Ver. 1.2.0-upd1

- Sin cambios en el programa.
- Se han resampleado los archivos de audio a partir del archivo CAS, usando la utilidad MSX2CAS (https://www.msx2cas.com/). Esta utilidad soluciona los problemas de formato de los archivos .WAV generados con la utilidad CAS2WAV y que estaban sampleados a una frecuencia de muestreo no estándar. Además los nuevos archivos .WAV contienen una señal en forma de onda cuadrada y no sinusoidal, lo que facilita la carga en ciertos reproductores a 2400 baudios.
- Se incluyen las caratulas y etiquetas de la versión de cinta.
- Se incluye la caratula de la caja de la versión de cartucho.
- Se incluye el manual del usuario en formato PDF y TXT.

docs/changelog.txt

@@ -2,6 +2,20 @@
 MSX Diagnostics Changelog
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
+2020-08-09 Ver. 1.2.0-upd1
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+- Sin cambios en el programa.
+- Se han resampleado los archivos de audio a partir del archivo CAS, usando la
+  utilidad MSX2CAS (https://www.msx2cas.com/). Esta utilidad soluciona los
+  problemas de formato de los archivos .WAV generados con la utilidad CAS2WAV
+  y que estaban sampleados a una frecuencia de muestreo no est�ndar. Adem�s
+  los nuevos archivos .WAV contienen una se�al en forma de onda cuadrada y no
+  sinusoidal, lo que facilita la carga en ciertos reproductores a 2400 baudios.
+- Se incluyen las caratulas y etiquetas de la versi�n de cinta.
+- Se incluye la caratula de la caja de la versi�n de cartucho.
+- Se incluye el manual del usuario en formato PDF y TXT.  
+
+
 2020-07-23 Ver. 1.2.0
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 - A�adida la opci�n para mostrar la configuraci�n de la memoria RAM.

user_manual/MSX Diagnostics - User manual [ENG] - Plain Text.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,317 @@
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+MSX Diagnostics
+User manual
+
+
+(Version 1.2.0)
+
+https://nightfoxandco.com/
+contact@nightfoxandco.com
+
+(CC) 2018-2020 by Cesar Rincon
+Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
+
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+
+Index
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+1. Running the software
+	1.1. Running from cartridge
+	1.2. Running from floppy disk
+	1.3. Running from tape
+2. The main menu
+3. Options in the page 1
+	3.1. SCREEN 0 test
+	3.2. SCREEN 1 test
+	3.3. SCREEN 2 test
+	3.4. SCREEN 3 test
+	3.5. SPRITES test
+	3.6. MONITOR COLOR test
+4. Options in the page 2
+	4.1. KEYBOARD test
+	4.2. JOYSTICK test
+	4.3. PSG test
+	4.4. MIXED MODE test
+	4.5. SYSTEM INFORMATION
+	4.6. RAM LAYOUT
+	4.7. REBOOT
+5. Known issues
+
+
+
+
+
+1. Running the software
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+MSX Diagnostics is available in almost all MSX existing formats, like ROM
+cartridge, floppy and tape as physical formats, and in several digital
+formats, enabling people to make their own preferred physical copy or run it
+in emulators or loading devices, such as flashcards or Gotek devices.
+Regardless of the format you choose to run the program, you must hear
+3 “beeps” at the same time CAPS led blinks. This indicates that the
+preliminary hardware check has been successful and the program is starting
+with normality. The program may take a few seconds to perform this first check
+and depending on the RAM installed in your system it may take up to 5 seconds.
+This preliminary test and feedback are also helpful in ensuring that the MSX
+is booting up even without a monitor connected.
+
+
+
+1.1. Running from cartridge
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Like all other MSX software in cartridge format, just turn off your computer,
+insert the cartridge and turn on again. The program will start automatically.
+Do not remove or insert the cartridge while the computer is turned on.
+
+
+
+1.2. Running from floppy disk
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+To run the program from floppy disk (or from a disk image), insert the disk
+and turn on the computer. If you put it in the A: drive, it will run
+AUTOEXEC.BAS and start automatically. If you inserted the disk while the
+computer was turned on, just type RUN”AUTOEXEC.BAS” then press ENTER.
+To run the program from a drive other than A:, just type
+BLOAD”B:MSXDIAG.BIN”,R then press ENTER. Replace B: for the drive letter
+where you inserted the disk.
