Upcoming Jaguar Game Drive Cartridge

[SainT]

I've been getting quite a few PM's and messages in the Lynx thread asking about a Jaguar cartridge (Everdrive style), which I've hinted at in a few other places. I thought I'd just make it known that the design for a Jaguar cartridge is largely complete and I've started some actual work on it. Although the Lynx cartridge production is taking all my spare time at the moment, so until I've got that under control then progress will be slow.

 

What I have got sorted is a good start, however. I've got a windows tool chain setup for the Jag. I have replaced the boot ROM with my own code and have hooked the Jag up to my trusty old SC1224. Next up is interfacing the Jag's DSP port to the PC via a microcontroller using the high speed synchronous serial interface. This will then let me actually do simple dev work on the Jag to test cartridge hardware.

 

This is going to be a while yet, it could well take another 6-12 months depending on how much time I need to devote to the Lynx, as this is just a hobby for me, so my time is limited.

 

There are no pre-order lists or anything like that, and I will ask for posts relating to this to be removed as it's just way too early. However if anyone wants to ask any questions, or if I have any progress updates, this thread is a good place for them.

Edited October 25, 2019 by SainT

[JaguarBrett]

This is fantastic news indeed! Will certainly look forward to hearing more.

 

Thank you sir for your efforts 👍🍻

[+davidcalgary29]

Amazing! I'd imagine that the demand will be immense, and on-going.

[fille1976]

i have a v3 skunkboard,will be happy i can change it for saints card.

[racerx]

Please add me to the l...

 

 

Oh, right.

[goaltoss]

This is awesome. I noticed in another thread you were asking about save ram. So is it safe to assume that the cart will support game saves?

[Guitari]

Presumably saint's sd solution will quicken the pace of homebrew development as devs can instantly upload to a real jag rather than the time consuming skunk methods.

[SlangeUG]

This is the best news I've heard in a long time. A Jag multicart is something I've always wanted as most games are either too expensive or hard to find. when you have any sort of list put me down. Whenever it becomes available I shall be there. Thanks you so much for taking the time to create this and the Lynx cart.

Edited June 20, 2016 by SlangeUG

[SainT]

On 6/20/2016 at 11:06 PM, goaltoss said:

This is awesome. I noticed in another thread you were asking about save ram. So is it safe to assume that the cart will support game saves?

Yep, I have that covered. At the moment I support upto the max EEPROM size used on the Jag which will be persisted to the memory card. I've actually designed / written and simulated the majority of the custom chip needed to handle things like this already.

 

The custom chip on the cart (a CPLD type device) will be programmable from the Jag, so updates to the hardware functionality can actaully be made after release as well.

Edited October 25, 2019 by SainT

[SainT]

On 6/20/2016 at 11:19 PM, Guitari said:

Presumably saint's sd solution will quicken the pace of homebrew development as devs can instantly upload to a real jag rather than the time consuming skunk methods.

I will most likely have a 'dev' option with USB connector and full hardware debugging capabilities as you'd find on an Alpine. This may be a standard feature depending on cost. In theory it's just an FTDI chip, so it's not that much...

 

Many features like this I will plan from a hardware level, but may require sofware assistance depending on complexity and free time. GadgetUK's assistance with the menu system on the Lynx cart is a prime example of what can happen when you get some community help!

Edited October 25, 2019 by SainT

[atarian63]

very exciting, of course we all want this!!! Please keep the updates coming as you have time! Thank you!

[+TrekMD]

This is superb. Something I will definitely want to get.

[+CyranoJ]

I will most likely have a 'dev' option with USB connector and full hardware debugging capabilities as you'd find on an Alpine. This may be a standard feature depending on cost. In theory it's just an FTDI chip, so it's not that much...

 

Many features like this I will plan from a hardware level, but may require sofware assistance depending on complexity and free time. GadgetUK's assistance with the menu system on the Lynx SD is a prime example of what can happen when you get some community help!

 

More than happy to help. If you need anything, just ask.

[Austin]

Fantastic news! The Skunkboard has had its use, but for those that just want to game (easily), a SD-based option will be soooo much more convenient.

[+Sauron]

An SD card solution for the Jag has been long overdue. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed!

[+CyranoJ]

Fantastic news! The Skunkboard has had its use, but for those that just want to game (easily), a SD-based option will be soooo much more convenient.

 

Yeah and taking Reboot to a show or event means only having to secure one cart

[Atariboy]

Any chance that it will play disc images as well, much like how the Cuttle Cart II supported Supercharger tape games?

 

Or will it be cartridge titles only?

[venom4728a]

Awesome News! Will be following this thread closely. Love to help in any way possible.

 

Robert

[mckafka99]

Awesome! Can't wait for this!

[atariLBC]

YES! YES! YES!

 

Great news. As someone who has is happily enjoying the Lynx SD card, I am very much looking forward seeing this project come to fruition.

[+Rick Dangerous]

Oh yeah! If it's anything like your Lynx SD Cart I'm in!

[Greg2600]

Good luck Saint!

[Krip316]

Looks like I'm not selling my jag now. This got me all excited! I'm like a kid in a candy store.

[MockyLock]

'llo here !

So it's finally the time when my Skunkboard will deserve its retirement.

And time for me to bookmark this thread. I'll be on the first line the release day !

Really good news indeed !

[owen2471]

Great news.