Commodore Amiga CD32 Installation guide

The Amiga CD32 FAQ 2000
Current Maintainer: Shane R. Monroe
Official Web Site: http://www.amigaemulation.com/cd32
Mirror Site(s): http://website.lineone.net/~cd32/
Last Updated: March 9th, 2000 - Version 1.0
Translations Available: French | Spanish | German | Portuguese | Italian
Table of Contents
Introduction
Technical Specifications
Controllers
Software
Audio CDs
CD+Gs/Karaoke CDs
Photo CDs
Video CDs
Magazines
Internet
Jargon
Expansion
Emulating a CD32
Emulating a CD32 with UAE
Software Developers
Pinouts
Addresses
Contributors to the FAQ
INTRODUCTION
The original CD32 FAQ Parts 1 and 2 stopped being updated late 1996. Interest in the CD32 and the
Amiga platform in general deteriorated between 1996 and 1998 so it made sense that the FAQ was 'as
done as it was going to get' and lay dormant for a couple of years. The late 1990's, however, recognized a
surge in classic gaming - arcade, console, and computer. Emulators have been written for nearly all
classic gaming outlets - including the great Amiga computer.
As PC compatible computers got faster (breaking 1Ghz and beyond shortly), it became quite feasable to
emulate the Amiga computer. Pretty well, too. Emulation has breathed new life into the Amiga and also
the CD32. Being an active and avid CD32 owner myself and seeing the rise in interest, I figured it might
be time to resurrect the CD32 FAQ and give it a much needed facelift and update for the 21st century.
The FAQ has been translated into HTML for a number of reasons. One, HTML is the language of the
Internet - and the Internet is where people are. Two, people expect to be able to navigate documents
quickly and easily. HTML allows for this. Three, we can add life to the FAQ with images and media.
This will help the beginners to the system see a real picture, and not just an ASCII drawing. Four, HTML
is universal. People emulating CD32 on an Amiga, PC, Mac, or BeOS can all see the FAQ the same.
There are many new areas to the FAQ, like PC emulation of the CD32. I understand that the die-hard
Amiga fans (I've been there, folks) might feel threatened or offended by this inclusion into 'an Amiga
FAQ'. Despite the evil ways of the PC (grin), emulation of the Amiga platform has really stirred an
interest. Many who have tried it emulated have decided to buy a real Amiga. Software is trading and
selling like it was the 'good ol' days'. The newsgroups are ALIVE. It seems only right to include the
emulation community within this updated 'new for the 21st century' FAQ. I hope I have your support.
CD32 FAQ - HTML
file:///C|/sites/amigaemulation/cd32/CD32FAQ/CD32_FAQ_2000.htm (1 of 39) [3/9/2000 1:55:13 PM]

I've been trying to update references and information as much as possible - delete dead information (like
links and companies and 'Escom stuff'), offer new information, answer questions I've been seeing asked
on the newsgroups and email. As always, I welcome ALL new information, corrections, etc. Email me
here with this information.
This FAQ is based LARGELY on the original CD32 FAQ Parts 1 and 2. I removed much of the data I
felt was probably grossly out of date, and this included the contributor's list of email addresses. I do not
want these people to be left out - much of this new FAQ is thanks to them. If you contributed to the
original FAQ and wish to have your contact information available here, please let me know and I'll get
you in ASAP.
If you would like to translate the FAQ (and hopefully maintain that localization of it) into other
languages, I welcome your help! Please email me and let me know you are working on it. I'd like to at
least have the languages Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese.
Thank you for continued support and efforts in keeping the Amiga alive and well.
- Shane R. Monroe
Return to the Table of Contents
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Q: What are the technical details of the CD32?
A: As read below ...
Internal Details:
CPU
Motorola 68EC020 clocked at 14.32Mhz. 32 bit data path. 24 bit address space
(limited to additional 8M of 'fast' RAM due to CD32 system design).
FPU
None.
MMU
None.
ROM
1M (8 megabits) of operating system.
RAM
2M (16 megabits) of 'chip' RAM. 1K of 'flash' RAM.
CD-ROM Drive
Multi-session, double speed, top loading, caddy-less design. Max transfer about
CD32 FAQ - HTML
file:///C|/sites/amigaemulation/cd32/CD32FAQ/CD32_FAQ_2000.htm (2 of 39) [3/9/2000 1:55:13 PM]

