Megacart, the ultimate utility cart for your segacd/megacd

[Fonzie]

Hi,


http://www.genny4ever.net/temp/megacart_v1.gif

A new cartridge will be released soon, it simply do the same work of:

+A proCDX
+A Multibios mod
+A flash cart
+A megacd backup ram
+Much more

All comes in a cool box, with notebook etc.
The actual run will be 50 cartridge... Serious price reduction is done for bulk orders...

The cartridge, for segacd / megacd owners comes with an utility disc with a few roms. So you can load some roms and take the cartridge in your nomad for traveling fun :D


The rom limit is 2Mo (16Meg), one disc can hold 128roms and i just wanted to know if you wanted some roms to be especialy included in the disc (or not?).
Also, roms with SRAM aren't supported (for cartridge cost reasons) and 32x roms are handled.

Thanks.
If u have any question, don't hesitate.

[Joe Redifer]

Oh cool. So you can just load the rom onto a CD and it will load it to the cart through the Sega CD? how much will these things cost? There will only be 50 made?

[Fonzie]

Hi, thx for ur answer.

From the website, you will be able to dl and burn other discs... The tool to mount the iso will be released of you want to burn yourself disc-roms.

The actual cost isn't set for now (but lets estimate 45-70usd, shipping included), bluk orders can rise down the price of course.
This cartridge required several programming tricks and a heavy hardware addon, it comes in new box + one disc.
The limited run of 50units also explain the price.

Of course, if it gets more than 50 preorderings, maybe more will be produced, but it is a single run production...

[Genesis Knight]

Much cheaper than NeoFlash, I notice. 50 seems a little low, though - surely there's a lot more interest than that.

[FishySaysSpoon]

I am so interested.

[XMARLTONX]

I am interested as well.


Anyone with a link to the Neo? I found the page but only see one cart for like $200

[David J.]

Wouldn't it cost less if you made more? I'm sure more than 50 people want one!

I wouldn't mind one!

[David J.]

Hey, I have a good number of Japanese ISO's that I could burn w/o changing the region or anything... I could do some testing if you wanted?

[segagamer]

I am very interested in this, as long as it allows me to play JPN Mega CD games on my US Sega CD model 1. Count me in as long as the answer is "yes" to my remarks here.

[Elusive]

My questions:

How will this work properly with original hardware? I'd guess it'd boot as a standard cartridge, and running all functions (internal memory backup etc.) from the cart while loading data (ROMs etc) from the disc. Like the Saturn 4-in-1 Action Replay. I'd love to hear how you accomplished this.

Will this device be region-free - working with all combinations of Mega Drive/Mega-CD hardware and game software?

Also, what's the interface like? I'd love a simple 'Boot Disc' option to play Mega-CD imports and such without fiddling with BIOS settings, 'Memory Manager' option to transfer files between the cart and the backup memory on the cart, and a 'Boot ROM' option to select a ROM from the disc to boot as a Mega Drive game.

I don't understand how it would work with the Nomad. Do you mean the cart can work like a universal storage drive - storing both memory saves and ROMs transferred from the disc?

Is it complete yet? :P

From what you've described, this sounds incredible - I'd definitely pay money for this. Christ, this is what Mega-CD owners have been waiting for for over a decade, man. Good show.

Keep us posted! :)

[HetmanTancred]

Wow this sounds fantastic. I really want one...

[Fonzie]

Hi, thx a lot for your interest.
"I could do some testing if you wanted?"
Thx a lot, for 100% compatibility, you may have to switch your system for very few games.
However, for testing, the prototype cartridge is already tested on various HW with success (could u PM me your system list?)...


"to play JPN Mega CD games on my US Sega CD model 1. "
Yeah, it works on any segacd region and discs, any models.

"I'd love to hear how you accomplished this."
Hello, You are right, the megacart boots *as* a cartridge (this cartridge contains the first firmware) and then execute a second firmware to achieve all the functions we wants using a powerfull hardware addon.
More details soon... for some reasons, I can't give such informations now :P

"Will this device be region-free - working with all combinations of Mega Drive/Mega-CD hardware and game software?"
Of course... i just validated its working on cdx/multimega today.

"Also, what's the interface like? I'd love a simple 'Boo...nd a 'Boot ROM' option to select a ROM from the disc to boot as a Mega Drive game."
Yeah, it is a full 16bit glory interface, never seen before... very stylish and easy to use.
All the functions can be found there.
Also, on power-on, if you hold A you get JAPAN config, if you holdB USA, C for EUROPE and start to boot your original system bios (when you do those four buttons, the cartridge is 100% transparent and do not show any menu).


"I don't understand how it would work with the Nomad. Do you mean the cart can work like a universal storage drive - storing both memory saves and ROMs transferred from the disc?"

Once you loaded roms from your segacd, you can take the cartridge on your nomad to play roms (but segacd's functions wont work for sure LOL).

"Is it complete yet? :P"
Yeah, there is a prototype floating around ;P.
The label/bios/firmwares are finished, the hardware too... just the printings missing.

"From what you've described, this sounds incredible - I'd definitely pay money for this. Christ, this is what Mega-CD owners have been waiting for for over a decade, man. Good show."
Thx a lot, i hope 99% games will run without freq/region switch... gasp.

[108 Stars]

I don´t quite understand all this...
I can burn roms to a CD, play the CD on a Sega CD and then copy the roms to a cartridge???

[Zebbe]

I am interested if it can make my EU Mega CD play US Sega CD games. What is the url to the site of this Megacart?

[winona]

I want one too. Seriously, youll prolly fin 50 ppl in this forum alone that wants one. 50 is way too low.

/signs up.

[Boopop]

Im interested :) I'd have to wait until one of my follow forumers had tried it out of course. Perhaps you should give away a free one (to me perhaps :P) and let said person review it. You're more than likely to have a lot of willing customers on here if you can get someone to review it and proove it's real and all (no offence, but we all know about "Hi , I'm Nigerian Royalty..." :P.

Boopop

[Joe Redifer]

What Sega CD fan wouldn't be interested in this?

Fonzie, I demand you send me one right now!

[Fonzie]

"I can burn roms to a CD, play the CD on a Sega CD and then copy the roms to a cartridge???" This is a feature of the cartridge, yeah.

"What is the url to the site of this Megacart?"
Its hidden for now, because prices aren't set and one more feature might/might not be implemented. Soon.

"Im interested I'd have to wait until one of my follow forumers had tried it out of course."
Of course
"(no offence, but we all know about "Hi , I'm Nigerian Royalty..." :P."
Ok, but you may know that if I give one for free, i'll need to sell a lot before making *benefits* again... There will be french reviews soon. I'm ready to ship one at half price for review to someone of the board.

[velvet396]

Just to triple check, once the roms are transferred to the cartridge you could play the rom as a game on the genesis? Like if you were to transfer a genesis rom, not a segacd rom, because the genesis' library is quite a bit more expansive than the sega cd library... I'm guessing yes because you said you could play the rom on a nomad.

[Fonzie]

Little update to indicate the website url:
http://www.genny4ever.net/megacart/

You cannot order/preorder for now, was just to sum-up all the features + FAQ.


"Just to triple check, once the roms are transferred to the cartridge you could play the rom as a game on the genesis?"
Yeah, the ROMS on the disc are simple genesis roms, made for cartridge, "you cannot play segacd games from cartridge anyway) :D

[David J.]

"Some discs require a region/frequency mod."

So, I still have to convert some ISO's? I live in the US where 50/60 isn't a concern... and I'm only looking at Japanese games here.

[Fonzie]

Nope, no need to convert the iso...
I just say that because a very very few segacd games checks themselves for the genesis frequency/region and lockup if its not matching with the game's original region.

When i say "region frequency mod." i'm speaking about a switch on the genesis.

[David J.]

Know of any off hand?

[Fonzie]

I heard thunderhawk did that... I'm not sure.

[ary incorparated]

Can i play Us mega cd games with it on my CDX,is it pure a rom loader that i can stock genesis games on the cartridge,i dont know but i find it bit difficult to understand what it can do,what i think it can play all regions megacd games on youre mega cd+you can save games up to 24meg or something.can i stock mega cd games on it,its bit difficult for me to understand as a dutch man.Can i make Thunderforce 4 work on my nimad with that,can it switch the bios of my nomad to Pal?.sorry for beeing one big question mark right now but please help me out a bit if you can.

[ary incorparated]

If i can play al regions games on my Pal CDX with it youlle have my guarantees that i want to buy it even for higher costs.

[Fonzie]

"If i can play al regions games on my Pal CDX with it youlle have my guarantees that i want to buy it even for higher costs."
Yeah, it will play ALL region games on your pal CDX, it has been validated by a devfriend two days ago (japanese and usa games) he made a video...
The only problem could come from bad frequency (that would slowdown some games), but its same problem than using scdconv to convert the game :)

For the cost, you can buy two and offer one to a friend without problem :)


"is it pure a rom loader that i can stock genesis games on the cartridge"
It is one feature of the megacart, you can store up to 24MB of games (from 256KB to 3MB).

"can i stock mega cd games on it"
You cannot stock mcd games on it... however, for segacd development, you can store little segacd boot codes in the cartridge for sure...

"Can i make Thunderforce 4 work on my nimad with that,can it switch the bios of my nomad to Pal?"
If thunder force4 is less or = 3MB, it will run... the megacart allow you to select the rom region before flashing it, no need to switch your nomad, exept maybe to get same speed if the game don't adapt...


"sorry for beeing one big question mark right now but please help me out a bit if you can."
No problem :)

[ary incorparated]

cool and that for 70 dolors,ill buy it if im not to late LOl or maybe two,one for my friend.Its still in progress so ill have to wait.

[Fonzie]

I finished the tool to deal from a computer to a megacart (using a megacart computer adaptater or tototek flasher).

Little preview pic.
http://www.genny4ever.net/temp/meg_software.gif
(you can notice that an usb flasher might be available later ;) )

[ary incorparated]

I want one defnitly.

[ary incorparated]

when can you ship one,im really into it ill handle it right away then ;).

[Fonzie]

Ok, lot of delay between my posts... In fact, we had several problem (especialy one, figured out monday : the flash chip was no more 5V friendly without notice from the manufacturer)...
So yesterday, we fixed all... Two months of full horror and cdr waste disapeared :P

We had to change design, software and pcb to fit with a good flash chip (bit more expensive, sadely).
Also, i found 650MB cdr's for the ppl that have old model1 segacd (outch, hard to find).

