Game Park 32 (GP32)

This page is dedicated to developing for the GP32 and makes a good resource for developers and games.
Now what's a GP32 you might ask. It's a cool handheld gaming device that is much better than the GameBoy Advance. It's also cheaper and easier to develop for.
It uses SMC (Smart Media Cards) that can store multiple games and also MP3's.

#gp32dev

Developers are gathering in #gp32dev on EF-net. (no rom-lamers please :)

News*

*) Latest news on top.... older news is removed... also try the !news trigger on #gp32dev

Start

This page is dedicated to provide the basic information and tools you need to know about the GP32.
Specifications, fileformats, conversions, compilers, emulators, SDK's...

Specs

GP32

Once you turn on the GP32 with the standard firmware you see an intro animation and then the main menu...

Press the SELECT button to cycle through these options: * GAME - select encrypted program to run. for example commercial games and the "Free Launcher" * MP3 - MP3 player. files must be in the \MP3 folder * SMC - PC-Link mode & option to fix filesystem errors on SmartMedia Card by pressing SELECT

You must install the "Free Launcher" first to be able to run free executable (FXE) files.
Just get these...

USB driver

- Download from GamePark development site
- Get my version (Win2K, little patch) from the USB page.

PDUID - The ID of your GP32 is needed to encrypt the launcher.

- This ID is hidden when using the registration process on the english GamePark site.
- You can also get my GPS2 tool to create a GPS file. It's more versatile. instructions here.
- Old PC-Link version (<= v0.9 ?) can create GPS file.

Free Launcher

- .ZPK file installable with PC-Link is downloadable from english GamePark site after registration.
- Visit #gp32 on EFnet to encrypt it. Only accepts PDUID and not for commercial purposes.

Hope it succeeds...
Now you can either flash another firmware or just use some public tools to convert to FXE format.

File extensions

Here's a list of GP32/PC-related file extensions. Some might be the same, but with other extension.
You probably find these more useful in combination with the conversion table.

*) not official

File format conversion table

Here's a conversion table and the needed converter tools.
Note that I left out conversions for copying official games.

Official GamePark dev kits

Building, compilers, libraries, tools

You can use ARM SDT 2.50 evaluation version also circulating in the GBA dev scene, request ARM ADS evaluation CD or use GCC, which is free to use.
Of the GP libraries there are VC++, ARM & GCC versions available. The VC++ ones can only compile to Win32 executables and supports no assembly code.

GccStuff.zip - GCC version of the libraries + linkerscript + makefile + some test code.
bin2o.zip - see toolbox - binary to GCC object file converter. Use '-n' option to disable thumb interworking.
batch.zip - v1.01 - a nice set of batch files (.cmd) to make smc-directory structure, calling an encrypter, makesmc, xcopy, sync, emulator, and other things.
ads1_2_eval.ZIP - ARM ADS 1.2 evaluation. Use Z*.exe to skip the annoying trial message.
Cdilla_LMS_Rewind.zip - illegally extend evaluation period
gcc3.0.4-blaat.zip - some precompiled GCC
GCC 3.2 - precompiled for i386: arm-elf-gcc-3.2, arm-elf-newlib-1.10.0, arm-elf-libstc++-3.2, arm-elf-binutils-2.12
just extract to same directory.

Promotion games / VC++ SDK

Instead of releasing games that require an emulator to run on the PC, you can also compile natively as a Win32 binaries.
For this purpose GamePark released the VC++ version of the GP32 SDK.
It can use Smart Media Card files to access game resources.

Emulator

A working emulator is GeePee32 which was made by FireFly.
(link to emulator and the firmware are somewhere on my site)
The emu can load SmartMedia Card files and additionally an executable.

You can convert your way to get the right files, just look at the conversion table.
Also try experimenting with SMCID & PDUID with the GPS2 tool.
Note that it is not allowed to play illegal copies!!!

Misc links

.

