<![CDATA[Freeplaytech Forum - Software Development]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/ Sat, 30 May 2026 12:04:33 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Accessing memory over 0x200000]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5509 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:28:48 +0000 Ahchay]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5509
Works like a charm, but I'm bashing against compilers 2mib limit

Code:
tulink.exe -la -o ROADRUNNER.abs ngpc.lcf main.rel library.rel vgmplayer.rel spritemanager.rel title.rel player.rel road.rel roadrunner.rel
Toshiba Unified Linker (32) V2.0p
(C)Copyright TOSHIBA CORPORATION 1993-2009  All rights reserved

TULINK-Error-210: "far_const" at "0x200000" won't fit into configured memory
TULINK-Error-201: "far_code" enters unconfigured memory at "0x414F76"
TULINK-Error-201: "far_data" enters unconfigured memory at "0x417FDE"
make: *** [makefile:14: ROADRUNNER.ngp] Error 127

Is there a way I can push all of this boring graphical data into the 0x200000 to 0x3fffff range?

I can see how I could build a file containing the data and then just append it to the compiled .NGP file, and then figure out how to stream it back into the game - but that seems a lot of effort towards an uncertain goal at the moment

Link to a (sort of) playable version here - ahchay.com/NGPC/Play.html?ROMId=ROADRUNNER.ngp

Currently, I'm skipping every other frame in order to fit it into memory - honestly, it's probably good enough, but I'd like to have a crack at it before deciding whether to generate slightly more interesting landscapes]]>
Works like a charm, but I'm bashing against compilers 2mib limit

Code:
tulink.exe -la -o ROADRUNNER.abs ngpc.lcf main.rel library.rel vgmplayer.rel spritemanager.rel title.rel player.rel road.rel roadrunner.rel
Toshiba Unified Linker (32) V2.0p
(C)Copyright TOSHIBA CORPORATION 1993-2009  All rights reserved

TULINK-Error-210: "far_const" at "0x200000" won't fit into configured memory
TULINK-Error-201: "far_code" enters unconfigured memory at "0x414F76"
TULINK-Error-201: "far_data" enters unconfigured memory at "0x417FDE"
make: *** [makefile:14: ROADRUNNER.ngp] Error 127

Is there a way I can push all of this boring graphical data into the 0x200000 to 0x3fffff range?

I can see how I could build a file containing the data and then just append it to the compiled .NGP file, and then figure out how to stream it back into the game - but that seems a lot of effort towards an uncertain goal at the moment

Link to a (sort of) playable version here - ahchay.com/NGPC/Play.html?ROMId=ROADRUNNER.ngp

Currently, I'm skipping every other frame in order to fit it into memory - honestly, it's probably good enough, but I'd like to have a crack at it before deciding whether to generate slightly more interesting landscapes]]> <![CDATA[both ngpc don't switch on]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5505 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 18:51:45 +0000 sodthor]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5505 <![CDATA[What (if anything) are you all working on?]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5503 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 18:35:31 +0000 Ahchay]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5503
I don't think it'll be that extensive (i think their dev profiles are like half a page max) but i would like to shout out any other projects that might be coming along - anyone got anything on the boil?]]>
I don't think it'll be that extensive (i think their dev profiles are like half a page max) but i would like to shout out any other projects that might be coming along - anyone got anything on the boil?]]> <![CDATA[Framework v4?]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5502 Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:39:02 +0000 Ahchay]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5502
I've got a bunch of small improvements that I've used in my more recent projects, and of course there's winteriscoming's vgm driver

Would there be any interest in sorting out an update to the framework to bring it a little more up to date? Happy to collaborate of anyone has any ideas for input]]>
I've got a bunch of small improvements that I've used in my more recent projects, and of course there's winteriscoming's vgm driver

Would there be any interest in sorting out an update to the framework to bring it a little more up to date? Happy to collaborate of anyone has any ideas for input]]> <![CDATA[how to include backgrounds in my neogeo pocket color projects?]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5500 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 19:31:05 +0000 NeoGeoFreak2004]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5500 <![CDATA[Wav Music player for neogeo pocket?]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5498 Sun, 07 Sep 2025 13:41:47 +0000 NeoGeoFreak2004]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5498 <![CDATA[Neotile issue]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5497 Tue, 02 Sep 2025 18:21:21 +0000 NeoGeoFreak2004]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5497 Ps: one more question before I go. Can I create backgrounds with neotile? Thanks and have a great day.]]> Ps: one more question before I go. Can I create backgrounds with neotile? Thanks and have a great day.]]> <![CDATA[ID of cart based on size]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5495 Sun, 13 Jul 2025 16:57:58 +0000 KanedaFr]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5495
This was probably already shared but something bugged me so I looked at it myself.
=> Does the manufucter code is related to size or any size could be used with any manufacturer ?
Please correct me!!!

