Difference between revisions of "AppSignature"

From MSX Game Library

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This [[Build tool]] option allow to add an application signature to binary data (right after the header).
 
This [[Build tool]] option allow to add an application signature to binary data (right after the header).
It is inspired by the meta-data that Konami used to identify its cartridges and add cross-game options.
+
The signature format is inspired by the meta-data that Konami used to identify its cartridges and add cross-game options.
  
 
<pre>:: Add application signature to binary data (true or false)
 
<pre>:: Add application signature to binary data (true or false)

Revision as of 01:10, 17 January 2023

This Build tool option allow to add an application signature to binary data (right after the header). The signature format is inspired by the meta-data that Konami used to identify its cartridges and add cross-game options.

:: Add application signature to binary data (true or false)
AppSignature = true;

:: Application company
AppCompany = "GL";

:: Application ID (0~65535)
AppID = 0

Application's signature is 4 bytes long and composed of:

  • 2 bytes for the creator/group/company code name (a 2-character string),
  • 2 bytes for the application number (any value between 0 and 65535).

If 2-character string is recommended for creator code and integer for application number, in fact, both of those parameters can be any of:

  • 2-character string ("MX", "a7" for example),
  • 16-bits decimal unsigned number (1234 for example),
  • 16-bits hexadecimal number starting with 0x (0x0750 for example).

Application signature is put just after the binary header:

  • At ROM start address +0010h,
  • At Basic binary start address +0007h.

You can also add extra data using AppExtra option. WIP

Code name

Some creator's code are already reserved:

Code Rel Creator's name
0x00XX Reserved
"AB" ✔️ Konami (Boxing and Football)
"CD" ✔️ Konami (many games)
"EF" ✔️ Konami (Pennant Race and Knightmare 3)
"JP" Johan de Punder
"GH" Reserved
"GL" ✔️ MSXgl (samples)
"PP" Pixel Phenix
"RC" Reserved
"TL" Tele-Line
"YZ" ✔️ Konami (Game Master 2)
"WD" Wim Dewijngaert
"XX" Reserved
0xFFXX Reserved

Come on Discord to reserve your own name.

Code names are only definitively assigned when an application is published with this code.