Ram question.

Expert (69)

25-10-2020, 23:07

AveMSX!
I have a question for everyone: what is the largest size of the RAM on the Cartridge connector, compatible with most MSX / MSX2 / MSX2 +.
Any examples, please.

By Manuel

Ascended (17702)

25-10-2020, 23:23

Perhaps you can explain a bit why you're asking?

In general, I would say that a 4MB Memory Mapper that is automatically initialized (to be compatible with MSX1 BIOS) would be it. But I'm not sure that's what you're looking for.

Which software do you want to use it with?

By leonlas

Expert (69)

25-10-2020, 23:38

And some example - a diagram (schematic) or a link to such Cart?
I want to use roms to boot from nl romloader l or sofarun. It doesn't have to be 4MB, it can be even 512KB.

By Meits

Scribe (6340)

26-10-2020, 00:06

You want to build a cartridge to add 512K or more?
Why build a cartridge with pcb and all if you can build it straight to the mainboard? (not sure how far that works on MSX1 though)

By leonlas

Expert (69)

26-10-2020, 00:41

Even 128KB (but better 512) may be enough. I want one thing for all my MSX 1,2,2+ (turbo).
And what do you mean you can on the motherboard?

By Meits

Scribe (6340)

26-10-2020, 00:55

I now read you have several computers. then a cartridge might be one solution for all.
If you only have one computer with too little ram it's better to do an internal ram upgrade. it saves you having to develop/produce a pcb.
There's descriptions of how to do internal upgrading for several computers. Not all though.

By leonlas

Expert (69)

26-10-2020, 01:02

I have 8 MSX (and I want even more models). And I would like to try to make one solution for everyone first, if I fail then I will do it inside one by one.

By ducasp

Champion (407)

26-10-2020, 01:13

A Carnivore seems like the best bet

By gdx

Enlighted (4204)

26-10-2020, 01:18

leonlas wrote:

And some example - a diagram (schematic) or a link to such Cart?

To my knowledge, no MSX1 compatible memory mapper diagram is available. To do this, you need a lot of component or an EPM. You have lots of information on the wiki about the Memoy Mapper.

https://www.msx.org/wiki/Category:RAM_Expansions

128kB is the minimun (insufficient for many things). I prefer to have 1MB. Beyond that, it is only useful for music or video players.

By MsxKun

Paladin (968)

26-10-2020, 12:48

leonlas wrote:

AveMSX!
I have a question for everyone: what is the largest size of the RAM on the Cartridge connector, compatible with most MSX / MSX2 / MSX2 +.
Any examples, please.

Well, my LPE 4Mb (from Radial) expansion served me well on all my machines. Of course, MSX1 included. My HB-20P with 4Mb RAM was funny
Using subslots, the Playsoniq goes to 16Mb. It's still one Cartridge, does it count?

By leonlas

Expert (69)

26-10-2020, 14:23

So it's not worth making such a memory yourself ...
And you can give me some links where to buy such a cart