MegaFlashROM SCC+ SD + 512K RAM

Paladin (673)

16-11-2013, 20:30

Very smart to add features one by one so we have to buy new device every 6 months

I already have:

MegaFlashROM ASCII
MegaFlashROM SCC
MegaFlashROM SCC+
MegaFlashROM SCC+SD

and now I need to buy MegaFlashROM SCC+SD+512K

So, what feature will be added next time?

Paladin (673)

16-11-2013, 20:39

ericb59 wrote:

is the RAM expansion is available at the same time of the ROM mapper ?
In other words , is it possible to code a game ROM that used 512ko of RAM with this cartridge ?

It should be possible. Let's say we insert cartridge in SLOT 1. ROM will be in SLOT 1-0 and mapped RAM let's say in SLOT 1-3.

But I have another question... I recently experience problem when using Playsoniq with Turbo-R that already have memory mapper. Does anybody know if it is possible to work with 2 memory mappers in one MSX computer?

By alshamaa

Expert (117)

16-11-2013, 20:53

What is the actual benefit of the new features of the (SCC+ SD + 512K RAM)
What makes the new version (SCC+ SD + 512K RAM) better than the old ( ROM SCC+ SD ) in practice and practical for a normal MSX user (Not professional).
What will the additional 512K RAM give to a non professional user ?
Can experts explain to us ?

By syn

Prophet (2135)

16-11-2013, 21:08

This is really great stuff! I am definitely gonna order one once I fix my MSX.

Small question, not that I would really need it, but would it be easy to upgrade the mapper to say.. 4MB?

alshamaa wrote:

What is the actual benefit of the new features of the (SCC+ SD + 512K RAM)
What makes the new version (SCC+ SD + 512K RAM) better than the old ( ROM SCC+ SD ) in practice and practical for a normal MSX user (Not professional).
What will the additional 512K RAM give to a non professional user ?
Can experts explain to us ?

well for one, imagine a japanese msx2(+), those usually have 64KB internal ram by default. Not all software can run with only 64kb, there is quite some software that needs 128kb or 256kb to run. So this is perfect for owners of those machines.

By meits

Scribe (6572)

16-11-2013, 21:15

When in DOS2 and you want to run 256kB software, you need 512kB cuz DOS2 needs 32kB and you need DOS2 to browse you subdirectories...

By twintris

Supporter (10)

16-11-2013, 22:56

The main problem is, with any japanese MSX computer (64kb RAM), you can't boot the megaflash in DOS2 mode, only DOS1. So, no folders, no multimente, and no fat16, just fat12 and also a limited number of partitions. So, to get the most of the megaflash, if you, like me, have an 64kb RAM computer, you'll need the upgrade. I got it for my XDJ from Manuel and it's a blast, beautiful work as usual.

Prophet (3529)

16-11-2013, 23:30

@rolins: I have added the option to the order form.

@ericb59: Yes, each device is in a subslot.

@max_iwato: The first MegaFlashROM cartridge was released almost 10 years ago!
About memory mappers. MSX BIOS will select the biggest mapper as primary (except turbo R that always selects the internal one). DOS2 can work with different mappers without problem as far as I know. I used the extra 512K in the cartridge to load CHRIS animations that need 1024K RAM, and they worked fine.

@alshamaa: As twintris says, it is quite useful in <128K machines that can't load DOS2/Nextor in order to use FAT16, folders, 4GB partitions, etc.

@syn: It could be possible to expand the memory to 1024K or even more. But it could be difficult to fit the ICs inside the cartridge with the actual design.

By OeiOeiVogeltje

Paragon (1438)

17-11-2013, 00:04

JESUS christ !!!!
Do i need to buy another produkt from pazos ?!!??!!

Paladin (673)

17-11-2013, 02:03

OeiOeiVogeltje wrote:

JESUS christ !!!!
Do i need to buy another produkt from pazos ?!!??!!

Yes, you do! But be prepared to buy the next one -> MegaFlashROM SCC+SD+512K+MSX AUDIO

Paladin (673)

17-11-2013, 02:21

Guillian wrote:

@max_iwamoto: The first MegaFlashROM cartridge was released almost 10 years ago!
About memory mappers. MSX BIOS will select the biggest mapper as primary (except turbo R that always selects the internal one). DOS2 can work with different mappers without problem as far as I know. I used the extra 512K in the cartridge to load CHRIS animations that need 1024K RAM, and they worked fine.