I hope i can give you great news soon :)

[Knuckles-chaotix]

I want one too! Which games Do not work from U.S to PAL ?
I bought a datel cdx cart and was told only some games can be played ??
Is there an actual list anywhere?

[David J.]

I found that 700MB CD-R's work fine with my Model 1 and 2 systems...

[0x15e]

I also would be interested in buying one of these. Do you have a release date estimate yet? Are we talking weeks or months here?

[Fonzie]

Very soon. :)
Since we couldn't get very early segacd1 models to read our CDR discs, we decided to *officialy drop support* of the utility disc for model1 hardware.

Of course, this bad news do not affect the fallowing megacart features:
-Run any region discs on any region segacd and models
-Backup / save the segacd internal save

We did that for three reasons:
-Some very early segacd model1 have major hardware crash when having a cdr inside (you need to open it to take out the disc). We cannot take risk having costumer with discs locked inside their segacd.
-The utility disc shipped with megacart is just here in case its content gets erased (this can happen after 50years, in theory). If user want to include its own ROMS, he can burn one disc himself and take risk himself.
-You can upgrade/upload roms using the computer adaptater.

Haha, well, i'm sorry to annonce this but we tried 2 cdrom burner, several cdr brands, 700 and 650 MB with negative results on our early japanese megacd1. I wasted like 50 CDR to check all... And several months of adjustements with my tototek contact... We started final checking routines today.


"I want one too! Which games Do not work from U.S to PAL ?
I bought a datel cdx cart and was told only some games can be played ??
Is there an actual list anywhere?"
Hi,
Nope, i don't have any list... I just heard thunderhawk was protected.

[David J.]

700MB CD-R's work fine on my US Model 1 AND 2 Sega CD systems. In any case... if I couldn't use it with my Model 1, that's OK. I only use my Model 1 system when I want to play in stereo and as a backup console.

Even if it is unsupported, will you still publish the software for the end user?

[Fonzie]

Yeah, all software included compatible with all models.

If you want to risk a loading on early segacd1 model... no problem :)
In fact, as you said, most model1 systems handle the CDR, but the one that don't just crash with disc inside (no way to remove the disc exept dissassembling the hardware).

That is why we cannot officialy support this model, thx for your understand :)

[TheGZeus]

The megacart homepage is my browser's home.

[danielscheil]

WOAaaaah !
Great news !
how long does the mega cd fan wait for this ? 12 years ?
f*** these bad cdx or + adapters !!!!

do you now something about the compatibly with the amstrad mega pc ?
(link in my sig)

the computer requieres a boot cart to work with a mega cd...
i think i have the best chance with your cart
great work !

[ary incorparated]

yeah i own the datel cdx cart also it sucks very much it doesnt work wit my cdx nor with my sega cd 2.

[Fonzie]

Sometimes, datel cdx don't work when 32x attached...
"do you now something about the compatibly with the amstrad mega pc ?
(link in my sig)"
I know about this computer but I never known it was possible to play segacd games with it...

"the computer requieres a boot cart to work with a mega cd...
i think i have the best chance with your cart
great work !"
Ha, thx... i see, WOW...
Well, you mean that the megapc don't boot segacd bios?
Then my cart can force a boot from segacd bios... however, if hardware isn't exactly same as real genesis/segacd combo => big bang, you know...

[David J.]

So, any news on this coming out soon?

I kind of condensed my Genesis setup, so my Model 1 CD unit is in storage... If that's a good or bad thing, let me know, but if you need some testing for when this comes out, please let me know. :)

[David J.]

Oh yeah, is the utility disc you can download the same as the one you can buy with the adaptor?

If so, I'd just d/l and burn it and save some money.

[Fonzie]

Hi, the website gonna be updated :)

In fact ,the utility disc is inclued into the megacart packaging for free :) no need to save money for it :)
And yeah, the one you can download is the same as the one sold.

Thx for the testing proposition... i'm really worried about mode1 units and CDR... if your model can read CDR, it is great :)

I'm waiting for the final customer version (so i can validate all is working good and if packaging is great)...
We had to use another model of flash chip (twice more expensive, unfortunately, this wont affect the product price, normaly) , so i'm excited to know if all is working perfect now :)

[retrosega]

I will be a tester too if u need.

I have pal mega drive 1 and CD 1 combo as well as pal mega drive 2 and cd 2 combo. Both seem to be able to read CDR.

[TheGZeus]

I wish I'd volunteered sooner.

I have two Model 1 Sega CDs, and both model 2 and 1 Genesis systems.

[Fonzie]

The megacart has be already checked on lot of configurations ,usa,europe, japan systems, model1 & model2 segacd with model1 & model2 megadrive and 32x...
However, we never be able to run CDR on model 1 segacd (we have only one).

In fact, our unique model1 segacd always seriously locked up (need to dissassemble the unit to extract the disc) with the CDR... That's why I don't know what to say (and that's why we officialy dropped support/waranty when using the utility disc on front-tray units)...

If you dare to beta test... first... 1 Be sure you'll have the skill to open your model1 unit (to eventualy eject the disc if locked inside). 2 Be also sure you can actualy play CDR's on it... 3 Be also sure you can burn yourself CDR. 4 Be sure your segacd model1 isnt modified (no laser tunned).

If you can do the 4 steps, then I'm interested into shipping you one, directly after i receive my working prototype... If it works, you gonna pay shipping + electronic tax (40usd), 50% the price. If it don't works (cdr) you can chose to pay (because the cart still have main functions working => Backup/restore and Play any region disc) or send the cart back.
In the case it doesnt work cause of my code, then we gonna try to fix it together and you wont have anything to pay.

[ary incorparated]

i have my nice cdx and this wil work with it thats ways better.makes my cdx more usefull.

[Fonzie]

It was checked on CDX / multimega... works perfect.

[ary incorparated]

only for the mdcd 1 its a bit inapropriat?luckely i dont own that one instead of my cdx mega cd 2 pal.

[Fonzie]

Yeah utility disc not waranted to work on some front-tray loading systems (upload rom function), however main megacart's functions are working.

http://www.genny4ever.net/megacart/
Héhé, I received the final version, all is working perfect :)
Stay tunned before release, within 3 days :)

Thx for support.

[Knuckles-chaotix]

ok where do we order and buy it from?

[Fonzie]

I'll provide links for the official pages the 5th :)

[Knuckles-chaotix]

I'll provide links for the official pages the 5th :)

Ok thanks..
So basically i can start importing Mega cd JP titles to play on my PAL console!! YIPEEEE

HOw much are they?

[TheGZeus]

MY BRAIN MUST WORK HARD TO REMEMBER

[Knuckles-chaotix]

How much are they? and we should be given forst go on orders! dont understand as why no pre orders!

And what time you listing the site ?? which country etc?

[Fonzie]

They are 70usd shipping included (pay with paypal) from HongKong factory.

Haha, no worries, every body will have one... i'm not sure we gonna run out of stock the first week (my website is french).

For préorders, since we had several fatal issues during development (electonic issues), we prefered to dont make too much bad news...
Now all is fixed, working very great.

Thx for your interest

[Knuckles-chaotix]

Ok many thanks! how do we read a french website LOL ??

[Fonzie]

Héhé, because i translated all in english :P :D

[ary incorparated]

okay so for the european its pretty easy to ship french is pretty near holland i geus doable nice to hear this news.

[TheGZeus]

he said it ships from hong kong

[ary incorparated]

yess i read that,but maybe from the french is doable/;).

[Knuckles-chaotix]

so wheres the link?

[TheGZeus]

yess i read that,but maybe from the french is doable/;).
But he has to pay shipping first, so it would cost more.

[ary incorparated]

i dont care if the cost are a bit higher its more doable and trustable for me ;).

[Knuckles-chaotix]

where do i order it from its the 6th now!

[Fonzie]

haha, well, héhé :P Sorry for delay, we had some issues around paper labels :) now we are safe. I'm here for all your questions.
http://products.genny4ever.net/

[Zebbe]

Can you flash 32X carts on the Megacart and play them? How many Megacarts are produced?

[Fonzie]

Of course, megacart can run any 32x game.
About the production... You can order until the factory runs out of parts ;) No jokes, this can happen, but not immediately...

[Zebbe]

Ok. I will order during next week then.

[Elusive]

Huzzah, it's finally available. Can you post an image of the Megacart adapter please, Fonzie?

On the ordering page, what are the cables used for? Connecting the adapter to a PC? ('Cart + box + utility disc* + megacart adaptator**' versus 'Cart + box + utility disc* + megacart adaptator** + cables***')

I never knew you were planning on offering RetroDev transfer cables as well, I was considering making one for myself but I guess I can throw it in with an order for the full Megacart set next payday :cool:

Last question - does everything come with instructions?

[TheGZeus]

Why can't I use a credit card?
Is it' an international thing?

[evildragon]

im wondering if I can use a cart I build myself, but use the software on it.. (im gonna use EEPROMs)

[Fonzie]

Thx :D
---------------------
"Can you post an image of the Megacart adapter please, Fonzie?"
It is same as tototek's MDPRO adaptater... It consist of one connector linked to your computer using both printer and usb cable (BOTH, usb is only used to power the cartridge).
http://www.tototek.com/pio/main1/SUBMENU/PARTS/LINKS/OS/MD64/md64m2b.jpg (on the right).

The "printer cable" (that is 1-1 DB25 connector) is pretty hard to find in shops, that's why it is sold.
I must warn you again: your computer must absolutely have a EPP compatible printer port.

If you don't have printer port or money to buy full kit, you can burn discs with roms and upload from your segacd as well ;)


------------
"I never knew you were planning on offering RetroDev transfer cables as well,"
I have the aknowledge of the MaskOfDestiny, its my devfriend.


------------
"Last question - does everything come with instructions?"
The cartridge have instructions built-in, but it comes with a little instruction-artwork ;P haha black and white and tiny but i'm sure you'll like it :)

Thx for your questions, i may add them in the FAQ, as usual.


--------------
"Why can't I use a credit card?
Is it' an international thing?"
It is international... yeah, need to pay using paypal...

----------
"im wondering if I can use a cart I build myself, but use the software on it.. (im gonna use EEPROMs)"

In fact, if you can solder TSOP chipsets (that have 0.1 mm pins) you can probably run simple genesis games on it... But our software wont be compatible and no way to run 32x nor doing the exciting things around segacd bios...
Top fo that, megacarts use a supa fast 180mhz addon that operates million times per seconds to allow such segacd or/and 32x things on all models and all regions... sorry.

