#134980 - chuckstudios - Wed Jul 18, 2007 11:51 pm
From the readme:
| Code: |
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NDStation v1.2.1 |
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Neoflash Edition |
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August 20, 2007 |
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NDStation is a flasher for the EZFlash 3-in-1 Expansion Pack
which allows you to package a ROM within a .NDS file and therefore
run it from your Slot 1 flash card's main menu. Its purpose
is to make things feel more integrated and unified on your flash card.
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Notes: |
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UPDATE: Version 1.2.1 fixes "NOR detection" on uncompressed ROMs.
Source code is also cleaned up a lot.
Version 1.2 has arrived in time for the Neoflash Summer Compo!
Let's take a look at the new features:
~ Compression for both GBA ROMs and borders
~ Border bug fixed
~ Automatic NOR detection
The compression used is LZSS for borders and GZip for ROMs.
The border bug being fixed means there are no longer white lines
in the center, off to the side of the screen!
Automatic NOR detection means the program automatically knows if a
ROM has already been flashed to the NOR and will skip the flashing
process unless the A button is held. This makes using NOR ROMs a lot
faster than before. Remember, always start your NOR ROMs from the
.nds file and not by just booting Slot 2!
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Usage: |
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To use NDStation, run the NDStation.exe included in this package.
Some of the functions are self-explanatory, such as choosing the
GBA ROM image you wish to use and where you want it to be copied.
"Game title" defines the embedded title in the ROM. The first line is
automatically set to the basename of the ROM chosen, although it can
easily be changed. "Use PSRAM" allows for faster loading for ROMs
smaller than 16MB. "Use Compression" compresses your ROMs with gzip
before packing them.
Clicking "Customize the NDS" will open a menu where you can change
the icon for the NDS file and choose a custom border. "Preview NDS"
gives you a rough idea of how the NDS will appear on R4DS's menu.
"Go..." builds your .NDS file, and is finished when a message box pops
up and says "Complete!" Don't forget to DLDI patch the NDS for your card.
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Thanks: |
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cory1492 - My flashing code is based on GBAldr.
Noda - For the EFS library that made this possible.
olimar - Pointed me to FWNitro for GBA booting code.
dg10050 - Came up with the name, since it is a lot like POPS
on the PSP (working title was EFSgba).
Also made the Linux and Mac GUI for me, since
I can't seem to leave Windows.
ZiNgA BuRgA - The GUI is based off of Simple Popstation GUI 2 beta,
http://chuckstudios.moddz.com/ndstation/gui.png for proof.
|
Download at my blog
Last edited by chuckstudios on Tue Aug 21, 2007 1:47 am; edited 4 times in total
#134990 - tepples - Thu Jul 19, 2007 1:29 am
Interesting idea for a .nds that flashes a .gba and runs it. It reminds me of self-extracting archives. Does this do compression? If not, will the next version? Or would that be too hard?
_________________
-- Where is he?
-- Who?
-- You know, the human.
-- I think he moved to Tilwick.
#134993 - chuckstudios - Thu Jul 19, 2007 1:50 am
Compression is an interesting subject. I was thinking about it yesterday, and decided it may come in a later version if I can manage to implement it.
#135032 - matt! - Thu Jul 19, 2007 3:54 pm
Any chance of a multi-platform or web-based version?
I use a Mac, you see.
#135033 - chuckstudios - Thu Jul 19, 2007 4:37 pm
dg10050 is making a Linux and maybe Mac version:
| dg10050 wrote: |
| (19:07:15) (dg10050) I'm gonna make a Linux/(possibly)Mac GUI for you |
I provided him with the source to the GUI, so it will be an official version.
Last edited by chuckstudios on Thu Jul 19, 2007 7:58 pm; edited 2 times in total
#135037 - matt! - Thu Jul 19, 2007 5:05 pm
excellent news
thanks and great work
#135044 - dg10050 - Thu Jul 19, 2007 7:03 pm
matt!:
I am currently writing a multiplatform (I hope :P) GUI. However, it does use an app called Zenity that is included in GNOME in Linux, but it is not included in Mac OS X. However, thanks to the Darwinports project, you should be able to install it from here: http://zenity.darwinports.com/
If you would like, you can go ahead and install Zenity using that tutorial so that you will be able to use my GUI which should be included in the next official release.