Encryption / ID tools

GPS.zip - v1.02 - PDUID/SMCID utility (CLI).
GPS2.zip - v1.02 - new PDUID/SMCID utility (GUI) with PC-Link support.
GPS2.gif - instructions for the GPS2 program
gplogo.bmp - GamePark logo (32x32, default palette). color index 239 (255,102,255) is default color key for transparency.
SecuLock - some ideas for improved copy-protection

ARM-linux

We're all trying to get linux running. The hardware is kind of supported.
Problems might be the loader & an SMC block device driver.

empee.daug.net - project page for 'Linux for GP32'
http://sourceforge.net/projects/gp32linux - sourceforge project page

linux-2.4.13.tar.gz - linux
patch-2.4.13-ac8.gz - linux patch
patch-2.4.13-ac8-rmk1.gz - linux patch
2400-patch2-4-13.zip - linux patch for S3C2400X & kernel install guide

loaders - overview of linux loaders
LARTware - precompiled cross-compiler (rather old version)
JTAG for LART - an example of JTAG
redboot - maybe we can use this for a tiny loader?
BootLinuxWithoutFlashing - don't need to flash a firmware to get it running
bootldr - another loader
USB and linux - some driver for 5-in-1 reader can be found here
MMC driver - SMC is based on MMC
Vitals Systems - vLinux has S3C2400X support
Mizi - the Linuette linux distro will probably be used for GPi32

My libraries

Some libraries... do whatever you want with them.

MyLib 3
Indepent of BIOS and GamePark library

GccTest.zip - v1.00c - GCC source that switches to 16 bit video mode and provides file I/O using smfs.
There will soon be a version that works for ARM ADS compiler. Just because it generates better code.

MyLib 2
Selectable debug interface including GpDebug for emulator. USB output doesn't work yet. Still uses the GamePark library.

MyLib2.zip - all files
GpDebug.zip - v1.00 - new debug console & file server for use with MyLib2 or higher.

MyLib 1
Porting-library for GCC to provide basic systemcalls and debugging features including 80x40 textmode console. Uses the GamePark library.

MyLib.zip - Tested with DevKitAdvance (use "ar d libg.a syscalls.o" to remove the dummy syscalls for DKA).

Graphics

Check toolbox page for graphics converter suitable for GP32.

GP32_16bit_GDI.zip - display emulation in Windows GDI

first.zip - simple source code that uses backbuffer and flips between an image and XOR-pattern. Uses the ARM SDK.

Magnify

A simple graphics buffer manipulation test... it copies the whole picture each frame and then applies a magnifying glass effect onto a small area.


Magnify.fxe.zip - free executable version of Magnify
Magnify.src.zip - source code (uses SDK)

3D graphics engine

I made a simple 3D engine. Initially in VC++ but it now works on GP32.
Technical details:
- triangle filler, no perspective correction, no lighting, 16 bit color
- 6-plane Cohen-Sutherland recursive triangle clipping
- lot of transformation, indexed, no triangle strips, spherical environment mapping
- standard qsort of visible triangles on W-value
- default speed: 66MHz
- memcpy for clear & probably slow syncing
- all written in C/C++, compiled with ARM ADS

GP3D.zip - 17 aug 2002 - zip containing fxe and datafiles
hold START or SELECT and some other button to move the object or camera and A/B to zoom in/out

Descent

I was porting Descent (D1x opensource) to GP32.
hmm.. currently stopped. too bad for ya.
-O, debug, fixed point in C, texture mapper in C, 60 MHz -> 0.6fps
-O3, fixed point in C, texture mapper in C, 60 MHz: -> 3fps, hangs(?)
-O, debug, C, 60 MHz, no texturing -> 12fps
gotta optimize as you can see :)


(these screenshots are made with old version of GeePee32 emulator)

Descent.exe - self-extracting RAR with SMC file. Somehow does not work with latest version of emulator or hardware:/.
project page - associated project page on project site

Emulator debugger

These are old libs... see MyLib/GpDebug for newer debug library
#EmuDebugLib.zip - library + batch file to make EmuDebug work with GeePee32
#EmuDebug.zip - debug console (see Toolbox page for more info)

Firmware

Disclaimer: Flashing firmwares voids warranty & I do not take any responsibility for any damage.

