Hi there, I’ve only recently registered here because this is my first project where I am not too sure on how to continue. This project is significantly more complex than anything I have done, so any input, even general input would be appreciated. Again, if I have some wild idea that’ll never work, please let me know before I begin down the wrong path!
Basic idea is to make a portable NES emulator based off the Edison platform. I assume that the Edison has the power to run the emulator. (is this true?)
Aim is to minimize the size, but keep it within a DIY grasp.
However, I have zero experience with graphics systems. I’d like to have a built in uLCD module, or something of the sort. What breakout board would be appropriate for the Edison? (smaller the better!)
I’d also need some GPIO pins for the joystick/tact switch inputs. Edison does have a GPIO board but the shape kills the entire idea of this project. Are there any recommendations?
I really appreciate any help. I need more complex personal projects under my belt, and this is my first step into this.
JamieSawyer:
I need more complex personal projects under my belt, and this is my first step into this.
I will tell you that this isn’t the kind of project to begin learning. Although I don’t have any experience with Edison, it seems like it would be too new to have any examples of your project. Though I am sure that there are a few out there that utilize LCDs.
As for the GPIO board, you said that the design of the board kills your project, why? If you mean that it’s too big, then that just means that you can redesign the board with components that fit your needs…
I would highly advise research what projects and tutorials are already out there for the Edison and learn from them. What background do you have to even start this project?
This isn’t a “beginning” project for me, or not completely. I’ve done a number of Arduino projects, a couple involving some java based front end running on a client PC. I’ve also done multiple software engineering projects, so software wise this isn’t new- I’m mainly looking to hone some practical hardware skills, and have a nice project ready for completion when I have time mid year.
The GPIO board has the IO pins on a “tongue” that juts out from one of the narrow ends of the board. It makes sense to have it that way (so you can stack boards and not obstruct pins) but in my case I’d like to it be a bit more aesthetically pleasing. The alternative is I deal with it and just spread out some of the components (battery mainly) to make the finished product a bit wider rather than taller. I was simply looking for a GPIO solution I might have missed, or something not for sale here.
Thing is, because it is such a new product (like you mentioned) I don’t have much to go on. I’m confident in my ability to make, even if very basic, an emulator that the processor can handle (NES? or should I keep it easy with 2600?), and handle IO. The screen is my top priority for figuring out because, once again, I have no experience in dealing with these “discreet” displays, if you will.
I suppose you could pin it down to two problems-
-Is there a specific type of screen I should look for to display full motion graphics? (serial etc)
-How does one hook up to, and communicate with the screen in such a manner?
Sounds like a great project then… I am 99% sure that the Edison can emulate the NES. Like you said it’s getting the hardware to work. Personally, I would like to see VGA or HDMI for screen communication but I doubt that is what you had in mind. But composite is doable I suppose. If you had at least composite outputs, any screen would work. I highly doubt Serial would work for this application with it’s slow communication and software requirements. But it really depends on what you want to see in the end…
Like I said earlier, do a ton of research on the Edison. I see Sparkfun has got an OLED board for it, but have yet post up any tutorials or hook-up guides. Lots of people are saying they can’t get the OLED to work…
Not to mention the OLED module has a whopping 48 verical pixels in B&W… No thank you.
I would love t have a standard video interface, but figuring out that will be a giant headache. There are, to my quick research, no video interfaces with Edison (due to the complete lack of a GPU) so this might not be the right direction for me to go. GPIO might handle composite, maybe even RGB but again there is zero documentation regarding this. However, that OLED module gives me hope that sometime in the future someone will find out a way to make this work.
I was really hoping to be able to leverage the x86 architecture for it’s familiarity, but I suppose moving to an ARM based system might be the only way.