I picked up the Sega Genesis Classic Game Console with the 80 built in

The 80 version of the Genesis ^{(I'm UK so the fact that an american version with a cheap plug converter thing attached was what I played makes it all the worse)} was actually the very first console I ever played. My family wasn't the richest when I was younger so I always got the bootleg version of consoles, it actually genuinely surprised me when I found out that the sound in the NES and Mega Drive is actually far more bearable.

Both bootleg consoles that I played back in the day had low-pitch soundchips, and after hearing what music back then was supposed to sound like, listening to a lower pitched version of the SMB Overworld theme is... eurgh.

 

Is there any science explained to how the FM and the PSG cores were reprogrammed? I've never looked into any of the RedKid firmwares myself, but my guess is that they all run off of writable microcode that represents high level circuits, similar to how some firmware blobs included in the Linux kernel are written out IIRC.

 

Sorry for long absence.

For anyone interested in Neto Boot Loader i have made a dedicated page ( http://www.neto-games.com.br/rom_hack/neto_boot_loader.php ) for the project where you can find some details about features, and some instructions of usage. The page is in Portuguese Brazil, but has some pictures which can show all features.
There is a built-in debugger where you can try other settings for processor Red Kid 2500.
To Access "Debug Mode" during message "Inicializando Neto MD-DOS..." press "A", Then select a Game normally, after game is loaded to SD-RAM and before run you will be directed to debug screen.
In debug press "START" to Access Programming Mode and then use:
A - To select parameter
B - To increase high Byte
C - To increase low Byte
D Pad - To increase / decrease Low and High Byte.
"A+Start" to apply Settings and Start Game
The debug mode was developed to allow advanced users testing and reporting the best settings found and can be used for future updates.
The debug mode can be used to adjust other games which can have problems like slow Music. Changing parameter FM SP: can fix this.
Notices:
In portable versions the debug mode only works when connected to a TV set.
Since the debug mode change some processor parameters, setting wrong parameters can hang the system, just press reset and try again.

Known compatible versions:
0 1152 2010/03/22
0 165 2011/10/26 13:14:47
0 497 2013/03/04

Best regards.
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Neto

 

Thank you for your amazing work, Esrael!

Is there a way to know which releases come with those specific versions, without buying them and turning them on? I've seen some portable and cartridge-based "anniversary" models around and may be getting one as soon as they're discounted, if they come with one of these...

 

I don't know if it's possible know hardware version without turning them on. Note which the loader can be compatible with others versions, These was versions which some users reported to me. Mine is version "0 165 2011/10/26 13:14:47".
If the system is based on Red Kid 2500 processor, there is a great chance of being compatible.
In Mega Drive 2017 the system can start direct from loader, because internal firmware search for file "TECTOY\SYS\MDI.BIN" in SD CARD, and replacing this file with any valid MD binary will be loaded. If you rename any game to MDI.BIN and place in the "TECTOY\SYS" the system will boot from that game.

Best regards.
-------------------
Neto

 

Wow, the same Esrael that made Sonic 2 Delta also made this Bootloader that fixes the sound?! Thats awesome!

If I can request one thing that could possibly be added to the Boot Loader, can the ability to save games be added? I know the Firecore Emulators are not the best, but could saving via SRAM on the SD card be possible with the Boot Loader?

That would be the next greatest thing for those with the AtGames systems.

 

The page for the most updated version of the boot loader is not the same: http://www.neto-games.com.br/rom_hack/neto_boot_loader.php

Here the Boot Loader is at v1.18 vs v1.15 on the other page. Adds a few more game fixes among other things.

 

I think the Firecore is not exactly an emulator, but an incorrect implementation of Genesis/Mega Drive processors on a single chip with extra features including VDP 6 bit color mode which uses 96K of VRAM, because this system run all code in native 68K, including menu.

Recently, I have released an experimental version with save by reset for some games like Sonic 2 Delta v0.26, Sonic 3, Sonic 3 & Knuckles and some games.
This works by the following way:
-After playing a compatible game press menu (reset on some models) button quickly (avoid holding menu button for a long time, this can corrupt SRAM), reload "Neto Boot Loader" and wait for the SRAM content to be saved on SD and you can turn off or continue playing.

Neto Boot Loader page -> http://www.neto-games.com.br/rom_hack/neto_boot_loader.php
Sonic 2 Delta v0.26 -> http://www.neto-games.com.br/rom_hack/Sonic_2_Delta_v026.rar

Best regards
------------------
Neto

 

The save feature you added works fantastically! I saved Sonic 3 just fine!

Is the save feature done on a game by game basis, or is it done in groups with adding certain features to the Boot Loader?

I hope to see more compatibility with Sonic hacks that can save, or even Homebrew like Cave Story that uses SRAM to save progress.

I cannot appreciate enough all the work you have done to fix the Firecore handhelds and make them play Genesis games competently with good sound and saving! Thank You!!

 

So this is pretty much the Atgames general right? seeing as we detered from the Genesis classic a few times.

I got this thing at a thrift store. emulation runs fine but the sound is a garbled up mess.

I remember reading in this thread about a fan made firmware update that could fix the sound issue, did that go anywhere?

 

Our prayers may have been answered.