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
mellott124 wrote:
S7AYONTARGE7 wrote:
Ok… I’ll be the idiot and ask:Do you need two copies of the game to play 2 player, or is it like the DS multiplayer games were only one person needed a cart?
Thanks, and beautiful work as always!
2 copies of game are needed. One for each VB.
Good to know, thank you.
If people are interested in just the shells, I can send those out too. You’d need to source all your own parts to build the rest of the cable. Once I can get a how-to up on my website to build the cable then I’ll start offering just the shells. Give me about a week or so and I’ll try to get a page up. Not exactly a DIY kit but if you’re willing to do some ground work you can get a cheaper cable made for yourself.
Price will change slightly based on number of units I’ve ordered but currently they would be $12.50 per connector. You’d need 2 to build a complete cable. Plus shipping as well. Keep in mind that I’m in the U.S. and shipping overseas may cost you more than the connectors.
OK, page up detailing the build. Consider it a draft but I don’t expect it to change much. I’ll do some grammer/content edits over time.
thank you for taking the time to write that. i found that a very interesting read.
Interesting read. Makes me appreciate my link cable even more now, as there is no way I have the patience nor the fine motor skills to put one of these together much less dozens. Thanks for your work.
I agree. Reading that made my glad I paid for mine. I would have screwed that up several times if I did it myself. I like to do things myself when I can, but a man has got to know his limits 🙂 Thanks again Kevin!
CMills wrote:
Interesting read. Makes me appreciate my link cable even more now, as there is no way I have the patience nor the fine motor skills to put one of these together much less dozens. Thanks for your work.
Pretty much what everyone else said. Seeing just how much work goes into assembling them, makes me appreciate mine even more 🙂
I have some cosmetic reject covers and SLS printed center pieces, 6 complete connector ends, along with a single SLA white printed complete connector end for link cable connectors. There’s also one set of cosmetic defect covers without a center.
It will take someone with some determination and possibly some modification skills but link cables could be made from them. PM me if you’re interested in the parts. I’ll give them for free if you pay your own shipping.
Hi, I’m interested in buying you 1 link cable I would like to know how much it costs I can pay you with Paypal
I’m also interested in a prebuilt VB-to-VB link cable. Is anyone selling them?
I was going to wait until the one year mark of first posting about this project (7/2/18) but why wait… Here’s the STL files for the link cable parts. You can have your own parts 3D printed with them. You’ll need 1 set for each end of the cable.
This may also help: http://www.mellottsvrpage.com/index.php/virtual-boy-wired-link-cable-build/
They’ve been tweaked to print best in Markforged Onyx, but feel free to try anything you’d like. No strings attached with these models. If you want to start a company building and selling VB link cables, have at it!
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I have a few more assembled link cables again if anyone is interested. Send me a PM.
Just assembled my 100th cable. Changed the color scheme for this last one.
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Hi, I’m new to the group and I can not resist having one of these great link cable, are you available in color red ?…, please let me know thanks
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I need a new one, I guess Mellott is out. Does anyone else make these or can?
I have 2 link cables assembled and ready to ship if anyone is looking for one. PM me.
I’ll be doing another small run of link cables in the next month or so. This is to coincide with my new 32Mbit cart. If anyone is interested, email or PM me. Thanks.
Is there any where that is recommended to order this cable these days? The only site I found on google was vintex64 and their shopping cart doesn’t even work. Does anyone here sell them?
I still build and sell them. Working on a new site that helps make that more clear but for now you can email me at mellottsvrpage@gmail.com