[GUIDE/INFO] Flash Carts, ODE, and more!

[Ziggy]

New naming scheme coming for Krikzz's flash carts...

Mega-X7 (formerly the Mega Everdrive)
Mega-X5 (replaces the Everdrive MD)
Mega-X3 (new budget version - $49 !)

I'm guessing his flash carts for other consoles will follow suite, I noticed that the new GBA cart is called the X5. So, I'm guessing that the X5 will be the standard or middle tier version of a line of flash carts, the X7 will be the beefed up version with features that not everyone cares to pay extra money for, and the X3 will be the budget version.

This is much less confusion than version numbers. For example, he has the Everdrive 64 v2.5 and v3.0. The v2.5 is the standard version and the v3.0 has added features (which makes it more expensive). But, without knowing that, one might assume it's just the older version of the same cart. So this new naming scheme is much welcomed.

However, that means I'll have to update a lot in the first post. I think I'll wait until he rolls out the new names officially before I update anything.

[Sarge]

Interesting. Pretty cool there's a bottom tier coming, although I do have to question how gimped those are going to be. Could end up being a version that doesn't use SD cards, but is like some of the older flash carts, direct-programmed through a USB port or something. Basically a repro flash cart like Infinite NES Lives sells.

[Ziggy]

Interesting. Pretty cool there's a bottom tier coming, although I do have to question how gimped those are going to be. Could end up being a version that doesn't use SD cards, but is like some of the older flash carts, direct-programmed through a USB port or something. Basically a repro flash cart like Infinite NES Lives sells.

I don't think every line of flash carts will have an X3 or X7, but that'll be the naming for them if they exist.

The Mega-X3 doesn't sound so gimped. And I just realized I forgot to post this link...

http://krikzz.com/forum/index.php?topic=5326.0

There's a table in the first post that shows the features between versions, but it's not loading for me right now. There's some info in that thread though. The Mega-X3 wont have the MegaKey and Sega CD RAM cart functions, it wont have a SMS pause button, and you have to press reset to save.

On the flip side, the X5 sounds like an improved version of the Everdrive MD without effecting the price. And the X7 is going to be the same as the current version of the Mega Everdrive, just rebranded.

[Sarge]

Ah, thanks for that. Seems pretty good for folks that are willing to jump through a few more hoops to play stuff from other regions.

Me, I just got a Mega Everdrive V2, so I'm set for a long time.

Actually, I hope he does some cheaper versions for other systems, too. $49 is getting into impulse-buy territory as far as flash carts go.

[Tanooki]

Wish that picture would load right now but it's stalling. I'm curious to see how it is tiered as I agree at $50 you're into the budget affordable area and even I'd be tempted to jump back into flash kits again around that level. $100 I'd only take seriously for GBA Everdrive if anything just because using GOOMBA Color I could run the entire gameboy 'any' library on one cart plus some of the best home grown Nintendo housed emulators made (PocketNES, Goomba/Color, PCE Advance, and the SMS/GG one too.)

[nightrnr]

Alright Ziggy, I have a rough draft of some disc emulators.
Let me know what you think.
Feel free to add or change things as needed, advice is welcome from others as well.

BTW, "ODE" might actually be "Optical Drive (not disc) Emulator", but whatever...

PSIO
ps-io.com

PSIO is a device that plugs into the expansion port in the back of original model PlayStation systems and allows the loading of games from SD cards. Only models 100x-750x with the Expansion port are currently compatible; for example, a 5501 model will work but a 9001 will not because it lacks the expansion port. This device plugs into the expansion port in the back and allows loading games from SD cards.
Reads from the following disc image types: iso, bin, and img.
(cue files must be converted to cu2, see site for details; also available for download):

Pro
-Officially Supports up to 32GB SDHC cards (and higher if reformated to FAT32)
-Loads from menu
-Cover Art option for each selected game
-Plays import images (standard pal/ntsc incompatitibilities, but even that can be overcome)
-Supports multi disc games (via text files, see manual for details)
-Limited cheat disc support (*see cons)
-CDDA / XA support via creating Cu2 files
-Disc drive will still function as normal

