Announcing the 64drive nearing completion

1.11b has been released, some bug fixes/additions.

 

Replacement labels: Some time last year I started shipping 64drives with new diecut vinyl labels. However, if you have one of the old style labels and want to get it replaced, read this:
http://64drive.retroactive.be/support.php
I'm sending out free replacements, because the old labels don't last very well.



Also firmware 2.00 is forthcoming, along with some other big news.

 

Looking forward to these!

 

Awesome, could use a new label as well, mine's faded a bit. Can you share what 2.00 will feature besides it being a rewrite?

 

Very slick.

Have you considered turning your hand to the GBA? It too could do with a decent flash cart.

 

Hey Marshall, when are you planning to release some news?

 

When the news is ready

 

Any exclusive updates Marshall?

 

1.12 has been released in preparation for firmware 2.00 (and a few other things).

http://64drive.retroactive.be/support.php

Firmware 2.00 progress.

http://retroactive.be/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10

 

Firmware 2.00 is done!

http://64drive.retroactive.be/support.php

Short version: (See release notes for more details)

• Automatic save writeback
The revamped design writes save data back immediately onto your memory card.
You don’t have to press RESET to keep from losing your progress anymore.
Since the changes are saved in realtime, not upon the next powerup, you don’t have to worry about mixing up memory cards or losing progress.

• Loading speeds over 2.5 times faster with SD
Updated SD controller loads images at up to 21 megabytes per second, on SDHC or larger cards. CompactFlash speeds are the same as before – 8 megabytes per second.

• Brand new PC-side USB tools
There is a new loader tool for 2.xx firmwares, with a new protocol. It’s possible to control more aspects of operation from the tool, and you can load/dump data while the N64 is running. Also, upgrading to future firmwares will be much more reliable and convenient.

 

Excellent, many thanks for the update. That first new feature is going to prove invaluable.

 

Awesome, thanks Marshall
I'll be giving this a good test over the christmas break.

 

Can the 64drive load ROMS that are stored on a PC via the USB port?
If it can, does the N64 boot directly to the game on power up, or do you have to select the game from the 64drive menu?
Also, if it can, where are the game saves stored, on the cart or the PC?

 

Yes. You can load the ROM via USB to the cart. It doesn't have to be on to do that. So long as the USB cable is still in it will ignore the CF/SD and boot the cart image instead. You still have to tell it what kind of save file to expect.
While it's running you can also up a ROM again. Practical applications would be testing ROM edits, using a bootloader, or passing data into ROM space (like how HCS's NES emu works).

Note that games using CIC's different from the one on board you'll need to either use a bootloader or swap bootstraps.

In USB mode saves are stored in a temporary memory buffer when a CF/SD isn't present. I believe if you don't give it writeback addresses it won't try to write back to card, but for safety's sake you'll probably want to remove the SD/CF when running in USB mode. You can read them off using USB.

I think that section was the big nerf to the specs manual. There used to be PC-side code samples and things.

 

WhooHoo! Recently got the money together, to finally buy a 64Drive! on Jan. 18th, 2015 from marshallh via his store! I'm soo stoked! Really looking forward to using it. I chose this over other choices available, as I know it's the best. Thanks for all the development time and effort you put into this marshallh, and your continued support even though it's been around for a bit. Happy belated new year everyone.