All Sony BVM monitors require some kind of control unit to allow for operation; While some will power on in the last mode used, a wired control unit is required for even the most basic operations like changing inputs, or switching between RGB and YPbPr. As these control modules get less common, prices are rising – and lucky for us, Aaron Bonham has just released an Arduino based, open-source homebrew solution to replace the Sony BKM-10R control unit that’s used with the BVM-D20F1a/e/u (and possibly others). While the BKM-10iRduino isn’t available to purchase as a kit yet, you can build you own if you follow the github instructions:
Github Link: https://github.com/abonham/BKM-10Rduino
Purchase an original BKM-10r on *eBay: https://ebay.us/ZsJnlg
In its current form, the BKM-10iRduino provides the basic control buttons which should be all you need: Power, Menu, Enter and up & down. It’s powered right from the control port, so all you’ll need is a cable wired to the board. Basically, this project is a BVM DIY’ers dream!
…for the non DIY’er, I really hope someone steps up to the plate and helps Aaron turn this into a sellable product. Maybe put the entire design on a surface-mount PCB, include a serial port so no custom cable is needed and have it all contained in a 3D printed shell? There’s more than enough talent in the retro gaming world to pull this off, so hopefully we’ll see a version of this available to purchase at some time in the future.
#MiSTerFPGA #bvmlife BKM-10iRduino is now a working, barebones solution for actual “remote” remote control of Sony BVMs pic.twitter.com/MEdQiI3XiA
— Aaron Bonham (@abonham) October 23, 2021
*This is an affiliate link to search results for BKM-10r. These links help keep the website running.
