CleanPower Regulator Game Boy Pocket Color Install - RetroSix

See the everyday life of working a retro modding company. Learn hardware design, mods, software, FPGA, LCDs and more.
Discord / discord
Instagram / retrosixuk
Facebook / retrosixuk
Store www.retrosix.c...

[@irwingalvarez]

I would love one of these videos for the gameboy color version of clean power regulator. I don't know anything about power delivery and the gameboy color regulator has a different number of pins. I'm kinda hesitant to use this guide to change the regulator on my gameboy color.

[@MossySparks]

I was stuck trying to mod my Gameboy and watched one of your videos where you explored the motherboard... Ended up finding a resistor that when shorted fired everything up. Removed it and bridged the pads and it's now working! I just wanted to say thanks.

[@chrish8904]

which resistor did that and which game boy?

[@MossySparks]

@@chrish8904 Gameboy Color and it was the F1 Fuse! I also just discovered it gives off extremely high EMF. Which has me wondering.

[@swingstylez]

​@@MossySparksperhaps modern fuse replacements would do a better job. How did you test the EMF?

[@MossySparks]

@@swingstylez It was a Ulefone Android that apparently had the censor in it. It would literally go off the charts when I put it near the cartridge opening. My mod was fairly ambitious though, I crammed a Teensy micro controller in there for a rapid fire feature and to control my button LEDs with button combos. I likely wired something wrong and created the first Portal Gun or something...

[@iannicholson1675]

Fantastic video, so concise and professional. Love the work.

[@RetroSix]

Glad you like it

[@willmoindrot]

In case it's useful for others. On a Pocket I wanted to keep using the stock screen (but wanted better power for flashcarts). Keeping the original regulator in place was step 1 but I found with the Clean Power the screen would not always come on. I don't think it said it in the video but you need to disconnect pin 6 of the original regulator

[@root42]

Fantastic, thanks. I just added one of your IPS screens in a custom shell and was wondering why it cuts out all the time. If I only had known before, I would have ordered one of these straight away...

[@spectrepro]

Do you have a video testing the power delivery of the stock vs cleanpower regulators?

[@zedsutterfield204]

Very clean video. I will be watching more

[@DonkeyBlonkey28]

When installing the CleanPower Regulator for the GameBoy Color, is it necessary to remove the original power regulator or can you leave it on (Or rather is it recommended to leave it off) And lastly, will this be compatible with Giltesa's USB-C charging board for the GBC?

[@RetroSix]

The install video explains when to remove or leave original in place. If original screen or FunnyPlaying screen then leave original in. Otherwise you can remove. Never heard of that usb board but it won't interfere with it so you should be fine

[@DonkeyBlonkey28]

@@RetroSix Gotcha. I was planning on using the Funnyplaying IPS Q5 V 2.0 Screen. So just leave the original board, solder the regulator on top, I'd assume I wouldn't need to cut the top left leg either?

[@RetroSix]

@@DonkeyBlonkey28 Correct you can leave the top left pad. The CleanPower will power the 5V rail and if it dips the original would take over momentarily so wont make much difference leaving it connected

[@Airoria]

What if I have a faulty power regulator? Would this fix the issue ? Would it still work with the original screen?

[@ryekia]

Alright but, when you are removing something that has pins(specially a small number) use low temp melting solder. It is specifically for reworks. Then clean up the joints and make it look clean. It’s a lot easier and causes lowers the risk of damage to the pads/contacts.

[@adrianharrison5208]

Brilliant upgrade, just about to buy one for my Game Boy

[@TheOnlyOwnedbyCow]

How do I know which displays require which voltage? I have the funnyplaying retro pixel 2.0. I am having an issue after my gameboy color was knocked out of my hands. I was thinking about removing the original power regulator, but I am not sure what exactly it needs.

[@brandicus]

Thank you for this guide i was able to make it through the install on my two GBCs that needed this. Any plans to do a cleanamp 1.2 install video?

