User-contributed PCBs and adapters

[sanni]

Here everyone can upload or link the adapter PCBs they have created. 🔧🔨

• Please be aware that these adapter PCBs might fall under a different license compared to the hardware uploaded to the main Github.
  Always ask the creator for their approval if you want to modify or sell them.

• Important: For adapter PCBs that plug into the N64, NES or SNES slot you have to change the PCB thickness to 1.2mm when ordering the PCB.

Adapter PCBs posted in other threads:

• PC Engine adapter: Made SEGA MARK3 to MD adapter and PCE adapter GERBER data for V3. #345
• SEGA MARK III adapter: Made SEGA MARK3 to MD adapter and PCE adapter GERBER data for V3. #345
• WonderSwan adapter: Ws adapter v2 #337
• Neo Geo Pocket adapter: Where is the Gerber data for the NGP adapter? #614 (comment)

[kdawg8]

Thanks for compiling this list sanni, very helpful to have the adapter info in one place. Can the the adapter gerber files be added for all the new systems which are supported in the V12.0 release?

[7ank0v1c]

Ah brilliant, love this 😍

Was the Virtual Boy adapter finished yet?

Skaman mentioned he sent it already, but I might have missed if the gerber files where released yet or not?

[kdawg8]

This VB adapter is for the Retrode, I built one and it works (at least for original cartridges, I couldn't get home brews to dump). I believe skaman was one of the developers for it, so if Virtual Boy support is implemented the same way it might also work on the cart reader.

https://github.com/TRP-Retromods/Retrode2_VB_Plugin

[sakman55]

Atari 2600 adapter (Note: NOT compatible with Retrode): Atari 2600 Adapter.zip
Benesse Pocket Challenge W adapter: Benesse Pocket Challenge W Adapter.zip
Colecovision adapter: Colecovision Adapter.zip
Emerson Arcadia 2001 adapter: Emerson Arcadia 2001 Adapter.zip
Fairchild Channel F adapter: Fairchild Channel F Adapter.zip
Magnavox Odyssey 2/Philips Videopac adapter: Magnavox Odyssey 2 Adapter.zip
Mattel Intellivision adapter: Mattel Intellivision Adapter.zip
Nintendo VirtualBoy adapter: Nintendo VirtualBoy Adapter.zip
Watara Supervision adapter: Watara Supervision Adapter.zip

All Adapters connect to the SNES slot thus PCB thickness should be 1.2mm.

[sanni]

Until Github adds a way to message people we rely on the Arduino forums private messages for communication: https://forum.arduino.cc/t/rom-reader-for-super-nintendo-super-famicom-game-cartridges/155260/1601

[HighMans]

@sakman55

Would you be willing to post the project file you used to design one of these adapters?

I'd like to try and make an adapter of my own that plugs in to the N64 snes slot.

[Cephiros]

@sakman55

Would you be willing to post the project file you used to design one of these adapters?

I'd like to try and make an adapter of my own that plugs in to the N64 slot.

This likely wont be possible, Almost, if not all of these adaptors require Port C, N64 only has 2 of 8 pins mapped from Port C. SNES is usually used for adaptors because it has the most pins mapped to it. Followed by genesis/MD.

[HighMans]

@sakman55
Would you be willing to post the project file you used to design one of these adapters?
I'd like to try and make an adapter of my own that plugs in to the N64 slot.

This likely wont be possible, Almost, if not all of these adaptors require Port C, N64 only has 2 of 8 pins mapped from Port C. SNES is usually used for adaptors because it has the most pins mapped to it. Followed by genesis/MD.

I misspoke, I meant I wanted to make a custom adapter that plugs in to the snes slot like his other adapters.

[Cephiros]

I misspoke, I meant I wanted to make a custom adapter that plugs in to the snes slot like his other adapters.

If it helps at all, right below this post is my adaptor and project files, Which used the SNES slot as well. Otherwise based on clarification, I retract my previous statement.

