Philips music module does not work

Expert (117)

22-07-2022, 18:55

Hi, i just bought a Philips music module for my philips vg 8235 (with gotek drive) and it wont start up.
I tried starting with holding the esc button down to check if it was modified but nothing happens, use of call musicbox did not help either. then i screwed it open, clean the golden contacts with alcohol and pressing the chips down to make sure there all in their sockets but nothing helps, there is a spare room for a chip next to the yamaha chip but i guess this is for some expansion or ram chip.
has anyone some suggestions what i can do to make this work?
thanks already for helping me

serge

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By Briqunullus

Paladin (771)

22-07-2022, 19:01

I think it has the firmware removed. The rom belongs in the empty socket. Try using it with some software supporting the music module.

By MsxKun

Paragon (1134)

22-07-2022, 20:06

Yeh, you're not missing a lot, but you can still run the original software flashing the ROM into a flash cartridge, or maybe even in RAM using ODO, as it's only a 32k ROM i think.

By sergem

Expert (117)

22-07-2022, 20:09

ok thanks for the quick reply and it is the firmware that is not present...so, is there anyone here that has a spare eprom with the firmware and is willing to sell it to me? thanks

serge

By Briqunullus

Paladin (771)

22-07-2022, 21:23

I'd suggest searching for nms1205.rom on Google and run it with any rom loader. You'll quickly see that it's pretty much useless and that's why it has been removed.

Nonetheless, software using the music module doesn't need the firmware. So fire up Soundtracker, Moonblaster or any other music program and turn up your speakers. Or run your favorite game or demo and enjoy the sounds.

By sergem

Expert (117)

30-07-2022, 10:25

Ok thanks for the reactions, i have another question..can i use the midi in and out with any keyboard and what software can i use?

By damouze

Supporter (10)

30-07-2022, 16:50

I think technically it is possible. I know of at least one person who used his MSX computer in combination with a keyboard and external MIDI hardware. What I am not sure of is whether or not he used the Philips keyboard you could buy as an add-on (which plugs into the keyboard socket on the lower right side of the cartridge). This was like over 35 years ago though.

I have half a mind to plug my Music Module into my Yamaha MU128v2 now ;-)...

As for the firmware rom. It is a 32k ROM, so installing any 27256 or 28256 DIP (E)EPROM package should work. There is even an alternate firmware that inverts the default startup behaviour (instead of hitting ESC just in time to prevent the firmware from booting it will only boot the firmware if you hit ESC). Just PM me if you would like me to program one for you.

By MsxKun

Paragon (1134)

30-07-2022, 18:10

sergem wrote:

Ok thanks for the reactions, i have another question..can i use the midi in and out with any keyboard and what software can i use?

Of course you can. You can use Moonblaster, go to instrument editor and play the current instrument with a MIDI Keyboard (if you change the MIDI input on the same screen). Or you can use my old MSX Synth stuff that nobody uses Not much to do, and you have to keep in mind that MSX cpu is what it is, that Music Module doesn't have any MIDI buffer, so sometimes you can loose some notes. So don't even dare to play Rush-E tune!!

By sergem

Expert (117)

30-07-2022, 18:21

ok thanks for the reactions, to damouze: i'm interested in sutch firmware just to make the music module complete but i can not find your email adress in your profile can you contact me please ? at ~~serge.mattheeuws@telenet.be~~

By damouze

Supporter (10)

30-07-2022, 19:10

I just sent you an email.