Hi all, couple of questions:
Can someone point me to some good links/guides on using Family Basic. I'm not after info on learning the Basic language itself, am really after some info on how to navigate around in Family Basic.
For starters, some quick & easy questions that someone here should be able to help me out with:
- What's the quickest way to get into the Basic screen? I can get there but am not really sure how I'm doing it, I just keep pressing function buttons until something happens.
- What's the deal with the cart, battery compartment and switch? Are there programs stored in the cart, and why does it need batteries?
Now for something easier, received a stock Famicom console today and have noticed that the sound is really distorted. After fiddling with the mic slider the sound is now perfect, but if I touch/move it sometimes sound goes back to being horrible. I find if I press down on it a little it fixes the problem. The mic itself works fine. Just a matter of cleaning it or something more serious?
Thanks all.
Ok, here we go. Start from last Q.
Just clean slider with sand rubber eraser.
There is WRAM in the cart backed with battery, if you want to store your programm without tape recorder.
Seems to be few ways to get into BASIC menu. I hit blank on start up, then type "game basic<enter>" programm will ask to start basic F1 - Yes, F2- No. Something like that.
Thanks!
I will dismantle the controller and give it a good clean.
Family Basic 2.1 will ask you for your name first (so you can type whatever and hit enter) and then it will ask you if you want to start the Basic program (hit F1 and press enter). I was there were a quicker way to get to it ;D
I'm not exactly sure what the deal with the battery and switch is. I've asked a few people to translate that page from the manual (http://ximwix.net/storage/famibasic/03.jpg), but no one has every gotten back to me :-[
I think I may have v2.1 then (any way to tell for sure?), as I do get prompted to enter something and hitting F1 does enter the basic screen. Have also managed to enter some other weird screen, some sort of calculator thing? Also, is there a separate screen for music composition, some form of editor of sorts?
I've been going through the manual, I can't read Japanese but I can follow the code so hopefully I can scape by. :)
You have version 2.1, since version 3.0 dumps you straight to the basic editor.
Version 2.1 has a few other "apps" (calculator, music, text) built into it. If you say no (F2) to the basic prompt, it'll ask you if you want to try the next mode. You basically keep saying No until it asks you for the app you want. I suspect the battery backup is for saving data for the other apps (music or text compositions), but I haven't had the urge to really test out the theory.
Thanks. :)
Well, here's my very first program. I'm sure there are better ways to do this but I'm just learning & only received it today, so go easy on me!
5 CLS
10 SPRITE ON
15 DEF SPRITE 0,(0,1,0,1)=CHR$(1)+CHR$(0)+CHR$(3)+CHR$(2)
20 X=0:Y=100:Z=100
25 SPRITE X,Y,Z
30 S=STICK(0)
40 IF S=1 THEN Y=Y+1
50 IF S=2 THEN Y=Y-1
60 IF S=4 THEN Z=Z+1
70 IF S=8 THEN Z=Z-1
80 IF Y>250 THEN Y=Y-249
85 IF Y=1 THEN Y=Y+249
90 IF Z>250 THEN Z=Z-249
95 IF Z=1 THEN Z=Z+249
100 GOTO 25
That basically just draws a predefined sprite on screen, then lets you move it around with the d-pad. Sprite manipulation is pretty easy, rather impressive for it's time.
Nice work doing that without reading Japanese! Too bad I can't test the code.
It seems that the back up feature is indeed for backing up those applications' data like UglyJoe suspects, and it can also be used for saving programs. I don't have family basic so I don't understand everything but maybe you can figure out a few things from my quick translation (there are probably tons of errors so bear with me):
Spoiler
Regarding memory backup.........(When pulling out the cartridge from the main unit be sure that the switch is ON, and let it be like that until the computer tells to turn it off.)
By using AA-batteries it is possible to temporarily save things like Calculator, Music, input data on the Message Name Board (Translator's note: Text editor?) and BASIC programs in the cartridge memory (memory backup).
