Tutorial

ChisLink GBA Full-Function Portable Cartridge Programmer User Manual

ChisLink is a handy GBA link tool for ChisFlash, supporting cart flashing and save data transfer.

I. Safety Precautions

Anti-Brick Backup (Critical Operation)

  1. Initial Setup

    • Use a TF card with MBR partition table and single-partition format
    • Ensure signature.bin (license file) exists in /config directory
    • Mandatory Backup of this file to secure location

  2. Firmware Programming Specifications

    • Verify TF card contains correct signature.bin before flashing
    • Missing file will bricked device

II. Device Startup

Scenario Boot Method
No cartridge in GBA slot Auto-launch Link or custom App
Cartridge inserted Hold START+SELECT combo

III. Cartridge Management

1. Cartridge Identification

Format Example:
ChisFlash-J-32M-F1M

  • Field Analysis:
    • ChisFlash: Compatible types (ChisFlash/Bootleg/Cartridge)
    • J/S: NOR Flash model abbreviation
    • 32M: Max 32MB(256Mb) capacity support
    • S/F/B/E(1M): Save type marker (SRAM/Flash/Battery-less/EEPROM)

2. Save Management

Function Instruction
Backup (Auto) Auto-detect save type to /saves/gamename/backup.sav
Backup (DB) Follows database rules (anti-misidentification)
Restore Save Select "DB" mode for genuine carts

3. Special Functions

  • Multi-cart Menu:
    • For ChisFlash 01G/02G
    • Press SELECT to switch views
    • Press A to select game for save/ROM management
  • Hardware Details:
    Press L+R to view (include this in compatibility reports)

4. ROM Backup

  • Backup current cartridge

IV. Filesystem

Directory Structure

Root/
├── saves/        # Save files
├── favorites/    # Favorites
└── config/       # System config
└── dumps/        # ROM dumps

File Operations

Operation Constraints
Auto-rename auto-recognizes ROM names for .gba
Move/Delete Folder operations unsupported
Hotkeys START toggles extensions. D-pad navigate pages

V. WiFi

Connection Modes

Config Type Path/Parameter Notes
Built-in SSID: Bach<br>Password: chisbread Takes effect immediately
TF Card Config /config/web.conf Preserved after firmware updates

Advanced Settings

  • /config/web.conf
wifi_disable=0          # Disable WiFi
wifi_lazy_connect=1     # Recommended (reduces power)
wifi_max_power_adjust=0 # Power adjust range(-16~16)

VI. Advanced Features

Overclock Programming

  • Activation: Press START on main menu
  • Indicator: "@Bread" (capital B) shown bottom-right
  • Notes:
    • Unsupported on all GB Micro models
    • Disable overclock if CRC fails

VII. Credits

  • Butano
  • devkitPro
  • gba-link-connection

VIII. Miscellaneous

Firmware Upgrade

  1. Connect to PC via USB
  2. Visit esptool-js page
  3. Select USB JTAG/serial to flash

Note: Compatible with ChisFlash MBC5 cartridges. GBC requires dedicated adapter (not standard)

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