Thanks for the clarification on how DOS handles mappers. But I am trying to do page changes myself from ASM code using FC/FD/FE/FF ports. When my program getting control 2 top pages attached to internal Turbo-R mapper and 2 bottom to Playsoniq mapper. So, my question is, what is happening when I write value to lets say port FEh? Does it change pages in both mappers or only in one of them?

Prophet (3529)

17-11-2013, 09:17

max_iwamoto wrote:

So, my question is, what is happening when I write value to lets say port FEh? Does it change pages in both mappers or only in one of them?

It changes in both mappers.

Paladin (673)

17-11-2013, 21:06

@Guillian: I have another idea. I think there is one more feature that separates current version from the ultimate solution - possibility to use 512KB of RAM with SCC mapper so Snatcher & SD Snatcher can be played.

Also I noticed that the latest version of OPFXSD do not support older flash cartridges and it is impossible to download them from msxcartridgeshop.com. So, my question is, is it possible to have one program to use with all available flash cartridges (preferably) or at least add possibility to download OPF/OPFX from your website?

By AxelStone

Prophet (3199)

18-11-2013, 08:06

Very impressive

Prophet (3529)

18-11-2013, 09:07

@max: I had the same idea, but due to how the RAM is implemented in the cartridge it is not possible to do it.
About OPF and OPFX. The have been always in msxcartridgeshop.com
OPF and OPFX

By The_Engineer

Han (194)

18-11-2013, 13:54

Great news!
I just ordered myself a "Sinterklaas" present (which appropriately comes from Spain).

By Jorito

Mr. Ambassadors (1803)

18-11-2013, 14:04

The_Engineer wrote:

Great news!
I just ordered myself a "Sinterklaas" present (which appropriately comes from Spain).

Hehehe, you too?

By alshamaa

Expert (117)

18-11-2013, 16:09

syn wrote:

well for one, imagine a japanese msx2(+), those usually have 64KB internal ram by default. Not all software can run with only 64kb, there is quite some software that needs 128kb or 256kb to run. So this is perfect for owners of those machines.

Can't we run software that needs 128kb or 256kb using the SD card ??

Guillian wrote:

As twintris says, it is quite useful in <128K machines that can't load DOS2/Nextor in order to use FAT16, folders, 4GB partitions, etc..

What will the additional 512K RAM give to Japanese MSX-1 with 64k RAM ??

Prophet (3529)

18-11-2013, 18:08

alshamaa wrote:

Can't we run software that needs 128kb or 256kb using the SD card ??

You can do it if your computer has 128KB or 256KB.
If you don't have enough RAM, you can't do it. SD card is just a massive storage device. It is not RAM.

alshamaa wrote:

What will the additional 512K RAM give to Japanese MSX-1 with 64k RAM ??

It will give 512K + 64K RAM.
So it can load MSX-DOS 2/Nextor and can use FAT16, 4GB partitions, folders...
With only 64K RAM you can't load MSX-DOS 2, only MSX-DOS. So you must use FAT12, partitions up to 16MB, no folders...

By Guts

Expert (87)

18-11-2013, 18:19

Great news!!!

By alshamaa

Expert (117)

18-11-2013, 20:38

Guillian wrote:

You can do it if your computer has 128KB or 256KB.
If you don't have enough RAM, you can't do it. SD card is just a massive storage device. It is not RAM.

Maybe I have some misunderstanding about the MegaFlashROM and its SD.
I have Japanese MSX-1 with 64k , with this machine I can run real cartridge which contain a Rom program ( or game ) its size 512k or over.
My question can I load one of those file (Rom over 512k) within the SD card and run it by the MegaFlashROM.
Thank you.

Prophet (3529)

18-11-2013, 23:54

alshamaa wrote:

My question can I load one of those file (Rom over 512k) within the SD card and run it by the MegaFlashROM.

Yes, you can.

By edoz

Prophet (2501)

19-11-2013, 19:44

Hi Guillian.. is it possible, (if i send my MegaFlashRom for update to 512) to do some modication on the hardware to get it working on a 7 mhz MSX where the slot is also running on 7 mhz ??

Prophet (3529)

20-11-2013, 09:37

@edoz: The cartridge works fine at 7Mhz. I have tested on different computers.
It also works fine on Panasonic turbo mode (WSX, WX...).
The cartridge is quite sensible to voltage changes.If it doesn't work on your computer, perhaps is related to how the mod is done and/or the flat cables connected to the slots.
We talked about this in this thread.

