by Mike G
Welcome to the SMSReader page!
SMSReader is a parallel port reader and writer for Sega Master System cartridges.
(With suitable adaptors, cartridges and cards for other Sega 8-bit systems
are supported.)
It plugs into your PC's parallel port (which must operate in bi-directional
mode), and is controlled by software running under Windows or MS-DOS. Using the reader,
you can:
- Read your own Sega cartridges and copy the ROM images onto your hard drive, so you can use them in emulators such as Meka.
- Write ROM images onto specially modified cartridges with battery backed RAM, so you can use them on the real Master System.
- Read and write your saved games from cartridges like Phantasy Star, which have battery backed RAM for save positions.
SMSReader has been designed to be simple to construct - even if
you've never soldered before - and even easier to use. The software supports
checksum and error checking to ensure that the ROMs you read are exact
copies of the original cartridges. Additionally, ROM images you download
can be patched with correct header information before writing, to make
sure that they will work on your SMS.
(Oh, and don't worry if you have little or no knowledge of electronics
- I'll explain everything as I go along!)
Updates
- 01/10/2004
- Maxim's SMSRead/Write for Windows software updated:
- 28/11/2001
- Maxim's SMSRead/Write for Windows software added.
- 03/11/2001
- Miscellaneous minor changes. Also, Guide To Responsible Dumping added.
- 11/06/2001
- Troubleshooting section updated with modification for reducing noise and improving reliability. A few minor corrections here and there.
- 02/06/2001
- Rewritable page updated again. 256K instructions added, 32K and 256K cartridges given separate pages.
- 05/11/2000
- Rewritable cartridge page updated with detailed 32K procedure.
- 02/11/2000
- Downloadable version added.
- 31/10/2000
- Site launched.
Contents
SECTION A - Introduction
- Overview
- Tools you'll need
- Components list
- How to solder
SECTION B - Building
- Preparing the board
- Power section
- Sockets
- Data lines
- Address lines, and assorted links
- Connectors
SECTION C - Operation
- Testing
- Using the SMSReader software
- Troubleshooting
SECTION D - Miscellaneous
- Building a rewritable cartridge
- 32K cartridge
- 256K cartridge
- Guide To Responsible Dumping
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Acknowledgements
Disclaimer
This information is provided "as is"! This project should
be regarded as being in a perpetual "beta" stage, and I accept no responsibility
for (a) it not working, or (b) any damage or injury which results from
your attempting to build the SMSReader.
Any comments or questions are appreciated, but please
don't flame me if you blow up your PC's parallel port or destroy your priceless,
rare beta of The Lucky Dime Caper due to sheer carelessness! :-)