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avatar_XeNoMoRPH

CPC Dandanator Mini 1.3 - WIP

Started by XeNoMoRPH, 20:58, 17 March 18

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XeNoMoRPH

It seems that an interesting project for Amstrad is being developed. Something that already exists in Spectrum and such a good result gave the game The Sword of Ianna:



source: http://www.va-de-retro.com/foros/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=6823
your amstrad news source in spanish language : https://auamstrad.es

tjohnson

Please excuse me for my ignorance, but what is it???

XeNoMoRPH

your amstrad news source in spanish language : https://auamstrad.es

GUNHED

That's nothing than a copy of the MegaFlash from Bryce. The same SST 39SF040 chip, so 512 KB Flash, that's it. And if you need a nice menu-system for it... paint it!  :) :) :)
http://futureos.de --> Get the revolutionary FutureOS (Update: 2023.11.30)
http://futureos.cpc-live.com/files/LambdaSpeak_RSX_by_TFM.zip --> Get the RSX-ROM for LambdaSpeak :-) (Updated: 2021.12.26)

robcfg

I don't know if you could bankswitch with the megaflash.


The idea is to have a game cartridge where you can have access to all 512kb, and the ability to save games to the eeprom chip.

Gryzor

Yeah, it appears to be a bit more advanced in function, though whether it'll keep that functionality on the CPC remains to be seen I guess?


Any more info?

robcfg

Oh, and the pcb is designed so it fits inside a standard electronics plastic case like the BB-6 if I remember it right.


So it makes affordable to publish games in cartridge format, as the pcb and components are cheap, and you don't have to manufacture plastic cases.

GUNHED

Quote from: robcfg on 08:53, 18 March 18
I don't know if you could bankswitch with the megaflash.
The idea is to have a game cartridge where you can have access to all 512kb, and the ability to save games to the eeprom chip.

Bankswitch:
LD BC,&DF00 + ROM-Number (0...31)

To write a "cartridge" use ROManager or the source I released.

There is no difference. The spectrum only has some menu, but that's it.  :) :)
http://futureos.de --> Get the revolutionary FutureOS (Update: 2023.11.30)
http://futureos.cpc-live.com/files/LambdaSpeak_RSX_by_TFM.zip --> Get the RSX-ROM for LambdaSpeak :-) (Updated: 2021.12.26)

robcfg

Well, didn't knew that about the megaflash, thanks!


I soldered myself the ZX Spectrum version, found the plastic case readily available in my favourite electronics shop and with a little work got a nice bankswitched programmable cartridge where I put The Sword of Ianna.


Everything reasonably cheap.

Dandare

#9
Quote from: GUNHED on 19:24, 18 March 18
There is no difference. The spectrum only has some menu, but that's it.  :) :)


I beg to differ, but I guess you know exactly how it works already.  :D  I'm still figuring it out

GUNHED

The main "difference" seems to be the menu system. However I can only talk about what I see from the PCB and video.  :)
http://futureos.de --> Get the revolutionary FutureOS (Update: 2023.11.30)
http://futureos.cpc-live.com/files/LambdaSpeak_RSX_by_TFM.zip --> Get the RSX-ROM for LambdaSpeak :-) (Updated: 2021.12.26)

Bryce

First I've heard about this. Although it uses a similar Flash chip and most likely is just a MegaFlash type of ROMBoard, the big difference here is the CH340 which means that the data / games are loaded via USB instead of via the CPC. So you could see it as a sort of mix between the MegaFlash and the C4CPC.

Bryce.

khaz

So basically a cartridge slot for the CPC? That's super cool if so.

XeNoMoRPH

your amstrad news source in spanish language : https://auamstrad.es

XeNoMoRPH

your amstrad news source in spanish language : https://auamstrad.es

Dandare

Some progress in the project.


- Now loads compressed games from memory, any game in SNA format
- USB transfer and memory update work so content can be updated from the PC/MAC
- USB port is now bidirectional
- Minor changes in hw (basically adding some buttons and moving around things)
- Board is now compatible with "ZX Dandanator Retroworks" case (an under 2€ ABS case)


PC/MAC tool adaptation from the current ZX Romset creator is in progress. You just drop games there and transfer via USB to the CPC Dandanator, all-in-one tool.
Component pricing fluctuates, but I believe it will amount under 10€, pcb/case included. This is for an unassembled board.

khaz

Quote from: Dandare on 09:07, 25 May 18
- Board is now compatible with "ZX Dandanator Retroworks" case (an under 2€ ABS case)

Cool! Do you have pics of the case?
I remember someone here mentioning that the edge male connectors were somewhat difficult to source. Your first PCB picture is of a male connector, while on the videos you have soldered a female connector. Which is meant as the final design/product? I believe having cartridges as Male and using an extra Female/Female adapter to connect to the computer would be the cheaper and more interesting option for the end user.