[@RetroSix]

Yep can do CleanAmp installs. Will probably do CleanAmp Pro on all consoles then do installs on those

[@earthskarma]

Great video. Thank you. How does this affect the DMG? And a DMG with a modded screen? Please and thank you.

[@RetroSix]

Note I kept calling the transformer on the original regulator an inductor 😂

[@NesuProps]

Hello RetroSix! I'm planning to buy your power regulator for my GBC, my concern is this one. My GBC has its original power regulator, however the inductor that it has is broken which leads the console to not to power on. There would be any problem if I install this Clean Power over it? Or is it better to remove it and leave the board only?

[@kennethrosenbalmjr8179]

Can this be used along side the clean power regulator? I installed both and now it seems to not charge after the regulator install.

[@johnshack3403]

Do your Prestige consoles all come with the CleanPower Voltage regulator? I was just checking out your Gameboy DMG Prestige consoles and noticed the pages didn't say anything about that. With all the mods made to your Prestige Gameboys, wouldn't using a new Voltage Regulator be better? I'd feel safer if they came standard with the Prestige consoles, honestly.

[@RetroSix]

Yes they do come with CleanPower

[@DanielWeimer19]

Great video, very informative. Is it worth installing a CleanPower Regulator into an original device with no modifications? Thanks in advance.

[@RetroSix]

It won't harm and would keep the original regulator running for longer taking the load off it, but it's not required on original for any major reason

[@DanielWeimer19]

@@RetroSix Ah, understood. Thanks for the response!

[@JRaft0518]

I installed a Q5 IPS LCD Kit with Laminated Lens - Funnyplaying. So I need to take out the old regulator ?? Or just supplement it with this new one?

[@RetroSix]

If you purchased it recently then FP updated their design so it doesn't need old regulator. So just remove it

[@ZachDurland]

Great video! I tested for continuity found that the right two pins had continuity. Bad, right? I noted that when the power switch is off they DO have continuity. When the power switch is ON they do not have continuity. I have not turned the system ON actually while I've been aware of the short. FYI, this short exists even before installing the Clean Power GBP chip and I'm keeping the old regulator on to power the stock LCD while I use my backlight. Any idea how to find the short?

[@ZachDurland]

Sorry forgot to @RetroSix you guys.

[@RetroSix]

Sounds like a discharge connection. If it's off it shorts the output to ground to discharge

[@ZachDurland]

Do you mean it’s by design and I can likely proceed to install the clean power chip!

[@thehowiewang]

Hey not sure if you can help me or not. Desoldered the original regulator, soldered in the gbp clean power. No juice. Took the clean power off and resoldered the original regulator. No power still. What has happened here? Have I shorted something when I installed the clean power? I checked for continuity between all pins matching after installing the clean power. It matches your test in the video. I should also mention that I did a usbc mod on this so the dc Jack is removed. It still worked before adding the clean power though. Any solutions?

[@RetroSix]

Could of blown the fuses. Jump on discord.gg/retrosix and share images, sure we can help

[@michael1stay251]

Plase do a GG. I tried fixing 2 with the usbc power board and your replacement capacitors and must have ended them because they both give white light and no sound. I would appreciate more info on fixing them. Great work, love your products.

[@RetroSix]

Yep I'll be doing GG soon

[@jameslol]

What do you mean by a short piece of wire at 4:16?

[@RetroSix]

If you can’t get solder to flow down from the CP to the pins below use a short wire to act as a solder bridge to connect them together

[@martinmcneal2778]

Can you do a video for installing a USB-C power port and Battery Pack into a Gameboy Color? I did an install of that recently with a Funnyplaying Ips Screen (V2) and every time I put in a game it resets the power save (but the cartridge battery is still good). I was lucky I tested it on an old game I didn't mind to lose the save on but still want to know what I've done wrong to fix it

[@RetroSix]

Yep I’ll add USB C to the CleanJuice Air then do install video

[@martinmcneal2778]

@@RetroSix Thank you. I look forward to another awesome install video

[@Hattoryy]

Hola, tengo una game boy pocket con pantalla TFT mod retroiluminada. Tiene este tipo de problemas desde que instale este mod. Tu video de instalacion se ve perfecto, pero la traduccion de youtube no es buena. Pedi en tu web un cleanpower gbp. Mi pregunta es: ¿quitando el regulador antiguo y poniendo el nuevo de retrosix ya funcionaria? gracias y saludos.