*Please follow the computers directions about the ON/OFF backup switch.
*However, when in Game Basic Mode it will not give the message: "Turn the cartridge backup switch on if you want the data to remain.".
In case of backing up BASIC programs, please close the GAME BASIC Mode and when the Start Screen shows up, put the back up switch to ON.
*If the computers instructions are not properly followed when using the ON/OFF backup switch, data will not back up correctly, and abnormal situations may occur so please be careful.
*When the BASIC programs data: Calculator, Music, Message Name Board are executed they will unfortunately disappear (Translator's note: I guess the backed up data?). What is more, if the Calculator, Music, and the Message Name Board Screen's data are executed in BASIC Mode it will also disappear.
*When the backed up data is used, please fully take the above mentioned points into consideration.
Regarding changing batteries......
(TN: I skipped this one for now)
......
Things that can be backed up to cartridge:
*BASIC programs
*Calculator Screen data
*Music Board Screen data
*Message Board Screen data
(Caution) BG and GRAPHIC Screen data can't be backed up
Things that can be SAVEd to and LOADed from tape:
*BASIC programs
*BG and GRAPHIC Screen data
[Pictures of cartridge]
Cartridge (front) ----Backup switch
Cartridge (back)
Thank you for that info!
I still haven't worked out how to save/load from the cart but the info you translated will be a big help.
I think you can also save your BASIC program, BG and GRAPHIC to the PC using the tape function and instead of using a tape recorder you connect it to your sound card mic port using a normal male to male sound cable. Then use an audio editor like Audacity to record it. It would be cool if we had a program that can convert that data to BASIC code on the PC and vice versa.
Yep, experimenting with that now.
I downloaded a tape wav file from somewhere on these forums (car that wraps around screen) and successfully loaded it. I've also managed to save by connecting the fami keyboard to my PC and recording its output.
Quote from: P on July 28, 2012, 04:02:01 am
It would be cool if we had a program that can convert that data to BASIC code on the PC and vice versa.
You can do this with Nestopia (and VirtuaNES). Both emulators have the ability to save the audio data to their own format (tp or vtp). Both formats are actually just headerless unsigned 8-bit PCM wave files with a 32000 Hz sampling rate. Nestopia is especially nice because you can paste in code from the clipboard.
I wrote up some brief instructions on getting a recorded wav file into Nestopia: http://www.famicomworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=7704.msg114035#msg114035 (http://www.famicomworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=7704.msg114035#msg114035) . Going the other direction (Nestopia -> Hardware) should be fairly obvious, but I'll write up some instructions if someone asks for them.
I'm happy that I can now save any work that I do on real hardware.
Still can't work out how the save function on the cart is supposed to work though. I can't seem to find any info on how you are supposed to save to it. I mean, if you just type save"myProgram" it saves to the tape recorder, I'm wondering if there's a separate command for saving to the cart, or perhaps there's a menu on the main screen that you're supposed to access. If you flick the switch to on whilst in Basic it does seem to access the cart in the sense that you can 'list' the code that's on there, buggered if I know how to write to it though.
Have worked out some trivia things re the main screen.
The first input it's asking you for is your name - thanks to UglyJoe for that
Once you get to the second input, you hit F1 and then return to start Basic - thanks again Joe
You can also type the following commands into that second input request field:
basic - loads Basic
cal. - loads the calculator program (note the full stop at the end)
mus. - loads the music program
mes. - loads the message (basically notepad) program
Hitting F4 seems to mention something about the on/off switch on the cart but i can't decipher it.
Quote from: Frank_fjs on July 28, 2012, 07:29:45 am
Still can't work out how the save function on the cart is supposed to work though.\
I messed with this for a while last night. What seems to work is if you type SYSTEM (or SYS.) at the BASIC prompt and then choose "3--END" from the menu. This kicks you back to the "computer" GUI. At this point, your program is apparently saved and you can turn off the system. If you start up the Famicom, enter the same name at the prompt, and then go into BASIC, your code will still be there. No toggling of the backup switch needed.
