The FrameCube V2 - With quick-release faceplates and original controller support

UPDATE VERSION 2.0.1

Fixed:

• The front panel was still too awkward to clip on so I made major changes to the pins.

• The power button didn't fit properly, so I decided to remove the horizontal support as the screws do a good enough job of holding it together.

To apply this fix, you only need to reprint the following file:

1. FrameCube V2.0.1_FrameCube V2_frontTop

Note: I've printed and assembled this using the print files to confirm it works (See the first few photos), but as I don't have a MB yet, some things may need tweaking. I'll upload all of the CAD files once the competition closes. I'm also making a RPI carrier frame that uses the Framework mounts and uses a PCB breakout so you can use the slots. This is for people who don't have a framework board (like me right now) but want to be able to use the design.

Note 2 - Electric Boogaloo: some parts needed a light sanding to get them fit nicely. I'll tweak them over time, but I typically design things with less play in mechanisms and linkages as it's easier to remove material than it is to add it 😬

Note 3: It's easy enough to assemble, but I'll post a full PDF build guide and video once I get my hands on the main board and the rest of the PCBs.

UPDATE VERSION 2.0

Fixed:

• The front panel was way too awkward to remove. I have redesigned the hinge.

• There was an issue with the previous print files that I accidentally exported meaning the rear top cover didn't fit. This is now resolved so to fix it you can just print backTop. I have removed the broken files, so it's version 2+ only from now on.

• Improved the faceplate eject tolerances and added a restrictor to prevent ejecting the faceplate before ejecting the expansions.

• Changed the locking mechanism for one handed operation.

• Added extra definition to the top cover as it was barely visible. (See the last image)

• Changed the mount for the dummy button to through-hole as it was printing poorly.

New Features:

• GC Pro (GC001) - I have added the faceplate, the Gerber files, and BOM for the GC001 mode:

  • This will allow you to use original GameCube controllers with the FrameCube. It registers with the OS as 4 controllers and supports Rumble. There are also 4 RGB LEDs (one for each controller). The firmware is nearly finished and will be uploaded soon!

  • In addition to the items in the BOM, you will need:

    • FPC Micro USB to USB-C cable (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DSL9MV2Z?psc=1&smid=A31TNDITBUDOSF&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp) which you will need to cut short and solder to the pads (GND (Square dad), D-, D+, VCC). The source will be uploaded shortly

    • 4 x GameCube female controller sockets (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Replacement-Connector-Nintendo-Gamecube-Controller/dp/B0FMCHVRH6/)

  • This will allow you to use original GC controllers with the FrameCube! I've breadboarded it and it works fine, so I just need to polish the source and add it once I've checked the first batch of PCBs.

• NES001 - Added a faceplate for NES controllers.

  • This will allow you to connect original NES/Famicon controllers to the FrameCube. It is also SNES compatible with adapters.

  • I am waiting on some sockets arriving, but I will be uploading a new PCB to support this soon! I have designed a new "Universal PCB" that will support any traditional controller type, so this will make things easier in the future. Hold fire on printing this for now, as I need to add pillars for the PCB mount.

• CAD files for the front panels are included so you can build your own front panels.

Note:

The custom PCB is on its way, so may be subject to change!

I have also switched to using Zip files for version control as this seems sensible while things are in active development. Given some of the broken things in version 1 and 1.1, I have removed them, however if you've already committed to the V1 or V1.1 print, then reprint the V2 rear top plate and things will fit together.

To upgrade from V1/V1.1 to V2, you will need to print the V2 version of:

• backBottom

• backTop

• frontTop

• dummyButton

• frontPanel(Std/GC001/NES001)

• lockrod

Introduction

This is the FrameCube. A GameCube inspired modular console that packs a punch. It is dimensionally accurate to the original GameCube, with an extended rear.

It is based on the Framework 12 motherboard and expansion system, so it has versatility by design, and should be more than capable of providing a pick up and play experience with SteamOS or LaunchBox installed.

Key Features:

Switchable front panels - I did this for different control schemes as I prefer using the original controllers. There is a spring loaded button on the bottom of the unit that releases the front panel (it only works once the expansion cards are retracted). Some ideas I am working on are:

• GC Pro - Integrated GC to USB adapter (via Pico) for original wired controller support. (Complete)

• NES001 - NES/SNES compatible faceplate for using original controllers with the FrameCube (Awaiting PCB)

• FrameStation 1 - Built-in Playstation 1 controller connectors and Pi Pico based memory card reader.

• FrameStation 3 - Like the FS1 but for PS3 and with a built in official Sony PS3 Memory Card Adapter for reading original save cards.

• Media-Hub - Integrated USB 3.0 hub with SD/Flash ports and an IR receiver for remote control support.