To read info about current ROM, BIOS first enable CFI
write 0xAA at 0x??5555
write 0x55 at 0x??2AAA
write 0x90 at 0x??5555

First read a 0x??0000 is manufacture code
- 0x98 -> Toshiba
- 0xEC -> Samsung
- 0xB0 -> Sharp

Read custom Id at 0x??0003
- byte should a value between 0x80 to 0x87

Read size at 0x??0001
- 0xAB -> 512K -> 10th block reserved for system (see BIOS 0x2EC0)
- 0x2C -> 1M -> 18th
- 0X2F -> 2M -> 34th

Read custom id at 0x??0002
- at 0x200000+ (lo ROM), this value should be the same for EACH block, else game will reset
- at 0x800000+ (hi ROM), if it's 1, it seems to enable developer mode, with auto watchdog clear, etc.... (see BIOS 0x1DC0)



Based on this, it seems there is no link between manufacturerID and sizeID]]>
This was probably already shared but something bugged me so I looked at it myself.
=> Does the manufucter code is related to size or any size could be used with any manufacturer ?
Please correct me!!!

To read info about current ROM, BIOS first enable CFI
write 0xAA at 0x??5555
write 0x55 at 0x??2AAA
write 0x90 at 0x??5555

First read a 0x??0000 is manufacture code
- 0x98 -> Toshiba
- 0xEC -> Samsung
- 0xB0 -> Sharp

Read custom Id at 0x??0003
- byte should a value between 0x80 to 0x87

Read size at 0x??0001
- 0xAB -> 512K -> 10th block reserved for system (see BIOS 0x2EC0)
- 0x2C -> 1M -> 18th
- 0X2F -> 2M -> 34th

Read custom id at 0x??0002
- at 0x200000+ (lo ROM), this value should be the same for EACH block, else game will reset
- at 0x800000+ (hi ROM), if it's 1, it seems to enable developer mode, with auto watchdog clear, etc.... (see BIOS 0x1DC0)



Based on this, it seems there is no link between manufacturerID and sizeID]]> <![CDATA[T9000 HL reg issue]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5494 Mon, 07 Jul 2025 10:47:57 +0000 KanedaFr]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5494

I had a method to print an integer which starts like this :

Code:
void VDP_printInteger(u8 planeId, u8 xpos, u8 ypos, u8 palId, u16 number, u8 length, u8 leading){
    u16 *vramAddr = SCROLL_PLANE_1; 

looking at the code produced, it sets HL to 0x9000, nothing wrong here

later on my game, I do a collide test

Code:
unsigned char testCollide( ){
if (collide)
    return1

return 0;
}

this will produce a LD L,1
nothing wrong here too


my problem is with this code

Code:
if (testCollide( ) == 1)
{
     doSomething();
}

it will produce a CP HL, 1
not a CP L, 1

if I call VDP_printInteger BEFORE testCollide, HL = 9001, and so the test is "wrong"


I solved the issue using adecl, to force cleaner use of register XWA, XBC, XDE and XHL.  but  what should be done to avoid that ?!
Unless using adecl on every function using HL (sic!), I see no way to avoid this.....

what is even worst is that another similar test, with same return type
if ( testCollideNPC() == 1)
works like a charm! 

I found a "fix" but I didn't find the reason so if anyone had an idea, let me know Smile

Note: I'm actually trying to export the asm of every C file, to see where the problem happens on other methods but -la doesn't since to work.....]]>

I had a method to print an integer which starts like this :

Code:
void VDP_printInteger(u8 planeId, u8 xpos, u8 ypos, u8 palId, u16 number, u8 length, u8 leading){
    u16 *vramAddr = SCROLL_PLANE_1; 

looking at the code produced, it sets HL to 0x9000, nothing wrong here

later on my game, I do a collide test

Code:
unsigned char testCollide( ){
if (collide)
    return1

return 0;
}

this will produce a LD L,1
nothing wrong here too


my problem is with this code

Code:
if (testCollide( ) == 1)
{
     doSomething();
}

it will produce a CP HL, 1
not a CP L, 1

if I call VDP_printInteger BEFORE testCollide, HL = 9001, and so the test is "wrong"


I solved the issue using adecl, to force cleaner use of register XWA, XBC, XDE and XHL.  but  what should be done to avoid that ?!
Unless using adecl on every function using HL (sic!), I see no way to avoid this.....

what is even worst is that another similar test, with same return type
if ( testCollideNPC() == 1)
works like a charm! 

