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Post by newkilleramerica on Feb 12, 2019 15:15:50 GMT
Hello everyone,
New to the forum and first post. Posting here because I really couldn't decide where the right place was. Anyway, I finally unboxed my US C64 mini, and I like it. I updated to the latest firmware and I'm able to play (a few) games from USB. However, a few games that I really want to play don't work. Namely, has anyone succeeded in getting the Young Ones to work right on the C64 mini? It always crashes on mine. My other question is, has anyone hacked the unit to the extent that the SNES and NES mini have been? Like new menus, game artwork, added games etc? Thanks for reading!
NKA
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lucifer43
Armalyt
Load "*",8,1 is a powerful line of code
Posts: 53
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Post by lucifer43 on Feb 12, 2019 15:28:04 GMT
Don't know the 'young ones', but on mine there's games that don't work too (but honestly a very few only), these are often the two-sided or multi-disks ones, and strangely almost all graphical adventure games like "Borrowed Time" or "Masquerade" (wich is pissing me off a lot!)
For me it's a problem of disk image quality (and the hacking of them!) that make the difference on mini,so where do you download your games from???
for the hacking of the system there's plenty of threads talking about it here. Just search in section like "hardware and software" over the forum.
by the way welcome here!
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Post by mrrockitt on Feb 13, 2019 7:52:32 GMT
Sorry, can't help but welcome to the Forums!
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Post by crispin on Feb 13, 2019 9:54:32 GMT
newkilleramerica , Welcome to forum. There are plenty of things that could be the reason why particular game does not work. I will count few of those here, but you are strongly advised to check Mini Wiki FAQ (pinned here at the top of forum), rest (or just related parts) of Mini Wiki; Support ( FAQ, troubleshooting) at official RGL site; and finally to do some search at this forum. All of that to avoid future problems with using of Mini and, to exploit Mini's capabilities plus to maximise ❤️pleasure❤️ of using it. So: WHY SOME GAME DOES NOT WORK AT MY MINI?
1. PAL/NTSC: One of the most common reason for that is some games are made as PAL version, other as NTSC. First one is (briefly) for European market, second for USA and Canada. PAL/NTSC is related to original C64, but also for TheC64 Mini - two version of any. PAL version of game that is not "fixed" to work with NTSC, often won't work at NTSC C64 / Mini, wouldn't load / start or it will behave really badly (e.g. annoying flickering). For Mini, there is a solution for that, but it does not work always. The most easy way is to add " _TP" suffix to PAL game at NTSC, or " _TN" to NTSC version of same at PAL Mini. It should look like: "game_TP.prg" instead "game.prg". PAL games "adjusted" to work in PAL mode but at NTSC Mini should work, but it will be somewhat faster then it should be. Other version of same solution is, instead to add "_something" to filename, to do the same as game.cjm text file, in addition to some game.prg. Although not so complicated, easiest way to do it is " CJM Configuration File Tool" online service. More about .cjms and control flags at filenames at File Loader section, at official pages of Retro Games LTD. However, the best solution is to, if you are able to, to find a proper NTSC / PAL version that will just work. Many games are "101%" - fixed from community to work on both versions of C64 Mini (or classic C64). 2. Game refuse to start - joystick does not work: Sometimes it is needed to press specific key or joystick button to load game. By default, joystick plugged to Mini used to start game is recognised at "game port #2" (regardless of real USB slot that is attached to). It could be that game require using of joystick plugged to game port #1, to be able to proceed from start screen. Then, you have to add " _J1" to filename (as described above) or (more recommended) to attach aside auto-generated .cjm file from online service (link above). Similarly, some games require "space" (most often for "cracktro"s), esc, enter, F1 or some other key pressed to be able to proceed. Quick solution is using of "virtual keyboard". Some people are confused where to find space at Mini's joystick: it is right triangle button, "TR", as you can see here:  