Cosmic // Dreamcast

After a recent restoration on my Dreamcast then installing a GDEMU and PicoPSU I was trying to think of what else I'd like to modify. I've always noticed how cool the logo on the lid would look lit up. Could I cut out a hole and light it from behind? Better yet could a logo be animated under the lid? I'm not a big fan of the consoles covered in pulsing LEDs, but when used a small amount and in the right places I think it can really make them pop.

I was unable to find anything online where the original logo had been lit, bar more extreme mods where either everything is lit up or the shell is completely custom with a giant swirl etched into the lid. I began researching online small Raspberry Pi / Arduino type hardware online with screens small enough that could maybe play video or gifs for me to install under the lid. Bingo, the Adafruit Clue!

The Adafruit Clue is an Arduino-alternative. Adafruit has integrated an IPS panel, which operates at a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels. The 1.3-inch colour panel can operate on 3-6 V, with the board itself regulating its voltage. You connect this to a computer via usb and add circuitpython to make it recognizable as a storage drive in order to drag and drop .gifs onto it. You can then modify the code to make it autoplay as soon as it is turned on and play between multiple gifs. I can power the device from the fan voltage pins on the front Dreamcast controller board (5v)

Once the Clue is set up and loaded with GIFs, you can switch between GIFs by using the buttons on the front of the Clue, however these are now hidden underneath the lid. I attached momentary capacitive touch switchs underneath the lid and wired them to these buttons so a button press would register through the lid.

Full Guide to my Dreamcast restoration and installation of this mod here : 

https://www.cosmicbren.com/post/ultimatedreamcast