Skip to content

BlueRetro Cables Build Instructions

Jump to bottom
Jacques Gagnon edited this page Nov 23, 2023 · 44 revisions

Table of contents

Parallel 1P 5V (12 buttons) adapter cable

For NeoGeo, Supergun, JAMMA or any other 5V parallel input system.

No auto detection in universal FW, configure Parallel_1P_PP system in web or use dedicated FW.

Pinout reference

DIY Through-hole

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT125N DIP14 (x3) (DKPN: 296-4655-5-ND PN: SN74AHCT125N)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • NeoGeo DB15 controller plug (x1) (or any other parallel interface)

Cable schematic

Typical parallel input system simply use a switch between input line and GND which pull it low on button press. The input line idle high via a pull-up resistor in the console. To best emulate this behavior use the open drain schematic.

https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetroHW/blob/master/DIY/Para1P_OD.pdf

If for a specific application you need the line to be actively be driven high you can follow the Push-Pull variant.

https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetroHW/blob/master/DIY/Para1P_PP.pdf

For both schema variant configure/flash the Parallel_1P_PP BlueRetro Push-Pull mode/FW. For 5V system the OD is handled by the 74AHCT125N.

Assembly instructions

  • If using an universal FW, make sure to connect I34, I35 & I39 to GND

SMD Cable PCB

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT1G125 SC70-5 (x12) (DKPN: 296-4709-1-ND PN: SN74AHCT1G125DCKR)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Open drain PCB (x1)
  • NeoGeo DB15 controller plug (x1) (or any other parallel interface)

Assembly instructions

  • Solder 74AHCT1G125 to footprint highlighted in red.
  • Bridge HI side of jumper I39.
  • Connect cords according to table below and pinout reference.
PCB PAD Cord Pin Name Use Required?
VIN NEOGEO P1 8 5V BlueRetro Power Yes
GND NEOGEO P1 1 GND BlueRetro Power Yes
IO5 NEOGEO P1 7 DOWN Player 1 BTN No
IO3 NEOGEO P1 15 UP Player 1 BTN No
IO27 NEOGEO P1 5 B Player 1 BTN No
IO26 NEOGEO P1 13 A Player 1 BTN No
IO23 NEOGEO P1 6 RIGHT Player 1 BTN No
IO18 NEOGEO P1 14 LEFT Player 1 BTN No
IO21 NEOGEO P1 4 D Player 1 BTN No
IO19 NEOGEO P1 12 C Player 1 BTN No
IO32 NEOGEO P1 11 START Player 1 BTN No
IO33 NEOGEO P1 2 CREDIT Player 1 BTN No
IO25 NEOGEO P1 10 6 Player 1 BTN No
IO22 NEOGEO P1 3 SELECT Player 1 BTN No

Parallel 2P 5V (6 buttons each) adapter cable

For Atari 2600, Master System or any other 5V parallel input system.

No auto detection in universal FW, configure Parallel_2P_PP system in web or use dedicated FW.

Pinout reference


DIY Through-hole

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT125N DIP14 (x3) (DKPN: 296-4655-5-ND PN: SN74AHCT125N)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Genesis DB9 controller plug (x2)

Cable schematic

Typical parallel input system simply use a switch between input line and GND which pull it low on button press. The input line idle high via a pull-up resistor in the console. To best emulate this behavior use the open drain schematic.

https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetroHW/blob/master/DIY/Para2P_OD.pdf

If for a specific application you need the line to be actively be driven high you can follow the Push-Pull variant.

https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetroHW/blob/master/DIY/Para2P_PP.pdf

For both schema variant configure/flash the Parallel_2P_PP BlueRetro Push-Pull mode/FW. For 5V system the OD is handled by the 74AHCT125N.

Assembly instructions

  • If using an universal FW, make sure to connect IO32, I34, I35 & I39 to GND

SMD Cable PCB

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT1G125 SC70-5 (x12) (DKPN: 296-4709-1-ND PN: SN74AHCT1G125DCKR)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Open drain PCB (x1)
  • Genesis DB9 controller plug (x2)

Assembly instructions

  • Solder 74AHCT1G125 to footprint highlighted in red.
  • Bridge HI side of jumper I39.
  • Connect cords according to table below and pinout reference.
PCB PAD Cord Pin Name Use Required?
VIN SMS P1 5 5V BlueRetro Power Yes
VIN SMS P1 7 5V BlueRetro Power Yes
GND SMS P1 8 GND BlueRetro Power Yes
IO5 SMS P1 2 P1_D Player 1 D1 Yes
IO3 SMS P1 1 P1_U Player 1 D0 Yes
IO27 SMS P1 9 P1_TR Player 1 D4 Yes
IO26 SMS P1 6 P1_TL Player 1 D5 Yes
IO23 SMS P1 4 P1_R Player 1 D3 Yes
IO18 SMS P1 3 P1_L Player 1 D2 Yes
VIN SMS P2 5 5V BlueRetro Power No
VIN SMS P2 7 5V BlueRetro Power No
GND SMS P2 8 GND BlueRetro Power No
IO21 SMS P2 2 P2_D Player 2 D1 No
IO19 SMS P2 1 P2_U Player 2 D0 No
IO16 SMS P2 9 P2_TR Player 2 D4 No
IO33 SMS P2 6 P2_TL Player 2 D5 No
IO25 SMS P2 4 P2_R Player 2 D3 No
IO22 SMS P2 3 P2_L Player 2 D2 No