I prefer to tell again that megacart don't support games over 24M nor games that have SRAM support.

[evildragon]

oh ok.. i was gonna build this: http://www.raphnet.net/electronique/genesis_cart/genesis_cart_en.php

[Knuckles-chaotix]

Ummm how do you use this cart to play sega 32 X titles? Do they piggy back?

[evildragon]

ehh, you flash the BIN files from the 32X titles to it.. the 32X carts aren't really any different, just the programming that's on them..

[Fonzie]

Actualy, flash speed need to be a bit supperior... else some games might have wierd behaviour... Also, most 32x games are 3MB...

[TheGZeus]

I know about paypal, but Credit card's not given as an option in PayPal.
Same thing?
Because I can't spare the cash this month. (I'd even pay back the card next month, but that doesn't really involve you...)
In any case, I hope I can just get together a full Japanese setup when I get to Japan this spring...
This would have been a great fail-safe.

[evildragon]

I know about paypal, but Credit card's not given as an option in PayPal.
Same thing?
Because I can't spare the cash this month. (I'd even pay back the card next month, but that doesn't really involve you...)
In any case, I hope I can just get together a full Japanese setup when I get to Japan this spring...
This would have been a great fail-safe.
I can convert model 1 Genesis to Japanese models easily (if american)...

Fully functional too..

[David J.]

One question... is the cart adaptor compatable with the Tototek carts? I thought I read so... if so then I'll be a very, very happy man. :)

So that way I can buy tototek carts indvidually.

[TheGZeus]

I can convert model 1 Genesis to Japanese models easily (if american)...

Fully functional too..
I'm a collector.
I was planning on getting a multibios for one of mine regardless, this just would have made life easier in general.

[evildragon]

I'm a collector.
I was planning on getting a multibios for one of mine regardless, this just would have made life easier in general.
the BIOS in all Genesis/MegaDrive models is the same..

the only difference in them, is a jumper setting on the board.. (PAL MegaDrives have a different video output though, I believe it's different in the case of an oscillator)

[TheGZeus]

the BIOS in all Genesis/MegaDrive models is the same..

the only difference in them, is a jumper setting on the board.. (PAL MegaDrives have a different video output though, I believe it's different in the case of an oscillator)
The bios in the Sega CDs is different.
How do you not know that?

[evildragon]

The bios in the Sega CDs is different.
How do you not know that?
I thought you were just referring to the Genesis...

I know that the Sega CD has a different BIOS, duh!

[Fonzie]

Megacart allow to swich bios without any hardware modification... You just plug the cart, you can run any bios without any mod on both segacd and genesis side ;)

Several ppl are crazily modding their segacd with a multibios chip.... it is really a savage idea since there is now a real solution ;)
I wanted to mod mine some months ago, now... haha, i don't even think about that 1 second.

"I know about paypal, but Credit card's not given as an option in PayPal."
Umm, i'm not english native, I don't understand what you mean... Paypal is like paying with your credit card... it is just more secure.

"One question... is the cart adaptor compatable with the Tototek carts? I thought I read so... if so then I'll be a very, very happy man."
Yeah, it is same thing... I replyied to lot of questions at page5 bottom, héhé. Maybe nobody saw them

[evildragon]

i haven't messed with the Sega CD BIOS (all my work has been from the cartridge only), but isn't the address lines different from the BIOS and the Cartridge?

Also, even if it worked, wouldn't this prevent the use of the RAM Cart?

[TheGZeus]

I don't need to worry about damaging my Sega CD for two reasons:
A. It was broken anyway, I have to unscrew a bunch of stuff to change the CD. It's here to be modded.
B. the bios is socketed. if it was fully functional there'd be nothing savage, just a gentle lift and press.

Paypal has a credit card option normally. you can use the money available as a loan from a bank via a credit card through paypal.
As opposed to transfering the money directly from my bank account, which i would like to keep a bit more full forthe remainder of this month.
Regardless, I've decided now that the $70 is going to buying a Japanese Mega CD when I get to Japan. Problem solved.

I think it can act as a RAM cart, ED.
Hard to tell through broken english(now I know how my Jpanese friends feel sometimes.)

[evildragon]

if you get a Sega CD model 2, make sure it's the older model 2.. there's 2 model 2's in existance.. the later model 2 has a cheeper laser, and fails fairly quickly..

(a way to tell: the ORIGINAL model 2's laser has a bunch of wires.. the second model 2 has a single ribbon)

[Fonzie]

"Paypal has a credit card option normally. you can use the money available as a loan from a bank via a credit card through paypal."
Umm, when you buy it, you can chose "use my paypal account" or "click here to pay with your credit cart directly" (bottom). Thx.

"I think it can act as a RAM cart, ED."
It doesn't act directly as a ram cart, however it can backup up to 16 times the segacd backup ram... In a far more secure way than the official backup ram btw.
Moreover, you can get (using the megacart adaptater) back your saves to your computer to continue playing with an emulator.

[TheGZeus]

The backup feature is just about as useful.
I was just told I couldn't use anything but PayPal.
I just bought one.

I'm unsure of using straight email to send personal info, though.

[retrosega]

i think paypal credit cards feature will only work if you have a verified account (for non US) as well as verified address. I live in Melbourne, Australia, and the credit card option worked fine.

[Zebbe]

Can I play fan-translated ROMs via the Megacart? (Of course I'll buy the original games first)

[evildragon]

Can I play fan-translated ROMs via the Megacart? (Of course I'll buy the original games first)
this is how i tell if the Genesis can play hacked ROMs: If KEGA Fusion can't run it, the real hardware most likely won't..

(Gens was Hack friendly, but Fusion is more hardware "realistic")

[TheGZeus]

i think paypal credit cards feature will only work if you have a verified account (for non US) as well as verified address. I live in Melbourne, Australia, and the credit card option worked fine.
I'm fully verified, I just used the CC option as if I had no account.

....It might be because I just got a new card. Same account, but the old one expired, and PayPal removed it like a month ahead of the expiration...weird.

In any case, I sent the moolah.

[Symos]

Will it work with 32x cd titles?

[Elusive]

I must admit I'm wary of ordering things from abroad during the holiday season, but you'll be getting my money soon anyway Fonzie :)

edit: what the hell, just ordered the full megacart set and the Transfer Suite Cable

edit2: Why did I need to send a confirmation email to Tototek for both items? Surely the delivery address is shown in the Paypal notice? I sent the confirmation emails from my 'personal' address, not the address I use for Paypal, is all. I hope I don't confuse the Tototek people :(

[TheGZeus]

I never sent confirmation, but a few days later I got confirmation of shipment,

[Fonzie]

Yo all :)
Thx for your ordering... I heard the first orders would be received next week :), hah :D

Confirmation email is asked so you can confirm your adress and phone number. :)

"Will it work with 32x cd titles?"
Hard to say... If your megadrive and 32x are switched, it may work... If you only have your megadrive swiched it ***may*** work... If you don't have anything swiched, it ******may****** work... I'm sorry, each 32xCD games are different, they will boot but they are probably protected at an upper level. i can't check myself.
I suggest to wait a bit until someone checked for you.

Thx

[evildragon]

i think it's like this (haven't messed with 32X CD titles)..

if the 32X is modded with PAL/NTSC switches, it "will" work.. the 32X overlays it's graphics onto the sync from the Genesis, but it has to know what to expect---and the correct region identifier.. (same mod).. the switch only needs to be done to play PAL games on NTSC 32X's, or NTSC games on PAL 32X's...

If it's NTSC to NTSC, no mod should be required (as long as the sega CD BIOS is bypassed with the multibios, the only check the 32X has is a frequency check)

[ary incorparated]

how can i buy one,i dont have a pay pal and id rather dont want to order al the way from hong kong i thinlk it wil cost to much time and 2nd i dont trust it when its ben send in a package over such distance,is there a other way a closer way to buy one,im from holland BTW ;).

[Fonzie]

Hi ary.
The only actual way is to buy using paypal (you don't even have to register a paypal account)... Shipping is around one week (sometimes two weeks). As for shipping security, there is more chance that the parcel will lost for a french>holland than hongkong>holland.

Also, paypal is secure for buyers, if there is a problem, you will be refund.

Some shops may sell megacart one day... but they will be twice the price i think.

evildragon > yeah, that's how the 32x games are protected.

[Elusive]

:words:

So the 32X can be switchmodded the same way the Mega Drive can be dual-switchmodded? How's it done?

I really need to learn more about the 32X and Mega-CD's hardware capabilities. :(

edit: Both items posted on the 16th. Fingers crossed :)

[evildragon]

It's a hard mod, and even more hard to understand.. If you use RGB output, your safe.. If you use NTSC/PAL output, you're still screwed with bad color..

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.segakore.net/articles/switch_32x.php&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=5&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3D315-5788%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3De n

[Knuckles-chaotix]

It's a hard mod, and even more hard to understand.. If you use RGB output, your safe.. If you use NTSC/PAL output, you're still screwed with bad color..

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.segakore.net/articles/switch_32x.php&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=5&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3D315-5788%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3De n

Talking about rgb etc.
i just tried to connect my Jp megadrive to my phillips cm8833 monitor thru the rca jacks , i only get B&W..i wonder why?

[ary incorparated]

okay i forgot pay pal is just an option via my credit crad ill have a good read about this and consider it.

[evildragon]

Talking about rgb etc.
i just tried to connect my Jp megadrive to my phillips cm8833 monitor thru the rca jacks , i only get B&W..i wonder why?
because it doesn't do NTSC

your a PAL person, you need PAL equipment.. if you want an NTSC-J system, running, you need an NTSC-J monitor, otherwise, use the RGB port on your cm8833.. you'll need a SCART lead for it..

[Elusive]

Talking about rgb etc.
i just tried to connect my Jp megadrive to my phillips cm8833 monitor thru the rca jacks , i only get B&W..i wonder why?

It's sending a 60Hz NTSC signal to a monitor that is expecting a 50Hz signal - the colour information will be lost along the way by the lead. RGB SCART works by transmitting Red value, Green value, Blue value to a display, instead of sending its own colour information.

