CD64

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The CD64 is a device made by UFO/Success Company for the Nintendo 64 that allows to run ROM files off a CD-ROM attached to the system. Similar to the Doctor V64 and the Z64 units for the N64, it is most commonly used for playing illegal backups of Nintendo 64 games. Since it has a built-in communications port that is accessible from the N64 program, it can also be used as a rather versatile development/debug device.

1 Design
2 Features
3 Criticisms
4 Specifications
5 External links

[edit] Design

The CD64 sits underneath the N64 unit, making use of the EXTension port designed for the 64DD on the bottom of the console. Once connected and plugged in, a game cartridge is taken out of the N64 and one is placed into the slot on the face of the system, just underneath the N64 and just above the CD-ROM drive in the system.

When the unit is turned on, via the N64 power button, a GUI is shown where you can choose to launch the game in the slot, or run the ROM file on the CD in the CD-ROM. The ROM file is loaded into the PC RAM found within the system.

The first version of the unit was solid black, like the N64 itself, and had only 128MB of RAM. While upgradable, the RAM was usually glued into place with a hot glue gun. The second version, known as the CD64+ (or 'Plus') was apparently more stable than the first and was transparent grey. This unit came with 256MB installed, again glued in place, but still capable of being upgraded.

Earlier CD64 models were able to self-power from the N64's expansion bus, but later ones require an external power adapter.

[edit] Features

The inserted cart acts as a 'boot' cartridge. The N64 boots the CD64 BIOS using the 6102 CIC in the boot cartridge. The CD64 then boots a program from its cartridge emulator memory using a built-in boot emulator. This presents problems for running programs which have secondary protections against boot emulators, because unlike the V64 and V64Jr, and due to the necessity of the CD64 BIOS to launch a program, it is impossible to use a cartridge with a different boot CIC than the 6102 with the CD64.

The CD64 supports .v64 and .z64 files. After burning the ROM files onto a disc they can be launched from the GUI. There is an embedded cheat and hex editing function, the former of which uses Gameshark format codes, the latter requiring a search of the ROMs code for implementation of cheats. The CD64 unit has SRAM support and can connect with a PC to dump the ROM image from the inserted cart and transfer save files and ROM files back and forth.

[edit] Criticisms

The unit was very cheaply made and even though it shipped with a 9VDC power supply, the unit does not require this amount. To fix this the designers used a voltage regulator to obtain the 5V input voltage. This converts the unused energy to excess heat, leading to premature failure.
Due to the overheating issues some users had, some modified their units with small cpu processor fans to keep their units cool. Others that used aftermarket power supply units rated for 12v, 1amp+ didn't have any issues.
The unit frequently suffers from an incomplete connection between the N64 and the flanges on the top, leading to a black screen at bootup.
The SRAM function uses PC RAM that requires constant power to retain save files, so if one does not have the means to connect the unit to a PC to backups saves, because of the above mentioned point, the unit must be unplugged and the save is therefore lost (unless the game in question uses a controller pak). If the unit is unplugged the ROM image must also be loaded into the RAM again.
The PC parallel port function requires a special adapter (PPA, Parallel Port Adapter) and a DB25 Parallel Port cable that are sold separately and is notoriously difficult to set up as the DOS run PC program is difficult to interpret. Software such as cd64comm.exe and ucon64.exe can be used to transfer save files or game images back and forth from the PC to CD64.
If the unit is turned on and the data on the CD is not accessed within a minute of powering up it will fail to recognize any data on the disc until the unit is restarted. The disc also cannot be accessed immediately and one must wait until the read light has ceased flashing. These two variables leave a very small window for the disc to be accessed in.
Two games, Conker's Bad Fur Day and Perfect Dark, do not work with the system unless a Protected Cartridge Decoder (PCD) is bought. This cart plugs into the slot in the front and has two connectors, one that goes straight out for a boot cart like Mario 64, and the other sticking straight up where one connects either Conker's or Perfect Dark game pak. Given the rarity of this accessory, it is often hard to find and expensive when found. One could say that one is much better off simply buying used copies of both Perfect Dark and Conker's Bad Fur Day.

[edit] Specifications

8x ATAPI CD-ROM (Can be replaced, later bioses will allow high speed access to CDs and improved loading times)
128 to 256MBits (16-32MBytes) EDO RAM
Pro Action Replay/Parallel Comms Link DB25 port (8 bits dual register with handshake)