FC / NES adapter cable

Pinout reference

DIY Through-hole

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT125N DIP14 (x2) (DKPN: 296-4655-5-ND PN: SN74AHCT125N)
  • 3.6K resistors (x3) (DKPN: S3.6KCACT-ND PN: RNMF14FTC3K60) (Required for PAL system only)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • NES controller plug (x2)
  • Famicom controller plug (x1) (Optional)

Cable schematic

NES Schematic (2x NES ports)
AV Famicom Schematic (2x NES ports + 1x Famicom Exp port)
Famicom Schematic (1x Famicom Exp port)

Assembly instructions

  • If using an universal FW, make sure to connect I39 to 3.3V and IO33, I34 & I35 to GND.
  • If using an universal FW AND not wiring 2nd port plug, make sure to connect IO22 to GND.
  • If using an universal FW AND not wiring Famicom 4P adapter, make sure to connect IO21 & IO25 to GND.
  • If not wiring 2nd port plug, make sure to connect IO18 (P2_CUP) to 3.3V
  • A Famicom exp port only adapter needs to have IO33 connected to 3V3.

SMD Cable PCB

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT1G125 SC70-5 (x7) (DKPN: 296-4709-1-ND PN: SN74AHCT1G125DCKR)
  • 3.6K resistors (x3) (DKPN: 311-3.6KLRCT-ND PN: RC0402FR-073K6L) (Required for PAL system only)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Level shifter PCB (x1)
  • NES controller plug (x2)
  • Famicom controller plug (x1) (Optional)

Assembly instructions

  • Solder 74AHCT1G125 to footprint highlighted in red.
  • Bridge HI side of jumper I39.
  • Connect pad DIR3 & DIR1 to GND.
  • For using PAL system, add 3.6K pull-ups to NES 5V (pin 5) on pads IO18, IO5 & IO32.
  • Connect cords according to table below and pinout reference.
PCB PAD Cord Pin Name Use Required?
VIN NES P1 5 5V BlueRetro Power Yes
GND NES P1 1 GND BlueRetro Power Yes
IO32 NES P1 3 OUT0 Latch for all accessories Yes
IO19 NES P1 4 P1_D0 Player 1 / Four Score DATA Yes
IO5 NES P1 2 P1_CUP Player 1 / Four Score CLK Yes
VIN NES P2 5 5V BlueRetro Power No
GND NES P2 1 GND BlueRetro Power No
IO22 NES P2 4 P2_D0 Player 2 / Four Score DATA No
IO18 NES P2 2 P2_CUP Player 2 / Four Score CLK No
IO21 FC_DB15 13 P1_D1 FC 4P adapter P3 DATA No
IO25 FC_DB15 7 P2_D1 FC 4P adapter P4 DATA No

7800 adapter cable

No auto detection in universal FW, configure Parallel_2P_PP system in web or use dedicated FW.

Pinout reference

\

DIY Through-hole

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT125N DIP14 (x3) (DKPN: 296-4655-5-ND PN: SN74AHCT125N)
  • CD74HC4053E DIP16 (x2) (DKPN: 296-9219-5-ND PN: CD74HC4053E)
  • 620 Ohm resistors (x4) (DKPN: CF14JT620RCT-ND PN: CF14JT620R)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Genesis DB9 controller plug (x2)

Cable schematic

https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetroHW/blob/master/DIY/7800.pdf

Assembly instructions

  • If using an universal FW, make sure to connect IO32, I34, I35 & I39 to GND

PCE / TG16 adapter cable

Pinout reference

DIY Through-hole

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT125N DIP14 (x2) (DKPN: 296-4655-5-ND PN: SN74AHCT125N)
  • 47K resistors (x2) (DKPN: S47KCACT-ND PN: RNMF14FTC47K0)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Mini-DIN-8 plug and/or DIB-8 plug (x1)

Cable schematic

https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetroHW/blob/master/DIY/PCE.pdf

Assembly instructions

  • If using an universal FW, make sure to connect I39 to 3.3V and IO19, IO21, IO22, IO25, IO32, I34 & I35 to GND.

