Coin-Op Collection
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Coin-Op Collection Presents: Technos16 and more...
🕑 Added 2025-01-24 18:03:11 +0000 UTCOur first release of 2025 is here! I hope you all enjoy the Technos16 cores. Before diving into the update, please make sure to read the instructions for Technos16.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been working on creating standardized templates from the initial ports of Armed Police Batrider and WWF WrestleFest for our new "game core" framework by Pramod.
In my last post, I briefly discussed our framework, tools, and that we were in the process of porting the Technos16 cores to MiSTerFPGA. Today, I’m excited to announce that our K3 (Koin3) framework is now up and running on MiSTerFPGA!
We are currently adding modules to the K3 framework template and tailoring it to our specific needs. At the moment, Pramod is validating xsd64 (our proprietary SDRAM controller) and the ez68k module, which interfaces with fx68k.
Meanwhile, I’m focused on modifying and creating modules for inputs (mouse-relative, mouse-absolute, keyboard, trackball, rotary controls, etc.), audio mixing, and writing a new scandoubler.
Key Features of the xsd64 and ez68k Modules
xsd64
A variable burst-based controller capable of handling large data transfers to and from SDRAM
Designed for use cases requiring efficient clearing or reading of large amounts of data from VRAM
Supports 128MB addressing, up to 256MB of storage, and dual SDRAM configurations
ez68k
Abstracts core operations of fx68k, such as DTACK, clock generation, interrupts, and bus handling, away from the user
GUI-configurable, simplifying address bus integration and management
K3 Framework Features
Our K3 framework integrates standard options that were frequently requested and is fully compatible with the MiSTer template, allowing for seamless updates to the sys directory via simple drag-and-drop functionality.
Additionally, previously released Coin-Op Collection cores will be ported to Koin3 with significant improvements and enhancements.
MiSTerFPGA Standardized Options
Aspect Ratio, Crop/Scale options, including 5x Crop support
DV1 support for Retrotink 4K CE/PRO
18-bit/24-bit analog I/O board support
Y/C out support for S-Video (Y/C) and Composite (CVSB)
K3 Standardized Options
Analog H/V positioning for precise CRT display alignment
Analog Sync Pulse adjustments to resolve "flagging" issues on CRT displays
NTSC Refresh Rate toggle, forcing the core to output 15.73 kHz/59.4 Hz
FM, BGM, FX audio toggles with independent gain adjustments
Customizable video timing Verilog module for enhanced flexibility
Future K3 Standardized Options
Cheat support for ROM/MEM addresses via a Verilog module
Integrated Hi-Score saving
Lagless flip screen support for both vertical and horizontal displays
Additional feature announcements coming soon...
Once the K3 template is finalized, we plan to open-source the Technos16 and Tecmo16 cores as examples, accompanied by detailed tutorials. Existing public cores that have been ported to the framework will also be released publicly. However, new cores will continue to follow the licensing method we implemented in September 2024.
Our goal with K3 is to prioritize portability and development, ensuring support for upcoming devices while maintaining compatibility with MiSTer if possible.
We've decided to focus on this throughout Q1, before resuming development on Midway. Moving forward, each core will be its own standalone release as we transition away from multi-game cores. We currently have over ten games planned for release on MiSTer, this does not include the completion of the Toaplan2.
Now on to Technos16...
Technos16 Information
As with the Analogue Pocket versions, this release will require ROM assembly. To make the process as seamless as possible, I’ve provided a directory structure in the release package. Follow the instructions below:
ROM Assembly Directions (Windows)
Install Python (if needed)
Download and install the latest version of Python (version 3.x).
Note: Do not use Python 2.x.
Extract the Package
Unzip the provided package to a folder on your computer.
Prepare ROM Files
Place the required ROM zip files in the root folder (Technos16_Assembler) of the extracted package.
Ensure these files are in MAME-merged set format.
Run Batch Files in Order
Start by running the assembly batch file:
ctribe_rom_assembly.bat (for the first ROM set).Then, execute the corresponding generation batch file:
ctribe_rom_generation.bat.Repeat this process for the remaining ROM sets by running their respective generation batch files:
ddragon3_rom_generation.bat
wwfwfest_rom_generation.bat
Transfer Output
After executing all batch files, copy the contents of the output directory to the games/mame folder on your SD card.