If you need some other, special key more often, it could be assigned to Mini's joystick (or most other controllers) via .cjm file, by hand or by using same online service that will do it for you. Other solution is to attach usb keyboard. If you're planning to get one only for Mini, wireless is recommended. Also USB hub is recommended, to overcome fiddling around with multiple USB devices (2 joystciks, usb stick, usb keyboard) and only 2 USB ports. Alternative solution could be keyboard equipped with USB hub; those exists, link is at Mini Wiki " compatible hardware" page. 3. Avoid "_" in a filename! As it is mentioned above, "_" (underscore) in a filename is utilised at Mini as a "control flag". But if it is there unintentionally, put just as a separator between words, it could confuse Mini, which is very often case. Just avoid it. 4. Fast Loader and Accurate Disk - some games require both of them to be switched (1st turned off, 2nd turned on). it is mostly related to multi-part games. Game could load slower then, but you have game "save slot" that you can use, to overcome that (for next time game session). The thing is that "File Loader" and "Accurate Disk are not the same (something that many users are not aware of!) - here, from official page:
5. Two sided - multi -disk games: There is a solution for that, described here at Mini Wiki; study it. It is somewhat cumberstome to get used to it, but not much more as it was at original old C64. You just have to switch disks. Once set (properly prepaired), it will work for most of the games. Mind you, new firmware allows specific, common .cjm for all dedicated disks (parts of game) that are separated to belonging sub-folders. Workaround is to find cartridge version of same game, that will just work. Hundreds of games are converted to "Easy Flash" cartridge version. 6. Unsupported software - some games or demos utilise very advanced, often quite unofficial way of using original hardware. It could be that Vice emulator version (that is engine inside of Mini) just can't support it. It is very rare case but it does exist. Some games are just not compatible, even between C64 versions of original hardware!
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Post by newkilleramerica on Feb 14, 2019 15:43:36 GMT
Thank you all so much for your replies! I will investigate further. Looking forward to playing Young Ones again as if I were 8!
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lucifer43
Armalyt
Load "*",8,1 is a powerful line of code
Posts: 53
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Post by lucifer43 on Feb 18, 2019 17:58:28 GMT
I can now confirm that with the "Accurate Disk" option I now can run most of the multi or two sided disk image I couldn't before , for exemple yesterday made "Tass Times in Tonetown" work with it!
good to kow...
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Post by newkilleramerica on Feb 20, 2019 15:56:29 GMT
Hi Crispin, and lucifer43, thanks for your replies! Could someone tell me how to use the "Accurate Disk" option? I must be overlooking something. I'd like to try this option.
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lucifer43
Armalyt
Load "*",8,1 is a powerful line of code
Posts: 53
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Post by lucifer43 on Feb 21, 2019 20:29:58 GMT
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Post by newkilleramerica on Feb 22, 2019 19:41:22 GMT
Awesome. Thanks for the reply. I'll report back!
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Post by crispin on Feb 23, 2019 18:11:56 GMT
Awesome. Thanks for the reply. I'll report back! You're welcome. Just to confirm, as lucifer43 said - just ad "_AD" to filename of your game, like: "mygame.prg" > "mygame_AD.prg". Second option is to make companion "cjm" text file, of the same name (but .cjm extension), with same settings. Online auto-configuration tool will make it for you, it is here: www.thec64minizone.com/cjm-configuration-file-tool/ |
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Post by newkilleramerica on Feb 26, 2019 15:37:26 GMT
Hello all!
Well, after adding the "_AD" tag, the game now attempts to load, then dumps back to the menu, whereas before it would load, only work for about 10 seconds, then freeze. I also used the online tool, no luck, same result. I'm puzzled. I'd really like to be able to play this game, is anyone interested in maybe testing this title on their mini to see if it works for them? I'd be entirely grateful!
