Kraln posted the rules for his old-school games programming competition.

Gameplay is much higher-rated than graphics. DS entries are allowed as long as hardware 3D functionality isn’t utilized and 4-bit colors are used. Visit the site for more information by clicking on the image below.

I started selling gold-plated PassMes again. Please visit my shop by clicking on the picture below.

I have connected a Lassen iQ GPS module to my serial interface.

Maps are downloaded from Google Maps servers with a small script. Google maps consist of 128×128 pixel tiles.  You have to specify your address, so that map tiles around your area are downloaded. There is also a parameter for number of tiles you want. Zoom levels are possible but require to have a few tile-sets, one for each zoom level.

EDIT: Note that maps are downloaded to the CF card using the computer. DS WiFi is not reverse engineered yet. 

GBAMP (GBA Movie Player) is used to store the program and data on a CompactFlash card (special thanks to chishm and DarkFader). Number of tiles is only limited by memory size of CF card.

Here is the CF folder for a map around my area consisting of 64 google tiles. I used this for testing. As you see, tiles are just ordinary GIF images.

If you are wondering, there is a formula to go from latitude and longitude (which are provided by GPS) to Google tile number.

Code will be published later after a few things are cleaned up a bit

I connected a Palm keyboard to the PassMe serial interface. After initial trouble, I got it to show scan codes when keys are pressed/depressed. This can be used for fast text entry if needed…

Today I tested a Serial-to-Bluetooth module connected to my PassMe serial interface. It’s Class 1 Bluetooth with 100+ metres (300+ feet) line-of-sight range. I could send and receive data using HyperTerminal. Next step would be to write some useful application for it … e.g. IRC client

Perhaps it’s possible to connect to a Bluetooth cell phone? I requested some documentation from the manufacturer.

If one wants to connect PassMe serial interface to devices with RS232 voltage levels (such as a serial COM port of the computer), one has to use a level-converter. Here is a small level-converter I made using a MAX3221 chip. It plugs right into the serial interface connector.

Serial Interface for PassMe How-To posted under Projects. This interface allows to communicate with computer and other devices such as other DS, PDA keyboards, motor controllers, etc…

Ahead Games now offers FlashMe firmware upgrade service here. You just send your DS in and they flash it and send it back to you.

Don’t have a DS or want a second one? Buy a pre-modified DS here. 

Well, I decided not to make any more batches of PassMes, sorry…

Reasons are:

• Poor availability of connectors in small quantities
• Emergence of WiFiMe and FlashMe

If you have a friend with a PassMe/WiFiMe he can easily flash your DS for you. Otherwise (i.e. you don’t have any friends), you can buy a WiFiMe compatible card and sell it after flashing.

Lynx has decided to make another run of PassMes which you can order from his site. 

Meanwhile, someone sent me a connector which was a bit different from the ones I used and had to be soldered to the back side of PassMe. Below are some pictures of the result. Not too bad, if you ask me

Finally the connectors have arrived! 

Here are two pictures of a finished PassMe with DS cart inserted.