MiSTer and FPGA

The new version of the RGB PCB has arrived, along with the updated design for the composite output for Space Zap and I have assembled one and connected it up to my Amiga monitor.

It now has potentiometers to allow the signal levels for Sync and Video to be adjusted to work nicely with your monitor. The original one, once patched to work properly, was way too bright on my screen, but this one now allows it to be adjusted for correct shades.

I still need to do a little more testing and finalise an updated Space Zap image (for the one person so far with a Space Zap version of the board and a monochrome monitor)

From the next batch all PCBs supplied will have the new 2.4 version included.

An attempt was made to put the Astrocade interface into a Space Zap cabinet sporting a monochrome monitor. It didn’t work so I began investigating exactly what the problem was.

It seems I misread the MiSTer IO schematic, and put a GND where a vertical sync should be, so it was not actually passing the sync to the output. I also made a change from the original colour gun used as it meant that it would then be possible to save one IC on the main PCB when using this configuration.

So, lesson learnt. I have now re-created the RGB board so composite output should work correctly with the available signals. I also added a couple of potentiometers to control the levels (since it is way too bright on my Amiga monitor via CVBS)

So, I will get some of these ordered so that I can test it and make sure it works as it should.

Wizard of Wor has finally been tested!

Almost a year after I did the original image for this game, it has been fitted to a cabinet and I’m pleased to say that after some minor problems the image has been updated and works as it should.

Had a request for a change, which may also make sense for Gorf – The option to set how many lives each player begins with when the machine is set to Freeplay. I will look into this when I get a chance.

If you have been keeping up with the MiSTer forums, you will know that there are now at least two DE10-Nano clones being produced, with one, the QMTECH version being available now, and another one due soon.

The one pictured is the QMTech version, and this one has the 128Mb SDRAM fitted direct to the rear of the PCB (rather than plugged onto GPIO_0). This has the advantage that it passes ram tests at 160Mhz.

It also comes in at a much cheaper price than the official DE10-Nano board. I purchased this one with delivery and taxes for £133. (Official DE10-Nano + 128Mb SDRAM module would be around £290)

So, the big question is does it work with the Astrocade interface ?

The answer is … Yes, it does. I connected it up to my interface and everything appears to work as intended. The OTG USB socket is a normal type A socket, rather than the mini-USB, so you need a different lead to connect it up.

The MiSTer image for Gorf using the Astrocade interface has been updated.

For those of you running them in an arcade environment where customers have to put money in, it will now accept coins from both coin slots (with separate options in the DIP settings)

In addition, the SLAM will now work, so if someone shakes that cab hard enough, then the game will reset.

Finally, the test switch on the sound board should work, as well as the service option in the DIP settings.

Late addition, coins and start buttons should now work immediately and not need the player 1 joystick moved first.

Get it from the usual place (over here)

I’ve updated the bill of materials for the Astrocade interface a little. Two items have been changed to have better descriptions and where people have let me know part numbers from Mouser or Digikey I have added them on.