Would you like to supersize your DS screen? Well, this hack allows you to create the ultimate jumbo DS screen.
It’s a Nintendo DS hooked up to 2 Tablet PC screens, using an FPGA in between to do some translation magic. Pen input from the Tablet PC screens is sent back to the DS.
Technical Details and Components
“The closest match I could find to the DS LCD is Sharp LQ030B7DD01. You can find a datasheet Here. Aside from RGB, the only LCD signals I needed to use were DCLK1 and GSP1 (everything is conveniently labeled on the DS PCB). GSP1 is vsync, analogous to SPS in the datasheet. I find hsync by counting clocks (263 per line).
If you need the actual hsync signal from the DS, you’ll have to find it yourself; I don’t know which one it is.
The bottom screen data is latched on rising clock edges, top screen is read on the falling clock. I had to buffer a full frame in ram because screen timings didn’t quite match up (incidentally, this also made adding the screen capture ability very easy).”
The FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) plays a crucial role in this setup. It acts as an intermediary, translating the signals from the DS to be compatible with the larger Tablet PC screens. This translation is essential because the DS and the Tablet PC screens operate on different protocols and timings. The FPGA ensures that the video output from the DS is correctly displayed on the larger screens without any lag or distortion.
Practical Applications and Benefits
This jumbo DS screen mod isn’t just a novelty; it has practical applications as well. For instance, it can be incredibly useful for developers and testers who need a larger display to debug and test their games or applications. The larger screens provide a more detailed view, making it easier to spot errors and issues that might be missed on the smaller DS screens.
Moreover, this setup can enhance the gaming experience for players who prefer a larger display. The increased screen real estate can make games more immersive and enjoyable, especially for those who find the original DS screens too small. Additionally, the pen input from the Tablet PC screens being sent back to the DS ensures that the touch functionality is retained, providing a seamless gaming experience.
Another interesting aspect of this mod is its potential for educational purposes. Educators can use the larger screens to demonstrate DS-based educational software to a group of students, making it easier for everyone to see and follow along. This can be particularly beneficial in subjects like art and design, where detailed visuals are crucial.
In conclusion, this jumbo DS screen mod is a fascinating project that showcases the potential of combining different technologies to enhance existing devices. Whether for gaming, development, or educational purposes, the larger screens offer numerous benefits and open up new possibilities for the Nintendo DS. If you’re interested in trying this mod yourself, be prepared for some technical challenges, but the end result is undoubtedly worth the effort.
Via Ubergizmo Via Project Page
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