• RetroCube - A bunch of different connectors all hooked up at the same time. No switching panels, just good old retro fun!

eGPU support - Some variants of the Framework 12 support using a Thunderbolt eGPU. I have oriented the board so the Thunderbolt port is at the rear (On some models it can be any). To use this configuration, you just need to switch out the rear HDMI/DisplayPort adapter for a USB-C passthrough and it you're golden. As a bonus, many eGPU enclosures (like the Razer Core X) have 100W+ PD, so you can free up the other USB port for another expansion card (Ethernet or Audio would be good options).

Kind of looks like a stock GameCube - It's not really a feature, but it was the whole idea behind the project. Framework + GameCube = FrameCube is where my head went. With this in mind, I wanted to make it feel like a GameCube with an accessory, rather than a cheap PI case.

Required Hardware:

• M1.6 heat inserts (generic 2.2mm OD)

  • 4 x for the motherboard standoffs. The captive screws are short, so don't put them too far in.

• M2 x 12 mm screws

  • 1 x Ideally countersunk screw for the power rod adjuster (see the end of FrameCube_V1_pwrRod)

  • 2 x for the power switch slider with nuts.

• M4 heat inserts (generic 5.6mm OD)

  • 1 x for the base of the handle (12.5mm M4 screw with a washer)

  • 8 x for the main shell (4 x 60mm, 4 x 45mm)

• M4 x 30mm machine screws

  • 2 x for top of the handle with penny washers and nuts

• M3 x 12.5mm machine screw and nut:

  • 1 x for the slider (FrameCube_V1_expLockSlide)

  • 1 x for the power button lever (FrameCube_V1_powerButton)

  • 4 x countersunk machine screws for the faceplate lock rod.

• 8 x square rubber feet (I was going to add notches, but some people might want extra clearance so place these on the bottom where feels right)

• 3mm Pen Springs (40 mm x 0.4mm or 0.5mm, although you may need to trim them to adjust the force depending on how smooth your prints are).

  • 2 for in the horizontal expansion lock slider (FrameCube_V1_expLockSlide)

  • 2 for the vertical front panel lock rods (one per rod for the holes at the end)

  • 1 goes in the power rod between the first screw and the little pin and is trapped by the enclosure

  • and there is one tucked inside the expansion release button lifter

• A 4.5mm piece of 2.8mm rod for the top of FrameCube_V1_pwrRod (I've included a printed one for if you don't have any, but I think metal would be better)

I think that's it, but it's been a long day and I can't find my notes, so I will update things as I go.

Printing:

Materials - For all of the test prints I've done so far, I've used PLA with the exception of the fan duct which I used HT PLA. I don't have a Framework 12 motherboard yet so I can't test the thermals, but I included loads of airflow.

Supports - I've tried to limit supports where possible, but it couldn't be avoided. I printed all of my test pieces on the Anycubic Kobra X and let the slicer do it's thing without issue.

Bed Size/Orientation - I've kept the dimensions suitable for printing on most printers, but on some smaller beds your mileage may vary.

Seams/Finishing - I printed everything low and slow to get a decent finish. I tried random seams but had to do a bunch of sanding. I'm hoping to get a full print done in the next week or so and I will upload some photos.

Improvements:

There are a few improvements I want to make for V1.2:

• I want to add the battery! Under normal load, the Framework 12 should be fine using a PD 100W power brick, but I'm not sure about heavy gaming so a battery will help keep up with spikes in demand. I will need to experiment, but I left some space for it just in case (No idea regarding how I'll connect it though, but I think it should be easy enough) EDIT: The connector is painful to source. I think I can salvage one from an old battery though.

• The rear friction fit for the expansions is sub-optimal. I don't like it. I had to sand it to get it right, but I don't have any Framework Expansions to test in it yet. I'll add a locking mechanism.

• I want to add a built-in USB hub into the back of the unit so I can add some audio output without needing to use an expansion slot. I may knock up a PCB and break this out into expansion slots instead.

• I need to add a power LED! The LED form the MB should illuminate the innards enough that it's obvious that it's on, but I don't know yet. I have considered making a little pogo pin board so I can draw off the board somewhere. I would like to add some additional RGB leds via a PICO or ESP32.

• GC inspired eGPU enclosure - I am very tempted to build an enclosure for one of the cheap TH3P4G3 eGPU boards, but that's a stretch goal.

• I want to add an option to mount a Raspberry PI instead of a the Framework 12 MB. I will design a custom PCB that matches the Frameworks expansion orientation so it will still be compatible with the front panels, but I might have to do something funky to get HDMI out to work. As a bonus, the PI 5 can support an eGPU (kind of) so this will nice to experiment with.

Sauce:

Once I've made some improvements I'll stick all of the design files on GitHub (or here if it lets me).