[Cephiros]

A promised, Here is the first of my adaptors. TurboGrafx 16(PC Engine), Colecovision, and Intellivision 3-in-1 gerbers, and even the layout files, should somebody feel the need to make it prettier, or add to it.
IPC2S_RC1.zip gerbers
ctvintv.zip schematics-PCB Layouts
Console Symbols.zip Symbols
footprints.zip Footprints

[7ank0v1c]

Finished soldering and testing the ColecoVision adapter. Works like a charm (Once I cleaned off all the extra flux residue I left on there 😂 )

Now playing Donkey Kong how it was originally meant to be played on home consoles, on an emulator… 🤦‍♂️ 😂

thanks @sakman55 for the adapter and @PsyK0p4T for the help

[SAVE-THE-HERO]

Adapter for game gear.
Tested
gg_adapter.zip

[ezcGman]

That was not the question :) It's literally only about the slot used on this adapter. I have the PCBs printed and use the OSCR. I don't need alternatives :)

[g026r]

Has anyone printed this using JLCPCB? Did it work for you? If so, what settings did you use when you ordered the board?

I attempted to build this using the retrosix slot, and the board I got back from them is basically unusable: the pitch for the pin headers is off, so that if you align the leftmost hole of the retrosix board up with the adapter board, the rightmost hole is almost completely blocked.

I've confirmed with pins that the pitch issue is with the adapter board, not the slot, and I'm hoping just fiddling with some settings will fix it.

[Ancyker]

@g026r If you have HW5 (or HW3 w/an SMS adapter) you could try the GG adapter I posted.

[MattroidPrime]

Has anyone printed this using JLCPCB? Did it work for you? If so, what settings did you use when you ordered the board?

This sounds much like an issue reported earlier in this same thread and a revision was posted. I can't speak to the revision - I used the original board but with a original GG slot from a rusted out system where the only salvageable thing was the slot anyway. Everything worked fine.

I should still have some of these sitting around somewhere if you want one but if you used the original file and it was a problem then this one would be too probably. But if you're interested, just give me enough to cover the shipping and maybe a buck for the board and it's yours...Assuming I can find it. Also open to trades if you have any pcbs for adapters I don't have yet.

In either case, here are my settings. Mostly default I think, but it's been a while.

[g026r]

This sounds much like an issue reported earlier in this same thread and a revision was posted. I can't speak to the revision - I used the original board but with a original GG slot from a rusted out system where the only salvageable thing was the slot anyway. Everything worked fine.

Ah yeah. I see that comment now & yes, it is the same issue. I should have read the whole thread girst instead of just grabbing the files from the initial post.

[splash5]

For adapter PCB file please check #715.
PCB should be made with 1.2mm thickness.

So here is how to build your own Super A'can cartridge slot.
First, get a NES 72pin cartridge slot (2.5mm pitch), remove pin 5, 32, 41, 68 by pushing them out from slot so left and right will be left for 8 pins each side.
Then inserting something into space that pin 5 and 41, 32 and 68 originally placed as separator so cartridge can be
correctly aligned.
(I use sugru so I can use tooth stick to push it into those tiny space easily)

Now you can soldering cartridge slot onto adapter PCB.
When inserting cartridge, make sure label is facing up.

Please ignore bodge wire and 60pin connector.

Insert cartridge label face up

[Oswalds99]

Many cartridge adapters are now available, and it seems that almost all types of game cartridges can be dumped.
I have a simple question: is there any possibility to dump MSX?
If need cartridges for development, I can send them to you.
No return is required.
Thank you for a great project.

[PsyK0p4T]

+1 also interested here

[7ank0v1c]

Me interested too 😉

[sakman55]

I can take a further look into it. I looked at it before and the number of mappers and cart costs were prohibitive.
@Oswalds99 - please message me (skaman) on the Arduino forum

[Oswalds99]

Yes

[Ancyker]

Got this Game Gear adapter working...

You can dump with the SMS option fine as well, just won't recognize the CRC, lol.