330K/s. Custom controller based (not IDE or SCSI).
Operating System
Kickstart/AmigaDOS version 40.6, release 3.1. Customisations for CD32
specifics. Custom chipset AGA custom chipset from 4 chips. Chips are called
Akiko, Alice, Lisa, Paula. See the Jargon List for what they do.
Internal Details:
Aux Port
1 x 6 pin mini-din type. Combined serial/keyboard connector.
Controller Ports
2 x 9 pin D type. Accepts CD32 joypads, Amiga mice, joysticks, Megadrive
joypads, Master System joypads.
Video Outputs
Composite, S-Video, RF (for televisions). French CD32s have a combined
SCART & S-Video port in place of the S-Video port.
Audio Outputs
2 x RCA standard fixed output level. 1 x mini stereo headphone jack adjustable
output level.
Expansion Port
1 x microchannel. For FMV cartridge or other system expansions.
Add-Ons Details:
CD32 Joypad
Custom 11 button wire based, 9 pin D style. 1 supplied, additional joypads can
be purchased separately.
CD32x & SX-1
Adds enough connectors and ports to make it possible to use your CD32 as a
computer.
FMV Cartridge
Play CD-i Digital Video or Video CDs.
Keyboard
Most Amiga keyboards can be plugged into a CD32.
Mouse
CD32 FAQ - HTML
file:///C|/sites/amigaemulation/cd32/CD32FAQ/CD32_FAQ_2000.htm (3 of 39) [3/9/2000 1:55:13 PM]

All Amiga mice can be plugged into the CD32. Some games will be easier to
control.
Serial Link
Connected to the Aux port, allows you to use the CD32 as an external
CD-ROM drive for other computers.
Return to the Table of Contents
CONTROLLERS
Q: What's the Competition Pro CD32 joypad like?
A: It's completely compatible with the C= CD32 joypad. Some good things said about it are that it's
shaped like a Megadrive joypad, the diagonals are easier to get to, it feels less delicate, it has turbo and
auto fires, and it has a slow motion button. Some bad things said about it are that it's shaped like a
Megadrive joypad and the diagonals are more difficult to get to. Obviously a bit subjective.
The CD32 Competition Pro Joypad
Q: Where can I purchase a CD32 Competition Pro Joypad?
A: In the U.S., try Centsible Software (they bought out just about everyone including Paxtron). Any
U.K./Germany/Other retailers out there still carry them? Let me know.
Q: Is it possible to plug other types of controller into the controller port?
A: Yes, but you'll lose access to most CD32 joypad buttons.
CD32 Megadrive/Genesis Master System Joystick Amiga mouse
Select B A Fire Left Button
Stop C B (Second fire) Right Button
Play (Third fire) Middle Button
Shuffle
Loop
Rewind
Forward
CD32 FAQ - HTML
file:///C|/sites/amigaemulation/cd32/CD32FAQ/CD32_FAQ_2000.htm (4 of 39) [3/9/2000 1:55:13 PM]

Q: Is it possible to connect a 6-button Megadrive or SNES joypad to the CD32?
A: As far as I know, it can't be done unless you're good with a soldering iron, but if anyone has
managed to do this then I'll stick the details in here.
Q: Is it possible to use the CD32 joypad on normal Amigas?
A: It works fine. Some newer Amiga games are even taking advantage of the extra buttons (shuffle,
loop, etc...). Many older Amiga games that use the keyboard for weapon select will use the stop button
instead (eg. Project-X, Apydia, Turrican 2).
Q: Is it possible to both connect both a joypad and a mouse and use them together?
A: The joypad should be plugged into controller port 1 and the mouse should be plugged into controller
port 2.
Q: Is it possible to connect more than two controllers?
A: There are rumours of being able to daisy-chain 8 or even 16 CD32 joypads together, but nothing's
been seen. What will work is if you connect some kind of interface that gives you a parallel port (eg.
SX-1) and plug in an Amiga four-player adaptor in there. The good point is that you can play the Amiga
version of Dynablaster, if you have a floppy drive. The bad points are that it's a bit expensive and CD32
joypads won't work when plugged into the four player adaptor (but they still work if you plug them into
the side controller ports).
Return to the Table of Contents
SOFTWARE
Q: What CDs will work with the CD32?
A: CD32 ones (um), many CDTV ones, music CDs, Karaoke CDs, CD+Gs (like a music CD but it has
pictures or lyrics displayed in time with the music), Photo CDs (if you load up a photo CD reader first),
and Video CDs (if you have the FMV cartridge plugged in). Also it can read CDs meant for other
computers such as the PC and the Mac, but it's up to you to tell it how to make sense of the files on the
CD (maybe by using something like datatypes). You won't be able to play games for other computers
though.
Q: Where can I buy CD32 software?
A: In the U.S., try Centsible Software (they bought out just about everyone including Paxtron). I'll add
more vendors as I get confirmation. Outside the U.S. and have a good source? Let me know. Another
good source are online auctions. I always see a handful for sale on eBay. I also buy, sell, and trade and I
have a list online here.
Q: Is there a list of all CD32 software currently made?
CD32 FAQ - HTML
file:///C|/sites/amigaemulation/cd32/CD32FAQ/CD32_FAQ_2000.htm (5 of 39) [3/9/2000 1:55:13 PM]