Try out flashing on emulator first and make sure the GP32 is in a stable condition during erasing/programming (check batteries!). Also let it finish until it says it's completed.
The firmware consists of a BIOS (always use the latest) & menu part.
Use gpfw tool to split or link the bios & menu (.gxb/.axf) part so you can either make your own menu's or use them in eachother.

DumpFW.fxe.zip - makes a backup of the firmware. you need 512KB free space on your SMC !
fw.fxe.zip - GP32 Firmware Upgrade utility. note that some reported failed flashes and are unable to boot their gp32.
fw157e.zip - Official firmware. You must own a GP32 in order to use this.
combofw.zip - combo firmware (BIOS 1.5.7e + PacRom v0.2 (made by Pacman) + PC-Link v1.02). press START to run PacRom, otherwise pclink is started.

Note: I recommend you to get the latest Pacrom version.

Links

There are more links on the subpages!

Talk
yahoogroups - GP32 mailing list
boardsvr data - Garbage of the messageboard
gpzigi.com - Korean GP32 forum
empee.daug.net - empee's message board
GamePark docs

Other GP32 sites
gp32.150m.com - Video Class encapsulation of ADS graphics library
GP32 projects - most #gp32dev projects are listed here. please make good use of it.
BlackThunderStudios - here you can find Pacrom (firmware replacement) and more
gp32emu.com - news, info, links
devrs.com - Jeff Frohwein's site has also many links to sdk's, docs, tools, etc...
FireFly's gp32 page - FireFly is writing an emulator. also ported Heretic
handheldhunter - Some more pictures of GP32 internals
Steve's site - "GP32 + GP32DEV FAQ 0.1"
bobbyd's site - GP32 Dem0zzzzz
teoarsa - some stuff here... GCC + libs
gpvgb - gameboy emulator
~erm - Wolf3D port
Tom Forsyth - Doom
Hitmen GP32 (groepaz) - some handy tools, modplayer, GCC compiling guides
Jeff's GP32 FAQ - Frequenty Asked Question
deadcoderssociety (Jouni aka mr_spiv) - unfxe, FXE-aware disassembler, FXE cruncher, Mac dev stuff
pdroms - GP32 public domain roms
oedalpha - gpTorus, gpRobot

SmartMedia Card

SmartMedia Cards (SMC) are also called Solid-State Floppy Disk Cards (SSFDC).
They have a physical to logical block mapping to be able to erase a complete block. Caching should be done to extend the life of the cards since they have a limited number of writes.
Because of the fast increase of densities, the original specifications have been extended to maintain compatibility.
An SMC consists of zones, where each zone have 1000 logical blocks out of 1024 available. This means that at low-level specification, there can be 24 bad blocks per zone. On 128MB cards, this costs 3MB.
The cards have card identification fields, and by default have a partition table. When you format with Windows using an SMC to PC card adapter, it could end up partitionless and a strange formatting so devices like GP32 will not be able to read any of it. The SSFDC-forum recommends the use of FAT12/16 as filesystem for compatibility, but could easily be combined with EXT2 or other filesystem. Because Windows won't allow you to create multiple partitions, you could copy a raw disk image to "\\.\PhysicalDriveX", where X is some number (be careful chosing the right disk!). You can also use WinImage, WinHex and such similar program to copy raw data from/to a disk, edit a disk directly or edit a disk image. Hehe... you don't even need obscure Linux tools.
You can also write-protect SMC's by placing a conductor shaped as a circle at the right place. Windows should report it's read-only when trying to write to it: 

The GamePark (well... more Samsung) SMC library unfortunately does not check if the SMC is read-only though. This could be hardwired (there's a write-protect pin on an SMC) or the library can be modified (since GP32 can read out this contact).

