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Author Topic: New Minimig cores available  (Read 18471 times)

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Offline yaqube

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Re: New Minimig cores available
« Reply #59 on: September 05, 2008, 07:33:12 PM »
@everblue

1. Minimig outputs scandoubled video signal at 50Hz/31kHz in PAL and 60Hz/31kHz in NTSC. Most monitors detect this signal as 800x600 SVGA mode for PAL and 800x600 VGA mode for NTSC.

To be able to display scandoubled PAL video mode the monitor must be able to sync to 50Hz vertical frequency (most monitors cannot). I use EIZO monitors and they can sync.

There is also one important thing: to be able to see the Minimig display without horizontal scaling distortions (blured vertical bars or different width of the same letter displayed in different parts of the screen) the monitor must be able to set its sampling clock to 910 pixels per line. Only my old Eizo L568 can do this but the newer one (S1931) can't (956 is the low limit for the SVGA mode).

2. Scrolling is always smooth.

3. When you buy a new Minimig its PIC is preinstalled but I wouldn't expect it to have the current firmware release. You can always upgrade with null modem serial cable.
 

Offline Darrin

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Re: New Minimig cores available
« Reply #60 on: September 05, 2008, 07:46:21 PM »
Poster: Everblue  Posted: 2008/9/5 12:01:17

I am thining of buying a minimig... and I have some questions:

3. If I buy a minimig now, will I have to update the pic myself (with the serial cable and or that) or it will come pre-installed.[/quote]

Contact AmigaKit - I believe they are reflashing the PIC with the new hex file before shipping.
A2000, A3000, 2 x A1200T, A1200, A4000Tower & Mediator, CD32, VIC-20, C64, C128, C128D, PET 8032, Minimig & ARM, C-One, FPGA Arcade... and AmigaOne X1000.
 

Offline TheDaddy

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Re: New Minimig cores available
« Reply #61 on: September 05, 2008, 07:58:35 PM »
>>3. If I buy a minimig now...

Don't forget the enclosure for it! :-)
 

Offline Darrin

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Re: New Minimig cores available
« Reply #62 on: September 05, 2008, 08:11:37 PM »
@ Yacube,

Any chance of a 60Hz hacked PAL core option?  I know there we're problems with 1 or 2 programs, but it was stable on the whole.
A2000, A3000, 2 x A1200T, A1200, A4000Tower & Mediator, CD32, VIC-20, C64, C128, C128D, PET 8032, Minimig & ARM, C-One, FPGA Arcade... and AmigaOne X1000.
 

Offline Everblue

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Re: New Minimig cores available
« Reply #63 on: September 05, 2008, 08:47:15 PM »
So in other words, there is no guarantee that my LCD monitor will work with the minimig.... No good :( I dont want any nasty surprises!
 

Offline Darrin

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Re: New Minimig cores available
« Reply #64 on: September 05, 2008, 08:48:20 PM »
NTSC core will work.

When it doubt, go to the manufacturer's website and check the specs.
A2000, A3000, 2 x A1200T, A1200, A4000Tower & Mediator, CD32, VIC-20, C64, C128, C128D, PET 8032, Minimig & ARM, C-One, FPGA Arcade... and AmigaOne X1000.
 

Offline Darrin

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Re: New Minimig cores available
« Reply #65 on: September 05, 2008, 09:10:47 PM »
Just had a request for a location to download Tiny Bootloader.  Here's a link

http://www.etc.ugal.ro/cchiculita/software/picbootloader.htm
A2000, A3000, 2 x A1200T, A1200, A4000Tower & Mediator, CD32, VIC-20, C64, C128, C128D, PET 8032, Minimig & ARM, C-One, FPGA Arcade... and AmigaOne X1000.
 

Offline Everblue

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Re: New Minimig cores available
« Reply #66 on: September 05, 2008, 09:11:27 PM »
But if I ply PAL games in NTSC mode, wont that mean that the games will run faster than they should?

As for my monitor, its a Samsung Syncmaster 151s.
 

Offline yaqube

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Re: New Minimig cores available
« Reply #67 on: September 05, 2008, 09:33:56 PM »
@Everblue

According to Samsung Syncmaster 151s specs this monitor can sync from 50 to 75 Hz so you will be able to display scan doubled PAL mode on it. The scrolling will be smooth and games will run with normal speed.
 

Offline Darrin

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Re: New Minimig cores available
« Reply #68 on: September 05, 2008, 10:15:19 PM »
Quote
Poster: Everblue  Posted: 2008/9/5 15:11:27

But if I ply PAL games in NTSC mode, wont that mean that the games will run faster than they should?