SMD Cable PCB

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT1G125 SC70-5 (x6) (DKPN: 296-4709-1-ND PN: SN74AHCT1G125DCKR)
  • 47K resistors (x2) (DKPN: 311-47.0KLRCT-ND PN: RC0402FR-0747KL)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Level shifter PCB (x1)
  • Mini-DIN-8 plug and/or DIB-8 plug (x1)

Assembly instructions

  • Solder 74AHCT1G125 to footprint highlighted in red.
  • Solder resistors to footprint highlighted in red.
  • Bridge HI side of jumper I39.
  • Connect pad DIR2 to GND.
  • Connect cords according to table below and pinout reference.
PCB PAD Cord Pin Name Use Required?
VIN PCE/TG16 P1 1 5V BlueRetro Power Yes
GND PCE/TG16 P1 8 GND BlueRetro Power Yes
IO3 PCE/TG16 P1 2 P1_U Player 1 D0 Yes
IO5 PCE/TG16 P1 3 P1_R Player 1 D1 Yes
IO18 PCE/TG16 P1 4 P1_D Player 1 D2 Yes
IO23 PCE/TG16 P1 5 P1_L Player 1 D3 Yes
I33 PCE/TG16 P1 6 P1_SEL Player 1 SEL Yes
IO26 PCE/TG16 P1 7 P1_OE Player 1 /OE Yes

Genesis adapter cable

Once in Genesis mode nothing will be output on the serial console as the TXD pin is used for multitap support.

Pinout reference

DIY Through-hole

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT125N DIP14 (x4) (DKPN: 296-4655-5-ND PN: SN74AHCT125N)
  • 74AHCT126N DIP14 (x1) (DKPN: 296-4659-5-ND PN: SN74AHCT126N) (Optional only for multitap support)
  • 74AHCT32N DIP14 (x1) (DKPN: 296-4732-5-ND PN: SN74AHCT32N) (Optional only for multitap support)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Genesis DB9 controller plug (x2)

Cable schematic

https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetroHW/blob/master/DIY/Genesis.pdf

Assembly instructions

  • If using an universal FW, make sure to connect I39 to 3.3V and I34 to GND.
  • If using an universal FW AND not wiring 2nd port plug, make sure to connect IO19, IO21, IO22, IO25 & IO33 to GND.
  • If using an universal FW AND not wiring Multitap support, make sure to connect IO32 to GND.
  • If not wiring 2nd port plug, make sure to connect I36 (P2_TH) to 3.3V

SMD Cable PCB

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT1G125 SC70-5 (x14) (DKPN: 296-4709-1-ND PN: SN74AHCT1G125DCKR)
  • 74AHCT1G126 SC70-5 (x3) (DKPN: 296-4711-1-ND PN: SN74AHCT1G126DCKR) (Optional only for multitap support)
  • 74AHCT1G32 SC70-5 (x1) (DKPN: 296-4713-1-ND PN: SN74AHCT1G32DCKR) (Optional only for multitap support)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Level shifter PCB (x1)
  • Genesis DB9 controller plug (x2)

Assembly instructions

  • Solder 74AHCT1G125 to footprint highlighted in red.
  • Solder 74AHCT1G126 to footprint highlighted in blue. (Optional only for multitap support)
  • Solder 74AHCT1G32 to footprint highlighted in purple. (Optional only for multitap support)
  • Bridge HI side of jumper I39.
  • Connect pad DIR1 to GND.
  • Connect pin 2 of DB25 connector to pad DIR2 & DIR3. (Optional only for multitap support, GND pad DIR2 & DIR3 otherwise)
  • Connect pin 11 of DB25 to pad DIR4. (Optional only for multitap support, GND pad DIR4 otherwise)
  • Connect pad IO32 to pad DIR0. (Optional only for multitap support, GND pad DIR0 otherwise)
  • Connect cords according to table below and pinout reference.
PCB PAD Cord Pin Name Use Required?
VIN GENESIS P1 5 5V BlueRetro Power Yes
GND GENESIS P1 8 GND BlueRetro Power Yes
IO5 GENESIS P1 2 P1_D Player 1 D1 Yes
IO3 GENESIS P1 1 P1_U Player 1 D0 Yes
I35 GENESIS P1 7 P1_TH Player 1 CTRL Yes
IO27 GENESIS P1 9 P1_TR Player 1 D4/CTRL Yes
IO26 GENESIS P1 6 P1_TL Player 1 D5/CTRL Yes
IO23 GENESIS P1 4 P1_R Player 1 D3 Yes
IO18 GENESIS P1 3 P1_L Player 1 D2 Yes
VIN GENESIS P2 5 5V BlueRetro Power No
GND GENESIS P2 8 GND BlueRetro Power No
IO21 GENESIS P2 2 P2_D Player 2 D1 No
IO19 GENESIS P2 1 P2_U Player 2 D0 No
I36 GENESIS P2 7 P2_TH Player 2 CTRL No
IO16 GENESIS P2 9 P2_TR Player 2 D4/CTRL No
IO33 GENESIS P2 6 P2_TL Player 2 D5/CTRL No
IO25 GENESIS P2 4 P2_R Player 2 D3 No
IO22 GENESIS P2 3 P2_L Player 2 D2 No

SFC / SNES adapter cable

Pinout reference

DIY Through-hole

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT125N DIP14 (x3) (DKPN: 296-4655-5-ND PN: SN74AHCT125N)
  • 3.6K resistors (x5) (DKPN: S3.6KCACT-ND PN: RNMF14FTC3K60) (Required for PAL system only)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • SNES controller plug (x2) (For multitap support 7 conductor are required, get a 3rd SNES extension for pin donation and use cable from PSX/Genesis/Saturn for the extra wires)

