MSX2 with internal 512kb of RAM, what then?

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By Vendest

Supporter (9)

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11-04-2023, 15:25

Hi,
I have recently upgraded the internal main ram from 64kb to 512kb on my Sony HB-F1XD based on the following guide Memory upgrade sony HB-f1xd ? . The ram is properly detected in slot 3.3 through megareport, memtest, testmap...

My initial intent was to run megarom games but I realize that specific mappers may still be required?
For exemple, using disk I can load Parodius fine after holding down the ctrl key during boot sequence but Vampire killer does not work well.
I think I misunderstood the benefits to upgrading the internal ram ._,

Thanks

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By Manuel

Ascended (19685)

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11-04-2023, 17:26

If you only care about games, you can now load and run cracked megaroms for memory mapper (or many Megaroms via SofaROM), and most European disk based scene games that didn't work yet.

By sdsnatcher73

Enlighted (4305)

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11-04-2023, 17:50

If you want to play disk based conversions you may have to try different versions. Some conversion of a game may only work on Philips machines while another works for Sony (because those were the 2 brands that were available in Europe).

By Vendest

Supporter (9)

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12-04-2023, 03:58

@manuel Mostly games yes, any recommendations for a simple eprom or eeprom based cart able to store cracked megaroms? Reading about SofaROM would require a MegaFlashRom SSC+ SD or Carnivore 2.

@sdnatcher73 Indeed I noticed that some games on disk that require additional ram play fine (parodius, penguin adventure) and some other don't. Will look for other sources.

Thanks for the info!

By Manuel

Ascended (19685)

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12-04-2023, 08:00

You can run megaroms cracked for the memory mapper ram which is in your MSX now. SofaROM can also use it, but results may vary.
Most megaroms have been cracked for memory mapper in the old days.

By Briqunullus

Paladin (775)

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12-04-2023, 08:46

Well, it's just as Manuel says. But if you want to take the additional cartridge route, take a look at the SD mapper. You can buy it at various places, like the 8bits4ever SD-512. And you can find the schematics at Fabio Belavenuto's Github page.

Actually that cartridge has one drawback that will turn in your advantage. It can either be a 512K memory mapper or a 512K megaram cartridge. But not both at the same time. To boot Nextor, you will need a memory mapper. Usually this blocks the megaram option. However, you have the memory mapper available internally now, so you can use the device in megarom mode and still boot Nextor.

P.S. Alternatively, you can consider RBSC's Unimapper cartridge. Alexey posted an update just a few hours ago.

By Vendest

Supporter (9)

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12-04-2023, 10:24

Ok I was figuring out how to load a ROM file to the memory mapper after reading your response. (Still learning the very basics here).
So from MSXDOS I used "loadROM" from disk and was able to load Vampire Killer. Success! Tried loading MSXDOS2 but it rebooted to MSX Basic.
Making good progress Smile

I will consider getting the SD-512 to avoid loading from disk repeatedly.

By Manuel

Ascended (19685)

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12-04-2023, 22:29

You can't load MSXDOS2 with loadROM or anything else. Don't waste your time on that.
SofaROM is probably a lot better than loadROM. Why not try that?

By Vendest

Supporter (9)

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14-04-2023, 08:55

I reply couple of days later as I have been trying to use SofaROM (unsuccessfully) off a disk.
I ordered bare PCBs to build RBSC's Unimapper and MultiMapper cart. It might be easier to manage from a cart.

By meits

Scribe (6576)

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14-04-2023, 09:47

This is a great way to play ROM files. And when it's an SCC supporting game, the cartridge has one.
There are several cheap options for a donor SCC cartridge. F1 Spirit is often quite easily found for a few bucks. Especially when it's cartridge only.

By Rataplan

Champion (354)

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14-04-2023, 18:55

I personally bought a Carnivore2, which together with sofarom way surpasses my expectations. Having fm-pac, scc, psg if you want, a memory expansion and CF in one cartridge, it's just amazing. And it being fpga, it's 'hardware' functions could be expanded or improved on even.
It cost me about 130 dollars. Quite a bit, but worth every penny.
Offering a SCC cartridge somehow feels a bit of a shame, they are getting more rare in my experience. But yes, that would be a cheaper option and it's always nice yo build something yourself Smile

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