It's kind of tricky to explain, try asking Fonzie or some other person that's gone deep into the machine's insides :D

Pretty much any TV with a SCART connector should be able to display a 60Hz NTSC-J signal; SCART was meant to get rid of the whole 'PAL/NTSC' thing by providing one connector that can carry many different signals - like the current HD-TV revolution. No PAL, no NTSC, no SECAM, just HD signal. HD is like a digital SCART.

[David J.]

I hear that Europe is trying to come up with their own HD format/signal. Oh boy... here we go again with the whole PAL/NTSC crap again... :(

[evildragon]

It's sending a 60Hz NTSC signal to a monitor that is expecting a 50Hz signal - the colour information will be lost along the way by the lead. RGB SCART works by transmitting Red value, Green value, Blue value to a display, instead of sending its own colour information.

It's kind of tricky to explain, try asking Fonzie or some other person that's gone deep into the machine's insides :D

Pretty much any TV with a SCART connector should be able to display a 60Hz NTSC-J signal; SCART was meant to get rid of the whole 'PAL/NTSC' thing by providing one connector that can carry many different signals - like the current HD-TV revolution. No PAL, no NTSC, no SECAM, just HD signal. HD is like a digital SCART.
I suggested he use the RGB connector on his TV.. But he's using Composite, where it's being downgraded, and encoded.

[Joe Redifer]

I hear that Europe is trying to come up with their own HD format/signal.
Europe MUST be stopped!

[evildragon]

i thought europe already had HD...

i guess 1080 lines of pure non-blast processing wasn't good enough for them...

ANYWAYS: wheres the link to the store for this? I couldn't find it.. I was thinking about just getting this instead of making my own.. sounds a heck of a lot easier..

[Elusive]

I hear that Europe is trying to come up with their own HD format/signal. Oh boy... here we go again with the whole PAL/NTSC crap again... :(

Close, but no cylinder smoky thing. It's simply a proposed idea to use the MPEG-4 codec for transmitting HDTV signals, as opposed to the current MPEG-2 American standard. Something about better use of bandwith? I think both are intercompatible, anyway.

edit: ^Uh, we have HD, silly. It's just filtering through pretty slowly - hell, English analogue TV is set to be discontinued by the end of the decade, so the BBC has been tasked with getting people to upgrade to digital TV - either through satellite (like BSkyB) or through Freeview (small range of commercial digital TV channels for a one-off fee). There's currently no real incentive to upgrade a TV for a service very few providers are offering just yet.

[TheGZeus]

MPEG 4 is lower quality for the most part... It's been refined over the years, but I don't see big gains.
Are they attempting to get more channels in the same frequency band currently used?

Also, while they're based on the same standard(MPEG 1) they're not totally compatible. SOME DVD players that are VCD compatible can use MPEG4...I think.

If you have a software player that's compatible with MPEG2, you'll still need an MPEG4 codec.

[Joe Redifer]

Actually MPEG4 is of higher quality than MPEG2 at the same bitrate. Hell it's even better than MPEG2 at a lower bitrate. With MPEG4 you can do more with less. MPEG2 is "teh suk". It is a horrible codec. Here in the USA we get 19mbps of MPEG2 broadcast over the air per channel for HDTV. Looks good until lights start flashing, the camera pans quickly or there is a slow dissolve. Then the screen turns into a jumbled blocky mess of compression artifacts. MPEG2 is for people who enjoy licking their dog's anus.

Lots of people are saying that the video quality of HD-DVD looks noticeably better than the video coming off of BluRay discs. BluRay uses MPEG2 (the dog anus codec), and I *believe* that HD-DVD uses a form of MPEG4.

[TheGZeus]

Hmm.

Well, I knew Blu-Ray was a pile, but I've never done any severe research into MPEG4.
It was WAS designed to get MPEG1 quality at a much lower bitrate.

[Elusive]

My Megacart arrived today. I couldn't be more impressed :)

Can't seem to find the utility for flashing ROMs, though - is it the same as available for download on tototek's websits? DreamFlash or similar?

edit: I guess I should have looked at the MC homepage.

[Fonzie]

Nice :)

Yeah, the utility is available at megacart page.

[Zebbe]

It's great to hear you received yours, Elusive! I hope I will be as impressed when mine comes!

[David J.]

Decisions, decisions.... To get a Megacart... or a SCART RGB to YUV Component Video transcoder and a MD2 SCART Cable... and a couple of Tototek flash carts (since they work with the Megacart adaptor)

I'll get both eventually, but for right now.. I can only afford one. I think I'll get the transcoder and scart cable, since there kind of hard to find, and I can get a good deal on both items.

[Joe Redifer]

I was interested in this, but I just can't find any reason why I personally would want one. I use a Mac, so that eliminates most of the functions for me. I have a PC but I don't like to turn it on because it doesn't deserve to be turned on since it runs Windows.

[Zebbe]

Joe: It's a RAM cart, even better than the old one. You can play import games with it. Isn't that good? And you support a developer of new products to an old console you still play, maybe they'll come up with something more interesting in the future!

[Joe Redifer]

I already have a Backup RAM cart. Not sure how it could be improved as mine has tons and tons of space on it. Also does the cartridge allow ALL Japanese Mega CD games to be played on a US system? I know there are some games that don't work with a converter. Plus I'm not into collecting Mega CD games. I don't want to buy something just to support somebody (he only made 50 of them and surely they will all sell even if I don't buy one), I want to buy something that I will have a use for.

[David J.]

I "collect" Japanese Mega CD ISO's. Hell, I'm just shy of having two-thirds of every Japanese Mega CD game, in ISO form. It doesn't take too long to change the region code with the SCD region converter (the new one, not the old old one), and you can easily test a burned image via Kega, and it's worked for what I really wanted to burn, and quite frankly, there's not too much that I'm intrested burning to CD-R!

However, One reason I am looking into buying one is, because I like "spares" for all hardware I own... and it works with Tototek Flash carts, so maybe I'll buy this w/ the flasher and then buy a few carts?

[Knuckles-chaotix]

Unfourtunately i once owned a multi mega with jp bios but sold it as i could never figure out how to change the region bios for my pal games. :(

[David J.]

There never was a Multimega for Japan.

There was only US (Sega CDX) and Europe (Multimega.)

[Knuckles-chaotix]

I know that but my bios was japanese! it played original jp titles only!

[Elusive]

I already have a Backup RAM cart. Not sure how it could be improved as mine has tons and tons of space on it. Also does the cartridge allow ALL Japanese Mega CD games to be played on a US system? I know there are some games that don't work with a converter. Plus I'm not into collecting Mega CD games. I don't want to buy something just to support somebody (he only made 50 of them and surely they will all sell even if I don't buy one), I want to buy something that I will have a use for.

I've thrown every game I have at it, and have had no problems - and besides, the box does note that some games will require a region/frequency mod to work properly. Somehow it detected I have a model 2 Mega-CD, and holding A at startup boots the Japanese model 2 BIOS (first I'd seen it, ever), holding B boots the American model 2 BIOS, and C boots the European model 2 BIOS. Hooray, now I have a totally region-free system :whoop:

Fonzie, how am I supposed to use the transfer program - megacart.exe - properly? The utility zip available at the GennyForever homepage doesn't contain a readme or any other information on how to get started and link Megacart to a PC. All I've done so far is plug in the printer and USB cables, flick the switch to 'ON', and start the Megacart program to see if anything happens.

I know my printer port is EPP compatible, as I've tried Mask of Destiny's transfer program and it works just fine - all I need now is a cartridge adapter I can cut a pin on so I don't mess up the original cartridge with tape. eBay usually has a few cheap Honey Bee adapters up, maybe I can grab one of them.

edit: Love the kooky instruction sheet art (PLOP!) and Top Gear and PONG games, too :) If I clear these to make space for a ROM, can I restore them later using the utility disc?

[Fonzie]

"I've thrown every game I have at it, and have had no problems -"
Great news :)

"Somehow it detected I have a model 2 Mega-CD"
Yes, it auto detect the original hardware model ;)

"Love the kooky instruction sheet art (PLOP!)"
Haha, million thx :D That's just plop art :D

"If I clear these to make space for a ROM, can I restore them later using the utility disc?"
Héhé, you may burn yourself the roms to an utility disc. I don't know why you have top gear flashed, i think this was for quality control :)

"Fonzie, how am I supposed to use the transfer program - megacart.exe - properly? ... switch to 'ON', and start the Megacart program to see if anything happens."
Fine, then you click "protocol>printer" and it should show the megacart content... If it don't show, it means that your printer port isn't set to pure EPP.
Then, once it show megacart content, you can do whatever you want (send rom, aquire backup ram data...)... Megacart.exe can also be used to build a utility disc :)


" - all I need now is a cartridge adapter I can cut a pin on so I don't mess up the original cartridge with tape."
Umm? You're speaking about dumping games using MOD's cable, right?
It is a good idea to use a honey bee :) I hope it works.

Btw: I don't get why some ppl here want to buy several tototek flash carts.. megacart is already a tototek flash cart (exept it is only 24M and don't have sram support) :)

Good luck

Thx

[TheGZeus]

I got mine a couple days ago, and it does what it says it can.

The only reason I'm not as excited is I'll probably buy a Japanese MD/CD setup one of these days(hoping to move there) and a Japanese backup RAM cart.
The flash cart capability is neat and all, but that's not why I wanted one.

In all, it's an awesome device, and only $10 more than the straight flash cart with case, but I understimated my desire to own Japanese hardware for no real good reason.

[Joe Redifer]

The multi-BIOS thing makes it almost seem worth it. How many are left, Fonzie?

[Fonzie]

Hi,

Because the dev time took 8 months instead of 1 week (due to huge technical problems and very fucky european sega hardware)...

Only 10-15 pieces left... We need to get stock again next year :)
Fortunately for you, we don't sell much... 25 pieces since we launched it ;)

So, I don't know when and for how long we will be out of stock... sorry.

[Knuckles-chaotix]

id rather just stick to the originals! makes it nice to collect! but i do appreciate and understand the need for these devices.

[Fonzie]

Knuckles chaotix, I understand your point because I think same.
Myself, I can't bear the shitty CD+ or ProCDX because they sux a bit and attack the hardware in a very pirate way.

Anyway, just keep in mind that megacart act like a multibios but totaly plug and play... (it can be full transparent, you don't even heard a pixel of megacart, don't even lose one second during boot).

Since most megacds are same hardware (only the bios changes between regions) It don't make bad things. It just transform your segacd to a japanese or an european exactly like sega could do soldering a different bios at factory.

