A Retron 3 project, and a few queries...

Includes but not limited to: SNES, Genesis, Sega CD, PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, Game Gear and I guess the Virtual Boy.

Moderator:Moderators

Ace_1
Posts:138
Joined:Sat Feb 02, 2008 8:09 pm
Re: A Retron 3 project, and a few queries...

Post by Ace_1 » Wed Apr 10, 2013 8:46 pm

How are the volume levels? If I can get an audio sample I will be able to tell you if you got the volume levels right or not (if you can use Falsion or The Legend of Zelda on Disk System, that would be ideal for me).

At the same time, I'll throw in my RetroN3 Version 3 compatibility list to add on to yours (duplicates included, games compatible after modding excluded):

NES:

1943: compatible
After Burner: semi-compatible (plays with missing backgrounds)
Air Fortress: compatible
Al Unser Jr. Turbo Racing: compatible
Arkanoid: compatible
Blaster Master: compatible
Captain Skyhawk: compatible
Castlevania: compatible
Castlevania II: compatible
Castlevania III: INCOMPATIBLE (works with numerous graphical errors until past the name entry where the game locks up)
Contra: compatible
Duck Hunt: compatible
Excitebike: compatible
Flight of the Intruder: compatible
Formula 1 Built to Win: compatible
Galaxy 5000: compatible
G.I. Joe: compatible
Gradius: compatible
Gumshoe: compatible
Gun.Smoke: compatible
Gyruss: compatible
Hogan's Alley: compatible
Image Fight: compatible
Jackal: compatible
Kung Fu: compatible
Life Force: compatible
MegaMan: compatible
MegaMan 2: compatible
MegaMan 3: compatible
MegaMan 4: compatible
MegaMan 5: compatible
MegaMan 6: compatible
Metal Gear: compatible
Ninja Crusaders: compatible
Ninja Gaiden: compatible
Mike Tyson's PUNCH-OUT!!: compatible
Rad Racer: compatible
Rad Racer II: semi-compatible (works with severe graphical errors)
Section Z: compatible
Side Pocket: compatible
Sky Shark: compatible
Snake's Revenge: compatible
Spy Hunter: compatible
Stealth ATF: compatible
Super C: compatible
Super Mario Bros.: compatible
Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt: compatible
Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt/World Class Track Meet: compatible
Super Mario Bros. 2: compatible
Super Mario Bros. 3: compatible
Super Sprint: compatible
Tetris (Nintendo version): compatible
Tetris (Tengen version): compatible
Tetris 2: compatible
The Hunt for Red October: compatible
The Legend of Zelda: compatible
Thunderbirds: compatible
Tiger-Heli: compatible
Top Gun: compatible
Top Gun The Second Mission: compatible
Vindicators: compatible
Wizards & Warriors: compatible
Zanac: compatible

Famicom:

Akumajou Densetsu: semi-compatible (works with missing audio from the VRC6 due to the cartridge slot not being wired for expansion audio)
B-Wings: compatible
Booby Kids: compatible
De-Block: compatible
Dragon Slayer IV: compatible
Gradius: compatible
Gradius II: compatible
Highway Star: compatible
Knight Rider: compatible
Layla: compatible
Mappy: compatible
Mario Open Golf: compatible
Pac-Land: compatible
Plasma Ball: compatible
Popeye: compatible
Rampart: compatible
RockMan 4: compatible
Salamander: compatible
SonSon: compatible
Super Mario Bros. 2 (pirate cart of the Japanese Disk System version): compatible
Super Mario Bros. 3: compatible
The Wing of Madoola: compatible
TwinBee 3: compatible

All games require a Famicom to NES adapter to work.

