Retrode.org » Retrode Dev Blog http://www.retrode.org .org Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:29:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 iPad, meet the Retrode http://www.retrode.org/2012/02/ipad-meet-the-retrode/ http://www.retrode.org/2012/02/ipad-meet-the-retrode/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:13:25 +0000 Matthias_H http://www.retrode.org/?p=2308 Great news, everybody! Starting with firmware v0.17d (coming up in a few days), the Retrode will be fully compatible to the iCade protocol, meaning that you can use it to connect original SNES and Sega controllers to iPad! Watch Phil Howard of Gadgetoid UK, who also suggested this new feature, give it a test run [...]]]> Great news, everybody! Starting with firmware v0.17d (coming up in a few days), the Retrode will be fully compatible to the iCade protocol, meaning that you can use it to connect original SNES and Sega controllers to iPad! Watch Phil Howard of Gadgetoid UK, who also suggested this new feature, give it a test run in the video below.
(Note: According to Phil, the jailbreak is only required to run this particular emulator; the controllers should work just as fine on all regular apps that support the iCade. Anyone care to give it a try?)

]]> http://www.retrode.org/2012/02/ipad-meet-the-retrode/feed/ 10 Pictures! Pictures! http://www.retrode.org/2011/10/pictures-pictures/ http://www.retrode.org/2011/10/pictures-pictures/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:18:18 +0000 Matthias_H http://www.retrode.org/?p=2135

Final samples are in – painted and printed! In other words, full steam ahead for mass production of the Retrode 2. (Click on the pictures to embiggen.)

]]> Retrode 2 closedRetrode 2 half-openRetrode 2 openRetrode 2 with game cartridgesRetrode 2 with game cartridges, alternate viewRetrode 2 with carts and controllersRetrode 2 with carts and controllersRetrode 2, top viewRetrode 2, frontal viewRetrode 2, rear view

Final samples are in – painted and printed! In other words, full steam ahead for mass production of the Retrode 2. (Click on the pictures to embiggen.)

]]> http://www.retrode.org/2011/10/pictures-pictures/feed/ 26 Plug-in Preparations http://www.retrode.org/2011/10/plug-in-preparations/ http://www.retrode.org/2011/10/plug-in-preparations/#comments Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:44:53 +0000 Matthias_H http://www.retrode.org/?p=2118 There are times in life when you can only sit and wait. Not here, not now. In the time that the plastic cases are taking to arrive, I figured I might as well do something useful, and started to look into plug-ins some more.

Thanks to our old friend [JonY] (who [...]]]> IMG_5820_ann

Me, developing SMS plug-in
smsplugin
PCB Layout

There are times in life when you can only sit and wait. Not here, not now. In the time that the plastic cases are taking to arrive, I figured I might as well do something useful, and started to look into plug-ins some more.

Thanks to our old friend [JonY] (who already brought us the Virtual Boy adapter), I have on my desk a mess of wires (albeit nicely numbered) that will soon become a plug-in for Sega Master System games! In fact, all the SMS games in my collection are already reading correctly. Since the ROM header doesn’t contain a game title, the filename is always generic ("TmrSega.sms"). I am currently fine-tuning the size and memory mapper detection, and so I’m fairly positive that support for the plug-in will already be included in the Retrode 2 factory firmware. The plug-in is also compatible to the Retrode 1 with a firmware update. As always, the wiring and layout will be released into the public domain, so expect to find schematics and board layout soon on the plug-in page.

As if that weren’t enough, the firmware now also supports [ponrev]’s Neo Geo Pocket plug-in including full auto-detection (game title and ROM size). Does anyone know where to get NGP cart connectors in large quantities (200+pcs)?

Pre-assembled SMS plug-ins will most likely become available in time for the Retrode 2 release. I’m also working hard to source a batch of GBA connectors to provide another run of GBx/N64 plug-ins along with that. Pre-orderers of the Retrode 2 can have plug-ins added to their open orders at no additional shipping cost (details to be announced). In the meantime, feel free to check out my latest videos (after the break) for a preview of the Retrode 2 and its new fancy case, as well as a demonstration of my abundant bossa-nova chops.



