the price of anything involving the GBA has been quite inflated recently. DS Lite consoles and parts are a lot cheaper and easier to get ahold of.
A few things to note:
- The DS lite refuses to boot without the top screen, but you can get around this by soldering a resistor to certain pads on the motherboard (lookup gameboy macro)
- I plan to get rid of the top screen and keep the touchscreen. I know certain homebrew apps are impossible to use without touch functionality (such as nesDS). I don't plan to hack up a ribbon cable, but rather use one of these adapters from aliexpress here. I've heard that this adapter works perfectly for what I need.
- I can't say that I'm experienced enough to relocate the game slots. I plan on removing the GBA slot and using GBARunner2 with TWiLightMenu++ to play GBA games. I'm aiming to keep the DS slot where it is, and having the slot be on the side of the calculator.
- Even though I'm not very experienced, I still know my way around a DS Lite, and I do have some soldering skills.
As for what I still need. I'm looking into smaller magnet wire, as well as some silicone wire. Would love to see some suggestions for which to get, as I've never done anything like this before.
Thanks for reading. I'd love to see what others have to say about this!