Modular designs: Why don't I see more of them?
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- MM007
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I can see why you guys usually put the LCD and controller in a brand new case with systems, but some of us poor people can't afford a new LCD and system every time we want to do it. Plus, some of us are too scared to hack apart our newer systems.
Why do I not see more modular designs?
My SFA(SNESA) was probably one of the earliest partial modular designs, as the LCD was unmodified and fully detachable, and the system could stil be used as a console, even with RF. My PS1A is to be fully modular, as is a NGCA/GameCubeA which I am making for a friend.
This is not just for poor people who can't afford a new LCD everytime, but also good for prototyping and working with systems you are too scared to mod, are small enough already to live with, or are not likely to be made any more compact, like the NCG.
This doesn't result in any pocket portables, but they are small enough to live with...
Just throwing it out there. I mean, modular designs don't void warranties as you don't need to open the system, and they are no more copyright infringement(like anyone here really cares about selling their units anyway ^^) than the third-party controllers and batteries the modules hold.
I see three main module units(four if you keep the controller and battery case seperate, but just put the battery inside a project box, put the buttons above the battery and you can have both in one):
Screen, which is meant to be modular anyway, and need not be altered(save the LED mod and maybe a few other tweaks like Video/Audio in)...
System, which can be altered(Mod chips...mmmm...), but actualy need not be...
and lastly, battery/controller modules, which is where the vast majority of modification is.
You may think it might turn out ugly, but check out the PS1A concept design, possibly the first full-fledged modular homebrew portable concept...(copy and paste into your browser)
http://www.angelfire.com/oh5/mm007/ps1a.jpg
It isn't too ugly...and the same concept can be used for things like Genesis 3, NGC, and even N64(I'd make the N64A like my SFA, as the top left and top right corners of the console fit the hands nicely, and the ext. port on the bottom the US N64 is not needed. I'd still make the screen modular though.)
Another pro to modular screens is that you can close them and protect from scratches.
I am not dissing custom cases and one-case systems. Those things are BEAUTIFUL, and often very functional! It is just that for certain things, modular seems a good choice...that and you don't have to pay for a new LCD every time you make a system. Swap them like batteries.
Why do I not see more modular designs?
My SFA(SNESA) was probably one of the earliest partial modular designs, as the LCD was unmodified and fully detachable, and the system could stil be used as a console, even with RF. My PS1A is to be fully modular, as is a NGCA/GameCubeA which I am making for a friend.
This is not just for poor people who can't afford a new LCD everytime, but also good for prototyping and working with systems you are too scared to mod, are small enough already to live with, or are not likely to be made any more compact, like the NCG.
This doesn't result in any pocket portables, but they are small enough to live with...
Just throwing it out there. I mean, modular designs don't void warranties as you don't need to open the system, and they are no more copyright infringement(like anyone here really cares about selling their units anyway ^^) than the third-party controllers and batteries the modules hold.
I see three main module units(four if you keep the controller and battery case seperate, but just put the battery inside a project box, put the buttons above the battery and you can have both in one):
Screen, which is meant to be modular anyway, and need not be altered(save the LED mod and maybe a few other tweaks like Video/Audio in)...
System, which can be altered(Mod chips...mmmm...), but actualy need not be...
and lastly, battery/controller modules, which is where the vast majority of modification is.
You may think it might turn out ugly, but check out the PS1A concept design, possibly the first full-fledged modular homebrew portable concept...(copy and paste into your browser)
http://www.angelfire.com/oh5/mm007/ps1a.jpg
It isn't too ugly...and the same concept can be used for things like Genesis 3, NGC, and even N64(I'd make the N64A like my SFA, as the top left and top right corners of the console fit the hands nicely, and the ext. port on the bottom the US N64 is not needed. I'd still make the screen modular though.)
Another pro to modular screens is that you can close them and protect from scratches.
I am not dissing custom cases and one-case systems. Those things are BEAUTIFUL, and often very functional! It is just that for certain things, modular seems a good choice...that and you don't have to pay for a new LCD every time you make a system. Swap them like batteries.
Last edited by MM007 on Wed Oct 06, 2004 2:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Warranty-Voiding fun!
- SpongeBuell
- Senior Member
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- Joined:Wed Apr 07, 2004 10:52 am
- Location:Colorado
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Im gonna be modular by using the gba av adaptor in all my portables. That way I can change my screen (a GBA SP) for use in all my portables. I havent done this yet so I dont know how itll work but I know its gonna mean some LONG battery life. AFAIK a gba sp can last ~18h on a single charge. And an atari (my current portable) will last ~6h on my 3000mah battery. So modularity (if its a word) is a pretty useful thing.