Pi3Cart: NES Cartridge Case for Raspberry Pi 3

Shutdown Button Stretch Goal and Survey Information
almost 8 years ago – Wed, Dec 14, 2016 at 06:23:46 PM

At this point it seems unlikely that we will hit the $25,000 stretch goal for the Shutdown Button Upgrade.  Therefore, this is what I have decided to do.  Regardless of whether we hit the goal or not, every DIY kit will include the shutdown button components!  If you ordered an assembled kit, the shutdown button can be installed for you as a $3 add on.  It is important to note that if you are planning to use Lakka, there doesn't appear to be a good way to implement the necessary software to enable the shutdown button. With Retropie and other emulation packages, it will be a matter of installing a basic script through the command line. A guide will be written to explain how to do this.

It is not necessary to change your pledge amount at this time. We will be using Backerkit to manage backer surveys and add-on selection. If you would like to add aditional add-ons after the campaign ends, you will be able to do that through the backerkit survey. You will also be able to add additional DIY kits or assembled kits to your pledge if you wish. The Backerkit survey should go out within a couple of days after the campaign ends. You will be able to log in and select all the add-ons you've already pledged for, and pay for any extra add-ons you wish to include at that time.

Important Update About SD Card Add-Ons!
almost 8 years ago – Mon, Dec 12, 2016 at 10:13:58 PM

Unfortunately due to software licensing issues I will NOT be able to include the Lakka emulation software with the SD cards.  Some of the emulator programs that Lakka is built upon have non-commercial licenses, and therefore I can not use them as part of this project.  The SD cards will still be available if you would prefer not to buy one separately but please understand that it will be blank.  I will create a very detailed step-by-step guide for installing your operating system onto the SD card and loading it into the Pi3Cart.  This process is very straightforward and only takes a few minutes.  

I am very sorry for this change but unfortunately it is out of my control.  I previously believed that it was acceptable to include Lakka with the Pi3Cart but upon further research I discovered that this is not the case.  I might be able to "get away with it", but I refuse to run this campaign with anything but complete integrity.  Take this change into consideration and adjust your add-on levels accordingly.  

Thank you for your understanding.

Pledge Add-Ons Now Available
almost 8 years ago – Mon, Dec 12, 2016 at 12:06:13 AM

These faceplates come in a variety of attractive colors. Faceplates can be easily swapped out in the cartridge at any time. 

You can add now additional items to your pledge level by simply choosing the item(s) you would like and then following the instructions below to add to your pledge! All add-ons require base pledge to be at the $20 tier and above. Instructions for adding add-ons can be found below.

ADD-ON INSTRUCTIONS: To add an add-on to your pledge, follow these steps:

• 1) Press the 'Manage Your Pledge' Button. If you have not pledged yet, it will say 'Back this Project'.
• 2) Increase your pledge in the 'Pledge Amount' box by the total of the add-ons you want to add.
• 3) After the end of the Kickstarter campaign you will receive a survey that will ask you questions so that you can explain how you would like the add-on money assigned.

Free Software Included!
almost 8 years ago – Sun, Dec 11, 2016 at 04:26:43 AM

A totally free version of the Lakka (http://www.lakka.tv/) operating system, customized specifically for the Pi3Cart will be made available via download. If you would prefer your software be pre-installed, a pre-loaded 32gb SD card can be included as a pledge add-on of $13 to cover the cost of the card. The SD card will be a high-speed name brand card to ensure solid reliability and high performance of the OS. It will NOT be a cheap, generic, low speed card which can cause performance problems or just outright failure.

Lakka is a crowd-sourced operating system writen by passionate members of the Raspberry Pi Community.  Although the Pi3Cart version has been modified to support the Pi3Cart hardware, it would be dishonest and an insult to the Raspberry Pi community to do anything other than offer it for free.  Do not be fooled by other projects taking advantage of newcomers to the Raspberry Pi community by attempting to re-sell this software as the primary feature of their product. 

Software Features

• 11 second boot time
• Support for all game platforms from the early days up to the 64-bit era.
• Easy to use, even for first time users
• Automatic Controller Mapping
• Automatic Copying of game files from USB drive
• Support for all of the Pi3Cart's hardware features (Fiber Optic Shutdown Button, Intelligent Fan, and more to come)

Thank you for your support!  Please help to spread the word by sharing on Facebook, posting and commenting in forums, etc. 

New Stretch Goal - Fiber Optic Shutdown Button - $25,000
almost 8 years ago – Sun, Dec 11, 2016 at 04:25:15 AM

I could not be happier with how this upgrade turned out!  By popular demand, we now have a shutdown button option.  There is very limited space on the faceplate and I did not want to block the air vents so I had to get creative.  By connecting the upper fiber optic rod to a momentary push button inside the cartridge I was able to make the status light itself serve as the shutdown button!  Visibly it is nearly identical to the red status light, but it protrudes just enough that the fiber optic rod can slide and press the button.  If you didn't know it was there you would never notice it.  When the button is pressed it gives a satisfying "click" and the custom software initiates a safe shutdown. Then you can shut off the power without risking SD card corruption. When we reach $25,000 every reward level will receive this upgrade.