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First post, by thierry

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Hi people!

its possible to connect directly to com1 the MT32 use with SoftMPU to play games Sierra? or if there is some kind of special cable .. thanks

Reply 1 of 19, by jesolo

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Refer to the following topic Video demo of SoftMPU's new serial output feature
You can also go the website and refer to the documentation: http://bjt42.github.io/softmpu/

However, I'm not sure whether you can actually use this feature with an MT-32, due to the 5-pin MIDI DIN interface.

Reply 2 of 19, by Cloudschatze

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jesolo wrote:

However, I'm not sure whether you can actually use this feature with an MT-32, due to the 5-pin MIDI DIN interface.

You can, certainly, but it requires the use of a go-between to perform the 38400-baud serial -> 31250-baud MIDI conversion. All serial-connectable MIDI modules perform this conversion internally, and any such model with a MIDI OUT port can be used to facilitate playback from a connected MT-32, including members of Roland's Sound Canvas family, Yamaha's TG and MU tone generators, and several Korg units. Presumably, something like the port-powered Midiman Portman PC/S could also be used, for an even simpler setup.

Here's a video in which I demonstrate MT-32 playback using SoftMPU's serial output functionality, albeit, through outrageously complex means:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOaxgtu7Gfc

Reply 3 of 19, by thierry

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Thanks jesolo , i was seeing that there is no upgrade post, I will ask what's new

Cloudschatze wrote:
You can, certainly, but it requires the use of a go-between to perform the 38400-baud serial -> 31250-baud MIDI conversion. All […]
Show full quote
jesolo wrote:

However, I'm not sure whether you can actually use this feature with an MT-32, due to the 5-pin MIDI DIN interface.

You can, certainly, but it requires the use of a go-between to perform the 38400-baud serial -> 31250-baud MIDI conversion. All serial-connectable MIDI modules perform this conversion internally, and any such model with a MIDI OUT port can be used to facilitate playback from a connected MT-32, including members of Roland's Sound Canvas family, Yamaha's TG and MU tone generators, and several Korg units. Presumably, something like the port-powered Midiman Portman PC/S could also be used, for an even simpler setup.

Here's a video in which I demonstrate MT-32 playback using SoftMPU's serial output functionality, albeit, through outrageously complex means:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOaxgtu7Gfc

Thanks Cloudschatze , then to use the SoftMPU is just a matter of having the Yamaha TG100 - Module only ? or i need to have connected the Yamaha TG100 - Modulo Midi and the MT32? Thanks in advance

Reply 4 of 19, by Cloudschatze

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thierry wrote:

Thanks Cloudschatze , then to use the SoftMPU is just a matter of having the Yamaha TG100 - Module only ? or i need to have connected the Yamaha TG100 - Modulo Midi and the MT32? Thanks in advance

DE-9 serial (COM1/2) -> TG100 TO HOST (PC-2 setting)
TG100 MIDI OUT -> MT-32 MIDI IN

Hosa manufacturers a fairly inexpensive 8-pin mini-DIN to DE-9 cable:
http://hosatech.com/product/dbk-100/

Compared to some of the later modules, the TG100 is pretty basic when used as a serial MIDI interface. Lacking routing options, the serial data arriving at its TO HOST port is simultaneously sent to both the internal tone generator and retransmitted through the MIDI OUT. This just means that you'll want to turn down the volume on the TG100 (or leave it's audio outputs unplugged, or send SysEx to disable RX channel reception for each of the 16 parts, etc.) when desiring only MT-32 playback.

Reply 5 of 19, by Bondi

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Do you, guys, think I can make a 8-pin mini-DIN to DE-9 cable, like above, myself? Are there any electronic components inside, or it's just directly connected? There is the official pinout of this cable

hosa dbk-130.jpg
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HOSA DBK-103
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It's a piece of cake, unless it has anything else except wires inside.

EDIT: Here is complete manual. More details on second page. No mention of any additional components...