If, when back at the computer GUI, you hit F4 to type "owaru" ("End"), it will give you instructions about flipping the backup switch. (Those instructions are in the lower-left of this page from the manual (http://ximwix.net/storage/famibasic/06.jpg), btw). This procedure takes you back to the startup screen (where the computer flashes and beeps until you press a key). If you have the backup switch on, you can't get past this screen.
That being said, I'm wondering if the owaru sequence is just a safety measure to ensure that the system isn't writing anything to the SRAM when you power off. It's probably not writing anything to SRAM when sitting at that startup screen, you know? I'm also wondering if the backup switch is acting as a sort of hardware "lock" on the SRAM, preventing any writes from occurring. That's pure conjecture, though ;D
You legend, that worked!
I think I was over-complicating things, trying to save to the cart with a command and by messing with the switch. It also didn't help that I never logged in with the same name as I tended to just mash the keyboard in frustration!
Thanks heaps Joe for all the help.
Yup, glad you have it working now.
Btw, I'm not sure if the name really matters or not. I've started leaving the field blank -- you can just hit enter to get past the prompt ;)
You are correct, in that the name doesn't matter. Would have been handy if the name was unique though, that way you could save multiple programs if you catch my drift.
Still handy though, at least now I can work on a program and pick up where I left off. Once completed or if I want to start something new, I can just save to my PC via recording the output.
Not sure why it wasn't working for me before then, perhaps you need to exit via the SYSTEM command for it to save.
Have you tried the music editor? It was more simplistic than I was expecting but at least it's easy to use and doesn't require reading of Japanese text.
Quote from: Frank_fjs on July 28, 2012, 07:59:44 am
Would have been handy if the name was unique though, that way you could save multiple programs if you catch my drift.
Not nearly enough memory available for that kind of feature. I agree, though, that it would be nice :D
Quote from: Frank_fjs on July 28, 2012, 07:59:44 am
Not sure why it wasn't working for me before then, perhaps you need to exit via the SYSTEM command for it to save.
Yes, you have to exit back to the menu. If you just turn it off at the BASIC screen, you'll lose everything.
Quote from: Frank_fjs on July 28, 2012, 07:59:44 am
Have you tried the music editor? It was more simplistic than I was expecting but at least it's easy to use and doesn't require reading of Japanese text.
Yeah, it's pretty nice. I like that it plays the notes as you enter them -- makes composition a lot easier.
This bit of translation from P makes sense now too:
Quote
*When the BASIC programs data: Calculator, Music, Message Name Board are executed they will unfortunately disappear (Translator's note: I guess the backed up data?). What is more, if the Calculator, Music, and the Message Name Board Screen's data are executed in BASIC Mode it will also disappear.
Basically, you can only save in Basic OR in any of the built in apps, it's one or the other and saving to one overwrites the other.
That switch still has me intrigued, as if you read the translation given by P it does seem to suggest that you need to slide it to the ON position to save.
Quote
In case of backing up BASIC programs, please close the GAME BASIC Mode and when the Start Screen shows up, put the back up switch to ON
Strange, as it works without touching the switch so who knows what they're on about there.
I have to say, the Basic set is the best thing I've purchased for the Famicom! Having so much fun with it.
You mean it saves even if you never set it to ON? I might have missunderstood what they meant to say...
This is the message the manual is talking about, cut out from UglyJoe's pics (sorry I'm on a Linux machine that can't type Japanese now):
(http://s9.postimage.org/uw7qo65xr/ONOFF.jpg) (http://postimage.org/)
It says that one should set the switch to ON if one wants the data to remain. This is the message that doesn't show up in GAME BASIC Mode.
But after it is done saving it should tell you to turn it OFF again but it doesn't does it?
Oh now I want a Family Basic! Hahaha!
