Adafruit Joy Bonnet Docking 3.5" HDMI screen by TronicGr

Last crawled date: 3 years ago

Announcement:
I launched a Kickstarter for one of my other projects, check it out here:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1096461972/6dof-electronic-interface-for-motion-simulator-pla
The new Joy Bonnet makes it very easy to convert the Raspberry Pi Zero W to a portable retro gaming pocket device. Well not so portable. You still need power and HDMI connection and a TV. In a few words still needs some cables attached on the device. Then, try playing for long time those low resolution Snes games on 65 inch TV screen... I mean looks good, but those huge pixels!
I like to have the Adafruit Joy Bonnet for playing on large TV screen to show off old games but not leave it hooked up there and perhaps use a smaller screen for it. I didn't want to modify anything so it would be easy to switch between the two. So... I designed a mini portable Docking Screen for it, that is battery powered.
The Docking Screen supports all HDMI resolutions so no need for modifications in the Config.txt for the resolution and has stereo audio via the HDMI cable. It provides the power to the Raspberry Pi Zero and breaks out the USB port for attaching external USB Joypad controller or USB hub.
The docking is done via normal mini USB cables and Mini HDMI adapter that are fixed on the front of the Docking screen. When it docks it kinda looks like a mini bar top arcade machine.
EDIT adding a one piece cover for protecting the Joy Bonnet. :)EDIT2 Added screen cover to be glued on the front panel.
Video in action:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kw8AQ4HKGQhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-IWIv_ZS6s
Also if you boot the screen before the raspberry you get much more clear and geometrically correct display. This can be done with two power switches, or simple reboot the Raspberry to get full HD HDMI resolution detected.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PI04kHax0w
Parts used:
-Adafruit Joy Bonnet for Raspberry Pi: https://www.adafruit.com/product/3464
-Raspberry Pi Zero W: https://www.adafruit.com/product/3400
-Lithium Ion Battery Pack - 3.7V 4400mAh: https://www.adafruit.com/product/354
-Mini HDMI Plug to Standard HDMI Jack Adapter: https://www.adafruit.com/product/2819
-USB OTG Host Cable - MicroB OTG male to A female: https://www.adafruit.com/product/1099
-HDMI Female to Female Coupler
-3.5” HDMI Touch Screen LCD Display+clear case for Raspberry Pi 2 3 1080P:http://www.ebay.com/itm/351953813537?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
-ESUMIC® L2go 3.5mm Mini Portable Stereo Speaker: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESUMIC-L2go-3-5mm-Mini-Portable-Stereo-Speaker-for-iPod-iPhone-MP3-MP4-Pla-/142323776753?hash=item2123287cf1:g:dYcAAOSwol5Y1Fv1
-GERI Dual USB 5V 1A 2A Mobile Power Charger Power Board Module 3.7V to 5V Booster Converter with LCD Display:https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00VDP94QM/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr3_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492897696&sr=8-1-fkmr3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=SMAKN®+5V+2A+Dual+USB+LCD+all-in-one+Boost+Lithium
I removed the stereo speakers and amplifier from its case and connected them directly on the audio output of the HDMI screen and used double side tape to mount them on it. Also used a small switch to enable the power to the audio amplifier so I can turn off if needed. Audio level is set within Retropie. Other than that, look at the photos where all the parts are go, its very easy to put this together, with minimal soldering.
UPDATE* Fixed a little bit the dimensions and tolerances to reduce filing down for fit. This is Version 15 files.
Thanks
Thanos