Description complète
MiSTer FPGA RTC board: the right date and time, even without a network
A MiSTer FPGA has no battery-backed clock: every time it's powered on, it starts with no date or time and waits for a network connection to provide them. On an offline setup, the Amiga, MSX, PC-XT or file browser end up with a bogus date. This RetroScaler RTC board adds a battery-powered clock that keeps running while the MiSTer is switched off, and that the system reads back at startup.
What it does
- Keeps time while powered off: the clock stays powered by a coin cell battery when the MiSTer is unplugged.
- Restores the date at startup: cores and saved files get a consistent timestamp, without going through Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Compact format: approximately 3.7 × 3.6 × 0.5 cm, designed to stay in a MiSTer case that's already well filled.
What it doesn't do
- Improves neither the performance nor the compatibility of cores: it's a clock, not an SDRAM board or a memory expansion.
- Doesn't replace a network connection: core and firmware updates still require the Internet.
- Doesn't work on its own: you need a MiSTer FPGA built on a Terasic DE10-Nano board, with an up-to-date MiSTer Main and RTC support enabled.
- Isn't a cartridge save battery: it doesn't restore the saves of a real Game Boy, Mega Drive or Super Nintendo cartridge.
- A coin cell battery isn't guaranteed to be in the box — have one ready.
Compatibility
Designed for a MiSTer FPGA built around the Terasic DE10-Nano board, via the expansion connector. It isn't intended for mini PCs and Android emulation boxes, retro handheld consoles or original consoles. Other development boards (DE10-Standard, DE1-SoC…) aren't covered. Check the space available in your case before ordering.
Skill level required
Installation for someone who has already opened their MiSTer: the board goes on the expansion connector, with the MiSTer switched off and unplugged, observing the pin orientation. The manufacturer mentions hand-soldered assembly, which describes how the board is made, not soldering you have to do at home. On the software side, the clock must be recognised by MiSTer Main; allow a few minutes of configuration after the first startup.
In the box
- 1 real-time clock RTC board for MiSTer FPGA (RetroScaler).
Read before ordering: Workshop & Modding
Delivery in 10 to 18 days · ships within 3 to 5 days · 2-year legal guarantee · 14-day returns.
Real-time clock RTC board for MiSTer FPGA — RetroScaler
Battery-backed clock for MiSTer FPGA: the right date at startup, even without a network.
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📦Ships within 3 to 5 business days · Delivery in 10 to 18 business days · 2-year legal guarantee · 14-day returns.
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Why a MiSTer loses track of time
The MiSTer FPGA recreates machines from the 80s and 90s using a DE10-Nano board, but it has no battery-backed clock. Unplugged, it forgets the date: at the next startup, newly created files carry a bogus timestamp and cores that display a calendar start from zero. On a networked setup, the time is fetched on the fly. On a MiSTer installed far from the router, in a living-room cabinet or an arcade machine, there's nothing to provide it.
A dedicated board, not a hack
RetroScaler makes this board for the DE10-Nano expansion connector, the size of a postage stamp: approximately 3.7 × 3.6 × 0.5 cm, small enough to stay in a MiSTer case already occupied by the SDRAM and cooling. A coin cell battery keeps the clock running when the console is powered off. Installation is done with the MiSTer unplugged, observing the pin orientation, and the clock must then be recognised by MiSTer Main.
What it won't fix
This board does only one thing: keep the time. It doesn't add memory, doesn't speed up any core and doesn't replace an SDRAM board. Firmware and core updates still require an Internet connection. It's not intended for original consoles either: it isn't a cartridge save battery. Finally, a coin cell battery isn't guaranteed to be in the box, so have one ready before installation.
What this accessory brings
Verified manufacturer specifications · vérifié le
Ce qu’il fait bien
- Keeps the date and time while the MiSTer is off
- No network connection needed for timestamps
- Compact format, approximately 3.7 × 3.6 × 0.5 cm
- Mounts on the DE10-Nano expansion connector
Ce qu’il ne fait pas
- Changes neither the performance nor the compatibility of cores
- Doesn't replace the network for updates
- Only for a MiSTer FPGA on a DE10-Nano board
- Not a cartridge save battery
- Coin cell battery not guaranteed to be in the box
Voir toute la fiche technique+
Matière et format
- Type d’accessoire
- Real-time clock (RTC) module
Compatible avec
- MiSTer FPGA
- Terasic DE10-Nano
Dans la boîte
- 1 real-time clock RTC board for MiSTer FPGA
Frequently Asked Questions
🕹️ What is an RTC board for on a MiSTer FPGA?
It keeps the date and time while the MiSTer is powered off, then restores them at startup. Useful whenever the machine isn't connected to the network.
🎮 What hardware is it compatible with?
Only a MiSTer FPGA built on a Terasic DE10-Nano board, via its expansion connector. Not emulation mini PCs, retro handheld consoles or original consoles.
🔧 Do I need to solder to install it?
No, the board fits onto the expansion connector. The manufacturer's “hand soldering” label describes how the board is assembled at the factory, not work you have to do at home.
📦 What's in the box?
One real-time clock RTC board for MiSTer FPGA. A coin cell battery isn't guaranteed to be included: have one ready.
🌐 Can I do without the network once it's installed?
For the time, yes. Core and firmware updates still require an Internet connection.
⏱️ How long does installation take?
A few minutes for fitting, with the MiSTer unplugged, plus the time to check that MiSTer Main recognises the clock on restart.
🚚 What are the delivery times?
Delivery in 10 to 18 days, ships within 3 to 5 days.
🛡️ What warranty applies?
2-year legal guarantee of conformity. 14-day returns. French-speaking customer service, reply within 1 business day.
Why buy here rather than on a marketplace
It is a fair question. Here is the answer, straight.
Every listing is checked before publication: real compatibility, material, dimensions, box contents. Many models never make it into the catalogue.
A question about compatibility, a fit problem, a return: you write, a human replies within 1 business day. In French.
The 2-year legal warranty of conformity is handled by us — not by a form on the other side of the world. And 14 days to change your mind, with no need to justify yourself.
We do not claim to be the cheapest. We claim that you will know exactly what you are buying before you pay.
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