ROM-Reader for Super Nintendo / Super Famicom Game Cartridges

[ViniNess]

Hi it's me again

This SNES cart uses the Fujitsu MSP55LV160A
I tried to found on internet the datasheet, but i got nothing
So there is a way that i can program this flash rom? using the snes cart and slot?

Thanks a lot

By the way congrats and thanks tamanegi_taro, for the SatellaView Support

[sanni]

Well, it basically will be trial and error.

All the SNES repro writing functions are in flash.ino. You can have a look at the commit for V1.6 where I added support for the S29GL032 flashrom to see what it takes to add a new flashrom: https://github.com/sanni/cartreader/commit/b816918e70a14b5fb62a4e2ec0ea298dc8b3069f?diff=unified

The Cart Reader should give you the flash ID together with the unknown flashrom error. Which you can use to create a new entry in the "void id_Flash8()" function. There you define the flashsize in bytes and whether or not it's a native 8bit flashrom (type 1) or a a 16bit flashrom in 8bit mode (type 2).

Then in the function "void flashromMenu8()" under "case 3:" you add a new entry that selects a write function based on the flash ID of the MSP29LV160. Since MSP29LV160 sounds similar to MX29LV160 I would start with the "writeFlash29LV640()" function and see if it writes anything. If it doesn't try the "void writeFlash29GL()" function.

If that also doesn't work you can have a look at the write functions of the MSP55LV128 in GBA.ino or the MSP55LV100S and MSP55LV512 in N64.ino and see what they do differently. Then with that knowledge you can create a custom "writeFlashMSP29LV160()" function in flash.ino.

Also after each time trying to write something always read out the flashrom again and check what has been written in a hex editor like HxD to see if maybe part of your write code is working.

[buffalojoe]

I purchased a different N64 connector and while it was a little more expensive it does appear to be the correct size. The spacer ring does not slip over it and it still fits into the PCB.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Passend-für-Nintendo-64-N64-Kontakte-50-Pin-Connector-Schlitz-Ersatzteile/183372703594?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

[Homerzilla2k]

Hey all,

First off, awesome project!  I'm building it for my school project and it's been a ton of fun. 

To my problem:  I'm trying to flash the PIC but I keep getting a "Cannot open COM port" error when I try to use WxPic.  I've tried switching COM ports, to no avail.  I guess I'm just not sure how to see what COM Port it's using or how to open the COM.  I've done some google searching for COM ports on Windows 10 but that also hasn't been super helpful.  Any advice or tips?

[Homerzilla2k]

Hello again everyone,

Sorry if I'm bumping too much, but I took it into school and got this for an error from WxPic.  Any thoughts?

[sanni]

Just tried it on my Windows 10 x64 PC (newest update) and it still works.


Device Manager tells you which COM port to use:


WxPic can test if the programmer is ok(maybe try with the slow mode box checked):


Then select the correct PIC:


And program:


Have you double checked your programmer? Maybe something is soldered wrong.

[Homerzilla2k]

Thanks sanni!  I think my problem was the sop8 to dip8 adapter I used was too big and soldering extensions on to the chip was not the answer.  I ordered a smaller adapter which is arriving tonight.  Weird thing is my laptop isn't giving me the Ports option in the device manager. 

[sanni]

Go into your PCs bios and make sure the Serial Port is not disabled:


Then install the COM Port in Windows like this.
-Open "Device Manager"
-Select menu "Action" -> "Add legacy hardware", then Click "Next"
-Select "Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced)" -> then click "Next"
-Scroll down, then select "Ports (COM & LPT)", then click "Next"
-Select "Manufacturer" as your need, (in this case, I'm selecting standard type or default option) then click "Next"

The COM port should be in the device manager even if nothing is connected to it so that is your problem right there.

[moldov]

Thanks sanni!  I think my problem was the sop8 to dip8 adapter I used was too big and soldering extensions on to the chip was not the answer.  I ordered a smaller adapter which is arriving tonight.  Weird thing is my laptop isn't giving me the Ports option in the device manager. 

On download page of WxPic was written that you MUST use PC not laptop. I tried my Dell Latitude 630 (with embedded COM not USB2COM one)and WxPic was able to recognize the ports but ROM flashing was out of luck.

Then I tried PC and ROM was successfully written. It's apparently voltage issue.

So, You'd better to use PC instead of laptop.

[Homerzilla2k]

On download page of WxPic was written that you MUST use PC not laptop. I tried my Dell Latitude 630 (with embedded COM not USB2COM one)and WxPic was able to recognize the ports but ROM flashing was out of luck.

Then I tried PC and ROM was successfully written. It's apparently voltage issue.

So, You'd better to use PC instead of laptop.

That actually makes a lot of sense.  The closest I got to it working was using the PC at school, which is where I got the original error message I posted.  I'll try it tomorrow with the new adapter, seems to be fitting better in there so hopefully it helps.

Thanks for the help sanni and moldov, I'll let you all know how it goes tomorrow.

[Homerzilla2k]

Tried it again.  COM port 1, and this is the error I get.  I think it might be the PICkit as I get the same error whether its by itself or attached to the chip.  When I hook up my PICkit I get a greenish power light, blue active light, and dim blue status light.  But I'm not sure, might be something I'm overlooking.

[sanni]

PICkit???

WxPic is a program for the DIY programmer, the programmer you solder together yourself according to the schematics posted in the github folder.

The PICkit is a programmer that you buy from ebay and it comes already assembled and has its own program.
Also you connect the PICkit to the USB port and not the COM port.
You can't use a PICkit with WxPic. You need to download the software for the PICkit instead.



If you have a PICkit3 you can use the attached program.

[Homerzilla2k]

PICkit???

WxPic is a program for the DIY programmer, the programmer you solder together yourself according to the schematics posted in the github folder.

The PICkit is a programmer that you buy from ebay and it comes already assembled and has its own program.
Also you connect the PICkit to the USB port and not the COM port.
You can't use a PICkit with WxPic. You need to download the software for the PICkit instead.
If you have a PICkit3: https://www.microchip.com/forums/m500342.aspx


 

...

...That's actually really funny.  Been driving myself nuts and really just using the wrong program like a dumb ass.  Well thanks for the help.  I'll try it the right way this time!

[sanni]

If you manage to flash it with the PICkit and its software, please make some screenshots then I can add them to the github so that others don't make the same mistake. 

[Parodius316]

Sanni, great dumper!  Is there a list of the GBA carts anywhere that have the correct chip inside to flash?  I have a couple of those I purchased from China here, but none of those seem to have the correct requirements.  Thank you!