OCM-PLD Pack v3.6 is out!

The One Chip MSX (OCM), first released in 2006, is a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) acting as a true MSX computer. The OCM-PLD pack is all the firmware and software you need to get it up and running. MRC user KdL has just released OCM-PLD version 3.6 for this device.

v3.6 [2018.05.14] [KdL's Updates!]
- Updated Switched I/O ports ($40-$4F) module to Revision 7:
new audio presets "Emphasis PSG Sound", "Emphasis SCC-I Sound" and "Emphasis OPLL Sound" (scmd-$44/$45/$46),
new SHIFT-PGUP/PGDOWN keys to do the fast switch of master volume from max level to middle, min and mute level,
new "Pixel Ratio 1:1 for VGA Output" (scmd-$7F) a trick to get the correct pixel ratio on a non-CRT display
(e.g. A:\>SETSMART -7F7F7F7F is fine for a VX2835WM), fixed scmd-$F9 to allow the use of an external FM-PAC,
new scmd-$D6/D7 that allow to force the centering of the YJK modes and the R25 mask (useful for MSX2+ games).
- Updated DIP-SW User Manual in the [docs\] folder.
- New 'mglOCM.com' and 'mgLunch.com' (2017.11.18) in the [msxtools\mglunch\] folder.
- New audio mixer that improve the amplitude of internal sounds and balance the input line of external slots:
global audio starts at level 10 out of 13 to avoid clipping for at least two internal chips at a time;
to reduce the audio noise, I suggest setting everything to the max level and an external mixer volume of 80%.
- Improved timings of VDP command engine, the intros of Fray and Space Manbow are okay now but I emphasize that
the wait control does not calculate the actual times of the VDP commands, which still makes it inaccurate.
- Improved VGA output to help directly set a pixel ratio 1:1 on a LED TV at 60Hz (also w/o the trick scmd-$7F).
- Added MULUB and MULUW opcodes inside T80 Core: MSX turbo-R BIOS is required to use them, by TobiFlex.
- Fixed random sprites during the blank screen (ref. Manbow 2) and fixed H-SYNC signal (ref. Unknown Reality).
- Fixed the border color of YJK modes (SCREEN 10, 11 and 12) that should has been palettized.
- Fixed the horizontal position of YJK modes by +4 pixels on the right.

Notes and warnings:
- In this release not all Zemmix Neo and Zemmix Neo BR firmware are interchangeable, a special note is with them.
- Nextor kernel for OCM is unable to flash the PLD firmware using 'pldload.com' and the machine can be BRICKED!!
The last 'pldflash.com' v1.5 automatically detects Unsupported Kernels, pay close attention to this.
- The most of Microcabin games can run better with the 'runit.com' tool, with 'ep.com' two drives are required.

Some known issues:
- The game Fighter's Ragnarok has all the damaged graphics, a bug in the VDP command engine should be the cause.
- Some PSG sounds are not played accurately and sometimes the OPLL drum kit sounds too loud.
- The 'Break' command of ESE-PS2 module do not work during the hard reset or if you unplug the keyboard at warm.
- Sometimes the SD-Card is not detected after a hard reset but you can re-insert it on the fly to solve.
- The current version of MSX turbo-R BIOS can be started with Internal Mapper 4096 kB only using Nextor kernel
and generates some issues with the PSG output (simply just listen to the beep sound to confirm it).

Follow KdL at Twitter , visit his web page or click the direct download link for OCM-PLD pack v3.6

Comments (41)

By KdL

Paragon (1485)

15-05-2018, 20:01

Thank you ro!!

By AxelStone

Prophet (3199)

15-05-2018, 20:48

Great news, let's download! Thanks for your work.

By enribar

Paragon (1224)

15-05-2018, 22:28

I think the time to support with money this project, is really come!
Each OneChip across this small Earth uses the KdL's firmware!
A really huge work!

By KdL

Paragon (1485)

16-05-2018, 11:05

An update has been scheduled to fix some minor bugs, so OCM-PLD v3.6.1 will be available very soon. If anyone has issues, send me an email. Thanks!

By gaula82

Resident (45)

16-05-2018, 15:34

Any chances that the Altera DE1 core is updated to this, please?

By alexito

Paladin (761)

17-05-2018, 00:42

Very nice update. Now PARADREAM for TurboR is working fine on my Zemmix Neo BR again Thanks KDL.

PS: I'll post a video soon stay tuned.

By taezou

Supporter (6)

17-05-2018, 07:28

Quote:

- In this release not all Zemmix Neo and Zemmix Neo BR firmware are interchangeable, a special note is with them.

Which firmware should be used with the Zemmix from 8bits4ever?