A: Both The CD32 Zone and the Amiga CD32 Source are trying to keep the most up-to-date accurate
lists available. In addition, the Amiga CD32 Source website is trying to compile all the UNRELEASED
stuff too!
Q: How can I try to convince a game to work in PAL or NTSC?
A: Connect an Amiga mouse into controller port 2, hold down both mouse buttons, and press the reset
button. You'll be given a boot menu where you'll be able to choose either PAL or NTSC. If you have a
keyboard then you can press any key to switch the boot menu between PAL and NTSC so you can see
what you're doing. This is useful for NTSC CD32 owners who want to run games that use the PAL area
of the screen. Multisystem TVs connected to any video output on or 1084s connected to the S-Video
output will work. TVs/monitors connected to the CD32 through the French CD32's or SX-1's or CD32x's
or TP9's (see diagram at end of FAQ) RGB connector will also work fine. TVs/monitors connected to the
CD32 through the composite or S-Video outputs won't work though. The problem is that the PAL colour
signal is still sent at the NTSC frequency.
The CD32 Boot Menu
Let's put it in simple terms; You are not going to likely play PAL games on a NTSC TV. EXPECT
PROBLEMS if you try using the above method. Problems like B&W display, rolling picture that can't be
stabilized, and missing video area where important information like score and lives might be kept.
Q: Are there any games with NTSC problems?
A:
Lock 'n' Load - most of the games (about 80%) are PAL only.
Nick Faldo's Golf doesn't let you see the bottom of the screen, so you can't even take shots
properly because the meters are covered up.
Video Creator has the bottom of the screen missing. Also the animations become slowly
out of sync with the music because of the difference in speed between NTSC/PAL
machines. Almathera MAY work on an NTSC version of Video Creator (anyone know the
status of this? -Ed)
(There are many many more - please report them to us here. -Ed)
Q: Are there any games definitely without NTSC problems?
A: (This is the original list from the FAQ. We've added our own notes. Email us with others. -Ed)
CD32 FAQ - HTML
file:///C|/sites/amigaemulation/cd32/CD32FAQ/CD32_FAQ_2000.htm (6 of 39) [3/9/2000 1:55:13 PM]

Alien Breed
Tower Assult (Game attempts to change into PAL on its own - will flake out most TVs and
composite monitors. -Ed)
Battle Chess
Banshee (Bottom of the screen is cut off, making enemies behind you impossible to see.
Barely playable. - Ed)
Bubba 'n' Stix
Bubble 'n' Squeak
Chaos Engine (NTSC)
Defender of the Crown 2
Fire and Ice
Global Effect
Guardian
Gunship 2000
Insight Technology
Labyrinth of Time
Litil Divil
Lotus Trilogy
Microcosm
Pinball F./Sleepwalker (NTSC)
Super Stardust (Difficult to change weapons with bottom of the screen cut off. Barely
playable. - Ed)
Ultimate Body Blows
Winter Olympics
Zool
Just remember, though. Even if a PAL game displays ok in NTSC, the timing of the game might be off
enough to cause problems, music/sound skipping, etc.
Q: What CD32 bundles are/were available?
A: Read below ...
Original...
Diggers
Oscar
Dangerous Streets...
Dangerous Streets
Diggers
Oscar
Wing Commander
Spectacular Voyage...
Chaos Engine
Microcosm
CD32 FAQ - HTML
file:///C|/sites/amigaemulation/cd32/CD32FAQ/CD32_FAQ_2000.htm (7 of 39) [3/9/2000 1:55:13 PM]