By edoz

Prophet (2501)

20-11-2013, 17:05

Hi Guillian, Maybe the cartrigde only works on a 7 Mhz MSX where the slot is running on 3.5 mhz ?
Maybe it is not working when the MSX is on 7 Mhz and the slot is also running on 7 Mhz (like in my case.)
(I know it's not the MSX standard )

I was just wondering if it easy to do the modification on the cartridge so that it is working in my situation also.
... Maybe if i send my device for the memory update... you can check if it works on your 7 Mhz system...?

Prophet (3529)

21-11-2013, 15:03

I think the cartridge works fine on computers with a 7MHz clock signal in the slot. I tested on a modded 8235 and worked fine.
What it does not work is the 512K extra RAM version.

I can check your cartridge on my 8235 if you send it to me. But probably it will work fine.

By meits

Scribe (6572)

21-11-2013, 17:59

Is anything of the architecture the same as with KUC? KUC does crash with a 7MHz mod as well...

By edoz

Prophet (2501)

21-11-2013, 18:19

What is KUC ?

By edoz

Prophet (2501)

21-11-2013, 19:07

Hi Guillian. Thanks for the comment.. it could be that maybe there is something wrong with the cartridge .. it would be very nice if you can check it on your 7 Mhz MSX when i send my cartridge to you .

btw: It's the only cartridge that's not working with my 7 Mhz kit/MSX setup. All others, that i own, like, moonsound, gfx9000, Sunrise IDE, SCSI bert interface, Supersoniqs(Sega+SCC,RAM), 1024 Ram , Slot Expander, MSX audio, MP3 player, konami games, Denyonet, megarom flash, Soniq etc. (new games) are working al fine in 7 Mhz mode on my setup.

By meits

Scribe (6572)

21-11-2013, 20:09

edoz wrote:

What is KUC ?

Konami Ultimate Collection... An empty cartridge made by Guillian on which you can store all Konami roms and play them from a menu...

By edoz

Prophet (2501)

21-11-2013, 21:56

What a cool device ! .. the KUC

Prophet (3529)

22-11-2013, 09:25

@edoz: Some (most?) of those cartridges don't use /CLK signal.
Anyway, send me your cartridge and we will know for sure if the problem is in the cartridge or in your computer.

By Bastiaan

Champion (333)

22-11-2013, 20:57

Again very impressive new HW Guillian!

max_iwamoto wrote:

OeiOeiVogeltje wrote:

Do I need to buy another product from pazos ?!!??!!

Yes, you do! But be prepared to buy the next one -> MegaFlashROM SCC+SD+512K+MSX AUDIO

I want one of those!

Paladin (813)

23-11-2013, 12:22

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes.
I'll buy it !!

Paladin (813)

23-11-2013, 12:26

max_iwamoto wrote:

OeiOeiVogeltje wrote:

JESUS christ !!!!
Do i need to buy another produkt from pazos ?!!??!!

Yes, you do! But be prepared to buy the next one -> MegaFlashROM SCC+SD+512K+MSX AUDIO

YES YES YES YES YES
I'll buy it.
I immagine it would have stereo output!!
I don't understand a thing: I put onto the SD two MEGAROM Files.
I insert the cartridge and at the boot my MSX tryes to execut e rom: which one?
Is inside the cart a menù to choose the file you want from the SD?
I'i appreciate a YOUTUBE video as tutorial about the use of this Megarom

By meits

Scribe (6572)

23-11-2013, 15:50

You're welcome to type megaflashrom scc sd in Youtube's search bar

By enribar

Paragon (1224)

24-11-2013, 01:48

ciao giuseve, il funzionamento è il seguente: salvi le rom nella memoria sd; la cartuccia ha incorporata la shell MultiMente, che riconosce le estensioni dei file; quando con i cursori e barra spazio scegli una rom o un dsk, in automatico il file viene flashato nella flashrom interna e viene riavviato l'MSX; al successivo riavvio parte la rom (se premi esc all'avvio, ritorni al multimente).

Paladin (813)

28-11-2013, 21:01

Thankyou guys, Grazie mille enribar.
Devo dire che l'uso mi sembra fantastico. Stavo pensando di comprare il modello da €.99. Il mio MSX ha 128K di RAM e 256 o più mi pare servano solo per i giochi originariamente su ROM che craccati finiscono su Floppy. Con la MegaFlashRom però le ROM le uso direttamente, quindi non ne avrei bisogno, giusto?

