carts:nintendo:virtualboy

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carts:nintendo:virtualboy [2022/02/26 22:06] – Definitively fixed mathematical errors regarding filesize. camcamcscarts:nintendo:virtualboy [2023/03/05 22:25] (current) – cartridge_hermit
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 **//[copied from Google Doc - needs polishing]//** **//[copied from Google Doc - needs polishing]//**
-===== Introduction ===== 
-xxxx 
  
 +{{wst>vgpc_help}}
 +
 +===== Introduction =====
 +{{wst>carts_important_notes}}
 ===== Methods ===== ===== Methods =====
  
-  - [[#Method 1 - Virtual Boy Cart Programmer by RetroOnyx|Virtual Boy Cart Programmer by RetroOnyx]]+  - [[#Virtual Boy Cart Programmer by RetroOnyx]]
  
-==== Method 1 - Virtual Boy Cart Programmer by RetroOnyx====+==== Virtual Boy Cart Programmer by RetroOnyx====
  
 Required materials Required materials
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   * USB-A male to USB-B male cable (Easy to find. Usually used with printers.) (Note: another serial cable with one end being USB-B male may work, but that is not documented in this guide.) (Additional note: if the USB port and/or cable cannot send enough voltage or current to power the device, the device can be modified to accept power from an external source. Some more details can be found [[https://mellottsvrpage.com/index.php/vb-cart-programmer-quick-start-guide/|here]], but it is not thoroughly documented in this guide.)   * USB-A male to USB-B male cable (Easy to find. Usually used with printers.) (Note: another serial cable with one end being USB-B male may work, but that is not documented in this guide.) (Additional note: if the USB port and/or cable cannot send enough voltage or current to power the device, the device can be modified to accept power from an external source. Some more details can be found [[https://mellottsvrpage.com/index.php/vb-cart-programmer-quick-start-guide/|here]], but it is not thoroughly documented in this guide.)
   * [[https://sourceforge.net/projects/realterm/|RealTerm]] or similar serial terminal program (RealTerm will be used in this guide, but instructions should be similar if the user is already familiar with another program.)   * [[https://sourceforge.net/projects/realterm/|RealTerm]] or similar serial terminal program (RealTerm will be used in this guide, but instructions should be similar if the user is already familiar with another program.)
-  * This guide will show how to dump Virtual Boy Carts with Windows tools, if you are using another OS and would like to add your setup to the guide please [[start|contact us]].+  * This guide will show how to dump Virtual Boy Carts with Windows tools, if you are using another OS and would like to add your setup to the guide please [[https://hitsave.org/support-us/#work-with-us|contact us]].
  
 Notes before starting Notes before starting
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 ==== Section 1: Safely plugging in the device ==== ==== Section 1: Safely plugging in the device ====
- 
  
 Before you plug in the USB cable for power, plug in the Virtual Boy cartridge and MicroSD card to avoid potentially damaging any of the hardware if power was sent down a wrong pin on a connector. Before you plug in the USB cable for power, plug in the Virtual Boy cartridge and MicroSD card to avoid potentially damaging any of the hardware if power was sent down a wrong pin on a connector.
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 This safe plugging and unplugging practice is strongly recommended even when dumping multiple cartridges in one sitting. This safe plugging and unplugging practice is strongly recommended even when dumping multiple cartridges in one sitting.
  
-<image x2>+{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_01_microsd_location_on_design_1.jpg?240}} 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_02_microsd_location_on_design_2.jpg?240}}
  
-^ The MicroSD slot is located on the back of the dumper of the basic design, or on the side opposite the USB-B port on the VB-based design. In the basic design, the MicroSD card faces outwards.+The MicroSD slot is located on the back of the dumper of the basic design, or on the side opposite to the USB-B port on the VB-based design. In the basic design, the MicroSD card faces outwards.
  
