https://github.com/mackieks/Shinobi-Scaler

📺 Smaller, better GBS8200 for portablizers, powered by GBS Control
https://github.com/mackieks/Shinobi-Scaler

gbs-8200 gbs-control upscaler video-converter-boards video-scaler

Last synced: about 1 month ago
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📺 Smaller, better GBS8200 for portablizers, powered by GBS Control

• Host: GitHub
• URL: https://github.com/mackieks/Shinobi-Scaler
• Owner: mackieks
• License: other
• Created: 2022-10-24T14:53:02.000Z (about 2 years ago)
• Default Branch: shinobi-2
• Last Pushed: 2024-10-28T03:42:54.000Z (about 2 months ago)
• Last Synced: 2024-10-28T06:16:01.050Z (about 2 months ago)
• Topics: gbs-8200, gbs-control, upscaler, video-converter-boards, video-scaler
• Language: HTML
• Homepage:
• Size: 92.3 MB
• Stars: 69
• Watchers: 8
• Forks: 6
• Open Issues: 0
• Metadata Files:
  • Readme: README.md
  • License: LICENSE

Awesome Lists containing this project

• awesome-portablizing - Shinobi Scaler - OSHW RGB to VGA linedoubler/scaler for portables using GBS-Control (Hardware / General)

README

        
    

Shinobi Scaler 2 is a reimagined, miniaturized GBS8200 for portablizers. Like the original GBS8200, it can convert 240p and 480i RGBs to 480p/720p/960p/1080p VGA, making it perfect for connecting retro video game consoles to modern LCDs.

  

## Features

- [x] 50 x 47mm 4-layer PCB (designed in KiCAD 8.99)

- [x] Compatible with [rama's GBS-Control](https://github.com/ramapcsx2/gbs-control)

- [x] 240p/480i RGBs input; 480p/720p/960p/1080p RGBHV/VGA/YPbPr output

- [x] 0.1" PTHs for power and IO (can be mounted with pin headers on a carrier PCB)

- [x] TV5725 scaler IC and 64Mbit SDRAM from GBS8200

- [x] Integrated ESP8285 with Wi-Fi chip antenna

- [x] Integrated CH343P for programming

- [x] Integrated Si5351A clock generator

- [x] Power from any 2.5V - 5.5V source (including 1S li-ion)

- [x] Draws 1.2W, half the power of Shinobi 1!





## Gallery

Shinobi 2 PCB

  

1Chip SNES RGBs upscaled to 640x480 VGA, displayed on ZJ050NA-08C LCD

 

Shinobi 2 testing and power measurement



## Ordering

Recommended fabrication specs:

- 1mm-thick 4-layer PCB

- ENIG finish

- Solderpaste stencil for top side highly recommended

I maintain a [Mouser project](https://www.mouser.com/ProjectManager/ProjectDetail.aspx?AccessID=5e7ab48fda) with most of the BOM. 

You will still need to source a TV5725 and CH343P elsewhere. Cheap GBS8200s are available from AliExpress, eBay, DHGate, and Amazon if you'd like to harvest the TV5725 and SDRAM from one. [TV5725s](https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807282171835.html) are available from AliExpress. CH343Ps are sold on [LCSC](https://www.lcsc.com/product-detail/USB-ICs_WCH-Jiangsu-Qin-Heng-CH343P_C2846043.html) and [AliExpress](https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806693647102.html).

## Assembly

A ``bom.html`` file is included to facilitate assembly. Open it in your web browser and enjoy.

For a guide on how to assemble PCBs at home using a solderpaste stencil and hot plate, please see [this document from the Thundervolt repo.](https://github.com/mackieks/thundervolt/blob/main/hardware/ASSEMBLY.md)

## Programming

- Install the [CH343P driver](https://www.wch-ic.com/downloads/CH343SER_EXE.html).

- Plug USB-C into Shinobi 2

- Verify COM port (or your platform's equivalent) is enumerating

- Open GBS-Control release of your choice in Arduino IDE (these steps assume you have already installed requisite libraries, etc.)

- Set up Tools menu as shown, select CH343P port under Port menu, then program



- When programming is complete, unplug Shinobi 2 and power it back up to access GBS-Control Wi-Fi AP

- After setting up your presets, you can edit line 7211 of the Arduino sketch as shown, then recompile & reupload to totally disable Wi-Fi. This saves ~150mW



## To-do

- [ ] 

## License

[Solderpad Hardware License v2.1](https://solderpad.org/licenses/SHL-2.1/)