But yes, still don't make you have original european and japanese boxes :'(

Thx for your comments anyway :)

Btw: I updated megacart webpage... now megacart driver is able to receive backups from megacart and is able to build megacart utility disc (so you put all your roms in a folder and get a working and ready to use iso file). Enjoy and merry Xmas :D

[ary incorparated]

Fonzie as far as i know i cant transfer money to japan or hong kong cause here in Europe we have a special iban and bic thing for that particle reason that’s why its many troubles instead of sending money to France that’s Europe so lesser troubles, transferring money with a standard credit card to the southern is a pretty huge problem for us Europeans as far as i know. I know Europe is not the best.

[Zebbe]

Here are some stupid questions from someone who doesn't know a thing about tech stuff: Say you flash Beggar Prince to your Megacart. Will it be possible to save on the Megacart's memory then? If you flash a Sonic 3 with save file to the Megacart, can you use the Megacart on Sonic & Knuckles and use the save file like that? My guess on these questions are no, but you never know :P.

[Joe Redifer]

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that games with memory back-up of any kind won't save.

[David J.]

And I read that Beggar Price is "undumpable"

[Suppafly]

Here are some stupid questions from someone who doesn't know a thing about tech stuff: Say you flash Beggar Prince to your Megacart. Will it be possible to save on the Megacart's memory then? If you flash a Sonic 3 with save file to the Megacart, can you use the Megacart on Sonic & Knuckles and use the save file like that? My guess on these questions are no, but you never know :P.

1) The Megacart doesnt support sram savestates, so you wont be able to save.

2) Even if it was possible to flash beggar prince, WHATS THE POINT of discouraging the developers that spent time and money to bring back those classics?

Your opinion is offensive to all sega lovers, who want to keep seeing more games for the console.

We have to support developers if we want to see more new games

[TheGZeus]

"Your opinion is offensive to all sega lovers"
What?
There was no opinion expressed in that post.

This is a thread about a flashcart.

Beggar Price is a bootleg to begin with, really.

Dude....chill.

I want a copy of Beggar Prince, but I don't feel like paying the inflated prices it's been commanding on Ebay from people who bought it to do just that: Inflate the price and sell again.

Also, it's what? 8 years old or so to begin with. It's just a good translation put on a cart.
Flash RAM or EPROM.

I'm pro selling ROM files...
It's all Honor system at this point anyway.

[evildragon]

i don't think Beggar Prince is a bootleg.. Wasn't it completely made from the ground up?

[Joe Redifer]

I think he means it was made without Sega's official license and development system.

Also Beggar Prince is still for sale at the original, non-inflated price, as far as I know.

[TheGZeus]

"siiileeeent"
Space Ghost

[Zebbe]

2) Even if it was possible to flash beggar prince, WHATS THE POINT of discouraging the developers that spent time and money to bring back those classics?

Your opinion is offensive to all sega lovers, who want to keep seeing more games for the console.

We have to support developers if we want to see more new games

You've completely missunderstood me. I have a copy of Beggar Prince myself, and the intention of flashing the game was to be able to play it without removing the 32X, which I think is a hassle.

I haven't even expressed any opinion in my last comment, so I can't be offensive in any way there. :roll:

[Joe Redifer]

Your opinion that removing the 32X being a hassle is offensive to me. :)

[Knuckles-chaotix]

so beggar prince does not save? if thats the case then i want my money back!

[TheGZeus]

Beggar price sold out long ago, it was made without Sega's permission, it's a translation of a Chinese (Taiwanese?) game from when Sega was still developing for the system...

Again, I'm all for new games being made....it just hasn't happened yet...
Translations and (some)debugging are what we've seen as yet.

[Zebbe]

so beggar prince does not save? if thats the case then i want my money back!

It saves, but not on a 32X.

[Elusive]

Well, it seems as though my printer port isn't fully EPP compatible for some reason - after I link Megacart to my PC and select the Printer protocol, the screen goes dark, as though it has been turned off. Everything continues running in the background, as I can reboot using the old Windows key -> U -> R sequence. No problem, though - I've got a stack of .bins burnt onto a disc so I can flash them from the Mega-CD instead :)

[Fonzie]

Elusive,

When you do connect > printer on megacart.exe, it will auto figure out where your printer port is located on your computer... héhé...

I also noticed that several computer may glitch (red screen, darker screen, corrupted screen) when toogleling non-existant printer ports :D

As far as i know (and coded the thing), it will toogle 0x278 0x378 and 0x3BC...
However (since I was not confident into my code) you can manualy choose your printer port (by going protocol>printerport>), then choose your real printer port adress :) If its a very special adress, then you can edit "megacart.ini" and select "custom" in megacart.exe :)

Hope it will fix a bit :)
Also, don't hesitate to force (using your computer bios) the printer port to 100% EPP.

See you and enjoy

[Fonzie]

héhé, nearly 30megacart shipped.
And still no reviews or youtube video? Hah! ;)

Nobody checked if it works on sega/victor wondermega?

JVC Xeye model2 was reported incompatible (well, there is a little trick to make it working but it downgrades the rom area size to twice 8Meg instead of full glory 24Meg).

Megacart was also reported working on MegaLD :D

[Zebbe]

I have received my copy and it seems to work great. I was disappointed that it contained illegal ROMs though. I will fully review it when I've received my Jap Final Fight which I'm gonna try it on. I have a European Mega Drive I, European Mega CD II and a Genesis 32X.

[Fonzie]

"I was disappointed that it contained illegal ROMs though."
ho? I took care to only include public domain roms or roms i had autorisation... Could you tell me which one was illegal, i'll remove it , thx.

[Zebbe]

It was Zero Tolerance and Top Gear 2.

I praise you for your work with the Mega Cart though. Thank you very much for making it!

[Fonzie]

Hello,

About zero tolerance, both games (zero tolerance and beyon zero tolerance) have been released as publicdomain in 1997.

For TopGear2, i'm really sorry... It is used for QC at factory because it generates timings issues on the hardware (seems very strangely coded game)... Should not be here.

I'll ask to erase it next time.
Feel free to erase it using "erase software" in MISC menu...

Thank you for report.

"I praise you for your work with the Mega Cart though. Thank you very much for making it!"
Thx for the comment :)

[Zebbe]

I didn't know Zero Tolerance was released as freeware like its sequel.

I'll give more comments later, positive for sure ;).

[Suppafly]

I have received my copy and it seems to work great. I was disappointed that it contained illegal ROMs though. I will fully review it when I've received my Jap Final Fight which I'm gonna try it on. I have a European Mega Drive I, European Mega CD II and a Genesis 32X.


Some people just have to bitch about anything.

BTW I ordered my megacart and I cant wait to test it

Thanks for your effort Fonzie

[TheGZeus]

He has every right to complain about a crime.
I mean, if they didn't stop it could mean the end of the cart.

[Suppafly]

He has every right to complain about a crime.
I mean, if they didn't stop it could mean the end of the cart.

Complain about a crime? Sega doesnt even care about people using roms...when was the last time a romsite was taken down by sega? hmm lemme remember...NEVER.

[Joe Redifer]

Downloading roms for free and making money off of them are two different things. If Sega (or whoever) saw someone making money off of their roms, they could easily take legal action and win, no contest.

[TheGZeus]

Complain about a crime? Sega doesnt even care about people using roms...when was the last time a romsite was taken down by sega? hmm lemme remember...NEVER.
Was that an in-house sega game? I don't remember...

Regardless, it IS a crime, and Sega doesn't need to press charges themselves.

Come to think of it, why WOULDN'T they press charges when they're selling ROMs THEMSELVES NOW.

VIRTUAL CONSOLE ANYONE??


Very easy to claim lost revenue.



He has the right to complain.
The maker agreed.
Back off.

[Fonzie]

Anyway, for some security reasons, the utility disc is included for free with the megacart (it is written on megacart box) and you can download it at megacart website :)

Suppafly>Nice to hear you ordered, please tell me back when you received it :)

[Zebbe]

Some people just have to bitch about anything.

Hey d00d, who complained at me and totally misunderstood me when I was talking about flashing Beggar Prince. Now I was complaining about SELLING products with ROMs in them, that's even more illegal than just flashing a game. Please try to think twice before responding to me again.

[Elusive]

I got Top Gear on my Megacart. I couldn't believe it was some amateur's work :D

Hey, it was only a ROM left over from testing. Is it that hard to erase it when you bought it? I just wish you didn't lose them all at once, PONG is fun :(

Anyway, Fonzie, I've got all my games dumped, is there any limit to the number of ROMs you can fit on a utility disc?

[Fonzie]

"I couldn't believe it was some amateur's work "
Topgear2 is a real game, used in factory QC :P It isn't amateur :) Its even my dump from my pirate game i bought at singapore when i was a kid :P Haha, its certainely the best arcade racing game for genesis, like 60 tracks and uber fast action (when you put all to the max)...
I asked to erase it, nobody should never see it again, sorry.

About the utility disc, you must be using megacart.exe utilitydisc building functions, right?
Put all your roms on the utility_disc/disc_content folder, be sure to not exeed 255 files in this folder and no more than 400MB (megacd cannot read data with good accurency over 440MB).
Also get sure to have all your roms in .bin / .32x format :)

Ha, yes, a last thing, when you'll boot your fresh utility disc, just hold Start (not A,B or C), else you wont be able to flash anything.

Then enjoy :) If you have any problem, just tell me.

[Fonzie]

New firmware and tool update comming soon...
I just wanted to know if someone found a DISC game that was incompatible with megacart?

The first 25 units run got out of stock. A big investment was done few days ago to manufacturate a discontinued part to allow a second run. All should go back to normal in a few days.

Thx for your support and see you soon :)

[Zebbe]

I'm playing Japanese Final Fight CD on my Euro Mega CD II and the cart in a Genesis 32X, everything works great!

[Haggar9343]

This thing is awesome. Definitely worth the money.

[0x15e]

The first 25 units run got out of stock. A big investment was done few days ago to manufacturate a discontinued part to allow a second run. All should go back to normal in a few days.I finally got the money together and just placed an order (I didn't see it was out of stock :(). How long until the new run is ready to go?

I really hope I didn't miss out on this!