-<image x3>+{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_03_cartridge_insert_on_design_1.jpg?240}} 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_04_cartridge_insert_on_design_2.jpeg?240}} 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_05_cartridge_pins_on_design_1.jpg?240}}
  
-^ The cartridge slot is located on the front of the dumper of the basic design, or on the bottom for the VB-based design. Note that, at least for the basic design, the cartridge slot is “keyed” so the cartridge can’t possibly fit facing the wrong direction. In the basic design, the cartridge faces inward (while looking at the display, you see the back of the cartridge). In the VB-based design, the cartridge faces up.+The cartridge slot is located on the front of the dumper of the basic design, or on the bottom for the VB-based design. Note that, at least for the basic design, the cartridge slot is “keyed” so the cartridge can’t possibly fit facing the wrong direction. In the basic design, the cartridge faces inward (while looking at the display, you see the back of the cartridge). In the VB-based design, the cartridge faces up.
  
 Make sure that the cartridge is firmly inserted so the pins all have solid connections. Make sure that the cartridge is firmly inserted so the pins all have solid connections.
  
-Additionally, the cartridge slot has a gentle spring-loaded mechanism to protect the pins from being bent when no cartridge is inserted. This may help fight against dust also, but proper additional care should still be taken by the user for long-term storage.+Additionally, the cartridge slot has a gentle spring-loaded mechanism to protect the pins from being bent when no cartridge is inserted. This may additionally help fight against dust, but extra care for dust-protection should be taken by the user for long-term storage.
  
-<image x2>+{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_06_usb_port_on_design_1.jpg?240}} 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_07_usb_port_on_design_2.jpg?240}}
  
-^ The USB-B port is located on the left side of the basic design, and on the side opposite to the MicroSD slot on the VB-based design.+The USB-B port is located on the left side of the basic design, and on the side opposite to the MicroSD slot on the VB-based design.
  
 Remember that the device receives power as soon as it is plugged into the PC. Remember that the device receives power as soon as it is plugged into the PC.
  
 +After the Programmer is plugged in, and the USB-A side of the cable is plugged into the PC, it’s time for Section 2.
  
 +==== Section 2: Dumping the ROM ====
  
-After the Programmer is plugged in, and the USB-A side of the cable is plugged into the PC, it’s time for Step 2.+After the device is plugged in, launch the RealTerm software.
  
-==== Section 2: Dumping the ROM ====+  * Under the "Display" tab, enable “Scrollback” and set it to a value around 200. This is useful for debugging, as more of the previous commands will remain logged on-screen.
  
 +{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_08_display_tab.png?480}}
  
-After the device is plugged in, launch the RealTerm software.+  * **(Don't enable this unless you know what you're doing!)** If you are debugging, enable “Half Duplex” to see outgoing text. This is useful for debugging a few possible issues, but will be a little more confusing for the user.
  
 +{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_09_half-duplex_enable.png?240}}
  