By enribar

Paragon (1224)

28-11-2013, 21:49

ciao giuseve, si hai capito bene. Puoi espandere il tuo MSX alla grande anche solo con la cartuccia normale senza RAM. La RAM serve per questo: se hai dei programmi caricati da floppy che possono richiedere piu RAM; se usi la cartuccia su MSX1 puoi avere il dos2 che gestisce sottodirectory, partizioni fino a 4GB e tutti i programmi che richiedono dos2 o che controllano la presenza di "memory mapper" (altrimenti la versione senza RAM su MSX1 non ti gestisce sottodirectory e gestisce fino a 16MB, comunque una gran cosa rispetto ai floppy). Ovviamente in tutti i casi vale questo: rom e dsk possono partire dalla flashrom, però i dsk sono piu delicati da gestire e qualcuno non parte.

By meits

Scribe (6572)

28-11-2013, 23:20

English please

Expert (72)

29-11-2013, 07:30

I've just received the 512K version with 2x SD. Not sure why I chose the 2x SD version, because 1 SD is more than enough. Installation is quick and easy when you follow the tutorial. If you have a Philips NMS-8250/55/80 please tell Manual when ordering. Some sound fix has to be done on the card in that case.

To boot MSX Mania disk images I had to hold CTRL + D (not DELETE) to free up memory and start the disk menu. Not sure if this is an MSX feature or (undocumented afaik) MegaFlashRom feature.

Software could be better by providing menu options for easier swapping to other partitions. To work around I created batch files on the 1st partition, those batchfiles each swap to a different partition with the MAPDRV DOS command. Now I only need to change to B: after booting, then select the correct batchfile.

Another tip: I had problems with partitions greater than 2GBs, not on the MSX but when mounting on my Mac. Also note that another limit with FAT16 is that you can only store 512 files per directory.

Prophet (3529)

29-11-2013, 09:41

Pressing D while booting a DSK is documented in the MegaFlashROM SCC+ user's manual. It disables other disk interfaces.
CTRL is for disabling the second drive.
Nextor has no grafical interface, just command line tools. You can mount different partitions on different drives letters. I.e.:
A: ROM Disk
B: SD 1 partition 1
C: SD 2 partition 1
D-H: partitions 2-5
Using 1 SD card and mounting 6 partitions of 4GB is 24GB of storage.
If you need more, you can disable ROM disk, and map all drives to SD card. So you get 32GB using a single micro SD card.
In case 32GB is not enough, then you have to swap partitions and use the SD slot 2 when needed (running a .BAT or from command line)
Anyway, I think that 2GB or 4GB is enough for most users (^_^!)

Expert (72)

29-11-2013, 13:15

Thanks for the info.

I finally found the section in the manual. On my configuration (NMS 8250 with two drive and MegaFlashRom 512K SCC+ SD with 2 SD's but only 1 inserted in slot 1) I only see A: and B: mapped. D-H are inaccessible. My SD is a 2GB with 20x 100MB partitions.

The MegaFlashRom is delivered with MultiMente (MM). It would be nice if MM could be extended to show partitions and map them when selected (maybe with the help of batch files).

Prophet (3529)

29-11-2013, 15:04

Nextor mount automatically all available devices. So if you have a ROM disk installed and two SD cards inserted, it will mount A, B and C drives.
The next drives will be used by other disk interfaces (if there are more). I.e.: D-E will be the floppy disk.
You can mount the other drives/partitions using MAPDRV.

By [WYZ]

Champion (451)

29-11-2013, 15:29

Mr Pazos, I soppouse there is RAM enough for running Trilotracker, isn't it?

Prophet (3529)

29-11-2013, 16:23

Master WYZ, I don't have Trilotracker to test it. But probably 512K + internal RAM is enough (^_^)

By karloch

Prophet (2159)

01-12-2013, 23:43

Just got mine upgraded to 512 KB, working like a charm. Superb work Pazos!

Expert (72)

02-12-2013, 09:17

I had some problems after flashing a custom ROMDISK and wanting to revert back to the original (my disk image was working, but had some problems with CR/LFs in batch files).

My configuration: Philips NMS8280 with 2 drives, MegaFlashROM SCC+ 512K and 2x SD.
When trying to flash back to the original ROMDISK:

OPFXSD.COM ROMDISK /DI

I got the error: MegaFlashROM SCC+ not found

When removing the ROMDISK.COM I could boot from the first partition of the SD-card. But also got the same error. Contacted Manuel (he is very quick in responding) and tried several things like flashing a kernel+ROMDISK (KERNEL.DAT) from the recovery menu, but nothing helped.

