Orange FM

$31.00 USD

Orange FM is a cartridge for Game Boy that allows you to listen to FM radio stations through your Game Boy’s speakers (on certain models, see compatibility chart below). It features an internal antenna for strong signals, as well as support for external antennas connected to the cart’s audio jack. In addition to mono audio output through the console, the cart delivers stereo audio through the cart’s audio jack to connected headphones or speakers. Learn more about Orange FM

A portion of your payment goes to orangeglo, the product creator. Designed in the USA, assembled in Australia.

DIY PCB
If you order the DIY option you will receive:

  • An Orange FM circuit board, with a pre-soldered and pre-flashed MCU containing the Orange FM firmware. A few other supporting parts are also pre-soldered.
  • An Orange FM cart label (non-holographic)

To complete this project, you will need to have:

  • The remaining parts. See the DIY assembly guide here, which includes the BOM, a basic assembly guide, and links to pre-made shopping lists for both Digikey and Mouser. Make sure you can source the flash chip SST39SF010A or SST39SF020A or SST39SF040 as it is EOL. 
  • The ability to solder QFN, small pitch TSOP packages, and 0603 sized components. The radio chip is a small QFN package, and you will need a hot plate, hot air, or reflow oven to solder it. The other parts can be soldered with a regular soldering iron.
  • A GBxCart or similar to flash the ROM file. This will also allow you to apply any updates that are released to the Orange FM ROM.
  • A cartridge shell. We recommend a GBC style shell. You can use a DMG style shell as well, but trimming the shell to fit the headphone jack is more difficult. Trimming/filing of the shell is required for the PCB to fit, due to the audio/antenna jack.

Please do not purchase the DIY version unless you are confident in your ability to solder these parts and complete the project! Again, please view the DIY assembly guide before purchase to ensure you understand what is required.

Questions or need support? Join the OrangeFM Discord

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Description

Features

  • World Band 64-108Mhz FM Radio
  • Uses the Game Boy’s Speaker (See compatibility chart)
  • Stereo Headphone Amp
  • Store and Recall 12 Presets
  • RDS Radio Text Support
  • Internal and External Antenna Support
  • Digital Volume Adjustment
  • Many Configurable Options, See Manual

Compatibility

Mono Audio Output Through Console Speaker Stereo Audio Through On-Cart Headphone Amp
Original Game Boy (DMG) Yes* Yes
Game Boy Pocket (MGB) Yes* Yes
Game Boy Light (MGL) Yes* Yes
Game Boy Color (CGB) Yes** Yes
Game Boy Advance (AGB) No Yes
Game Boy Advance SP (AGS) No Yes
Super Game Boy Yes (Through TV) Yes
Game Boy Player No Yes
Analogue Pocket Yes, v2.3+*** Yes
FunnyPlaying GBC No Yes

* Quiet volume
** Loud volume
*** Please make sure to change your gain setting to “Analogue” or else the audio will be super loud and blown out!

Reception

Internal antenna: The internal antenna will be used if nothing is plugged into the cart’s audio jack. The internal antenna is fairly weak, but can pick up strong signals from local stations.

External antenna: Using an external antenna is recommended for the best reception. The ideal antenna is a meter long cord – a pair of headphones works great, as does a standard 3.5mm aux cable. You can also build your own antennas – see the diy guide. If you’re looking for a telescopic antenna, these small Aliexpress antennas work fairly well – option 1 or option 2.

Please keep in mind that a game boy cartridge is a less than ideal format for a FM radio – reception strength is not comparable to a car stereo, or dedicated FM radios.

Additional information

Weight 35 g
Option

DIY PCB (No shell, BYO parts)

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