Best MSX 1 Upgrade ?

Master (175)

16-07-2022, 23:29

Hey guys n gals, Just pondering what everyone considers what the best upgrade for an MSX 1 is ? Is it a Floppy disk Drive ? Or is it a 64k Cartridge memory expansion? I have no idea whats available either commercially or home brew but id love to hear your thoughts and please share links and prices if possible !

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Par tsmvp

Expert (76)

17-07-2022, 06:19

Probably the SD Mapper. https://www.8bits4ever.net/product-page/sd-512
Of course there are more expensive (and more capable) devices like the MegaflashROM SCC+ device or the GR8NET (I have all of these) but it will get down to how much you want to spend. Also keep in mind these are 'modern' upgrades and some people do want to have a more 'retro' experience (where a floppy may be more 'authentic').

Par Hit-Biter

Master (175)

17-07-2022, 12:28

On checking the site Practically EVERYTHING is Out of Stock

Par polarstar

Rookie (23)

17-07-2022, 15:04

Hit-Biter wrote:

On checking the site Practically EVERYTHING is Out of Stock

Just two days ago I got a notification email from 8bits4ever that the Carnivore2 was back on stock, so I ordered one the same day. It's amazing that they went so fast. You may want to use the “Notify when available” button for the cart you would like to have and wait a little bit.

There are a few other places where to get similar cartridges like HobbyRetro (currently seems to have some SDMMR units in stock) or MSX Cartridge Shop (has been out of stock for quite a while). Of course another option is to check the forums for people who may want to sell or trade one.

I hope this helps!

Par gdx

Enlighted (6429)

17-07-2022, 15:29

tsmvp wrote:

Probably the SD Mapper.

The SD Mapper is not one of the best interfaces. It has more function than the Sunrise CF but the quality is lower. Nowadays, there are several much better interfaces.

Par Hit-Biter

Master (175)

17-07-2022, 16:22

That's good to know. For a MSX Novice like myself I am looking for ease of use. All I really want is to be able to save and load programs i type into my MSX. If a cart can offer me more for a fair price all is good but I'm also not wanting to spend £100 on a cart with a couple of chips and an SD card slot ! I would be very interested in hearing what you consider the better options to be, where i can get them, and what needs to be considered ! I'm also interested in 'kits' or an instruct-able on making my own !

Par AndreV

Champion (272)

17-07-2022, 18:14

You can also use a old smartphone as a datarecorder, with msx2cas, while waiting for a flash card. Like this:
https://www.msx.org/forum/msx-talk/general-discussion/load-g...

Par Hit-Biter

Master (175)

18-07-2022, 01:16

gdx wrote:

tsmvp wrote:

Probably the SD Mapper.

The SD Mapper is not one of the best interfaces. It has more function than the Sunrise CF but the quality is lower. Nowadays, there are several much better interfaces.

Can you tell me the pro's and cons of these interfaces, availability, cost etc ?

Par gdx

Enlighted (6429)

18-07-2022, 02:45

Some examples of classic interfaces:

Sunrise CF compatible:
https://www.msx.org/wiki/Sunrise_CF_ATA-IDE
https://www.msx.org/wiki/8bits4ever_CF-640

SD Mapper compatible interfaces:
https://www.msx.org/wiki/Fractal2000_SD_Mapper/Megaram_512KB
https://www.msx.org/wiki/8bits4ever_SD-512

Some examples of advanced interfaces:

https://www.msx.org/wiki/Sharksym_MMC/SD_Drive_v4
https://www.msx.org/wiki/RBSC_Carnivore2
https://www.msx.org/wiki/MSX_Cartridge_Shop_MegaFlashROM_SCC...
https://www.msx.org/wiki/Aquijacks_FlashJacks
https://www.msx.org/wiki/GR8NET

As you can see SD Mapper is relatively basic compared to several others. This interface is relatively expensive given the functions it offers. The Megaram cannot be used at the same time as the memory mapper, and I've never seen one with gold contacts. Its price should not exceed $80 (with gold contacts) to be attractive.

But its price is close to $100 + shipping.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/332817640567
At this price, it's not a good deal.

Par Hit-Biter

Master (175)

18-07-2022, 09:20

Im even more confused. Im tempted to just go for the CF-640 as it seems like the cheepest :/ But then im tempted to order that MSX SD Mapper & Megaram 512Kb Expansion you link at the bottom as it seems advanced compared to the Carnivore2 @ £80. OK SO WHAT DO I NEED ? I need Fast Storage and Retrieval of files. I can do that with IDE or CF Cards, which are the cheepest. What do i WANT ? well |nextor sounds good as does gold contacts. My MSX only has 64k so I need the onboard RAM for it to work, i think. SHould i just go for the MSX SD Mapper & Megaram 512Kb Expansion ?

Par Manuel

Ascended (19677)

18-07-2022, 10:22

- if you want to be able to use subdirectories to store more than 112 files on a partition, you need Nextor/DOS2.
- Nextor/DOS2 requires 128kB RAM, so you need memory mapper RAM in the expansion
- As you use an MSX 1, the memory mapper RAM must be compatible with it, that is, it must be initialized properly (that is normally only done by the MSX 2 BIOS)

This will be determining the product you want to buy I think.