[Haggar9343]

I hope you didn't too. I bought it thinking I'd need it to play the Japanese version of Final Fight CD. Then after ordering it but before receiving it, I figured out how to change the bios of my Japanese Final Fight CD disc and re-burn it. So after that happened, I thought maybe I'd sell my MegaCart after receiving it. But after I got it and I fully learned of everything it can do, NO FREAKIN' WAY I'M SELLING IT NOW. This thing kicks ass.

[Fonzie]

Thank you for your comments Haggar, I really appreciate.
I used to convert my isos too... but this is incredibly boring and a bit harmful for megacd to read CDRs in some cases.

"How long until the new run is ready to go?"
A week or two, probably. I'll ask if there are some megacart left.

[0x15e]

A week or two, probably. I'll ask if there are some megacart left.Well it looks like I didn't have anything to worry about. I just got a confirmation email from Tototek that my order shipped today. :D

[Elusive]

Using Megacart is a hell of a lot easier than having stacks of burnt & reburnt CD-Rs everywhere. CD-Rs that are easily lost and won't last as long as the real deal :)

[retrosega]

The megacart works great. It has allowed me to use my NTSC Japanese Megadrive 1 with a PAL Australian MegaCD. The American SegaCD games run in NTSC mode too (not pal), which is great, as all the dialogue is in sync! I tried running Lunar on a PAL megadrive 1 and the pal megacd and the dialogue was all out.

This brings me to the conclusion that the MegaCD/SegaCD is capable of outputting both NTSC and PAL, and all it does is check what frequency the megadrive/genesis is running at. Of course, without the megacart I get a message saying that the MegaCD will not work with the NTSC Megadrive.

I thought the megacart was going to be like the pro action replay, where you could plug the cartridge on the top to be able to bypass the check. This has probably been covered somewhere on this forum but how do I copy one of the genesis games (from cartridge) to the megacart? Or can I only get a game on the megacart by downloading the rom from the net?

[Fonzie]

Hi,
Yeah, megacart also allow you to connect any segacd to any megadrive region :) Thx for noticing this (i forgot to told about that).

"This brings me to the conclusion that the MegaCD/SegaCD is capable of outputting both NTSC and PAL"
Yeah, of course, all megacd are same hardware. That is why megacart is very great and safe to use (it is not hyjacking the system like ProCDX).


"I thought the megacart was going to be like the pro action replay, where you could plug the cartridge on the top to be able to bypass the check."
Nope, unfortunately... or fortunately , depends ;)

To transfer a rom on the megacart, you must download it on the internet (this is legal if you have the original cartridge) and use megacart adaptator or burn an utility disc :)

See ya and good luck :)
Don't hesitate to do a review :D one day...

[Zebbe]

How do I use this "SMD2BIN" program? I drag and drop smd.-files into it, but it just closes itself. Does it work with the translated Monster World IV ROM? Can't you make a "MEGA CART FOR DUMMIES" were everything needed to know is explained?

[Fonzie]

Hi,

If you drop a smd file on it, it will close, yeah :P but it had created a .bin copy of your file (in same folder, msdos name).

In fact, i made a FAQ at megacart webpage that explain almost all :)
I'll add the smd question/answer soon.


Good luck :)

[Zebbe]

No file is created in the folder. The program says:

"16-bit MS-DOS-undersystem

C:\ [...] utils\SMD2BIN.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\AUTOEXEC.NT. The system file is not good to run DOS- and Microsoft Windows-program. Choose Close to shut down the program.

Close Ignore"

I guess the error is in my comp hardware. How do I fix it?

[Fonzie]

umm sorry if this old tool isn't compatible, by searching on google smd2bin, there are other tools available :)
http://www.programmersheaven.com/download/26831/download.aspx

I never checked this one... to know if it works, just load the rom on emulator after conversion.

good luck and thx for the notifying

[Melf]

Complain about a crime? Sega doesnt even care about people using roms...when was the last time a romsite was taken down by sega? hmm lemme remember...NEVER.

Wrong.

Sega vs. MAPHIA (1993) (http://www.sega-16.com/Genesis%20Firsts-%20Sega%20vs%20MAPHIA.php)

Not only did Sega take them down, but it set a precedent for illegal ROM distribution that is still used today.

[Suppafly]

Wrong.

Sega vs. MAPHIA (1993) (http://www.sega-16.com/Genesis%20Firsts-%20Sega%20vs%20MAPHIA.php)

Not only did Sega take them down, but it set a precedent for illegal ROM distribution that is still used today.

that took case still when the genesis was marketed....13 years ago btw...the megacart was released in 2006

[TheGZeus]

You said never, dude..

[Melf]

that took case still when the genesis was marketed....13 years ago btw...the megacart was released in 2006
You asked when did Sega ever take down a ROM site. MAPHIA did exactly what ROM sites do, back before there were such a thing. Back then, people accessed electronic bulletin boards to download ROMs. Sega took them (and others afterward) to court and took them down.

When it occurred does mean anything, the action taken is exactly the same. In fact, the action companies take today comes DIRECTLY from Sega vs. MAPHIA, because it was the first legal action against illegal ROM distribution in history.

[Suppafly]

You asked when did Sega ever take down a ROM site. MAPHIA did exactly what ROM sites do, back before there were such a thing. Back then, people accessed electronic bulletin boards to download ROMs. Sega took them (and others afterward) to court and took them down.

When it occurred does mean anything, the action taken is exactly the same. In fact, the action companies take today comes DIRECTLY from Sega vs. MAPHIA, because it was the first legal action against illegal ROM distribution in history.

And does that mean that tototek has ever been threatened by sega....? No....

[TheGZeus]

That's not the substance of your post, dude.

[Melf]

And does that mean that tototek has ever been threatened by sega....? No....
No, Tototek has never had a problem with Sega so far, but that's not what you said. You said:


Complain about a crime? Sega doesnt even care about people using roms...when was the last time a romsite was taken down by sega? hmm lemme remember...NEVER.

...and I answered, in reference to that. That's all.

[retrosega]

Hi Fonzie, just a few more questions about the mega cart....

I just realised that I ordered a Megacart for EUR region (as I have a pal Australian Megadrive (1 & 2) and megacd (1 & 2). I only managed to aquire the Japanese Megadrive 1 after I ordered the Megacart. However I have been able to use the Megacart (EUR) with the Jap Megadrive and Aus MegaCD no problems.

So...what was the reason to specify region when ordering? Is it just the utility disc that is different? or does the Megacart have a different bios depending on what region we ordered?

Is the Megacart menu running in NTSC or PAL?

Also is it possible to add a language override in the Mega Cart settings? I was trying to play Ghostbusters on the Jap Megadrive (because I wanted to play in NTSC...) and the text was all in Japanese. I didn't want to play it on the pal system (for obvious reasons) and I dont have a Genesis.

With the Megacart Adaptor Driver V1.3 there seems to be stability problems if I switch to a different window (such as to internet explorer) when flashing the cartridge. When I click back on megacart in the taskbar in XP, the progress bar does not update or tell me it has completed. It is stuck at the progress point from when I switched app. I then have to close and reload the utility.

Can you add option to clear roms and backups in the Adaptor Driver?

Is this the main forum for megacart? The tototek forum is hardly used.

oh...I also tried the utility disc in my megacd 1 and it read the disc fine. No jamming or anything.

[Fonzie]

"So...what was the reason to specify region when ordering? Is it just the utility disc that is different? or does the Megacart have a different bios depending on what region we ordered?"
It is just the utility disc that is different. No worries. To boot utility disc, just hold Start. Or if the utility disc have a different region than your segacd, just hold Start+A or Start+B or Start+C...

"Is the Megacart menu running in NTSC or PAL?"
Its running in both PAL and NTSC... no compatibility problem, now worries.

"Also is it possible to add a language override in the Mega Cart settings? "
Umm, some games may check your megadrive model directly... The best way would be to mod your megadrive region... Modding region from megacart MAY be a "upcomming feature" but it is unsure for now if we can implement it.

"Can you add option to clear roms and backups in the Adaptor Driver?"
You can clear rom/backup from megacart menu (just dont hold anything at boot, then go misc>clear software or misc>clear backups).

"Is this the main forum for megacart? The tototek forum is hardly used."
Héhé, there isn't any board for megacart...because the product is stable, we didn't mind to create a specific troubleshooting board ;) .... However Tototek board would be the most official one. And you are right, even if megacart is stable, it remain quite complex at some points ;)

"With the Megacart Adaptor Driver V1.3 there seems to be stability problems if I switch to a different window (such as to internet explorer) when flashing the cartridge."
I see... I don't have any printer port to check myself... Do you mean megacart tool hang or close flashing task? You know, its my first windows app, i'll take a look :)

Thx for your reports. Exept that, i hope everything is working perfect :D

[retrosega]

It would be good if you can implement a language/region setting. I dont want to mod the mega drive.

With the clear roms option, I meant if you could put that in the Megacart Adaptor Driver V1.3 software.

The software crashes, it doesn't close. The progress bar does not move any further if I switch between applications whilst it is flashing.

Otherwise all is good! Great work!

[Fonzie]

"It would be good if you can implement a language/region setting. I dont want to mod the mega drive."
Haha, no problem :) But this is upcomming...

"With the clear roms option, I meant if you could put that in the Megacart Adaptor Driver V1.3 software."
I don't get the reason why you want it from Megacart Adaptator Driver but its in the Todo list now. I just want to tell you that you can overwrite roms without any problem, no need to clear... The best trick to avoid "fake uncomplete games" is to always overwrite at start of an existing game.

I'll take a look at the flashing task... Thx.

[retrosega]

Hi Fonzie, another thing I just realised.

Im using my Jap Megadrive to play NTSC games. When I load a game like Turtles Hyperstone Heist, the game locks due to the wrong region i guess. I thought the Mega Cart would bypass the region checks on any roms loaded on it.

So I have to end up plugging the megacart onto my Pro Action Replay 2 and use that to set the cartridge to USA type, then the game loads through the megacart.

Is there anyway you can make the megacart have an option to set the zone too?

[Fonzie]

When you flash from segacd, you can chose rom region (keep, set to JAP, USA, EUR).

When you flash from computer, It assumes you already prepared your rom using a rom tool or something like that ;)
Anyway, since each game react differenty to region bypass, the best idea is to dowload and flash a rom that is same region as your megadrive/genesis.

"I thought the Mega Cart would bypass the region checks on any roms loaded on it."
Umm, when flashing from segacd, probably :)

I'll add an option to convert before flashing game region, ok?

