Just wanted to share my tips for the System 18 Multi installation:
Firstly, don't be me. I had replaced the 68000 CPU and the multi was barely loading just a handful of games; and those few were giving me no sound, buggy graphics and weird controls. I spent over 6 hours trying to troubleshoot by reprogramming the modules, trying alternate CPU's, etc. *UNTIL* I found out that you also NEED to remove the ROM chip situated at IC4. @AlxUnderBase said this above, but I missed it and there's no manual to refer to, so wanted to put this out there as it really stitched me up.
CPU: The correct CPU to use is a Motorola MC68000P10. This seller on Aliexpress has them cheaper than the guys on eBay who sell the same thing. It took about 10 days to Australia (make sure to pay for "Aliexpress Standard Shipping"). I can confirm they work: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000569830003.html
IC4: Reminder, AGAIN, to be sure there's no chip situated at IC4. If there is, remove it. See photo below for location reference:
Module Size: There's a total of 5 modules on the board. 4 of them are 512Mb, and the other is 1Gb. You just have to keep track of the 1Gb module (for location 4 on the Multi) as it's different from the rest. If you get this mixed up, the ProMan can identify the size of the module for you. If you don't have a programmer, whomever programs your modules can mark the sizes and their locations on the silkscreen.
Module Removal: Be very gentle when removing the modules from the motherboard and programmer adapters. They're in there REALLY tight and you'll need to pry them out bit-by-bit alternating sides. You can use a chip removal tool if you get it under there but make sure you wrap something around it to protect the underside of the module and multi PCB. This also goes for the adapter socket in the ProMan. I yanked a little too hard and bent a couple of pins on one of my adapters :/ -- You will DEFINITELY bend pins really bad if you yank too hard on one side and the pins come out the socket.
Module Programming: Simple stuff really, the ProMan software is pretty intuitive. Just be sure to use the "Smart Key" function as it Erase's, Programs and Verifies in one action. Programming takes a while, but so just be patient with it. If the chip doesn't verify, check your USB connection and try again.
Module Insertion: Just be sure to line up the pins and press down. Nice and easy, they make a satisfying click when they snap in.
Multi Insertion: There's no chance of putting it in the wrong orientation. One connector is larger than the other. Just make sure it's firmly down.
That's about it. Spent a good many hours with it tonight and had a ball. Good choice on the music for CA, it actually fits the game and I suprisingly enjoyed playing it a lot more on real hardware over the Switch.
I'm was originally using the Japanese set but there’s issues with it. Stick to the standard set for now. DIP selector dial is a nice touch, just wish there was a reset button on-board!
P.S. Hopefully the proper sound for CA comes to reality -- anyone here skilled enough for the task?
Firstly, don't be me. I had replaced the 68000 CPU and the multi was barely loading just a handful of games; and those few were giving me no sound, buggy graphics and weird controls. I spent over 6 hours trying to troubleshoot by reprogramming the modules, trying alternate CPU's, etc. *UNTIL* I found out that you also NEED to remove the ROM chip situated at IC4. @AlxUnderBase said this above, but I missed it and there's no manual to refer to, so wanted to put this out there as it really stitched me up.
CPU: The correct CPU to use is a Motorola MC68000P10. This seller on Aliexpress has them cheaper than the guys on eBay who sell the same thing. It took about 10 days to Australia (make sure to pay for "Aliexpress Standard Shipping"). I can confirm they work: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000569830003.html
IC4: Reminder, AGAIN, to be sure there's no chip situated at IC4. If there is, remove it. See photo below for location reference:
Module Size: There's a total of 5 modules on the board. 4 of them are 512Mb, and the other is 1Gb. You just have to keep track of the 1Gb module (for location 4 on the Multi) as it's different from the rest. If you get this mixed up, the ProMan can identify the size of the module for you. If you don't have a programmer, whomever programs your modules can mark the sizes and their locations on the silkscreen.
Module Removal: Be very gentle when removing the modules from the motherboard and programmer adapters. They're in there REALLY tight and you'll need to pry them out bit-by-bit alternating sides. You can use a chip removal tool if you get it under there but make sure you wrap something around it to protect the underside of the module and multi PCB. This also goes for the adapter socket in the ProMan. I yanked a little too hard and bent a couple of pins on one of my adapters :/ -- You will DEFINITELY bend pins really bad if you yank too hard on one side and the pins come out the socket.
Module Programming: Simple stuff really, the ProMan software is pretty intuitive. Just be sure to use the "Smart Key" function as it Erase's, Programs and Verifies in one action. Programming takes a while, but so just be patient with it. If the chip doesn't verify, check your USB connection and try again.
Module Insertion: Just be sure to line up the pins and press down. Nice and easy, they make a satisfying click when they snap in.
Multi Insertion: There's no chance of putting it in the wrong orientation. One connector is larger than the other. Just make sure it's firmly down.
That's about it. Spent a good many hours with it tonight and had a ball. Good choice on the music for CA, it actually fits the game and I suprisingly enjoyed playing it a lot more on real hardware over the Switch.
I'm was originally using the Japanese set but there’s issues with it. Stick to the standard set for now. DIP selector dial is a nice touch, just wish there was a reset button on-board!
P.S. Hopefully the proper sound for CA comes to reality -- anyone here skilled enough for the task?
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