Con
-Disables Memory Card 2 port (although you can still copy to and from via the original playstation menu) --edit-- Memory card 2 seems to be fine now. Every firmware has its quirks .
-Not 100% compatible with all games, but improving and supported with firmware upgrades
-*Cheat Disc options disable music in games with CDDA / XA audio
-Requires a Switch board to function, which is not a beginner install (they can install it for you if you ship your board for a nominal fee)
-Currently does not support multi-cue image (must re-copy or rip as a single cue image)
-Currently not compatible with newer models (9001 models or PSONE systems); this may change in the future, but will be difficult to install

Rhea/Phoebe
https://gdemu.wordpress.com/

Rhea is an ODE (Optical Disc Emulator) for the model 1 Sega Saturn (usually oval button Saturns). This device replaces the CD-Rom drive of the Saturn with a board the reads from SD cards. This will only install in 20 pin Saturns and the system must be checked to verify compatibility.
https://gdemu.wordpress.com/details/saturn-details/
Reads from the following dsic image formats:
-CDI
-CCD+IMG+SUB
-MDS+MDF
-ISO (games with no audio tracks and homebrew)

I have had best luck with cdi.
It is recommended that you copy games to cdi's with Discjuggler version "V6.00.1400" checking these settings:
-Scan Gaps/Indexes
-R-W (CD+G)
-PQ
-RAW read


Firmware can be found here:
https://gdemu.wordpress.com/firmware/
Images must be in separate numbered folders...which brings us to and easy way to do that:
RMENU is the program that you want to use to set up your SD card and organize game selection. Find it in the links section:
https://gdemu.wordpress.com/links/

Pros
-Easy install
-99% compatibility (supported and actively updated firmware available)
-Region Patch via init file (for PAL and NTSC cross compatibility you need an additional mod, shown on the website)
-Button on Rhea board for cycling to next image (useful for Multi Disc Games)
-Support up to 32GB SD cards (reported compatible with higher capacity cards if reformatted to FAT32)

Cons
-You must give up your Disc drive
-Separate Windows based Menu program needed to setup SD card for game selection on startup
-Can be picky about disc images (convert to cdi if needed, most games should work without issue).
-Can be picky about SD cards (I use standard class 4 speed cards and have had no issue)

Phoebe is an ODE (Optical Disc Emulator) for the model 2 Sega Saturn (usually round button Saturns). This device replaces the CD-Rom drive of the Saturn with a board the reads from SD cards. It is functionally the same as the Rhea, but has to be configured to the exact Saturn board revision that you have (The creator can do this for you if you give him the right information. See this link for details:
https://gdemu.wordpress.com/details/saturn-details/
This will only install in 21 pin Saturns and the system must be checked to verify compatibility.

Pros/Cons same as Rhea (only additional quirk is knowing the right jumper settings on the Phoebe, which the creator will set for you depending on your system revision).

GDEMU
https://gdemu.wordpress.com/

GDEMU is an ODE (Optical Disc Emulator) for the Sega Dreamcast. This device replaces the GD-Rom drive of the Dreamcast with a board the reads from SD cards.
Reads from the following disc image formats: gdi, cdi, iso,
I have had best luck with gdi and cdi.

Firmware can be found here:
https://gdemu.wordpress.com/firmware/updating-gdemu/

Images must be in numbered folders and renamed "game" (save yourself trouble and let GDMENU do that).
GDMENU can organize your games for you and create a gamelist (long names compatible) to select from at boot. Find it in the links section:
https://gdemu.wordpress.com/links/

Pros
-Easy to install (connects directly to socket on main board)
-Supports up to 32GB SD cards (reported as compatible with higher if card if it is reformatted to FAT32)
-GDMENU available for selection of games via controller
-Cycle to next image via button on board (useful for multi-disc games)
-Almost Perfect Compatibility (I think there was a Basketball game that doesn't work)

Cons
-Can be picky about disc images (convert to cdi if needed, 99.99% of games should work).
-Can be picky about SD cards (I use standard class 4 speed cards and have had no issue)
-Separate windows program needed to set up menu to select games (a very minor complaint)
-You must give up the GD-ROM drive to use, so no playing of physical discs.
-Only works on Version 1 Dreamcast systems (look for the circled "1" on the bottom of the system)

USB-GDROM
http://3do-renovation.ru/USB-GDROM_Controller.htm

USB-GDROM is an ODE (Optical Disc Emulator) for the Dreamcast. This device replaces the GD-Rom drive of the Dreamcast with a board the reads from a USB port. It should be comaptible with any USB 2.0 compliant flash drive or HDD up to 2TB in capacity.
Reads from the following disc image formats: gdi, cdi, iso.

