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SMSReader

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by Mike G

Welcome to the SMSReader page!

SMSReader is a parallel port reader and writer for Sega Master System cartridges. (With suitable adaptors, cartridges and cards for other Sega 8-bit systems are supported.)

It plugs into your PC's parallel port (which must operate in bi-directional mode), and is controlled by software running under Windows or MS-DOS. Using the reader, you can:

• Read your own Sega cartridges and copy the ROM images onto your hard drive, so you can use them in emulators such as Meka.
• Write ROM images onto specially modified cartridges with battery backed RAM, so you can use them on the real Master System.
• Read and write your saved games from cartridges like Phantasy Star, which have battery backed RAM for save positions.

SMSReader has been designed to be simple to construct - even if you've never soldered before - and even easier to use. The software supports checksum and error checking to ensure that the ROMs you read are exact copies of the original cartridges. Additionally, ROM images you download can be patched with correct header information before writing, to make sure that they will work on your SMS.

(Oh, and don't worry if you have little or no knowledge of electronics - I'll explain everything as I go along!)

Updates

01/10/2004

Maxim's SMSRead/Write for Windows software updated:

28/11/2001

Maxim's SMSRead/Write for Windows software added.

03/11/2001

Miscellaneous minor changes. Also, Guide To Responsible Dumping added.

11/06/2001

Troubleshooting section updated with modification for reducing noise and improving reliability. A few minor corrections here and there.

02/06/2001

Rewritable page updated again. 256K instructions added, 32K and 256K cartridges given separate pages.

05/11/2000

Rewritable cartridge page updated with detailed 32K procedure.

02/11/2000

Downloadable version added.

31/10/2000

Site launched.

Contents

SECTION A - Introduction

1. Overview
2. Tools you'll need
3. Components list
4. How to solder

SECTION B - Building

5. Preparing the board
6. Power section
7. Sockets
8. Data lines
9. Address lines, and assorted links
10. Connectors

SECTION C - Operation

11. Testing
12. Using the SMSReader software
13. Troubleshooting

SECTION D - Miscellaneous

14. Building a rewritable cartridge
    1. 32K cartridge
    2. 256K cartridge
15. Guide To Responsible Dumping
16. Frequently Asked Questions
17. Acknowledgements

Disclaimer

This information is provided "as is"! This project should be regarded as being in a perpetual "beta" stage, and I accept no responsibility for (a) it not working, or (b) any damage or injury which results from your attempting to build the SMSReader.

Any comments or questions are appreciated, but please don't flame me if you blow up your PC's parallel port or destroy your priceless, rare beta of The Lucky Dime Caper due to sheer carelessness! :-)

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