MiSTer: FPGA Amiga + loads more

[Anubis]

Originally Posted by NovaCoder

Some interesting developments in the MiSTer space

Looks like we will get a hybrid FPGA option soon which will eventually deliver a fast 040 (possibly with an MMU).

MiSTer may yet turn out it be the fastest FPGA Amiga

For those that don't know the hybrid approach means using the ARM CPU to pretend to be a 68K and the FPGA to simulate the classic chipset.

That sounds exciting.

I really wish they rather support IPF images, but this is cool with me as well.

Does this means I will have to have an RPi pretend to be an accelerator for the Amiga? I am looking at ordering parts to build MT32pi, as they don't have one that is completed for a while now on sale.

[Fuzzball]

I already have a Anker 5 port USB charger sitting on my desk where the Mister FPGA will be sitting. Reading the bottom of it, it says the output is 5V (more than 2A). Would this mean I could get a USB to DC cable and just use this?

A cable like this one that has the right size jack (5.5 x 2.1) and is 5V.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/BERLS-Unive...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

The USB charger has these ratings:

Input: AC100-240V~1.7A 50-60hz
PowerIQ Output: 5V=6A(2.4A Max Per Port)
USB PD Output: 5V=3A/9V=3A?15V=2A/20V=1.5A

[MickGyver]

Originally Posted by Anubis

That sounds exciting.

I really wish they rather support IPF images, but this is cool with me as well.

Does this means I will have to have an RPi pretend to be an accelerator for the Amiga? I am looking at ordering parts to build MT32pi, as they don't have one that is completed for a while now on sale.

The hybrid emulation being worked on uses the the ARM processor on the Cyclone chip so no extra hardware is needed (except sdram as usual).

Originally Posted by Fuzzball

I already have a Anker 5 port USB charger sitting on my desk where the Mister FPGA will be sitting. Reading the bottom of it, it says the output is 5V (more than 2A). Would this mean I could get a USB to DC cable and just use this?

A cable like this one that has the right size jack (5.5 x 2.1) and is 5V.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/BERLS-Unive...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

The USB charger has these ratings:

Input: AC100-240V~1.7A 50-60hz
PowerIQ Output: 5V=6A(2.4A Max Per Port)
USB PD Output: 5V=3A/9V=3A?15V=2A/20V=1.5A

Yes, just ensure that the polarity of the barrel plug is correct (center positive).

[Fuzzball]

Thanks. The one I linked says positive center in the description so looks good to go. This is a better solution for me as I don't have a spare plug socket at the moment at the desk this would be sitting on.

[daxb]

Originally Posted by MickGyver

Yes,

Does that mean Mister don't need constant 5V and will compensate/regulate voltage peaks?

[NovaCoder]

Personally I wouldn't risk it, better to go with a decent PS like this https://misterfpga.co.uk/product/mis...-power-supply/

[MickGyver]

Originally Posted by daxb

Does that mean Mister don't need constant 5V and will compensate/regulate voltage peaks?

Of course it needs a constant 5V, I just know that people have used similar Anker chargers to power the MiSTer. I don't know how "clean" the output is from those, personally I haven't had any problems powering Raspberry Pies etc. with 2A+ phone chargers.

I would however also go with the original 2A supply or the Mean Well one that NovaCoder mentioned. The DE10-Nano is quite expensive.

[ubermick]

Originally Posted by MickGyver

The DE10-Nano is quite expensive.

True, but now we live in a mental world where bog stock A1200s are going for £400/$700 and up. If the lads working on the Minimig AGA core can take it beyond replicating the 020 and even get to 030, it’s a game changer.

[NovaCoder]

Originally Posted by ubermick

True, but now we live in a mental world where bog stock A1200s are going for £400/$700 and up. If the lads working on the Minimig AGA core can take it beyond replicating the 020 and even get to 030, it’s a game changer.

