Chapter 1 Introduction
The Nintendo 64 Disk Drive (64DD) is a magnetic disk drive accessed through a connector on the underside of the Nintendo 64 (N64). It uses a disk called the Nintendo 64 Disk (referred to as "disk" below) as a medium. Each disk has a capacity of 64.45 MB, of which 0-38.44 MB can be used as writable space. The size of the writable space can be specified in increments within this range.
Main Features
64.45 Mbyte capacity
The extra capacity allows the creation of high-capacity games that previously could not be developed using the Game Pak ROM.
Up to 38.44 MB of writable space can be reserved
This can be used for backup of course data or complex user data.
Data transfer rates of up to 1 MB per second
Course data and character data can be loaded without interrupting the flow of the game.
Internal clock IC with backup battery
The clock IC operates even with the power off, allowing the implementation of games that reflect real-time play.
Expansion RAM area
A Memory Expansion Pak (capacity 4 MB = 36 Mbit) is included with the standard 64 DD, enabling programming based on expansion of N64 memory to a total 8 MB (0x8000_0000-0x807f_ffff).
1.2 About this Manual
The organization of this document is as follows. Page numbers referenced in each chapter indicate the page numbers of that chapter unless otherwise mentioned.
Chapter 1 Introduction
This document.
Chapter 2 Testing the Disk Drive
This chapter describes the basic development of 64DD by outlining the process of revising polyline and onetri, sample programs used with the Game Pak ROM, to adapt them for disk operation. First-time developers for 64DD should begin with this chapter.
Chapter 3 Tools and Programs for Disk Development
Tools and programs used in Chapter 2 are described in further detail.
Chapter 4 Internal ROM
64DD uses internal mask ROM, the contents of which are briefly described in this chapter.
Chapter 5 The Development Process
The process of development, from basic development to submission of the master, is described in sequence.
Chapter 6 Disk ID
A different ID number is written to each disk. Items such as ID format are described in this chapter.
Chapter 7 Library Functions
The functions of the 64DD library libleo are described. Please skim this chapter before beginning actual programming.
Chapter 8 Reading and Setting the RTC
The internal real-time clock (RTC) is described.
Chapter 9 Accessing 64DD Internal ROM
Specific methods are described for accessing font and wave data stored in the 64DD internal ROM described in Chapter 4.
Chapter 10 Error-Handling Sequences
The included sample program ddspgame is described, and the errors that may occur with each function are explained, along with methods of handling them. For information on actual drive access, please refer to the samples and flowcharts presented in this chapter.
Chapter 11 64DD Hardware Specifications
64DD access units and formats are discussed.
Chapter 12 Summary of Pohibited Items and Points of Caution
Prohibited items and those requiring caution in game implementation are summarized. Please be sure to read this chapter and heed the cautionary notes presented.
Chapter 13 Revision History
The history of changes from previous 64DD versions is summarized.
Important Directories
This chapter discusses the directories in which information on wave and format data is collected.
Chapter 15 Special Startup Methods
Describes the types of special startups used. The startup method currently described in this chapter is rebooting.
APPENDIX A Drive Internal Wave Data
APPENDIX B Drive Internal Font Data
Information is presented on wave and font data stored in the drive. Please examine this information together with that in Chapter 4: 64DD Internal Rom.
APPENDIX C List of Error Messages on 64DD User's Manual
List of Error Message on 64DD User's Manual
APPENDIX D Description of Leowrite Command
Leowrite is a PARTNER command which is used for writing to the N64Disk Drive. Appendix D describes the operation and arguments of leowrite.
1.1 Overview of 64DD
Note: For semiconductor media such as the N64 expansion pak and the memory in the N64 unit, memory capacity is expressed in terms of 1 Mbytes = 1024 Kbytes = 1024 x 1024 bytes. However, for the 64DD, which is a magnetic medium, memory capacity is expressed in accordance with the convention for such media, ie., 1 Mbytes = 1000 Kbytes = 1000 x 1000 bytes.