Arduino enthusiasts looking for a project to keep them busy for the next few weekends might be interested in this awesome Arduino photo gun which has been created using a few Game Boy accessories including a Game Boy thermal printer.
Created by Russian media artist Dmitry Morozov, the gbg-8 Game Boy photo gun is capable of shooting and printing instant photographs in retro style blocky 8-bit images in Polaroid style prints. This unique device merges nostalgia with modern DIY electronics, making it a fascinating project for both retro gaming fans and tech hobbyists.
Components and Construction
The gbg-8 photo gun is a testament to creative repurposing of vintage technology. The main components used in its construction include:
– game boy
– gb camera
– gb thermal printer
– arduino
– optical relays
– long life battery
The Game Boy serves as the core of the device, providing the interface and processing power needed to capture images. The Game Boy Camera, an accessory released in 1998, is used to take the photographs. This camera was one of the earliest consumer digital cameras and is known for its distinctive 8-bit image quality.
The Game Boy Thermal Printer, another accessory from the late ’90s, prints the captured images. This printer uses thermal paper to produce black-and-white prints, adding to the retro aesthetic of the photos. The Arduino microcontroller acts as the brain of the operation, coordinating the various components and ensuring they work together seamlessly.
Optical relays are used to manage the electrical signals between the components, and a long-life battery ensures that the device can be used for extended periods without needing a recharge.
Functionality and User Experience
The gbg-8 photo gun is not just a technical marvel but also a unique user experience. To use the device, the photographer points the gun at their subject and pulls the trigger. This action captures the image using the Game Boy Camera. The Arduino then processes the image data and sends it to the Game Boy Thermal Printer, which prints the photo almost instantly.
The resulting prints are small, black-and-white images with a distinctive 8-bit look. This aesthetic is reminiscent of early video games and digital art, making each photo a piece of retro art. The process of taking and printing the photo is quick, adding an element of instant gratification that is often missing in modern digital photography.
Check out the video below to learn more about its construction. Jump over to the vtol website below for more images of the awesome Game Boy Arduino Photo Gun which has been made using the following components:
The “gbg-8” combines Nintendo’s classic pea soup green original Game Boy with an Arduino, a camera, optical relays, batteries, and a thermal printer into one funky, photo firearm. After scaring subjects into a portrait-ready pose by pointing a gun at them, photographers pull the trigger and take the snapshot. The device then immediately prints out the beautifully blocky 8-bit picture.
This project not only showcases the versatility of Arduino but also highlights the potential for creative reuse of old technology. By combining these components in an innovative way, Dmitry Morozov has created a device that is both functional and artistic.
For those interested in building their own version of the gbg-8 photo gun, detailed instructions and additional images can be found on the vtol website. This project is a great example of how old and new technologies can be blended to create something truly unique and enjoyable.
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