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

My cable came in the other day. Love the quality. Hoping to test it with a friend this weekend. Thanks so much for everything you’ve done for our community!

Got mine today, impressive layer thickness on the connectors! Finest I have seen IRL.

FYI

All cables are sold out now. After this batch is completed there will be 50 cables out there. Glad people are liking them.

I’m going to stop taking preorders now and will resume in a few months after other projects.

Thanks!

I’m super excited about the other projects! Keep up the awesome work!

mellott124 wrote:
FYI

All cables are sold out now. After this batch is completed there will be 50 cables out there. Glad people are liking them.

I’m going to stop taking preorders now and will resume in a few months after other projects.

Thanks!

What a project! Sad that I just detected this, but souped to see what else you develop!

Just wanted to add that I also received my cable in the mail this week. Like others here, I’ll have no way of testing it until I can lay hands on another Flashboy, but the workmanship looks great, and the ends fit snugly into the VB’s link port. There was even a bonus Virtual Boy bumper sticker waiting for me in the bottom of the box. Overall, I couldn’t be happier. I hope everyone who wants one gets one, eventually.

These look so cool; I hope I’ve made it into the finalfornow batch. It’s amazing to think the red and black wonder finally has a link cable. I imagine two-player Mario’s Tennis and Hyper Fighting are great fun and it’ll be interesting to see what future projects will do.

I’m not interested in buying one as of now but this is crazy.
Just posting to tell how amazing i think that project is !
Can’t wait to see how future games will use that new feature as cables get more common in the community.

Parts for the latest batch are on their way to me. There’s been additional delay due to one of the 3D print machines breaking down. I should have them by end of the week. Then a week or so to get them all out. I apologize for the delay on this batch. Parts have been delayed by almost 2 weeks now.

I’ve also found someone to help me build cables so I’m willing to build more batches if there are people still looking for cables. Send me a PM like usual.

Thanks.

Have you considered selling these as a DIY kit?

If anyone is interested, I’ll have some DIY link plugs available next month.

If anyone is interested, I’ll have some DIY link plugs available next month.

I’m interested in the plugs. How much are you asking for the plugs including shipping?

MineStorm wrote:

Have you considered selling these as a DIY kit?

If anyone is interested, I’ll have some DIY link plugs available next month.

That is great MineStorm! I can’t wait to see more cables out there.

Glad to hear the DIY kit is going to be a thing! Is there a list we can get on?

Great job on the connectors! I’m really glad someone was able to step up and make this happen. Unfortunately I’ve been out of the “scene” for a while… I’ve got lots of projects I would love to finish, but free time is one of those things that just doesn’t seem to come as easily anymore. :/

DogP

Latest parts just came in. Builds will start again tonight.

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mellott124 wrote:
Latest parts just came in. Builds will start again tonight.

Awesome! I need to get my hands on one of these. 😀

I’m interested in the plugs. How much are you asking for the plugs including shipping?

Won’t be expensive.

Don’t want to step on Kevin’s toes, so I’ll probably hold off until he’s filled all his orders.

MineStorm wrote:

I’m interested in the plugs. How much are you asking for the plugs including shipping?

Won’t be expensive.

Don’t want to step on Kevin’s toes, so I’ll probably hold off until he’s filled all his orders.

I won’t be doing DIY kits like I mentioned. Feel free to offer them. I don’t own any exclusive rights on link cables that I’m aware of. 🙂

MineStorm wrote:

I’m interested in the plugs. How much are you asking for the plugs including shipping?

Won’t be expensive.

Don’t want to step on Kevin’s toes, so I’ll probably hold off until he’s filled all his orders.

Can you put me down for a DIY kit please? PM me with payment info when you can and I’ll paypal the cost.

Also thanks for making these kits available. I posted that I was interested in the cable like 20 pages back, but I didn’t see when they went on sale.

I have just repaired both of my Virtual Boys’ optical issues and have two copies of Mario tennis and have wanted a link cable for years. First time on the site, read through the many posts and greatly interested