Differences

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--- wswan:tutorial:testing_hardware [2025/12/31 09:30] – asie
+++ wswan:tutorial:testing_hardware [2025/12/31 11:51] (current) – asie
@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
     * Notably, the original Swan's FSTN display has a different gamma compared to the color-capable models, including in compatibility mode! If you don't own this model, you can use an emulator to compare the reproduction of grey shades.
-In addition, for capturing footage from real hardware, you may be interested in a consolizer mod, which turns an existing WonderSwan Color system into a headless device with HDMI output. The [[https://github.com/zwenergy/swancolorHD|swancolorHD]] is open source design for DIY builders; [[https://shop.retro-protect.com/|RETRO PROTECT]] sells finished builds in Japan under the WSCHD brand.
+In addition, for capturing footage from real hardware, you may be interested in a consolizer mod, which turns an existing WonderSwan Color system into a headless device with HDMI output. The [[https://github.com/zwenergy/swancolorHD|swancolorHD]] is open source design for DIY builders; [[https://shop.retro-protect.com/|RETRO PROTECT]] sells prebuilt units in Japan under the WSCHD brand.
 ==== Flash cartridge ====
 There are a few market options available.
+=== nileswan ===
+The [[https://49bitcat.com/products/nileswan/|nileswan]] is a flash cartridge created by 49bitcat, providing 128 megabits (16 megabytes) of ROM space and 512 kilobytes of save RAM. It also includes extensive functionality
+This cartridge is available for 85 EUR (~$100) new when in stock.
+Official programming documentation exists [[https://49bitcat.com/docs/nileswan/|here]].
 === WS Flash Masta ===
@@ Line 32: / Line 40: @@
 Unofficial programming documentation exists [[https://wiki.asie.pl/doku.php?id=notes:flashcart:ws_flash_masta|here]]. The USB port cannot be used by user programs.
-=== nileswan ===
-The [[https://49bitcat.com/products/nileswan/|nileswan]] is a flash cartridge created by 49bitcat, providing 128 megabits (16 megabytes) of ROM space and 512 kilobytes of save RAM. It also includes extensive functionality
-This cartridge is available for 80 EUR (~$100) new when in stock.
-Official programming documentation exists [[https://49bitcat.com/docs/nileswan/|here]].
 === AliExpress "Youth Edition" cartridge ===
@@ Line 66: / Line 66: @@
 Available for $61 when in stock, though a new customer has to spend an additional $11 for the edge adapter and $33 for the USB flasher device, for a total of $105. If you happen to also be interested in GB/GBC/GBA development, said flasher might be a good longer-term investment.
+=== Second-hand/legacy options ===
+These options are no longer available for sale, but are nonetheless listed in case you run into them:
+  * **WonderDog** - available in 64 megabit (8MB), 32 megabit (4MB) and 4 megabit (512KB) variants.
+  * **WonderMagic Color** - the only unofficial flash cartridge for the system contemporary to its lifespan; very dated by today's standards. In case you run into one, a copy of the PC flashing software is archived [[https://mega.nz/file/yw1lgTCJ#2-kOdqdZkmo-V1nBU9U_rx7iefz1nmJqj5t-IbJVExI|here]].
 ===== Optional hardware =====
+==== RS-232 cable ====
+A serial port adapter allows the user to communicate with the console using a PC. Unless you're working with the WonderWitch OS, this is not necessary. However, it can make debugging and data transfer more convenient.
+An official cable was bundled with the WonderWitch; however, a list of available DIY projects and products is available on [[https://consolemods.org/wiki/WonderSwan:RS-232_Serial_Cable|the ConsoleMods wiki]].
+Of those, I have personally developed the ExtFriend; unlike the official cable, in addition to supporting 9600/38400 baud UART transfer, it also supports the undocumented 192000 baud speed and headphone audio capture.
 ===== WonderWitch =====
-Testing WonderWitch games can be achieved flashing an [[wonderwitch|mkrom image]] to any cartridge with at least 256 (sub-optimally, at least 128) kilobytes of SRAM. However, for verifying full compatibility, a real WonderWitch environment is required. To do so legally, it is currently required to purchase a WonderWitch.
+Testing WonderWitch games can be achieved on emulators and real hardware alike by flashing an [[wonderwitch|mkrom image]] to any cartridge with at least 256((128 kilobytes is supported with hacks, but it's best to buy a cartridge with at least 256.)) kilobytes of SRAM.
+However, for verifying full compatibility, a real WonderWitch environment is optimal. To do so without resorting to copyright infringement, it is currently required to purchase a second-hand WonderWitch.
 The full WonderWitch box set consists of a few key elements: