Two Wire HDMI Mod -- Game Boy Advance
Channel: makho
Date: 2021-11-11

Now available on RGRS (affiliate link): https://retrogamerepairshop.com/products/game-boy-advance-hdmi-out-mod/?ref=1in532q43k

Use code "makho" at checkout for 10% off your order. 

This is the internal HDMI out mod for the GBA and should be electrically compatible with all existing LCDs and kits. Actual physical fitment might be pretty tight with some kits though so if you want an internal IPS kit too, you might need to plan around getting a certain kit. 

Other options for TV Out (using actual hardware and carts) -- 

A Game Cube + Game Boy Player is a fantastic option. There are some issues with that around controller input (the GC controller kinda sucks for the Game Boy Player) and certain options are very pricey (like the OEM GBP startup disc, component output or even HDMI and ODE mods) but a consolizer for your Game Boy (DMG, Color, or Advance) is also an option and can be significantly cheaper. Woozle's GBA consolizer is a great choice if you can find one in stock or you can build a gbaHD (I will be doing a video on this soon). 

gamebox gbhd advance: https://gamebox.systems/product/gbhd-advance-fully-assembled/
woozle consolizer: https://www.game-tech.us/product/gba-consolizer/
zwenergy gbaHD: https://github.com/zwenergy/gbahd

There is also a new "drop in" HDMI consolizer mod from Intec Gaming (Warrior64) coming soon. The verdict is still out on what "soon" means and if that mod is any good though so far it appears not to be. 

If you're fine with composite, there are a few "TV Out" kits for GBA too, like the one I showed in this video too. See this video for more info there: https://youtu.be/JRKyl9EKcSw

Need assistance troubleshooting? I don't offer one on one tech support but you can try self-help with the wiki: https://gameboy.github.io/
If you need more help than that, I'd recommend joining one of the many discord servers linked there and posting in the various troubleshooting channels. I do not respond to emails or DMs with troubleshooting requests. 

I use a handy and free open source test suite for both GB and GBA -- 240p-test-mini. They are both very good for checking alignment, aspect ratio, color reproduction, and other aspects with aftermarket screen kits: https://github.com/pinobatch/240p-test-mini

I also use mattcurrie's ROM pack for testing colors and scrolling on aftermarket screen kits:  https://mattcurrie.com/gb-lcd-tests.zip

My last test ROM is a leaked internal Nintendo test tool called "AGS Aging". This ROM can be used to verify the SoC is working properly and can be used to fine tune OEM LCDs. I cannot link it but if you search that string, you just might find a link on TCRF. 

I continually record both brightness and power usage of all the screen kits I test. Take a look at my continuously updated spreadsheet to look at the raw data: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1wUsJ2jZkEBOzhegrN-tVGW7wCkuIf6Bi

Confused/intimidated by the sheer number of backlight kits now? I don’t blame you. I had to create a wiki article just to keep everything straight myself. Here's a link to that page if you want to have a look at all the different kits: https://gameboy.github.io/wiki/backlightmods

Tools I regularly use (and recommend)
Fine point tweezers - Engineer PTN-03: https://retrogamerepairshop.com/products/ptn-01-03-titanium-tweezers-series
Mini power supply - Miniware MDP-XP: https://retrogamerepairshop.com/products/mdp-xp-mini-digital-programmable-power-supply-set-with-30v-5a-90w-2-4g-wireless-connection-2-8-inch-tft-screen

Soldering Supplies
MiniWare TS80P Soldering Iron: https://retrogamerepairshop.com/collections/soldering/products/miniware-ts80p-more-set-kit-smart-portable-digital-soldering-iron-type-c-plug
Tips for TS80P (J02 and K4): https://retrogamerepairshop.com/collections/soldering/products/ts80-ts80p-soldering-iron-tips
MiniWare MHP30M Mini Hot Plate: https://retrogamerepairshop.com/products/miniware-mhp30m-mini-hot-plate-soldering-preheating-station-preheater-multi-intelligent-modes-with-built-in-oled-display-60w-30x30mm-power-supply
Other soldering supplies: https://retrogamerepairshop.com/collections/soldering
Through Hole solder practice kit: https://retrogamerepairshop.com/collections/soldering/products/rotating-windmill-red-led-flashing-light-diy-kit-with-pcb-adjustable-speed-for-soldering-kit-practice-learning-electronics
Surface mount solder practice kit: https://retrogamerepairshop.com/collections/soldering/products/solder-practice-skill-kit-training-board-smd-led

I have enabled monetization on my channel to help offset my costs for my videos. I highly recommend using adblock if you think the ads are too intrusive (ublock origin). If you'd like to support me directly, I've created a ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/makho

Please do not feel obligated to contribute, what funds I make there will almost entirely be put towards junk food or cat treats or other non-youtube related bullshit I don't need since I run this channel as a hobby anyway.