#135078 - spinal_cord - Fri Jul 20, 2007 12:34 am
is this only useful for the EZ3in1, or can it be used on other carts? I have an old Neo2 and I would love to be able to flash gba to it from my ds.
_________________
I'm not a boring person, it's just that boring things keep happening to me.
Homepage
#135089 - tepples - Fri Jul 20, 2007 4:14 am
If you have the unlock subroutine and writing subroutine for a given NOR flash card, then NDStation can be adapted for it.
_________________
-- Where is he?
-- Who?
-- You know, the human.
-- I think he moved to Tilwick.
#135204 - chuckstudios - Fri Jul 20, 2007 10:34 pm
Bump for new version 1.1. See first post for details.
#135206 - dg10050 - Fri Jul 20, 2007 10:42 pm
Just a little note. I am not completely sure if my script will function correctly on Mac OS, since I have no Mac to test it on. However, it should theoretically work if you install Zenity from here: http://zenity.darwinports.com/
Also make sure you read the readme.
#135218 - chuckstudios - Fri Jul 20, 2007 11:32 pm
Oops. I forgot to include FreeImage.dll, a necessary component. Fixed.
#135219 - matt! - Fri Jul 20, 2007 11:34 pm
| dg10050 wrote: |
Just a little note. I am not completely sure if my script will function correctly on Mac OS, since I have no Mac to test it on. However, it should theoretically work if you install Zenity from here: http://zenity.darwinports.com/
Also make sure you read the readme. |
What is zenity and can I easily uninstall it?
#135222 - dg10050 - Fri Jul 20, 2007 11:58 pm
Zenity is something somewhat similar to Visual Basic for Windows but much more basic. It lets me write a shell script and then easily add GUI dialog box and such to make it look much nicer. In order to install in on a Mac, you are going to first have to install Darwinports from here: http://zenity.darwinports.com/install/
Darwinports is just a project to make it easier to port Linux applications to Mac OS. If you've never used a console before, that site can seem a bit confusing, however it's not nearly as difficult as it seems and the tutorials are quite detailed and guide you through all of the steps. For the most part, you just type what they tell you to. I'm not really sure how easy it is to uninstall honestly. I have never tried this out because I don't own a Mac. Unfortunately, I can't guarantee that my script will work on a Mac. However, Idon't see any reason why it wouldn't. Sorry it's not a little easier to install, but I made this with Linux in mind and I just figured that it should theoretically work in Mac OS as well. The only way I can know for sure if it'll work in Mac OS X is if someone trys it out for me.
#135224 - matt! - Sat Jul 21, 2007 12:25 am
(all non-Mac people feel free to tune out)
OK, I'm almost convinced to try it.
I've used Fink to do this sort of install of ported Linux stuff, but am annoyed with the state of my filesystem because of it. So I don't do it any more and am stuck with these folders and files I don't really know what to do with.
What I'm really interested in is you saying that the core of this thing is simple a shell script.
If so, there's a native app for Mac OS X called Platypus that I have used before. It can wrap shell scripts written in lots of different languages, providing a simple GUI (showing output, input using drag and drop or command line). A more detailed GUI (allowing other inputs) can be added using an optional library CocoaDialog
I guess what I'm offering here is to do a native Mac OS X version of this. :)
Let me know what you think,
matt
#135226 - chuckstudios - Sat Jul 21, 2007 12:48 am
If you could do it, that would be great. I'll host the files for you as well.
#135227 - matriculated - Sat Jul 21, 2007 1:12 am
I always get a "Runtime error '53':
File not found.
#135228 - chuckstudios - Sat Jul 21, 2007 1:31 am
:-/
I wish I could get on this computers to find out what the cause of these problems are.
