Commodore Amiga CD32 Faq
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Commodore Amiga CD32 Faq

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CD32 FAQ - HTML
Current Maintainer:
Official Web Site:
Mirror Site(s):
Last Updated: March 9th, 2000 - Version 1.0
Translations Available: French | Spanish | German | Portuguese | Italian
Introduction
CD+Gs/Karaoke CDs
The original CD32 FAQ Parts 1 and 2 stopped being updated late 1996. Interest in the CD32 and the
Amiga platform in general deteriorated between 1996 and 1998 so it made sense that the FAQ was 'as
done as it was going to get' and lay dormant for a couple of years. The late 1990's, however, recognized a
surge in classic gaming - arcade, console, and computer. Emulators have been written for nearly all
classic gaming outlets - including the great Amiga computer.
As PC compatible computers got faster (breaking 1Ghz and beyond shortly), it became quite feasable to
emulate the Amiga computer. Pretty well, too. Emulation has breathed new life into the Amiga and also
the CD32. Being an active and avid CD32 owner myself and seeing the rise in interest, I figured it might
be time to resurrect the CD32 FAQ and give it a much needed facelift and update for the 21st century.
The FAQ has been translated into HTML for a number of reasons. One, HTML is the language of the
Internet - and the Internet is where people are. Two, people expect to be able to navigate documents
quickly and easily. HTML allows for this. Three, we can add life to the FAQ with images and media.
This will help the beginners to the system see a real picture, and not just an ASCII drawing. Four, HTML
is universal. People emulating CD32 on an Amiga, PC, Mac, or BeOS can all see the FAQ the same.
There are many new areas to the FAQ, like PC emulation of the CD32. I understand that the die-hard
Amiga fans (I've been there, folks) might feel threatened or offended by this inclusion into 'an Amiga
FAQ'. Despite the evil ways of the PC (grin), emulation of the Amiga platform has really stirred an
interest. Many who have tried it emulated have decided to buy a real Amiga. Software is trading and
selling like it was the 'good ol' days'. The newsgroups are ALIVE. It seems only right to include the
emulation community within this updated 'new for the 21st century' FAQ. I hope I have your support.
file:///C|/sites/amigaemulation/cd32/CD32FAQ/CD32_FAQ_2000.htm (1 of 39) [3/9/2000 1:55:13 PM]
The Amiga CD32 FAQ 2000
Shane R. Monroe
http://www.amigaemulation.com/cd32
http://website.lineone.net/~cd32/

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INTRODUCTION

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Summary of Contents for Commodore Amiga CD32

  • Page 1: Table Of Contents

    CD32 FAQ - HTML The Amiga CD32 FAQ 2000 Current Maintainer: Shane R. Monroe Official Web Site: http://www.amigaemulation.com/cd32 Mirror Site(s): http://website.lineone.net/~cd32/ Last Updated: March 9th, 2000 - Version 1.0 Translations Available: French | Spanish | German | Portuguese | Italian...

  • Page 2: Technical Specifications

    CD32 FAQ - HTML I've been trying to update references and information as much as possible - delete dead information (like links and companies and 'Escom stuff'), offer new information, answer questions I've been seeing asked on the newsgroups and email. As always, I welcome ALL new information, corrections, etc. Email me here with this information.
  • Page 3 CD32 FAQ - HTML 330K/s. Custom controller based (not IDE or SCSI). Operating System Kickstart/AmigaDOS version 40.6, release 3.1. Customisations for CD32 specifics. Custom chipset AGA custom chipset from 4 chips. Chips are called Akiko, Alice, Lisa, Paula. See the Jargon List for what they do.

  • Page 4: Controllers

    CD32 FAQ - HTML All Amiga mice can be plugged into the CD32. Some games will be easier to control. Serial Link Connected to the Aux port, allows you to use the CD32 as an external CD-ROM drive for other computers. Return to the Table of Contents CONTROLLERS Q: What's the Competition Pro CD32 joypad like?

