ColecoVision adapter for the Master System - available now!

[RockLobster]

9 minutes ago, HDTV1080P said:

Just tossing out some ideals.

You can always get a MiSTer and do it almost all

[+Apocalypse]

@HDTV1080Pthis isn't emulation at all. It adapts/converts the memory map and ports between the Master System and Colevision.

 

SGM compatibility is trivial from a software standpoint (and even hardware regarding memory), but the Master System cart slot lacks analog audio pins (which the CV expansion port has and are used by the SGM for enhanced sound with the AY-3-8910).

[phoenixdownita]

2 hours ago, Apocalypse said:

@HDTV1080Pthis isn't emulation at all. It adapts/converts the memory map and ports between the Master System and Colevision.

 

SGM compatibility is trivial from a software standpoint (and even hardware regarding memory), but the Master System cart slot lacks analog audio pins (which the CV expansion port has and are used by the SGM for enhanced sound with the AY-3-8910).

Well, you could get creative and craft a cable that connects the SMS AV to the cart, on the cart pcb isolate the audio and mix it with whatever you want to add, then have an AV connector on the cart to go to the tv (“32x” style, if you will, but the video is pass through ) … yeah … not gonna happen!

(Of course no RF so SMS1 and French SMS2 only)

Edited September 28 by phoenixdownita

[MegaManFan]

On 9/26/2024 at 9:47 AM, RockLobster said:

How big is the display and how far are you sitting away?

 

55". I'm at least 10-15 feet away from it. My rec room is like a long hallway with the recliner at one end, the TV at the other. Obviously to use the ColecoVision adapter none of this applies - I have to get up to start it each time and then walk back. Or I could run a 15 foot long cable from the switchbox to the Master System and set it on my lap.

[+Apocalypse]

@phoenixdownita oh you know I thought about tapping audio from the cart and mixing it then came to the same conclusion.

[phoenixdownita]

6 hours ago, Apocalypse said:

@phoenixdownita oh you know I thought about tapping audio from the cart and mixing it then came to the same conclusion.

If you start adding connectors to the cart (32x style) may as well add 2 extra controller ports (a la mega drive j-cart https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/J-Cart ) configured for real Coleco controllers .... way too much work and people would still point at the palette.

[RockLobster]

1 hour ago, phoenixdownita said:

may as well add 2 extra controller ports (a la mega drive j-cart https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/J-Cart ) configured for real Coleco controllers

along those lines...

 

adding USB or BT support would be easier and cheaper using an ESP32 probably.  Then you can have standard HID mapping and could still have the option of using whatever including a real CV controller like the 2600dapter.

 

[Duttroid]

I've done the following, but the corrupted graphics continue:

 

• Ensured that the cart port is getting enough voltage

• disconnected the SMSFM wires and replaced capacitor C31

I understand that the SMSFM previously required the lifting of an IC pin, but this was not the case in my revision and installation.

 

I am trying to find someone with a Master System in/near Boston, MA to test the adapter for me, but @Apocalypse have any confirmed cases of a failing component on the ColeCoco been confirmed?

[+Apocalypse]

@Duttroidso far we haven't found any faulty adapter, they're all tested individually. But of course we're open to that possibility.

[RockLobster]

25 minutes ago, Duttroid said:

but the corrupted graphics continue:

26 minutes ago, Duttroid said:

I am trying to find someone with a Master System

 

Do you have a real ColecoVision to test the cartridges w/ corrupted graphics?

 

[phoenixdownita]

@Apocalypse btw mine’s are just ideas that as we know are a dime a dozen. Execution is king here and you and team executed and delivered which is way more that I can say for a whole lot of my ideas …. congratulations on the project.

[+Apocalypse]

@phoenixdownitathere are of course many things that can be done and I appreciate your suggestions.

Funny you mention the J-Cart, I dumped the PLD for the version supporting an EEPROM recently (there's also a version without), file is available over at the pld archive.

[Duttroid]

Thanks @Apocalypse

 

@RockLobster I do not have a ColecoVision with which to test the carts.  My BackBit cart does work flawlessly with several other consoles.

 

I'll have to keep the ColeCoco adapter on the shelf for now, and will hopefully get a chance to test on a stock SMS in the future.  Thanks for the help and suggestions.