#135229 - dg10050 - Sat Jul 21, 2007 1:40 am
Yes, my patcher really is just a shell script. I have no problem with you adapting my script to Platypus. In fact that would be great. However, you may have a problem with it. :P It's not exactly the most organized script and there really isn't any documentation. However, if you're good at shell scripts, I suppose it wouldn't be too hard to find out what I did. I would do this myself, except it seems as though Platypus is more of an IDE, so I can't do anything from Linux. If you need me to maybe write a GUI-less script, I suppose I could do so.
#135235 - matriculated - Sat Jul 21, 2007 4:14 am
| chuckstudios wrote: |
:-/
I wish I could get on this computers to find out what the cause of these problems are. |
I'm not the only one:
http://www.ds-scene.net/forum/forum.php?topic=3629#1
#135250 - matt! - Sat Jul 21, 2007 12:55 pm
| chuckstudios wrote: |
:-/
I wish I could get on this computers to find out what the cause of these problems are. |
Looks like this: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/240416
matt
#135258 - chuckstudios - Sat Jul 21, 2007 3:10 pm
I'm not using MTS. I have a feeling it has to do with the copy() function I made to move files...
#135264 - matt! - Sat Jul 21, 2007 4:09 pm
It must be some file access in your code that is breaking.
Bullet-proof test all the logic around file accesses.
matt
#135267 - DjoeN - Sat Jul 21, 2007 4:41 pm
Program works fine here :D
And the GFX glitch the first time you run the nds in the border is not that worse :D
_________________
Blah!
#135653 - joshk - Wed Jul 25, 2007 8:40 am
Hey, great job, this is impressive stuff. A few questions though.
1. The Linux version does not write a 'mode.txt' when in NOR mode. Is that normal? should there be a 'N' in there? Because when I use NOR on the Windows version, it works, and it doesn't on Linux and I'm trying to figure out why.
2. Is there a way to verify that the ROM currently loaded in NOR is possibly the same as the one we are trying to load, and just boot to slot-2 immediately? That would allow for a lot of transparency, without requiring people to remember what is in their cartridge.
3. Saves do not have to be copied off the NOR, right? Or do they? How does the loader figure out what to do with an old save image when it's about to erase the NOR?
4. Is there any chance of having the progress bar from gbaldr? That would feel a lot nicer than just staring at 'Erasing NOR' for a minute or so.
Thanks!
#135754 - dg10050 - Thu Jul 26, 2007 2:19 am
joshk: Nice to hear that there's someone using my Linux version. :)
Yes, that is normal. chuckstudios just got kind of lazy when adding the PSRAM loading and I took advantage of it. Basically, the loader checks mode.txt, and if it has a P in it, it switches to PSRAM mode, if there isn't a mode.txt then it'll just load the game using NOR. Actually, I just realized something while typing this. Does it still use NOR correctly when you patch the ROM using my script? I just realized that I never actually tested if loading from NOR actually worked after patching with my script.
#135756 - chuckstudios - Thu Jul 26, 2007 2:43 am
1. See dg10050's post.
2. That will be implemented in the next release.
3. /gba.cfg stores where the save files go.
4. Probably.
#135897 - joshk - Fri Jul 27, 2007 2:24 am
| dg10050 wrote: |
joshk: Nice to hear that there's someone using my Linux version. :)
Basically, the loader checks mode.txt, and if it has a P in it, it switches to PSRAM mode, if there isn't a mode.txt then it'll just load the game using NOR. Actually, I just realized something while typing this. Does it still use NOR correctly when you patch the ROM using my script? I just realized that I never actually tested if loading from NOR actually worked after patching with my script. |
No, please give it a try. It doesn't work at all. PSRAM does work though.
#136064 - dg10050 - Sat Jul 28, 2007 9:14 pm
Okay, I fixed it. Just run the online-updater and restart the patcher and you should be fine.
#136782 - joshk - Sun Aug 05, 2007 1:31 am
| dg10050 wrote: |
| Okay, I fixed it. Just run the online-updater and restart the patcher and you should be fine. |
Thanks, everything works now. Eagerly awaiting the next version which should have ability to scan the NOR for an existing flashed ROM..
