I've gotten to the point where I can read about as well as someone entering middle school or maybe a little better. So I'm considered "almost literate"
Anyway, yeah, let's get back to the Radica compatibility thing. Anyone have more news?
Radica Compatibility testing...
Moderator: Moderators
-
SgtBowhack
- Posts: 831
- Joined: Wed Dec 08, 2004 5:16 am
- Location: Chicago, USA
Yeah, Japanese is kinda hard to read and write. It's not really all that hard to speak though. And a lot of stuff that uses kanji is really going towards having the reading of the word in hiragana above it anyway (called furigana or ruby, if you're interested).
I've gotten to the point where I can read about as well as someone entering middle school or maybe a little better. So I'm considered "almost literate"
Anyway, yeah, let's get back to the Radica compatibility thing. Anyone have more news?
I've gotten to the point where I can read about as well as someone entering middle school or maybe a little better. So I'm considered "almost literate"
Anyway, yeah, let's get back to the Radica compatibility thing. Anyone have more news?
-
paulpsomiadis
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2004 5:16 pm
- Location: U.K.
Well, I have a few more carts... 
Also I have a "Reference" Megadrive now - so I can say with certainty that all my carts WORK!
That was the good news...
The bad is that since the "Streets of Rage" cart still works, it means that my JAP Radica is faulty...
Thankfully I have a 'fresh' U.K. mainboard - so I'll MOD that one up and re-do my list, with extra stuff too!
==EDIT==
I'm Baaaack!
My UK Radica is modded and WORKING this time!
And YES, you DID read the compatibility list correctly...
...Gunstar Heroes WORKS!!!
WOOHOO!
Also I have a "Reference" Megadrive now - so I can say with certainty that all my carts WORK!
That was the good news...
The bad is that since the "Streets of Rage" cart still works, it means that my JAP Radica is faulty...
Thankfully I have a 'fresh' U.K. mainboard - so I'll MOD that one up and re-do my list, with extra stuff too!
==EDIT==
I'm Baaaack!
My UK Radica is modded and WORKING this time!
And YES, you DID read the compatibility list correctly...
...Gunstar Heroes WORKS!!!
WOOHOO!
-=MOD or DIE=-
-
paulpsomiadis
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2004 5:16 pm
- Location: U.K.
Anyone know if this would work?
Okay - now that I have a working Radica MOD (those who haven't already - check the comapt list, lots of updates recently!) does anyone know if the following would work? 
---Tototek 32MB flash cart---
Since the original Radica ROM is 32MB, it 'should' work...
I know that the 64MB flash cart won't work (I have one for my REAL Megadrive!) as the Radica is missing 2 address lines...
But I don't wanna fork out for the 32MB flash cart and find it won't work!
If it does, it would REALLY help when testing games - and save me a lot of cash!
---Tototek 32MB flash cart---
Since the original Radica ROM is 32MB, it 'should' work...
I know that the 64MB flash cart won't work (I have one for my REAL Megadrive!) as the Radica is missing 2 address lines...
But I don't wanna fork out for the 32MB flash cart and find it won't work!
If it does, it would REALLY help when testing games - and save me a lot of cash!
-=MOD or DIE=-
Nicely done, looks much more compatible now 
Have you tried using your 64M Tototek cart with just a single game flashed onto it? This *might* still work as it wouldn't need to address the memory areas above 32M. Incidentally a real mega-drive can't access areas above 32M without bank-switching either so the Tototek cart probably uses some form of this in any case. Or does your Tototek cart just refuse to work with the Radica?
Incidentally I fried my first Radica trying to get the rom chip off it luckily I managed to buy a second for £10 in the sales at Argos before they sold out (had to try 4 different stores though!), but now I'm not brave enough to try it again in case I kill that as well 
Have you tried using your 64M Tototek cart with just a single game flashed onto it? This *might* still work as it wouldn't need to address the memory areas above 32M. Incidentally a real mega-drive can't access areas above 32M without bank-switching either so the Tototek cart probably uses some form of this in any case. Or does your Tototek cart just refuse to work with the Radica?
Incidentally I fried my first Radica trying to get the rom chip off it
luckily I managed to buy a second for £10 in the sales at Argos before they sold out (had to try 4 different stores though!), but now I'm not brave enough to try it again in case I kill that as well -
m0nk3y
Hello all,
Just some questions about the Radica, if I may...
Has anyone who's wired in a cart socket tried running a 32X with it? And does it work/is it likely to?