Get it here: https://github.com/StarshadeRETRO/KiCadFiles/tree/main/GameSystems/Adapters/SMS-to-GG

[sakman55]

I made a couple new modules that will be added to the project. Files for the adapters are here:

MSX: MSX Adapter.zip
Pokemon Mini: Pokemon Mini Adapter.zip

Both adapters are built for the SNES slot with 1.2mm board thickness.

The MSX adapter uses a standard 50 (2x25) pin card connector slot with 0.100" (2.54mm) pin spacing. Specific part numbers that were used in development are in the ZIP.

The Pokemon Mini adapter uses an original cart connector (and metal shield/guide) from a donor unit. The pin size and pitch made it impossible for me to improvise a connector. Ideal connector source would be broken/non-working units due to battery corrosion. Remember to set the voltage on the Cart Reader to 3.3V when using this adapter.

[7ank0v1c]

@sakman55 would you be able to give me some tips with removing the connector from a donor pokemon mini. I have one, but it seems to be on there pretty good even after I have run a soldering wick over it many times...

[Ancyker]

@7ank0v1c can you take a pic?

[sakman55]

Try the opposite method. Add a bead of solder across all of the pins. Run your iron back and forth through the molten bead of solder and the pins should separate from the board. You'll need to remove the metal shield and also the upper pads that hold the connector to the board.

[sakman55]

I should mention that there are a couple of plastic alignment pins under the connector so be careful as you lift the connector. Keeping the plastic pins intact will help with locating the connector on the adapter PCB.

[7ank0v1c]

Thanks Skaman (Sakman?) @sakman55

Got this all installed and working yesterday with the help of @Ancyker. @PsyK0p4T little addition for CRC check is a welcome feature also 😊

[sakman55]

I made several new modules that will be added to the project.

Files for the adapters are here:
Atari 5200: Atari 5200 Adapter.zip
Atari 7800: Atari 7800 Adapter.zip

Atari 7800 Adapter v0.2: Atari 7800 Adapter v0.2.zip
Addresses Issue #916 - Support for Atari 7800 Bankset Bankswitch

Commodore 64: Commodore 64 Adapter.zip
Vectrex: Vectrex Adapter.zip
Vectrex: Vectrex Adapter v0.2.zip

All of the adapters are built for the SNES slot with 1.2mm board thickness.

The Atari 5200 ZIP include two sets of Gerbers. One set is the Adapter PCB only and the other set includes the Adapter PCB and a breakaway key that can be used to open the cart dust cover. The separate key is needed because the notches to open the dust cover are offset from the PCB slot (unlike the Atari 2600).

The Atari 7800 adapter is compatible with the Atari 2600 module. For best results, two short key plugs should be inserted into the connector to center the 2600 cart. The ZIP includes a picture of the connector with the key plugs inserted.

The 5200, 7800, and Vectrex adapters use a standard 36 (2x18) pin card connector slot with 0.100" (2.54mm) pin spacing. Specific part numbers that were used in development are in the ZIP.

The Commodore 64 adapter uses a standard 44 (2x22) pin card connector slot with 0.100" (2.54mm) pin spacing. The specific part number that was used in development is in the ZIP (I used the same card connector that was used for the Mattel Intellivision adapter).

[ezcGman]

Thanks for building these, that's super cool!! Just one question for the C64 one: Do I see that right (also from the part number in the readme), you just used a usual slot that is meant for through hole soldering? So just stick it ontop and bend the pins a bit? Not a specific one for SMD?

The one with your specific part number costs 10€/pcs :D Looking up alternatives, I stumbled over this one: https://www.lcsc.com/product-detail/Card-Edge-Connectors_WingTAT-ED44BGFBK_C5173305.html
And I'm just wondering if the one you mentioned in the readme is something special, or really is just a usual through hole mount slot.

Idea: Could you release a version of it using through holes, so one could just use this slot: https://www.lcsc.com/product-detail/Card-Edge-Connectors_WingTAT-ER44BGFBK_C5173343.html

I would also do it myself, if you have the KiCad files somewhere <3

Thanks!!