[David J.]

Now, I know you can change the country region in an emulator, but can you use these tools to change country code the rom, so you can test it in an emulator first?

[retrosega]

Cool

[Necrocheese]

I'll have to get one of these.

[0x15e]

I just completely used my new Megacart to play a premodified Darxide rom on my NTSC (US region) 32X+Genesis2+SegaCD2.

Then I used it to play a modified Bare Knuckle 3 rom on the same hardware.

Those two things alone have made the Megacart WELL worth the purchase.

I do have one question, though (this may have been covered already but I didn't see it). I have an official Sega Backup RAM cart. What's the best way to get the contents of that cart (maybe 250 blocks) onto the Megacart (so I don't have to keep worrying about the battery)?

[Fonzie]

Thank you for your feedback.
So you played modified street of rage3... nice :D

I see your problem with backup ram lol...
The best trick (but boring) would be to copy the backup ram content to segacd backup ram and then to megacart :)

Good luck. And don't forget to note on a paper book the data content of each backup ;)
And you may retrive the backuped data to your computer using megacart adaptater (as a 3rd security).

[0x15e]

I see your problem with backup ram lol...
The best trick (but boring) would be to copy the backup ram content to segacd backup ram and then to megacart :)

Good luck. And don't forget to note on a paper book the data content of each backup ;)Hehe, I figured it would be like that. No problem. :)

It shouldn't be too bad to keep track of. I really like how the save names can be very long so I can sort them by game and just name the save after the game. That will work really well with Jaguar XJ220 where I have a lot of custom tracks saved and they're all separate files.

Edit: I just did the transfer. Not bad at all. :) I do have one request, though. For the next Megacart firmware, could it be possible to reuse the title for a backup slot if there was already something in it? For example, if I go to back up into a slot that I called "Lunar" on the last backup, could the title be pre-entered with "Lunar" for the new one? This would be useful in the case that you restore a slot, play for a while, and then back it up again. It would save a lot of entry for titles like "LUNAR2+VAY+SONIC" and such. :)

Also, I did all that on my US Genesis1 + US Sega CD1 (front loader) setup, so you can add that to the "tested setups" list.

[arromdee2]

Just got mine today. It works great--at least I think so, though I don't actually have any foreign CDs at this point.

I got a little scared when my utility disk wouldn't boot and my own burned utility disk wouldn't boot either. It turned out that my own disk worked fine after that, I just had a one time glitch. (The utility disk from the package still refuses to boot.)

In case anyone's interested, the system I have is a Japanese MD 1 with a language switch, and a US top loader CD. I also discovered that I had messed up my language switch and had to solder it again.

I have one suggestion: How about displaying more than 8 characters of ROM names? I'd imagine you could do this just by posting a new utility disk to the web. (Master System games would be nice too, but that's probably impossible without making everyone buy a new cart.)

[Fonzie]

Great you received it

umm... To boot an utility disc, you need to hold Start only (or Start+A or Start+B or Start+C).
I'm sorry if the utility disc from package is dead... Anyway, it just have few PDroms on it. But it's still surprising, maybe your segacd2 laser is at "end of life state" or it could be the disc who was damaged during shipping.
In the case your laser got weak I would recommend to play real disc instead of CDR's and use Verbatim brand (burned slowly) for utility disc...



I have one suggestion: How about displaying more than 8 characters of ROM names?
In fact, it was done like that because you can effectively burn an ISO 9960 that would work with megacart (it require some trick, too hard to explain here). And iso 9960 only have 8 characters long names.
Actualy, loading/displaying more than 8 chars name would be a heavy software rewrite on both utility disc and computer megacart adaptator tool.

About booting sms games, it was planned but sms cartridge have special hardware (so it would have required to add this hardware in megacart), making it even more expensive.


Also, I did all that on my US Genesis1 + US Sega CD1 (front loader) setup, so you can add that to the "tested setups" list.
Ok, thx :)


For the next Megacart firmware, could it be possible to reuse the title for a backup slot if there was already something in it?
Ok, will be done on next firmware. :) Thx for the info.

[Zebbe]

Sorry, I need to ask again. With this SMD2BIN program, you must first select a SMD file. Then there is this BIN Output you must select. What file should i put there? And is there a chance that I can use the smd.bak Monster World IV ROM with this program? I'd really like to play that game translated on my Sega system.

[Melf]

Someone SO needs to do an article on this!

I'm going to sticky this thread. :)

[Fonzie]

Sorry, I need to ask again. With this SMD2BIN program, you must first select a SMD file. Then there is this BIN Output you must select. What file should i put there? And is there a chance that I can use the smd.bak Monster World IV ROM with this program? I'd really like to play that game translated on my Sega system.
You select your input file (something.smd)
and then you select an output file name to save , just type "output.bin"
You press convert, and its done ;)

Ho yeah :D It would be so cool to get an article :)

[Zebbe]

Alright, I finally got it to work. I plugged in both the USB and printer cables with the cart holder, and put it to on. Flashed some games, everything works like original software. However, Monster World IV didn't bring its translation :(.

[Fonzie]

What do you mean, by 'didn't bring' ?
Sometimes, translation are .ips files... so they are separated from the .bin files. You need to merge both before flashing.

In some other case, the translation broke the checksum, so you may need to fix checksum before flashing (else it shows a red or black screen).

Good luck.

[Zebbe]

WOW! (the interjection, not World of Warcraft) It worked! Now I can play English Monster World IV on my Mega Drive! Thanks a lot for all help Fonzie, I'll come with a complete write up soon!

[thechop]

They are 70usd shipping included (pay with paypal) from HongKong factory.

Haha, no worries, every body will have one... i'm not sure we gonna run out of stock the first week (my website is french).

For préorders, since we had several fatal issues during development (electonic issues), we prefered to dont make too much bad news...
Now all is fixed, working very great.

Thx for your interest

I would really like to get one of these are there any left in stock?

[Fonzie]

Hi,

Yeah, you can still order one :).

I just want to warn you that if your model1 megacd can't read CDR (or read weakly) the utility disc to flash roms to the cart may not work. But it don't affects the "play any region disc" and "backup your saves" features, no worries.

Thank you for your interest.

Bye

Fonzie


I'll come with a complete write up soon!
Great :)

[thechop]

Hi,

Yeah, you can still order one :).

I just want to warn you that if your model1 megacd can't read CDR (or read weakly) the utility disc to flash roms to the cart may not work. But it don't affects the "play any region disc" and "backup your saves" features, no worries.

Thank you for your interest.

Bye

Fonzie


Great :)

Thats okay,thanks i wouldn't risk getting the disc jammed in it any way:!: Would a european multi mega read the cdr's?
I'm not really after one for the flash capabilities any how although it would be nice to know i could try it out sometime if i get the disc and leads etc while i'm on ,i'd probably try and pick up a cheap mega cd2 if i were to try it out.

[Melf]

I'll come with a complete write up soon!

Really? Sweet!

[Fonzie]

Thats okay,thanks i wouldn't risk getting the disc jammed in it any way:!: Would a european multi mega read the cdr's?
I'm not really after one for the flash capabilities any how although it would be nice to know i could try it out sometime if i get the disc and leads etc while i'm on ,i'd probably try and pick up a cheap mega cd2 if i were to try it out.

Multimega can read CDR, no prob.

[thechop]

Multimega can read CDR, no prob.

Thanks for that,ordered me a couple of.Got shipping confirmation aswell today so its all good:D

[Fonzie]

Great :). A couple of megacart? héhé, thx for supporting :)

[kdb1981]

I may have misread this but this dose not act as a normal ram cart in games like lunar of shining force right?

if not were the any other ram cart made ( other then the sega one )?

[0x15e]

I may have misread this but this dose not as a normal ram cart in games like lunar of shining force right?

if not were the any other ram cart made ( other then the sega one )?That's correct. The Megacart is just used for backing up / restoring the internal backup ram. IMO, that's almost as good as a backup ram cart anyway, because very few games supported saving directly to it, IIRC. Also, there's the added benefit of the Megacart being flash based instead of battery+sram based, so it's much safer for your saves.

To answer your question, though, I don't think there were any ram carts besides the official Sega one.

[thechop]

Got my megacarts in the post today,thats gotta be some sort of shipping record!!!Only ordered them on the 8th!!

[Fonzie]

Great :D However, it can take up to 20 days sometimes... :)
Enjoy !

[thechop]

Great :D However, it can take up to 20 days sometimes... :)
Enjoy !

Oops,sorry got a bit excited there:daze: I should have said 'although i realise it could of taken up to 20 days' Its just the luck of the draw i suppose:cool:

[Fonzie]

Lol :D Nah, i think you're lucky. Mine took 20 days :P That's why i was frustrated :) ;) just kidding.

[0x15e]

Has anyone tried flashing with the adapter through a USB to parallel adapter? I'm asking because my laptop doesn't have a parallel port but I was thinking about picking up either an adapter or a USB port replicator.

The port replicator specifically says it does EPP but I'd expect that if the flash program communicates directly at the hardware level (instead of going through the OS), it won't do me any good.

[Fonzie]

The port replicator specifically says it does EPP but I'd expect that if the flash program communicates directly at the hardware level (instead of going through the OS), it won't do me any good.

Nope, megacart tool uses windows inpout.dll to access the port... And you can specify yourself the port adress if needed (in the .ini file).
However, most usb>printer adaptaters just emulate the printing drivers... and then, cannot work for megacart.

I'm sorry, I would be happy to have a solution... That's why you can flash from an utility disc instead. I cannot say it will work. Any link to the device you want to buy?

btw: I heard someone got the mdpro working using a PCI>Printer card, but he had to specify the PCI card address in the .ini file :)

[0x15e]

I was looking at this one: http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=ACP45US

It's not really a big deal since, as you said, I can flash using the utility disc (which is how I usually do it). I just think it would be nice to have a way to do it when I have the laptop+Genesis but no Sega CD (just using the Megacart as a flash cart).

I'll do some reading about inpout before I buy anything.

[Zebbe]

Alright Fonzie, I've started the huge work of the Mega Cart feature. It's gonna explain every ability of the Mega Cart, so expect a dozen more questions from me here since I don't actually know everything about it yet. Both you and Melf will have to proof read it before it's published.

