carts:nintendo:n64

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carts:nintendo:n64 [2022/08/04 13:50] – [Method 6 - GameShark ProAction Replay Pro] hiccupcarts:nintendo:n64 [2024/01/03 00:13] (current) – Adjusted nesting of one section header camcamcs
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 ====== Nintendo 64 ====== ====== Nintendo 64 ======
 {{wst>see_hardware_page}} {{wst>see_hardware_page}}
- 
-**Warning: UltraSave + 64drive may produce bad dumps of NUS-8F16FB-02 development boards.** 
  
 {{wst>vgpc_help}} {{wst>vgpc_help}}
  
 ===== Introduction ===== ===== Introduction =====
-{{wst>carts_important_notes}} +Dumping Nintendo 64 carts is pretty easy if you have one of the dedicated hardware solutions for it, but they can sometimes be hard to come by, or out of stock, or you have to build them yourself. {{wst>community_equipment}}
-Dumping Nintendo 64 carts is pretty easy if you have one of the dedicated hardware solutions for it, but they can sometimes be hard to come by, or out of stock, or you have to build them yourself.+
  
 **Note on Development Cartridges:** **Note on Development Cartridges:**
-Because the Retrode, the Sanni Cart Reader and the RetroBlaster 2.0 with standard N64 adapter [[https://github.com/sanni/cartreader/discussions/295|don't supply enough power]], //development carts cannot be dumped with them//. The 64drive, RetroBlaster 2.0 with N64 Pro adapter can be used. The GameShark ProAction Replay Pro and some old copiers can also be used, but they are unreliable.+The Retrode, the [[https://github.com/sanni/cartreader/discussions/295|Open Source Cartridge Reader]], and the RetroBlaster 2.0 with standard N64 adapter cannot be used to dump development carts. The RetroBlaster 2.0 with N64 Pro adapter can be used, or the 64drive, however the latter is out of stock and may produce bad dumps with one type of development cart. The GameShark ProAction Replay Pro and some old copiers can also be used, but they are unreliable. 
 + 
 +{{wst>carts_important_notes}}
  
 ===== Methods ===== ===== Methods =====
  
-  - [[#Method 1 - 64drive + UltraSave|64drive + UltraSave]] +  - [[#Open Source Cartridge Reader]] 
-  - [[#Method 2 - Sanni Cart Reader|Sanni Cart Reader]] +  - [[#RetroBlaster 2.0 + N64 (Pro) adapter]] 
-  - [[#Method 3 - Retrode2 + N64 adapter|Retrode2 + N64 adapter]] +  - [[#Retrode2 + N64 adapter]] 
-  - [[#Method 4 - INLretro|INLretro]] +  - [[#64drive + UltraSave]] 
-  - [[#Method 5 - RetroBlaster 2.0 + N64 (Pro) adapter|RetroBlaster 2.0 + N64 (Pro) adapter]] +  - [[#INLretro]]
-  - [[#Method 6 - GameShark ProAction Replay Pro|GameShark ProAction Replay Pro]] +
-  - [[#Method 7 - Old copiers|Old copiers]]+
  
-==== Method 1 - 64drive + UltraSave ====+==== Open Source Cartridge Reader ====
  
-Assemble the UltraSave unit and insert your 64drive and game cartridge into either slot. Download the dumping software from the [[http://64drive.retroactive.be/support.php|64drive website]], follow the Quick Start Guide on the same page, and dump the game.+The Open Source Cartridge Reader (OSCR) comes with N64 dumping capabilities by default. 
 +[[https://github.com/sanni/cartreader/wiki/Read-N64-cartridge|Follow the OSCR wiki]] for proper settings, and dumping instructions.
  