- +  * Under the “Port” tab, set “Baud” to 500000 (that's 500,000). Set “Parity” to none, “Data Bits” to 8, “Stop Bits” to 1, and “Hardware Flow Control” to none.
-  * Under the "Display" tab, enable “Scrollback” and set it to a value around 200. This is useful for debugging, as more of the previous commands will remain logged on-screen. +
-  * (Don't enable this unless you know what you're doing!) If you are debugging, enable “Half Duplex” to see outgoing text. This is useful for debugging a few possible issues, but will be a little more confusing for the user. +
-<image x2> +
-  * Under the “Port” tab, set “Baud” to 500000 (yes, 500,000). Set “Parity” to none, “Data Bits” to 8, “Stop Bits” to 1, and “Hardware Flow Control” to none. +
-<image x1>+
   * Click the drop-down box next to the word "Port" inside the Port tab. Click on the entry that says "(double click to scan ports)". Then, click on the drop-down box again. Select the newly appeared port which applies to your setup. For example, in this image the port is "3=\USBSER000" or just "3".   * Click the drop-down box next to the word "Port" inside the Port tab. Click on the entry that says "(double click to scan ports)". Then, click on the drop-down box again. Select the newly appeared port which applies to your setup. For example, in this image the port is "3=\USBSER000" or just "3".
-<image x2>+ 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_10_port_tab.png?480}} 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_11_click_to_scan_ports.png?480}} 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_12_port_3_usbser000.png?480}} 
   * After setting these values, click “Change” to apply changes.   * After setting these values, click “Change” to apply changes.
-<image x1> 
   * Click “Open”, so now the button appears pressed-in. This means communication is open, you can start sending and receiving data. Yellow text may or may not appear in the black area of the window.   * Click “Open”, so now the button appears pressed-in. This means communication is open, you can start sending and receiving data. Yellow text may or may not appear in the black area of the window.
-<image x2>+ 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_13_click_change.png?480}} 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_15_click_open_yellow_text.png?480}} 
   * Switch to the "Send" tab. To send commands, click on the top left input-box (under the “Send” tab, not the black area), type the command, then click the button to the right of it that says “Send ASCII”. (All commands to the VB Cart Programmer are in ASCII.) Any invalid commands will be ignored.   * Switch to the "Send" tab. To send commands, click on the top left input-box (under the “Send” tab, not the black area), type the command, then click the button to the right of it that says “Send ASCII”. (All commands to the VB Cart Programmer are in ASCII.) Any invalid commands will be ignored.
   * As mentioned prior, yellow text should have appeared in the black area of the window. Additionally, the display on the Programmer device should have turned on. If one or both of these is not true, send a <HRST> command (hardware reset).   * As mentioned prior, yellow text should have appeared in the black area of the window. Additionally, the display on the Programmer device should have turned on. If one or both of these is not true, send a <HRST> command (hardware reset).
-<image x1> 
   * Either earlier or just now, the display should have played a short animation, then stop and say “VB Cartridge Programmer”.   * Either earlier or just now, the display should have played a short animation, then stop and say “VB Cartridge Programmer”.
-<image x1> 
   * And on the PC, the yellow text should tell you a bit about the hardware info. (You may have to resize the window!) This info includes the message “VB Programmer lives!” along with the device's Firmware Version (FW VER), Serial Number (SN), MicroSD card capacity and format, and info about the Virtual Boy cartridge inserted.   * And on the PC, the yellow text should tell you a bit about the hardware info. (You may have to resize the window!) This info includes the message “VB Programmer lives!” along with the device's Firmware Version (FW VER), Serial Number (SN), MicroSD card capacity and format, and info about the Virtual Boy cartridge inserted.
   * If the cartridge info says “Unknown flashrom”, that is 100% normal! That just means the device wasn’t able to auto-detect the size of the ROM, a feature only contained in flash cartridges by RetroOnyx / Kevin Mellott (and possibly more in the future, but certainly no old retail cartridges).   * If the cartridge info says “Unknown flashrom”, that is 100% normal! That just means the device wasn’t able to auto-detect the size of the ROM, a feature only contained in flash cartridges by RetroOnyx / Kevin Mellott (and possibly more in the future, but certainly no old retail cartridges).
-<image x1> 
  
-Optionally, to verify that the commands used in this guide are available to you, send the <PM> command to see the Programmer Menu. If it doesn’t display properly, make sure the window is large enough to fit all the text. This will tell you all of the available commands for your firmware version.+{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_16_send_tab.png?480}} 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_17_lcd_boot.jpg?480}}
  
-Note that your list of commands may not perfectly match the list shown in this image. Namely it may be missing commands RDR, RGH, RSD, RST, SC, and SSN_XXX. Those four commands are not required for dumping the ROM, so don't worry. (Editor's note: This discrepancy needs to be explained better. I don't know/remember why it acts like this sometimes. -CS) +  * Optionally, to verify that the commands used in this guide are available to you, send the <PM> command to see the Programmer Menu. If it doesn’t display properly, make sure the window is large enough to fit all the text. This will tell you all of the available commands for your firmware version. 
-<image x1>+  * Note that your list of commands may not perfectly match the list shown in this image. Namely it may be missing commands RDR, RGH, RSD, RST, SC, and SSN_XXX. Those four commands are not required for dumping the ROM, so don't worry. //(Editor's note: This discrepancy needs to be explained better. I don't know/remember why it acts like this sometimes. -CS)//
  
