TBBLUE SD Distribution v.0.8b-rev.A:

Latest distribution is always found at https://www.specnext.com/latestdistro/

Here’s the latest SD image with everything you need to get your Next updated and running!

OBLIGATORY DISCLAIMER: READ THIS POST IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE ASKING FOR HELP

In the links below you will find TBBLUE v.0.8b-rev.A SD card distribution containing the following changes over version 0.8b:

System Software

• New Firmware file 1.06 which fixed a config.ini corruption issue occuring for config.ini files that were larger than 512 bytes. Garry Lancaster identified, fixed and built this; big thumbs up for the quick investigation. This Firmware file has support for multiple cores built in, so you’re built for the future of Next already!

• Updated NextOS 1.97d in two versions: one with Geoff Wearmouth’s Gosh Wonderful 1.33 48K ROM (Default) which is now FULLY compatible with games utilizing the Nirvana/Nirvana+ Engines and one with the standard 48K ROM Also additional fixes in loading of several games which were previously incompatible with even original 128K machines. Minor fixes as listed in the c:/docs/ folder
• Updated Gosh Wonderful 1.33 48K ROM by Geoff Wearmouth with improved compatibility (see above) and code clean-up.

Starting with this release, there’s also a folder named c:/sources/ in which we will place all source code pertaining to software provided with your Next or to ease your development lifecycle.
Also from this release due to popular demand, the archive of the distribution will be in both zip and 7z formats.

Installation

Prepare the card as per the instructions here. Firmware file will be replaced.

********WARNING*********

USERS OF FlashAir CARDS are advised to perform ALL file copy operations locally on their PC/MAC and NOT over the air.

*******IMPORTANT NOTES**********

• If your current firmware is older than 1.10.10 you may experience issues with your keyboard and/or display. Please follow the expanded instructions in the previous versions of the TBBLUE distributions and the Quick Start guide here to flash your core or the quick instructions on step #2 below. (Try the instructions below first and if you get stuck check the previous versions)
• Default config.ini settings assume an HDMI monitor. If you’re using a VGA monitor you should delete your config.ini file located in c:/tbblue/ and replace it with the config.ini.VGA file (also located there) renamed to config.ini. YOU ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT DISPLAY SETTINGS (Display modes 0 to 6 that is) TO ACHIEVE THE BEST RESULTS FOR YOUR DISPLAY AS THE DEFAULT CHOSEN (HDMI) ALTERS THE TIMINGS SLIGHTLY AND CERTAIN –OLDER– PROGRAMS MAY NOT DISPLAY PROPERLY (especially certain Demos). VGA modes (Settings 0…6) ARE  timing accurate although the user may experience faster execution as each setting with the exception of 0 makes things faster (but keeping timings relative)

Flashing the new core

1. For people with functioning keyboards after boot and/or membranes (but which also have PS/2 keyboards)

Let the machine boot normally, then press and hold U on your PS/2 keyboard, then tap momentarily on F1 (still holding U) and release U when you see the updater module. Press Y, wait until all flashing is completed, then power down the Next and REMOVE ALL CABLES. Wait a little and then plug everything back up again. If you have a VGA you need to replace your config.ini (see above) or edit it and set the second number after the machine type to 0. If you’re in Brazil, Japan, the USA or Canada or any country that uses normally an NTSC TV signal (or a PAL 60 signal), chances are your monitor only supports 60Hz, so go ahead and tap F3 now -or alternatively you can change the [50_60] setting to 1 from config.ini or by editing the settings at boot time with the EDITOR module (Press SPACEBAR when prompted on boot then press E to edit your settings)

2. For people with Perixx PS/2 keyboards and/or keyboards with a similar controller on board AND people with membranes that are not functioning or having trouble entering the UPDATER module.

• Enter AntiBrick (AB) mode by removing all cables (including HDMI), pressing and holding M1 and Drive (simulaneously), then reapplying power (no HDMI or VGA yet) waiting a few seconds (2-3) and releasing the keys, then reconnecting the display lead that worked for you previously. Press Y for update. If Y cannot be pressed then the press M1 button for Y or Drive button for N
• Follow the instructions in Step 1 to boot the system.

Download the distribution

 TBBLUE distribution v.0.8b-rev.A (zip format) (Download Here)

 TBBLUE distribution v.0.8b.rev.A (7z format) (Download Here)

Credits

Article image: Image of cards piling up by MrGAWN
https://mrgawn.deviantart.com/

TBBLUE Core and FW: Victor Trucco
Contributors: Fabio Belavenuto, Garry Lancaster, Allen Albright, Mark Smith

 
Warhawk: Michael Ware, Jim Bagley, Lobo Trans / Distributed under License
Nextoid!: Lampros Potamianos / Distributed under License
3D Monster Maze, 3D Defender, Trashman: Malcolm Evans / Distributed under License
cave81: Marco Varesio / Distributed under License
Mouse driver: Tim Gilberts and Chris Cowley
NextOS: Garry Lancaster (http://www.worldofspectrum.org/zxplus3e/)
Gosh Wonderful: Geoff Wearmouth (https://twitter.com/warmtoffee)
ZX80/81 Emulators: Paul Farrow (http://www.fruitcake.plus.com)
Demos: David Saphier, Geoff Wearmouth, Michael Ware, Jim Bagley
Utilities: Jim Bagley, Geoff Wearmouth, John M Kerr (http://mycodehere.blogspot.com)
Dot Commands: esxDOS team and contributors, Allen Albright, Tim Gilberts, Jim Bagley, Garry Lancaster, Victor Trucco