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PCMCIA Sound Cards chart
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Reply 6 of 19, by Jo22

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Bondi wrote on 2020-11-04, 10:06:
Do you, guys, think I can make a 8-pin mini-DIN to DE-9 cable, like above, myself? Are there any electronic components inside, o […]
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Do you, guys, think I can make a 8-pin mini-DIN to DE-9 cable, like above, myself? Are there any electronic components inside, or it's just directly connected? There is the official pinout of this cable
hosa dbk-130.jpg
It's a piece of cake, unless it has anything else except wires inside.

EDIT: Here is complete manual. More details on second page. No mention of any additional components...
DBK-100_Pinout.pdf

Generally spraking, I would never use MIDI without the use of an opto-coupler. The RS232 uses +12v/-12v sigalling, whereas the traditional MIDI port uses a current-loop interface. The waveblaster header on soundcards is another beast also and uses 5v TTL levels.

https://www.midi.org/specifications-old/item/ … 0-specification

PS: There was a hack that involves exchanging the quartz crystal of an classic, ISA-based serial port with a different one. This fooled the software side (DOS, BIOS) of the COM port thinking it was running at a standard baudrate, while the port physically operated a 31250 Baud.
Not sure if this involved an 16550 UART's FiFO, though.

Edit: Typos fixed.

Edit: As for that special cable, well I don't know. If the device was made with RS232 in mind then it is okay.
If it originally was made for Japamese computers, PC-98 series, FM Towns, etc. I'd be more careful.
These platform may use other serial ports.
The C64 and Macintosh (68k based) platform had non-PC compatible serial ports, after all.
Hm. Maybe diodes can be used to make cable more safe, not sure.Sorry. 🙁

"Time, it seems, doesn't flow. For some it's fast, for some it's slow.
In what to one race is no time at all, another race can rise and fall..." - The Minstrel

//My video channel//

Reply 7 of 19, by Bondi

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Does anyone know why it's working with some games and doesn't work with others?
Tried SoftMPU with IBM Thinkpad 360CE with HOSA DBK-103 cable and output to SC-55K via COM port. Sound is working with:
- Dosmid player
- Lost Vikings
- HOMM 2
- Tetris Classic
Does NOT work with:
- DOOM 1/2
- Heretic
- Tyrian
- Raptor
- ROTT

HOSA.jpg
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PCMCIA Sound Cards chart
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Reply 8 of 19, by Oetker

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Bondi wrote on 2021-03-01, 06:56:
Does anyone know why it's working with some games and doesn't work with others? Tried SoftMPU with IBM Thinkpad 360CE with HOSA […]
Show full quote

Does anyone know why it's working with some games and doesn't work with others?
Tried SoftMPU with IBM Thinkpad 360CE with HOSA DBK-103 cable and output to SC-55K via COM port. Sound is working with:
- Dosmid player
- Lost Vikings
- HOMM 2
- Tetris Classic
Does NOT work with:
- DOOM 1/2
- Heretic
- Tyrian
- Raptor
- ROTT

HOSA.jpg

Re: SoftMPU project needs your help! (game & sound card testing)

Reply 9 of 19, by Bondi

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Oetker wrote on 2021-03-01, 07:22:
Bondi wrote on 2021-03-01, 06:56:
Does anyone know why it's working with some games and doesn't work with others? Tried SoftMPU with IBM Thinkpad 360CE with HOSA […]
Show full quote

Does anyone know why it's working with some games and doesn't work with others?
Tried SoftMPU with IBM Thinkpad 360CE with HOSA DBK-103 cable and output to SC-55K via COM port. Sound is working with:
- Dosmid player
- Lost Vikings
- HOMM 2
- Tetris Classic
Does NOT work with:
- DOOM 1/2
- Heretic
- Tyrian
- Raptor
- ROTT

HOSA.jpg

Re: SoftMPU project needs your help! (game & sound card testing)

Thanks for the link.
But the thing is that HOMM2 uses dos4gw extender, which I think is an indication of a protected mode game.
Or am I getting it wong?