+
+
+
+1.3 Running from tape
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+To run the program from a tape (or tape image) or audio file like WAV, just
+type RUN”CAS:” then press ENTER. Press PLAY in your cassette player or play
+the audio file. The 1200 bauds version will take around 3:53 minutes to load,
+and the 2400 bauds version around 2:10 minutes.
+
+Regardless of the version you are loading, floppy or tape, you will hear
+3 “beeps” and see the CAPS led flashing once the program finishes loading.
+
+
+
+
+
+2. The main menu
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+After the boot screen, the program will display the main menu. This menu has
+2 pages, showing all available tests and options.
+You can move through the options by pressing UP/DOWN on the arrow keys or the
+joystick. To run the selected option, simply press the SPACE key or the
+joystick* BUTTON 1 (Accept). You can also run a specific option directly by
+pressing the assigned number key. To change the menu page, use option “0” on
+both pages or just press LEFT/RIGHT on the cursor keys or the joystick.
+To exit a test or return from an instruction page, press ESC key or BUTTON 2
+on the joystick* (Cancel).
+
+* Works only with the joystick connected in PORT 1.
+
+
+
+
+
+3.1. SCREEN 0 test.
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+This test checks the VDP in the SCREEN 0 mode. The screen will fill with all
+printable characters. Check for any corrupted character to make sure the VDP
+and VRAM work fine in this mode.
+By pressing RIGHT/LEFT on the arrow keys or the joystick you can change the
+foreground colour, and by pressing UP/DOWN you can change the background
+colour. Use SPACE key or joystick BUTTON 1 to restore the default colours.
+Use ESC key or joystick BUTTON 2 to exit the test.
+
+
+
+3.2. SCREEN 1 test.
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+This is almost the same test as for SCREEN 0 mode, but for SCREEN 1 mode.
+The screen will fill with all printable characters. Check for any corrupted
+character to make sure the VDP and VRAM work fine in this mode.
+By pressing RIGHT/LEFT on the arrow keys or the joystick you can change the
+foreground colour, and by pressing UP/DOWN you can change the background
+colour. Use SPACE key or joystick BUTTON 1 to change the border colour.
+Use ESC key or joystick BUTTON 2 to exit the test.
+
+
+
+3.3. SCREEN 2 test.
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Like the previous test, this one will check the VDP in the SCREEN 2 mode.
+This test will display 4 different images: A pattern with white squares, a
+pattern with black squares, colours bars and a sample graphic. Check if all
+images are displayed correctly and without any artefact. You can use the
+patterns to adjust the geometry of your monitor, centre the screen or adjust
+the brightness, contrast, etc.
+By pressing RIGHT/LEFT on the arrow keys or the joystick you can change the
+image displayed and by pressing UP/DOWN you can change the border colour.
+Use ESC key or joystick BUTTON 2 to exit the test.
+
+
+
+3.4. SCREEN 3 test.
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+This test will check the VDP for the SCREEN 3 mode and the special features
+of this mode. This test will display 7 different multi-coloured patterns.
+Check if every pattern is displayed correctly and without any artefact.
+By pressing RIGHT/LEFT on the arrow keys or the joystick you can change the
+pattern displayed and by pressing UP/DOWN you can change the border colour.
+Use ESC key or joystick BUTTON 2 to exit the test.
+
+
+
+3.5. SPRITES test.
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+This test puts the screen in mode 2 and shows the 32 available sprites with
+different attributes, such as colour and position. The sprites use the same
+shape to make it easy to determine if any of them have a problem.
+At the start of the test all sprites will be placed in a grid. Check if all
+sprites have the same shape and if they are aligned correctly. One of the 15
+colours of the MSX1 palette, except black, has been assigned to each sprite on
+the screen. Pressing SPACE key or joystick BUTTON 1 will start the sprites
+bouncing movement. Press again to stop them. You can reset the sprites
+positions by pressing UP on the arrow keys or the joystick.
+Press ESC key or joystick BUTTON 2 to exit the test.
+
+
+
+3.6. MONITOR COLOR test.
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+This test fills the screen with a solid colour to check the colour quality or
+adjust the video output signal. You can choose from WHITE, BLACK, RED, GREEN
+and BLUE colours and a LOOPING test with the 15 available colours of the MSX1
+palette. A text with the colour name will appear briefly when the colour it’s
+selected. Press RIGHT/LEFT on the arrow keys or the joystick to change the
+colour displayed. In the looping test, press UP/DOWN on the arrow keys or the
+joystick to change the speed. You will hear a “beep” if the speed has changed.
+Press ESC key or joystick BUTTON 2 to exit the test.
+
+
+
+
+
+4.1. KEYBOARD test.
