PI/Arduino Processor Emulator
- Thread starter andrewsm
- Start date
Hi just picked up the recent comments.
Thanks for all the comments guys and glad its helping solve board problems already for some like Jon.
Paul I looked at your code and its extremely well written mate. I took a different approach using hardware and you have sort of hit the nail on the head as I do in fact use the system clock for timings when dealing with VRAM. I decided that using pure software could cause issues as if there are the slightest variations then things would get thrown off. As you know the Arduino is on the limit for speed with a task like this.
My method has been tested on 3 to 4 different Z80 boards so far and has proved to be reliable on each case.
Im continually improving and adding to the software.
There are two updates I can supply. The Arduino code is simply uploaded into the Arduino and this provides the AOS system that the test software app relies upon
The Test software app is a directory of files and should be copied in it entirety into the Test directory on the Pi. Sorry if there has been any confusion over getting these updates however if anybody has trouble then get in touch and I will sort if out for you.
Thanks for all the comments guys and glad its helping solve board problems already for some like Jon.
Paul I looked at your code and its extremely well written mate. I took a different approach using hardware and you have sort of hit the nail on the head as I do in fact use the system clock for timings when dealing with VRAM. I decided that using pure software could cause issues as if there are the slightest variations then things would get thrown off. As you know the Arduino is on the limit for speed with a task like this.
My method has been tested on 3 to 4 different Z80 boards so far and has proved to be reliable on each case.
Im continually improving and adding to the software.
There are two updates I can supply. The Arduino code is simply uploaded into the Arduino and this provides the AOS system that the test software app relies upon
The Test software app is a directory of files and should be copied in it entirety into the Test directory on the Pi. Sorry if there has been any confusion over getting these updates however if anybody has trouble then get in touch and I will sort if out for you.
silverfox0786
Beware the Hillman
porchy said:
now that would be awesome
can you join the guthub and ill give you upload access so you can upload them too
cheers
silverfox0786
Beware the Hillman
porchy said:
that would be perfect too. i will add them to github once you release them so everyone else can grab them too
Had a few problems making the update software work on the website. As of tomorrow it should all be fixed so apologies to anyone thats had issues updating their testers.
Also remember that Im still taking orders for the next batch of Mark 2 testers and also continuing to build the last batch plus do updates etc. Lot of hours getting poured into this recently.
Also remember that Im still taking orders for the next batch of Mark 2 testers and also continuing to build the last batch plus do updates etc. Lot of hours getting poured into this recently.
Iv had a few issues getting power supplies recently so just letting guys know that are waiting on testers that this should be resolved soon and your testers will be shipped as quick as possible. Sorry for the delays.
On another note, I have started work on a full Z80 emulator. Although very much in design stage at the moment, the features Im hoping it will do are as follows. (This will work both on Mark 1 and 2 testers)
1) Allow a Z80 game board to run the original game code and operate as normal but have a facility to stop the game at any point and then allow the tester to interogate the board as normal.
2) To slow down the game operation and pause it as required
3) To single step the code and dissassemble it on screen
No doubt once I get my teeth into it more features will appear but Im determined to get these features working. Once I get it working then other processors will be supported too.
Keep an eye out on the website for updates on this plus more as im multitasking on lots of things atm lol
Of course if anybody has questions regarding any of what Im up to then you can get in touch with me direct as always.
Thanks
Mark
On another note, I have started work on a full Z80 emulator. Although very much in design stage at the moment, the features Im hoping it will do are as follows. (This will work both on Mark 1 and 2 testers)
1) Allow a Z80 game board to run the original game code and operate as normal but have a facility to stop the game at any point and then allow the tester to interogate the board as normal.
2) To slow down the game operation and pause it as required
3) To single step the code and dissassemble it on screen
No doubt once I get my teeth into it more features will appear but Im determined to get these features working. Once I get it working then other processors will be supported too.
Keep an eye out on the website for updates on this plus more as im multitasking on lots of things atm lol
Of course if anybody has questions regarding any of what Im up to then you can get in touch with me direct as always.
Thanks
Mark
Very interesting update Mark
Just wanted to say thanks to Mark for sorting out my update issue
I spoke to you about the possibility of emulating a Nintendo 2A03, and thought I'd keep this info in this thread
I've previously come across this document here which indicates that the 2A03 is pretty much a 6502 with a different pinout. So I'm hoping it is do-able.
What I have noticed is the pinout does not seem to be the same as Nintendo Vs schematics I've looked at so we will probably need to have a further conversation about that
I hope this document helps
Cheers
Purity2016-10-26 14:54:37
I spoke to you about the possibility of emulating a Nintendo 2A03, and thought I'd keep this info in this thread
I've previously come across this document here which indicates that the 2A03 is pretty much a 6502 with a different pinout. So I'm hoping it is do-able.