-==== Method 2 - Sanni Cart Reader ====+==== RetroBlaster 2.0 + N64 (Pro) adapter ==== 
 +{{wst>community_equipment}}
  
-The Sanni Cart Reader comes with N64 dumping capabilities by default. +RetroBlaster 2.0 has two adapters for N64 games, one used for standard carts and an "N64 Adapter Pro" for dumping prototype/development carts.
-[[https://github.com/sanni/cartreader/wiki/Read-N64-cartridge|Follow the Sanni Cart Reader wiki]] for proper settings, and dumping instructions.+
  
-==== Method 3 - Retrode2 + N64 adapter ====+The RetroBlaster software currently only supports Windows and is available on the [[https://github.com/retrostage/RetroBlaster|RetroBlaster github]]. 
 + 
 +Make sure the RetroBlaster voltage switch is set to 3V (not the 5V setting). 
 + 
 +Connect the N64 adapter to the RetroBlaster. To seat the adapter, firmly but gently push the adapter in until the pins are no longer showing. 
 + 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:n64:retroblaster_n64.jpg|}} 
 + 
 +Insert the cartridge or PCB into the adapter, with the label side facing the activity LED. 
 + 
 +Open the RetroBlaster software (click Run if you see a security warning about the publisher not being verified) and navigate to the N64 tab. 
 + 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:retroblaster_n64.png?600|}} 
 + 
 +Click "Dump ROM." Choose the location and filename for your ROM. 
 + 
 +The activity LED will turn on on the RetroBlaster board. A progress bar will indicate the status of the dump, and information will be displayed on the 'status' log when the dump is complete. Dump time will vary, from ~1.5 minutes for an 8MB cartridge to ~5.5 minutes for a 32MB cartridge, and even longer for 64MB cartridges. 
 + 
 +You can also dump the SRAM or EEPROM save data from this same tab, by clicking the appropriate button. 
 + 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:retroblaster_n64_save_eeprom.png?600|}} 
 + 
 +When swapping adapters, the official recommendation from RetroBlaster is to use the non-writing end of a pen or marker to slowly push the adapter out from either side, using the board for leverage, in order to avoid bending the pins. 
 + 
 +==== Retrode2 + N64 adapter ====
  
 This is a super simple system that works really well, and is affordable and readily available. See our [[tools:hardware|hardware page for shop links]]. This is a super simple system that works really well, and is affordable and readily available. See our [[tools:hardware|hardware page for shop links]].
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 Note that the Retrode does not detect 12 MiB carts correctly, and will overdump them, so for those, make sure to set the dump size manually in the Retrode config, or trim the overdumped ROM to 12 MiB after the fact. Note that the Retrode does not detect 12 MiB carts correctly, and will overdump them, so for those, make sure to set the dump size manually in the Retrode config, or trim the overdumped ROM to 12 MiB after the fact.
  
-==== Method 4 - INLretro ==== +==== 64drive + UltraSave ==== 
-[todo:+ 
 +**Warning: UltraSave + 64drive may produce bad dumps of NUS-8F16FB-02 development boards.** 
 + 
 +Assemble the UltraSave unit and insert your 64drive and game cartridge into either slot. Download the dumping software from the [[http://64drive.retroactive.be/support.php|64drive website]], follow the Quick Start Guide on the same page, and dump the game. 
 + 
 +==== INLretro ==== 
 +todo:
   * look at [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdpxEUvrixM|this]] video tutorial   * look at [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdpxEUvrixM|this]] video tutorial
   * its sometimes possible to work out the ROM size by examining the overdump. maybe this could even be automated.   * its sometimes possible to work out the ROM size by examining the overdump. maybe this could even be automated.
-] 
  
   - Find the ROM size in kilobytes by looking at the text on the ROM chip and converting it or (may be inaccurate if dump isn't trusted) use the size of the existing dump in [[https://datomatic.no-intro.org/index.php?page=search&s=24|No-Intro's DAT-o-MATIC]].   - Find the ROM size in kilobytes by looking at the text on the ROM chip and converting it or (may be inaccurate if dump isn't trusted) use the size of the existing dump in [[https://datomatic.no-intro.org/index.php?page=search&s=24|No-Intro's DAT-o-MATIC]].
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   - Here's an example of the command I used to dump Lego Racers: <code>C:\Emulation\Tools\INL-retro-progdump\host> .\inlretro.exe -s scripts/inlretro2.lua -c N64 -k 16384 -d LegoRacers.z64</code>   - Here's an example of the command I used to dump Lego Racers: <code>C:\Emulation\Tools\INL-retro-progdump\host> .\inlretro.exe -s scripts/inlretro2.lua -c N64 -k 16384 -d LegoRacers.z64</code>
  