On to MegaCD It seems that most of the points in the MD/Genny Exp port exist in the cart slot. Exept 7, which go to certain ICs on a normal MD mobo. Are these used by the MegaCD? Basically, is it possible to connect a MegaCD2 to the Radica?
http://www.gamesx.com/cartouts/gennyport.htm
http://www.gamesx.com/cartouts/gennycart.htm
This isn't for portabalisation, it's for a home console project. I'd like a nice small multiregion MegaCD set-up. If I could get 32x in there too, it'd be even better.
Cool. Thanks for your help guys.
Just some questions about the Radica, if I may...
Has anyone who's wired in a cart socket tried running a 32X with it? And does it work/is it likely to?
On to MegaCD
It seems that most of the points in the MD/Genny Exp port exist in the cart slot. Exept 7, which go to certain ICs on a normal MD mobo. Are these used by the MegaCD? Basically, is it possible to connect a MegaCD2 to the Radica?http://www.gamesx.com/cartouts/gennyport.htm
http://www.gamesx.com/cartouts/gennycart.htm
This isn't for portabalisation, it's for a home console project. I'd like a nice small multiregion MegaCD set-up. If I could get 32x in there too, it'd be even better.
Cool. Thanks for your help guys.
-
paulpsomiadis
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2004 5:16 pm
- Location: U.K.
Okay folks Q/A time and some more interesting stuff!
@m0nk3y - the 32x will probably NEVER work, as the Radica is not only missing two of the required address lines - but you'd also need to be able to connect ALL of the cart slot pins for the 32x to work!
(frankly it's amazing that the Radica MOD works anyhow considering the fiddly wiring involved!)
As for the Mega CD - forget it too! It doesn't use the cart slot for connection, but a separate 'expansion' slot that the Radica doesn't have (in this respect it's similar to the Genesis 3).
Even though many of the pins on the expansion connector are the same - there are just too many missing!
@Red5 - Hmm...you have a point there! I'll reflash my Tototek cart with a game <32MB and see if I can get it to boot...
It depends what you mean by FRIED when you refer to your 1st Radica...
If you mean missing or broken solder pads - this can easily be repaired with the use of a conductive ink pen and some electronics tape.
Place two small pieces of tape either side of the broken track (forming a "channel" of sorts) then use the conductive pen to make a new track. Wait for the track to dry (30 min).
My UK Radica had over HALF of the solder pads broken / missing - and look at it now IT WORKS GREAT!
However - bear in mind that I have about 15 years of soldering experience behind me (I started when I was 5 years old - REALLY!).
Oh and I updated the list again!
Right - something interesting...
...you'll see that I tested SF2:SCE (24Mb) today. The fact that it worked wasn't surprising.
What IS surprising is that even though the Radica pads only have THREE buttons - the options screen shows ALL SIX buttons as being supported.
CONCLUSION: - The Radica already has support for six buttons - they just didn't add the other three YET! (so all we need now is for someone to figure out how the other three buttons connect up on the pad!)
Hmm...interesting!
@m0nk3y - the 32x will probably NEVER work, as the Radica is not only missing two of the required address lines - but you'd also need to be able to connect ALL of the cart slot pins for the 32x to work!
(frankly it's amazing that the Radica MOD works anyhow considering the fiddly wiring involved!)
As for the Mega CD - forget it too! It doesn't use the cart slot for connection, but a separate 'expansion' slot that the Radica doesn't have (in this respect it's similar to the Genesis 3).
Even though many of the pins on the expansion connector are the same - there are just too many missing!
@Red5 - Hmm...you have a point there! I'll reflash my Tototek cart with a game <32MB and see if I can get it to boot...
It depends what you mean by FRIED when you refer to your 1st Radica...
If you mean missing or broken solder pads - this can easily be repaired with the use of a conductive ink pen and some electronics tape.
Place two small pieces of tape either side of the broken track (forming a "channel" of sorts) then use the conductive pen to make a new track. Wait for the track to dry (30 min).
My UK Radica had over HALF of the solder pads broken / missing - and look at it now IT WORKS GREAT!
However - bear in mind that I have about 15 years of soldering experience behind me (I started when I was 5 years old - REALLY!).
Oh and I updated the list again!
Right - something interesting...
...you'll see that I tested SF2:SCE (24Mb) today. The fact that it worked wasn't surprising.
What IS surprising is that even though the Radica pads only have THREE buttons - the options screen shows ALL SIX buttons as being supported.
