27 Jun 2018, 14:38

Freeplay kickstarter project to integrate the Pi0 or the CM3 (PI3 naked, but idem 4x1200Mhz cores) in one of the cheap GBA spare shells from China.

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The Raspberry CM3 is the follower of the CM1 based himself on the PI1.
There are 2 versions, standard and Lite. Here we need Lite because no memory onboard, but provided by external sd card reader. The form factor is based on Dimm memory modules, and the size about a few mm identical to the PI0.

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Today arrived my Freeplay CM3 kit, and like Ed was indicating a value of 24$, no import and no TVA to pay. 😄
Everything comes in a solid cardbox, with a plastic postbag around.

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Inside you find first a triangular screwdriver for the GBA shell, but very often they are also delivered with the spare shells.
The advantage to not need a printed Shell has on the other side the disadvantage that there are a lot of small parts to cut away on the shells, I prefer milling.

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The most difficult part should be 2 more holes outside for the additional X & Y buttons, missing on the original Game Box Advance.
You have in the kit (you see it), a piece of printed board as template for the new holes. And also 2 grey caps for this buttons.
Then, 2x 1000mAh batteries 3,7V.
The waveshare 3,2" tft screen, and last but not least the Raspberry CM3, that you dont see, because it is inserted on the back from the main board. But it is delivered all together.
Upper you see spare cover glass for the GBA Shell and is real glass compared to the original GBA and the China display covers. Just to scratch with diamonds. 😉
Concerning the main board, you see a small board from another color with some additional chips. This is an option and brightness controller for the backlight. It will allow to save some battery power, I think.

For the moment, I wait for shells. A pure black will arrive rather quick, I will use it for training. I want to put it later in a black-transparent shell, but this are sold out in Europe, so they will come little later from China.