Cable schematic

https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetroHW/blob/master/DIY/SNES.pdf

Assembly instructions

  • If using an universal FW, make sure to connect I39 to GND and IO33, I34 & I35 to GND.
  • If using an universal FW AND not wiring 2nd port plug, make sure to connect IO22 to GND.
  • If using an universal FW AND not wiring Multitap support, make sure to connect IO21 & IO25 to GND.
  • If not wiring 2nd port plug, make sure to connect IO18 (P2_CLK) to 3.3V

SMD Cable PCB

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT1G125 SC70-5 (x9) (DKPN: 296-4709-1-ND PN: SN74AHCT1G125DCKR)
  • 3.6K resistors (x5) (DKPN: 311-3.6KLRCT-ND PN: RC0402FR-073K6L) (Required for PAL system only)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Level shifter PCB (x1)
  • SNES controller plug (x2) (For multitap support 7 conductor are required, get a 3rd SNES extension for pin donation and use cable from PSX/Genesis/Saturn for the extra wires)

Assembly instructions

  • Solder 74AHCT1G125 to footprint highlighted in red.
  • Bridge LO side of jumper I39.
  • Connect pad DIR3 & DIR1 to GND.
  • For using PAL system, add 3.6K pull-ups to SNES 5V (pin 1) on pads IO23, IO18, IO5, IO32 & IO26.
  • Connect cords according to table below and pinout reference.
PCB PAD Cord Pin Name Use Required?
VIN SNES P1 1 5V BlueRetro Power Yes
GND SNES P1 7 GND BlueRetro Power Yes
IO5 SNES P1 2 P1_CLK Player 1 / Multitap 1 CLK Yes
IO32 SNES P1 3 LATCH Latch for all accessories Yes
IO19 SNES P1 4 P1_D0 Player 1 / Multitap 1 DATA Yes
IO21 SNES P1 5 P1_D1 Multitap 1 DATA No
IO23 SNES P1 6 P1_SEL Multitap 1 CTRL No
VIN SNES P2 1 5V BlueRetro Power No
GND SNES P2 7 GND BlueRetro Power No
IO18 SNES P2 2 P2_CLK Player 2 / Multitap 2 CLK No
IO22 SNES P2 4 P2_D0 Player 2 / Multitap 2 DATA No
IO25 SNES P2 5 P2_D1 Multitap 2 DATA No
IO26 SNES P2 6 P2_SEL Multitap 2 CTRL No

CD-i adapter cable

Pinout reference

DIY Through-hole

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT125N DIP14 (x2) (DKPN: 296-4655-5-ND PN: SN74AHCT125N)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Mini-DIN-8 plug (x1 or x2)

Cable schematic

https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetroHW/blob/master/DIY/CDI.pdf

Assembly instructions

  • If using an universal FW, make sure to connect I39 to GND and IO25, IO32, IO33, I34 & I35 to GND.
  • Do not use CD-i 5V.
  • External power (ESP-DevkitC USB) required as CD-i look for peripheral once before BlueRetro is fully done reading it's config. Power up BlueRetro externally first, then 1 sec later power on CD-i.
  • If not wiring 2nd port plug, make sure to connect IO21 (P2_RTS) to GND.

SMD Cable PCB

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT1G125 SC70-5 (x4) (DKPN: 296-4709-1-ND PN: SN74AHCT1G125DCKR)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Level shifter PCB (x1)
  • Mini-DIN-8 plug (x1 or x2)

Assembly instructions

  • External power (BlueRetro USB) required as CD-i look for peripheral once before BlueRetro is fully done reading it's config. Power up BlueRetro externally first, then 1 sec later power on CD-i.
  • Solder 74AHCT1G125 to footprint highlighted in red.
  • Bridge LO side of jumper I39.
  • Connect cords according to table below and pinout reference.
PCB PAD Cord Pin Name Use Required?
GND CDI P1 5 GND BlueRetro Power Yes
IO23 CDI P1 7 RTS Enable Yes
IO22 CDI P1 2 RXD Data Yes
GND CDI P2 5 GND BlueRetro Power No
IO21 CDI P2 Front: 4 or Rear: 7 RTS Enable No
IO19 CDI P2 Front: 1 or Rear: 2 RXD Data No

3DO adapter cable

Pinout reference

DIY Through-hole

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT125N DIP14 (x2) (DKPN: 296-4655-5-ND PN: SN74AHCT125N)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Genesis controller plug (x1)

Cable schematic

https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetroHW/blob/master/DIY/3DO.pdf

Assembly instructions

  • Connect IO19 (DB25-16) & IO18 (DB25-4) together (CS signal generator)
  • If using an universal FW, make sure to connect I39 to GND and IO25, IO32, IO33, I34 & I35 to GND.