[@hedraun9289]

If I want to connect the CleanPower but still want to use my original screen what connections should I use? So I leave the current regulator in but what points do I solder on the CleanPower? Do I leave 4 & 5 alone and solder only the 6, and the ground 3 and power over by the capacitors? Also do I need to clip anything on the old regulator? I noticed you clipped the VCC but in the store page on Handheld Legends they clip VDD instead on the other side of the old regulator. Kinda confused.

[@RetroSix]

Just solder the CleanPower on all pins and cut nothing

[@mbe102]

I don't know if its in development, but, dang do we need some CleanJuice for our GBC's. Please oh please. Also, thanks for the order on stuff, that little slip case for my GBC is awesome!

[@mbe102]

Also, question for you, if you happen upon this. For the Q5 OSD IPS (non-laminated one), is the original regulator still needed, in your opinion or can you just go straight cleanpower?

[@RetroSix]

The ones we stock and use are just straight CP. Think it's only FP that need old reg

[@TymekSoad]

Hi, I have a question. I ordered GBC retro pixel IPS LCD kit from Funny Playing. The game boy that I have has a damaged enclosure of the power regulator (you can see exposed wires). The console works just fine now though, I have put some kapton tape over the regulator. I want to order the CleanPower, should I leave the original power regulator in place with the CleanPower or can I use CleanPower only? I don't plan on using any amp kits.

[@RetroSix]

For FP screens leave original regulator on fully

[@TymekSoad]

@@RetroSix Do you know were I can buy original power regulator to make a swap? Can't find it anywhere and I worry about the exposed wires.

[@RetroSix]

There are no originals you would have to get one from another console

[@TymekSoad]

@@RetroSix okey thanks!

[@lukemackey4820]

Thanks for the Vid. Ive just ordered myself a Hakko Iron. What temp do you have yours set to for this type of work?

[@RetroSix]

If your used to working with small components 380 C. If your not start at 350 C

[@lukemackey4820]

@@RetroSix Cheers mate. I’ve made plenty of cables in my time, but small components are new. I’ll start at 350. Thanks.

[@chadwickspickleton1939]

Just one question if you have the time to answer. If i where to install a Q5 v2 laminated kit on a gbc motherboard with both clean power and clean amp already installed on said motherboard would i run into any future problems with the Q5 v2 installed?

[@RetroSix]

Only that the laminated screens have been known to kill GBCs quite a lot of them I've personally seem customers have kill the boards. They are super power hungry. But in theory no do long as you have both the original regulator and CleanPower you should be ok

[@jorgemena5885]

Luke, You were showing to cut the 3 volts input pin in the video but in your website says that is the top left of the three when looking the console from the back and the clean power is on the bottom right corner of the board. Which pin is the one you have to cut?

[@RetroSix]

If you not using original regulator it's top right input pin. If you want to use original regulator you cut top left pin (5v output) so the CleanPower provides the 5V power and original provides the LCD voltage

[@jorgemena5885]

@@RetroSix Thanks for the reply!! Keep up the good work!!

[@MajinGouken]

@@RetroSix don’t you mean Original Screen, not regulator?

[@joseceballos4840]

Great video! That trick to remove the voltage regulator was super helpful. Now just to confirm, if I plan on using the funnyplaying ips pocket screen, to enable the brightness on the contrast wheel I need to leave the original regulator in place but snip the Vdd output pin?

[@RetroSix]

Correct

[@Erikk_0]

@@RetroSix Does this apply to the FunnyPlaying Game Boy Color IPS v2 mod as well? or can the voltage regulator be removed because the modes are changed with a touch sensor?

[@RetroSix]

I don't use them so could not confirm sorry

[@eightbitbebop]

Fantastic videos guys!!

