Here is my design for a reflashable cartridge for the GX4000.
Based on original designs by Chinnery and f1ac0, this Flash+ cartridge is designed so you can quickly reflash it with out the need to open carts, remove proms or have unsightly Switches, Jumpers, Usb or SD Adapters.
It it fully compatible with Cwiiis' GX4000 3d printed cartridge.
It has 3 options for Amstrad Cartridge Identification - ACID, XC9536 or 74HC112N.
There is also an option to use Multi Rom selection.
Using its adapter you can place it into your eprom programmer and flash the Cartridge.
This is V1.0 of the Board, and yeah I forgot to add the VCC and GND to the 74HC112N device, hence the links on the rear.
The Flash ROM used on this board is an ST M29F040B-70K1, I do need to try other variants.
I still need to test the ACID and XC9536 part of the circuit, but it should be ok ;)
Nice! Well, I would like to test your card with a spare ACID I have here at my place. If you're interested please PM / email me. :)
Ooh, this is really nice, I especially like the 3 options for ID - I've been wanting to test if the CPLD method would help with the stability issues you get with the Plus when using 3rd party carts and expansion cards (all my 3rd party carts use NoACID).
Will you be sharing this design? Would also be nice for cart production to have an open design that uses a more modern and cheaply available memory chip!
Good stuff.
That memory chip is 512KB which could hold 4 x 128KB ROMs. Is that what you mean by multi-ROM selection?
Cheers, Richard.
Yes, it will be an open design as technically its Chinnery's and f1ac0's already open designs but redesigned to be flashed via a programmer using the adapter.
I thought why not put all 3 ACID options on one board, and to save space overlap the ACID and 74HC112 positions.
The switching is using the method from f1ac0's design, however the switch used is the Nidec Copal CS-4-13NB for its size.
However, as this board could be cheap to produce, you may have no need to use switching ;)
Howdy!
Tests were performed with this great piece of hardware using the ACID chip.
And what I can say: It all works like a charm!!! :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
Imho this expansion has two advantages:
1. It's available
2. It's power consumption is low, so the GX4000 should be able to use it with the regular PSU
Now, back to playing Navy Seals (with trainer of course)...
Thats great to hear ;D
Thanks so much for wanting to test it.
Just got to see what results the CPLD gives...
Good luck! I'm sure it will work perfectly! :)
BTW: Can the adaptor be used to read out a conventional cartridge?
Love the concept of easy reflashable thing....Count me for one.
Quote from: GUNHED on 15:14, 07 April 23Good luck! I'm sure it will work perfectly! :)
BTW: Can the adaptor be used to read out a conventional cartridge?
Technically yes, but I would have to try it first.
Hi guys! Have been using this great device since quite a while. And it works perfect!
Indeed unopened 6128plus Cartridges can be read out and non-destructive Copies can be made! :) :) :)
Many thanks for testing it for me.
I've been a bit busy in real life (IRL), but here is the latest version I've created.
It's slightly different from the version that GUNHED has, so it won't be compatible with the newer design.
This latest version offers many onboard options.
In addition to choosing the ACID Methods, you can also select the type of flash device. It can either be fitted with TSOP or PLCC. TSOP tends to be lower cost than the PLCC variant.
I have not tested, and to be honest, I will not support the CPLD ACID Emulation method.
To date, from the sheer number I've made and sold of the original EPROM variants and the small batches of this flash device, I have never encountered any bad feedback or operational problems with the 74HC112 method.
So in the future, when I release the designs, if modifications are needed, someone else can handle that.
As I always intended, the main idea for this cart is to provide software developers with a method to create their own cartridges, a way to test and ensure their software is bug-free at a low price, and help sell their own homebrew games in hardware format.
Or even casual gamers who do not have access to multicarts and want to try different games.
With that said, this cart is ready for purchase if anyone is interested. I still need to work out a pricing structure, but it will be in this format:
Bare PCBs
Pre-built kits, including a Programming Adapter
Assembled cartridge PCBs with NOACID method and TSOP Flash device.
If anyone is interested, please PM me, and we can work something out. Again, once I know I've pretty much covered my costs, etc., and the time is right, the designs will be made available.
