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ARMSiD by Nobomi New Firmware v2.8 & New PCB rev.

February 21st, 2019 No comments
ARMSid New PCB rev

Nobomi has made a new revision of the ARMSiD PCB which however has the same hardware features as the previous one.

A new firmware update for the ARMSiD has also been released by Nobomi.

Below is the changelog taken directly from the website.

Differences between FW 2.8 and previous version:

  • The start and the end of the bus data cycle (reading or writing) is now controlled by signal CS only (it was the same on the beginning of the cycle, but the end was controlled by 02 clock before), it can help with a bus stability in other systems than C64 a C128.
  • Internal frequency generators are updated with precision of one 02 clock – about 1us (no audio signal phase changes after frequency retuning) !
  • Correct polarity of the bandpass filter.
  • Added emulation of internal filter voltage offset.
  • Added the “Digi Boost” feature by software – an effect similar to adding 330kOhm resistor between EXTin and GND on the MOS8580.
  • Other speed optimization.

Gallery:

Download: ARMSiD v2.8 (17/2/2019) (773)

source: dzi.n.cz/8bit/armsid

Updated U64 CPLD using a GX-4X / ADP-056 JTAG Adapter

February 2nd, 2019 No comments
Updated U64 CPLD using a GX-4X / ADP-056 JTAG Adapter

This update is only valid for Ultimate 64 boards up to serial number #540, which were shipped with an older version (v1.0) of the CPLD code.

This Update fixes an issue with the handling of key presses. To test if your U64 board is affected, run “Bounty Bob Strikes Back” and try to play/start the game.

Update on your own risk, your warranty is now void. I am not responsible for bricked devices. If you have any concerns, please do some research before updating your CPLD!

Gallery:

Download:

source: facebook.com/groups/1541ultimate/

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

TheC64 Mini Firmware Update v1.2.0

December 27th, 2018 No comments

Firmware upgrades for THEC64 Mini provide new features and/or correct any technical issues.

We always recommend that you use the latest version of the firmware.

Version 1.2.0 – Changes:

  • Adds a complete new game for free to the GAMES CAROUSEL! Galencia for the Mini is licensed from Jay Aldred and is the winner of the Reset64 Magazine 2017 Commodore 64 Game of the Year Award
  • Introduces the Virtual Joystick. You can now select all options on THEC64 Mini and even play games just using a USB keyboard. See Virtual Joystick for further information
  • Improves the File Loader to allow multiple programs to be configured at once. See Setting a Default Configuration for Multiple Programs for further information
  • Remembers the mute state of the CAROUSEL music between reboots
  • Improves the general performance of THEC64 Mini screens and menus

Note:

Galencia is the winner of the Reset64 Magazine 2017 Commodore 64 Game of the Year Award. It is a colourful, highly polished, Galaga inspired single-screen shoot-em-up.

Jay has worked really hard to produce a special version of Galencia just for THEC64 Mini and its 720p display, and it makes maximum use of the upper and lower borders for graphics, right up to the edge of the screen! Be aware however, that some HD TVs might crop some of these border graphics when displaying the 720p image. This is not a fault with Galencia or the Mini and we recommend that you refer to your TV settings.

Please be aware there is currently a 256 item limit (files and/or folders) to assist improved USB memory stick performance.

Download: TheC64 Mini Firmware v1.2.0 (2103)

source: thec64.com

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

SD2Snes Firmware v1.9.0 released (SA-1 support)

December 18th, 2018 No comments

Ikari has released a new firmware for the SD2Snes Flash Cartridge (Super Nintendo/Famicom). The upgrade instructions can be found here.