#137356 - dg10050 - Fri Aug 10, 2007 7:29 pm
Small update that fixes an issue with filenames that contain spaces. Use the internet-update feature to install.
#138155 - dg10050 - Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:32 am
No Linux patcher yet. I've been kinda busy over the past few days. I'll try to update it sometime this week. Sorry.
#138201 - chuckstudios - Tue Aug 21, 2007 1:48 am
Minor bugfix update from 1.2 to 1.2.1. I just realized I never bumped for 1.2, which has compression.
#138202 - dg10050 - Tue Aug 21, 2007 2:37 am
Actually, you did. Apparently a mod deleted in on accident while deleting another post asking for help with roms.
#140587 - dg10050 - Mon Sep 17, 2007 11:08 pm
Linux installer rewritten by Azimuth to no longer require root privileges. Download from the same link.
#140980 - dg10050 - Fri Sep 21, 2007 3:11 am
#141052 - MechaBouncer - Fri Sep 21, 2007 4:13 pm
A "save the whales" checkbox? What about a "nuke the whales" checkbox? You gotta nuke something.
_________________
Cobalt/Black NDSL
CycloDS Evolution (firmware 1.55 BETA 3) and EZFlash 3-in-1
Kingston SD-C02G JAPAN 2GB MicroSD
MoonShell 1.71, DSOrganize 3.1129, QuakeDS Pre3, ScummVM DS 0.11.1, Pocket Physics 0.6, OpenTyrian DS 0.3
#142830 - antipode - Sun Oct 14, 2007 8:27 am
Sorry but only since I'm new to this, why does this specifically need the 3 in 1? (Why isn't it able to use just any GBA flash cart?)
#142842 - tepples - Sun Oct 14, 2007 1:29 pm
For the same reason that you need DLDI to make programs that libfat work on multiple cards. Different NOR cards for SLOT-2 have different methods to put the ASIC and flash chip in a writable state.
_________________
-- Where is he?
-- Who?
-- You know, the human.
-- I think he moved to Tilwick.
#142856 - antipode - Sun Oct 14, 2007 5:46 pm
Ok, and one more - is there a version of the 3 in 1 that's both compatible with this AND available for original DS? Since the version I'm finding is the size of a DS lite cart, I won't be able to use it in mine.
#142860 - tepples - Sun Oct 14, 2007 6:31 pm
I tried searching, but most of the results were in "seedy neighborhoods".
_________________
-- Where is he?
-- Who?
-- You know, the human.
-- I think he moved to Tilwick.
#142861 - dantheman - Sun Oct 14, 2007 6:53 pm
There are Phat-sized versions, yes. Check the Retailer Feedback section to find stores that may have it. I believe RealHotStuff and Bamboogaming, among other sites, carry the Phat-sized versions.
#142863 - antipode - Sun Oct 14, 2007 7:10 pm
Sweet, thanks muchly.
#142892 - Dood77 - Sun Oct 14, 2007 9:16 pm
| MechaBouncer wrote: |
| A "save the whales" checkbox? |
Anyone ever have a look at the settings in MirageOS on TI-83? :)
_________________
If I use a term wrong or something then feel free to correct, I?m not much of a programmer.
Original DS Phat obtained on day of release + flashme v7
Supercard: miniSD, Kingston 1GB, Kingston 2GB
Ralink chipset PCI NIC
#152362 - Nazo - Fri Mar 14, 2008 5:16 am
I'm sorry, I'm going to sound the total newbie -- especially bumping this old and forgotten thread like this -- but I wanted to ask, is there any hope that we might see an updated version of NDStation that works with the newer 3-in-1 flash carts? I really love the idea of this tool. Not only does it save one a lot of time and troubles, but it provides compression as well. Always a nice thing considering how quickly even a SDHC card can fill up sometimes... Personally, I'm probably most sick of dealing with this save file handling interface on every single run of a GBA game especially...