(Early versions also had the games from Dangerous Streets included.)
Critical Zone...
Cannon Fodder
Diggers
Liberation
Microcosm
Oscar
Project-X
Ultimate Body Blows
Q: What multimedia software is available for the CD32?
A: (We've added links to the corresponding CD Covers on the Amiga Emulation Zone for your
convenience. Many more covers there. - Ed)
CD32 Specific...
Grolier's Encyclopedia II
Guinness Book of Records II
Insight: Technology (released for CD32, CDTV compatible)
Video Creator
Video Creator Update 1 (Amiga CD32 issue 2)
Video Creator Extras (AUI December 1994 - on floppy
Various CDTV Titles...
Advanced Military Simulator
American Heritage Dictionary
Animals in Motion
Connoisseur of Fine Arts
New Basics Electronic Cookbook
Stamps of France and Monaco
Timetable of Business, Politics
Timetable of Science, Innovation
Various CDTV titles that require a mouse...
Dr Wellman
Fruits and Vegetables
Garden Plants
Guinness Disc of Records
Illustrated Holy Bible
Illustrated Works of Shakespeare
Indoor Plants
Musicolor
CD32 FAQ - HTML
file:///C|/sites/amigaemulation/cd32/CD32FAQ/CD32_FAQ_2000.htm (8 of 39) [3/9/2000 1:55:13 PM]

Trees and Shrubs
Women in Motion
Various CDTV titles that require a keyboard and disk drive...
Inter Office
Q: What educational software is available for CD32?
A: Read below ...
CD32 specific...
MicroFrench CD32 (Contains video sequences, but you don't have to own a FMV cartridge
to view them. More languages are planned.)
Various CDTV titles...
A Long Hard Day at the Ranch
Cinderella
Fun School 3 (under 5's)
Fun School 3 (5 to 7)
Fun School 3 (over 7's)
Heather Hits a Home Run
Moving Gives me a Stomach Ache
Mud Puddle
North Polar Expedition
Scary Poems for Rotten Kids
Tale of Benjamin Bunny
Tale of Peter Rabbit
Thomas' Snowsuit
Various CDTV titles that require a mouse...
A Bun for Barney
Barney Bear Goes Camping
Barney Bear Goes to School
LTV English
My Paint
Paperbag Princess
Various CDTV titles that require a keyboard...
Asterix English for French 1
Asterix English for French 2
Asterix French for English 1
Asterix French for English 2
Return to the Table of Contents
CD32 FAQ - HTML
file:///C|/sites/amigaemulation/cd32/CD32FAQ/CD32_FAQ_2000.htm (9 of 39) [3/9/2000 1:55:13 PM]

AUDIO CDS
Q: Is it possible to directly read the audio data from music CDs into memory?
A: Nobody's managed to do this. The next best thing is to buy an SX-1, plug a sampler into the parallel
port, start a CD playing with one of the CD players from aminet:/disk/cdrom, then sample directly to
hard drive.
Return to the Table of Contents
CD+GS & KARAOKE CDS
Q: Where do I get CD+Gs from?
A: CD+G discs used to have a little sticker on the case, but the companies stopped this on the grounds
that it confused the general public... The only places you'll probably find them now are in bargain bins or
the odd mail order music store. You can find a list of known CD+G music CDs at The CD32 Zone.
Q: Can I use Karaoke CDs?
A: Yep. They're the same thing. If you work or you know anybody working in a pub then you could get
hold of the CDs for their Karaoke machine. Just search your favorite search engine for "karaoke cdg" and
you will find PLENTY of people to sell you CDs.
Q: How do I play CD+Gs/Karaoke CDs?
A: If you have a CD+G disc, you'll be able to tell immediately - the music player will disappear and the
graphics will appear as soon as you press play. Use the up and down directions to change language and
select to return to the music player. The rest of the controls work as normal. Once you're back at the
player, a "CD+G" button will appear in the bottom left corner - hit select on that to return to the graphics.
Q: How do CD+Gs/Karaoke CDs work?
A: The CD+G format is an extension of the standard RED-BOOK audio format. On an audio disc there
is an area known as the subchannel. This area is used to store data for the cd player like elapsed time etc.
Some of this area is normally unused. In CD+G discs the subchannel is used to store the CD+G data.
This data consists of commands and graphics that are interpreted by the player to produce the CD+G
display. You can see pictures of actual CD+Gs being played at The CD32 Zone.
Fleetwood Mac - Behind the Mask CD+G
CD32 FAQ - HTML
file:///C|/sites/amigaemulation/cd32/CD32FAQ/CD32_FAQ_2000.htm (10 of 39) [3/9/2000 1:55:13 PM]