Hey,

As you know, we don’t have a link cable, or a suitable connector available for the VB. There’s several ways to make a cable that works, but in the end, it’s mostly ugly hacks for development/prototyping. I’ve been trying to come up with a way to make a quality cable that would just plug in… but so far have been unsuccessful.

So… it got me thinking… how about just making a proper cable? I contacted a custom part manufacturer (who I’ve used parts from in the past), and they said they could do it, but of course wouldn’t be “cheap”. I sort of based my design thoughts on the SNES A/V connector, which includes a plastic shell with crimp pins. So, I found some crimp pins which should work, but I didn’t have any way to make a 3D model of the plastic shell.

Well, of course I asked Hedgetrimmer (our resident 3D modeling expert), and he created a GREAT model of a plastic shell to house the pins. With that, I was able to verify with the MFG that it could be made, as well as get an estimate for price.

So, now here’s the question. They were right… it’s not cheap. A complete link cable would cost about $40, since the quantity would be so low. At this price, how many would be interested (and how many)? Would anyone want just the connector/pins?

There’d probably only be about 50 cables made, and this would probably be the only run, since I’m assuming the demand would be low. I don’t mind investing the money (and probably losing quite a bit on this project), since I think it’s a very worthwhile project… but, if I’m the only one that has any interest in it, there’s no point in even considering it further.

But, IMO this seems like a good time to pursue this, since homebrew is continually advancing, and I think linked homebrew has been held down by lack of link cable. Also, I assume some will be buying the new Flashboy, even though they already have an old Flashboy… so with two flash carts, why not have a cable to link the systems?

Of course, if there’s an unanticipated large interest in this, the price would come down… but we’re a pretty small community, and the homebrew crowd is really the only market for this.

Thanks,
DogP

I concur, this community is full of amazing. Really excited for this link cable, good to see a progress picture!

Started reading this thread, was bummed when I noticed it starts six years ago (as I’d obviously missed my shot), finished reading it, and am glad it’s still in the works. This will be a definite buy for me.

I did wonder, though, with all the arguing over whether to make the connector red or black, nobody ever thought about matching the design of the VB itself – red on one half, black on the other. Call me weird, but I quite like that idea a lot.

you have my money if you do it.

I would to have a link a link cable. First, I would need a Virtual Boy.

I created an account to say I would buy one of these cables and I have a friend that would buy one as well. Please do this! I read somewhere that “Pat” is/was planning to make these?

Lets put this topic back up on top
Is there any plan to really make this come out ??
I really cant wait anymoure to play hyper fighting Multi player

Is there any update about this project
i also will buy it whit no box iff thats the problem
only need it to link the systems
a box will be nice but dont need it

Posting to add my support. I would purchase one of these!

Echoing support for the project as well, would love to see this materialize someday.

Me too!

Also interested!

Link project is dead, right?
Seemed promising with 3D printed contact housings and USB contact pins – looked really good.

Maybe someone else can take over – or re-make it?

Any News on this?

I’m really interested in a Link Cable =)

Are there btw. any Homebrew Titels for “Link-Mode”?

Regards,
Henk

Nope, no news of any kind, doesn’t look like there’s anything to look forward to here.

A friend of mine wants to build a link cable. The problem is: there is to pinouts on planetVB !

In the wiki, we found at this address the following diagram:

(click for full size)

But in the workshop section, we find this diagram:

COMCNT? 1 ———- 1 COMCNT?
+5 2 –o o– 2 +5
Clock 3 ———- 3 Clock
Receive 4 ———- 8 Send
/we 5 –o o– 5 /we
Sync? 6 ———- 6 Sync?
GND 7 ———- 7 GND
Send 8 ———- 4 Receive

Pins 5 and 6 are different.
So, wich one is the good one ? Thanks by advance =)

Hi,

I’ve actually picked this project up and the connector design was finished today. I’ll have the first prototype cables in about a month. PM if you’re interested.

I’ll be giving some free ones away to VB game developers. So if you have a game here on PlanetVB, and want a link cable, let me know and I’ll reserve one for you. Not sure how many I can give away for free but I will do some.

See the attached picture for the connector design. The connectors will be black carbon fiber and the cable between them will be red CAT5. Should look nice.

Kevin

Attachments:

1. 

   design-4-shot-v2.png
   

WOW, best news I’ve heard in awhile.

-Eric

Great news! PM incoming!

Yes. I’d take a couple.
Thanks
Chris

To clarify, this project picks up just the VB-to-VB link cable that DogP was working on or is this a completely new design?

Great! PM sent.