By alexito

Paladin (761)

17-05-2018, 07:43

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X27obRFFyoU

By alexito

Paladin (761)

17-05-2018, 18:48

I have included special version of paradream more easy to play on OCM. Thanks to KdL

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jjbu8F_aah4rwOZJ6idq7EFtYk...

By MSX4ever

Champion (259)

17-05-2018, 21:11

Thanks for sharing

By alexito

Paladin (761)

19-05-2018, 21:40

This is definetly the best version for OCM-PLD PACK v3.6

now with SPEED HACK make the game more playable.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1hM7OVfBZk&t=11s

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1X3uEM7d81uLGrZruMFAyGVfK9R...

By popolony2k

Hero (544)

19-05-2018, 22:46

I'm facing...

...some problems with this update. After applying this update to my ZemmixNeo (Br) the screen is not more centered and now it has a big displacement to the left side causing a big black sideband in the right side, even adjusting the image to the maximum left position available on TV settings, the big black sideband still big on screen.

I've downgraded to the previous version and everything is ok again.

Is someone facing this kind of problem too ?

[]'s
PopolonY2k

By alexito

Paladin (761)

19-05-2018, 23:57

I agree after the update my Zemmix Neo BR the main screen get little bit to the LEFT but nothing that the AUTOCENTER option on the TV / MONITOR can fix this misaligned.

By KdL

Paragon (1485)

20-05-2018, 06:06

Since some TVs do not support the new VGA output, I inform all that OCM-PLD Pack v3.6.1 will be released within a couple of days in order to solve the problem as soon as possible.

By alexito

Paladin (761)

22-05-2018, 21:10

PARADREAM for OCM Speed Hack Ver2:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvD3eyYjSGA

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1eQLqq2x8H3os5c0nOj8YqYs8NL...

Enjoy!!!

By alexito

Paladin (761)

23-05-2018, 16:07

I was trying run games for OCM at Turbo Speed first and I have discovered that some games really show good improvement in frame rate and playability.

Right now I trying to add MSX Joystick support for Altered Beast (Amusement Factory 2008) I love the music and playability at Turbo Mode.

Other good game is Ghost And Gobblins fro (Amusement Factory 2008) I really recommend give a try at Turbo Mode, Smooth Scrolling (press HOME key) and the best of it using a MSX Joystick with 2 buttons.

Brain Drive for MSX TurboR is other good Fighting Game you can try and pressing F2 key at main game you can TURN ON/OFF the CPU AI and fight against the Computer.

By spl

Paragon (1470)

26-05-2018, 00:54

alexito wrote:

PARADREAM for OCM Speed Hack Ver2:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvD3eyYjSGA

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1eQLqq2x8H3os5c0nOj8YqYs8NL...

Enjoy!!!

What loader do you use? If I use EP i get a lot of corrupt graphics, and using SofaRun I only get a "Bad drive name in 70" error...

By alexito

Paladin (761)

26-05-2018, 05:22

Just get the files inside of .DSK file ( I use WINIMAGE) and put those in any DIRECTORY on your SDCARD after that you can use any File manager like MM or SofaRun or just execute AUTOEXEC.BAS from MSXDOS2 command prompt just typing:

basic autoexec.bas

By KdL

Paragon (1485)

31-05-2018, 21:47

OCM-PLD Pack v3.6.1 is out!

- Updated Switched I/O ports ($40-$4F) datasheet and DIP-SW User Manual in the [docs\] folder with some news: now the VGA mode is the new output for LED TVs or LED displays and the VGA+ mode is the legacy output, the new scmd-$81/$82 can exchange the two VGA modes to better manage the Zemmix Neo hardware scanlines; the trick "Pixel Ratio 1:1 for VGA Output" has been replaced with the new "Pixel Ratio 1:1 for LED Display".
- Updated some scripts to compile and collect firmware to improve multi-release stability.
- Added 'stability_tests.ods' to the [firmware\] folder, a simple procedure to better test all firmware variants.
- Fixed an overscan PAL mode issue by improving the accuracy of the H-SYNC signal, thanks to Grauw.
- In this release all Zemmix Neo and Zemmix Neo BR firmware are back to being interchangeable.

OCM-EXTRA Pack v2.2 is out!

- New command supported by 1chipMSX w/ OCM-PLD Pack v3.6 or later: VGARATIO.COM, helps you set the pixel ratio 1:1 with an LED display. Source inside of [src\] folder.
- Improved VGARATIO.ASC demo example, inside of [samples\] folder.
- Improved PLDFLASH.COM with support for text modes 32 and 40 columns.
- Updated SETSMART.HLP with some new texts, compliant OCM-PLD v3.6.1
- Updated batch example EXTRAVER.BAT inside of [samples\scripts\] folder.
- Updated some comments on the assembly sources of [src\] folder.

OCM-SDBIOS Pack v2.2 is out!