Downloads

SMC.zip - v1.00 - SMC file library, SMC to RAW converter, RAW to SMC converter.
makeraw.txt - example of how to make a raw disk file with dual file-system under linux
dual.raw.zip - This disk dump (16MB) has a FAT12 and an EXT2 partition on it :)
HexWorkshop.gif - use a hex-editor to read/write SMC's... you'll need a cardreader and select 32000 sectors, not 32001 :)

SMIF.lha - taken from AmiNet: "Cheap SmartMedia interface + sourcecode"
smfs221.zip - official Samsung sourcecode: SmartMedia File System (get smfs221.PDF too)
seccom21.zip - official Samsung sourcecode: SMC flash test

Links

hkems - EMS PC Cardreader (5-in-1) (wait for 2nd version! WinXP compatibility etc)
sysinternals - A sync tool to flush the cache of drives. Useful when you're using batch files.
SmartMedia data recovery - some nice page about FAT12 & smartmedia
SSFDC Forum - much info and specs about SmartMedia
Phison - linux driver for 5-in-1 cardreader
SystemSoft - ATAManager can be used to manage partitions on CompactFlash and SmartMedia cards
Winbond - FLASH Memory Controller (W78E727E) used in the EMS 5-in-1 cardreader
WinImage - WinImage is a nice tool to edit disk image files.
WinHex - Read/write data from/to files/disks.

GP32 USB port

The USB port can be used as host (unpowered?) or device.

The default GP32 bulk usb driver is based on a Microsoft example and can cause blue-screens :)
Examples that use this are the pclink protocol, GpDebug or any other application that uses GP's communication library.

Future plans are to make GP32 are fully-compliant multifunction device that has removable storage media, audio, serial port, game controller, and possibly video out.

PC-Link

PC-Link is the GamePark USB tool/protocol to transfer files between PC & GP32.
Get original PC-Link program from GamePark's site.
I made a command line version with a direct execution option to make it easier to develop.

pclink.fxe.zip - v1.01 - PC-Link... if you want to use/make firmware replacements. Note: for ID retrieval use the original PC-link+GPS2 or ID tool.
pclink101.zip - v1.01 - some people reported problems with 1.02 and i don't know what it is and i didn't backup 1.01 source code :)
pclink.zip - v1.02 - command-line PC-Link tool. file upload & direct execute.
GP32USB.zip - v1.01 - PC-link compatable USB driver based on the buggy bulk-usb driver example (same as GamePark uses) but I fixed the annoying "unsafe removal of device" warning (if you had any problems with that when turning on/off the GP32). Includes patched source file.
GP32 USB Driver for XP - FireFly has compiled a new version using the XP-DDK and hopefully won't give any bluescreens anymore.

Other add-ons

Links

USB.org - info, specs, links
linux-usb - Linux USB Project
usb devices - linux USB device database
FireFly - PC-Link NameSpace Extension !

GP32 EXT port

The EXT port (something with partnumber 3050-18R-0.5???) has UART (serial port), JTAG (in-system debugging/programming) & I2C (to attach keyboard, access eeprom)... thus great for developing.
pin-out on devrs.com page (I'm too lazy to post it here :)
See below for links where to get the connector.
Or get a mobile phone connector / data cable (NOTE: charger-cables might not have enough pins to be useful!!!):
- Samsung R200 / R210
- NEC N21i
- please tell me when you find other compatable phones

Here's a picture of a fitting connector... I used the pinout according to GamePark's coloring, but instead of nTRST (optional JTAG signal) I used CTS and added a white wire for RTS.

Links

3050 (EXT connector) - http://www.hyupjininc.com/kor/product/3050_1801pin.htm
3050 (EXT connector) - http://www.sebo2000.com/connector/3050%20series.htm
http://www.gameparkdev.co.kr/pdsdata/ioport-en.pdf - pinout
http://www.gameparkdev.co.kr/pdsdata/ioport(gp32)-en.pdf - pinout

UART

You can connect to two serial ports of which the first has full handshaking signals.

GpTerm.fxe.zip - v1.00 - terminal program. set at 115200 baud.
gpterm9600.fxe.zip - v1.00 - terminal program. set at 9600 baud.
Tested with 'dir > com1' & using my Palm. Buttons are sent back as single characters.

Also check wether you want a male or female connector and wether you need a null-modem converter (check links for info).
If you want/need a null-modem, buy/make one with a partial handshaking.
Full handshaking often does not work with terminal programs like HyperTerminal. I do not have the source-code for this program anymore.

To convert 3V <-> RS232 levels, I used a MAX3222, which you can sample for free from Maxim.