SMD Cable PCB

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT1G125 SC70-5 (x2) (DKPN: 296-4709-1-ND PN: SN74AHCT1G125DCKR)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Level shifter PCB (x1)
  • Genesis controller plug (x1)

Assembly instructions

  • Connect IO19 (DB25-16) & IO18 (DB25-4) together (CS signal generator)
  • Solder 74AHCT1G125 to footprint highlighted in red.
  • Bridge LO side of jumper I39.
  • Connect cords according to table below and pinout reference.
PCB PAD Cord Pin Name Use Required?
VIN 3DO P1 2 5V BlueRetro Power Yes
VIN 3DO P1 5 5V BlueRetro Power Yes
GND 3DO P1 1 GND BlueRetro Power Yes
GND 3DO P1 8 GND BlueRetro Power Yes
IO21 3DO P1 9 DIN Data Yes
IO22 3DO P1 7 CLK Clock Yes

Jaguar adapter cable

Pinout reference

DIY Through-hole

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • DB15-HD Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: 609-4042-ND PN: 10090769-P154ALF)
  • 74AHCT125N DIP14 (x3) (DKPN: 296-4655-5-ND PN: SN74AHCT125N)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • NeoGeo DB15 controller cable (x1) (or any other 15 conductors cable)

Cable schematic

https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetroHW/blob/master/DIY/JAG.pdf

SMD Cable PCB

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • DB15-HD Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: 609-4042-ND PN: 10090769-P154ALF)
  • 74AHCT1G125 SC70-5 (x10) (DKPN: 296-4709-1-ND PN: SN74AHCT1G125DCKR)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Level shifter PCB (x1)
  • NeoGeo DB15 controller cable (x1) (or any other 15 conductors cable)

Assembly instructions

  • Solder 74AHCT1G125 to footprint highlighted in red.
  • Bridge HI side of jumper I39.
  • Connect pad DIR1, DIR2 & DIR3 to GND.
  • Connect cords according to table below and pinout reference.
PCB PAD Cord Pin Name Use Required?
VIN JAGUAR P1 7 5V BlueRetro Power Yes
GND JAGUAR P1 9 GND BlueRetro Power Yes
IO18 JAGUAR P1 14 J8 Player 1 ROW OUT Yes
IO19 JAGUAR P1 13 J9 Player 1 ROW OUT Yes
IO21 JAGUAR P1 12 J10 Player 1 ROW OUT Yes
IO22 JAGUAR P1 11 J11 Player 1 ROW OUT Yes
IO23 JAGUAR P1 10 B1 Player 1 ROW OUT Yes
IO25 JAGUAR P1 6 B0 Player 1 ROW OUT Yes
IO32 JAGUAR P1 4 J0 Player 1 COL IN Yes
IO33 JAGUAR P1 3 J1 Player 1 COL IN Yes
I35 JAGUAR P1 2 J2 Player 1 COL IN Yes
I36 JAGUAR P1 1 J3 Player 1 COL IN Yes

PSX / PS2 adapter cable

Pinout reference

DIY Through-hole

Bill of materials

  • LT1117IST-5#TRPBF LDO (x1) (DKPN: LT1117IST-5#TRPBFCT-ND PN: LT1117IST-5#TRPBF) (Optional: Only if you plan using cable with BlueRetro DevKit PCB)
  • 10uF Capacitor (x2) (DKPN: 399-13968-ND PN: C322C106K3R5TA) (Optional: Only if you plan using cable with BlueRetro DevKit PCB)
  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • PSX/PS2 controller plug (x2)
  • TVS DIODE 5VWM 9.2VC DO214AA (x10) (DKPN: 732-9729-1-ND PN: 824521500)
  • 33 ohm resistors (x10) (DKPN: S33CACT-ND PN: RNMF14FTC33R0)

Cable schematic

https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetroHW/blob/master/DIY/PS.pdf

Assembly instructions

  • If using an universal FW, make sure to connect I39 to GND and I35 to GND.
  • If using an universal FW AND not wiring 2nd port plug, make sure to connect IO22 & IO25 to GND.
  • If not wiring 2nd port plug, make sure to connect IO5 (P2_DTR), IO26 (P2_SCK) & IO27 (P2_TXD) to 3.3V
  • You may connect 8V directly into the 5V input of an ESP32-DevKitC, the onboard LDO (AMS1117-3.3) is rated for 18V.
  • For BlueRetro DevKit board, the LDO in the cable end is required (DevKit onboard LDO max is 6V).
  • To avoid random button press on some PS1 it is required to put the inline 33 ohm resistor and the TVS Diode to GND. See updated schematic.

SMD Cable PCB

Bill of materials

  • LT1117IST-5#TRPBF LDO (x1) (DKPN: LT1117IST-5#TRPBFCT-ND PN: LT1117IST-5#TRPBF)
  • 10uF Capacitor (x2) (DKPN: 490-5523-1-ND PN: GRM21BR61E106KA73L)
  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Passthrough PCB (x1)
  • PSX/PS2 controller plug (x2)