- Simply aligned to OCM-EXTRA Pack v2.2

By Parn

Paladin (854)

01-06-2018, 19:23

Excellent news, KdL! Congratulations on the great job. I can't see the time to update!

By KdL

Paragon (1485)

02-06-2018, 00:26

Hi Parn. As you already know, I am very excited about this new version. I hope it will be the same for you.

By alexito

Paladin (761)

02-06-2018, 17:20

Hi, First of all Thanks KdL for your hard work and give us this great update.
I have one question? This version finally fix the problem with XAK3(ENG Translated from OASYS) because I have it working very good with Sharksym MMCSD Ver3 Cartridge inserted on My Zemmix Neo BR on Slot 1 or Slot 2 using his propietary Multi-Disk Loader System. Now with OCM-PLD Pack Ver 3.6 using the internal MegaSD Controller and SRI.COM for Multi Disk Loading what I can see using this last method mentioned the main game get frozen randomly during the disk loading access.

PS: My test was done with 2 SCDARDs one contain OCM-BIOS.DAT (with MSX2 Bios) and the other SDCARD contain TurboR Bios.

https://youtu.be/rcGH1gp0tiE

By KdL

Paragon (1485)

02-06-2018, 18:28

alexito wrote:

PS: My test was done with 2 SCDARDs one contain OCM-BIOS.DAT (with MSX2 Bios) and the other SDCARD contain TurboR Bios.

https://youtu.be/rcGH1gp0tiE

Hi alexito, I know that there are freezes with BR layout, please try the XAK3 with UK layout. I'll do a repack with a correct PLD.

https://twitter.com/ocm_pld_news/status/1002923453492719617

By KdL

Paragon (1485)

03-06-2018, 20:38

Hi all, today I've recompiled the v3.6.1 to improve the stability of Zemmix Neo machines.

https://twitter.com/ocm_pld_news/status/1003342802699390978

By mfeingol

Champion (294)

04-06-2018, 03:36

Hi, KdL, I have a question for you.

I've installed version 3.6.1 on my Brazilian Zemmix Neo and I'm having trouble centering the video output with this new firmware version. Basically, the MSX screen output is way too far to the left, which wasn't the case with previous versions (3.5.x and below).

Part of this problem is that I'm using a VGA-to-HDMI adapter, since my monitor doesn't have a native VGA input. That means I have limited VGA controls, including no way to center the output on the monitor side. I've probably dropped a packet or two around your 3.6.x work to improve video output, so hopefully there's a way I can fix this on the MSX side?

(I've tried playing with vgaratio and setsmart, but not much luck so far. I'm probably holding it wrong.)

Thanks!

By KdL

Paragon (1485)

04-06-2018, 15:15

mfeingol wrote:

Hi, KdL, I have a question for you.

(I've tried playing with vgaratio and setsmart, but not much luck so far. I'm probably holding it wrong.)

Thanks!

For this special condition I suggest to use LEGACY OUTPUT (DIP-SW2/3=ON/ON). Check the DIP-SW Manual or this tweet: https://twitter.com/ocm_pld_news/status/1002290546684190721

By alexito

Paladin (761)

04-06-2018, 19:45

Hi OCM users, I have flashed the OCM-PLD PACK Ver361 the first game to test was XAK3 (OASYS ENG) with SRI.COM (Using the MSX JoyPort #1)and the test was bad again (the game show corrupted graphics at FDD Access time) just like the OCM-PLD PACK Ver3.6 so I decided to read (MSX.ORG forums) about RUNIT then I tried it and the test was a success with XAK3 (OASYS ENG Using MSX JoyPort #1)) then I decided to play with SRI.COM just using the KEYBOARD and the game run smoothly so my conclusion was SRI.COM add code for :

Joystick disk selection:

1. Keep (A) or (B) button pressed
2. Press other button x times to select disk x (CAPS will blink)
3. Release both buttons

so that code make XAK3 get confused when it try to have DISK ACCESS at the main game if you are pressing the MSX Fire buttons (MSX JoyPort #1) at the same time because you want to skip the TEXT MESSAGES then you are switching DISK and you getting WRONG DATA from the Wrong DISK. I hope Louthrax own an OCM Machine so he can double check this behavior on it.

PS: XAK3 (OASYS ENG) was tested with MSX2 and TurboR BIOS (OCM-BIOS.DAT)

By KdL

Paragon (1485)

05-06-2018, 16:25

Hi alexito, I've just sent you a trial firmware to better evaluate the problem.

By alexito

Paladin (761)

06-06-2018, 00:29

ILLUSION CITY ENG Version by A&L Software TURBO R BIOS for OCM-PLD PACK Ver3.6.1 and Midi Interface 3 from JUN SOFT is Required.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_e6CAI5p4c

Again be careful when messing with Option Menu specially when you try play BGM test during main game because the same problem of XAK3 related with SOFARUNIT.