NES/Famicom pirate multicarts:

31-in-1: compatible
15-in-1: compatible
71-in-1: compatible
110-in-1: compatible
190-in-1: compatible

Genesis:

-After Burner II: compatible
-Altered Beast: compatible
-Air Diver: compatible
-Ayrton Senna's Super Monaco GP II: compatible
-Bio Hazard Battle: compatible
-Blades of Vengeance: compatible
-Blockout: compatible
-Brett Hull Hockey '95: compatible
-Castlevania Bloodlines: compatible
-Contra Hard Corps: compatible
-Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine: compatible
-Ferrari Grand Prix Challenge: compatible
-Formula One: compatible
-Gaiares: compatible
-Galaxy Force II: compatible
-G-LOC Air Battle: compatible
-Golden Axe: compatible
-Gunstar Heroes: compatible
-Lotus II R.E.C.S.: compatible
-Mario Andretti Racing: compatible
-MegaMan - The Wily Wars (converted region-free reproduction cart): compatible
-MIG-29 Fighter Pilot: compatible
-Newman-Hass IndyCar Featuring Nigel Mansell: compatible
-NHL 96: compatible
-Nigel Mansell's World Championship Racing: compatible
-OutRun 2019: compatible
-Road Rash: compatible
-Road Rash II: compatible
-Road Rash 3: compatible
-Rolling Thunder 2: compatible
-Rolling Thunder 3: compatible
-Sagaia/Darius II: compatible
-Sonic the Hedgehog (US version): compatible
-Sonic 2: compatible
-Sonic 3: compatible
-Sonic Spinball: compatible
-Sonic 3D Blast: compatible
-Sonic & Knuckles: compatible
-Sonic the Hedgehog locked onto Sonic & Knuckles (Blue Sphere): compatible
-Sonic 2 locked onto Sonic & Knuckles: compatible
-Sonic 3 locked onto Sonic & Knuckles: compatible
-Space Harrier II: compatible
-Sub-Terrania: compatible
-Super Hang-On: compatible
-Super Monaco GP: compatible
-Super Off-Road: compatible
-Super Street Fighter II: compatible
-Super Thunder Blade: compatible
-Thunder Force II MD: compatible
-Thunder Force III: compatible
-Thunder Force IV/Lightening Force: compatible
-Thunder Fox: compatible
-Top Gear 2: compatible
-Twin Cobra: compatible
-Universal Soldier: compatible
-Virtua Racing: INCOMPATIBLE (does not boot)
-Whip Rush: compatible

Japanese MegaDrive:

-F1 Circus MD: compatible (region switch position does not matter)
-Sonic the Hedgehog: compatible (region switch position does not matter)
-Zero Wing: compatible (region switch position does not matter)

European MegaDrive:

-MegaMan - The Wily Wars: semi-compatible (requires a Game Genie to bypass the region check, otherwise the game will boot to a region code error)
-Sonic the Hedgehog: compatible (game runs in NTSC glitch-free)
-Zero Wing: compatible (game runs in NTSC glitch-free)

Genesis Add-ons:

-Sega CD: INCOMPATIBLE(duh)
-Sega 32X: INCOMPATIBLE(duh)
-Sega Master System converters: compatible

Master System games:

-Ace of Aces: compatible (may fail to work on certain consoles)
-Altered Beast: semi-compatible (works with lots of missing audio)
-After Burner: compatible (may require power-cycling to work)
-Double Dragon: compatible
-Galaxy Force: compatible
-Global Defense: compatible (may fail to work on certain consoles)
-Hang-On/Safari Hunt: compatible
-OutRun: compatible
-R-Type: compatible
-Sonic the Hedgehog (European version): compatible
-Space Harrier: compatible
-Space Harrier 3D: compatible
-Thunder Blade: compatible
-Zaxxon 3D: compatible

Super NES:

Arkanoid Doh it Again: compatible
Axelay: compatible
Battle Grand Prix: compatible
Brett Hull Hockey '95: compatible
Contra III: compatible
Darius Twin: compatible
Doom: compatible
F-Zero: compatible
Gradius III: compatible
Lethal Enforcers: compatible
Lock-On: compatible
MegaMan X: compatible
MegaMan X2: compatible
Michael Andretti's IndyCar Challenge: compatible
NHL 98: compatible
Nigel Mansell's World Championship Racing: compatible
Pilotwings: compatible
Raiden Trad: compatible
R-Type III: compatible
Star Trek Starfleet Academy: compatible
StarFox: compatible
Strike Gunner STG: compatible
Stunt Race FX: compatible
Super Castlevania IV: compatible
Super Mario Kart: compatible
Super Nova: compatible
Super R-Type: compatible
Super Strike Eagle: compatible
Thunder Spirits: compatible
Top Gear: compatible
Top Gear 2: compatible
Top Gear 3000: compatible
UN Squadron: compatible
WarpSpeed: compatible
Williams Arcade's Greatest Hits: compatible
Wing Commander: compatible
Wing Commander - The Secret Missions: compatible
Wings 2 - Aces High: compatible

