Flashjacks firmware updated to Ver. 1.9

The Flashjacks cartridge by MRC user Aquijacks received a firmware update:

V1.9 (16/10/2021).

A stability problem was solved when saving the configuration in the bootmenu.
A computer crash was solved when trying to exit the update with a corrupt file in the bootmenu.
Nextor is updated to 2.1.1 Beta1.
Long Reset indication added. Now pressing reset for three seconds and perform a deep reset, the red led will turn off.
Cassette functions added. Now you can read CAS files and run them in Basic environments with FJ subslots and in empty environments. It is also capable of playing data via audio input from an external cassette. It is capable of bypassing the signal and redigitalizing it. The FCAS program is capable of performing multiple functions such as selecting the baud rate, sending the data via MSX bus when it is compatible, restart the MSX in a clean environment and endless options. It is not a simple CASduino since it maintains direct communication with the MSX and allows it to synchronize, for example with the motor signal, to rewind automatically if we interrupt the process and load the .CAS through Multimente, among other things. It has been made to be 100% compatible with MSX1 where it is most necessary. It also allows clean loading to avoid any interference with a 64 K MSX1 computer. It is the closest thing to a real cassette.
This point is not an advantage but an inconvenience that must be explained. The capacity of the first FJ version is exceeded. The 8 K models will no longer be able to be updated, keeping these ones at V1.8. Luckily there are very few units and the 99% of them are compatible with this version. For the rest of the models, this version is at 69% of what Flashjacks can do.

Relevant link: video tutorial

Comments (10)

By hamlet

Scribe (4106)

23-10-2021, 19:26

Great to see there are still such awesome firmware updates! Thanks Aquijacks

By Randam

Paragon (1431)

24-10-2021, 18:40

Very nice update?

Is there anyone in Spain willing to buy me one by any chance?

By Aquijacks

Champion (301)

30-10-2021, 09:45

Sorry for the inconvenience. Updates are discontinued:
Farewell and thanks.

30-10-2021, 10:05

Flashjacks is one of the most advanced flash cartridges, people are eager to get one, so what is the reason you are going to discontinue your amazing work Aquijacks?
Unfortunately I don't speak Spanish, please explain your reasons in English, I want to understand.

By gdx

Enlighted (6425)

30-10-2021, 11:57

When I saw this project start, I didn't believe it very much but now that it has come to this I find it fantastic. I was planning to buy one someday. I hope you will change your mind. Maybe a middleman to sell this cartridge would take a lot of weight off you. Either way, put the unworthy aside and keep enjoying the MSX with hardcore users or not.

30-10-2021, 12:59

@hamlet The video can be viewed with English subtitles. There are many spelling mistakes since it is the automatic YouTube system but I think it can be understood.
The summary is as follows:
- There are two FJs with two capacities, 80kLE and 120kLE. With this version you reach the top of 80kLE. There are complaints from these users for having an inferior version.
- FJ can have many synthesized audio chips, example Neotron and others. There are complaints of competition with cartridges that use original chips. It is not understood but what may seem like an advantage turns out to be a disadvantage.
- FJ is a handmade cartridge and made by a single person (with the help and support of more people). There is no structure for a massive sale, nor is there a company behind it to back it up or anything like that. It is a personal project in all its expression.
Therefore, each update is a nightmare for me. A cartridge upgrade is always a problem for someone.

Thanks for your interest and regards.

Aquijacks.

30-10-2021, 14:28

1chipMSXs seem to have the same issue. Why not clearly indicate the version and revision on the cartridge and which versions have been tested with each update?

By ro

Scribe (5057)

30-10-2021, 18:48

Hai Antonio, I'm like Hamlet not a Spanish speaking or understanding person. The auto-CC is indeed a mess. As I understand you have a hard time taking (negative?) feedback. Understandable, FJ has been your baby since the first idea, and you put a lot of love, time, and energy in the project. Perhaps you're to close to it to understand the feedback.

FJ is one of those marvelous MSX hardware projects, something to be proud of. I'm sure the MSX community is.

When you say "goodbye", is that goodbye MSX or goodbye FlashJacks? Perhaps new projects would spark a fire?

Whatever you choose, I'm proud to have you in the community.

31-10-2021, 11:12

Hello ro.
I am leaving the Flashjacks project but I continue with its support and the MSX community. I will never leave that. And yes, it is true. Who knows where I will put my efforts. There are many things in MSX to investigate.

By sdsnatcher73

Enlighted (4280)

03-11-2021, 06:42

Hi Aquijacks, I am a happy user of FJ and understand your frustration. It pains me that this happened and wish you all the best with your hobby and any future project (which I hope you will still share with the community, maybe just by open source way (so anyone can build it). Either way, respect from me for your achievement with FJ!

Flashjacks firmware updated to Ver. 1.9

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