Carnivore2 : First impressions and bugs...

Scribe (1609)

11-11-2018, 11:01

flashing option from SD to FPGA requires hardware support so i guess it can't be implemented without changing schematics and pcb

By Pencioner

Scribe (1609)

11-11-2018, 11:06

Pentarou wrote:

@Pencioner It would be great if the setting could be stored in the EEPROM, just like the volume is now.

Of course, and i remember myself asking this question in mail to Alexey. But he explained that current FPGA is fillrf up almost 100% so it might not be possible. Anyway, i also would trade OPLL for something else, though theoretically i could do it myself - everything is opensourced. I only have to spend some time learning the FPGA stuff btw

By sdsnatcher73

Enlighted (4291)

11-11-2018, 12:18

Pencioner wrote:

flashing option from SD to FPGA requires hardware support so i guess it can't be implemented without changing schematics and pcb

Might be terminology, and I am by no means an FPGA expert, but what I see in those flash carts is an RBF file. Probably the code loaded into FPGA on power up is minimal and then that code can read the RBF from SD and load/flash it into empty FPGA blocks.

By Pencioner

Scribe (1609)

11-11-2018, 21:54

the tricky part is

sdsnatcher73 wrote:

and load/flash it into empty FPGA blocks.

that's afaik not possible from inside FPGA itself and you need to supply some external circuitry. i might be wrong btw as i'm not an expert either. (which makes funny conversation)

By sdsnatcher73

Enlighted (4291)

12-11-2018, 06:12

Pencioner wrote:

the tricky part is

sdsnatcher73 wrote:

and load/flash it into empty FPGA blocks.

that's afaik not possible from inside FPGA itself and you need to supply some external circuitry. i might be wrong btw as i'm not an expert either. (which makes funny conversation)

True! Let’s see if someone with more knowledge about this than us could weigh in on the conversation

Important thing for me is that people know these things seem to be possible, maybe not with the current devices available but then maybe someone gets inspired to make C3 or a new device. With the devices like the everdrive(s) an update is just placing new software on the SD. If it’s not working for you, just put the old software back in place, or use 2 sd cards...

This may make devices more expensive but end user experience is better imho.

By Pentarou

Hero (559)

12-11-2018, 15:44

I've tried the new FPGA firmware on my card. Main reason to upgrade was to see if the compatibility problems with some CF cards were fixed, unfortunately there are still problems with some cards.
I've also tried the version with the Power-up fix, as I thought that the additional delay may help, but nothing changed.
FWIW, I didn't have Power-up problems, as the cartridge always booted, but after performing the mod I had a few lockups. Don't know if it is a problem with my setup or, as a general rule, the fixed version should be used ONLY if you had boot problems before.
Regarding the CF problems: Recently I've found some cards that work OK, so I'm not restricted to just one working card anymore, but I noticed something that may help in finding the problem:

This is what happens with a troublesome cart (Transcend 2GB - Other cards work OK all the time)
1) BootOK >> dos prompt >> press reset >> BookOK [Nothing wrong here]

2) BootOK >> dos prompt >> start Sofarun >> load a game, but at the prompt press ESC and return to dos >> ACCESS LIGHT BLINKS ONE MORE TIME >> dos prompt >> press reset >> BootOK [Still OK]

3)BootOK >> dos prompt >> start Sofarun >> load a game >> game starts but ACCESS LIGHT DOESNT BLINK >> press reset >> card recognized but access light stays on and MSX boots to basic [and further reset presses don't change the outcome]

It seems Sofarun does something that causes the card to be locked somehow, subsequent resets don't fix this.

By Wolverine_nl

Paragon (1160)

12-11-2018, 16:40

I have this, so i can use MicroSD cards in the Carnivore2, it only works in one port of the 2.
I never tested the single CF to MicroSD card adapter but I read somewhere that didn't work, but the dual did.

Maybe interesting for some of you C2 users :)

By Wierzbowsky

Guardian (3648)

12-11-2018, 16:56

The MicroSD cards work well with Carnovore2 in single and dual MicroSD card adapters. In the dual card adapter only one card will work, number 2 (if I remember correctly).

I had issues with some CF cards. Low level formatting them with the special tool fixed the problem. The tool is a free HDDLF.

By sdsnatcher73

Enlighted (4291)

12-11-2018, 18:59

Hi Alexey, just got a new C2 with 3.5mm out (thanks Carmeloco). I did not expect FM-PAC to use pseudo stereo on C2 through 3.5mm out. I personally prefer just mono (as in both FM and percussion on both channels). Could this be made configurable in the boot menu?

By Wierzbowsky

Guardian (3648)

12-11-2018, 19:35

Unfortunately that is not possible. If you prefer mono, why not using the audio from MSX?