Quote from: GUNHED on 13:41, 17 October 23Indeed unopened 6128plus Cartridges can be read out and non-destructive Copies can be made! :) :) :)
Lets hope someone can find the owner of Chase HQ2 and let the community copy it, err I mean preserve it lol
Absolutely! :) :) :)
In case you will have some kind of homepage (or anything else) please drop us a link. :) :) :)
For additional details on these cartridges, please see my simple webpage at,
https://overange.weebly.com/
Prices are listed
If you have any projects in mind that call for programmable cartridges, whether it's for transforming your homebrew project into a hardware release, testing your code, or building a unique games cartridge collection for your GX4000 or PLUS Machines, I'm here to assist.
I can now provide Cartridge Shells as part of the package, that boast an impressive look and feel.
For those intrigued, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your ideas and projects are important, and I'm here to bring them to life.
Looking forward to collaborating with you all!
Hi
i see prices in uk money, does that mean you will ship from the uk?
cheers
Hi,
I am based in the UK and can Shipped Worldwide.
Thanks
Quote from: overange on 01:17, 15 January 24For additional details on these cartridges, please see my simple webpage at,
https://overange.weebly.com/
Prices are listed
If you have any projects in mind that call for programmable cartridges, whether it's for transforming your homebrew project into a hardware release, testing your code, or building a unique games cartridge collection for your GX4000 or PLUS Machines, I'm here to assist.
I can now provide Cartridge Shells as part of the package, that boast an impressive look and feel.
For those intrigued, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your ideas and projects are important, and I'm here to bring them to life.
Looking forward to collaborating with you all!
Cool to see this service - that cartridge shell looks an awful lot like my design though, which has a licence that forbids commercial use... If I'm wrong, please forgive my mistake - if I'm right, maybe you'd like to send me a message about agreeing some terms of use? (I'm not fishing to get paid, but I wouldn't condone someone selling my design uncredited)
Quote from: overange on 01:17, 15 January 24For additional details on these cartridges, please see my simple webpage at,
https://overange.weebly.com/
Prices are listed
If you have any projects in mind that call for programmable cartridges, whether it's for transforming your homebrew project into a hardware release, testing your code, or building a unique games cartridge collection for your GX4000 or PLUS Machines, I'm here to assist.
I can now provide Cartridge Shells as part of the package, that boast an impressive look and feel.
For those intrigued, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your ideas and projects are important, and I'm here to bring them to life.
Looking forward to collaborating with you all!
This is exactly what I've been looking for! I'll be interested in picking one up at the end of the month.
I assume I can program this with any cheap USB EPROM programmer?
Yes. Everyone. :)
We've had a conversation, and everything is fine – just a small oversight on my part. I failed to mention that the cartridge design in the image is by Cwiiis.
It's essential to clarify that this extra service to provide the cartridge cases operates on a non-profit basis, solely offering compatible 3D printed cartridges at cost from the manufacturer.
Whether it's the mentioned design or any other freely available designs, this serves as an option for buyers who choose me as their supplier and assembler.
If you wish for me to provide a cartridge case with your Cartridge PCBs, please specify your preference. It's worth noting that the printing process I employ is slightly more expensive at around £6.50 per shell with discounts for more, but the end result boasts a superior look and feel compared to conventional 3D FDM printed versions.
If you are creating you own Hardware Homebrew Titles for resale, please remember to give credit were credit is due.
Quote from: flibblesan on 08:41, 16 January 24Quote from: overange on 01:17, 15 January 24For additional details on these cartridges, please see my simple webpage at,
https://overange.weebly.com/
Prices are listed
If you have any projects in mind that call for programmable cartridges, whether it's for transforming your homebrew project into a hardware release, testing your code, or building a unique games cartridge collection for your GX4000 or PLUS Machines, I'm here to assist.
I can now provide Cartridge Shells as part of the package, that boast an impressive look and feel.
For those intrigued, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your ideas and projects are important, and I'm here to bring them to life.
Looking forward to collaborating with you all!
This is exactly what I've been looking for! I'll be interested in picking one up at the end of the month.
I assume I can program this with any cheap USB EPROM programmer?
Hi, Sure message me when you are ready :)
I use the TL866II-PLUS programmer with XGPRO V12.30 and it works great.
I also use a PICO based Eprom programmer made by Ifilot
(about:invalid)
https://github.com/ifilot/pico-sst39sf0x0-programmer
https://philips-p2000t.nl/tools/pico-sst39sf0x0-programmer.html
This programmer works great with my Cartridge, it was originally design for programming other systems roms like the C64 and 8Bit Philips, but i found it can program my design with no additional mods.
For my cartridge you have to select the BINs manually from the menu bar, but its very easy to use.
