Hardware docs needed.

Supporter (3)

12-12-2011, 04:03

Hi,

I'm looking for various MSX 2 hardware documentations (description of chipset registers, explanation of the different video modes, explanation of how things such a SCC work, etc).

Any help is much appreciated.

By RetroTechie

Paladin (697)

12-12-2011, 07:16

Welcome to this forum, ThorhamZed!

The reference on what an MSX consists of: the MSX Technical Data Book - most of it applies to MSX2 as well.
For MSX2 there's something similar called the MSX2 Technical Handbook, found a copy here.
Then of course you needs some good Z80 reference, IMHO Zilog itself has very good docs. Z80 CPU User Manual is easier on the eyes (but has some errors in it), the good old Z80 CPU Product Specification is more accurate. Mostek's MK3880 (=Z80) Technical Manual is even better but hard to find (mail me if you need a copy & Google doesn't help).

Various books, datasheets on video / audio chips etc. kan be found here:
MSX Info Pages - Technical Info - MSX hardware (also check books & manuals / guides sections).
MSX Assembly Page (TNI) - Resources.
MSXPró has a similar page.

Oh yes, ROM mappers, SCC's and such: look here.

Got something on the drawing board :-?:)

By Google

By NYYRIKKI

Prophet (2771)

12-12-2011, 15:51

RetroTechie posted very good collection of information sources.

I also suggest you to download RuMSX emulator (the emulator it self is a bit outdated) and read the help. It has very good collection of MSX programming information attached. ( http://www.lexlechz.at/en/software.html )

Also Portar is good documentation to check out: http://nocash.emubase.de/portar.htm
About V9938, check out: http://www.ccas.ru/brychkov/MSX/V9938_programmers_guide.pdf

By ThorhamZed

Supporter (3)

12-12-2011, 20:32

Thanks guys, this is much appreciated!
Welcome to this forum, ThorhamZed! Thanks, it's good to be here.
Got something on the drawing board Perhaps, it all depends on the capabilities of the MSX 2 hardware.

I'm currently doing an Amiga cenversion of Advance Wars 2, and am looking at making a cross between Fire Emblem (GBA) and Ultima using the Fire Emblem graphics. It would be interesting if this could be done well on an MSX 2. Also, Kings Valley 2 is a game I would love to see on the Amiga.

By Manuel

Enlighted (7235)

12-12-2011, 21:40

also check http://gomsx.net/hansotten/

By frits9164

Resident (53)

13-12-2011, 00:13

AND http://www.nascomhomepage.com/pdf/z80-mostek.pdf
Frits9164

By Sky_hawk

Master (154)

13-12-2011, 10:09

OR http://www.myquest.nl/z80undocumented/ :)

By ThorhamZed

Supporter (3)

18-01-2012, 06:50

Thanks for the links

Anyone have any interesting thoughts on converting games such as Advance Wars and Fire Emblem (GBA versions) to MSX2? Are these viable on this platform?

Any thoughts are appreciated

By hit9918

Hero (537)

20-01-2012, 20:59

I watched this on youtube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-uknVS7kJE

Two sprites are fighting, and every now and then your view scrolls further? MSX2 got slow blitting, but maybe it is not a problem with this game. Like every second all people get updated their animation, on MSX distribute this over many frames, update one person per frame.

It would be nice to have this in 256 color mode. To save memory, the tiles could have 16 colors and multiple palettes, then translate to 256 colors. But this would need more programming.

By RobertVroemisse

Ambassador (1134)

20-01-2012, 22:50

Really doable IMHO. Not much action on screen. The scrolling should not be a problem. I'm no programmer but I've seen a lot more complicated stuff in MSX games. The graphics have to be downgraded though...

Or you can use the Graphics 9000

By Tabajara-Labs

Resident (35)

20-01-2012, 23:26

As always, no one noticed that in http://tabalabs.com.br/msx/msx_tech_hb there is a better version of the MSX Techinical Handbook, that is searchable and has way better quality. Why no one reads my site? :P

Don't you have an account yet? Become an MSX-friend and register an account!