I have one for sale... have been waiting for someone to appreciate it... (domestic shipping only)
Well I always wanted one but I've been thinking to get an FDS first. Also I'm not sure if I should get one with V. 3 or not as it seem to be hard to find separately.
Does the V. 2 have anything the V. 3 doesn't?
By the way I just noticed something on that other manual page. Apparently there is a quick method to access the GAME BASIC Mode from the Start screen (although I don't know what GAME BASIC Mode is):
Let the backup switch be set to ON and hold the "T" key while pressing RESET and then releasing the "T" key. Since we now are in GAME BASIC Mode we should set the switch to OFF again.
Quote from: P on July 28, 2012, 11:53:39 am
Well I always wanted one but I've been thinking to get an FDS first. Also I'm not sure if I should get one with V. 3 or not as it seem to be hard to find separately.
Does the V. 2 have anything the V. 3 doesn't?
In V3, the whole "computer" GUI is gone, as well as the calculator, notepad, and music composer. When you turn on V3, it takes you straight to the BASIC prompt. On the plus side, it has three built-in games, twice the available memory, and a handful of new useful commands.
Quote from: P on July 28, 2012, 11:53:39 am
By the way I just noticed something on that other manual page. Apparently there is a quick method to access the GAME BASIC Mode from the Start screen (although I don't know what GAME BASIC Mode is):
Let the backup switch be set to ON and hold the "T" key while pressing RESET and then releasing the "T" key. Since we now are in GAME BASIC Mode we should set the switch to OFF again.
Oh man, thank you. I've been looking for a way to bypass that stupid computer GUI ever since I got the cart! This also makes one instance where you'll want to use the backup switch, since if you leave it in the OFF position and do this, you'll lose your data. (Also, GAME BASIC mode is just BASIC mode).
Quote from: fredJ on July 28, 2012, 10:13:17 am
I have one for sale... have been waiting for someone to appreciate it... (domestic shipping only)
How much?
Post Merge: July 29, 2012, 01:39:06 am
Quote from: UglyJoe on July 28, 2012, 12:48:36 pm
Quote from: P on July 28, 2012, 11:53:39 am
Well I always wanted one but I've been thinking to get an FDS first. Also I'm not sure if I should get one with V. 3 or not as it seem to be hard to find separately.
Does the V. 2 have anything the V. 3 doesn't?
In V3, the whole "computer" GUI is gone, as well as the calculator, notepad, and music composer. When you turn on V3, it takes you straight to the BASIC prompt. On the plus side, it has three built-in games, twice the available memory, and a handful of new useful commands.
Quote from: P on July 28, 2012, 11:53:39 am
By the way I just noticed something on that other manual page. Apparently there is a quick method to access the GAME BASIC Mode from the Start screen (although I don't know what GAME BASIC Mode is):
Let the backup switch be set to ON and hold the "T" key while pressing RESET and then releasing the "T" key. Since we now are in GAME BASIC Mode we should set the switch to OFF again.
Oh man, thank you. I've been looking for a way to bypass that stupid computer GUI ever since I got the cart! This also makes one instance where you'll want to use the backup switch, since if you leave it in the OFF position and do this, you'll lose your data. (Also, GAME BASIC mode is just BASIC mode).
Just wonder, if Family Basic is integer?
As in it's restricted to only be able to work with integers for all variables? Then I guess it is, as all numerical values seems to become 16-bit integers.
QuoteIn V3, the whole "computer" GUI is gone, as well as the calculator, notepad, and music composer. When you turn on V3, it takes you straight to the BASIC prompt. On the plus side, it has three built-in games, twice the available memory, and a handful of new useful commands.
Oh I guess I need both versions then. I have never seen the keyboard without the V2 anyway. So I take it these apps are only for entertainment and to make it look more like a computer. I initially thought the Music Board was used for making music to your games you make but now you can't save it to tape. They are not sample programs made in BASIC like the games in V3.0?
BTW I saw on wikipedia that there are V2.0 and V2.1 does anyone know the differences and how to tell which version you have?
