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SWC USB Adapter

alt text

SWC USB Adapter is a peripheral for the Super Wild Card backup unit that makes it USB compatible.

Features

  • Connect a Super Wild Card via USB to a modern computer that does not have a parallel port.
  • Compatible with most operating systems. The program is writen in Python and the adapter uses the USB CDC driver that is built into most modern operating systems.
  • Transfer speed on par with parallel port transfer.
  • No need for a thick parallel port cable.
  • More convenient than floppies or a USB floppy emulator.
  • The hardware parts are widely available and not too hard to assemble.
  • Program auto detects the adapter, no need to specify the port.
  • It is a open hardware and software project.

Usage example

To transfer a ROM file to the Super Wild Card:

swc_usb.py send-rom --hirom <file>

To fetch a SRAM dump:

swc_usb.py fetch-sram <file>

Questions and answers

Q: Why not just use any USB to parallel adapter?

A: It won't work, almost all of them are for printers only, and if you find one that truly emulates a parallel port the latency of USB will make the transfers really slow.

Q: Do I need to surface mount solder and have a PCB manufactured?

A: You should be able to use any Atmega32u4 breakout board and solder wires from it to a male D-Sub 25 connector. That project hardware is basically the same thing but in a nicer form factor.

Q: How do I compile the firmware?

A: swc_usb.hex is a compiled firmware ready to be loaded onto the controller. If you want to compile it yourself, set up a AVR tool chain and run make all in the firmware directory.

Q: Does it have all the swc transfer features that Ucon64 has?

A: No, It can send ROM files, send SRAM, fetch SRAM. If there is interest in some other feature I might add it.

Q: Which variants of the Super Wild Card is supported?

A: I think it works on all but I have tested it on: Super Magicom (MS-3201), Super Wild Card (SMS3201), Super Wild Card DX (SWC3201)

Atmega32u4 pin mapping to the D-Sub

Atmega32u4 D-Sub
PB3 15
PB4 13
PB5 12
PB6 10
PB7 11
PD0 2
PD1 3
PD2 4
PD3 5
PD4 6
PD5 7
PD6 8
PD7 9
PF4 1
PF5 14
PF6 16
PF7 17
GND 25

Thanks

This project would probably not have been made without the awesome LUFA library. Ucon64 have been a great source of information on how to communicate with the SWC and a starting point for code.