]]> http://www.retrode.org/2011/10/plug-in-preparations/feed/ 29 Back in Black http://www.retrode.org/2011/09/back-in-black/ http://www.retrode.org/2011/09/back-in-black/#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:34:19 +0000 Matthias_H http://www.retrode.org/?p=2104 Good news! I just received a set of case samples that were made on the actual injection tool that will also stamp out the production Retrode cases in a short while. They’re looking really good. Contrary to what I was told beforehand, natural ABS cannot be obtained in transparent, so it’s going to have to [...]]]> r2bw

Good news! I just received a set of case samples that were made on the actual injection tool that will also stamp out the production Retrode cases in a short while. They’re looking really good. Contrary to what I was told beforehand, natural ABS cannot be obtained in transparent, so it’s going to have to be an opaque colour after all. With a can of black spray paint at hand, I gave it a try and lo, it turned out pretty neat! So black it’s going to be for the first run of the all-new and awesome Retrode 2! There are some minor changes that need to be made to the mold. The pins that operate the HWB and Reset buttons are just a tiny bit too long, and there is a slight collision between the upper shell and the lid. Once these final modifications are done, we’re good to go and mass production of the cases can start next week!

Note: I keep on receiving (pre-)ordering requests from people who aren’t even on the newsletter. There will be enough Retrodes for all of you – just subscribe and you will know when they become available.

]]> http://www.retrode.org/2011/09/back-in-black/feed/ 18 Half a tonne of steel http://www.retrode.org/2011/08/half-a-tonne-of-steel/ http://www.retrode.org/2011/08/half-a-tonne-of-steel/#comments Sat, 06 Aug 2011 19:35:36 +0000 Matthias_H http://www.retrode.org/?p=2076 Good news — the mould layout is finished. The tool will weigh more than 500kg! Pretty impressive, thinks Dr. Retrode, while he waves his go-ahead.

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Good news — the mould layout is finished. The tool will weigh more than 500kg! Pretty impressive, thinks Dr. Retrode, while he waves his go-ahead.

]]> http://www.retrode.org/2011/08/half-a-tonne-of-steel/feed/ 1 Retrode 2 Modding: Call for Embedded Linux Experts http://www.retrode.org/2011/07/retrode-modding/ http://www.retrode.org/2011/07/retrode-modding/#comments Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:21:29 +0000 Matthias_H http://www.retrode.org/?p=2066 A somewhat awkward thing about the Retrode has always been how huge its case is — particularly when compared to the little amount of electronics contained in it. Well, I guess this just comes naturally, given the size of the vintage cartridges the Retrode has to accommodate. On the other hand, I always wondered what [...]]]> A somewhat awkward thing about the Retrode has always been how huge its case is — particularly when compared to the little amount of electronics contained in it. Well, I guess this just comes naturally, given the size of the vintage cartridges the Retrode has to accommodate. On the other hand, I always wondered what more one could do with the extra space that we happen to have. So here’s an idea that has been haunting me for quite a while:

How about turning the Retrode 2 into the world’s smallest cartridge-based, multi-system, self-contained, HD-capable retro console? There are quite a few tiny embedded systems that should easily be powerful enough to run emulators, and some already come with HDMI output ready at hand. Just check out some of the stuff they have at Gumstix (Overo series), or the BeagleBoard. In fact, a Gumstix system with Summit daughterboard fits into the Retrode 2 case with minor modifications.

So here’s where you come in. Having no experience whatsoever with these things myself, I would love to get in touch with people who have set up embedded Linux systems in the past, especially in a gaming context. It can’t hurt if you know how to use your Dremel and soldering iron either.

Objectives:

  • Setting up a Linux distribution with all required drivers and applications.
  • Front-end / launcher software (existing or from scratch) that can be operated with game controllers.
  • The required modifications to the hardware. (mainly, relocating USB connections and removing some unwanted parts)
  • Comprehensive software release and documentation, including foolproof how-to/installation guide.
  • Anything else that you think could and/or should be done. It’s up to you, really :)

Your profile:

  • Documented background in embedded Linux matters.
  • Interest in retro gaming.
  • Modder personality and the commitment to get this done.

