8bitdo M30 and megadrive flashback hd

[ranja81]

I just wondered if there was any way to pair these together. My M30 dongle doesn't seem to draw enough power from the flashback so wondered if there might be a way of connecting directly as they are both 2.4ghz. Thanks

 

[dcuk7]

I have tested this extensively and not found a way to get it working.

I don't think it's a power issue as I've used a multimeter to check the voltage coming through the controller port and it provides over 4 volts (every flashback seems to vary slightly) so there must be something else stopping it from working.

 

[ranja81]

Ah right. I thought I'd read somewhere that it doesn't draw enough power. It's strange it doesn't work. I was thinking of getting the Bluetooth dongle but I assume that would be the same, or perhaps trying the retrobit controllers although I suspect the dongle is the same as the ones used by 8bitdo

 

[dcuk7]

I have the retro-bit controller so I'll try it and let you know.

 

[rrifonas]

Same thing with the 8bitdo bluetooth dongle. I can see the blue light blinking as if there is not enough power...

I have the retrobit controller but I didn't try it.

 

[dcuk7]

So my main flashback unit is outputting 5.023 volts on pin 5 of the controller port, slightly higher than the mega drive I also tested. Both have pretty much the same amperage.

I tried the retro-bit wireless controller with the 2.4ghz dongle on the flashback and the dongle does light up but won't enter sync mode. This dongle has a micro USB port on the side for power and when I connected a power bank to it the dongle came to life properly and synced with the controller and worked.

So for whatever reason even though the flashback is outputting +5v on the controller port, it isn't enough to make these dongles work. There must be something else the flashback isn't doing that the real hardware does (maybe something to do with the ground/select pins). I'd need to scope the controller pins and compare. If I can get hold of a scope I will have a go.

But long story short, the 2.4ghz retro-bit controller works as long as you feed it 5v 1a via its micro USB port.

 

[ranja81]

So my main flashback unit is outputting 5.023 volts on pin 5 of the controller port, slightly higher than the mega drive I also tested. Both have pretty much the same amperage.

I tried the retro-bit wireless controller with the 2.4ghz dongle on the flashback and the dongle does light up but won't enter sync mode. This dongle has a micro USB port on the side for power and when I connected a power bank to it the dongle came to life properly and synced with the controller and worked.

So for whatever reason even though the flashback is outputting +5v on the controller port, it isn't enough to make these dongles work. There must be something else the flashback isn't doing that the real hardware does (maybe something to do with the ground/select pins). I'd need to scope the controller pins and compare. If I can get hold of a scope I will have a go.

But long story short, the 2.4ghz retro-bit controller works as long as you feed it 5v 1a via its micro USB port.

Well that's interesting to know. I ordered the retro bit Bluetooth dongle so will try that as well, otherwise I might get the retrobit 2.4g controller. How does that controller compare to the 8bitdo or an original megadrive controller. I liked the 8bitdo because it felt solid where as the ones that come with the flashback just feel too lightweight and flimsy

 

[dcuk7]

The new Retro-bit SEGA-licensed controllers are almost exactly like the original Mega Drive 6-button pads (although they are 8-button as they have an L and R shoulder buttons like the 8bitdo M30). I only use those now when playing on original hardware/Mega SG.

The only reason I buy the 2.4GHz ones is because the bluetooth ones don't come with the dongle for the Mega Drive. To then charge 50% of the controller price for the dongle is daylight robbery IMO! Same for 8bitdo (although I do own their bluetooth M30 controller which I use on my RetroPie SEGA Raspberry Pi build).