  • Page 5: Software

    CD32 FAQ - HTML Q: Is it possible to connect a 6-button Megadrive or SNES joypad to the CD32? A: As far as I know, it can't be done unless you're good with a soldering iron, but if anyone has managed to do this then I'll stick the details in here.
  • Page 6 Amiga CD32 Source are trying to keep the most up-to-date accurate lists available. In addition, the Amiga CD32 Source website is trying to compile all the UNRELEASED stuff too! Q: How can I try to convince a game to work in PAL or NTSC? A: Connect an Amiga mouse into controller port 2, hold down both mouse buttons, and press the reset button.
  • Page 7 CD32 FAQ - HTML Alien Breed Tower Assult (Game attempts to change into PAL on its own - will flake out most TVs and composite monitors. -Ed) Battle Chess Banshee (Bottom of the screen is cut off, making enemies behind you impossible to see. Barely playable.
  • Page 8 Guinness Book of Records II Insight: Technology (released for CD32, CDTV compatible) Video Creator Video Creator Update 1 (Amiga CD32 issue 2) Video Creator Extras (AUI December 1994 - on floppy Various CDTV Titles... Advanced Military Simulator American Heritage Dictionary...
  • Page 9 CD32 FAQ - HTML Trees and Shrubs Women in Motion Various CDTV titles that require a keyboard and disk drive... Inter Office Q: What educational software is available for CD32? A: Read below ... CD32 specific... MicroFrench CD32 (Contains video sequences, but you don't have to own a FMV cartridge to view them.

  • Page 10: Audio Cds

    CD32 FAQ - HTML AUDIO CDS Q: Is it possible to directly read the audio data from music CDs into memory? A: Nobody's managed to do this. The next best thing is to buy an SX-1, plug a sampler into the parallel port, start a CD playing with one of the CD players from aminet:/disk/cdrom, then sample directly to hard drive.

  • Page 11: Photo Cds

    (this is a feature of Video Creator, apparently). You may also view the FMV tracks on certain discs like the Commodore Demo CD and Cannon Fodder from Sensible Software. (See the actual clips at The CD32 Zone - Ed.)

  • Page 12: Magazines

    CD32 FAQ - HTML The FMV Expansion Cartridge Q: Where can I get a FMV Expansion Cartridge? A: GOOD LUCK. These are as rare as hen's teeth and are usually expensive when you DO find one. Estimates were that only about 13,000 were made. Try online auctions and newsgroups. Q: Will the Phillips CD-i FMV module work in the CD32? A: This has been of some debate on the newsgroups.

  • Page 13: Internet

    Commodore issue to sort itself out, so maybe it'll start up again now that it has. Amiga CD32 - Not regular. Issues 1 and 2 are available through Amiga Format's back issues page. Issue 3 was planned to be out on December 1st. It hasn't been seen yet.

  • Page 14: Jargon

    A: Yep. The CD32 Zone maintains an active list of useful CD32 websites. Please check there for a current list. Check out the Amiga CD32 Source. Return to the Table of Contents JARGON Advanced Graphics Architecture. The name given to the latest custom chipset for Amigas, which allows 8 bit (256) and HAM8 (262144) colour graphics from a palette of 16.7...
  • Page 15 CD32 FAQ - HTML operations, by moving blocks of Chip RAM around with DMA, while performing logical operations on them. Lines and area fills are among the most popular uses for the Blitter. Boot Putting the CD-ROM in the drive and automatically launching a program without having to go through the operating system (eg.
  • Page 16 'mixed mode' or 'hybrid' discs - many CD32 discs are hybrids). CDTV Commodore Dynamic Total Vision. The previous CD based machine by C=. It wasn't exactly a storming success, mainly due to poor marketing (and the price). Many CDTV discs will work on the CD32, but some need a mouse and others need a keyboard.
  • Page 17 CD32 FAQ - HTML can ask the OS to load the file for them without knowing anything about the file format themselves. This can come in very useful if you want to read ISO-9660 CDs generated on other computers (once you've upgraded your CD32 to a computer, of course). Direct Memory Access.
  • Page 18 CD32 FAQ - HTML screen at once by changing some colour registers on each succeeding pixel on a given scanline. This is most useful for static pictures or predefined animation sequences, as it is difficult to constantly compute the best pixel colours in constantly changing action games. HAM8 is often used to display JPEG format pictures or predefined animations (CDXLs) with better than 8 bit colour (256 colours), often up to near 18 bit (262144 colours) quality.
  • Page 19 CD32 FAQ - HTML compression. MPEG-1 is the accepted standard for video compression on CDs... It uses a variety of techniques to achieve staggering compression ratios while still maintaining good picture quality. Other parts of the MPEG standard include synchronized digital audio to make the format useful for movies on CD-ROM.
  • Page 20 CD32 FAQ - HTML RecoverAble RAM Drive. An area of RAM that doesn't lose its data when reset. Any area of RAM can be used as RAD. Games can use it to save data in, so it's possible to play a game of Liberation, save your place in RAD, reset, play another game, then return to Liberation later.

