FMPAC question

Master (246)

27-03-2021, 20:58

Today I took some time to clean out my MSX collection and while checking the Pana FMPAC I ran in to a strange situation.
When I use an MSX Music disk that can use FM-PAC or MSX-Audio (banaanFM), the music disk makes no sound when I choose: FM-PAC. When I type _FMPAC in basic, the FMPAC comes to life and proves that it still works.So why doesn't the Music disk, see and use the FMPac?

Anyone got a clue?

By Meits

Scribe (6352)

27-03-2021, 21:18

Do you have MSX-Audio inserted as well, and do you hear that? If so, check if you can see files on the disk. What's the extension used by the music files?
MBM is Moonblaster: Both chips can be supported (but only if the coder decided to do so)
MUS is FAC Soundtracker: Both chips are supported, but not at the same time. If you want to hear FM-PAC be sure to get the MSX-Audio out.

I never heard of banaanFM. Could it be Flying Bytes' Bananenvla, with a music menu with a dude with a somewhat particular arm?

By Grauw

Ascended (9762)

27-03-2021, 21:45

The original FM-PAC I/O ports need to be enabled before use. In Europe, a lot of clones were available whose I/O is always enabled. Not everybody knew about having to enable the I/O ports, and if they didn’t test properly with an original FM-PAC they would not find out. This music disk seems to be one where this is the case.

Calling _MUSIC in MSX-BASIC manually will enable the I/O ports, so if you do this before starting the music disk you should be able to listen to it.

By rolandve

Master (246)

27-03-2021, 21:54

@Meits, it's flying bytes Bananenvla. The Philips module works perfectly fine and its not in the machine when I test the FM-PAC. @Grauw, thanks, that would explain.

By Meits

Scribe (6352)

27-03-2021, 22:05

Ah ok... with music module out fm-pac should be audible... I guess Flying Bytes made a little mistake