[smesgr9000]

thanks for providing those PCB. For the 7800 you may find this issue interesting: #916

[sakman55]

Gerbers for Atari 7800 Adapter v0.2: Atari 7800 Adapter v0.2.zip

[smesgr9000]

I have tested v0.2 and with git HEAD and it works with normal games (tested 32k + 48k), supergames (128k & 144k) and bankset (2x128k)

[PsychoFox11]

I've tested it with a variety of carts as well and it worked for me, including a couple that didn't before!

[sakman55]

Nothing special with the part used for development. Standard through hole mount part. Simply bend the pins inward to make contact with the PCB. Some users do a double bend to make more of the pin contact than just the tip.

[7ank0v1c]

You can either use the retro six slot, or desolder a slot from a used sega GameGear console. Unfortunately these are the only ways currently

[ezcGman]

Ah ok, I feared that was the case :D Thx!!

[sakman55]

I made several more modules for the Cart Reader:

Bally Astrocade: Bally Astrocade Adapter.zip
Casio PV-1000/PV-2000: Casio PV-1000 Adapter.zip
Commodore VIC-20: Commodore VIC-20 Adapter.zip
RCA Studio II: RCA Studio II Adapter.zip
Texas Instruments TI-99: TI-99 Adapter.zip
Tomy Pyuuta (aka Tomy Tutor): Tomy Pyuuta Adapter.zip
TRS-80 Color Computer: TRS-80 Color Computer Adapter.zip

All of the adapters are built for the SNES slot with 1.2mm board thickness.

The Bally Astrocade ZIP include two sets of Gerbers. One set is the Adapter PCB only and the other set includes the Adapter PCB and spacers to add to the connector. The Adapter uses a cart connector that is split in half to use one side of pins. The spacers are added to the back of the connector to ensure a tight fit into the cart.

Casio PV-1000/PV-2000, Texas Instruments TI-99, and Tomy Pyuuta use standard 36 pin (2x18) cart connectors with 0.100" (2.54mm) pin spacing.

TRS-80 Color Computer uses a standard 40 pin (2x20) cart connector with 0.100" (2.54mm) pin spacing.

Commodore VIC-20 and RCA Studio II use standard 44 pin (2x22) cart connectors with 0.156" (3.96mm) pin spacing. For the RCA Studio II, it is recommended to use a connector with mounting holes. The RCA Studio II requires posts inserted into the cart on either end of the connector to allow carts to be read.

[PsyK0p4T]

Thanks a ton for all these new adapters ! 🥇

[sakman55]

A couple new adapters:

Bandai Little Jammer: Bandai Little Jammer Adapter.zip
Bandai Little Jammer Pro: Bandai Little Jammer Pro Adapter.zip

Adapters are configured to use cart connectors out of WonderSwan handhelds and designed for the SNES slot with 1.2mm board thickness.

Little Jammer carts are 5V while Little Jammer Pro carts are 3.3V. Pinouts are completely different between the two systems.

[GrumpyGopher]

Haven't see much mention of it so I thought I would ask here. Are there plans to support Atari Jaguar cartridges through an adapter? or is that something that is not possible?

thanks

[GrumpyGopher]

oh that's right it says something like database not found if it is not in the root. Well it looks right. Did you download the txt file or do a copy and paste to create the txt file? Sometimes the copy and paste from the web could add extra characters that could be messing with it.

[breyell]

I downloaded the file and then dropped it on the sd card. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[breyell]

@sakman55 Assuming this isn't too hard, a version of the shield with the GND and Vcc pins for the display switched would be useful. That seems to be far more common for these displays. I had some laying around for the SD2PSX project so I can confirm they work. Here's one as an example (you can see GND is on the outside, SDA and SCK are in the same position): https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832452347996.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.21.58fe1802n2hZor&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

[GrumpyGopher]

I downloaded the file and then dropped it on the sd card. 🤷🏻‍♂️
That is strange I can probably put together a debug version that outputs some extra information to the arduino serial monitor

[breyell]

@GrumpyGopher That works, let me know. I'm bonzo92 on Discord if you use that and want a quicker place to chat.

[PsyK0p4T]

Can someone post here the adapters for NES and Master System for HW v3 users please ?