Changelog:

  • SA-1 support by RedGuy! Big thanks to RedGuy again :) This was a really tight fit for the FPGA so there’s a little catch – MSU1 is not available for SA-1 games.
  • Also from RedGuy comes partial SRAM detection for some known games (SuperFX & SA-1). This calculates a ROM CRC and chooses to monitor only specific regions in cartridge RAM for changes. This enables automatic saving without having to resort to periodic saving, reducing wear on the SD card.
  • SNES CPU <-> PPU clock phase alignment. This is a long standing issue on a sub-CPU-cycle base inside the SNES. HDMA to certain registers can cause flickering sprite slabs to appear when CPU and PPU are out of phase after a cart-side reset (which does not reset the PPUs). This fixes the notorious flickering of characters with the giant frog attack in Chrono Trigger, sprites in Kirby Super Star, characters behind the text box in Star Ocean, and probably more. See https://github.com/RedGuyyyy/sd2snes/issues/6 for technical details.
  • Added an option to always go back to menu on reset, regardless of whether it’s a short or long reset.
  • LED brightness setting (16 levels)
  • Added an option to choose whether you want to start a game with or without cheats enabled (of those that are marked as enabled in the YAML file). You can enable / disable them later using the L+R+Start+A / L+R+Start+B button combinations if you have in-game buttons enabled.
  • Disable Satellaview emulation when a real Satellaview base unit is detected to avoid bus fighting and facilitate Satellaview development.
  • System Information now shows the currently effective video mode (50 or 60 Hz).
  • Fixes:
    • Control signal edges are detected a bit earlier, improving stability on some consoles (Github Issues)
    • Fix timing of auto region patching. This should solve cross-issues with Super Scope games because they rely on the same register that is also used to read the console region.
    • Fix brightness patching / limiting for games that use HDMA to alter the brightness register. (e.g. Star Fox)
    • Fix an occasional imaginary access cycle carried out by the FPGA after reconfiguration. This fixes lockups when loading games with dedicated FPGA files, i.e. SuperFX, SA-1, OBC-1.
    • Fix SuperCIC pair mode entry for consoles with ≤ 3.072MHz CIC clock (notably GPM revisions). (Github Issue)
    • S-RTC register state is reset when the console is reset.

Download:

source: sd2snes.de

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

UK1541 (Ultimate Killer) Firmware Update 2.0.1.11-2018

December 4th, 2018 No comments

Firmware upgrade for the UK1541 a real time drive emulator with cycle-exact 6502 instructions execution and VIA’s emulation just by tiny MCU, LCP1114, Cortex M0, 48Mhz (0,84 DMIPS/Mhz) developed by Krzysztof Switajski aka Kisiel/ICON.

Changelog:

  • Core6502 update 2.0.1.11-2018 with major improvements for VIA emulation.

Download:

source: wiki.projekt64.filety.pl

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.1.32.1a

November 20th, 2018 No comments

Jean-François DEL NERO (who’s behind the HxC SD Floppy Emulator) recently has released a version of the HxC emulator firmware that is compatible with the STM32 chip used in the Gotek floppy emulators.

This means that the great functionality of the HxC SD emulator is now available on cheaper and more widely available hardware.

The bootloader to convert the Gotek floppy drive in HxC compatible must be purchased on the website HXC 2001 by sending an email to Jean-François DEL NERO. The price of the bootloader is one-off 10 Euro per Gotek that you want to update. Future updates of the software are free and can be made from a USB stick

The HXC Usb (Gotek) firmware supports: + many more….

USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware v3.1.25.1a -> v3.1.32.1a cumulative changelog:

  • Menu subsystem refactored.
  • Smaller code size with more features.
  • Menu OLED and sound parameters (Video Inverse, contrast, step sound) are now taking effect immediately.
  • Code optimizations.
  • CPC DSK : Write cache flush timeout set to 2 seconds.
  • Once again more code size optimizations!
  • More code size optimizations.
  • STM32 startup / init functions refactored (WIP).
  • Flash memory code size reduced.
  • Inversed Floppy Ribbon detection at power-up : “rib” (7 segments display) or “Floppy ribbon reversed !” (LCD/OLed display) message printed at power-up if the floppy ribbon is not connected properly.
  • Fix a regression introduced into the v3.1.28.1a : Fix normal and indexed mode possible browsing issues (unexpected wrap to index 0). Please update !
  • OLED screen : Standby/screen saver mode – The screen is now dimmed to a minimal level. The standby delay can be changed into the setting menu.
  • OLED screen : New Menu entry – “Video” Polarity mode (Normal/Inverse).
  • Files Browser : All Files/Folders with the hidden attribut set are not shown anymore… (Hide Windows/MAC system folders).
  • Push buttons Auto-repeat : Better/Smoother rate changes. Rate changes delays adjusted.
  • Thomson *.FD file support : Faster Loading (sectors interleave factor fixed).
  • Fix the “clear settings”/reset factory function.

