Can anyone recommend a memory expansion cartridge?
Which game and which MSX?
Before I try to answer the question, let's first make sure that you need it: which game, and which machine?
I think all-in-one cartridges like the MegaFlashROM SCC+ SD 512K, or the Carnivore2 (1024K) are a good option, because it's integrated with other functionality at not so much more extra cost, and if you use those then you'll keep the second slot free for other stuff. I don't know of any loose mappers currently on sale, but you could contact 8bits4ever or Repro Factory, maybe they can make you one.
I have a Musical Memory Mapper cartridge, which also lets me play Sega SG-1000 games on my MSX in addition to giving me 1 MB expanded memory. The big problem is, not every game that requires 128kb+ RAM recognizes this memory, so there's no guarantee I can play such games even with it -- and I think this applies to all memory mappers, though it may also depend on what system you're using (I've heard that my system, which is a Panasonic FS-A1WX MSX2+ machine, has unusual memory management that causes fewer games to work with it using a memory mapper than other systems).
I mention this, though, because Musical Memory Mapper cartridges seem to show up on eBay A LOT, and they usually go for $40-$50 U.S. + shipping when they do, which is considerably cheaper than almost any other options.
Though the other side of the coin is, you get more for your money with a MegaFlashROM or Carnivore2, so it might be worth the additional investment.
-Tom
I have a Musical Memory Mapper cartridge, which also lets me play Sega SG-1000 games on my MSX in addition to giving me 1 MB expanded memory. The big problem is, not every game that requires 128kb+ RAM recognizes this memory, so there's no guarantee I can play such games even with it
If you have latter hw revision of this mapper, the you can open case and change it to behave as internal mapper. This may help with those games. There's this small thing which shortens two pins (don't remember english word for it), when you remove it - it will act as an internal mapper not external
If the game have 2MBytes (16 Mbits) as pfightin ROM, you can run it on LPE-4FMB-V8SKP 4MBytes RAM MegaRAM card.
Se it and the fantastic Loader from Armando at http://msx.deneb.nl/page3.HTM
I have a Musical Memory Mapper cartridge, which also lets me play Sega SG-1000 games on my MSX in addition to giving me 1 MB expanded memory. The big problem is, not every game that requires 128kb+ RAM recognizes this memory, so there's no guarantee I can play such games even with it
If you have latter hw revision of this mapper, the you can open case and change it to behave as internal mapper. This may help with those games. There's this small thing which shortens two pins (don't remember english word for it), when you remove it - it will act as an internal mapper not external
Oh, can you link me any specifics on this? Like, how to tell if I have the later hardware revision (the eBay auction didn't say), and what exactly I'd need to do to make this change? Because that sounds incredibly useful!
-Tom
I think i had photos somewhere at home, i'll check, if not i can make a photo for you, so you can see. I think latest cartridges were 1.3 version, and feature of changing type were introduces by v 1.2 so mostly like you have it
If you have latter hw revision of this mapper, the you can open case and change it to behave as internal mapper. This may help with those games. There's this small thing which shortens two pins (don't remember english word for it), when you remove it - it will act as an internal mapper not external
The word you’re thinking of is jumper .
But what do you mean by "internal mapper" vs. "external mapper"? There’s no difference... And the machines which block external mapper readback (Panasonic FS-A1WSX, etc.) will have issues with nonstandard software which does mapper readback unavoidably.
I didn't try it yet (though i have this jumper on board) but wiki also mentions it
@wyrdwad on the wiki link above there is jumper clearly visible on 3rd photo :) so maybe i'm not gonna open my one - that's the one you might try to pull out
I’ve corrected the wiki. This internal/external theory somehow managed to spread itself on the wiki as if it were factual.