Hardware Wireless link cable mod for gba

[Doom__420]

So basically the idea is for a mod to replace the link cable with wifi arduino board. And use that to emulate a physical cable. Maybe have a tactile switch for pairing. Any ideas or suggestions on where to get started would be helpful.

 

[JuanMena]

Sorry, but your idea got stolen 20 years ago.

 

[Doom__420]

So basically the idea is for a mod to replace the link cable with wifi arduino board. And use that to emulate a physical cable. Maybe have a tactile switch for pairing. Any ideas or suggestions on where to get started would be hel

I aware of the bulky wireless transmitter. I would like something smaller that would fit inside of a gba shell.

 

[JuanMena]

I aware of the bulky wireless transmitter. I would like something smaller that would fit inside of a gba shell.

Why would an Arduino be small enough to fit in the shell?

Maybe... an antenna or something closer to Bluetooth module. But an Arduino, as far as I know has roughly the same size as a GBA mobo.

 

[Schneitizel]

Sorry, but your idea got stolen 20 years ago.

Some games aren't compatible with it, only the cable link

 

[Doom__420]

The Espo1 is a smaller wifi module. I was thinking something along those lines. Can't post a link bc I'm a newbie

 

[x65943]

The Espo1 is a smaller wifi module. I was thinking something along those lines. Can't post a link bc I'm a newbie

Should be able to now

 

[Doom__420]

Basically the issue I'm running into is Documentation on how the link cable port works. Not to savvy when it comes to programming. But good with hardware mods. So I'm curious if anyone has knowledge of how the Espo1 wifi module works and if it could emulate a link cables function.

 

[izy]

for reference they made this at one pointacts as a link cable and works on most games but not pokemon funnily enough

 

[Jayro]

I'm sure with the right coding, you could get a pair of Raspberry Pi Pico W's to do this. Possibly even using Bluetooth instead of the Wi-Fi.

 

[Doom__420]

I'm sure with the right coding, you could get a pair of Raspberry Pi Pico W's to do this. Possibly even using Bluetooth instead of the Wi-Fi.

View attachment 414546

Bluetooth probably would be ideal. But like the idea of being able to connect to a server via wifi and play with friends

 

[Jayro]

Then Wi-Fi might be ideal for your needs. I'm not sure what the latency or ranges of these would be, but I can't imagine they'd be terrible in a normal table-sitting envoronment.

 

[Doom__420]

I'm sure with the right coding, you could get a pair of Raspberry Pi Pico W's to do this. Possibly even using Bluetooth instead of the Wi-Fi.

View attachment 414546

honestly after looking at the Pico w im thinking it's a better pick due to both wifi and Bluetooth support

 

[Jayro]

honestly after looking at the Pico w im thinking it's a better pick due to both wifi and Bluetooth support

The original Pi Pico also got many smaller, more compact versions of the board made, I'm curious if the W got the same treatment (or will) to save on internal mounting space.

 

[Doom__420]

for reference they made this at one pointacts as a link cable and works on most games but not pokemon funnily enough

After watching the video I may buy one to disassemble. It at least is a good starting point thanks

 

[JuanMena]

I think this might be useful.
The guy made a successful custom pcb to trade Gen 3 Pokemon back to Gen 2.
So, he must have documentation somewhere:

 

[Jayro]

I thought gen 2 and 3 trading was allowed officially?

 

[JuanMena]

I thought gen 2 and 3 trading was allowed officially?

From a GBA cartridge back to GBC/GB game.

 

[ghjfdtg]

Sorry to burst your bubble but the reason why no one did this yet is because link cable communication requires extremely low latency. Not even USB is fast enough. The best you can really do is emulate the wireless adapter. However i don't think you can get much smaller than the original wireless adapter. That being said it may work with certain games as GBARunner2 proved but the majority of games don't work correctly or have frequent connection issues.

The problem is that wireless adds some unavoidable latency and games expect pretty much instant responses. If you want to connect to other GBAs over the internet not even the wireless adapter may work due to the high latency.

 

[Jayro]

The problem is that wireless adds some unavoidable latency and games expect pretty much instant responses. If you want to connect to other GBAs over the internet not even the wireless adapter may work due to the high latency.

Sounds like the GBA needs to learn some MF patience.