PCMCIA Sound Cards chart
archive.org: PCMCIA software, manuals, drivers

Reply 10 of 19, by Oetker

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Bondi wrote on 2021-03-01, 07:36:
Thanks for the link. But the thing is that HOMM2 and Lost Vikings both use dos4gw extender, which I think is an indication of a […]
Show full quote
Oetker wrote on 2021-03-01, 07:22:
Bondi wrote on 2021-03-01, 06:56:
Does anyone know why it's working with some games and doesn't work with others? Tried SoftMPU with IBM Thinkpad 360CE with HOSA […]
Show full quote

Does anyone know why it's working with some games and doesn't work with others?
Tried SoftMPU with IBM Thinkpad 360CE with HOSA DBK-103 cable and output to SC-55K via COM port. Sound is working with:
- Dosmid player
- Lost Vikings
- HOMM 2
- Tetris Classic
Does NOT work with:
- DOOM 1/2
- Heretic
- Tyrian
- Raptor
- ROTT

HOSA.jpg

Re: SoftMPU project needs your help! (game & sound card testing)

Thanks for the link.
But the thing is that HOMM2 and Lost Vikings both use dos4gw extender, which I think is an indication of a protected mode game.
Or am I getting it wong?

Yeah when I read your list I thought that Lost Vikings might be modern enough to be protected mode, and yeah as far as I know using such an extender means it is a protected mode game. Strange.

Reply 11 of 19, by Bondi

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Oetker wrote on 2021-03-01, 07:40:
Bondi wrote on 2021-03-01, 07:36:
Thanks for the link. But the thing is that HOMM2 and Lost Vikings both use dos4gw extender, which I think is an indication of a […]
Show full quote
Oetker wrote on 2021-03-01, 07:22:

Thanks for the link.
But the thing is that HOMM2 and Lost Vikings both use dos4gw extender, which I think is an indication of a protected mode game.
Or am I getting it wong?

Yeah when I read your list I thought that Lost Vikings might be modern enough to be protected mode, and yeah as far as I know using such an extender means it is a protected mode game. Strange.

I think I confused it Lost Vikings doesn't actually use dos4gw. But HOMM2 does for sure.

PCMCIA Sound Cards chart
archive.org: PCMCIA software, manuals, drivers

Reply 12 of 19, by krivulak

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Okay, I don't know if I am stupid or what the heck is going on but I got SC55 Mk2 which should be able to use the COM port communication. Also I got the original Roland RST-15AT cable and when I tried to plug it in and set up the same way as shown in the video, nothing happens. I tried to google a lot and I found out that there is the swith with mode 1 and mode 2, mode 1 being for Mac, mode 2 being for PC. Also I found out that the device should be communicating on 38400 bauds. How do I set up the port this high on DOS machine? Is it possible or do I need Windows for that?

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Reply 13 of 19, by Jo22

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Hi! You can try COMTOOL. It's part of Arachne.

The file attached also contains that utility.
Maybe it can help setting up the com port and enable the fifo.

Good luck. 😀

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"Time, it seems, doesn't flow. For some it's fast, for some it's slow.
In what to one race is no time at all, another race can rise and fall..." - The Minstrel

//My video channel//

Reply 14 of 19, by Cloudschatze

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If the question specifically relates to the use of SoftMPU, invoking that for serial-port output will automatically set the 38400 bps rate.

SOFTMPU.EXE /MPU:330 /OUTPUT:COMx
(Where "x" represents the COM port you're trying to use. E.g., "COM1")

The switch on the SC-55mkII needs to be in the RS232C-2 position for the 38400 bps rate. Assuming you've checked and tested all of this already, there may yet be an issue with the selection switch, the cable, or even the serial port itself.

Reply 15 of 19, by krivulak

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Thanks guys. It turns out - yes, it is me who is stupid. Just brew myself a cup of tea, sat down and start thinking why the frick it is not working. Can you spot what's up? 😁

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Reply 17 of 19, by krivulak

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Indeed I did. I was plugging it blind by reaching my hand behind the computer and both ports are on top of each other. Plugged it in without knowing it is the wrong plug and then proceeded to make myself angry because it didn't work. Whoops

Reply 18 of 19, by digger

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Well, to be fair to you, it was indeed confusing that Roland decided to include a serial cable with a male 25-pin connector instead of a female one, which would have made much more sense, and wouldn't have required either another cable or a gender changer.