Firmware updates and info can be found on MNEMO's site.
Be aware that you will still need to contact him after installation for a file to be e-mailed to you before it functions properly (weird but whatever)

Pros
-Folders and Names can be anything
-Built in Menu
-High capacity storage options
-Auto Region Patch
-Disc change que function (only required for 1 game (D2) and cheat discs)
-Works with more Dreamcast models ( 0 and 1 )

Cons
-You must give up your disc drive to use
-You must be e-mailed a file to function
-Soldering required for Disc Swap feature
-Requires dismantling part of the GD-ROM drive to mount properly (simple enough really, but worth mentioning)

My pick for Dreamcast: while USB GDROM is technically superior, I prefer the GDEMU. The available GDMENU is more attractive (even showing disc art for some games). The simpler disc change option is also a plus.
MNEMO compares the 2 here:
http://3do-renovation.ru/comparation.htm
It is biased, of course, and most of the negatives of the GDEMU pointed out are trivial or not really even an issue (both are region free capable)

USB-3DO
http://3do-renovation.ru/How_to_buy.htm

USB-3DO is an ODE (Optical Disc Emulator) for the 3DO. This device replaces the CD-Rom drive of the 3DO with a board the reads from a USB port. There are different boards depending on what brand/model of 3DO system you have. I will cover the 3 most common systems.
Both the FZ-1 and the Goldstar are drop in, solder free options.
FZ-10 is the most difficult to install and requires a good deal of soldering. Not recommended for most gamers.
The FZ-10 is an internal USB (the cover hides the USB drive).
The FZ-1 can be ordered in either external or internal USB
The Goldstar only has the external USB option (leaves a pretty big gap without the CD tray, I cut a piece of cardboard with a usb hole to cover it properly, but someone with more skill could modify the CD tray to work as a more attractive USB port).

The USB for 3DO will only play iso images, so if you come across any bin images, you will have to convert them. I reccomend mounting the bin via image software (daemontools, for example) and using another program to copy as an iso.

Pros
-Easy to use.
-Simple Menu
-Long File Names Supported
-100% compatibility (minus a few Jpn games if using not using a Jpn system)
-Multi Disc support

Cons
-You must give up your disc drive to use
-External Options looks rough without the CD cover (although, you can always modify the old one and glue it back on)
-Must be e-mailed a file to function
-If you have an FZ-10 system, good luck on the install
-No bin support (but it's easy to convert to iso)

[jmbarnes101]

Are any of the Dreamcast or Saturn ones actually available anywhere?

[nightrnr]

USB-GDROM is available currently from the source.
GD-Emu, I believe the guy is taking a break from, but...
Phoebe orders should be up soon (like within the next week or few days).

Again, from the source, so check my links in the spoilers in my previous post.

I have successfully ordered from both of these guys, so I know they are obtainable with enough vigilence and patience.
Totally worth it, if you have the cash to burn (and maybe even if you don't).

[Ziggy]

Thanks, nightrnr! I'll add these to the first post soon.

[Jagosaurus]

I actually got a no-solder-required version of the WiiKey fusion for my GCN from badassconsoles.com -- his MegaDrive v4. He only makes them in very limited quantities - it took me almost a year to get mine - but it was a very easy screwdriver-only install.

I'm ashamed to say I haven't even used it yet though Not sure if I can just put in an SD and have it load or what.

Too many systems, too little time (kinda like how I'm supposed to try out my LynxSD and write up a review... )

That does look neat though I'm only seeing a $45 option?

I only have 228 people between me and a LynxSD. I'm hoping he doesn't fizzle out by then.

The $45 option requires soldering (I'm pretty sure), or if it doesn't it's a replacement for the drive entirely so you can't continue using your optical drive for legit games. The one I bought is like... $100ish I think, I forget it's been a while.

SainT seems gung-ho on LynxSD, and I was #50ish so he's pushing through pretty fast. He's said multiple times he doesn't forsee stopping making them any time soon, and he's even pretty sure he'll move on to Jaguar afterwards.

If he peters out before you get it, hit me up, there's a chance I'd part with mine (but not a good one )

Looks like he's moving on to the Jaguar SD cart now! Pretty exciting. The Jaguar has a large homebrew library that is only playable via SKUNK board or a Jaguar CD now. Also will be nice to play Towers II and Atari Karts without playing $100+


http://atariage.com/forums/topic/254003 ... dge/page-1#