QuoteOh man, thank you. I've been looking for a way to bypass that stupid computer GUI ever since I got the cart! This also makes one instance where you'll want to use the backup switch, since if you leave it in the OFF position and do this, you'll lose your data. (Also, GAME BASIC mode is just BASIC mode).
I'm glad my translation finally was useful. I get the feeling that they sometimes just makes things more confusing, haha!
Quote from: 80sFREAK on July 29, 2012, 01:38:18 am
Just wonder, if Family Basic is integer?
It uses 16-bit signed integers. It does not do any floating point operations (that I am aware of). Technically, though, with the POKE and CALL commands, you can write and call your own 6502 assembly methods. If you really wanted to, I suppose you could code your own floating point library (but with such limited memory, not fit much else...).
edit: I just checked, and the "Calculator Board" feature of 2.1 does print out floating point results.
Quote from: P on July 29, 2012, 03:19:00 am
BTW I saw on wikipedia that there are V2.0 and V2.1 does anyone know the differences and how to tell which version you have?
I am not sure what the differences are. I know there are version of the manual that are missing the CALL command, but the command is callable in 2.0. As for determining what version you have, when you start up BASIC, the message at the top of the screen will tell you what version you have ("NS-HUBASIC V2.1A").
Quote from: P on July 28, 2012, 11:53:39 am
By the way I just noticed something on that other manual page. Apparently there is a quick method to access the GAME BASIC Mode from the Start screen (although I don't know what GAME BASIC Mode is):
Let the backup switch be set to ON and hold the "T" key while pressing RESET and then releasing the "T" key. Since we now are in GAME BASIC Mode we should set the switch to OFF again.
THANK YOU!!! This is so very, very handy!
Re the switch, with the exception of performing the T/RESET combo I've never had to turn it on to save data, from either Basic or any of the bundled applications (such as the music program for example). You can only save for one of these things though - i.e. you can save your code in Basic, but if you then proceed to save something in the music editor the Basic code you saved earlier will be cleared, and vice versa.
If you leave the switch on in Basic mode, you can't really do much as it appears to begin reading code that's stored on the cart, I think it might be the code for the startup screen and other programs. So you can't list any new code that you write or execute it, and the manual is correct that you receive no warning about this. Also, if you leave the switch on whilst in the main menu, you do indeed receive that message (the one you pictured) and can't proceed any further until you turn the switch off.
P.s. learning about this T/RESET trick makes me wonder how many other useful features we've yet to discover. Might experiment with random buttons and reset combos to see if anything else happens. I've found an English translation of the Basic manual online, will have to find the time to download it and have a read through it.
Quote from: Frank_fjs on July 29, 2012, 08:51:33 am
I've found an English translation of the Basic manual online, will have to find the time to download it and have a read through it.
That only translates the latter part of the book. Still, lots of good stuff in the translation.
Yeah, I noticed some pages missing. This is the one I'm looking at: http://volunteers.playpower.org/photo/photo/search?q=family
Quote from: UglyJoe on July 29, 2012, 07:34:52 am
edit: I just checked, and the "Calculator Board" feature of 2.1 does print out floating point results.
I am not sure what the differences are. I know there are version of the manual that are missing the CALL command, but the command is callable in 2.0. As for determining what version you have, when you start up BASIC, the message at the top of the screen will tell you what version you have ("NS-HUBASIC V2.1A").
So the calculator are using floats with 6502 assembly or do the V2.1 support floating points?
If not then most likely V2.1 is mostly a bug fix, manual correction and said update of the calculator.
Quote from: Frank_fjs on July 29, 2012, 08:51:33 am
P.s. learning about this T/RESET trick makes me wonder how many other useful features we've yet to discover. Might experiment with random buttons and reset combos to see if anything else happens. I've found an English translation of the Basic manual online, will have to find the time to download it and have a read through it.