Here are pictures of the MAX3222 datasheet, the top part of the box with serial connector and the hole for the JTAG port and the bottom part which holds the circuit.

Links

Maxim/Dallas - Get a free sample of the MAX3222CPN chip
lammertbies - Null-modem information

JTAG

Check ARM page for general JTAG info.

jtag.txt - How to use JTAG without the EXT connector. Now updated for Wiggler pinout.
jtag_pins.jpg - Image indicating the pin locations. Only needed if you cannot find a connector!
flashjtag.zip - Some sourcecode to program the flashchip using a parallel cable.

Other add-ons

Warning

On this page I will put pictures and descriptions of GP32 internals and hardware hacks.
I'll take no responsibility for damages etc...

For JTAG, check ARM and EXT page

Internals

pics - I found more pictures of the internals! these are higher resolution :)
pcb_front.jpg - S3C2400X01-EERO (CPU), LPC3600 (display timing controller), AT49BV040-90VC (flash memory)
pcb_back.jpg - SMC socket, HY57V641620HG (main memory)
display_back.jpg - the back of the display look exactly like the front of the display. weird uh
partlist.txt - some part numbers

Disassemble

disassemble.txt - disassemble & modification guide :)

RTC

- Real Time Clock (RTC) test program

clock.zip - v1.00 - a simple analog clock RTC program. use L/R buttons to select number and up/down to change the value.

Update!!!: You actually need to disconnect the pin on the CPU leading to C8... it is connected to the core power of the CPU and thus will drain the backup battery. Soo... it's recommended not to apply this patch and just wait for the GPi or something. Sorry.
However, you can still try out the clock demo.

Memory upgrade

GP32 contains only 8 MB SDRAM, which might not enough for some that try to run linux :)
You also might want to do this to get more than ~160MHz (memory runs at 1 or 1/2 speed of main clock).

Cross-reference:

You can stack onto the existing chip (piggybacking), but I would recommend to replace it. (use a thin wire and heat the solder).
Other info: 4 banks, 3.3V, LVTTL, TSOP, PC133, CL3
32MB and up do need pin 36 (A12).

address count calculation for 8MB:
CA0-CA7 (A10=auto precharge flag) -> 8
RA0-RA11 -> 12
4 banks -> 2
16 bits -> 1
2^(8+12+2+1)=8MB

SDRAM_FAQ.pdf

Maybe one can rip off a chip of a DIMM or SO-DIMM.
sdram module sizes

Unfortunately I have only these DIMMS:
133-512MB: 16 x 5225805BTT75, 32Mx8 (if it only contained 16 bit chips :/)
133-128MB: 8 x PQ3S816S75-8-T, 8Mx16 (hmm.. small :/)
100-128MB: 8 x TMS3808B4E-7, 16Mx8

CPU upgrade

I get a lot of questions about upgrading the CPU...
Just forget it and buy some PDA. Incompatible pin-layouts of other similar chips would require a LOT of small wires.

Front light

gpzigi has some pictures of front light tests
minebea has some front lights

Tilt sensor

I still have two samples of the ADXL202JE accelerometer somewhere. It has Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) output and measures up to 2G in two directions. So I'll just go find 2 unused pins on the S3C2400X someday... might be interesting.

http://www.analog.com/techSupport/designTools/interactiveTools/accelerometer/adxl202.html

0.06*3.3=0.198V/g

Line input

1V/3.3V*1024=310.3... so without amplifier you can get 8 of 10 bits resolution.

Other ideas

- touchscreen
- more buttons, could be analog too
- reset button
- SMC access led
- flash memory write protection (could be software)
- eeprom write protection (dedicated WP signal)
- SMC read-only check (probably need software change only or connect WP signal to read-only detection pin)

More stuff

Other files that may not be indexed before. bootstrap.zip - Use small loader to flash a firmware. Useful for dumb/slow parallel port JTAG interface.
00000000000000000000000000000000.gpm - ?
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff.gps - ?
SecuLock.txt - just some notes
Macraigor Flash Programmer - GP32 support.zip - flash file definition for Macraigor programmer software
I would use Segger J-Link hardware and J-Flash software nowadays.