This is only a little part of the changelog. The original one is very long and you can read it here. (instruction manual here)

Download: USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.1.32.1a (865)

source: hxc2001.com

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

U64/Ultimate-64 Firmware Update – v1.0B

November 19th, 2018 No comments

A new version of the firmware for the Ultimate-64 by Gideon is released.

Differences with previous official release V1.06:

  • SID has been improved quite a bit:
    • The internal SID is now consistently referenced as “UltiSID”, to avoid confusion with other SID products.
    • Various bugs, like the phase of the filters, and the routing of Voice 3 when the VOICE3OFF bit was set have been corrected.
    • A number of SID filter curves have now been implemented and can now be chosen from the configuration menu.
    • The resonance can be changed to two different settings.
    • Combined waveforms can now be selected between 6581 and 8580.
    • Internal bus charge in the SID is now emulated.
  • The 6502 core has been improved. All ‘stable’ illegal instructions are now fully operational:
    • SLO $07 $17 $03 $13 $0F $1F $1B
    • RLA $27 $37 $23 $33 $2F $3F $3B
    • SRE $47 $57 $43 $53 $4F $5F $5B
    • RRA $67 $77 $63 $73 $6F $7F $7B
    • SAX $87 $97 $83 $8F
    • LAX $A7 $B7 $A3 $B3 $AF
    • DCP $C7 $D7 $C3 $D3 $CF $DF $DB
    • ISC $E7 $F7 $E3 $F3 $EF $FF $FB
    • ANC $0B
    • ANC $2B
    • ALR $4B
    • ARR $6B (including decimal mode!)
    • SBX $CB
    • SBC $EB
    • LAS $BB
    • LAX $AB is stable with constant 00.
  • U64 settings are now restored when the machine resets. This resets the SID settings after using Auto Config + internal SID player.

Download:

source: ultimate64.com

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

Released the latest version of DiagROM v1.1 for Amiga

October 28th, 2018 No comments

What is DiagROM?

DiagROM is a diagnostic tool for the amiga computers.

And it is to be used on defective machines, trying to help no-boot situations etc.

You simply replace the Kickstart roms in the Amiga with the DiagROM. and when poweron. your Amiga will start a diagnostic software. It will try to dump info on the serialport (and actual menus etc aswell) while also trying on the screen.

Changelog:

  • New memory-detection routine that hopefully finds more memory.
  • A600/1200/4000 IDE detection.
  • Some bugfixes. (look at releasedata for more info)
  • Powerup extras:
    • press left mousebutton at power on, Screen will be disabled and IF there is fastmem present, fastmem will be used instead of chipmem.  Serial console is only option.
    • if you press right mousebutton at poweron. Computer will use the beginning of detected ramblock instead of end.
    • (you can combine both buttons at boot)
  • fire on joystick at power on:
    • Serialport output is disabled. this to make the machine to start with broken Paula.  DiagROM also tries to detect broken paula at start and will disable serial if detected. (this detection is far from 100%)

Download: DiagoROM v1.1 Stable (790)

source: diagrom.com

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

TheC64 Mini Firmware Update v1.1.4

October 14th, 2018 No comments

Firmware upgrades for THEC64 Mini provide new features and/or correct any technical issues.

We always recommend that you use the latest version of the firmware.

Version 1.1.4 – Changes:

  • Corrects a recent firmware issue that prevented joysticks like the Logitech F710 from being detected.