CONCLUSION: - The Radica already has support for six buttons - they just didn't add the other three YET! (so all we need now is for someone to figure out how the other three buttons connect up on the pad!)
Hmm...interesting!
Last edited by paulpsomiadis on Wed Feb 02, 2005 11:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-=MOD or DIE=-
Isnt there a new Radica version out with six buttons built in? If someone could get that and open it up then we could probably figure out where they go and how to hook them up.
When in Japan with access to just about every system ever made and those that have yet to see international soil, gather your forces, and make the cool ones your own.
-
paulpsomiadis
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2004 5:16 pm
- Location: U.K.
@makuraken - nope! the new 6-button Radica isn't released quite yet!
@Red5 - Tried flashing my 64Mb Tototek cart with smaller ROM's, and the result...didn't work!
I did however find out that "Toy Story" is 32Mb - so if this works there 'might' be a chance that the 32Mb flash cart MAY work (maybe?)
@Red5 - Tried flashing my 64Mb Tototek cart with smaller ROM's, and the result...didn't work!
I did however find out that "Toy Story" is 32Mb - so if this works there 'might' be a chance that the 32Mb flash cart MAY work (maybe?)
-=MOD or DIE=-
Did you try flashing the Tototek cart with a SINGLE game (nothing else at all on the cart/No menu etc.), and preferably something that you know already works with the Radica eg Sonic 1. (I know of a few games that will only work on GBA flash carts if they're flashed that way) How good is the Tototek cart BTW because I've been considering getting one myself now that GBAx has started selleng them here in the UK.
As for my fried system yes I've lifted sh1tloads of the tracks tring to get the rom off, looked OK to start with then loads of tracks started lifting as I pulled the rom, OH %%^$$^$! Looks beyond repair to me, but I'm a noob at this sort of thing and haven't gotten the hang of this desoldering braid stuff (seems very hit 'n' miss to me, but maybe I'm not doing it right).
As for my fried system yes I've lifted sh1tloads of the tracks tring to get the rom off, looked OK to start with then loads of tracks started lifting as I pulled the rom, OH %%^$$^$! Looks beyond repair to me, but I'm a noob at this sort of thing and haven't gotten the hang of this desoldering braid stuff (seems very hit 'n' miss to me, but maybe I'm not doing it right).
-
Unidentified Assilant
- Senior Member
- Posts: 2531
- Joined: Thu Oct 21, 2004 12:26 pm
- Location: Yea I like machine head
-
paulpsomiadis
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2004 5:16 pm
- Location: U.K.
@Red5 - yup, it was flashed with a SINGLE ROM only (and the menu is part of the cart HARDWARE, so it's not like I have a choice!)
Oh and it's REALLY easy to use - the software is straight froward too! (with a 'real' MegaDrive, of course!)
If you get a Tototek flashcart - get it DIRECT from Tototek, as GBAX charges WAY too much for them (trust me, it's cheaper - even with the postage!)
Also, if you'd like (or can be bothered) you can post me your (supposedly) 'dead' Radica and I'll have a crack at soldering some wires onto it for ya'...[send a PM if you're interested...]
@Unidentified Assilant - Okay, but that's only if I can't get my hands on the cart first (saw it in a second hand shop the other day). And YES it's really a good game! (it even has Mode-7 on the Genny!!!)
Oh and it's REALLY easy to use - the software is straight froward too! (with a 'real' MegaDrive, of course!)
If you get a Tototek flashcart - get it DIRECT from Tototek, as GBAX charges WAY too much for them (trust me, it's cheaper - even with the postage!)
Also, if you'd like (or can be bothered) you can post me your (supposedly) 'dead' Radica and I'll have a crack at soldering some wires onto it for ya'...[send a PM if you're interested...]
@Unidentified Assilant - Okay, but that's only if I can't get my hands on the cart first (saw it in a second hand shop the other day). And YES it's really a good game! (it even has Mode-7 on the Genny!!!)
-=MOD or DIE=-
Looks like the Tototek cart is incompatible then, unfortunately if the 64MB version doesn't work then it's pretty much odds-on that the 32MB version won't either Too bad because I was thinking of using one with a modded Radica as well, but I'll also need the 64MB veersion 'cause I have a 32X.
I haven't looked at the Tototek site for a while but I'll cetainly consider it before ordering. It might be a while though 'cause I'm a bit more interested in building a MAME cab at the moment, just finished my first prototype arcade controller the other week and it rocks
Hmm, looking at the "dead" radica you'd need to repair quite a lot... there are only 16 intact tracks To be quite honest it'd probably be easier for you to start with my (currently) untouched unit, you can keep the mangled one if you like as a "thank you" if you want to mod my (working) unit.