Enjoy!!!

By alexito

Paladin (761)

06-06-2018, 02:19

ILLUSION CITY ENG Version by A&L Soft works fine with Just a Zemmix Neo flashed with OCM-PLD PACK Ver3.6.1 and MSX2 Bios (OCM-BIOS.DAT) Still be aware about the MSX Fire Buttons CODE through SRI.COM it can break your game if you invoke the POP UP OPTION MENU WINDOW and you decide ear some good BGM in that case use the keyboard instead.

By mfeingol

Champion (294)

06-06-2018, 07:41

KdL wrote:

For this special condition I suggest to use LEGACY OUTPUT (DIP-SW2/3=ON/ON). Check the DIP-SW Manual or this tweet: https://twitter.com/ocm_pld_news/status/1002290546684190721

Hi, KdL, thanks for the advice.

I switched back to legacy VGA output and the centering problem is fixed. However, legacy VGA mode also brings scanlines, which I don't mind per se... but for some reason they bring a heavy red cast to the VGA output. I greatly preferred the whiter mode I used to run in (2/3 = ON / OFF) without scanlines.

I don't suppose there's any way to disable scanlines in legacy mode, or revert to centered output in normal VGA mode?

Thanks again!

By KdL

Paragon (1485)

06-06-2018, 08:43

mfeingol wrote:

KdL wrote:

For this special condition I suggest to use LEGACY OUTPUT (DIP-SW2/3=ON/ON). Check the DIP-SW Manual or this tweet: https://twitter.com/ocm_pld_news/status/1002290546684190721

Hi, KdL, thanks for the advice.

I don't suppose there's any way to disable scanlines in legacy mode, or revert to centered output in normal VGA mode?

Thanks again!

SETSMART -81 can do it, please check it on the help file of SETSMART or inside the datasheet.

Note: the scanlines should be have a trimmer to set them off.

By mfeingol

Champion (294)

07-06-2018, 03:25

Thanks. Setting dip switches back to 2/3 = On/On and calling SetSmart -81 from autoexec.bat did the trick: centered with no scanlines.

By KdL

Paragon (1485)

07-06-2018, 10:38

Yes, this way has been intended to solve these situations.
But with another LED display you could see better in pillarbox with pixel ratio 1:1 (the display must support 50Hz + 60Hz and must be of quality).

By KdL

Paragon (1485)

09-06-2018, 22:29

mfeingol wrote:

Thanks. Setting dip switches back to 2/3 = On/On and calling SetSmart -81 from autoexec.bat did the trick: centered with no scanlines.

Hi mfeingol, here is a link for you with an alternative version as you wanted.

By mfeingol

Champion (294)

12-06-2018, 03:37

Thanks, KdL! New firmware works great. 2/3 = On/On and no SetSmart calls: centered with no scanlines.

By KdL

Paragon (1485)

12-06-2018, 12:42

mfeingol wrote:

Thanks, KdL! New firmware works great. 2/3 = On/On and no SetSmart calls: centered with no scanlines.

...maybe you meant DIP-SW2/3=ON/OFF --> LEGACY OUTPUT on VGA mode at startup

I think the legacy output is not so good with their warped pixels.
I suggest you to try another display for better play games in VGA mode.
Pixel Ratio 1:1 require an LED display with 50Hz+60Hz support.
Also a CRT monitor is fine for all two the VGA modes.

By mfeingol

Champion (294)

13-06-2018, 17:07

Yep, sorry, that's correct 2/3 = On/Off.

I have the Zemmix NEO hooked up to my main monitor / keyboard / speakers using a KVM. Given the direction things are going, I don't know that I'll ever have a main monitor with VGA input again.

By KdL

Paragon (1485)

27-07-2018, 18:58

OCM-PLD Pack v3.6.2 is out!

- Updated Switched I/O ports ($40-$4F) module to Revision 8:
added some vertical offsets useful for centering games like Ark-A-Noah and Space Manbow (scmd-$47..$4F).
- Updated documentation in the [docs\] folder.
- Updated 'mglOCM.com' v1.9e in the [msxtools\mglunch\] folder.
- Updated some scripts to compile and collect firmware, including support for the SX-1 board.
- Updated English keyboard layout by adding optional scancode $61 '\|'.
- Fixed the playability of ANMA games by improving the accuracy of the H-SYNC signal, thanks to Andre.

OCM-EXTRA Pack v2.3 is out!

- Updated SETSMART.HLP to Revision 8.
- Updated VGARATIO.COM and its source code.
- Some new batch examples inside of [samples\scripts\] folder.

OCM-SDBIOS Pack v2.3 is out!

- New 8bits4ever SX-1 logo.
- Version alignment.

By Samor

Prophet (2220)