Posted on September 6, 2018May 12, 2019 by tinkerBOY — 14 Comments

tinkerBOY DPI Adapter: Gettting Started Guide

Method 1: Download my pre-built RetroPie image.

Method 2: Manual

Edit the config.txt and copy/paste the following lines:

dtoverlay=dpi18_666
overscan_left=0
overscan_right=0
overscan_top=0
overscan_bottom=0
enable_dpi_lcd=1
display_default_lcd=1
dpi_group=2
dpi_mode=87
framebuffer_width=320
framebuffer_height=240
dpi_output_format=24598
hdmi_timings=320 1 20 30 38 240 1 4 3 15 0 0 0 60 0 9600000 1

dtoverlay=dpi18_666

overscan_left=0

overscan_right=0

overscan_top=0

overscan_bottom=0

enable_dpi_lcd=1

display_default_lcd=1

dpi_group=2

dpi_mode=87

framebuffer_width=320

framebuffer_height=240

dpi_output_format=24598

hdmi_timings=320 1 20 30 38 240 1 4 3 15 0 0 0 60 0 9600000 1

Save the file.

The tinkerBOY DPI Adapter v1.0 uses a custom overlay for the DPI interface. Download this file, unzip and place the dpi18_666.dtbo file inside the overlays folder in the boot partition of the sdcard where the config.txt is also located.

That’s it for the settings.

Guides for v1.0/v1.1:

NOTE: DO NOT turn the power on without connecting the LCD (LQ035NC111).

14 thoughts on “tinkerBOY DPI Adapter: Gettting Started Guide”

Erik
October 3, 2018

What exactly is the function of the DPI adapter? Other builds I’ve seen don’t incorporate this unit, but I trust your judgement.

Reply
1. tinkerBOY
  October 3, 2018
  
  Let me just copy and paste my answer from my reply in a similar question from my Facebook page.
  
  It’s a good question! 😊 The are 3 types of display that we use on our GBZ builds:
  
  1. The most common is the composite screen like the 3.5″ car monitor and the GearBest Screen that are available everywhere. It’s probably ok for most GBZ builds but it is still composite. It’s prone to noise and interference, it’s old technology. But at least it’s better than RF signal like on older game consoles like the Famicom. haha.
  2. Another available displays are SPI screens which are slow and laggy.
  3. HDMI like the kedei screen with high resolutions but it’s a bit harder to use with GBZ builds and also a bit slow and laggy.
  
  Luckily the Pi has this display interface called DPI (PARALLEL DISPLAY INTERFACE) by which you can directly drive or use an RGB LCD like the LQ035NC111. This means the display is fast and pictures are clearer. No flickering and noise.
  
  I made this DPI ADAPTER since there’s currently no available one to take advantage of this DPI.
  
  Reply
Dean English
November 21, 2018

The GearBest screen is the LQ035NC111 right? Or do I need to get a different screen?

Reply
1. Tyler B
  January 21, 2019
  
  this adapter is meant for the LQ035 screen, yes
  
  Reply
Ed
March 18, 2019

Do you have spec or aliaxpres link for your power inductor 6r8. I accidently broke mine. Tx

Reply
1. tinkerBOY
  March 18, 2019
  
  You use this one.
  
  Reply
  1. Ed
    March 18, 2019
    
    Do you have release date for you power switch yet?
    
    Reply
Adam
April 3, 2019

I’m using this DPI adapter with the Controller v2.0.1 I’m able to boot into emulation station just fine, but none of the GPIO connected buttons work. What am I doing wrong? When I use the pre-built retropie image you’ve provided with GPIO config included it will recognize some of the buttons as keyboard presses. However the image has a green tint and flickers with button presses. If I use the regular retropie image with the text added to the config.txt file and that file added to the overlay folder the picture is perfect but no bottons work. Any help would greatly be appreciated.

Reply
1. tinkerBOY
  April 4, 2019
  
  You cannot use the DPI adapter with any GPIO controller board like the tinkerBOY Controller v2.0.1. You need a usb based controller like my v3.0 if you want to use a DPI screen.
  
  Reply
Pat
April 9, 2019

hi Guys. my screen always turns white when booting. then retropie always starts again. does one have an idea? thanks

Reply
Yannick
July 7, 2019

Hi, I´m using my Pi3B+ with this DPI-adapter and the prebuild-image. The GPIO contacts are connected and the 5V are connected to the pi.
When I turn it on the pi lights the normal red and green led, but the screen doesent do anything. Is it possible to find out why ? is there any other led that should light?

Reply
1. tinkerBOY
  July 7, 2019
  
  Do you have another spare screen? If you’re sure the screen is good then check your soldering making sure each of the holes on the dpi adapter is soldered properly to the pi3.
  
  Reply
Yannick Germany
October 27, 2019

I build with Raspberry 3B+ , the dpi Adapter and the Screen a Not working system (dark Screen). Thinking something is broken. I bought all parts new again and soldered them again …. Black Screen again …
I must say … About much hours and a Lot of Money for nothing.
My Dreams of Gameboy Zero ist over now. :'(

Reply
1. tinkerBOY
  October 28, 2019
  
  Contact me so I can help you better with your issues.
  
  Reply