I didn't see anything more interesting in those pages that UglyJoe uploaded. The rest was mostly really basic stuff (how to insert the cartridge etc) and stuff you already know (how to type in commands in the GUI or use the F-keys etc). But I only took a quick look, I'm going to check it out more thoroughly later when I have more time.
Oh yeah that project claims to be complete but it isn't is it? Too bad the download link isn't working so we have to download each page manually.
By the way do anyone have the complete Japanese manual scanned? I wouldn't mind to take a look at it and see if there are anything useful there. I found the V3 manual here on the forum but not V2.
Quote from: P on July 29, 2012, 10:54:51 am
So the calculator are using floats with 6502 assembly or do the V2.1 support floating points?
If not then most likely V2.1 is mostly a bug fix, manual correction and said update of the calculator.
The calculator must be making use of a 6502 floating point library. 2.0, 2.1, and 3.0 all use integers when in BASIC mode.
Just checked and I have V2.1A.
Re the manual, is there not a decent scan of it available online anywhere?
Maybe we could work as a team and divide the workload of scanning in the manual? E.g. I could do the first 40 pages, someone else the next 40 and so on.
Quote from: 80sFREAK on July 30, 2012, 04:47:50 am
What about famiclones with keyboard? Just patch over the original FB?
I don't have any clone BASIC hardware, so I'm not sure. I know, in at least one instance (http://www.famicomworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=131.msg39750#msg39750), 133MHz told me that his clone gave him a syntax error when he tried to use the SAVE/LOAD commands. This would imply that the hackers did alter the software in some way, at least enough to make those commands throw syntax errors rather than attempt to save/load data to/from the tape drive.
Quote from: 80sFREAK on July 30, 2012, 04:47:50 am
Good thing, that is possible to make small subroutines in 6502 code and execute'em from Basic programm
Yeah, it's something I've only barely tried. Maybe someday I'll get really bored and try to port the Woz's Apple II floating point code (http://www.6502.org/source/floats/wozfp1.txt) :D
Quote from: 80sFREAK on July 30, 2012, 07:01:59 am
Only the problem is very limited RAM. 8kB would be much better. Make one out of DragonQuest? :)
Oh, just remebered one thing - hows memory size defined? Fixed or software testing memory on startup?
I don't know, but I would bet that it's fixed.
I have another idea to investigate, though: is the calculator app's floating point library still in memory when you are using BASIC? If so, one could probably just POKE the arguments into the right locations and then CALL the floating point routines.
I've been having fun going through the book and coding away.
Still can't seem to work out how to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, but I'll get there. E.g. I code some music then gosub to a different part of the program to execute some other stuff whilst the music plays in the background, however it never jumps until the music has stopped playing which defeats the purpose of what I'm trying to do.
Also have to work out if you can create & use your own sprites, I have a feeling that you're restricted to the built in presets though. Need to work out sound effects too, the manual says there is an effect generator but doesn't mention how to use it anywhere.
Music editor is fun too, though rather simple and restrictive it is very easy to use.
Had a bit of fun getting a rough version of Alex Kidd intro music in there. :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmI6pE8WkMo
Quote from: Frank_fjs on August 01, 2012, 07:39:34 am
Still can't seem to work out how to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, but I'll get there. E.g. I code some music then gosub to a different part of the program to execute some other stuff whilst the music plays in the background, however it never jumps until the music has stopped playing which defeats the purpose of what I'm trying to do.
Quote from: 80sFREAK on August 01, 2012, 07:45:48 am
i don't think it's possible
Well that's unfortunate. I know it's Basic but I was expecting a little more flexibility and power. :)
Quote from: Frank_fjs on August 01, 2012, 07:39:34 am
Still can't seem to work out how to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, but I'll get there. E.g. I code some music then gosub to a different part of the program to execute some other stuff whilst the music plays in the background, however it never jumps until the music has stopped playing which defeats the purpose of what I'm trying to do.