Assembly instructions

  • Bridge LO side of jumper I39.
  • Connect I35 pad to GND.
  • Solder LDO and capacitor to PCB back.
  • Connect cords according to table below and pinout reference.
PCB PAD Cord Pin Name Use Required?
VALT PSX/PS2 P1 3 8V Cable LDO Power Yes
GND PSX/PS2 P1 4 GND BlueRetro Power Yes
IO19 PSX/PS2 P1 1 P1_RXD Player 1 DATA Yes
IO32 PSX/PS2 P1 2 P1_TXD Player 1 CMD Yes
I34 PSX/PS2 P1 6 P1_DTR Player 1 CS Yes
IO33 PSX/PS2 P1 7 P1_SCK Player 1 CLK Yes
IO21 PSX/PS2 P1 9 P1_DSR Player 1 ACK Yes
VALT PSX/PS2 P2 3 8V Cable LDO Power No
GND PSX/PS2 P2 4 GND BlueRetro Power No
IO22 PSX/PS2 P2 1 P2_RXD Player 2 DATA No
IO27 PSX/PS2 P2 2 P2_TXD Player 2 CMD No
IO5 PSX/PS2 P2 6 P2_DTR Player 2 CS No
IO26 PSX/PS2 P2 7 P2_SCK Player 2 CLK No
IO25 PSX/PS2 P2 9 P2_DSR Player 2 ACK No

Saturn adapter cable

Pinout reference

DIY Through-hole

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT125N DIP14 (x4) (DKPN: 296-4655-5-ND PN: SN74AHCT125N)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Saturn controller plug (x2)

Cable schematic

https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetroHW/blob/master/DIY/Saturn.pdf

Assembly instructions

  • If using an universal FW, make sure to connect I39 to GND and IO32 & I34 to GND.
  • If using an universal FW AND not wiring 2nd port plug, make sure to connect IO19, IO21, IO22, IO25 & IO33 to GND.
  • If not wiring 2nd port plug, make sure to connect IO33 (P2_TL) & I36 (P2_TH) to 3.3V

SMD Cable PCB

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT1G125 SC70-5 (x14) (DKPN: 296-4709-1-ND PN: SN74AHCT1G125DCKR)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Level shifter PCB (x1)
  • Saturn controller plug (x2)

Assembly instructions

  • Solder 74AHCT1G125 to footprint highlighted in red.
  • Bridge LO side of jumper I39.
  • Connect pad DIR0, DIR2, DIR1 & DIR4 to GND.
  • Connect cords according to table below and pinout reference.
PCB PAD Cord Pin Name Use Required?
VIN SATURN P1 1 5V BlueRetro Power Yes
GND SATURN P1 9 GND BlueRetro Power Yes
IO5 SATURN P1 2 P1_D Player 1 D1 Yes
IO3 SATURN P1 3 P1_U Player 1 D0 Yes
I35 SATURN P1 4 P1_TH Player 1 CTRL Yes
IO27 SATURN P1 5 P1_TR Player 1 CTRL Yes
IO26 SATURN P1 6 P1_TL Player 1 CTRL Yes
IO23 SATURN P1 7 P1_R Player 1 D3 Yes
IO18 SATURN P1 8 P1_L Player 1 D2 Yes
VIN SATURN P2 1 5V BlueRetro Power No
GND SATURN P2 9 GND BlueRetro Power No
IO21 SATURN P2 2 P2_D Player 2 D1 No
IO19 SATURN P2 3 P2_U Player 2 D0 No
I36 SATURN P2 4 P2_TH Player 2 CTRL No
IO16 SATURN P2 5 P2_TR Player 2 CTRL No
IO33 SATURN P2 6 P2_TL Player 2 CTRL No
IO25 SATURN P2 7 P2_R Player 2 D3 No
IO22 SATURN P2 8 P2_L Player 2 D2 No

PC-FX adapter cable

Pinout reference

DIY Through-hole

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT125N DIP14 (x2) (DKPN: 296-4655-5-ND PN: SN74AHCT125N)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • SNES controller plug (x2) (Take female pins out of SNES shell and make them hold together with hot glue)

Cable schematic

https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetroHW/blob/master/DIY/PCFX.pdf

Assembly instructions

  • If using an universal FW, make sure to connect I39 to GND and IO21, IO25, IO32, I34 & I35 to GND.
  • If not wiring 2nd port plug, make sure to connect IO26 (P2_/LATCH) to GND.

SMD Cable PCB

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT1G125 SC70-5 (x6) (DKPN: 296-4709-1-ND PN: SN74AHCT1G125DCKR)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Level shifter PCB (x1)
  • SNES controller plug (x2) (Take female pins out of SNES shell and make them hold together with hot glue)

Assembly instructions

  • Solder 74AHCT1G125 to footprint highlighted in red.
  • Bridge LO side of jumper I39.
  • Connect cords according to table below and pinout reference.
PCB PAD Cord Pin Name Use Required?
VIN PCFX P1 1 5V BlueRetro Power Yes
GND PCFX P1 5 GND BlueRetro Power Yes
GND PCFX P1 7 GND BlueRetro Power Yes
IO33 PCFX P1 4 /LATCH Data Yes
IO5 PCFX P1 6 CLK Clock Yes
IO19 PCFX P1 2 DATA Clock Yes
VIN PCFX P2 1 5V BlueRetro Power No
GND PCFX P2 5 GND BlueRetro Power No
GND PCFX P2 7 GND BlueRetro Power No
IO26 PCFX P2 4 /LATCH Data No
IO18 PCFX P2 6 CLK Clock No
IO22 PCFX P2 2 DATA Clock No

JVS adapter cable

DIY Through-hole

No instruction yet, inspire yourself from the SMD Cable PCB version.