-First, it is required to set the size of the ROM. Find the game on the [[https://datomatic.no-intro.org/index.php?page=search&op=datset&s=15&sel_s=15&text=&where=1&button=Search|No-Intro DAT-o-MATIC list of dumped Virtual Boy cartridges]], check the Size (in bytes), refer to the table below, and send the corresponding ROM Size Command. The commands follow the format <SFS_XX>, where “XX” is an exponent: ROM Size (bits) = 2 ^ XX. (XX can be 24, 27, or 28, and other sizes.)+{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_19_pm_command.png?480}}
  
 +  * First, it is required to set the size of the ROM. Find the game on the [[https://datomatic.no-intro.org/index.php?page=search&op=datset&s=15&sel_s=15&text=&where=1&button=Search|No-Intro DAT-o-MATIC list of dumped Virtual Boy cartridges]], check the Size (in bytes), refer to the table below, and send the corresponding ROM Size Command. The commands follow the format <SFS_XX>, where “XX” is an exponent: ROM Size (bits) = 2 ^ XX. (XX can be 24, 27, or 28, and other sizes.)
   * If you don't know or can't determine the ROM size of a cartridge, it is recommended to try <SFS_24>. This command is for a size of 4 MB (16 Megabits), which was the largest ROM size of any retail title. Alternatively try <SFS_28> for a size of 32 MB (256 Megabits), which is the size of the largest documented flash cart.   * If you don't know or can't determine the ROM size of a cartridge, it is recommended to try <SFS_24>. This command is for a size of 4 MB (16 Megabits), which was the largest ROM size of any retail title. Alternatively try <SFS_28> for a size of 32 MB (256 Megabits), which is the size of the largest documented flash cart.
- 
   * Note: if the size is set incorrectly, undocumented behavior can occur. If the size is too small, it will cut off the ROM data too early. If the size is too large, the data will start repeating. If you don’t know the correct size, and you set it to the wrong ROM size, you will just require the Overdump to be trimmed. This can be done in a hex editor like HxD, and/or with the help of a community member.   * Note: if the size is set incorrectly, undocumented behavior can occur. If the size is too small, it will cut off the ROM data too early. If the size is too large, the data will start repeating. If you don’t know the correct size, and you set it to the wrong ROM size, you will just require the Overdump to be trimmed. This can be done in a hex editor like HxD, and/or with the help of a community member.
- +  * Note 2: If you happen to be dumping the ROM from a RetroOnyx / Mellott flash cartridge of which the Programmer was able to auto-detect the Flash ROM size, the <SFS_XX> command is not necessary. This case will be quite rare. (If you don’t know what this means, ignore this!)
-  * Note 2: If you happen to be dumping the ROM from a RetroOnyx / Mellott flash cartridge of which the Programmer was able to auto-detect the Flash ROM size, the <SFS_XX> command is not necessary. This case will be quite rare. (If you don’t know what this means, ignore this note!)+
  
 <code> <code>
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 </code> </code>
  
-(Editor's note 1: I have unfortunately not tested all of these commands to ensure they work. -CS) +//(Editor's note 1: I have unfortunately not tested all of these commands to ensure they work. -CS) 
- +(Editor's note 2: We could use another image right here, showing the <SFS_XX> command.)//
-(Editor's note 2: we could use another image right here, showing the <SFS_XX> command.)+
  
 After the correct ROM size is set, the device is ready to dump the ROM. After the correct ROM size is set, the device is ready to dump the ROM.
  
   * Send the command <RDF> (Read Flash).   * Send the command <RDF> (Read Flash).
-  * The PC should ask you to enter a number: either 0 or 1. At this point, our method of input will change. Click the bottom of the black area, below the yellow text. Now make a choice, either 0 or 1, then press Enter. Option 0 is to automatically name the file based on text characters fetched from the cartridge/ROM header, and Option 1 is to manually name the file. Option 1 is generally recommended to avoid any potential issues. +  * The PC should ask you to enter a number: either 0 or 1. At this point, our method of input will change. Click the bottom of the black area, below the yellow text. Now make a choice, either 0 or 1, then press Enter. Option 0 is to automatically name the file based on text characters fetched from the cartridge/ROM header, and Option 1 is to manually name the file. Option 1 is generally recommended to avoid any potential issues with invalid text characters.
   * If you chose Option 0 and it gave an error, please try again, send the <RDF> command, and select Option 1. If Option 0 worked, you can skip down a few steps.   * If you chose Option 0 and it gave an error, please try again, send the <RDF> command, and select Option 1. If Option 0 worked, you can skip down a few steps.
- 
   * The Programmer display will say “Reading” as it waits for your input.   * The Programmer display will say “Reading” as it waits for your input.
  