XeNoMoRPH

Go Ahead !!! Dandare !!!  8) 8)
your amstrad news source in spanish language : https://auamstrad.es

roudoudou

Quote from: Dandare on 09:07, 25 May 18
Some progress in the project.
- Now loads compressed games from memory, any game in SNA format


Which version of SNA supported? v2? v3?
My pronouns are RASM and ACE

Dandare

Quote from: khaz on 10:59, 25 May 18
Cool! Do you have pics of the case?
I remember someone here mentioning that the edge male connectors were somewhat difficult to source. Your first PCB picture is of a male connector, while on the videos you have soldered a female connector. Which is meant as the final design/product? I believe having cartridges as Male and using an extra Female/Female adapter to connect to the computer would be the cheaper and more interesting option for the end user.
Male edge is simply a pcb board, no need to add any other component. The female connector goes soldered to what you've seen. Although what you say about the F-F adaptor is true, the cartridge will be used for game distribution (starting by 4Mhz with some incredible games of theirs coming) so we're aiming at a compact approach.
Case is Supertronic PP6N, custom machined from factory.  --> https://www.tme.eu/es/details/pp6n/carcasas-universales/supertronic/pp6-n/



Quote from: roudoudou on 13:42, 25 May 18Which version of SNA supported? v2? v3?

Both

Dandare

Although I'll publish all details, code, schematics as "public domain" once I put it all together, here are some technical details


- board can map up to two simultaneous slots of 16k anywhere in the memory (16k aligned)
- It does not use IO ports, but OPCode traps and bushacking for communication
- It does not interfere nor changes the rom settings (rom configuration and upper rom mapping). Instead it "overlays" when requested.
- USB is bitbanged and uses a serial USB chip, ch340g, to do the hard USB communication part.
- Actions may be delayed until an optrap. This means you can send a command, do whatever you want and the mapping will only happen when an specific opcode is issued
- All logic is done in VHDL for a XC9572xl, 44 pins. A lot of Z80 code is also needed for all to work.
- No CPC has been damaged or harmed during the tests  :laugh:


khaz

#21
Quote from: Dandare on 15:15, 25 May 18
Male edge is simply a pcb board, no need to add any other component. The female connector goes soldered to what you've seen. Although what you say about the F-F adaptor is true, the cartridge will be used for game distribution (starting by 4Mhz with some incredible games of theirs coming) so we're aiming at a compact approach.
Case is Supertronic PP6N, custom machined from factory.  --> https://www.tme.eu/es/details/pp6n/carcasas-universales/supertronic/pp6-n/

Thanks, that's a pretty cool case!

I get the compact approach, but I believe people will buy more than one cartridge, and on your side it would be easier to make a few adapters and streamline the cartridge manufacturing process to a PCB in a shell. As you want to open source the whole project for other people to use it, It would be beneficial for them too, people wanting to make cartridges only needing to make a PCB.

An adapter would also have the added benefit of being able to be used as a pass-through, with an exposed edge connector at the back so that conventional expansions can be kept plugged in the computer. Another benefit is that it would mean the cartridge would fit vertically, for an easier access, less depth space needed, and a constant display of its label.

But I get the simple approach of a cartridge that is simply plug-and-play on a naked CPC. It's certainly a worthy approach. I just fear it may be "too" simple and end up annoying people who would need to constantly disconnect their expansions, or have to reach blindly behind the computer to pug the cartridge. The current scene is one of enthusiasts, and I suspect most have extra stuff plugged to their computer at all times, and none would be deterred by having to use an extra adapter.

Sorry, just resting my case (eh) as it's something I gave a bit of a thought some time ago when I learned about Lower ROM overwrite.

Dandare

Little video showing SNA loading of 7 different games. No menu yet!



https://youtu.be/e36xb0Pwqmc

Audronic

@Dandare


Thanks for the good work.


Are there 3D Printer files for the Box to suit CPC Dandanator Mini and The ZX Dandanator Please


I am unable to find these boxes (PP6n)over here in Australia.


Thanks    Ray
Procrastinators Unite,
If it Ain't Broke PLEASE Don't Fix it.
I keep telling you I am Not Pedantic.
As I Live " Down Under " I Take my Gravity Tablets and Wear my Magnetic Boots to Keep me from Falling off.

Audronic

Procrastinators Unite,
If it Ain't Broke PLEASE Don't Fix it.
I keep telling you I am Not Pedantic.
As I Live " Down Under " I Take my Gravity Tablets and Wear my Magnetic Boots to Keep me from Falling off.

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