The custom, proprietary chips are where things get even more complicated, as MiSTer developers need to reverse engineer each of those chips as well. These modular parts are usually referred to as “soft cores” and can be ‘plugged’ (via software) into a core, almost like a socketed IC. If not, someone else may have already reverse-engineered the ‘generic’ component and have FPGA data on it already. Some of the components on the board may be common off-the-shelf parts that offer datasheets about how they work. To do this, you map out each component on the motherboard, trace all the lines and analyze how they “talk” to each other in real time.
In order to accurately create those cores, you essentially need to recreate the original hardware in HDL (Hardware Description Language), which is more similar to a schematic than traditional coding. The MiSTer platform runs a separate “hardware emulation core” for each console, computer or arcade board you run. These latency numbers would apply regardless of where it’s used (although some 3rd part / clone consoles / properly emulated systems/compilations can add their own lag on top of this): Porkchop Express has been maintaining a database of latency results – And once again, MiSTer is the tool, not the test subject. My favorite so far, is using it to test the latency of 3rd part controllers.
The MiSTer hardware can also be used as a tool for many different uses. The process is pretty simple though: Properly erase your SD card (SD Formatter is a good tool), use the MiSTer tool to rebuild it (one button press), then plug it in the DE-10 and run an over-the-network update. You can always erase and start from scratch, so my suggestion is to use any MicroSD card (including the one that comes with the DE-10) and practice on that.
MISTER RETRO YOUTUBE SOFTWARE
The main MiSTer WiKi has excellent documentation on software setup. As an FYI, one or two cores can run on just the DE-10 alone without the RAM expansion, so you can set up and start playing around with it as soon as the dev board arrives.Ĭompatibility can be spotty with WiFi modules, but these two seemed to work for me: Also, try to purchase from known sellers like the ones listed below, as there’s been a history of eBay scams for RAM modules. Most cores require at least the smallest module, but if you’re looking to play every game possible, go for the biggest one.
MISTER RETRO YOUTUBE FULL
This one has been my favorite lately and is an easy, compact way to have full keyboard & mouse access: This can be any USB keyboard and isn’t something specific to the MiSTer project. Powered 4-port USB Hub (currently untested!!!) & Required CableĪ USB keyboard is also required for setup (hit F12). Powered 7-Port USB Hub – (both cable and hub are required): A powered USB hub is required for most (but not all) WiFi modules. You can get a cheap, passive hub if you just need a controller adapter. The only USB port accessible for use with controllers and keyboards is the MicroUSB port in the front, all the way to the right. You can also get RGB output without an I/O board. Here’s my favorite choices, with more info below: If you’re using RGB SCART output from the I/O board, you’ll also need a specific device that provides a 470 ohm resistor on the sync line. The MiSTer outputs component video and VGA from the I/O board’s dsub connector without any issues at all: Just set the ini file and switch, then connect your cable. Just the DE-10 alone can use a few cores, but a 128MB RAM module will allow for every core including Neo Geo!: The DE-10 is the only required component to get started, but we also suggest a USB hub and RAM module: Also, I recommend the above playlist of Smokemonster’s introductory videos to some of the most popular cores on the platform!
MISTER RETRO YOUTUBE HOW TO
At the moment, it’s still a device that requires “tinkering” to configure, but it’s no more difficult than setting up a Raspberry Pi.įor a summary of how the project works and how to get started, please check out the page below.
The MiSTer is an open-source project that emulate consoles, computer and arcade boards via FPGA.