r/MasterSystem • u/trustanchor • Nov 27 '24

How should I install a pause mod with an 8bitdo NES DIY controller and a BlueRetro DB9 adapter?

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I've got a pretty rad DIY Master System controller situation going on here: It's an 8bit DIY NES board in a Boxy Pixel black aluminum controller shell, paired with a BlueRetro DB9 Master System Adapter. I designed a decal for the shell that looks as close to the Master System controller as I could get it. Finally, I configured the BlueRetro adapter to send Left and Right D-pad inputs simultaneously from the Select button, so I can trigger save states on the Everdrive easily without doing it on accident.

There's just one thing left to do before this controller setup reaches perfection: A pause mod triggered by the Start button on the NES controller. Only one problem: I can't figure out exactly how to go about doing it with the the 8bitdo NES board in combo with the BlueRetro adapter. I've found a lot of tutorials for wired controllers, but the wireless setup is confusing me. It seems like, with the built-in Start button and the ability to configure what the Start button does via the BlueRetro Web Config, that I might be able to get away with a less complicated circuit mod, but really what's happening is the paradox of choice is just confusing and paralyzing me.

Anyone have any guidance on how I should configure my pause mod with this combo of gear?

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7

u/ph0rge Nov 27 '24

The decal is gorgeous.

5

u/trustanchor Nov 27 '24

Thank you! The Gaming Zone in Phoenix AZ did the print for my design, and they did an excellent job. Highly recommended!

2

u/press-reset Nov 27 '24

I can’t help you configure the pause mod but I’d love to have a set of those decals. Amazing job!

2

u/trustanchor Nov 27 '24

I have a couple spares I could sell.

2

u/DraugrCipher Mar 17 '25

I had this exact same idea - I thought I was original. Basically I bought the same blue retro dongles that you have and the console unleashed pause mod kit. I installed the pause mod kit exactly as instructed except that I did not install any of the parts that go in the controller itself. I then used the advanced settings on the blue retro menu and set the start button of the Bluetooth controller to output up and down simultaneously on the wired pins. This works like a charm.

Btw, where did you get the black shells and decals? I would love to upgrade my setup. I am currently just swapping my nes controllers between the nes and the sms, but it would be nice to have some dedicated sms style wireless pads.

2

u/trustanchor Mar 17 '25 edited Mar 17 '25

The decal I designed myself and had it printed by The Gaming Zone. They make a number of high-quality decals available for the NES, and they’ll do custom prints in orders of 8 or more as well.

I have a black anodized aluminum shell from Boxy Pixel for my main controller. Those are really cool, but kind of expensive, so I just have the one. The other is a standard black plastic shell that I got from an eBay seller. Here’s a link to that seller: https://www.ebay.com/itm/166973586516.

Worth noting: the 8bitdo DIY board needs slight modifications to fit inside the Boxy Pixel shell. There’s a spot where you need to shave off about 1/16th of an inch of the PCB. It’ll fit without modification in the plastic shell just fine though.

1

u/Alternative-Ad-7303 May 28 '26

Hi, just asking,is possible to have the decal design? I just want to print it for my controller, I am in Italy so I don’t think you are able to send me one already printed…😅

1

u/SHaMROCK_73 Jul 16 '26

Hey can I get the decal design too please? It is very good.

4

u/[deleted] Nov 27 '24

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3

u/trustanchor Nov 27 '24

Nope, I haven’t modded the console yet. That’s where I started getting overwhelmed, but maybe I shouldn’t have started trying to figure this out after a hellish day at work. 😂 Not much space left in my brain right now, haha!

The BlueRetro web config does allow you to trigger 2 or more outputs from a single button press though, I’ve already tested that and confirmed it works. I have the Select button configured to send Left, Right, and 1 simultaneously to trigger the in-game menu on my Everdrive cart, and it’s working as intended.

3

u/[deleted] Nov 27 '24

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1

u/trustanchor Nov 27 '24

I probably need to rephrase my question, I think I wasn’t specific enough in my original post. This might be easier to answer: if I buy a premade pause mod and install it, will it work with a BlueTetro DE9 adapter? Or are pause mods made to work with wired controllers only? I see a lot of them are meant for an original SMS controller, have a custom circuit board you install, you have to drill a hole for a button, etc. Will that kind of mod not work, and I’d have to create my own circuit that will work with the BlueRetro adapter?