I did have the software on this PC, and could of done screen shots, but last month upgraded HDD and have not reinstalled the software yet. :picard:
However, for my Vectrex version, I did a video and you can see it working.
Its also a very good price compared to the other programmer out there and the designer is based in the Netherlands so EU delivery costs should be a lot better than from this side of the pond....
You get the choice of bare self build kit, assembled no case or fully assembled.
Hello, such a nice piece of Hardware :)
Just a stupid question.
Would it be a good idea, to build a "Asic-Cartdridge" as a kind of an adapter?
We need the Asic for the "protection". In my understandig, these little Bastards are the most Problematic pieces. (Maybe a few will thake these out of existing cartridges).
So is it possible to create a "little" Cartridge or a Cartridge AddOn with only the Protection Chips on it. Then the Flash Cartridges wont need an Asic themself, and can be plugged right into the "Asic Card".
Like a Cartridge looking like the "Sonic&Knuckles" Cartridge for the Sega Mega Drive (First Plugin the "Asic-Cart" and on top the Flash-Cart), only pointing out what i mean like "Bagpacking a Cartridge" :)
Or is this not an option?
Sorry for my bad English :)
Bye
Tolkin
It's not necessary; the protection is defeated by a simple 74-series flipflop in the cart, which this design supports.
Quote from: Tolkin on 07:52, 09 February 24Hello, such a nice piece of Hardware :)
Just a stupid question.
Would it be a good idea, to build a "Asic-Cartdridge" as a kind of an adapter?
We need the Asic for the "protection". In my understandig, these little Bastards are the most Problematic pieces. (Maybe a few will thake these out of existing cartridges).
So is it possible to create a "little" Cartridge or a Cartridge AddOn with only the Protection Chips on it. Then the Flash Cartridges wont need an Asic themself, and can be plugged right into the "Asic Card".
Like a Cartridge looking like the "Sonic&Knuckles" Cartridge for the Sega Mega Drive (First Plugin the "Asic-Cart" and on top the Flash-Cart), only pointing out what i mean like "Bagpacking a Cartridge" :)
Or is this not an option?
Sorry for my bad English :)
Bye
Tolkin
Thank you for your kind words.
Originally, my design included an inline adapter, as you mentioned, capable of accommodating the ACID or any other ACID bypass methods. However, it proved more convenient to consolidate all components into a single device.
I've produced numerous carts using the flipflop method without any reported issues.
There are mods where you can wire in a salvaged ACID device internally into the system, but since we have different options available, its not really a viable option.
Ah. ok, good to know :)
Thats fine, that there ist a easy Solution!
Thank you
For those that want to print our own PCBs, or develop on top of this, are the design files available?
For those who are not aware, the 74HC112 uses a glitch method to work around ACID protection, whilst the FLACO cart (and this Flash Plus) utilise the Noca$h algorithm to convert address encoding into a serial response to the ASIC inside the Plus
The main difference from a user perspective is resetting the CPC. Hard reset is required with the 74HC112 flip flop. When using something like the M4 with BASIC, and uploading carts via the upload option, the reset needs to work
Unfortunately M4 doesn't work with quite a few 512K cart images (Blinky's Scary school as pictured is one example, but I've made a list). Still to debug that one and give Duke some feedback on it
Anyway I've tested the Xilinx (XC9536XL 3.3V version with 3.3V reg) and that powers up the CPC fine, so I can confirm this works for the prototype board
Currently, it's important to mention that there has always been a disclaimer regarding the operation / development of the CPLD part of the PCB and therefore the files are not currently available for public use.
However, In the meantime, for those interested in DIY PCB printing or development, I recommend exploring other developers completed projects or open-source resources as a starting point for your own endeavours. There are many helpful platforms and communities available for such purposes. Don't hesitate to ask for suggestions or guidance!
If you are requiring assembled PCBs using the flipflop acid method for your own project, please let me know as we can work something out.
With the CPLD tests that darkhalf has performed, ( many thanks ;) ) there are going to be some suggested revision changes, this does not affect the current version regarding the FlipFlop / Acid bypass methods, these are still available to purchase if required.
I've asked for my previous comment to be deleted because after discussing (perhaps something I should have done in the first place, rather than writing angry after a night of no sleep...), I think we've come to a really nice conclusion. In case it's already been deleted, I'd expressed some disappointment (in a probably overly-negative way) that overange suggested he wouldn't be opening his design even though it builds upon previous open work.
