VMU Backup CD v1.3.0 Released

[bucanero]

VMU Backup CD v1.3.0 by El Bucanero, released on 11th August 2005

A new version is ready, and this time with a pretty nice surprise.
The VMU CD now implements the VMU emulator SoftVMS by Marcus Comstedt (ported to KallistiOS by DirtySanchez). With the built-in VMU emulator you'll be able to play VMU minigames on your TV without having to transfer the minigames to a visual memory unit.

Changes:

• VMU emulator SoftVMS implemented
• Added more games and saves
• 60 mini games available
• 350 games listed with over 3200 saves

UPDATE: I've fixed the .CDI image!
I did a clean rebuild, then made a .ISO with MKISOFS and then just "BIN2BOOT vmucd.iso /nohack". I burned the disc, tried it on my Dreamcast and worked perfectly. yeah!
Again, sorry for any inconvenience and wasted CDs

Download it from my site www.bucanero.com.ar / SourceForge.net (DiscJuggler image, unscrambled binaries & source code available)

[RockinB]

Wow, that VMU emulator feature is really a good idea. It didn't came to my mind, so shame on me!

Having all VMU games on a Dreamcast CD makes it a lot easier to try some out.
I definitely have to try this out as soon as I get my CD burner back. Does the app allow to copy files between VMUs or delete them to make space for new saves?

Now if only someone would make such a thing for Saturn, too....

Another idea that I had for Saturn, which would be as good on Dreamcast, too:
What about implementing the possibility to pack a selection of VMU saves into a compressed archive? Such a compressed archive could be loaded by the app and work like a virtual VMU where you can copy stuff to and from, delete files... .

The idea is to make more free space by putting VMU files into a compressed archive (something better than zip, maybe bzip2), delete the original files and save the compressed archive to VMU instead.

What do you think?

[DARKGATE]

Bucanero there are problems, i have download the iso.CDI, put my cd in the DREAMCAST appear the logo SEGA and more nothing, the screen is black.
: | don't work.
My dreamcast is a PAL.
PS. DroP my cd in the WC. :°|

[DCDayDreamer]

There's a problem with the current image for download so don't burn it, the problem will be fixed ASAP and a new image will be uploaded.

[smiles]

Could someone please post the plain files as well. I prefer to make my own images, and would like to weed-out alot of the saves I don't want.

[Pavlik]

http://www.bucanero.com.ar/descargas...ria_descarga=1

A great compilation of over 3200 VMU saves and minigames for your Dreamcast, with a neat app for browsing and transfering from CD to VMU. New version with more saves, minigames, and a built-in VMU emulator to play minigames on your TV. (.CDI) FIXED

[bucanero]

Heheh thanks Pavlik!, I've just edited the top post to let everyone know that I've fixed the DiscJuggler image. This time I used the BIN2BOOT method, and I went out to buy CD-R's and try the image for real!

So please to anyone who's going to burn my VMU CD, be sure to download the fixed new image. (RAR file size about 8.5 Mbytes)

Please post if everything works fine or not, I don't want to screw DC fans again.

[MetaFox]

Please post if everything works fine or not, I don't want to screw DC fans again.

I wouldn't either, especially the early model Dreamcasts with the metal fan - that would hurt.

In all seriousness though, it works great. This is definately my favorite application for the Dreamcast at the moment.

[smiles]

The new image works great for me as well. Thanks, this is very nice.

[bucanero]

Does the app allow to copy files between VMUs or delete them to make space for new saves?

Another idea that I had for Saturn, which would be as good on Dreamcast, too: The idea is to make more free space by putting VMU files into a compressed archive (something better than zip, maybe bzip2), delete the original files and save the compressed archive to VMU instead.

What do you think?

Right now the VMU CD app doesn't have any VMU manager option, so it will just transfer saves from the disc to the selected VMU. (no delete or copy options) But this an idea that has been requested and it's on my "future improvements" list.

About your idea, I honestly think its a really great idea, it's simple but powerful. For those without coders-cable, BBA or nexus card to transfer saves, when you're out of free blocks you have to delete your own saves and that sucks. I just did some tests and the average compression on vmu files is pretty great, usually 10% of original size, so you could compress a 60 block save in a 6 block save.
I'm a bit overloaded with assigments at my university, but if I get some free time I'm sure I'll do a "VMZip" based in your idea!