I don't know if I am allowed to ask a question about this sort of thing (It's not like I'm asking for roms) Anyway, So I built a fdsloadr cable
and then I tried to get the program set up.So I downloaded dos 7.10 and the fdsloadr program and put it on a floppy disk and when I tried
to open the program (FDSLOADR.COM) either by itself or with a Fds rom I get the message "couldn't open file" so I searched the internet for a solution and i see someone (I think on this thread) saying they got it to work with windows 98 and dosbox. So after seeing that I install windows 98se on my old computer and dosbox so I test that out and I still get the same "couldn't open file" message.I've also tried windows 2000 and dosbox with no avail.
Tl;dr version, I keep getting a "couldn't open file" error with every os I use. Does anyone know why that is?
also, when I plug my homemade fdsloadr cable into my computer with no program running and turn my Famicom on It trys to load a disk (Is that normal?)
Thanks, Thunder__X
Quote from: Thunder__X on April 10, 2010, 05:24:50 pm
also, when I plug my homemade fdsloadr cable into my computer with no program running and turn my Famicom on It trys to load a disk (Is that normal?)
That's not normal. It shouldn't try to load a disk unless instructed by FDSLoadr. Check your wiring.
Also, you shouldn't need DOSBox if running Windows 98SE. The
Exit to DOS command under
Shut down or pressing F8 during boot and selecting
Command Line Only should suffice.
Okay, I'll check my wiring. also, I think I've already tried using the MSDOS mode in windows 98se but I still get the "Cannot open file message"
You have to open a valid .fds image with FDSLoadr for it to work. Check your fdsloadr.com program and image to make sure they aren't checked "archive" or "read-only". It works best under true DOS; the DOS-box programs don't always work right. Also, the program will open whether or not you have a fdsloader ram or disk drive cable plugged into the parallel port.
EDIT: Also check to see if your parallel port settings are set to EPP, Base 378, IRQ7. Mine works under ECP, too, but most computers need it set to EPP.
I've learned that with a Famicom, sometimes the simplest answer sounds silly, but is actually an oversight that makes us all feel stupid when we realize that was the missing link.
Did you type in the entire directory and filename for the .fds image you're loading? That's how I do it even if I place the .fds images in the same directory as FDSloadr.
ex:
fdsloadr C:\FDS\Zelda1.fds
Good point.
Also, remember that DOS can only support file names in 8.3 format, so rename your files or remember to add the ~1.fds after the first 6 characters of your file name.
Okay thanks, I'll try these suggestions and post back if I run into problems ;D
i need to get a new ram then i can make this cable ;D
It was the roms I was using.
Post Merge: April 10, 2010, 07:16:07 pm
you are correct.
Glad you got it working. I had bad .fds images when I was first trying to use it, too. :)
now if I only figure out why my fdsloadr cable is trying to read a disk without the program's permission :P Maybe I'll just buy a cable from tototek.
It will do that if you have it connected to the ram adapter when you execute the fdsloadr program & file and have your Famicom powered on. Don't connect the fdsloadr cable to the ram adapter until the program is running and the Famicom is turned on.
okay, thanks I'll try that ;D
Post Merge: April 10, 2010, 09:15:14 pm
I've gotten the program to open games but haven't been able to load up a game (how long does it take?) I think it's my cable that's the problem. and yes, I already have set the bios parallel port settings to the right configuration. I think what's wrong is the famicom souldn't try to load if the program is not open. I've seen someone's video on youtube and they have their cable hooked up to the famicom and it doesn't load until he opens the program. my homemade cable trys to load a disk without the program even running .
Something's wrong with your wiring, specifically the /MEDIA SET signal. FDSLoadr uses pin 1 of the parallel port to alter the status of this signal, it seems that it's stuck low on your setup (which means that a disk is always present as far as the RAM adapter is concerned). Also, did you ground pin 15?
The thing is My cable is just a male adapter and the av adapter with soldered wires going from each connection (if that makes any difference) and yes I have a wire going from pin 15 to pin 18 on the connector. I've been using a multimeter to check if my connections work. I'll try resoldering pin 1. (nope still doing it)
Could you post a pic of that? Something doesn't sound right about your description.
Is this what you wanted? http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae340/NeedMoarDesu/th_fdsloadrcable.jpg
It's an unholy mess of wires but my multimeter assures me everything is connected right. but I am open to suggestions you might offer.
Post Merge: April 12, 2010, 04:12:07 pm
I think I had pin 1 on the cable backwards because I thought the pinout diagram was reversed.I then proceeded to rewire the pins but I destroyed my connector so I'm going to try to make another cable but with less clutter.
Question: is pin 1 located on the left or the right of the male connector end?
Pin 1 is on the left of the male connector, looking directly at the end that goes into the computer. It's the rightmost pin when looking at the solder side. I hope that made sense.
okay, thanks
Post Merge: April 12, 2010, 10:01:11 pm
I switched the wires going to pin 1 and pin 13 and now I get green loading bars that cover the whole bottom screen but it hangs at the now loading screen (it still loads if the cable is hooked up but the program isn't running.)