N64 DD Research Project

[PSmonkey]

Need some hard notes so I am posting here. This does not mean I am going to get n64 dd emulation running. This is mostly what little bits I can get out of a few people plus debugging the ipl4rom.

As always, this stuff stays private.

-- 64 DD Boot (Abnormal instances) --
1) Does SW write test to RDRAM starting at 4MB to 8MB. Consist of two writes. at 1MB intervals & a second at XXX (forgot offset).

2) Sets PI Domain2 registers (domain 1 = rom, domain 2 = dd).

3) Writes 0xAAAA0000 (SW opcode) to 0x05000520 (PC: 0x8027C0E4).

4) Reads (LW opcode) from 0x05000508 (PC: 0x8027BF44).

5) Branch Check
--- Four senarios ATM ---

- 1 - Value in the lower 16bits
.1) Error 41

.2) Constant loop check of the DD Status Register.

- 2 - 0x01000000
- 3 - 0x01020000
- 4 - 0x00000000
.1) Writes 0x00000000 (SW opcode) to 0x05000500 (PC: 0x8027C0E4).

.2) Writes 0x00140000 (SW opcode) to 0x05000508 (PC: 0x8027C0E4). ?? SET_RTC_CMD

.3) No more checks of DD Registers ??

-- 64 DD Registers (known) --
0x05000500 - Data
0x05000508 - Command / Status (?)
0x05000520 - Hardware Reset

-- Assumptions --
The IPL4ROM uses Fast3D Ext (modified) or F3DEX1.0 Microcode.

-- Additional info --
Was told the system time is stored in BCD format.
http://www.danbbs.dk/~erikoest/bcd.htm

Was told the 64DD tries to read a value from the status after the Hard Reset. If the value is not valid it wont progress to calling to read the RTC.

-- Notes from another forum --
This IPL rom are dumped from retail 64DD.
using GameShark and Hacked GS Utility.

64DD IPL rom are mapped 0xA6000000-0xA63FFFFFFF(0x06000000-0x063FFFFF).
If you want running it on Emulator, change IPL rom header
00000000: 80 27 07 40 -> 80 37 12 40

**Edit**
and replace Offset:00000040-00001000 to other rom that has CIC-NUS-6102/5.

-- Error Code List --
Error 23: The disk drive may have failed or the disk may be defective. http://ksnk.sakura.ne.jp/ddlab/supp/er.html
Error 41: Error communicating with DD. DD not properly connected
Error 44: Expansion Pak Error (Detects only 4MB).

*See images below for error messages in japanese.

-- Monkey64 info --
Monkey64 can currently run the IPL4ROM to an extent but no 3d is rendered. Just 2D. The rom currently gives back an Error Message.

[DPyro]

http://www.64dd.net/

EDIT: I hope you can read Japanese

[PSmonkey]

I already tried. I might have finaly tracked down a copy of the OS 2.0H sdk. I know this is illegal but with out an actual build progression is going to be imposible. I just need a test rom.

[MGFox]

As far as I'm aware, there was never any way to actually 'dump' the 64DD discs ... and as they were a form of disc media, they would probably be a form of ISO.

I don't know this for definite though ... I suppose it's more "something to think about"

Cheers,
Fox

[DPyro]

They look like carts not discs

[PSmonkey]

As far as I'm aware, there was never any way to actually 'dump' the 64DD discs ... and as they were a form of disc media, they would probably be a form of ISO.

I don't know this for definite though ... I suppose it's more "something to think about"

Cheers,
Fox

Dumps exsist but the only guy who have them wont give them up.

They are Disk much like floppy disk and not Disc like CDs.

They do have a full file system on them. Not sure how they will be treated in respects to loading (ie either by name or by offset).

[MGFox]

They look like carts not discs

Inside that hard plastic case is a spinning disc, comparable to a Zip Drive's disc ... where as on a cartridge, data is stored on ROM Chips.

Dumps exsist but the only guy who have them wont give them up

Fair enough

They are Disk much like floppy disk and not Disc like CDs.

They do have a full file system on them. Not sure how they will be treated in respects to loading (ie either by name or by offset).

Okay yeah ... thats roughly the point I was trying to make

Cheers,
Fox

EDIT: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NINTENDO-PARTN...QQcmdZViewItem ... if only I had the money

[PSmonkey]

yahoo.jp has better deals.

http://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/87421590

[PSmonkey]

Arg, I've tried on 3 auctions and lost on all three by a small amount.

Eventualy I will get a damn 64DD.

[PSmonkey]

*does backflips*
http://page8.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/h38409648

I got a DD on the way.

CelgaJapan = A buisness that helps you buy stuff from yahoo auctions. They are the middle man for me to obtain this unit.