-==== Method 5 - RetroBlaster 2.0 + N64 (Pro) adapter ==== +===== Not recommended/unreliable methods =====
-Retroblaster 2.0 has a standard "N64 Adapter" and a "N64 Adapter Pro." The latter is needed to dump prototype carts, whereas the former can be used for standard carts.+
  
-  - Make sure the '3V' setting is selected on the device (not the '5V' setting) +==== GameShark Pro and Action Replay Pro ====
-  - Connect the appropriate adapter to the Retroblaster +
-  - Insert the cartridge or PCB into the adapter +
-  - Open the RetroBlaster software (available on the [[https://github.com/retrostage/RetroBlaster|RetroBlaster github]]) +
-  - Navigate to the 'N64' tab, and click "Dump ROM."  Choose the location and filename for your ROM +
-  - A progress bar will indicate the status of the dump, and information will be displayed on the 'status' log when the dump is complete +
-  - You can also dump the SRAM or EEPROM from this same tab, by clicking the appropriate button +
- +
-==== Method 6 - GameShark ProAction Replay Pro ====+
  
 Unreliable - not recommended. Produces corrupted dumps for some/all prototype carts. If you do have to use it, dump the cart multiple times, making sure all the dumps match and clean the contacts in-between each try. Follow the NES World [[http://www.nesworld.com/article.php?system=n64&data=n64-howtodumproms|guide]]. It has been reported that parallel port adapters don't work for this, so you'll need to find an old desktop computer. You may also want to read this article by [[http://www.nintendoplayer.com/feature/n64/|Nintendo Player]]. Unreliable - not recommended. Produces corrupted dumps for some/all prototype carts. If you do have to use it, dump the cart multiple times, making sure all the dumps match and clean the contacts in-between each try. Follow the NES World [[http://www.nesworld.com/article.php?system=n64&data=n64-howtodumproms|guide]]. It has been reported that parallel port adapters don't work for this, so you'll need to find an old desktop computer. You may also want to read this article by [[http://www.nintendoplayer.com/feature/n64/|Nintendo Player]].
  
-==== Method 7 - Old copiers ====+==== Old copiers ====
  
-E.g. v64, v64jr, z64, cd64. Unreliable - not recommended. If you do have to use it, dump the cart multiple times, and clean the cart in-between each try.+Old hardware like v64, v64jr, z64, and cd64 are unreliable and not recommended. If you do have to use one, dump the cart multiple times, and clean the cart in-between each try.
  
 +===== Opening carts =====
 +
 +Unscrew the back of the cartridge with a 3.8mm Gamebit or line head screw driver, carefully separating the bottom half of the cart's shell. Then, remove the Phillips screws on the metal shielding to expose the PCB.
 ===== Identifying Game Versions ===== ===== Identifying Game Versions =====
-todo: add info on cart/box serials (and non-standard carts if relevant)+ 
 +Once the cart has been opened, you can decode the letters/numbers stamped on the main chip.
  
 {{:carts:nintendo:n64:n64-identifying_game_versions.png?400}} {{:carts:nintendo:n64:n64-identifying_game_versions.png?400}}
  
-**SSS**-**TGGR**-**V**\\+{{:carts:nintendo:sss-tggr-v.svg?600}} 
 S = System (should always/mostly be "NUS")\\ S = System (should always/mostly be "NUS")\\
 T = Type (N = Normal)\\ T = Type (N = Normal)\\
-G = Game code (e.g. SM = Super Mario 64)\\+G = Game code\\
 R = Region (J = Japan, E = USA, P = Europe)\\ R = Region (J = Japan, E = USA, P = Europe)\\
 V = Version (starts at 0)\\ V = Version (starts at 0)\\
  
 +For example, ''NUS-NSME-0'' is Super Mario 64 (USA).
 ===== Gathering and Submitting Dump Info ===== ===== Gathering and Submitting Dump Info =====
 +{{wst>see_submission_page}}
  
-See [[submission:general|Gathering and Submitting Dump Info (Basic)]] 
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