ChisLink

A full-function portable cartridge programmer designed for GBA

• Discord(Preparing)

• Open Source Flashcarts

  • ChisFlash 0.1(SRAM1M), 1.0(FRAM1M), 1.1(Flash1M)
  • ChisFlash MBC5 Max (16in1)
  • ChisFlash MBC5 Plus (4in1)

• ChisLink中文说明 | ChisLink English Manual

Agents

• EPICJOY Official Store

Overview

ChisLink is a powerful GBA (Game Boy Advance) portable cartridge programmer that supports reading/writing various cartridge types, save management, ROM backup, and more. The device is compact and portable, featuring WiFi connectivity.

Key Features

• 🎮 Multi-cartridge Support - Compatible with ChisFlash, ChisMBC5(adapter required), genuine cartridges, and some bootleg cartridges
• 💾 Smart Save Management - Auto-detect save types with backup and restore functionality
• ⚡ Flashcart Programming - Change the game on the flashcart anytime, anywhere!
• 🗂️ File System - File management capabilities.
• 📡 WiFi Connectivity - Wireless file transfer and remote management.

Supported Cartridge Types

Type	Description	Save Support	Programming
ChisFlash	Compatible cartridges	SRAM/Flash/EEPROM	✅
ChisMBC5	MBC5 cartridges (adapter required)	SRAM/Flash/EEPROM	✅
Cartridge	Genuine cartridges	Database-based identification	❌
Bootleg	Bootleg cartridges	Bootleg's Batteryless-SRAM is not fully supported, and it requires constant power restart (insert ChisLink in the game)	⚠️

Quick Start

Preparation

1. Prepare a TF card (MBR partition table, single FAT32 partition format)
2. Ensure signature.bin file exists in /config directory
3. Important: Backup signature.bin file to a secure location

Device Startup

• No cartridge: Auto-launch Link or custom App
• With cartridge: Hold START+SELECT combo to boot

Basic Operations

• SELECT - Switch menu view (multi-cart mode)
• A - Select game for operations
• START - Toggle file extension display / Enable overclock
• L+R - View hardware details
• D-pad - Navigate pages

File System Structure

Root/
├── saves/        # Save files directory
├── favorites/    # Favorites folder
├── config/       # System configuration
│   ├── signature.bin  # License file (required)
│   └── web.conf      # WiFi configuration
└── dumps/        # ROM dump directory

WiFi Configuration

Default Settings

• SSID: Bach
• Password: chisbread

Advanced Configuration (/config/web.conf)

wifi_disable=0          # Disable WiFi
wifi_lazy_connect=1     # Recommended (reduces power consumption)
wifi_max_power_adjust=0 # Power adjustment range (-16~16)

Firmware Updates

1. Connect to computer via USB
2. Visit esptool-js page
3. Select USB JTAG/serial to complete flashing

Safety Precautions

⚠️ Important Reminders:

• Verify TF card contains correct signature.bin before firmware flashing
• Missing this file will brick the device
• Regularly backup configuration files

Compatibility

• ✅ Supports all GBA console models
• ✅ Compatible with ChisFlash MBC5 cartridges
• ❌ GB Micro does not support overclocking
• ⚠️ ChisMBC5 requires adapter

Technical Support

For compatibility issues, please provide:

• Hardware details (press L+R to view)
• Cartridge model and PCB photo
• Specific error symptoms

Roadmap

• 🔮 Self-hosted Cloud Save - Support for self-deployed cloud save functionality
• 🌐 ChisLink Internet Multiplayer Protocol - Implementation of internet-based multiplayer protocol for ChisLink devices

Credits

• Butano - GBA development framework
• devkitPro - Development toolchain
• gba-link-connection - Connection library

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📖 Detailed Manuals: 中文版 | English