Too bad because I was thinking of using one with a modded Radica as well, but I'll also need the 64MB veersion 'cause I have a 32X.I haven't looked at the Tototek site for a while but I'll cetainly consider it before ordering. It might be a while though 'cause I'm a bit more interested in building a MAME cab at the moment, just finished my first prototype arcade controller the other week and it rocks
Hmm, looking at the "dead" radica you'd need to repair quite a lot... there are only 16 intact tracks
To be quite honest it'd probably be easier for you to start with my (currently) untouched unit, you can keep the mangled one if you like as a "thank you" if you want to mod my (working) unit.-
paulpsomiadis
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2004 5:16 pm
- Location: U.K.
Might take you up on that sometime in the not 'too' distant future!
I can't do any more modding for a couple weeks though - as I have a lot of work for my University course to finish off (assignments, etc...)
I'm studying "Computing BSc (Hons)" at Northumbria Uni. in Newcastle Upon Tyne.
I can't do any more modding for a couple weeks though - as I have a lot of work for my University course to finish off (assignments, etc...)
I'm studying "Computing BSc (Hons)" at Northumbria Uni. in Newcastle Upon Tyne.
-=MOD or DIE=-
-
paulpsomiadis
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2004 5:16 pm
- Location: U.K.
-
paulpsomiadis
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2004 5:16 pm
- Location: U.K.
Okay folks - more food for thought!
Right, everyone knows that Sonic 2 is NOT a region locked cart...therefore my JAP Sonic 2 'should' have worked with my modded Radica.
But WHY doesn't it?
Well, it's something to do with the ROM chip used...
If I test both the U.K. and JAP Sonic 2 carts that I have on my REAL MegaDrive - they work on ANY region setting (PAL/NTSC/UK/JAP)
So this is how you tell a Radica compatible Sonic 2 from a non-compatible one - OPEN THE SUCKA!
The compatible carts use a Rev. A ROM chip (old).
This has a 'groove' cut down one side of the chip and the ROM is more 'flat' with bevelled edges.
The incompatible ones use a Rev. U ROM chip (newer).
This looks pretty standard, thicker and with a 'dot' or 'indent' where pin 1 is.
Consequentially I've swapped the innards of my JAP & UK Sonic 2 carts (the ROM is totally the same - just different revision hardware) as I want to keep my boxed JAP sonic games AND have them compatible with the Radica!
Also a question for the wise...
All carts are Read ONLY Memory - so how come Sonic 2 get's "Altered" after it has been locked onto Sonic & Knuckles?
Before it's "locked on" you get sparkles around Super Sonic - by DEFAULT!
After it's locked on - the sparkles are GONE!
(You can get them back by picking up an 'invincibility' power up and THEN going Super Sonic...but the game has still been altered!)
I'm sure you all agree this is...odd...to say the least!
Unless Sonic 2 carts are EROM?
Right, everyone knows that Sonic 2 is NOT a region locked cart...therefore my JAP Sonic 2 'should' have worked with my modded Radica.
But WHY doesn't it?
Well, it's something to do with the ROM chip used...
If I test both the U.K. and JAP Sonic 2 carts that I have on my REAL MegaDrive - they work on ANY region setting (PAL/NTSC/UK/JAP)
So this is how you tell a Radica compatible Sonic 2 from a non-compatible one - OPEN THE SUCKA!
The compatible carts use a Rev. A ROM chip (old).
This has a 'groove' cut down one side of the chip and the ROM is more 'flat' with bevelled edges.
The incompatible ones use a Rev. U ROM chip (newer).
This looks pretty standard, thicker and with a 'dot' or 'indent' where pin 1 is.
Consequentially I've swapped the innards of my JAP & UK Sonic 2 carts (the ROM is totally the same - just different revision hardware) as I want to keep my boxed JAP sonic games AND have them compatible with the Radica!
Also a question for the wise...
All carts are Read ONLY Memory - so how come Sonic 2 get's "Altered" after it has been locked onto Sonic & Knuckles?
Before it's "locked on" you get sparkles around Super Sonic - by DEFAULT!
After it's locked on - the sparkles are GONE!
(You can get them back by picking up an 'invincibility' power up and THEN going Super Sonic...but the game has still been altered!)
I'm sure you all agree this is...odd...to say the least!
Unless Sonic 2 carts are EROM?
-=MOD or DIE=-