Please be aware there is currently a 256 item limit (files and/or folders) to assist improved USB memory stick performance.

Download: TheC64 Mini Firmware v1.1.4 (1784)

source: thec64.com

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

TheC64 Mini Firmware Update v1.1.2

October 10th, 2018 No comments

Firmware upgrades for THEC64 Mini provide new features and/or correct any technical issues.

We always recommend that you use the latest version of the firmware.

Version 1.1.2 – Changes:

  • Fixes an issue where some USB directory layouts result in an empty file list.
  • Amended USB behaviour to help resolve issues users experienced with some USB memory sticks when using the File Loader.

Please be aware there is currently a 256 item limit (files and/or folders) to assist improved USB memory stick performance.

Download: TheC64 Mini Firmware v1.1.2 (872)

source: thec64.com

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

TheC64 Mini Firmware Update v1.1.0

October 9th, 2018 No comments

Firmware upgrades for THEC64 Mini provide new features and/or correct any technical issues.

We always recommend that you use the latest version of the firmware.

Version 1.1.0 – Changes:

  • New File Loader functionality. Please see File Loader for full details.
  • Further improvements to response times.
  • Fixing one small issue with the German Virtual Keyboard.
  • Adding the missing help function in ‘Avenger’ to a joystick button.

Download: TheC64 Mini Firmware v1.1.0 (1189)

source: thec64.com

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

Ultimate-64/u2/u2p Firmware Update – v1.06 / v3.3 / v3.3 v1

October 7th, 2018 3 comments

A new version of the firmware for the Ultimate-64 / Ultimate 1541 II / Ultimate 1541 II+ by Gideon and some enhancements by Markus is released.

Changelog of Ultimate-64 / 1541 Ultimate 2+ by Gideon

    • NEW: Audio Mixer
    • 1541 Ultimate II+ only:
      • NEW: External Audio In
    • 1541 Ultimate II and II+ only:
      • Can now be used in Ultimate 64
    • Ultimate 64 only:
      • SpeedDOS Parallel Cable (needs e.g. DolpinDOS roms)
      • Interface type: Ultimate Menu picture overlay (HDMI-only)
      • USB keyboard support. Like earlier firmware, press scroll/lock to enter/exit the Ultimate menu.
      • Replacement of Charrom and BASIC.
    • Display *.64 files as a directory via FTP:
      • Every chosen FTP username enables this feature (*.d64 are shown as directory AND as *.d64 files)
      • The username “d64″ deactivates the listing of *.d64 files (*.d64 are only shown as directory)
      • The username “d642″ disables this feature completely, (*.d64 are only shown as files)

.. and there are many improvements not present in the changelog.

Note for the Ultimate 64:

You will need a kernel, basic and character rom after the upgrade. These roms are not included in the update. These roms are distributed with vice-emu, but you can also find them on zimmermans.net.

For instance, you could use these roms: 901225-01.bin (char), 901226.bin (basic) and 901227-03.bin (kernal). Roms with the .rom extension should also work.

Changelog of Ultimate-64 / 1541 Ultimate 2 / 1541 Ultimate 2+ by Markus

Changes in this release (compared to 3.3):

  • You can now flash more alternative kernals and floppy roms (1541 Ultimate II+: 2, Ultimate 64: 3).
  • Kernals and floppy roms can be loaded without flashing
  • Pressing the following keys while turning on the Ultimate 64 will change the video mode to
    • D => DVI
    • H => HDMI
    • R => RGB
    • C => Composite/S-Video
  • Fix writing to kernal via TCP Port 64 on Ultimate 64
  • Fix Fast Reset on “Original” Kernal on Ultimate 64

Download:

source: ultimate64.com github.com/markusC64

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

Vampire GOLD2.10 Core Released for V600 v2(.1) & V500 v2(+)

July 23rd, 2018 No comments

Vampire GOLD2.10 Core Released for V600 v2 (.1) & V500 v2(+) and new Saga Driver v1.4.