  • Page 21: Expansion

    There was a little something I missed in the CD32 FAQ. Because of (yet another) strange oddity in the Commodore 3.1 CDFileSystem, you can only use CD-ROMs with a *lower* or equal ISO revision than the disc you booted from (this is irrelevant to SX-1 users, for they are likely to boot from harddrive or floppy).
  • Page 22 CD32 FAQ - HTML The best way to do this is setup a drawer on your amiga with the following files in. [Call it RAM:CD1 for the mount list below - Dan.] AmiCDRom Mountlist file. CD1.info An icon for the above. cdrom-handler The filesystem handler.
  • Page 23 CD32 FAQ - HTML You can use The Communicator. This is a link from the CD32's Aux port to the Amiga and a CD-ROM with a series of utilities on it... Communicator Display text and graphics on the CD32. Play Audio and Video CDs. Transfer files to and from the CD32.
  • Page 24 CD32 FAQ - HTML Mediapoint Driver Allows Mediapoint, running on another Amiga, to control the CD32, including Audio and Video CDs. Hardware Added A2000/A3000 keyboard port. Serial lead is DB25 to RJ10 (telephone) and is easier to remove. The Communicator Lite 2 doesn't have a keyboard through port, MIDI in/out/thru, or status LEDs. Q: How do I attach a keyboard to my CD32? A: IBM keyboards won't function without a custom add-on to translate IBM keycodes to Amiga keycodes (the SX-1 has this).
  • Page 25 CD32 FAQ - HTML version that does a 'Mount MOUSE:' on the CD32 - no problem if you can create your own boot disk but it could be if you're using a version from a CD-ROM. Misc: Use Patrick Van Beem's CD32 Keyboard program. It's similar to PNetKeys but it's smaller, faster, works over Twin Express or even by itself, and converts controller input to mouse input.
  • Page 26 CD32 FAQ - HTML Has standard Simm socket for up to 8MB Has 2.5" HDD interface and mountings for an internal unit Everything (inc HDD) fits inside the CD32 (sockets protrude about 10mm) Supplied with WB3.0 on CDROM (obviously has K/s 3.1 already) VERY reliable - it must be the only Amiga accessory that we've picked up &...
  • Page 27 CD32 FAQ - HTML bought as part of A1200 3.5" kits. Or you can buy a box (don't know the name) from Hi-Q that sits in place of the SX-1's lid. It lets you plug in 3.5" IDE drives and it has a better power supply. Q: Sometimes I have problems with my SX-1 and CD32 setup, causing freezing, and HD lock ups.
  • Page 28 CD32 FAQ - HTML CD-DA icon command None CD-DA icon position Workbench chooses Configure Mac options Mac options Convert Mac characters to Amiga characters. Examine CD first for a HFS partition. Data fork extension Leave empty Rsrc fork extension Leave empty AmigaDOS device nameCD1:, MAC0:, whatever you like.