Super Famicom:

Gradius III: compatible
Jaleco Rally Big Run: compatible
Monster Maker III: compatible
Super Mario RPG (with lockout chip check): INCOMPATIBLE (does not boot)
Super Mario World: compatible

-Super GameBoy: compatible

Flash cartridges:

RetroZone NES PowerPak: INCOMPATBILE (shows the PowerPak text when first loaded, flashes Card error - not ready very quickly when you press the Reset button)

I may have forgotten a few games, so if I did, I'll add to the list.

Random_Hajile1980
Posts:38
Joined:Thu May 15, 2008 9:19 pm

Re: A Retron 3 project, and a few queries...

Post by Random_Hajile1980 » Mon Apr 15, 2013 1:59 am

deleted
Last edited by Random_Hajile1980 on Fri Nov 22, 2019 12:04 am, edited 1 time in total.

ttsgeb
Posts:155
Joined:Mon Feb 25, 2008 9:19 pm
360 GamerTag:ttsgeb
Steam ID:ttsgeb
Location:behind you, don't look, I'll just be behind you.
Contact:

Re: A Retron 3 project, and a few queries...

Post by ttsgeb » Mon Apr 15, 2013 4:55 pm

This is an insane convo you are having. SO MUCH INFO...
Keep it up. :D

Ace_1
Posts:138
Joined:Sat Feb 02, 2008 8:09 pm

Re: A Retron 3 project, and a few queries...

Post by Ace_1 » Tue Apr 16, 2013 5:45 am

Random_Hajile1980 wrote:Ace, I should be able to provide you with a sample of the audio in a day or two, I am trying to look for my capture equipment, as soon as I can dig it up I will post it. I just started my FDS library so I think the only game I have that uses expansion audio is Gyruss will that work? I tried to borrow a friend's Zelda disk but he doesn't want to loan it to me.
I'm not that familiar with how Gyruss is supposed to sound, but if I can at least find a dump of the disk, I can load it onto my Twin Famicom to check the volume levels.
Random_Hajile1980 wrote:I want to do further experiments to see if Virtua Racing can ever be made to work on the genesis side, I have a few things I want to try on that front
Good luck with that. The TCT-6801 and Virtua Racing simply do not want to cooperate; everything I try results in the 3D graphics glitching out and the game crashing. I have yet to figure out whether it's a problem with the missing !CE_H signal on pin B26 of the cartridge slot (which can be faked by linking the pin to B11) or a bad Clock line. Whatever the case may be, everything I tried failed. Link B26 to B16 (this is the old way of faking !CE_H), game glitches and locks up; link B26 to B11, same thing; use the Clock line of a Genesis instead of the TCT-6801, it still glitches and locks up. I'm at a loss here and I don't have access to an oscilloscope, so I can't check to see what is the frequency of the Clock line on the RetroN3 (this is pin B19).

Random_Hajile1980
Posts:38
Joined:Thu May 15, 2008 9:19 pm

Re: A Retron 3 project, and a few queries...

Post by Random_Hajile1980 » Tue Apr 16, 2013 3:47 pm

deleted
Last edited by Random_Hajile1980 on Fri Nov 22, 2019 12:04 am, edited 1 time in total.

Ace_1
Posts:138
Joined:Sat Feb 02, 2008 8:09 pm

Re: A Retron 3 project, and a few queries...

Post by Ace_1 » Tue Apr 16, 2013 8:21 pm

Random_Hajile1980 wrote:I did not believe running Virtua Racing was even possible until a few days ago, my friend that owns that game shop called me in to look at a very interesting clone he was fixing (broken controller port pins) It was in the case of a Mega Drive 2 and had a 6801..... he put in and played with virtua racing with no crash or graphical glitches, needless to say I was shocked.
:!: :!: :!: :shock:

HOW??? There must be some connection to pin B26 on that GOAC. Try to find out which pin that links to (if it's even linked there to begin with) and take some pictures of this MegaDrive 2 clone's PCB if you can. I want to see this thing.

Random_Hajile1980
Posts:38
Joined:Thu May 15, 2008 9:19 pm

Re: A Retron 3 project, and a few queries...