Vampire GOLD2.10 Changelog:

  • Added 4 different IDE speeds (V500)
  • Fixed SBCD instruction
  • Fixed ChipRAM detection
  • Improved CIA timings (V600)

SAGA Driver v1.4 Changelog:

  • Updated VControl to 1.6
  • Updated VampireSN for Vampire V4
  • Updated SDNet to 1.92
  • Updated V2ExpEth to 1.92

Download: Vampire Core & Saga Driver (1206)

source: apollo-accelerators.com

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

SD2Snes Firmware v1.8.0 released (SuperFX support)

June 29th, 2018 No comments

Ikari has released a new firmware for the SD2Snes Flash Cartridge (Super Nintendo/Famicom). The upgrade instructions can be found here.

Changelog:

  • SuperFX support by RedGuy! This is the duck’s guts. What an accomplishment. Big thanks to RedGuy!
  • EXPERIMENTAL brightness patching for S-CPUN based consoles (1CHIP/Jr). The patching is comprised of two parts:
    • 1CHIP transient fix – tries to alleviate some graphical issues with 1CHIP consoles where it reacts unfavorably to sudden changes to the brightness register. This fixes the shadow in Air Strike Patrol, warped scanlines in Rudra’s Treasure, and faded scanlines at the top of the screen on certain Capcom games when the console is equipped with a de-ghosting fix involving the replacement of the C11 capacitor.
    • Brightness limit – can be used to limit brightness on consoles where the stock RGB levels are too high.
  • NOTE: There are known problems with games that use DMA to set the brightness register. Notably Star Fox and some MSU1 video players. You should disable it if you intend to play those. For now I’m releasing it as is because I still think it can be useful (and I’ll be gone for two weeks and didn’t want to delay this release any further :-D)
  • Added ExLoROM support (LoROM > 32Mbits)
  • The In-game hook is now disabled by default.
  • Touched up the menu a bit – dependent settings are printed in grey if the higher-level setting is disabled
  • Changed the version numbering by eliminating the eternal leading zero. The last digit can now be used for small revisions or fixes.

Some minor fixes are still outstanding which I will address in a couple of weeks after I have returned from vacation.

Download:

source: sd2snes.de

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.1.25.1a

June 18th, 2018 No comments

Jean-François DEL NERO (who’s behind the HxC SD Floppy Emulator) recently has released a version of the HxC emulator firmware that is compatible with the STM32 chip used in the Gotek floppy emulators.

This means that the great functionality of the HxC SD emulator is now available on cheaper and more widely available hardware.

The bootloader to convert the Gotek floppy drive in HxC compatible must be purchased on the website HXC 2001 by sending an email to Jean-François DEL NERO. The price of the bootloader is one-off 10 Euro per Gotek that you want to update. Future updates of the software are free and can be made from a USB stick

The HXC Usb (Gotek) firmware supports: + many more….

USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware v3.1.22.1a -> v3.1.25.1a cumulative changelog:

  • TI99/4A : V9T9/DSK Loader -> Better disk layout detection.
  • OLED screen setting sanity check: Do not allow more than 21 characters per line.
  • 2 Digits screen Gotek: Fix embedded config menu.
  • HFE files: Fix MPC60 MkII formatted images write support regression. May also fix possible write issues on HFE files with some others machines/disk formats. Update recommended.
  • 7 segments Gotek: New menu entry : 5 -> Auto select delay setting.
  • Floppy Interface initialized before the screen. (Fix Emu Emulator second drive detection issue).
  • Amiga ID support enabled by default (HD ADF support).
  • Internal improvements.
  • “Double steps per increment” rotary support added.
  • New menu entries: Head settling time. (7 digits gotek meny entry number 6). Rotary type. (7 digits gotek menu entry number 7 – 0=Single Step, 1=Double Step, 3=Disable.).

This is only a little part of the changelog. The original one is very long and you can read it here. (instruction manual here)

Download: USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.1.25.1a (934)

source: hxc2001.com

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today