Back in 2005, MSX users around the world were very excited about FRS improving the Philips Music Module BIOS and publishing upgrade schematics. Little did they know that almost five years later, fresh MSX hardware producer SuperSoniqs would be making this upgrade available.

This upgrade PCB for the Philips Music Module will turn it into a Panasonic MSX Audio compatible device. With support for MSX Audio Basic (which can also be used to play FM-PAC basic listings on) and with 256KB Sample RAM included. The Philips Music Module Expander can be ordered for €35, worldwide registered shipping will be €7. Bas Kornalijnslijper started an upgrade service for people that don't have the skill or time to implement it. The cost of this upgrade service is €10.

People that are actually somewhat skilled with a soldering iron should be able to do the upgrade themselves after reading the installation manual available on SuperSoniqs' website.

Relevant links: SuperSoniqs and Bas Kornalijnslijper

A short month ago, sharksym updated his MMC/SD BIOS, which brings it up to version 4.01. For more information regarding this release, refer to the thorough user's manual on his website.

Upgraders should be aware that the partition table from BIOS 3.xx is incompatible with the newest version, and will have to be reinstalled.

Relevant link: MMC/SD BIOS 4.01

SuperSoniqs has put the first version of the instruction manual of Franky online. Inside this manual you will find general information about Franky, how to convert Sega programs to MSX and detailed information about how to access the VDP and audio modes of the Sega A/V processor.

Relevant link: SuperSoniqs (Documentation section)

SuperSoniqs just informed us that they are busy with developing a MIDI-PAC cartridge. The MIDI-PAC reroutes MSX-Music to external MIDI interfaces such as keyboards, MIDI modules and synthesizers. The cartridge will feature the following:

• Mini USB connector on the cartridge works with extension cable to normal MIDI connector
  
• LED on the cartridge to check for MIDI data
  
• FLASHROM
  
• Support to change preset mappings to other MIDI instruments
  
• An editor program with advanced functions and to reflash the flashrom
  
• FM-PAC emulation

SuperSoniqs hopes to show the prototype at the next Nijmegen fair.

Relevant link: SuperSoniqs (site updated)

While people are discussing new FPGA video chip implementations and other people are discussing what defines an MSX in the first place, the development of the VSU (Video and Sound Unit) continues. At the MSX Jau 2009 user meeting in Jau, Brazil, Ricardo Oazem showed a new feature of his VSU hardware expansion: it's now possible to play back full screen video (AVI files). A seven minute demo of this new feature has been uploaded to YouTube. Now, if Pixar would be so kind to create intro cut scenes for our MSX games.. but we'll get there.. some day!

Relevant link: VSU video playback

Source: MSX forum - Multilingual forums - Forum in Spanish

Spanish MSX user usuario_msx2 has managed to build himself a MSX slot expander, a hardware device which is difficult to get lately. In this forum thread you will find a PDF document (in Spanish) with pictures and some technical info about the project.

Relevant link: Homebrew slot expander (forum thread)

Several chips are in use by our MSX or by its extensions. Some of them are really made for the MSX, others are chips being used elsewhere as well. One of the advantages of chips being used in other systems is that developers on other systems start all kinds of interesting projects which are practical for us too. A well known example is Vortex Tracker, enabling MSX composers to use the PSG capabilities to the max, yet it's not an MSX tool. Another example is the OPL4 chip, which was in use by musical keyboards in the 90's, be it with the extra DSP chip that was omitted in the Moonsound. With or without this DSP chip, a midifile made on one of these keyboards would sound identical on our Moonsound.

Australian musician Sebastian Tomczak has no connection with MSX, but has nonetheless made something that may appeal to MSX'ers. The YM2413 chip forms the heart of our FM-PAC/MSX-Music but is also present in the Sega Master System. Sebastian (also known as Little Scale) has turned his iPod into an external controller for that chip within his Sega Master System, by using a USB/MIDI cable. The display of the iPod shows a pattern based sequencer for the five drum sounds: bass drum, snare drum, tom, hi hat and cymbal.

Quite a few parameters can be changed. While the Sega in the YouTube video runs through an effects device, the idea is clear as a whistle. If only this development could go a little further, making sure it works on an MSX, then every MSX'er with an iPod, the right cable/interface and an MSX could use his FM-PAC in a way probably never done before!

Relevant link: YouTube - iPod controlling an YM2413

After ricbit's new blog last week, again a new blog in Portuguese goes airborne. This brand new blog is created by Rafael "B@ss", and gives information about repairs of MSX computers and MSX peripherals. This new initiative is a welcome aid for all who take their time to save their old hardware from the round bin, to make it alive and kicking again.

Relevant link: MSX Recuperados

As you may know, Sunrise is to distribute the upcoming new batch of Nowind interfaces. The Nowind interface will be provided in a small cartridge case, the ones you may have seen used for the MP3-player and Manbow 2. Also, a larger flashrom will be provided.
Unfortunately, due to a problem with the soldering company, a delay sneaked into the process. But it's a mere delay, and if you've already ordered a Nowind, you'll still get one! Meanwhile, Robert Vroemisse is doing the artwork for the box the Nowind will be delivered in. If you haven't ordered one yet, but still want one: contact sunrise. The price of the Nowind is €69.

Relevant link: Nowind

It may not always be clear which Sunrise products are available and which aren't. While an updated Sunrise website is to be expected in the near future, the current one isn't up to date, and it can't always be used, for instance to order an MP3-player. Until the updated website is ready, orders can be placed by emailing Sunrise directly.

An overview of hardware which is available as we speak:

• GFX9000 €89 (reduced price)
  
• Moonsound €139 (reduced price)
  
• USB Gamereader €45 (reduced price)
  
• MP3 Player €85

There is a number of upcoming products as well:

• NOWIND Interface €69
  
• Manbow2 (new stock) €27,50
  
• Compact Flash Interface €63,55
  
• Knightlore MSX 2 (cartridge) €18

Relevant link: Sunrise