  • Page 29: Emulating A Cd32

    Lock 'n' Load North West PD Workbench 3.1 Demo Disc V2 * Commodore Legendry Design demo CD Creative Computers For CDs marked with a *, you'll need to connect an Amiga mouse into controller port 2, hold down both mouse buttons, and press the reset button. You will be given a boot menu where you should boot with no Startup-Sequence.
  • Page 30 CD32 FAQ - HTML The CD4000 isn't available yet. It's a card that fits into one of the A4000's Zorro 3 slots and a CD drive that slides into a drive bay, has Akiko, has Kickstart 3.1, boots straight from CD-ROM, and has FMV capability.
  • Page 31 CD32 FAQ - HTML NEC 3x CD drives. It's commercial. Nobody's said how good the emulation is. You can contact the author, Oliver Kastl, by Email. Oliver's Email address is 100447.3361@compuserve.com. Almathera are selling a bug-fixed and English language version. Video Creator will also work once it's been installed.
  • Page 32 CD32 FAQ - HTML Works Alien Breed Special Ed. (7) Alien Breed T. Assault (11) Arcade Pool (11) ATR (11) Banshee (7,11) Brutal Sports Football (7) Bubba 'n' Stix (7) Bubble 'n' Squeak (7) Chaos Engine (7) D/Generation (7, 11) Defender of the Crown 2 (7) Diggers (7) Emerald Mines (7, 11)

  • Page 33: Emulating A Cd32 With Uae

    CD32 FAQ - HTML Video Creator (7) Wembley International (7,11) Whale's Voyage (11) Wing Commander (7,11) The numbers are for the version of the software. Some work on 7 but not 11, some work on 11 but not 7. There's nothing listed for version 9 at the moment, but if it works on 7 or 11 then it maybe it could work on 9, and if it works on 7 and 11 then it definately should work on 9.
  • Page 34 CD32 FAQ - HTML Q: What are the popular development tools? A: Read below. Popular Multimedia authoring packages for the Amiga AmigaVision Professional CanDo HELM Interplay SCALA Multimedia AMOS Professional (programming) Popular C compilers DICE GNU C SAS/C Popular 68K assemblers DevPacIII Macro68 Popular image manipulation software...

  • Page 35: Pinouts

    CD32 FAQ - HTML Brilliance Deluxe Paint IV AGA DCTV Paint EGS Paint Opal Paint TV Paint XI Paint Contact the software company involved with your favourite authoring software for more information regarding CD32 specific development. Return to the Table of Contents PINOUTS CD32 Aux port View straight on.
  • Page 36 CD32 FAQ - HTML Taken from an Email by Peter Kittel, forwarded by Olivier Cremel. CDTV Keyboard Connector Ground 2 I / O Keyboard data 3 (I)/ O Keyboard clock +5V DC Unused To modify the CDTV keyboard to connect to the CD32... Cut the plastic pin from the connector.
  • Page 37 CD32 FAQ - HTML Viewed looking straight on into socket. RJ11 connector. Female. +5V DC 2 (I)/ O Keyboard clock 3 I / O Keyboard data Ground Usual stuff: I'm not responsible for blowing up Ami, etc; use at own risk, etc, etc. Having said this, it did work for me.

  • Page 38: Addresses

    CD32 FAQ - HTML The RGB signals come from the D/A conversion unit and lead directly to the expansion port. These signals are, however, not amplified. In addition they are weakened by the S-Video output unit. As a result I (aim to) insert a 47 Ohm resistor to each colour signal connection. You may also reduce the load by interrupting the signal supply to the S-Video unit.
  • Page 39 CD32 FAQ - HTML Joop van de Wege Alan Buxey Jukka Kauppinen Alan Redhouse Karl Frederick Alan Thomas Keith Blakemore-Noble Alf Edvin Torgersen Kenwyn M. Smith Allan Duncan Kimmo Veijalainen Anders Stenkvist Klaus Hegemann Bert Heise Maarten Ter Mors Chris Naylor Manjit Bedi Claude Mueller Martin Chantler...

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