Getting started with making Sega Carts

[lewisbassett]

Hey,

I know alot of people here are experienced with electronics, so I have a few questions.

I want to get into EPROM programming, especially to make Megadrive cartridges.

So far, my understanding is:

1 - You use a EPROM programmer, which alows you to copy a BIN image onto a blank 16-bit eprom chip, or two 8-bit eprom chips (use evenOdd to split the files).

2 - You make a PCB that connects the address, data and control pins in the cartridge slot, onto the appropriate pins on the EPROM chip (information supplied with each individual chip).

3 - You solder your ROM chip onto the PCB, and it should run on the Megadrive.

So my questions are: what programmer do you use?
Do you need any adaptors, etc?
Do they allow you to write to any 16-bit chip, or is there a limited compatability?
Where can I get this gear? Is it expensive?
Are there any documents that could give me some more information?

I know there are alot of questions, and I really appreciate the help.

[oompa loompa]

what programmer do you use?

i use my own homemade, microcontroller based programmer that's used to program dips that are like 48 pins =D.

there are cheap programmers out there too, look at the willem programmer - very cheap, and it programs a lot of devices

Do you need any adaptors, etc?

depends on wht you're going to be programming. most programmers have a zif dip socket already. if you're going tobe programming packages that are in the plcc or tsop or whatever package, then you'll need an adapter

Do they allow you to write to any 16-bit chip, or is there a limited compatability?

depends on the programmer. before you buy a programmer, make sure you look at the specs, and what devices it programs

Where can I get this gear? Is it expensive?

i'd try looking up the willem programmer in google. there's a place called JDR microdevices that sells "okay" quality programmers too

Are there any documents that could give me some more information?

none that i've heard of ;P

[lewisbassett]

Are you still selling chips?

Would the willem programmer be able to program these?

For making the PCB, is it a simple case of matching pins, or will I need any other components to transform/alter any of the signals?

And what are PLCC or TSOP?

Thanks.

[jamy]

here's a link which explain how to make a kart (en français)

www.raphnet.net/electronique/genesis_cart/genesis_cart.php

[lewisbassett]

I already found this site in English.

The only real questions I have are: what voltage do the MROMs need to be? 5v? What about the access time?

[chaos89dotcom]

I sell cartridge pcb's for the Megadrive/Genesis.
With these boards, you can use a 27C200, 27C400, and the 27C800. With no modifications.
The programmer to use is the Willem Enhanced Programmer with the required 40/42 pin 16-bit adaptor.
The programmer and adaptor can be bought at:
www.mcumall.com
I have a bunch of these cartridge boards in storage.
My friend at RasterSoft is using one of these boards to test out his Frog Feast game for the Sega Genesis.

If your interested in these boards, e-mail me at:
[e-mail]

John

[lewisbassett]

I just bought one from you!

My email address is: metalix at sega-devega.net

I'm still waiting for that email

[chaos89dotcom]

Message sent!
Enjoy!