PetRockBlock ControlBlock for Raspberry Pi

This is the new revision of the ControlBlock! Now includes USB-C and new power switch circuitry capable of up to 7A with little voltage drop. Compatible with Raspberry Pi 4 as well as the previous versions.

The ControlBlock is an extension board for the Raspberry Pi that adds power switch and power LED functionality and expands the GPIO pins for connecting original game controllers or arcade controllers.

The power switch can be used to clean shutdown the system through the use of a Linux driver. This prevents file corruption and the possible loss of data. Supports toggle and momentary buttons with automatic detection of button type.

Optional LED provides on/off status as well as boot up and shut down status

GPIO pins can be accessed via the Raspberry Pi SPI interface

Out of the box support for any Raspbian based OS including Retropie and OSMC. Drivers are available as add on modules through RetroPie

Features

• Multiple Power Input Options
  
  • USB-C connector for standard Raspberry Pi power supply
    
  • 0.1" Header Solder Points
    
• 2x13 Stackable Header for connecting to Raspberry Pi GPIO
  
• Pin Headers for toggle switch and optional LED
  
• 2 GPIO expanders providing 32 additional GPIO pins via Raspberry Pi SPI interface. All pins of the GPIO expanders are accessible
  
• Screw terminals with PCB silkscreen pin outs for easy hook
  
• Supports multiple game pad input types
  
  • Arcade
    
  • MAME
    
  • SNES/NES
    
  • Genesis/MegaDrive/MasterSystem
    
• Support up to 4 players by stacking 2 ControlBlocks

Resources

• Driver Installation
  
• Support Forum
  
• Quick Installation Script Instructions