They are currently working on an 040 with an FPU and MMU

[MickGyver]

Originally Posted by ubermick

True, but now we live in a mental world where bog stock A1200s are going for £400/$700 and up. If the lads working on the Minimig AGA core can take it beyond replicating the 020 and even get to 030, it’s a game changer.

Yes, of course, the MiSTer has tremendous value for the money! It's the best thing that has happened to emulation in my opinion. I just meant it's too expensive to risk damaging it with a bad power supply.

[Anubis]

As I mentioned before, I joined MiSTer crowd, wanted to test it and compare it to other emulation options.

So far only downside is that it does not support IPF images, everything else seems to work flawlessly.



I've setup ClassicWB Advanced desktop, with shared folder, 500MB for System drive (default from ClassicWB) and 4GB games drive. It works much better than my A1200. I will most likely not use A1200 until they make PiStorm for a1200.

I have only problem with ClassicWB + shared folder - it does not show correctly on WB, but DirOpus reads it just fine and I can access it from shell.

Next project once I get time (summer) will be to make (or purchase) MT32-pi.

Originally Posted by MickGyver

The hybrid emulation being worked on uses the the ARM processor on the Cyclone chip so no extra hardware is needed (except sdram as usual).

That is great news. I did not look too much in config (only setup couple of configurations from GUI) - I assume in config file I can allocate more memory to MInimig then default from GUI.

[ubermick]

The irony about those of us craving a faster processor I suppose is that what Minimig does now - on 020 with sausage Mhz - is more than enough for... well, more or less everything 99.9999% of Amiga owners would want.

Still tho... gimme gimme gimme!

[dreadnought]

I don't care about the extra speed, and never even tried to setup the RTG. But, sure, many people seem interested so why not.

[NovaCoder]

Check this out, fast 68K CPU emulation using an ARM CPU including an FPU and MMU 040 + the classic chipset recreated in an FPGA... lovely stuff

Great times!

[talybont]

Originally Posted by NovaCoder

Check this out, fast 68K CPU emulation using an ARM CPU including an FPU and MMU 040 + the classic chipset recreated in an FPGA... lovely stuff

Great times!

Is this MiSTer or something else?

[NovaCoder]

Originally Posted by talybont

Is this MiSTer or something else?

Of course, this is a MiSTer FPGA thread

[Anubis]

That looks promising. Is there a way to test this?

I hope they add more options for fast memory on minimig. 2, 4, 8 , 256 is quite a jump. I hope they include option for 16MB and 32MB. (64 and 128 would be nice as well)

I just learned that slow ram uses SDRAM card, while fast RAM works off main board, so you can have up to 512MB fast ram in minimig core.

[NovaCoder]

Originally Posted by Anubis

That looks promising. Is there a way to test this?

I hope they add more options for fast memory on minimig. 2, 4, 8 , 256 is quite a jump. I hope they include option for 16MB and 32MB. (64 and 128 would be nice as well)

I just learned that slow ram uses SDRAM card, while fast RAM works off main board, so you can have up to 512MB fast ram in minimig core.

It's still very early but they are getting close to the first beta release

[Anubis]

While we are on topic of MiSTer FPGA and minimig core, I need to look on how to install and enable RTG.

If everything works great, I might end up with 2 setups, one with ClassicWB Advance (Or downgrade to full) and P96.

Did anyone try ClassicWB P96 on minimig??

Is it possible from minimig to use second SD-micro card for HD? (can't find documentation on this)

I am also having trouble with ZX Spectrum core. I got bios.rom and I got 128 menu, but when I load game it just does not work correctly. WIll have to look into that bit more.

So far I've checked NES, SNES, SMS, GB, Genesis/MD and TG16(also CD) cores and everything works great. I did also check GBA and to my surprise, GBA core has also save state. (and does not require SDRAM)

[Anubis]

For those interested in MiSTer FPGA - there is a good deal @ Amazon to get all IO Board, 7 port USB board, memory and RTC - all with needed power Y cord and USB jumper for 57.54 USD + 15 bucks for shipping.

https://www.amazon.com/Manual-Weldin...0239699&sr=8-6