The MSX2 allows for two easy and significant hardware modifications.
- Literally stacking memory chips to expand VRAM.
- Disconnecting the wait function (pin) that slows down the CPU, for compatibility with MSX1.
I would like to experiment with these features in MSXpen. MSX2 unhinged.
I have not tried such modifications. Articles about the exact implementation can be found on the web.
A 10% faster CPU (4Mhz) and 64Kb more VRAM is an interesting situation.
At face value my request is more of the same of what is available:
- the possibility to adjust the speed (*1.1)
- more plain VRAM (total: 192Kb)
Documentation is sparse. The VRAM upgrade might be more complicated, which limits use cases.
Only one 192Kb MSX2 was produced in Japan for subtitling. I can find no serious exploration of the options.
A third change to MSXpen might be stereo. Some machines had a switch on the back to split the PCM sound channels (3) to left, center, right (or another combi). Worth it? I think it's an interesting option. Depending on the applied sound chip, schematics for mods can be found.
Overshadowed by the emerging 16 bit machines, I thought as a kid: the thing still has quirky potential. Forty years after release I would like to add a nice contribution, maxing out on that latent potency. What if?
I hope that we share an enthusiasm to make shine what was just under the surface.
The MSX2 allows for two easy and significant hardware modifications.
I would like to experiment with these features in MSXpen. MSX2 unhinged.
I have not tried such modifications. Articles about the exact implementation can be found on the web.
A 10% faster CPU (4Mhz) and 64Kb more VRAM is an interesting situation.
At face value my request is more of the same of what is available:
Documentation is sparse. The VRAM upgrade might be more complicated, which limits use cases.
Only one 192Kb MSX2 was produced in Japan for subtitling. I can find no serious exploration of the options.
A third change to MSXpen might be stereo. Some machines had a switch on the back to split the PCM sound channels (3) to left, center, right (or another combi). Worth it? I think it's an interesting option. Depending on the applied sound chip, schematics for mods can be found.
Overshadowed by the emerging 16 bit machines, I thought as a kid: the thing still has quirky potential. Forty years after release I would like to add a nice contribution, maxing out on that latent potency. What if?
I hope that we share an enthusiasm to make shine what was just under the surface.