MSX cartridge problem on Sony HB-75F

Supporter (8)

10-01-2022, 02:57

Hi,
this is my first post here so hello everybody and happy new year 2022,
I'm a newbie regarding MSX, I was more an ATARI ST guy until now.

So my problem sits with a Sony Hit Bit HB-75F, MSX 1, it was given with 2 working cartridges Pineapplin and Lone Runner.
The games are loading perfectly fine with the main top cartridge port. These old games are so hard to play !

I've bought 2 new cartridges Arkanoid 256k Rom Pack and 1985 Road Fighter with NO manuals but none of them start, it goes direct to the MSXBasic command line. I've tried both cartridge ports top and back, no start.
Contacts have been cleaned with IPA (not the beer !) Both are labeled MSX, I guess MSX version 1.

Do you have an idea or advice ? Maybe a RAM size issue ? The Hit Bit is 64kb RAM.
The Arkanoid cartridge opened shows a PCB from BAWARETH BS-03881X, as you can see on the pictures.
I'm familiar with command type OS and basic but I don't even know how to see the files in the CAT:\ cartridge directory.

Thanks in advance for any help.
Arno

By djh1697

Paragon (1635)

10-01-2022, 15:49

Possibly a fault with the cartridges, unlikely to be the computer, since other cartridges are working

By sdsnatcher73

Prophet (3216)

10-01-2022, 17:25

Try cleaning the contacts with a dishwashing sponge (those with a slight abrasive side). That usually helps for cartridges I get that don’t boot (but alas no always).

By Manuel

Ascended (18781)

10-01-2022, 22:53

The Arkanoid cartridge looks like a bootleg version... (Does someone know? In any case, it is not documented on Generation MSX.) I guess they mean 256kbit, as the game is 32kB (and that matches the EPROM indeed). Perhaps the EPROM got damaged?
That Konami game should run. I can't remember ever having seen a Konami cartridge not working. Try cleaning it again, and be a bit rougher.

Can you post more pictures of this Arkanoid cartridge?

By Grauw

Ascended (10578)

10-01-2022, 23:12

See e.g. Bawareth’s Eggerland release for a similar cartridge shell. They didn’t bootleg software in Saudi Arabia like they did in Korea, did they? So I think it’s licensed?

By Astuck

Supporter (8)

11-01-2022, 01:55

Thanks for these tips. So for you both games should work on this machine ?

How can I explore files in the cartridge ? Like the MS-DOS "dir" command ?

@Manuel : here's more pictures of the Arkanoid shell :
Cheers

By gdx

Enlighted (5485)

11-01-2022, 02:01

I think a hardware issue. Check /CS1, /CS2 and /CS12 signals of the computer. Your Arkanoid not use /CS2. I think it uses /CS12, not Pine Applin.

By sdsnatcher73

Prophet (3216)

11-01-2022, 03:59

There are no “files” on these cartridges. They are just binary data which are partly executable and partly data (graphics, texts, sound).

By Astuck

Supporter (8)

19-01-2022, 03:50

Hi guys, thanks for your advices !
I've finally solved the problem reflowing all the solder joints with flux and fresh solder, there were cold joints and non-conductive vias.

Intense cleaning of the pins, first with IPA, second with a very thin abbrasive wool,
the pins were back to a shinny gold color. And third, another IPA washing.

Both of the games are back ! OH YEAH !!

Arkanoid is one of my favorite, not because it's the first game I've ever played in my life on a computer in the 80's, but just because it's fun, eternal and so addictive.

Cheers
Astuck

By Manuel

Ascended (18781)

19-01-2022, 08:54

Great to hear that, enjoy! I hope you also cleaned the outside a bit.... that Arkanoid cart looks quite dirty.

By Astuck

Supporter (8)

24-01-2022, 18:15

"The gunk keeps the funk !"
James Jamerson