This morning I removed everything from the 1st partition, put a backup of the files back including the ROMDISK.DSK file and put the SD-card in the other SD-slot (furthest away from the front of the cartridge) and... it worked.

@Guillian with my configuration only B: is mapped.
A: ROM disk
B: SD 1 partition 1
C: Philips first drive
D: Philips second drive
E:-H: not mapped.

Prophet (3529)

02-12-2013, 09:36

user888 wrote:

My configuration: Philips NMS8280 with 2 drives, MegaFlashROM SCC+ 512K and 2x SD.
When trying to flash back to the original ROMDISK:

OPFXSD.COM ROMDISK /DI

I got the error: MegaFlashROM SCC+ not found

It is: OPFXSD ROMDISK /ID
(I know this is just a typo)

Quote:

When removing the ROMDISK.COM I could boot from the first partition of the SD-card. But also got the same error. Contacted Manuel (he is very quick in responding) and tried several things like flashing a kernel+ROMDISK (KERNEL.DAT) from the recovery menu, but nothing helped.

I just tried to reproduce your steps (erase ROM disk, copy its files to SD card, and then rewrite ROM disk from SD card) It worked.

About recovery files. They must be copied into an empty SD card once a time. You cant copy RECOVERY.DAT, RECOVERYD.DAT and then erase RECOVERY.DAT
You must erase/format your card before copying a recovery kernel.

Quote:

@Guillian with my configuration only B: is mapped.
A: ROM disk
B: SD 1 partition 1
C: Philips first drive
D: Philips second drive
E:-H: not mapped.

That's right. It should be in that way. No problems there.
What i said was:

Quote:

You can mount different partitions on different drives letters.

and

Quote:

Nextor mount automatically all available devices. So if you have a ROM disk installed and two SD cards inserted, it will mount A, B and C drives.
The next drives will be used by other disk interfaces (if there are more). I.e.: D-E will be the floppy disk.
You can mount the other drives/partitions using MAPDRV.

So if you insert two SD cards, they will be mounted at boot time.
If you want to mount other partitions (i.e.: E-H) you must mount them yourself using MAPDRV.
I.e.: MAPDRV E: 2-0 2 1-3
(mount in E: primary partition 2 of SD slot 1 using SD interface in primary slot 1)

Expert (72)

02-12-2013, 12:31

Thanks for the clarification, I will experiment some more today or tomorrow. It's really a great product.

Prophet (3529)

02-12-2013, 13:09

Thanks! You are welcome

Perhaps it is better to continue in The Big MegaFlashROM SCC+ SD topic

By Marq

Champion (387)

04-12-2013, 23:05

Just received mine! Kinda hard to tell which one is which (mapper or not) since the package and the sticker are the same for all the SD models

Paladin (813)

05-12-2013, 22:02

max_iwamoto wrote:

Yes, you do! But be prepared to buy the next one -> MegaFlashROM SCC+SD+512K+MSX AUDIO

OK, please tell me you're not kidding. If it would be true I will buy one hoping it would be not so expensive.
When do you think it would be ready?
Are you also planning to have a MegaFlashROM SCC+SD+xxxK+MSX AUDIO+V9958 ??? It would be the final Cart for MSX !!.

Why don't you plan cheaper versions with "only" 128K or 256K?
Sincerely I'd prefer a 128K RAM with MSX Audio to a 512K without it. I think that my MSX with 128K + 128K would be great for almost all kind of use.

Regards

By The_Engineer

Han (194)

07-12-2013, 22:41

Just received my Megaflashrom SCC+ SD. My MSX just jumped from 1990 to the 21st century.
Great job done by all developers involved!

By Retrofan

Paragon (1339)

17-04-2014, 14:50

Also received my MegaFlashROM SCC+ SD with 512kB! Well done!

By edoz

Prophet (2501)

20-04-2014, 23:23

BDW: Only request i have is to have an activity led on the device That would be cool!

By djh1697

Paragon (1736)

21-04-2014, 19:00

Getting tempted back to MSX with a new Megaflash SCC
However, when we we have a version with MSX audio on it? Is it in the pipeline or is it just a rumour?
Maybe just getting a 128k MSX2, no point in a TurboR because i hardly have any software for it, be nice to play some old games on a real MSX instead of BlueMSX

By djh1697

Paragon (1736)

21-04-2014, 19:02

giuseve wrote:

Are you also planning to have a MegaFlashROM SCC+SD+xxxK+MSX AUDIO+V9958 ??? It would be the final Cart for MSX !!.

Be a shock on a humble MSX1!