MyPi kit
The MyPi kit is a well documented Raspberry Pi kit to choose what you need to build a RetroPie handheld system.
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The MyPi is a well documented Raspberry Pi kit that uses RetroPie for handheld retrogaming and is designed around a Raspberry Pi 3a+ and a 5 inch LCD. However, the MyPi is not just any kit - you pi...
The MyPi is a well documented Raspberry Pi kit that uses RetroPie for handheld retrogaming and is designed around a Raspberry Pi 3a+ and a 5 inch LCD. However, the MyPi is not just any kit - you pick and choose what you need to build your own kit!
The files to 3d print a MyPi case are freely available on Thingiverse. Print your MyPi in any color you wish - one of our local customers has a translucent white MyPi. It's your choice to print a case in the color you wish; however, we ship only white cases with white speaker covers and orange speaker covers. Choose orange for a more retro look or white for the monochrome look.
A new case style is now available based on a more traditional appearance. The MyPi case was originally designed with comfort in mind without much regard for aesthetics. So, we went back and designed a traditional rectangular case for the MyPi kit. The new case looks great and has a nice "feel." Feel free to 3d print your own or select the "Rectangular White" case with your order.
Start with the comprehensive manual, which includes the printed circuit boards (PCB's), and add what you need. Design your own case and use the PCB's as the electronics for your design if you wish. Create a handheld retrogame the way that you want it how you wish with the parts that you have. We just provide what you might need.
Checkout the article about the MyPi project in The MagPi magazine (https://www.raspberrypi.org/magpi/).
The completed MyPi dimensions are similar to that of a Sega Game Gear: 9" x 5.5" x 1.5"
This is a kit for kit builders
A basic understanding of electronics and soldering skills are needed to successfully build a MyPi kit. The MyPi build video is available for those that prefer a video to a manual but also so that you may see exactly what you will need to do to build your own handheld retrogame console.
Soldering is required to build a MyPi kit. A little surface mount (SMD) soldering is required but it isn't scary. The manual details an easy way to solder surface mount components using a traditional soldering iron. The SMD components selected for the MyPi are large SMD components - they are not the grain of rice sized SMD components seen in many designs.
Troubleshooting may be required as we all make mistakes. Since the MyPi electronics are modular, troubleshooting is easier. The manual also provided troubleshooting guidance.
The printed MyPi manual provides troubleshooting guidance, tips, calibration instruction, guidance on surface mount soldering, and even tips for decorating your handheld retrogame console with water slide based stickers.
Our blog at makemypi.com provides additional info on specific subjects, such as audio issues. I can also be reached through the makemypi.com website for additional assistance. Every effort has been made to provide a challenging kit building experience and provide support to assure your MyPi kit building success so that you can enjoy retrogaming on a device that you create.
If you select a Raspberry Pi 3a+ option, we include a preconfigured micro SD card to make starting up your assembled MyPi as effortless as possible. Detailed instructions are provided in the MyPi manual for doing the software installation and configuration on your own if you choose to do the software configuration and install it yourself.
The following is included to help you get started:
(1) MyPi Manual
(1) DPad PCB
(1) Fire buttons PCB
(1) Adapter board PCB
(2) Trigger buttons PCBs
Please be sure to look through the options to select exactly what you will need to complete your MyPi build. We use a professional 3D printer to provide the 3D printed cases; so, it may be more affordable to print a case on your own 3D printer.
Note that some options are not required although they may be desired. The MyPi will work without the "low battery detection" and without the "sound" option; however, you will need to use earphones for audio and there will be no low battery indication. The "headers and sockets" option is not required because it is possible to just use wires to make connections between boards and modules. It is possible to save around $25 by not selecting the aforementioned options, it can make troubleshooting a little more difficult.
In other words - please review the options and carefully consider which options you will need.
NOTE: Due to Shipping Restrictions on Lithium Batteries, the Lithium Battery may be shipped separately from the kit.
Why was the MyPi Created?
