What is it?

This is a kit, that once built and installed on your RC2014 platform along side the other MSX modules, will allow you to boot up MSX software on your RC2014.

Key features

The kit is supplied with a flashed ROM containing:

• CBIOS, an open source version of MSX BIOS.

• NEXTOR, an officially sanctioned open source version of MSX-DOS (based on the original code).

• MSX-DOS driver for the RC2014 Compact Flash module.

• MSX-DOS driver for an embedded ROM DISK image, enabling disk-less bootup.

The onboard ROM has been divided into 16K banks and mapped according to the MSX architecture. The mapping address can be changed by re-programming the PLD chips, if required.

Also included on the PCB are optional pinouts for potential future RAM upgrade to full 4MB.

What is the 'Yellow MSX Series of Boards'?

These are a series of boards developed to achieve MSX compatibility for RC2014 systems.

The idea is that you can build each board one at a time, test it and play with it under RomWBW - and then once you have the set - load up some MSX games!

This Memory board in conjunction with Video, Sound, and PPI/Keyboard enable MSX bootup.

More details can be found on my hackaday project

What's included in this kit

The full kits includes everything you need (PCB, capacitors, IC sockets, and the ICs)

The SST39SF040 512K Flash ROM is supplied flashed with a build of CBIOS and MSX-DOS/Nextor - with your choice of PAL or NTSC versions.

Two new ATF22V10C PLDs programmed and ready for operation.

Revision V1.5 of the PCB - please see the github project for details of changes.

(Revision 1.5 has removed the on-board LED).

What about MSX-BASIC?

Due to licencing and copyright restrictions I am not able to distribute a ROM image containing MSX-BASIC. The supplied ROM contains the open source MSX compatible bios (C-BIOS) and a custom build of NEXTOR/MSX-DOS.

This configuration does not include the MSX-BASIC language or runtime.

Despite that, CBIOS/NEXTOR will boot up to a MSX-DOS prompt. This environment will allow for the running of many MSX-DOS/CPM applications, including SOFAROM to load and run game ROM images. Although, naturally, anything that requires MSX-BASIC will not work.

If you want to get the full MSX experience, then see the github project on instructions on obtaining a ROM image containing full MSX BASIC.

What else do I need to make this work?

Unlike many of the other MSX modules for RC2014, this module is intended to replace the RAM/ROM module of your RC2014 system to provide MSX operation. As such, it must have the associated MSX modules to function.

The Memory Board can not function without the PPI/keyboard. And the MSX software will not work, unless there is a Video, Sound and Keyboard present.

• You need a RC2014 (Z80 CPU, clock, backplane).

You must also have a full complement of Yellow MSX Boards:

• Video (Advanced or RBB modules) V9958 MSX Video board for RC2014 or V9958 MSX RGB Video Module for RC2014

• YM2149 MSX Sound/Controller board for RC2014.

• PPI 82C55 MSX Interface board for RC2014, with Keyboard attached.

• For a backplane you can use the RC2014 Backplane pro or equivalent, or the recommended backplane for MSX systems, the 12+1 Backplane designed for RC2014 systems

Recommended Modules:

• The RC2014 Compact Flash.

• The Dual clock.

• SIO/2 Serial.

Also checkout all the other MSX modules for RC2014, including:

• MSX RP5C01 RTC and MSX F4 board for RC2014

• MSX Cartridge Slot Extension for RC2014 Bus

Disclaimer

Please note that this is a kit, produced by a non-professional (me) for hackers, DIYers' and retro lovers, to tinker with. I will do my best to answer any support questions you may have.

This board is not compatible with RomWBW and other memory modules.