-<image x2>+{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_20_rdf_command.png?480}} 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_21_lcd_reading.jpg?480}}
  
- +  * If you chose Option 1, you must now “Enter a short file name and press Enter.” You can type in a filename in the black area, then press Enter. The filename doesn’t matter, something simple like “dump.vb” works fine. File extension also does not matter, and can optionally be left off. (Note: the software used, both the Serial program and the Windows operating system for file management, might run into errors if the filename contains an invalid and/or non-ASCII text character.)
-  * If you chose Option 1, you must now “Enter a short file name and press Enter.” You can type in a filename in the black area, then press Enter. The filename doesn’t matter, something simple like “dump.vb” works fine. File extension also does not matter, and can optionally be left off. (Note: the software used, both the Serial program and the Windows operating system for filesystem management, might run into errors if the filename contains a non-ASCII text character.)+
   * If, for debugging purposes, at the beginning you enabled “Half Duplex” in the Display tab, you will see both a red and a yellow text character for whatever you type. Don’t worry, it’s only doubled-up because of this option. If “Half Duplex” is disabled, those inputted text characters will appear yellow and not doubled.   * If, for debugging purposes, at the beginning you enabled “Half Duplex” in the Display tab, you will see both a red and a yellow text character for whatever you type. Don’t worry, it’s only doubled-up because of this option. If “Half Duplex” is disabled, those inputted text characters will appear yellow and not doubled.
-<image x2> 
  
-(Editor's note: This is the part that the alternative GUI program by thunderstruck gets stuck on. I don’t know the solution at the moment. -CS)+{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_27_filename_cleaned-up-22.png?480}} 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_22_filename_half-duplex-double-text.png?480}} 
 + 
 +//(Editor's note: This is the part that the alternative GUI program by thunderstruck gets stuck on. I don’t know/remember the solution at the moment. -CS)//
  
   * After you hit Enter, the ROM should begin dumping. It will take a few minutes. The terminal window will display dots to show it is still connected and receiving data, and the Programmer display will show a % completion bar. When it is finished, the Programmer will display “Read to SD Completed!”   * After you hit Enter, the ROM should begin dumping. It will take a few minutes. The terminal window will display dots to show it is still connected and receiving data, and the Programmer display will show a % completion bar. When it is finished, the Programmer will display “Read to SD Completed!”
-<image x4>+ 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_23_dumping.png?480}} 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_24_dump_complete.png?480}} 
 + 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_25_lcd_reading_in_progress.jpg?480}} 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:virtualboy:vb_guide_26_lcd_read_to_sd_complete.jpg?480}}
  
   * You can now unplug the USB cable from both the PC and the Programmer, and safely remove both the Virtual Boy cartridge and the MicroSD card. Plug the MicroSD card into your PC, and the ROM file should be located in a folder on the root titled "ROM_READ".   * You can now unplug the USB cable from both the PC and the Programmer, and safely remove both the Virtual Boy cartridge and the MicroSD card. Plug the MicroSD card into your PC, and the ROM file should be located in a folder on the root titled "ROM_READ".
- 
  
 When dumping more than one cartridge... When dumping more than one cartridge...
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 ===== Gathering and Submitting Dump Info ===== ===== Gathering and Submitting Dump Info =====
- +{{wst>see_submission_page}}
-See [[submission:nintendo-carts|Gathering and Submitting Dump Info for Nintendo carts]]+
  
  • carts/nintendo/virtualboy.1645909563.txt.gz
  • Last modified: 2022/02/26 22:06
  • by camcamcs