True, there is a slight speedup.  I'm from the UK (PAL) and I moved to the USA (NTSC), but most of my own software was bought in Europe (PAL).  What is surprising, is how much of that PAL software is actually NTSC screen size because it was written for both markets.  Some games even have a PAL/NTSC screen size toggle built in.

I tested a lot of these games using a PAL core, NTSC core and a "hybrid".  Off the top of my head, the only game I actually recall that needed to be run in PAL to avoid clipping was Rodland.

Personally, I keep my real big box Amigas in PAL mode as I like to have the "larger" PAL native workbench displays.  It's not such a concern with the Minimig.

Anyway, it seems that you'll be fine using your monitor with the PAL core.  People need to make note of your monitor, it's a good one!  :-D
A2000, A3000, 2 x A1200T, A1200, A4000Tower & Mediator, CD32, VIC-20, C64, C128, C128D, PET 8032, Minimig & ARM, C-One, FPGA Arcade... and AmigaOne X1000.
 

Offline warpdesign

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Re: New Minimig cores available
« Reply #69 on: September 05, 2008, 11:17:45 PM »
What about using FAT32 instead of the old (1988) FAT16 ?

This way you could have 65536 files in root, and you wouldn't be limited to 4Gb SD cards...
 

Offline Hattig

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Re: New Minimig cores available
« Reply #70 on: September 06, 2008, 02:51:01 PM »
Ah, the minimig is looking tempting now! When I have some spare cash anyway. I presume it will work on my TV (it has VGA in).

Excellent work by the people that deserve the praise! What's on the list of existing problems to solve now? Hard file support? 14MHz 68k option (Gunship 2000 and other 3D games would run smoother)? Remaining bugs, if any?

Any images of the "interpolation" feature? Won't this blur sharp parts of the image, or is it done in a non-trivial manner, or like some of the more advanced smoothing functions in software emulators?
 

Offline Darrin

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Re: New Minimig cores available
« Reply #71 on: September 06, 2008, 04:04:51 PM »
Quote
Poster: Hattig  Posted: 2008/9/6 8:51:01

I presume it will work on my TV (it has VGA in).


Yes, but whether it will work with the PAL & NTSC cores or just the NTSC core is down to your TV.

Quote
What's on the list of existing problems to solve now? Hard file support? 14MHz 68k option (Gunship 2000 and other 3D games would run smoother)? Remaining bugs, if any?


A few games still have some bugs.  Menace is one where the ship's shield constantly run down which might be due to bad collision detection with teh background graphics.  The vast majority now seem to be running perfectly (as per my list).  Remember, some of the games on that list are still showing as "broken" simply because they haven't been retested using the new core/PIC update.

Quote
Any images of the "interpolation" feature? Won't this blur sharp parts of the image, or is it done in a non-trivial manner, or like some of the more advanced smoothing functions in software emulators?


Personally, I've never noticed anothing because I'm too busy trying to stay alive to examine the screen in any great detail.  :-D
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Offline Norway

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Re: New Minimig cores available
« Reply #72 on: September 06, 2008, 06:55:49 PM »
is there another way to update the pic, then via o modem? i only have usb on my pc laptop
 

Offline boing4000

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Re: New Minimig cores available
« Reply #73 on: September 06, 2008, 07:03:30 PM »
@yaqube

I just tried to compile the FPGA Core in ISE 9.2i (found it for download).
The core was compiled 100% without error (only a few warnings) but Minimig only show a black screen after loading the core.
Do you have any idea what it could be?
 

Offline Darrin

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Re: New Minimig cores available
« Reply #74 from previous page: September 06, 2008, 07:21:52 PM »
Quote
Poster: Norway  Posted: 2008/9/6 12:55:49

is there another way to update the pic, then via o modem? i only have usb on my pc laptop


FOUR ways:

#1:  Buy a replacement PIC with the update flashed on it.

#2:  Send your PIC to some kind soul who will flash it for you (the chip pops off easily).

#3:  Put Tiny Bootloader and the hex file onto a memory stick, take your Minimig, cable and stick to your friends house and ask him if you can use his PC for 5 minutes.

#4:  Buy a cheap USB to Serial port adapter (link below).

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1104139&CatId=447

I hope that helps.  :-)
A2000, A3000, 2 x A1200T, A1200, A4000Tower & Mediator, CD32, VIC-20, C64, C128, C128D, PET 8032, Minimig & ARM, C-One, FPGA Arcade... and AmigaOne X1000.