European MSX2 - 60Hz mod | MSX Resource Center

On the Z80ST-Software Blog we found an interesting post about a hardware modification that makes European MSX2 computers boot in 60Hz (NTSC) mode instead of 50Hz (PAL). As a result, the enormous library of Japanese MSX games (including cartridges) and their music run at the correct speed.

The hardware modfication uses an EPROM that replaces the original system ROM, the detailed post explains which changes have to be made in the original (dumped) system ROM of a Philips VG8235 in order to make things work properly.

Even among European developers and composers, 60Hz seems to be the prefered default setting. As our current poll reveals, most MSX users are capable of running in 60Hz mode nowadays.

Relevant link: European MSX2 - 60Hz mod

Comments (14)

By Guillian

Prophet (3515)

02-10-2012, 12:30

You could also find interesting MultiBios in a NMS8245

By evulopah

Paladin (669)

02-10-2012, 13:12

But this is not something new. My 8250 has een modded rom for years now. I got it from an msx user in south africa. Made the deal on msx.org!

By Metalion

Paragon (1616)

02-10-2012, 14:53

I beg to differ, even if I am alone in doing so.
I do not prefer the 60Hz mode !
For me, the nostalgia factor is important.
The european MSX ran at 50Hz, so it is my default mode !

By Huey

Prophet (2694)

02-10-2012, 15:27

Quote:

I do not prefer the 60Hz mode !

Thats ok. But all commercial software other than spectrum ports were meant to run on 60hz.

By AxelF

Champion (395)

02-10-2012, 15:47

I would rather prefer the way Nyrikki did it.
Change the sub ROM so that if H key is retained at startup,
the MSX goes to 60Hz, otherwise he remains at 50Hz.

More info in this topic

By meits

Scribe (6530)

02-10-2012, 17:07

My euopean MSX was modded as service by Repair Bas when he built me my computer. He suggested it on top of all the other mods. I like the idea...
So... The 2-left-handed Dutchies like me can just drive to Hoorn and have it done

By Manuel

Ascended (19220)

02-10-2012, 21:31

I simply switched to 60Hz before starting my JP games... no HW mod needed...?

By snout

Ascended (15187)

03-10-2012, 00:00

And for cartridge-based software this would work how exactly?

By mars2000you

Enlighted (6397)

03-10-2012, 00:45

snout wrote:

And for cartridge-based software this would work how exactly?

Make a dump and run the ROM with ROMLOAD (and its parameter to choose the VDP frequency).

By meits

Scribe (6530)

03-10-2012, 06:46

Or type it in the ldr of the cracked version...
But not having to type the whole 90's poke, vdp, _system is just nice. Just runit x.dsk.
If life can be made easier, then why just not do it

By evulopah

Paladin (669)

03-10-2012, 11:19

You lazy vdp(10)=vdp(10)and253 msx users...

The whole point here is that it is just charming using your original cartridges on a modded MSX so it boots @ 60 hz.

By NYYRIKKI

Enlighted (6011)

03-10-2012, 19:37

AxelF wrote:

I would rather prefer the way Nyrikki did it.
Change the sub ROM so that if H key is retained at startup,
the MSX goes to 60Hz, otherwise he remains at 50Hz.

European MSX2 - 60Hz mod

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Comments (14)