Post by Random_Hajile1980 » Tue Apr 16, 2013 10:51 pm

deleted
Last edited by Random_Hajile1980 on Fri Nov 22, 2019 12:03 am, edited 1 time in total.

Ace_1
Posts:138
Joined:Sat Feb 02, 2008 8:09 pm

Re: A Retron 3 project, and a few queries...

Post by Ace_1 » Wed Apr 17, 2013 8:24 pm

I think when there are two crystals on a GOAC-based Geniclone, it's usually to make it dual PAL/NTSC compatible. I highly doubt that has anything to do with the Clock required by Virtua Racing.

Get those images to me ASAP. This may be our only chance to finally get Virtua Racing working on the TCT-6801. All of my prior attempts have failed.

Random_Hajile1980
Posts:38
Joined:Thu May 15, 2008 9:19 pm

Re: A Retron 3 project, and a few queries...

Post by Random_Hajile1980 » Fri Apr 19, 2013 1:21 am

deleted
Last edited by Random_Hajile1980 on Fri Nov 22, 2019 12:03 am, edited 1 time in total.

Ace_1
Posts:138
Joined:Sat Feb 02, 2008 8:09 pm

Re: A Retron 3 project, and a few queries...

Post by Ace_1 » Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:56 am

Random_Hajile1980 wrote:The two crystals are valued at 53.693 mhz and the other one is the same as the retron 3 what the high frequency one is for I do not know.....
The 53.693MHz crystal is the NTSC master clock on the Genesis. Is this maybe the key to getting Virtua Racing to work? Most Geniclones I see only use a 14.31818MHz crystal, so it's possible the Clock line is running at the wrong frequency on the TCT-6801 due to the missing 53.693MHz crystal.

Random_Hajile1980
Posts:38
Joined:Thu May 15, 2008 9:19 pm

Re: A Retron 3 project, and a few queries...

Post by Random_Hajile1980 » Fri Apr 19, 2013 10:32 pm

deleted
Last edited by Random_Hajile1980 on Fri Nov 22, 2019 12:03 am, edited 1 time in total.

Random_Hajile1980
Posts:38
Joined:Thu May 15, 2008 9:19 pm

Re: A Retron 3 project, and a few queries...

Post by Random_Hajile1980 » Fri May 24, 2013 4:19 pm

deleted
Last edited by Random_Hajile1980 on Thu Nov 21, 2019 11:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Ace_1
Posts:138
Joined:Sat Feb 02, 2008 8:09 pm

Re: A Retron 3 project, and a few queries...

Post by Ace_1 » Sat May 25, 2013 7:50 am

I just had a look at the page and man, someone needs to tell them that the RetroN3 Version 2 is discontinued. That's a Version 3 shown. Shows how little people know of this hardware revision.

But back on topic, you could get all the necessary signals for the lockout chip from those spots. Don't worry about it interfering with the Reset line on the NOAC and GOAC; the lockout chip will only be powered when the Super NES side receives power. Although the system shares a common Reset line, if the lockout chip doesn't receive power, it shouldn't do anything.

However, the 5V point shown is the common 5V point for the entire system. Don't use that as if you do, the lockout chip will be powered on at all times. Use the blue wire on the system selector switch to get 5V for the lockout chip instead. This wire is what delivers 5V to the Super NES side.

Random_Hajile1980
Posts:38
Joined:Thu May 15, 2008 9:19 pm

Re: A Retron 3 project, and a few queries...

Post by Random_Hajile1980 » Sat May 25, 2013 9:37 pm

It has been brought to my attention that someone has attempted to use our work here to make a mod that they want to keep to themselves. this is not OK. I am deleting my half of the work that was posted in this thread to prevent such misuse. While I am all for people using the work to provide solutions to compatibility for others to use. it is not OK to attempt to sell that work or to keep it "secret" without sharing it with the modding and hacking community.
Last edited by Random_Hajile1980 on Fri Nov 22, 2019 12:01 am, edited 2 times in total.

Random_Hajile1980
Posts:38
Joined:Thu May 15, 2008 9:19 pm

Re: A Retron 3 project, and a few queries...

Post by Random_Hajile1980 » Sat Jul 12, 2014 1:02 pm

deleted

Post Reply