[@RetroSix]

Thanks. Glad you like

[@pedrocaricchio]

Thanks again for the in-depth guide! Just a quick question: will the GBC CleanPower work well with NiMH rechargeable AA batteries (e.g.: Eneloop)?

[@RetroSix]

Yep certainly will

[@chrishard7616]

@@RetroSix Hi your spec on the website for the Cleanpower states input voltage from 2.5V. Nimhs are a nominal 1.2V so 2 of those in series is just 2.4V and would be below the minimum spec. Can you please advise if the Cleanpower will still work reliably. One also needs to consider the minor voltage drops through the battery spring clips and switch contacts. I'm planning to use 2 AAA Eneloops. Thanks.

[@robert_wolf6989]

Hey I'm really sorry. I was listening to this with low volume cuz my baby is asleep lol but could I use a desoldering pump to remove the old regulator? :O

[@RetroSix]

Yeah desolder pump or desolder wick or just add solder and heat all pins at same time. Many ways to do it

[@Josephlandon1]

works without the oem regulator with the FunnyPlaying laminated IPS kits for Gameboy Color

[@planeetpaul]

Does the brightness control of the Funnyplaying kit still work? And do you have the V2 kit?

[@RetroSix]

FunnyPlaying updated their design to work so yes they work now. There is no update to this design this first one is still the most current

[@Josephlandon1]

@@planeetpaul Mine is the Game Boy Color Retro Pixel 2.0 Q5 IPS LCD Kit. yes the brightness works with start sel menu or the touch sensor.

[@TengoReuma]

So this would be a subtitute for the known pololu regulator board addon?

[@RetroSix]

never heard of pololu?

[@ozeanasphalt]

I'm planning on doing the funnyplaing IPS 2.0 mod on GBC. I'm pretty sure, that I won't be doing any other mods to the system. Would you still recomend the CleanPower regulator in this case?

[@RetroSix]

Yep. Just solder the CleanPower over top of existing regulator to add support to the 5V rail

[@ozeanasphalt]

@@RetroSix Still need to cut that top left pin from the old regulator, right? Asking because I already did that.😄

[@RetroSix]

@@ozeanasphalt For Funny Playing you do not, it is the only screen that needs the negative voltage rail. You can just solder the cut back together if you have cut it. For all non-FP screens you can cut it, but its honestly easy just to not cut it either way

[@ozeanasphalt]

@@RetroSix Okay. Just to clarify the confusion: I should have cut it if I were to use the original screen, right? Thanks btw for the fast responses.

[@RetroSix]

If you cut it then FP screens or originals wont work. If you don't cut it, everything will work

[@rolandmorgenstern4725]

Did it, sadly with funnyplaying screen, ezflash (and even original cartridge), amp and power regulator from retro six - still reboots... Do the li batterys help ? I let the old regulator on the board and just cut the 5V.

[@maddingerat7293]

Hast du es hinbekommen? Habe ähnliches vor.

[@rolandmorgenstern4725]

@@maddingerat7293 yes works now...without a power regulator no chance because the screen and amp need much more power

[@maddingerat7293]

For me it doesnt work, so i will replace the capacitor.. Thanks for answering..

[@rolandmorgenstern4725]

@@maddingerat7293 I also replaced the capacitor with a 330 next to the power board... was too small

[@rolandmorgenstern4725]

@@maddingerat7293 können uns aber gerne auch per Mail austauschen ;-)

[@brandonlong260]

I’ve removed the old regulator and tried to install the new cleanjuice on my gbc but now nothings turning on… I’m hoping I just did a sloppy job and the solder is connected between the points on each side which I assume would mess things up?

[@RetroSix]

Jump on our discord and send photos. Also do the troubleshooting steps mentioned in this vid check voltages

[@brandonlong260]

@@RetroSix I’ll jump on there and send photos - I ended up removing the cleanpower board and putting back the original regulator - but after testing the fuses I found one was blown from the turning on the device with the cleanpower board, now I don’t know where to find fuses - the ones I see don’t say “5C” like mine do so that confuses me, I see ones that say “20” or these ones: console5.com/store/checkout/cart/ but not sure if they work?