SMD Cable PCB

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • 74AHCT1G125 SC70-5 (x1) (DKPN: 296-4709-1-ND PN: SN74AHCT1G125DCKR)
  • Step Up 5V (x1) (DKPN: 296-24519-1-ND PN: TPS61240DRVT)
  • Inductor (x1) (DKPN: 490-4026-1-ND PN: LQM21FN1R0N00D)
  • RS485 PHY (x1) (DKPN: 296-50395-1-ND PN: THVD1450DR)
  • Resistor 10K (x2) (DKPN: 311-10.0KLRCT-ND PN: RC0402FR-0710KL)
  • Capacitor 0.1u (x1) (DKPN: 490-6328-1-ND PN: GRM155R71C104KA88J)
  • Capacitor 2.2u (x1) (DKPN: 1276-1085-1-ND PN: CL10A225KP8NNNC)
  • Capacitor 4.7u (x1) (DKPN: 1276-1044-1-ND PN: CL10A475KP8NNNC)
  • JVS PCB (x1)
  • USB-A plug (x1)

Cable schematic

https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetroHW/blob/master/Cables/jvs/jvs.pdf

Assembly instructions

  • PCB jumper are already set nothing to do.
  • Do not install R4, R3 & D1.
  • Connect cords according to table below and pinout reference.
PCB PAD Cord Pin Name Use Required?
SENSE (1-VBUS) USB 1 SENSE JVS Sense Yes
B (2-D-) USB 2 B JVS RS485 Data- Yes
A (3-D+) USB 3 A JVS RS485 Data+ Yes
GND (4-GND) USB 4 GND BlueRetro Power ref Yes

Virtual Boy adapter cable

No auto detection in universal FW, configure Virtual Boy system in web or use dedicated FW.

Pinout reference

DIY Through-hole

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT125N DIP14 (x2) (DKPN: 296-4655-5-ND PN: SN74AHCT125N)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • VB controller plug
  • Barrel jack 5.5mm/2.1mm (DKPN: 839-1291-ND PN: 54-00063)
  • SPST switch
  • 1N5400 diode (DKPN: 1N5400RLGOSCT-ND PN: 1N5400RLG)
  • 9V PSU 5.5mm/2.1mm center positive (DKPN: 993-1344-ND PN: PSAC30U-090L6)

Cable schematic

https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetroHW/blob/master/DIY/VB.pdf

SMD Cable PCB

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • 74AHCT1G125 SC70-5 (x3) (DKPN: 296-4709-1-ND PN: SN74AHCT1G125DCKR)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Level shifter PCB (x1)
  • VB controller plug
  • Barrel jack 5.5mm/2.1mm (DKPN: 839-1291-ND PN: 54-00063)
  • SPST switch
  • 1N5400 diode (DKPN: 1N5400RLGOSCT-ND PN: 1N5400RLG)
  • 9V PSU 5.5mm/2.1mm center positive (DKPN: 993-1344-ND PN: PSAC30U-090L6)

Assembly instructions

  • Solder 74AHCT1G125 to footprint highlighted in red.
  • Bridge LO side of jumper I39.
  • Connect pad DIR3 & DIR1 to GND.
  • Connect cords according to table below and pinout reference.
PCB PAD Cord Pin Name Use Required?
VIN VB P1 2 5V BlueRetro Power Yes
GND VB P1 5 GND BlueRetro Power Yes
IO5 VB P1 4 CLK Clock Yes
IO32 VB P1 3 LATCH Latch Yes
IO19 VB P1 1 DATA Data Yes

Nintendo 64 adapter cable

Pinout reference

DIY Through-hole

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • N64 controller plug (x4)

Cable schematic

https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetroHW/blob/master/DIY/N64.pdf

Assembly instructions

  • If using an universal FW, make sure to connect I39 to 3.3V and IO21, IO22, IO25, IO32, IO33, I34 & I35 to GND.
  • If not wiring 2nd port plug, make sure to connect IO5 (P2_D) to 3.3V
  • If not wiring 3rd port plug, make sure to connect IO26 (P3_D) to 3.3V
  • If not wiring 4th port plug, make sure to connect IO27 (P4_D) to 3.3V

SMD Cable PCB

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Passthrough PCB (x1)
  • N64 controller plug (x4)

Assembly instructions

  • Bridge HI side of jumper I39.
  • Connect cords according to table below and pinout reference.
PCB PAD Cord Pin Name Use Required?
VIN N64 P1 1 3.3V BlueRetro Power Yes
IO19 N64 P1 2 P1_D Player 1 DATA Yes
GND N64 P1 3 GND BlueRetro Power Yes
VIN N64 P2 1 3.3V BlueRetro Power No
IO5 N64 P2 2 P2_D Player 2 DATA No
GND N64 P2 3 GND BlueRetro Power No
VIN N64 P3 1 3.3V BlueRetro Power No
IO26 N64 P3 2 P3_D Player 3 DATA No
GND N64 P3 3 GND BlueRetro Power No
VIN N64 P4 1 3.3V BlueRetro Power No
IO27 N64 P4 2 P4_D Player 4 DATA No
GND N64 P4 3 GND BlueRetro Power No

