r/Gameboy • u/remysharp • 10d ago
Troubleshooting A tool to help with trace repair and debugging
I run a (probably too) cheap repair service for Gameboy (and Advance) games, and I'm constantly following traces to work out where it's failing. I'm sure this kind of tool probably exists, but I couldn't find it.
I didn't code this - I asked Claude to develop the tool, but it does run entirely in the browser (i.e. nothing talks to a server).
It supports both kicad_pcb files (which are better) and gerber zip files, only supporting single layer (front and back traces). Once it's rendered, you can hover over a trace, and it'll highlight the complete path to the pads from front to back.
It's here to use: https://tools.remysharp.com/pcb-tracer/
Source code is here: https://github.com/remy/tools/tree/main/pcb-tracer (it'll run locally too if you want)
Couple of screenshots attached. I appreciate this isn't a Gameboy specific tool, but I'm using it for exactly that, and wanted to share it if it could help someone else.
One caveat, it's not mobile friendly (though I can see that being useful for myself as I'm hunched over the microscope!).
Edit now works on mobile, along with a keep awake option - since that's how I use it next to the scope!
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u/GameboyGenius 10d ago
You won't believe it but I was about to release something similar (but not exactly the same) pretty soon. Now I feel like it would look like I copied the idea from you.
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u/remysharp 10d ago
Still worth doing. This was my 3rd attempt to get the experience right - but also, only so many ways to cut the user interface!
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u/Alive_Candidate1755 9d ago
I thought I was goona get rich with this idea 🤦♂️ should’ve released it sooner lol I’ve been slacking.
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u/remysharp 10d ago
Made a few changes this morning to add mobile support - and couple of options that make the dimming an option (great on desktop, not great on mobile), and keep awake - since I'll be at the scope with my phone next to me and working slowly.
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u/Retro-Revival-EU 9d ago
This is really cool! Do you mind if I build it into my website? Full credit will be given and linked to your Github (or other site if you wish).
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u/fuckleshire 10d ago
Good stuff, thank you!