I found a "fix" but I didn't find the reason so if anyone had an idea, let me know Smile

Note: I'm actually trying to export the asm of every C file, to see where the problem happens on other methods but -la doesn't since to work.....]]> <![CDATA[4000 vs 4001]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5493 Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:21:30 +0000 KanedaFr]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5493
4000 is the noise channel setup port
4001 is tone channel 1 to 3 setup port

vs 

4000 is the right channel setup port (noise, 1 to 3)
4001 is the left channel setup port (noise, 1 to 3)

Which one is correct? the last one, to allow stereo ?]]>
4000 is the noise channel setup port
4001 is tone channel 1 to 3 setup port

vs 

4000 is the right channel setup port (noise, 1 to 3)
4001 is the left channel setup port (noise, 1 to 3)

Which one is correct? the last one, to allow stereo ?]]> <![CDATA[K1GE upper palette ?!]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5492 Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:04:17 +0000 KanedaFr]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5492 Why did SNK add this feature ?

I see 3 possible reasons :

1/
To quickly add color to a game under development for the NGP classic.
But it seems to be overkill, no ?
From what I see, it's even easier to use K2GE only feature than K1GE upper. 
Of coure, you'll need to use twice more graphic assets.

2/ 
to avoid color and classic assets, and so large ROM 

3/
to allow studio to slowly move to NGPC while still releasing NGP classic compatible game


or perhaps I missed something....

I'm here to learn more Wink]]> Why did SNK add this feature ?

I see 3 possible reasons :

1/
To quickly add color to a game under development for the NGP classic.
But it seems to be overkill, no ?
From what I see, it's even easier to use K2GE only feature than K1GE upper. 
Of coure, you'll need to use twice more graphic assets.

2/ 
to avoid color and classic assets, and so large ROM 

3/
to allow studio to slowly move to NGPC while still releasing NGP classic compatible game


or perhaps I missed something....

I'm here to learn more Wink]]> <![CDATA[Stock sound engine]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5491 Thu, 03 Jul 2025 23:53:49 +0000 KanedaFr]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5491
Did anyone already try to use it ?
It's probably very basic but for a first try, it should be enough no ?]]>
Did anyone already try to use it ?
It's probably very basic but for a first try, it should be enough no ?]]> <![CDATA[How do I integrate the link cable into my projects?]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5490 Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:51:04 +0000 NeoGeoFreak2004]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5490 <![CDATA[Ahchay tutorials have moved]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5489 Thu, 03 Apr 2025 16:17:45 +0000 Ahchay]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5489

I notice that you guys sometimes point people towards my NGPC tutorial pages (thanks very much) so just to let you know that I'm mothballing the old wordpress site and have migrated all the NGPC tutorials to my main blog at:

ahchay.com/NGPC/

(and yes, the sound tutorials are still a mess)

I've also picked up one of my old projects - Defenderoids - it's been dormant for years, but there's the germ of a decent game in there - quick masto link for some screenshots

Chris Ahchay: "Doing some honest-to-goodness …" - Gamedev Mastodon]]>

I notice that you guys sometimes point people towards my NGPC tutorial pages (thanks very much) so just to let you know that I'm mothballing the old wordpress site and have migrated all the NGPC tutorials to my main blog at:

ahchay.com/NGPC/

(and yes, the sound tutorials are still a mess)

I've also picked up one of my old projects - Defenderoids - it's been dormant for years, but there's the germ of a decent game in there - quick masto link for some screenshots

Chris Ahchay: "Doing some honest-to-goodness …" - Gamedev Mastodon]]> <![CDATA[Basic questions that are ngpc dev related.]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5486 Thu, 13 Mar 2025 21:21:55 +0000 NeoGeoFreak2004]]> https://forum.freeplaytech.com/showthread.php?tid=5486 1. Is there a background lair & a sprite layer for the ngpc? If there is what is it called?
2. What’s the best way to make music for the ngpc? Should I make a chiptune variant of one of the songs from bejeweled 3 before making a original score?
3. Should I make the graphics simple for a tech demo? I want this to be the simplest thing to do but do you want me to make it simple or should I make it complex?
Thanks and have a great day everyone!]]> 1. Is there a background lair & a sprite layer for the ngpc? If there is what is it called?
2. What’s the best way to make music for the ngpc? Should I make a chiptune variant of one of the songs from bejeweled 3 before making a original score?
3. Should I make the graphics simple for a tech demo? I want this to be the simplest thing to do but do you want me to make it simple or should I make it complex?
Thanks and have a great day everyone!]]>