Dreamcast adapter cable

** If 2nd port is not working, remove jumper on UART connector for IO3 (RXD).**

Pinout reference

DIY Through-hole

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Dreamcast controller plug (x4)

Cable schematic

https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetroHW/blob/master/DIY/Dreamcast.pdf

Assembly instructions

  • If using an universal FW, make sure to connect I39 to 3.3V and IO25, IO32, IO33, I34 & I35 to GND.
  • If not wiring 2nd port plug, make sure to connect IO3 (P2_D0) & IO5 (P2_D1) to 3.3V
  • If not wiring 3rd port plug, make sure to connect IO18 (P3_D0) & IO23 (P3_D1) to 3.3V
  • If not wiring 4th port plug, make sure to connect IO26 (P4_D0) & IO27 (P4_D1) to 3.3V

SMD Cable PCB

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Passthrough PCB (x1)
  • Dreamcast controller plug (x4)

Assembly instructions

  • Bridge HI side of jumper I39.
  • Connect cords according to table below and pinout reference.
PCB PAD Cord Pin Name Use Required?
VIN DC P1 2 5V BlueRetro Power Yes
IO21 DC P1 1 P1_D0 Player 1 DATA0 Yes
IO22 DC P1 5 P1_D1 Player 1 DATA1 Yes
GND DC P1 3, 4, SH GND BlueRetro Power Yes
VIN DC P2 2 5V BlueRetro Power No
IO3 DC P2 1 P2_D0 Player 2 DATA0 No
IO5 DC P2 5 P2_D1 Player 2 DATA1 No
GND DC P2 3, 4, SH GND BlueRetro Power No
VIN DC P3 2 5V BlueRetro Power No
IO18 DC P3 1 P3_D0 Player 3 DATA0 No
IO23 DC P3 5 P3_D1 Player 3 DATA1 No
GND DC P3 3, 4, SH GND BlueRetro Power No
VIN DC P4 2 5V BlueRetro Power No
IO26 DC P4 1 P4_D0 Player 4 DATA0 No
IO27 DC P4 5 P4_D1 Player 4 DATA1 No
GND DC P4 3, 4, SH GND BlueRetro Power No

GameCube adapter cable

Pinout reference

DIY Through-hole

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • GameCube controller plug (x4)

Cable schematic

https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetroHW/blob/master/DIY/GameCube.pdf

Assembly instructions

  • If using an universal FW, make sure to connect I39 to GND and IO21, IO22, IO25, IO32, IO33, I34 & I35 to GND.
  • If not wiring 2nd port plug, make sure to connect IO5 (P2_D) to 3.3V
  • If not wiring 3rd port plug, make sure to connect IO26 (P3_D) to 3.3V
  • If not wiring 4th port plug, make sure to connect IO27 (P4_D) to 3.3V

SMD Cable PCB

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • Passthrough PCB (x1)
  • GameCube controller plug (x4)

Assembly instructions

  • Bridge LO side of jumper I39.
  • Connect cords according to table below and pinout reference.
PCB PAD Cord Pin Name Use Required?
VIN GC P1 1 5V BlueRetro Power Yes
IO19 GC P1 2 P1_D Player 1 DATA Yes
GND GC P1 3, 4, SH GND BlueRetro Power Yes
VIN GC P2 1 5V BlueRetro Power No
IO5 GC P2 2 P2_D Player 2 DATA No
GND GC P2 3, 4, SH GND BlueRetro Power No
VIN GC P3 1 5V BlueRetro Power No
IO26 GC P3 2 P3_D Player 3 DATA No
GND GC P3 3, 4, SH GND BlueRetro Power No
VIN GC P4 1 5V BlueRetro Power No
IO27 GC P4 2 P4_D Player 4 DATA No
GND GC P4 3, 4, SH GND BlueRetro Power No

Wii-Ext adapter cable

Pinout reference

DIY Through-hole

Wiimote / NES/SNES mini do not provided enough power for the ESP32, so using an external power source such as USB cable is required. If you want to do an internal install see here.

Bill of materials

  • DB25 Male solder cup (x1) (DKPN: AE10984-ND PN: A-DS 25 LL/Z)
  • DB25 Backshell (x1) (DKPN: 970-25BPE-ND PN: 970-025-010R011)
  • 1K resistor (x4) (DKPN: CF14JT1K00CT-ND PN: CF14JT1K00)
  • Wii extension controller plug (x2)

Cable schematic

https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetroHW/blob/master/DIY/Wii.pdf

Assembly instructions

  • If using an universal FW, make sure to connect I39 to GND and IO19, IO21, IO22, IO32, IO33, I34 & I35 to GND.
  • If not wiring 2nd port plug, make sure to install the 2 1K pull-up on pin IO5 and IO27 anyway.
Clone this wiki locally