I always worry in niche communities like this that people may get discouraged from contributing - what I thought was happening was that overange was taking advantage of other people's previous goodwill to turn a profit (<-- not necessarily a bad thing) without giving anything back (<-- a bad thing, in my opinion). This isn't the case though, we talked it over and overange will be sharing his (very nice) design, and I'll continue to share my designs in future, as well as grant overange licence to sell them to people (under the proviso of a small credit, it's nice to be recognised :))
I'm really happy that this is the outcome - if it wasn't for Chinnery's previous work being available for people, I wouldn't be making physical copies of my game (and hopefully future games) and perhaps we wouldn't have seen some of the other great hardware developments on/around the Plus (like the C4CPC, the Play2CPC, Alcon 2020...) I'd like to think that overange's work being open may inspire future hardware and software developers and I'd encourage anyone looking for carts to check out his service. It really is very reasonably priced for what it is.
Re my new cartridge case design, I'll be sharing it as soon as I confirm it's completely correct - my previous one has some unfortunate deficiencies (mostly fine if you're FDM printing, but not so great for more accurate/sturdy prints), so if you are making cases, I'd encourage you to use someone else's design for now or hold off for a couple of weeks.
I'm grateful that we were able to engage in a constructive dialogue and reach a positive resolution. Open communication is vital in our niche community, and I appreciate the opportunity to clarify my intentions regarding sharing my design.
I'm pleased to confirm that I'll be sharing my design on the open-source platform. Initially, I was hesitant until the CPLD was confirmed working. Now that it's validated, I'm eager to release this design and work on a newer version to enhance accessibility. I deeply value your ongoing contributions to the community. Your willingness to grant me a license to sell your designs with proper recognition reflects your generosity and dedication to our shared goals.
It's important to note that, like many hobbyists, all profits from the sale of our designs are reinvested into creating new designs for others to enjoy. We also do this to keep the taxman away. ::)
Ensuring the quality of our designs before sharing them is paramount, and I commend your diligence in this matter. I eagerly await the finalisation of your new cartridge case design.
Let's continue collaborating and inspiring each other in our future endeavours. Thank you for your understanding and support.
I just had minor comments, that overange was already aware of with regards to locations of decoupling caps on the current prototype. Plus clearing up the footprint around the regulators. So we know there are some minor updates to be made.
CPLDs are a bit tricky to solder and program and are now $8AUD per cart, so I don't know how many people would use those. I use a microscope and fine tip iron, but should get some solder paste and use that instead
Got bored and did some updates to the original Flacco design. Removed switches, so 512K only (this is now designed for inside a cart case) and moved the hole to the centre right to match the cartridge cases I've got printed up
Routed Cart Pin 2 (VCC) to the /WE pin and Cart Pin 39 (GND) to the /OE pin. This should allow programming of this cart with this adaptor
As Darkhalf has demonstrated the flash mod is very easy, it is just utilising two pads on the cartridge to provide the correct signals needed to be recognised by the eprom programmer.
That Adapter PCB schematic is this:-
(about:invalid)
To be honest I am surprised no one ever noticed it and just used it in their own designs :)
I will be hosting the PCBs very soon, I will also host them on PCBway if anyone wants to order the adapters or cartridges.
Please remember, SM Soldering is needed on the cartridge.
Not sure but it may even be compatible with the Play2CPC device, please note that's a maybe.....
If someone wants to test it and report back on this topic and the PLAY2CPC topic that would be good for everyone.
If you are a homebrewer / Software developer and want your games already preprogramed onto a batch of cartridges, as you do not have a programmer, I can provide this service for you, please contact me for more information.
With this I am sure there are many here than can source you the Cartridge cases aswell.
COME ON LETS START RELEASING HOMEBREWS IN HARDWARE FORMAT :)
Image did not attach :doh:
QuoteNot sure but it may even be compatible with the Play2CPC device, please note that's a maybe.....
If someone wants to test it and report back on this topic and the PLAY2CPC topic that would be good for everyone
I'm looking to purchase that from abalore, so just sorting that now. Then I can prototype carts in my other CPCs via the PLAY2CPC. I don't like experimenting too much with the plus, in case I damage the ASIC.
I redesigned the SM version and made it TH for those who do not like SM soldering.
It uses the SST39SF040-70-4C-PHE FLASH DEVICE
HOWEVER Before you start jumping about - I have ordered some boards to test it, if it does not work, ignore this post :-X
See attached images for the two different version you can build.
If it works, then I will make the PCB available so those who what to make their own can do so.
Thanks