[Sik]

The non-multiplexed thing is quite memory-independent, and the sector system only affects how to write to Flash memory (you only can clear entire sectors, this is done for speed reasons because clearing is slow), not how do you read from it (which is what the Mega Drive would do) as far as I know, so how the sectors are defined doesn't matter either.

[Epsilonsama]

Overlord, on Feb 18 2009, 04:30 PM, said:

Sik, on Feb 18 2009, 08:23 PM, said:

I think he means a dump utility, but dumping directly to a flashcart instead of sending the ROM to a computer.

Oh. In that case, I'm not aware of one that exists. Stop being so lazy and use your PC =P

You see, if it weren't for lazy people then technology wouldn't advance, it sounds contradictory but think, imagine if someone released a SD card enable Mega Drive card, meaning you could put your roms in a SD card and make the Mega Driver Cart load a boot menu, a simple one but one that could let you choose what games to load. That could make a few bucks, not as much as a DS flash card but enough to make the day, or at least make the e-penis of its creator quite large.

One question, how is the mechanism of connecting for the Megacart works, is it a serial connection or a parallel port, second is this connection limited by the Mega Drive hardware or is it independent from it?

[mdawgmike]

I just got my Megacart in today. This thing rocks! I tried it with several roms on my computer (even user-made ones...which is the main reason I bought it) and it works perfectly with one exception. Unfortunately, my Genesis hangs when loading my favorite level of my favorite hack (Genocide City of Sonic 2 Long Version). I'm not quite sure why. Other than that, it is everything I have ever dreamed of. It's worth every penny to me.

To answer your question, the adapter connects to your computer via the Parallel Port (in EPP mode) and uses the USB 5V just to get power. They have the adapter utility for download, which is what communicates with the Megacart and allows you to Flash the bios and roms to it. The manual says you can use a utility disc with the Mega CD/Sega CD as well, but I haven't tried that method yet. I probably should eventually, just to avoid wearing down the connector on the adapter.

This post has been edited by mdawgmike: 14 March 2009 - 04:03 PM

[Overlord]

Is there a FAQ anywhere on how to install/run the utility, or is it obvious enough to not need one? I've yet to try my flashcart.

[Sik]

mdawgmike, on Mar 14 2009, 06:59 PM, said:

Unfortunately, my Genesis hangs when loading my favorite level of my favorite hack (Genocide City of Sonic 2 Long Version). I'm not quite sure why.

Maybe the hack doesn't work in real hardware in the first place?

[TmEE]

Overlord, on Mar 14 2009, 11:48 PM, said:

Is there a FAQ anywhere on how to install/run the utility, or is it obvious enough to not need one? I've yet to try my flashcart.

it was simple enough for me.... first you set the protocol then Send ROM and off you go

[mdawgmike]

Overlord, on Mar 14 2009, 04:48 PM, said:

Is there a FAQ anywhere on how to install/run the utility, or is it obvious enough to not need one? I've yet to try my flashcart.

Surprisingly there isn't any documentation at all on how to flash roms to it. Although, as said, it's fairly simple to figure out. You first have to download and install the "Megacart adapter driver" from their site (which is really just a simple program to connect to the cartridge through the parallel port). Make sure your parallel port is set to EPP mode in your BIOS. Then, connect the adapter cables, insert the cartridge to the adapter, turn on the power switch on the adapter, open the program, set the protocol to "Printer", send the ROM, set the protocol to none, turn off the power switch, remove the cartridge, and your ROM is ready to be played on your Genesis!

I can post a tutorial with screen shots and pictures if you guys want. It's something some may find beneficial I would think.

Sik, on Mar 14 2009, 04:53 PM, said:

Maybe the hack doesn't work in real hardware in the first place?

Yea, that's probably the case. Actually, I've found only two of the hacks so far play flawlessly. It seems that the less-edited hacks (I.e. no major graphical changes) are the ones that play better. It's probably not a problem with the cartridge, but the fact that few (if any) of the roms were tested with a Genesis. They work with the Emulators, so it was considered good enough. Here's what I've found so far with compatibility of various titles:

Project Shadow 2 Demo - minor to moderate graphical glitches present
Robotnik's Revenge - plays flawlessly
Sonic 2 Advanced Edit - system hangs on the second zone
Sonic 2 Long Version - plays flawlessly with the exception of Genocide City zone (system hangs)
Sonic 2 Megamix - plays flawlessly

Earthworm Jim - plays flawlessly
Krusty's Super Funhouse - plays flawlessly
Toejam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron - plays flawlessly
Any Electronic Arts title - does not play at all (Tototek admits this themselves...possibly a form of DRM, or something else in how the ROMs are constructed)

I'll update this this as I try more titles. Any others to add to the list (hack or not) that anyone else with a Megacart has tried out?

This post has been edited by mdawgmike: 16 March 2009 - 12:00 PM

[Overlord]

mdawgmike, on Mar 16 2009, 04:58 PM, said:

Overlord, on Mar 14 2009, 04:48 PM, said:

Is there a FAQ anywhere on how to install/run the utility, or is it obvious enough to not need one? I've yet to try my flashcart.

Surprisingly there isn't any documentation at all on how to flash roms to it. Although, as said, it's fairly simple to figure out. You first have to download and install the "Megacart adapter driver" from their site (which is really just a simple program to connect to the cartridge through the parallel port). Make sure your parallel port is set to EPP mode in your BIOS. Then, connect the adapter cables, insert the cartridge to the adapter, turn on the power switch on the adapter, open the program, set the protocol to "Printer", send the ROM, set the protocol to none, turn off the power switch, remove the cartridge, and your ROM is ready to be played!

Oh, OK, that sounds simple enough. Might hook it up soon and give it a go with something =P