[SAVE-THE-HERO]

This is it
https://github.com/sanni/cartreader/tree/bd3eaa106b6e4cbdffbfa89a3fb5fedf3e028b17/pcb/adapters

[PsyK0p4T]

oh... I forgot this folder. All the old ones are in ;) Thank you !

[sakman55]

Three new adapters:

Atari 8-bit Computer (400/800/XL/XE): Atari 8bit Adapter.zip
LeapFrog Leapster (L-MAX/Leapster2): Leapster Adapter.zip
Vtech V.Smile (Baby/V.Motion): V.Smile Adapter.zip

Adapters are designed for the SNES slot with 1.2mm board thickness.

Atari 8-bit uses a standard 30 pin (2x15) cart connector with 0.100" (2.54mm) pin spacing.

Leapster uses a connector pulled from one of the handhelds. Pulling a connector out of an original Leapster is somewhat easier than a Leapster2 due to the mounting screws for the Leapster versus soldered in mounting pins for the Leapster 2.

V.Smile uses a standard 50 pin (2x25) cart connector with 0.100" (2.54mm) pin spacing.

Atart 8-bit carts are 5V while Leapster and V.Smile carts are 3.3V.

The matching sketches were sent to sanni but will need updating to the latest codebase. If anyone wants to help with the conversion, please reach out to sanni to offer assistance.

These are the last bunch of modules that I plan to work on. Maybe if I run across another unsupported cart based system when I'm bored then I'll change my mind.

Take Care!

[partlyhuman]

Atari Lynx adapter

by @partlyhuman
Uses SNES slot. CC-BY-4.0.

Gerbers direct download: LYNXSNES_ADAPTER_1.zip
Kicad sources etc are available on my adapter-snes-atari-lynx branch
Thanks to @Ancyker for kindly allowing use of their edge connector symbol/footprint libraries!

Manufacturing notes

• PCB Thickness 1.2mm
• OPTIONAL: Edge chamfering (JLC: Gold Fingers = YES, 30° finger chamfered = YES. You can save $ by using Surface Finish = HASL (with lead) and you will get that finish despite "Gold Fingers" being selected. ENIG will last longer, your choice)
• OPTIONAL: JLC Remove Order Number = YES (this is now a free option!)

Assembly notes

You will need an aftermarket SMD Lynx cartridge connector from K-Retro gaming. The red PCB provided will not be necessary. Use a hot plate and solder paste, or hand-solder each pin, making sure to use plenty of flux.

The SWVCC jumper connects the SWVCC pin, sometimes used for cart detection, to VCC. When not bridged, the pin will be not connected. To bridge it, add a blob of solder to your iron tip until lifting it up bridges both pads. Use solder wick to undo the bridge. You will most likely not need to bridge this.

[PsyK0p4T]

If anyone's interested, I can confirm this adapter works ;)

[partlyhuman]

Makeshift Casio Loopy adapter

by @partlyhuman
Inserts directly into the OSCR, not an existing slot. CC-BY-4.0.

Gerbers direct download:

• OSCR_CASIO_LOOPY_ADAPTER_V2_COMBINED.zip
• OSCR_CASIO_LOOPY_ADAPTER_V2_BOTTOM.zip
• OSCR_CASIO_LOOPY_ADAPTER_V2_TOP.zip

See manufacturing notes to decide which to download.

Kicad sources etc are available on my loopy-adapter-makeshift branch

The "official" Loopy adapter requires harvesting an edge connector from a broken Loopy or Magical Shop. This alternative uses only off-the-shelf parts. The main difficulty is the 2.1mm 90 pin connector, which has no commercially available replacement. This adapter approximates it by using 2.0mm pitch spring pins, adjusting for the offset error every 5 pins. Two PCBs create a sandwich, which can be removed and adjusted thanks to pogo pins making a temporary connection between the two PCBs. You will need additional parts:

Shopping list

• 5x1 2.0mm pitch spring pins x 18. Buy 2 of the "5P" variety, 10pc per order
• 2x6 through-hole pogo pin connectors x 2 Buy 2 of the "A-7.5mm, DIP 12pin" variety
• 7mm M2.5 PCB standoff/spacers x 4 Buy 1 of the "M2.5 / 7mm" variety, 10pc per order and M2.5 screws & nuts x 4
  • OR 3D print the provided spacers x 4 7mm M2 Spacer.stl and 12mm or longer M2 screws & nuts x 4
• Row of long header pins x2, same used to build the 5-slot adapter, you probably have some left over or you can Buy 1 of the "20mm, 1x40p" variety

Manufacturing notes

• There are TWO DISTINCT PCBs. The sides are marked.
• You can use the COMBINED zip, if you choose:
  • Different design: 2
  • Delivery format: Panel by Customer
• Otherwise, you'll need to produce one TOP and one BOTTOM PCB
• PCB Thickness 1.6mm (to provide necessary rigidity)
• Surface finish your choice, HASL is fine, ENIG will last longer
• OPTIONAL: JLC Remove Order Number = YES (this is now a free option!)

Assembly notes

• Solder the battery spring terminals, aligning them as carefully as possible. A hot plate is preferred but you can do this by hand
• Solder the pogo pins. They should face up from the bottom PCB (to contact the underside of the top PCB)
• Solder the header pins. They should face down from the bottom PCB (to contact the OSCR)
• Use spacers, screws, and nuts to place the top and bottom PCBs in alignment. Ensure that there is an air gap between the battery contact pins. If this needs adjustment, you can do so with washers, scaling the 3d print, or simply loosening the fasteners and letting the pogo pins push away. (The CART-CONNECTING pins on the edge need a gap, the PCB-CONNECTING pogo pins in the middle should have good contact.)

Insert carts as shown. Ensure #define ENABLE_LOOPY is uncommented in Config.h. Again, please follow the warnings and ensure there are no shorts between the spring pins before turning on the OSCR.

[Cephiros]

Atari Jaguar Adaptor:

Jaguar Cart adaptor

NOTE: The adaptor was based heavily on skaman's standalone Jaguar Dumper

adaptor Parts List:
(1) Jaguar OEM Cart Connector (Best Electronics http://www.best-electronics-ca.com)
(3) SN74HC595D SOIC16
(3) CAP 100NF (0.1UF) 0805 SMD - or - Tiny through hole film (Decoupling Caps for 74HC595)

PCB fab notes:
PCB Thickness 1.2mm
OPTIONAL: Edge chamfering (JLC: Gold Fingers = YES, 30° finger chamfered = YES.)
ENIG is recommended, not required
make note in the notes that there are 3 spaces to be removed/punched and both sides will be chamfered.

optional: Solder a bodge cable from PortE 3 (D2 on Header OR EDCLK (Pin B15) on MD) to Left Audio Input (SNES Pin 31-front far right)

Snap off top board
Solder SN74HC595D and to the top/front of the PCB.
Solder Caps, SMD needs to be soldered to the top/front, through hole needs to be placed in the top/front and soldered behind.
Solder the Jaguar cart connector, cart needs to plug in on top/front side with SMD.

if you have soldered the bodge cable you are done, if you have not follow the below instruction.

make sure both cards are facing forward with the MD in front (plugging them into the OSCR for this step can make this easier for wire sizing) and solder a wire from the to MD header on the main adaptor, to the "To SNES" on the MD expansion.

in order for this adaptor to work you will need either, the bodge wire, or both adaptors plugged into the OSCR and connected.

Atari.Jaguar.Adaptor.zip

[thojrie]

Thanks for contributing this! I built it recently and wanted to offer some constructive tips. The cartridge holes could use some additional tolerance; they're a bit tight. It would also be great if both the boards had some notches or holes for potentially mounting in a 3D printed case.

I was able to successfully dump two officially released games: Cybermorph and Checkered Flag. For Cybermorph, the reported size for the revision I had was wrong and I had to set the size manually before it successfully dumped. Additionally, I tried to dump a homebrew game, and it failed regardless of the options I chose. It was a 4MB, 16bit wide game.