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Post by kugelblitz on Feb 26, 2019 19:19:51 GMT
Have you tried this version? It was recracked in 1992. csdb.dk has over a dozen versions of the game. Unfortunately I have seen no info in the thread which version you are using. csdb.dk/release/?id=169148 |
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Post by newkilleramerica on Feb 26, 2019 22:31:34 GMT
Have you tried this version? It was recracked in 1992. csdb.dk has over a dozen versions of the game. Unfortunately I have seen no info in the thread which version you are using. csdb.dk/release/?id=169148Thanks kugelblitz! Well, I tried that version and the menus load but it freezes when the actual game attempts to start. I'm not sure how I tell which version of the game I'm running...It was downloaded in a multiple pack which I can't find on the net anymore. A D64 image. I'll look at the other versions at csdb.dk, see if I can get anything to work. I appreciate the note. |
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Post by bronze on Feb 26, 2019 23:53:06 GMT
Hi, just saw your post, I tried this version in my Pal mini and works fine, do you have the "C64 Good Set" of games? If not download that collection, is pretty much complete set of known C64 games and all work well. |
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Post by bronze on Feb 27, 2019 0:03:03 GMT
Oh, if your in the US with a NTSC machine, you will have to alter the file name by adding this flag eg. YOUNGONE_TN.T64. The "TN" tells the mini to run the game as a NTSC game. retrogames.biz/support/file-loader/check above link for more info. |
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Post by newkilleramerica on Feb 27, 2019 17:08:51 GMT
Hi Bronze, thanks for taking the time to reply. Yes, I have an NTSC machine. So, I downloaded your file, added the "_TN" tag to the filename, and it loaded! But, after 5 seconds it crashed. Just hung on a gray screen. I also tried removing the tag and running it just as "YOUNGONE.T64" and had the exact same result. I don't know why this game is so fussy! This is probably the 3rd different image I've tried...I simply can't seem to get this game to work on the C64 mini (NTSC). If anyone can figure out what I'm doing wrong? Thanks everyone
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Post by kugelblitz on Mar 5, 2019 20:24:33 GMT
Hi Bronze, thanks for taking the time to reply. Yes, I have an NTSC machine. So, I downloaded your file, added the "_TN" tag to the filename, and it loaded! But, after 5 seconds it crashed. Just hung on a gray screen. I also tried removing the tag and running it just as "YOUNGONE.T64" and had the exact same result. I don't know why this game is so fussy! This is probably the 3rd different image I've tried...I simply can't seem to get this game to work on the C64 mini (NTSC). If anyone can figure out what I'm doing wrong? Thanks everyone Try it the other way around - add _TP rahter than _TN to indicate the NTSC machine that this is a PAL game. |
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Post by newkilleramerica on Mar 6, 2019 15:49:54 GMT
kugelblitz...BRILLIANT!!! IT WORKS! Thanks so much man! Really appreciate it.
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lucifer43
Armalyt
Load "*",8,1 is a powerful line of code
Posts: 53
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Post by lucifer43 on Mar 8, 2019 15:05:54 GMT
Glad you could make it...Indeed the fact I have a PAL C64mini have certainly helped for lots of game to work as I never used the tag for PAL or NTSC formats!..often with a downloaded file i'had a folder with several cracked version of the
same game by different team of hack..guess it should be sometimes a problem of NTSC format, but always had the chance to fin a working version (among sometimes 5 ou 6 different cracks!)
AHHH good old times, remember me the AMIGA and Quartex days :-))
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centar
Creatures
Tinkering with C64 Mini/Maxi, Altarduino, Pi boards, IncrediblePBX, OpenEMR and Ham Radio...
Posts: 26
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Post by centar on Apr 25, 2020 9:04:25 GMT
I'm in North America with a Mini
I have found that just putting a default CJM file called thec64-default.cjm
containing the following:
X:64,pal,accuratedisk,driveicon
J:1:JU,JD,JL,JR,JF,JF,1,2,JF,A,B,C,JF,3,5
J:2*:JU,JD,JL,JR,JF,JF,F1,F2,JF,1,2,3,JF,F3,F4
V:12
into the root directory of your USB key makes MOST (single file) games/demos work with no changes needed to their filenames
for games that require joystick 1 just put a copy of the same file in the games directory with the "*" changed from the J2 line to the J1 line ie:
X:64,pal,accuratedisk,driveicon
J:1*:JU,JD,JL,JR,JF,JF,1,2,JF,A,B,C,JF,3,5
J:2:JU,JD,JL,JR,JF,JF,F1,F2,JF,1,2,3,JF,F3,F4
V:12
For stubborn games add "readonly" to the 1st line ie.
