Hey, all. I relatively recently (late November) got myself a TNS-HFC5 cartridge. It allows real-hardware NSF playback with no emulation, but doesn't support expansion chips without an external board unlike its more popular predecessor, the HFC3, and slightly less so, the HFC4. However, thanks to an on-board YMZ294 I CAN play Sunsoft5B NSFs without using a Gimmick! cartridge.
Basically, if any of you are also NSF musicians/listeners, and with the recent release of Famicompo Pico entries, if you have any Sunsoft5B NSFs you'd like to hear on hardware feel free to suggest some.
Here's one created with a modded version of Famitracker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWbLw8swfcI
Ah, nice. I remember reading about the earlier models that had slots for cartridges with the extra sound chips. Cool stuff ;D
Sweet! I've been planning on getting something like this for an NSF project I've been working on.
But let me get this straight; is just the YMZ294 included on here? I want one that supports FDS sound.
Yeah, only the YMZ. The previous version, (The HFC4: http://www2s.biglobe.ne.jp/~tns/nr26730221.html) has a real on-board 2C33 from a RAM adapter, but they're discontinued. If you know someone in Japan that's into this, you might be able to ask them about one, but I don't know of any way to get the previous models. Heck, maybe their next model will have both the on-board 2C33 and YMZ.
Alright, time has passed and I've learned that the HFC4 ISN'T discontinued (I just don't know how to get one). Anyway, I just got the TNS-HFX4, which allows up to 4 carts with audio expansion to be used at once. It also means I can record FDS NSFs (it seems the ones from games don't work, but Famitracker, nsd.lib, and MCK ones do), so if anyone wants an FDS NSF recorded, feel free to ask about it.
Wow this looks really interesting. Where can i buy one?
I got mine from here (http://www.march-rabbit.jp/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=tns&x=0&y=0) through a proxy service as they only ship withing Japan, but you can also order directly from the manufacturer (http://www2s.biglobe.ne.jp/~tns/) (also JP-only). Be warned, though, as they're not cheap and the carts are separate, of course.
Here's an FDS NSF recorded from hardware. I think it's by Lunar: a.pomf.se/dzivxd.flac (http://a.pomf.se/dzivxd.flac)
So the hfx4 can record fds?
Yep.
Sweet, i just bought one!
How much do these run for? I want a TNS-HFX4! :'( Wah! [/crybaby]
The HFC5+HFX4 cost me about 25,000 yen in person at http://march-rabbit.jp which is maybe $200 with the exchange rate nowadays.
Is the YMZ294 already soldered on there, or do you have to do it yourself?
You have to put one on yourself, but these boards come with sockets so there's no soldering needed.
NO WAI! (http://www.websitegoodies.com/smilies/confused0001.gif)
Yes way, my friend! Get one quick though, as I read that March-rabbit will stop selling them soon. Unless you can somehow get the set from TNS themselves, now is the time to act.
Manuel! Hurry!! (http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr343/JediQuestMaster/icon_eek.gif)
https://twitter.com/akiba_usagi/status/603039259189207040
DOWN TO THE LAST BATCH OR TWO. Not sure if I should buy a second!
ah shit i missed out
Can i use the hfx4 without the hfc5?
No, you need a controller cartridge. If you can get your hands on an HFC3/4/5, you'll be golden.
Is it possible to order straight from the original site?
It is, but don't expect anything because they don't serve anywhere outside of Japan. If you can get one of the FC World members that actually live in Japan to buy and send one for you, you'll be good to go.
Thanks for the help man. I'll PM you if i have more questions
Edit: Alright, so i attempted to place an order for the hfc4. I couldn't find the order form for the hfc5.
So the hfc4 does not support the sunsoft 5b?
Quote from: famiac on June 09, 2015, 11:19:09 pmEdit: Alright, so i attempted to place an order for the hfc4. I couldn't find the order form for the hfc5.
So the hfc4 does not support the sunsoft 5b?
No, but the HFX4 does. the bright side to that is that since the HFC4 already has the FDS audio chip on it, the other HFX 4 slots are free for the other 4 cartridges, so you can use every expansion chip at the same time. I have to leave one off because there's not enough space.
I just wanted to say thank you ImAtrackMan, for sharing this. I had no idea this existed until I stumbled across your Youtube page.
I am attempting to develop my own NES game, and would love to compose the music with the Sunsoft 5B chip.
I cannot figure out how to buy this damn thing, and the links provided take me to a distributor that sold out. : ^(
Anyhow I asked Jordan with Sivak Games if he wouldn't mind getting these babies for me. Hope he is cool with it.
Thanks again ImAtrackMan!!