[@RetroSix]

@@brandonlong260 retrosix.co.uk/2-X-0603-Fuse-Fast-Acting-p360354039

[@andrecalerovaldez]

On the Gameboy Pocket and the FunnyPlaying IPS this mod removes the capability to change the brightness using the contrast wheel.. :(

[@RetroSix]

It doesn't. You just don't cut the pads on original regulator and it's fine

[@haroonehsan5413]

@@RetroSix So you just solder to the other side and keep all of the original pins connected to the motherboard (as well as soldering the cleanpower mod to those points? Though you do say use a short wire, but I live for the stress of soldering directly huehuehue).

[@RetroSix]

Correct yes

[@haroonehsan5413]

@@RetroSix you utter babe. Thanks for the speedy reply and also, props to you for responding to the same questions worded in 50 different ways.

[@KidChameleon87]

Can you install this with the stock regulator in by just snipping pin 6 on the stock one?

[@RetroSix]

Yep just snip top left pin when looking at it with regulator on bottom right

[@KidChameleon87]

​@@RetroSix also now that the original regulator is altered or removed completely with the addition of the CleanPower, do batteries drain faster? I have a couple installed and see a difference in battery longevity.

[@RetroSix]

No should see improvement not reduction

[@msikohen]

How can you go about fixing it if I did short the metal underneath the power and ground. When I tested the two on the right, it seems I did short

[@RetroSix]

Just warm up all pads at the same time by moving your iron fast over then with plenty of solder to remove the chip. Then clean your iron put flux on board where short is and wipe iron over it to wick the solder on to iron removing the short

[@msikohen]

@@RetroSix thank you! Can you sect that the short has been fixed before installing the power regulator?

[@RetroSix]

Yes put multimeter into continuity mode and touch between ground and power

[@ArtyDarth]

I have installed an IPS kit on my Gameboy Color, and I've experienced two issues: 1. The sound worked, but the screen didn't really power up. And when it did, the screen didn't look very bright on certain areas. 2. Yesterday, I did some soldering on it. For a while, sound and screen worked. But after I tried to turn it on again, none of them work anymore. Here's my question: Could the second issue be solved with the CleanPower? Because I haven't noticed any anomalies on the mainboard, so I figured it might be a power issue.

[@RetroSix]

Should fix power up issue. Might fix screen too. Solder it over the top of original and cut the 5V output of original regulator so it's not powering the console too

[@ColdestMoon_Channel]

This is exactly what i'm after - thank you, just ordered 2 of these bad boys, will complete a follow up vid with this, the Clean Air, IPS AND a new shell. thank you Luke. Take care Dan

[@lukemackey4820]

What sort of magnifying glass do you recommend?

[@RetroSix]

Amscope SM-4B

[@KitV91]

CleanAmp V1.2 install vid for pocket please!

[@thump3r]

i have this and the helder one. honestly the helder mod is 1000X better. but that what you get with American made stuff.

[@RetroSix]

Hmmm ok. An off the shelf 5v regulator is what it is. 1000x better it must install itself and make the 5V rail ultra powerful 😂

[@Dany-ft3xc]

hello, what is it for? thank you

[@RetroSix]

Let's your install mods to your console without them killing the original consoles power regulator

[@Dany-ft3xc]

@@RetroSix so in the event of a laminated ips screen, should it be changed? is it only for pocket and color? or also for others?

[@RetroSix]

We have it for GBP and GBC. Just sit it over the top of the original to assist the 5V rail. GBA is strong enough to power the mods without it

[@RetroSix]

Oh and GB DMG we do one too

[@Dany-ft3xc]

@@RetroSix ok, i'm going to your site. from your advice, leave them both or remove the standard one?

[@MrPichinchano]

Working for GBC?

[@RetroSix]

Yes we have one for GBC

[@thegreatjonzini]

What scope model is that looks wonderful!?

[@RetroSix]

It's a Tagarno Trend