Bacteria's portable DreamCast handheld console - IntoDream

[jfe2]

Damn, sorry to hear about the setback...

Good luck fixing the issue!

[bacteria]

I will fix it, however will need a new board to do so; then test things in stages and check that they work on the main system ok.

Like I said, anyone got any suggestions, please post.

Should have had this finished today, instead have a 3-5 week setback now probably.

I won't start another console project until this DreamCast project is resolved (ie delay now before starting the N64 video WIP project), I don't like having two such projects on the go, however, I do have a commission I can be getting on with in the interim (modding a controller as a bluetooth device - will document that here...

[DNT 2.5]

Check the voltage, if the 3.3 line isn't getting proper power the drive won't read. also make sure that the wires connecting the black drive to the drive board are secured properly. Also, are your batteries charged? I had trouble with that

[bacteria]

Spent literally all day on this issue, FIXED IT!

I had two loose wires - some nifty wiring needed; works! I was about to strip the board for parts, however wanted "one last try", that failed, however when lifted up the DC board one wire dropped, then a second one.

So, back on course again. Will try and make things more compact now I have the chance...

[Hobie-wan]

Man, I hate crap like that where everything seems fine, you put things back together, and some little thing has come undone forcing you to take it all apart again.

[bacteria]

Ok, made the drive board as flat as I can, hot glued it in place (to three or so places), used ribbon cable extender made before and also the drive extender cables made before; removed the a/v ports and wired to the trace contacts instead. All works fine. Will look into the case halves themselves and see if there is anything there that will give me any grief; then will re-assemble the system - will have a bit of time in the next days, may get it done then, otherwise Monday...

[DNT 2.5]

Ok, made the drive board as flat as I can, hot glued it in place (to three or so places),

Hot glue is the work of the DEVIL!

(Just none on the outside)

[bacteria]

Hot glue is amazing stuff if used wisely. Yes, looks shite if visible on the outside of a case, and some people have made systems with hot glue showing and they indeed look shite; however it is an excellent adhesive for holding components in place, and fairly easy to remove if you need to, unlike epoxy or melted plastic. Often you can twist hot glue out, which can be handy. Hot glue is great to secure wires and components in place, even case tops to plastic sides (as in this project), holding components in place, etc. People say hot glue is weak, however as per usual, it isn't if it is used to support supports but not as the support itself, if that makes sense!

In other words, use hot glue inside a case, not outside!

[DNT 2.5]

So you mean I can't just Hot glue all over a case then "sand" it?
"...it doesn't matter because I don't look at the back..."

[bacteria]

Just keeping you updated - flattened the board as much as can and secured it in place with small beads and hot glue to stop the drive board moving, as it did before. This means the system will stay connected properly this time. Moved some of the wiring about to keep the extension cable for the ribbon flatter; shorted some wires, wired it all back again (including power lines).

All is wired up, test will be tomorrow when I turn the system on (and hope all works fine). The idea is to run the system open for about 20 mins or so and see if the chip on the drive board gets hot or not; if it does, a heatsink will need to be used - don't want to do that as it will make closing the case harder, but will work it out if needs be.

Will therefore update tomorrow as to if project is finished or further problems. Fingers crossed all ok this time!