MSXUSB Cartridge

Description

Introducing the enhanced MSX-USB Cartridge, a powerful and versatile expansion for your MSX computer. This special edition is designed for MSX enthusiasts who seek modern connectivity without compromising the classic MSX experience.

MSX-USB is a community-driven, open-source project that brings USB connectivity to MSX computers using an affordable CH376S USB host controller. The MSX platform, created in the 1980s, was designed around hardware and software standardization, enabling expandability through cartridges. Similarly, USB standardized peripheral connections in modern PCs.

Inspired by earlier projects like RookieDrive, MSX-USB allows MSX users to connect USB flash drives, keyboards, Ethernet adapters, and even USB floppy drives. The hardware interfaces the CH376S board with the MSX cartridge port using a CPLD, and several versions of custom PCBs and firmware (including versions developed by The Retro Hacker) are available for different use cases and USB modules.

Key Features

• Gold-Plated Contacts
  Ensures superior conductivity and durability, providing a stable connection to your MSX system over time.

• Upgraded CPLD Core
  Incorporates a new Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) for enhanced performance and reliability.

• USBFDD Firmware by Konamiman
  Pre-installed with the latest USBFDD firmware created by Konamiman and converted to the MSXUSB by The Retro Hacker, enabling seamless integration with USB floppy disk drives and support for disk image files.

• Multiple Firmware Support
  Features a switch to toggle enabled or disable the flash memory, allowing you to load different firmwares compatible with the MSXUSB to the cartridge.

• Disk Image and Floppy Disk Modes
  Automatically switches between disk image mode (for USB storage devices) and floppy disk mode (for USB floppy drives), offering flexibility in how you access your data. msxsampa.com

• Self-Powered USB Hub Support
  Compatible with self-powered USB hubs, enabling the use of multiple USB devices simultaneously without overloading your MSX’s power supply.

Connection Guide

Connecting a USB Flash Drive:

1. Insert the MSX-USB Cartridge into an available cartridge slot on your MSX computer.

2. Plug your USB flash drive into the USB port on the cartridge.

3. Power on your MSX system; the drive will be recognized, allowing file access through the MSX interface.

Connecting a USB Floppy Disk Drive:

1. Connect your USB floppy disk drive to a self-powered USB hub.

2. Plug the USB hub into the MSX-USB Cartridge’s USB port.

3. Insert the cartridge into your MSX computer and power it on.

4. The system will detect the floppy drive, enabling you to read and write floppy disks as needed.