X:64,pal,accuratedisk,driveicon,readonly
J:1*:JU,JD,JL,JR,JF,JF,1,2,JF,A,B,C,JF,3,5
J:2:JU,JD,JL,JR,JF,JF,F1,F2,JF,1,2,3,JF,F3,F4
V:12
this has gotten 99% of all software I have d/led to work without have to change the filenames (for single disk files)
for multi disk files you have to create directories for each disk ie. D1 D2 D3... and copy the respective image files into each one and name the files all the same name. Use the Save state function to do the disk switching.
The CJM file in the games root directory will sill function.
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Post by dosman on Jul 18, 2021 14:29:51 GMT
I'm in North America with a Mini I have found that just putting a default CJM file called thec64-default.cjm containing the following: X:64,pal,accuratedisk,driveicon J:1:JU,JD,JL,JR,JF,JF,1,2,JF,A,B,C,JF,3,5 J:2*:JU,JD,JL,JR,JF,JF,F1,F2,JF,1,2,3,JF,F3,F4 V:12 into the root directory of your USB key makes MOST (single file) games/demos work with no changes needed to their filenames for games that require joystick 1 just put a copy of the same file in the games directory with the "*" changed from the J2 line to the J1 line ie: X:64,pal,accuratedisk,driveicon J:1*:JU,JD,JL,JR,JF,JF,1,2,JF,A,B,C,JF,3,5 J:2:JU,JD,JL,JR,JF,JF,F1,F2,JF,1,2,3,JF,F3,F4 V:12 For stubborn games add "readonly" to the 1st line ie. X:64,pal,accuratedisk,driveicon,readonly J:1*:JU,JD,JL,JR,JF,JF,1,2,JF,A,B,C,JF,3,5 J:2:JU,JD,JL,JR,JF,JF,F1,F2,JF,1,2,3,JF,F3,F4 V:12 this has gotten 99% of all software I have d/led to work without have to change the filenames (for single disk files) for multi disk files you have to create directories for each disk ie. D1 D2 D3... and copy the respective image files into each one and name the files all the same name. Use the Save state function to do the disk switching. The CJM file in the games root directory will sill function. I'm sorry for the reply to this old post. While I am new to C64, I feel as if I need to add what I've experienced so far with The C64 Maxi.
I had a bunch of demos that worked, but they looked horrible. On the C64 Maxi, you can change the system to run as NTSC or PAL. Once I set the machine to run as PAL, and I flagged all single disk demo's with _AD, they all work except for one. I haven't tried the multi-disk demo's yet. I have .tap games also, and they do not need _AD on the The C64 Maxi. More specifically, I'm trying to get Ghostbusters to run at normal speed, but I can't seem to find the specific spec I need. I just had a .D64 version of it, the sound runs fast. Found a .T64 file which I added the _J1 flag, and added the _TP flag as well to the file and the sound still runs faster than what it should be at. Not sure why.
As for running demo's, I didn't have to add the thec64-default.cjm to my USB drive, however I'm using a Maxi not a Mini, so not sure if there is more software compatibility on Maxi vs. Mini. I think when I had the Mini I did try running demo's but this was before I knew about _AD and such.
On the computer here, I found Amazing Horse.prg. If you know of The Amazing Horse, someone took and made the guy riding the horse animation, with the Amazing Horse tune running, for C64. It runs great on the emulator, but on The C64 Maxi, again the sound runs faster than what it does on the emulator. It's as if it needs slowed down on the Maxi.
That's where I'm getting stuck at actually. But I am new and still learning as I go. And am also learning C64 Basic. That's really why I got the Maxi over the Mini, so that I could have the actual keyboard and be able to learn C64 programming and then apply the knowledge to more modern programming languages.
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