The original interface is able to accept any MIDI data and filters out only the special MIDI clock signals to syncronise LSdj. However, it uses a custom programmed chip, which is bad for home constructors.

The interface I designed uses only simple parts which are easy to buy (just 3 chips, 3 resistors and 2 capacitors). On the other hand the DIY interface assumes that the incoming MIDI data is made of only clock signals. Other MIDI signals are also interpreted as a clock signals - so if other signals happen over time LSdj would speed up.

It is possible to build the circuit into a very small space, and it is powered by the GameBoy so no external power source is required:

	The completed interface looks like this

The information on this page should be enough for someone knowing a little about electronics to build the interface. If you need help just send me an email - the address is at the bottom of the page.

gwEm
xxx

Parts list	- you will need to have these things to build the interface
Tool list	- tools which will come in useful
Circuit diagram	- the circuit
PCB artwork	- if you have PCB facilities (top view - untested)
Stripboard layout	- if you don't
G33k page	- just for g33ks, don't read it if you scare easily

• You need to get a cable which is not just for GameBoy Advance.
• Many gamelink cables only have 4 out of the possible 6 connections made - this is fine for just linking between GameBoys to trade pokemon and for Tetris multiplayer, but one of the missing wires is for power - so make sure the cable you get has all 6 connections.
• You can do this with a multitester across the two end connectors to make sure power is connected - look at the schematic to see which wire this is.
• If everything is not cool then take the cable back and try a different brand.
• If everything is cool then cut the gamelink cable in half and work out which of the wires inside the cable is connected to which pin. Then you know which wires to solder where on your circuit.
• Watch out!! I managed to buy a GB classic/color combined link cable. The GB Color connector had all 6 wires there - but the GB Classic one didn't. Luckily I had a special adapter.

	I needed to use an adapter to get all 6 gamelink connections working

1. Connect a MIDI clock source to your new MIDI interface, and then connect to your GameBoy's gamelink port (with the GameBoy switched off).
2. Power up LSdj and make music!
3. When you want MIDI syncronisation go to the 'Project' screen. If you just turned on the GameBoy and you are still in the 'Song' screen, you can do this by pressing 'select+up'
4. Scroll down to the line starting with 'Sync', which normally has 'off' next to it.
5. Press 'a+right' until 'MIDI' is displayed.
6. Now go back to the song screen by pressing 'select+down'
7. Press 'start'. If there are MIDI signals coming into the interface then LSdj will start playing in time to them!! If there are no incoming MIDI signals then LSdj says 'wait' on the info line - when MIDI signals arrive this will change to 'sync'.

	GameBoy + interface + MIDI clock source

Here are some hints:

• LSdj only implements the MIDI clock signal, so you might manually have to press 'start' at the right moment if you have a hardware sequencer that generates clock signals continually.
• Almost all software sequencers only make clock signals when music is playing, so LSdj will start automatically in this case.
• It is recommended that you make all connections with the GameBoy switched off. You don't want to corrupt your song data!!
• Of course, make sure that LSdj is not playing when you turn off your GameBoy.

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(c) Gareth Morris 2002
email - homepage