What I have noticed is the pinout does not seem to be the same as Nintendo Vs schematics I've looked at so we will probably need to have a further conversation about that
I hope this document helps
Cheers
Purity2016-10-26 14:54:37
Ben it was no problem. As I always said I am available directly if anybody has any questions or issues with my testers.
The 2A03 is on my To do list and will be looked at once I free up some time. Sure I can make something work on this.
Thanks
The 2A03 is on my To do list and will be looked at once I free up some time. Sure I can make something work on this.
Thanks
Felt I had to make this post based on the recent and surprising news about Sarj.
Like most I was saddened by the news and wish to remain out of any issues surrounding this as my input on this forum is from a purely technical and collectors/interest point of view.
However as I have been linked with Sarj on this project of mine, I would like to say that everything is continuing as usual.
Sarj's help in setting up the website and handling the updates etc via it has been a great weight off my shoulders as I simply did not have the time or expertise in this area.
He has since decided to make adapter boards up based on the pin data I passed onto him. These are his boards and Im happy for this to be done as again it gives me more time to focus on the actual tester hardware and software which as ever is fully under my control. Any testers sold will ultimately be though me, its just there are two ways to obtain one. Via the website or via me direct as its me thats building and selling them at the end of the day. Support and updates are handled the same way unless its one of his boards or course.
Hopefully this will help clear up any confusion that may have arisen regarding the recent news.
On another note, I have now got another software update due which can calculate a boards memory map and also run an in depth RAM test. Will stick another amateurish video up showing this with my useless camera lol.
The mark 2 board has now been finalised and will be put out for manufacture soon so if anybody fancies one then get in touch.
I've also had some material issues which are now resolved so sorry to the couple of members still waiting for their testers. They should be getting finished over next week.
Thanks
Mark
Like most I was saddened by the news and wish to remain out of any issues surrounding this as my input on this forum is from a purely technical and collectors/interest point of view.
However as I have been linked with Sarj on this project of mine, I would like to say that everything is continuing as usual.
Sarj's help in setting up the website and handling the updates etc via it has been a great weight off my shoulders as I simply did not have the time or expertise in this area.
He has since decided to make adapter boards up based on the pin data I passed onto him. These are his boards and Im happy for this to be done as again it gives me more time to focus on the actual tester hardware and software which as ever is fully under my control. Any testers sold will ultimately be though me, its just there are two ways to obtain one. Via the website or via me direct as its me thats building and selling them at the end of the day. Support and updates are handled the same way unless its one of his boards or course.
Hopefully this will help clear up any confusion that may have arisen regarding the recent news.
On another note, I have now got another software update due which can calculate a boards memory map and also run an in depth RAM test. Will stick another amateurish video up showing this with my useless camera lol.
The mark 2 board has now been finalised and will be put out for manufacture soon so if anybody fancies one then get in touch.
I've also had some material issues which are now resolved so sorry to the couple of members still waiting for their testers. They should be getting finished over next week.
Thanks
Mark
Been busy recently with work but another tester is getting sent this week.
Also Im going to stick a few more videos up as made some changes and now can show a memory map function working plus the VRAM is enhanced so a full RAM test is now implemented using a command.
Another version of Arduino code is ready which corrects a bug in addresses plus also adds a few more features. As always this can be found on the website or direct from me.
The Arduino code that is lastest should be 2.30. Not on website just yet but will be in next day or so.
Also Im going to stick a few more videos up as made some changes and now can show a memory map function working plus the VRAM is enhanced so a full RAM test is now implemented using a command.
Another version of Arduino code is ready which corrects a bug in addresses plus also adds a few more features. As always this can be found on the website or direct from me.
The Arduino code that is lastest should be 2.30. Not on website just yet but will be in next day or so.
Going to upload some more videos tonight regarding testing memory and writing to memory since I have the ramtest function and memory map working fine now. New software is also available via website or me which corrects some bugs that I somehow missed
The Last Bandit
User
For those of us with limited space. Seeing as the AR81 is Linux based its possible to 'xhost' the GUI to another computer and control if from there (easier if its Linux but also possible with Windows).
Also setting up file sharing makes adding new device files a bit easier.
My monitor/TV also has picture-in-picture so it handy just to display what's going with the board under test, in this case bugger all
Also setting up file sharing makes adding new device files a bit easier.
My monitor/TV also has picture-in-picture so it handy just to display what's going with the board under test, in this case bugger all