What I can offer you (you’d get to keep it, of course):

  • Two (2) free units of the Retrode 2 with as many spare cases as you need (once available. Approximate value: USD 170).
  • One (1) free package of a Gumstix Overo Water COM + Summit daughterboard (value: USD 218).
  • Any amount of fame, including extensive coverage on this homepage (value: priceless).

If you meet the requirements and are interested in the project, please contact me via e-mail or in the comments below, and convince the rest of us that you are the Chosen One :-) For any other suggestions or questions, you can refer to the community forums, or also leave your comment here. Please note that I have exactly one hardware package to give away, so please apply only if you mean it.

I am looking forward to hearing from you!

Matthias

]]> http://www.retrode.org/2011/07/retrode-modding/feed/ 38 Retrode2 Q&A http://www.retrode.org/2011/03/retrode2-qa/ http://www.retrode.org/2011/03/retrode2-qa/#comments Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:07:37 +0000 Matthias_H http://www.retrode.org/?p=1917 This is a collection of questions regarding the Retrode2. Instead of responding to each and every comment individually (i.e., forum, YouTube, etc.), I’ll try to bundle the answers here. If your question is not answered, ask away in the comment section below the post.

Q: What happens to my “Golden Edition” Retrode?

A: The firmware will be [...]]]> This is a collection of questions regarding the Retrode2. Instead of responding to each and every comment individually (i.e., forum, YouTube, etc.), I’ll try to bundle the answers here. If your question is not answered, ask away in the comment section below the post.

Q: What happens to my “Golden Edition” Retrode?

A: The firmware will be maintained for both hardware versions jointly, and future plug-in adapters will remain downward compatible.

Q: Where, when, how much?

A: The Retrode2 is made in Germany (yay! no child labour except my very own) and will become available this summer, both directly from myself and via retail partners. As for the price tag, I can’t tell until all bills are paid. I’m aiming for EUR 65 (incl. VAT) for EU folks, or USD 85 (excl. VAT) worldwide.

Q: Will plug-in adapters be offered for sale?

A: They will be, but at a later time. Currently, I have no idea where to get LARGE quantities of cartridge shells to contain them. Gutting used games is not an option.

Q: Is the S2&K Mod integrated?

A: Yes.

Q: Why is the voltage switch hidden like this?

A: Because you don’t need it that often anyway. Also, cost.

Q: Will the SEGA slot fit 32X carts?

A: Not immediately since they are significantly thicker than regular carts. 32x carts do work when you insert the 32X adapter without power cable. I haven’t tried it, though, and the adapter may collide with the Retrode’s lid (which can be removed).

Q: Could the 9-pin ports be made to support other gamepads?

A: Depends, dedicated adapters may in fact be more versatile with that regard since the ports don’t need to share the bus with the cartridges. Atari VCS? Should work. Anything with analog knobs? Not without hardware mod. Odd controllers where the pins are used both directions? Not without hardware mod. ColecoVision? I don’t even find documentation on that one, so don’t know.

For the technically inclined, pins 1,2,3,4,6,9 are wired as digital inputs. Pin 7 is digital output (”Select”). Pin 5: +5V. Pin 8: GND. Anything that sticks to this scheme should run without problems.

Q: Is the recessed USB port wide enough for the cable connector?

A: In the prototype: no (well observed). In production: yes.

Q: NES plug-in? Really?

A: Wait a second. I’ve bought two NES cartridges but (1) they will have to wait until I find the time, and (2) there are more than two different types of memory mapping. Developing this plug-in will be a long and painful process, and there is simply NO WAY I’ll ever be coming near 100% or even 90% compatibility. According to this document, the two most popular memory mappers (MMC1/MMC3) should theoretically(!) give access to something like 1019 out of 1581 titles (64%) in the list — but frankly, I think the success rate will probably be more around 50%. Auto-detection of anything is near impossible, so a lot of settings will have to be made by hand.

Q: How is SA-1 support coming along?

A: No luck yet. Even using a SuperCIC, I did not manage to unlock the SA-1.

Q: How about a dedicated plug-in slot on the back side?

A: Due to the injection molding process, holes in any side walls are hard to achieve (the odd recessed shapes around the USB and LED are there for a reason). Also, I kind of like the plug-ins mechanically blocking the top slots, since it helps avoid conflicts between too many carts on the address/data buses.

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