[Fonzie]

It's not really a big deal since, as you said, I can flash using the utility disc (which is how I usually do it).
Nice, so you're using the utility disc tool... nice to hear all is easy to use.
Btw, one recomendation would be to not leave the utility disc running too long in your megacd... I mean, don't let it run all the night ;)


(just using the Megacart as a flash cart).
Yeah, i understand... I wish i could code a 100% usb megacart adaptator but it may take some months...


I'll do some reading about inpout before I buy anything.
No prob. But from what i've read it may not be compatible. Damn shitty technology (it always make you think it is hardware compatible but it is pure software fake).


Alright Fonzie, I've started the huge work of the Mega Cart feature. It's gonna explain every ability of the Mega Cart, so expect a dozen more questions from me here since I don't actually know everything about it yet. Both you and Melf will have to proof read it before it's published.
Great :) I hope it will make peoples more confident about it. You did not received yours? No problem about answering your questions.

[Zebbe]

Yes, I've received it, that's why I have asked so many questions :p. I would have been stupid if I asked them without even having the cart.

[Fonzie]

No prob :D I got confused because of your nickname :) Sorry.
I would be happy to read the article, yeah :D Don't hesitate to PM me if there is any secret links :P

[retrosega]

Hi Fonzie,

I seem to be having trouble with your latest Megacart Adaptator Driver V1.X REVB.

It loads up but the moment I select "parallel" I get "inpout32.dll" error.

So I downloaded inpout32.dll and copied into system32 folder.

Now instead of the error message, the application just shuts off.

The first version worked though.

I haven't changed anything else with the computer.

[Fonzie]

Hi,

Thx for noticing... I forgot to add the dll in the REVB zip :) Million sorry :)
Now I uploaded a correct zip.

Thank you and sorry again.

Fonzie

[Hidden_Darkness]

I am very interested in this, are any still available??

[Fonzie]

Sure :) Don't hesitate to ask if you have any question.

[Hidden_Darkness]

I think I will be placing a order for one tommorrow :) but I just wanted to ask from reading the topic pages. is it incompatable with a sega cd model 1? if it is thats fine since I can just get my model 2 out of storage to use it with.

[Fonzie]

Of course, it is compatible with all segacd models.

The only issue you may have is getting a CDR to be read into your model1 unit... But if you already got it to read CDR, its fine.

See ya and thx for your interest

Fonzie

[Zebbe]

I've stored my back up saves on the computer. But you can't put them back on the cart if the files are erased there, can you? I wouldn't say the Mega Cart is more safe than the ol' RAM cart. If the files are on the comp and you can't put them back to the CD unit, then I'm forced to use my game saves on the comp (= teh suxxor). On the other hand, the original RAM cart will eventually have its battery dead, but it's replaceable.

Working on the feature, still...

[Fonzie]

Hi,


I've stored my back up saves on the computer. But you can't put them back on the cart if the files are erased there, can you?
I don't get what you mean... Megacart can backup up to 16 times (you have 16 slots) your internal saves... The feature to get them back to the computer is just for emulators or additional safelty layer :)
I'll add the feature to get the files back to the megacart if you want.


I wouldn't say the Mega Cart is more safe than the ol' RAM cart.
Well, it is safer because Ram cart can get corrupted with ease or the battery can die.
Megacart cannot get corrupted with ease and the data life is 50 years ;)
The only problem can come from a power/hardware failure during a backup (hence the possibility to backup the backups to computer ^^ lol).


Working on the feature, still...
Great. Don't hesitate to ask if there is still unclear things... You can do too much things with megacart actualy... that's almost a disavantage for the product ;)

[Zebbe]

I don't get what you mean... Megacart can backup up to 16 times (you have 16 slots) your internal saves... The feature to get them back to the computer is just for emulators or additional safelty layer :)
I'll add the feature to get the files back to the megacart if you want.

Yeah, sure. That would be great. A version history, date of latest update etc. would be good to have on the website.


Well, it is safer because Ram cart can get corrupted with ease or the battery can die.
Megacart cannot get corrupted with ease and the data life is 50 years ;)
The only problem can come from a power/hardware failure during a backup (hence the possibility to backup the backups to computer ^^ lol).


Ok, that's good to hear.


Great. Don't hesitate to ask if there is still unclear things... You can do too much things with megacart actualy... that's almost a disavantage for the product ;)

Count on more questions :D. This is what I understand fully and have tried so far:

*Play any region disc.
*Flash games onto the Mega Cart and play them.
*The RAM feature and using saves on emulator.

I will try to make an utility disc sometime this week. But let me get this straight: you can only store ROMs on the Cart from the internet and not flash your own carts to the computer, right?

Once I've fully understood how to update the Mega Cart itself and use an utility disc, the feature may be finished :P. I've written a damn lot already though.

[Fonzie]

Yeah, sure. That would be great. A version history, date of latest update etc. would be good to have on the website.
Sure, there is already a "last update datation"...


and using saves on emulator.
I never thought it could be used for this purpose... but yeah :)


I will try to make an utility disc sometime this week. But let me get this straight: you can only store ROMs on the Cart from the internet and not flash your own carts to the computer, right?
In fact, the rom you download from the internet are exact copy of your real cartridges... So, it's legal to download & flash games you already have in cartridge form. And, no, you cannot dump your own cartridge with megacart, you are right.
Playing roms is not megacart main feature... It was added as bonuses feature :)
That's why its limited to 24MEG and no SRAM support.

:) Nice to hear there is some interest :D

[0x15e]

I'm having a bit of a problem with my Megacart.

I just updated it to use Bios 1.4 (I had been using 1.3 up until now). Now, when I go to back up the Sega CD's backup ram and change the default name, it will only change the character to a blank or something that looks like the bottom part of a "U" or something. When I switched back to 1.3, everything worked again.

Here's an example of the error: pic (http://www.vinylfetish.net/images/megacart-error.jpg)

This is on a US Genesis 2, Sega CD 2, and 32X. I flashed the bios using the utility disc (used the bios file that came with the new driver software). The disc was burned with CDRWin 3 (legitimately registered) and the ROM files I also burned onto the disc work just fine.

I'm going to try flashing through the Genesis 1 + Sega CD 1 and also without the 32X and see if it makes any difference. After that, I'll probably try doing it with the adapter card.

Do you have any other suggestions? Is there any additional information I can provide that will help you figure it out?

EDIT: No problem now. Flashing with the Genesis1 + CD1 had the same result but it flashed ok using the adapter card. :)

[Fonzie]

Thx for repport.
I'll try to fix that soon with a new bios update next week...
I found a little bug that could explain the problem btw.
The bug appeared by adding a little feature.

http://products.genny4ever.net/megacart_v1x.html
I updated to 1.5 with fixed bug... Untested for now, i need to buy some CDR's.

But you are sure that all is ok now?

[0x15e]

Thx for repport.
I'll try to fix that soon with a new bios update next week...
I found a little bug that could explain the problem btw.
The bug appeared by adding a little feature.

http://products.genny4ever.net/megacart_v1x.html
I updated to 1.5 with fixed bug... Untested for now, i need to buy some CDR's.

But you are sure that all is ok now?
I did some more testing.

The 1.4 bios was working 100% when flashed using the adapter card.

I then tried flashing the 1.5 bios using the utility disc and it had the same problem as in the screenshot I posted. Again, flashing with the adapter card worked perfectly.

Could there be a problem with the utility disc's code for flashing the bios? It flashes ROMs perfectly but seems to have a problem with the bios.

[Fonzie]

Thank for your notice... I fixed it, in fact, it was due to the size of the megacart bios that increased after several upgrades and it wasn't fully flashed :)
Now should be ok. I uploaded all the files to the website.

I'm still tracking a bug around the feature 'dump your megacd bios' in misc... It doesn't seems to work since 1.2, and i cannot check it myself (i don't have printer port) so it is a pain to debug :/


Thank you again

[JUNKER]

Hi,


http://www.genny4ever.net/temp/megacart_v1.gif

A new cartridge will be released soon, it simply do the same work of:

+A proCDX
+A Multibios mod
+A flash cart
+A megacd backup ram
+Much more

All comes in a cool box, with notebook etc.
The actual run will be 50 cartridge... Serious price reduction is done for bulk orders...

The cartridge, for segacd / megacd owners comes with an utility disc with a few roms. So you can load some roms and take the cartridge in your nomad for traveling fun :D


The rom limit is 2Mo (16Meg), one disc can hold 128roms and i just wanted to know if you wanted some roms to be especialy included in the disc (or not?).
Also, roms with SRAM aren't supported (for cartridge cost reasons) and 32x roms are handled.

Thanks.
If u have any question, don't hesitate.
I'm really confused to how that works.

[Fonzie]

The peoples that received their megacart can confirm it work, i guess ^^
If you have any question, don't hesitate to tell.

[David J.]

Are these still in stock?

I have a whole bunch of Japanese Mega CD iso's meaning to get burnt and I'm just curious if it'll work A-OK. :)

[Zebbe]

If you are into burning you might as well change the ISOs so they become "American", but I'd buy the original games and the Mega Cart if I were you.

[segagamer]

I too have bought a number of the original Mega CD games online and now have also ordered the Mega Cart to play them on my Sega CD system. I just have to make sure my Genesis and Sega CD combo does not lock up after the system is turned on (seems I have a somewhat loose connection between the two systems).

[0x15e]

Fonzie, has there been any progress on the "save backup slot name reuse" feature we talked about a here (http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showpost.php?p=34950&postcount=199)? I realize you probably have other projects going on, but it would be a really nice feature. :)

If anyone in here is still on the fence about this, I'd like to reiterate that you should just stop thinking about it and buy the Megacart. I've been using every feature it offers ever since I got it and it's been great.

Also, as a side note, I don't know if anyone's mentioned or tried it yet but it is possible to use a Game Genie successfully with roms run from the Megacart's flash cart feature. No code changes or any other weirdness were required.

[Fonzie]

Yeah, they are still available for sale.

0x15e, ooops, I forgot that ^^ Sorry, i'll put it in next version for sure since I don't have much to add :) The computer driver will be slightly upgraded with some functions to lock/unlock megacart and erase backups/software.

Of course, GGenie can be used... I still don't know if i can add the GG codes in the megacart hardware itself...

Thx for your interest.

[Zebbe]

Tomy added the GG function for the MD-Pro, Fonzie.

[Fonzie]

yeah, but the megacart is supposed to have same hardware capability... I just doubt that the MDpro act like a real GG... Any idea about the way you choose the GG code? You do that before flashing or after flashing?