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+This test enables you to check all the keys of the MSX keyboard. Pressing a
+key will display a confirmation text and the key character (if available),
+change the foreground and background colour of the screen and make a beep
+sound. When you release the key, another confirmation text will appear, the
+screen colours will return to the original ones and another beep sound will be
+emitted. The colour change and beep sound allow you to test all the keys
+without having to look at the screen.
+Press “LEFT SHIFT” + “ESC” keys or joystick BUTTON 2 to exit the test.
+
+
+
+4.2. JOYSTICK test.
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+You can check any joystick or gamepad connected to both port 1 or 2.
+When you move the joystick or the gamepad in any direction or press any
+button, it will be highlighted in the graphic on the screen, indicating that
+it works fine. If a specific direction or button is not highlighted it means
+that the joystick/gamepad has a problem. Please note that this test will also
+show an error if the port itself has a problem (broken solders, etc.).
+Some non-specific MSX joysticks/gamepads (common not at pin 9, GND) will fail
+the test when pressing BUTTON 2, specially in port 2.
+Press ESC key or joystick UP + BUTTON 1 to exit the test.
+
+
+
+4.3. PSG test.
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+This is one of the most powerful tests included. With this test you can check
+in depth the Programmable Sound Generator (PSG) of the MSX. You can assign to
+any of the 3 available channels of the PSG a tone with frequencies of 300Hz,
+500Hz or 1KHz, change the volume level of each channel or set any channel in
+noise generation mode, with the possibility of also configuring the frequency
+of the noise. Press UP/DOWN on the arrow keys or the joystick to select an
+option and RIGHT/LEFT to change the value. 
+Press ESC key or joystick BUTTON 2 to exit the test. Any sound will stop upon
+exiting the test.
+
+
+
+4.4. MIXED MODE test.
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+This test checks if the VDP of your MSX is fully compatible with the
+undocumented mode by Texas Instruments.
+
+https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Instruments_TMS9918#Undocumented
+
+Some MSX models have a “clone” of the official VDP and may not support this
+undocumented feature. One of the most know models with this issue it’s the
+HX-20 from TOSHIBA. Just run the test and check if the screen is full of text.
+If only the upper part fills up, the VDP it’s not compatible.
+Press ESC key or joystick BUTTON 2 to exit de test.
+
+
+
+4.5. SYSTEM INFORMATION.
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+This option generates a report with basic information about your MSX, such the
+MSX generation, the keyboard language, the amount of RAM and VRAM detected,
+the VDP installed in your system and the current refresh rate, also indicating
+with a warning sign if it is not running at the original frequency.
+In MSX2 and later models with RTC, it will display the current date & time.
+If not properly displayed, check if your settings are correct. This report
+also shows a table with the current detected RAM layout in SLOTS/SUBSLOTS and
+if they are expanded or not. It also indicates which page the RAM is placed on
+(numbers) or if it’s MAPPED (squares).
+Press SPACE/ESC key or any joystick BUTTON to exit the report. 
+
+
+
+4.6. RAM LAYOUT.
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+This option generates a more accurate report of the RAM installed and detected
+in your MSX computer. This report indicates which slot, sub-slot and page is
+the RAM placed in and the amount. If the RAM is MAPPED, the report also
+indicates the number of pages detected. This report is useful when checking
+to see if a RAM upgrade is working or if an external RAM expansion is detected.
+Press SPACE/ESC key or any joystick BUTTON to exit the report. 
+
+
+
+4.7. REBOOT.
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+On both page 1 and page 2 of the main menu, you will find the REBOOT option.
+When you run this option, your computer will perform a warm reset, erasing the
+program from the RAM. If you’re using the cartridge version, the program will
+start again automatically.
+
+
+
+
+
+5. Known issues.
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+As of the publication date of this manual, one of the known issues of
+MSX Diagnostics is a minor incompatibility with systems using C-BIOS.
+These systems will not correctly display the background colour in some tests
+and menus, which makes the MONITOR COLOR test useless.
+The rest of the tests works as expected and no other issues are known at this
+time with C-BIOS.
+Some users using ROM loader devices, such as Carnivore2 with ROM loading
+software, have reported that the ROM version does not boot correctly on those
+devices. This is not an issue of MSX Diagnostics itself. In such cases, try
+running the DISK version of the program.
+
+
+
+
+
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Text revised and corrected by Aura Rincon
+
+
+https://nightfoxandco.com/
+contact@nightfoxandco.com
+
+(CC) 2018-2020 by Cesar Rincon
+Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
+
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------