Not possible. It only does one task at a time. If you wanted to create background music, you'd have to setup a routine that plays one "note" at a time and call that routine in each iteration of your main program loop.
Quote from: Frank_fjs on August 01, 2012, 07:39:34 am
Also have to work out if you can create & use your own sprites, I have a feeling that you're restricted to the built in presets though.
You are stuck with the existing graphics, but you can arrange the graphics into your own sprites. You could make half-crab/half-mario sprite, for example.
Quote from: Frank_fjs on August 01, 2012, 07:39:34 am
Need to work out sound effects too, the manual says there is an effect generator but doesn't mention how to use it anywhere.
There is indeed a "noise" channel on the FC, but I'm not sure how to use it via BASIC commands. I'd have to check the manual for that one. Otherwise, you make sound effects by playing really short "music" sequences.
Thanks for the answers Joe, I suspected as much. Guess my game won't be featuring background music then. it would run too slow if I did it the way you suggested. I might just do some intro music and leave it at that.
Re the sound effect generator, it's mentioned in the specifications of the manual (it states the 3 main music channels + 1 additional effects generator) but nowhere does it mention how to access it. I know about the trick you suggested re making quick little sequences of notes, just thought there might be something more powerful available.
Going to have to be creative me thinks!
I just wonder, all the games basically involve the character sprite, avoiding an enemy or obstacle?
There is one sample game that seems to be a compatibility check horoscope thingy (using the microphone even) so no dodging there.
Quote from: Frank_fjs on July 29, 2012, 08:03:22 pm
Maybe we could work as a team and divide the workload of scanning in the manual? E.g. I could do the first 40 pages, someone else the next 40 and so on.
I guess it's quite a lot of work to scan that thing? I heard it's not just thick but also larger than A4 or Letter size. I wouldn't be able to translate the whole thing anytime soon but we could start with the most important things. If you find any important looking pages that are not yet translated you could try scanning it and see if we find something useful. It helps if you can read katakana though (as you can find English loan words in Japanese that way).
What no graphics drawing and no music? Maybe you could draw pixels with assembly calls?
BTW here is the changing of batteries part that I skipped last time, translated as promised:
Spoiler
Regarding changing batteries........
* The cartridge makes use of 2 dry cell AA batteries for memory backup use.
When setting the backup switch to ON, it's life is about 2 months (if using SUM-3(E) dry cell AA batteries). When set to OFF the electricity consumption rate becomes large, and it's life span becomes shorter.
* If the batteries are replaced when the cartridge is inserted to the Family Computer (and the main unit is ON), stored data, programs and such remains but, if batteries are changed when the cartridge is not inserted it will disappear.
* Please look at the "Warnings concerning the handling of batteries" on page 111.
I see that page 111 is already translated by that other guy.
Re translating the manual, I've downloaded the one we linked to before and it's really good. He only missed pages 1 to 15 and pages 114-117, so it wouldn't be much work to translate the last 20 odd pages.
Re music, you can code it of course but nothing else can happen whilst it's playing so it's kind of pointless.
I don't know why, but I thought this (family Basic)was going to be a bit more powerful/flexible but I guess it was aimed more at the average gamer/novice programmer, and in that regard it does work well.
Quote from: 80sFREAK on August 02, 2012, 05:12:55 am
Woz's style assembler
10 !ORG &1000h
20 !NOP
30 !NOP
40 !RET
50 !END
What made you think it would work that way?
Is it possible to do anything fun with it, other than very simple games?
I would like to run linux on it. :D
in reality , it would be cool with linux, but actually I would like to make some kind of graphical demo. Not with sprites, but with pixels. Like a screensaver.
Is it possible to create anything other than simple sprite-based games?
Family Basic is using CHR-ROM and not CHR-RAM, so you won't be able to do any pixel-level graphics. All you can do is arrange what's in the CHR-ROM.
If it had CHR-RAM then you could use the mappers' registers to modify the CHR-RAM, naturally.
Then it would be useful.