The MyPi Raspberry Pi kit was created for the person that would like to experience the feeling of making their own handheld retrogame but would also like a large 5 inch display and stereo sound. It was never intended to be a convenient pocket device for gaming on the go.
It was created for those moments when you feel like sitting up in bed and playing a game or for leaning back in your recliner rather than using the TV. In other words, the MyPi is portable and large enough to comfortably enjoy playing games privately.
The MyPi manual has over 50 pages of photographs, instructions, configuration, troubleshooting tips, and guidance just as was once common in vintage computer manuals such as the Timex Sinclair manual and also common in Heathkit electronics kits. The manual also includes suggestions for sources of legal game ROMs to download.
Legal ways exist to obtain game ROMs for personal use. The manual even includes the MyPi schematic in the appendix just as Commodore computer manuals and other computer manuals of the early 1980's did. However, if more clarity is needed, there are also tips on the http://makemypi.com blog as well as an instructional build video. For further assistance or comments, I can be reached by contacting me through the makemypi.com contact page.
The 5 inch LCD of the MyPi is well suited for viewing games for emulators such as the Playstation and even older games such as the Intellivision. Driving games are particularly well suited to the larger screen. Driving games with stereo sound, such as Outrun, feel right at home on the MyPi.
At first, the MyPi was offered as a complete kit, which was nothing new. However, we soon realized that people want the ability to build a kit but not be required to pay for things that they already have. In some cases, people simply wanted to build their own kit their way but wanted to know how or wanted specific parts. The decision to make the MyPi an a'la carte kit was done to make it easier for makers to make what they wanted to make with whatever they had on hand.
What Makes the MyPi Special?
The original MyPi case shape was created with ergonomics in mind. Sharp edges have been avoided and there are no pointy corners on the MyPi. The MyPi is not thin - but then the Raspberry Pi is not thin unless ports are removed. The screen sits atop the Raspberry Pi and almost 5 mm were left below the Raspberry Pi to allow for ventilation. There are also vents along the edges to improve air flow so that your Raspberry Pi is less likely to experience throttling from heat issues.
The new rectangular case that is also available for the MyPi has been designed to look much more traditional, but once again with no sharp corners to dig into your palms. Exterior edges are filleted and the edges have a rushed feel that is comfortable.
The buttons and DPad are directly from a game controller to provide the button feel that is familiar. Lastly, the MyPi was designed to be modular to ease assembly.
Connectors and modules were used wherever possible on the MyPi, which added to the cost. The benefit is that if there are problems, such as a solder bridge, it's easier to troubleshoot - just unplug a module and examine and test it. The PCBs were designed to reduce wiring as much as possible because wiring can create confusion; however, where wiring is needed, no more than 2 wires are required at each connection point.
The MyPi can also be used as a game console similar to an Atari 2600 or Nintendo. If you have a CRT TV, you will be able to play classic Nintendo and Atari games just as they looked in the 80's. Simply connect the MyPi to the composite input of your TV using the included AV adapter cable and change a setting when starting an emulator to direct the video to your TV. Naturally, the instructions for doing this are in the manual.
For 2 player games, add a Bluetooth controller and have a friend join a game of Double Dragon or another 2 player favorite. Enjoy hours of 2 player gaming on your TV or on your MyPi handheld gaming console relaxing in a recliner.
We would like to think that this is the only Raspberry Pi 3 retrogaming a' la carte kit available. The MyPi kit was never created to simply be "snapped together" by anyone. The MyPi was created for the person that enjoys making and building things and wants to solder and isn't scared of trying a little surface mount soldering.
The MyPi Raspberry Pi kit was built for makers by a maker. The manual and complete kit were test built by someone with limited electronics knowledge, but with moderate soldering skills, and they were able to build it and learn a lot about configuring the Raspberry Pi from the manual. If you enjoy kit building and desire quality documentation done in a retro style, the MyPi Raspberry Pi is the kit for you.
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