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General Stuff(tm)

Blogs & guides and tales of woo by forum members.
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PhilC
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Re: General Stuff(tm)

Post by PhilC »

stephen_usher wrote: 10 Oct 2023 09:58 I need to work out how to read the VDP registers and the video RAM so as to read/write a bitmap image... Or just learn Noddy and sprite programming, or both.
The instructions for the VDP do seem pretty good. I might even give it a go at some point, just been speaking with Dave from the MTX forum about an MFX, so hopefully have that very soon.
If it ain't broke, test it to Destruction.
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stephen_usher
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Re: General Stuff(tm)

Post by stephen_usher »

PhilC wrote: 10 Oct 2023 10:02
stephen_usher wrote: 10 Oct 2023 09:58 I need to work out how to read the VDP registers and the video RAM so as to read/write a bitmap image... Or just learn Noddy and sprite programming, or both.
The instructions for the VDP do seem pretty good. I might even give it a go at some point, just been speaking with Dave from the MTX forum about an MFX, so hopefully have that very soon.
Yeah, the manual basically has a copy of the original Texas Instruments documentation.
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
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stephen_usher
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Re: General Stuff(tm)

Post by stephen_usher »

The Falcon and Jaguar are back in storage and the MTX512 back in the house. I can't be bothered to put stuff in the loft tonight.
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
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stephen_usher
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Re: General Stuff(tm)

Post by stephen_usher »

Oh, and I'm getting distracted by the Apple Mac IIci video to VGA... It needs a sync splitter so I'm thinking about making one using an LMH1980
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
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stephen_usher
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Re: General Stuff(tm)

Post by stephen_usher »

The Memotech MTX512 with MFX is out of storage and still works. Just running the original ROM based demo program.

Look at all those lovely colours... It's a pity that resolution is only 256x192 pixels.

IMG_3392.jpeg
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Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
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PhilC
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Re: General Stuff(tm)

Post by PhilC »

Hey, I didn’t know there was a rom based test program even.
If it ain't broke, test it to Destruction.
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: General Stuff(tm)

Post by rubber_jonnie »

stephen_usher wrote: 11 Oct 2023 19:00 The Memotech MTX512 with MFX is out of storage and still works. Just running the original ROM based demo program.

Look at all those lovely colours... It's a pity that resolution is only 256x192 pixels.


IMG_3392.jpeg
Video quality looks really nice.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
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stephen_usher
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Re: General Stuff(tm)

Post by stephen_usher »

PhilC wrote: 11 Oct 2023 19:07 Hey, I didn’t know there was a rom based test program even.
This is actually loaded from "disk", but it's a copy or the original promotional ROM Memotech gave to retailers and used at shows.
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
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PhilC
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Re: General Stuff(tm)

Post by PhilC »

stephen_usher wrote: 11 Oct 2023 19:14
PhilC wrote: 11 Oct 2023 19:07 Hey, I didn’t know there was a rom based test program even.
This is actually loaded from "disk", but it's a copy or the original promotional ROM Memotech gave to retailers and used at shows.
Ah ok fair enough. I’m quite looking forward to playing with the MFX when it arrives and getting to know this MTX after wanting one for 40 years
If it ain't broke, test it to Destruction.
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stephen_usher
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Re: General Stuff(tm)

Post by stephen_usher »

rubber_jonnie wrote: 11 Oct 2023 19:08 Video quality looks really nice.
Yeah, it's the MFX emulating the TI VDP chip (snooping the bus for reads/writes to the original chip) and outputting to a VGA port at normal VGA refresh rates. The MFX can also emulate the original 80 column card for use with CP/M.

My MTX500 now has a board under the VDP which outputs to RGB, which looks just as good.
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.

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