Question: Why do I have to assemble ROM files?
Answer: This is due to RLE compression. This reorders the bits after decompression done on hardware. For a more detailed explanation, see here.
Question: Why do I have to repack the ctribe ROM sets?
Answer: Repacking reorders the bits after hardware decompression and requires an additional length parameter that isn’t handled during MRA generation. The 28j17-0.105 ROM is a hex file padded with 00. Unlike ddragon3, I couldn’t incorporate it into the build MRA files.
Our next update is just a few weeks away, featuring a new core along with additional improvements to Technos16 and an introduction to Raizing.
I’ve already begun working on Toaplan2, while Pramod is wrapping up validation for the next phase of Koin3. The custom SH2 used in Capcom CPS3 hardware donated by Jose Cruz has been decapped and imaged. I'd like to thank him for the donation as our previous SH2 cracked during delayering. Stay tuned!
Updated:
If you experience issues with the WWF WrestleFest alts, redownload the zip file for today's release.
Disclaimer:
All product names, trademarks, and registered trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. "Analogue," "Analogue Pocket," "MiSTerFPGA," "MiSTer", "Capcom," "Midway," "Technos," "Tecmo," "Toaplan," "Raizing," and all derivative works are trademarks, registered trademarks, or copyrighted materials of their respective holders. Use of these names does not imply endorsement or association with this post. All rights reserved to their respective owners. This post is for educational and research purposes only.
Comments
Miguel Tobon
Nice work and thanks to put it in mister too. Just I got some kind of flickering or blinking when I tried to use the scanlines filters, I assume is that something that will be fixed in an afterwards release, right?
atrac17
Issue was the monitor frequency not being able to resolve 57Hz. Set vsync_adjust=0.
Roberto Lari
Just asking...
atrac17
Is this over HDMI? Send a direct message and I will attempt to help you troubleshoot.
Edson Souza
Got it, it works! Thanks!
atrac17
You are skipping a step. The 105 file needs to be extracted and added to any merged set after 245 is fine. Double click the 00 batch file.
Edson Souza
Hey guys, thanks for the great work. Can you tell me what version of MAME-merged set works for the ctribe.zip? I have tested a lot of versions, but get some errors of missing files on the zip when I try to assemble the rom, and the game runs with graphical glitches. Double Dragon 3 and WWF WrestleFest works great. Thanks again.
태근 박
Thank you so much for sharing. I am writing to ask for your opinion because I have a problem. After the logo screen appears, the sound continues, but a signal error occurs right away and the screen does not appear. Other cores are working normally. What could be the problem?
Kent Pendragon
Bravo, thanks! Straight up awesome to get new arcade cores for MiSTer. Incredible work you're all doing! Go COC, go!
Fabricio
Thank you! Is this going to be available with update_all at some point?
Tymour Azzam
Thanks a lot for The Combatribes !
Tony Vo
Thx
Frank McDonald
FYI: I had a few issues with my Python Install. for anyone struggling to get it to work. both of these solved it for me. https://stackoverflow.com/questions/65348890/python-was-not-found-run-without-arguments-to-install-from-the-microsoft-store https://stackoverflow.com/questions/17953124/python-is-not-recognized-as-an-internal-or-external-command
atrac17
Already out on pocket...
Tony Vo
Is it on pocket as well?
atrac17
Makes sense, I forgot I zipped them together. I'll edit it!
Frank McDonald
"3. Prepare ROM Files: Place the required ROM zip files in the root folder." took a bit of trial and error to realise this step was putting the roms in the "Technos16_Assembler" folder.
Frank McDonald
😂
80's spaceman
too late
80's spaceman
Hail Pramod, Hail Atrac17, Hail Darren, Hail Capcom, Hail Toapan, Hail Tecnos
atrac17
Friday after next.
80's spaceman
Respect to get your own framework out. Now if you quickly release the CPS3 by say the next friday it will be like building the Rome in one day.
Dr. Manga
Thank you very much and I think you've made the right move to put all this awesome core on MiSTer. Again, thank you very much.
Sanborn
Does Koin3 allow for midway games like MK1 to come to Mister now?
Alexander Upton
Awesome, thank you!
