Famicom Data Recorder and NES Programmable Series

[@JackieFroSTALKER]

The fact that you can save the data in a different way than intended using modern technology is pretty dang cool.

[@FamicomVinnk]

Strelok Kosugi Even cooler, when you use it along with Family Basic, you can actually share small games.

[@tomatotomatoe7253]

@spoon ask jeeves

[@Louistrations]

Fantastic episode, I wish they were all this length! It's kinda strange to think that we're still using pretty-much the same audio connectors.

[@emptyspotlight]

right? i found it disappointing, and tough to get used to my android, that doesn't have a 3.5 mm jack , and if you see it there was plenty of space for one to be put.

[@ajddavid452]

@@emptyspotlight blame Apple

[@ChloePaws]

A 21 minute episode of famicom dojo, now this makes me very happy.

[@Larry]

That was a great episode, I really enjoyed it!!!

[@therealhardrock]

Surely you must be laughing at Sean for not knowing how to use tapes as a data storage medium since you grew up on computers that stored games on cassette tapes.

[@FamicomVinnk]

therealhardrock Sometime we pretend to not know things in the videos. One of the first computers I ever used was a TRS-80 with a cassette drive.

[@snoopdoggdankkush9285]

what are u doing here nigga

[@tvtoni9040]

Larry Bundy Jr hey I know you, you jolly old Brit

[@snoopdoggdankkush9285]

WADDUP Bob Person. THANKS FOR THE LOVE> i'm Here for the because u a genius electioneer

[@icekokoro2708]

You guys never stop making my day. I can't believe it's been almost a decade since I found your channel and watching all you guys (Sean, Vinnk, Sindra, JewWario [R.I.P], Awesomo, etc.) Never go away guys! 😊

[@FamicomDojo]

+Ice Kokoro Thank you so much! We have BIG PLANS for 2017!

[@cachemist4149]

Eek! I cant wait! Will you do the Family Basic?

[@FamicomDojo]

Family Basic is on the backlog.

[@therealhardrock]

7:43 "It's all ladders" LOL. I used to do that with Wrecking Crew all the time as a kid. Thumbs up if you used to do that too.

[@SakuraAvalon]

I love how crazy the workarounds for saving in ye olden days were. Good ol' 80's tech.

[@MiguelVergaraK]

Roxie ღ Just as crazy as things we do now will look in the future =)

[@rrpiva]

I had The Castle on tape for MSX. :)

[@albatelf]

I'm sure the msx had better sound. And you didn't have to press stop, as the data recorder was controlled by the computer.

[@58LewisK]

Can a future episode talk about FAMILY BASIC?

[@SeanOrange]

Yup.

[@SatoshiMatrix1]

That's Orange That's the one episode I've been looking forward to since you guys started in 2007. The Family BASIC is an awesome concept but the barrier to entry - knowing BASIC, be able to read Japanese, having the set up, and then learning the specifics of HuSHARP BASIC from the rather meaty manual, I've never really done much with the Family BASIC, although to my knowledge the two versions of Family BASIC are the only Famicom games ever made that use AA batteries for data storage. Please coverage the differences between the V2 and V3 carts. I own V3 CIB and know it included some built-in sample games, but I don't know enough BASIC to fumble around with the HuSharp BASIC the thing uses to properly make any games.

[@SeanOrange]

Oh man. No pressure, right?

[@SatoshiMatrix1]

That's Orange Yeah, you need to learn BASIC if you dont know it already and the V3 is rather rare. I can see why you haven't covered it.

[@SeanOrange]

Well, we have the carts already, it's just (like you said) creating some sample programs to show off how it works. Vinnk has a manual he still needs to send me. It's in Japanese, but the code itself is in English. I haven't been able to figure out how to do a loop yet, hahaha. But there are also some non-code things, such as the UI for the carts being different, and the wider range of predefined sprites. Ha! It would be fun to compare and contrast to Mario Maker.

[@preservationera9768]

I can confirm that The Castle was released on cassette tape on at least one platform: the Sharp X1 computer. Castle Excellent also got a port for it, which was released in 1985, obviously predating the Famicom version. Not only that, this port was also released on tape.

[@FamicomDojo]

+Nintendo Era Awesome! Do you have either of these yourself?

[@preservationera9768]

I have the roms, which are downloadable here: craigandersonthemes.weebly.com/sharp-x1.html Just click on the "here" where it says "Everything can be downloaded from here." which is towards the top. I know they were on tape because the extension is .tap, the rest usually use .d88 or .2d Edit: The Castle's full name is The Castle and The Princess. I tried it out, it's basically Castle Excellent on more primitive technology.

[@iyatemu]

Theoretically it IS possible to save using the NES. All of the FC expansion port pins are on the NES expansion port including the audio internal audio output (pin 2 on Famicom, pin 3 on the NES) The only issue is loading Since it doesn't have an audio input, but I assume that's wired up to the player 2 D1 or D2 pins.

[@SeanOrange]

Yeah, you could probably rig up an Ext port and plug a Family Keyboard into it, but since there was no first party solution we didn't cover it. Someone mentioned in the G+ post that such a device exists. That IS interesting. I'd like to try it out some time.

[@iyatemu]

That's Orange Turns out I was wrong. The audio input amplifier is ALSO on the NES expansion port.

[@FamicomDojo]

Yeah, it looks like all of the controller pins are in the EXP port, which is how the ENIO board is able to function. Cool, right??

[@WalfasProject8000]

For those who are wondering, data cassette tapes sound like Cthulu taking a really big dump

[@Mehrdad1]

Everything that you guys do is amazing. For the love of God, never stop making videos!

[@PlatinumTriforce]

This was an awesome video! When I saw the video length, I knew I was in for something good! Very informative, and I loved all of the throwbacks and references. Speaking of which, at 7:15, was that supposed be parodying 1984? Anyway, thanks for the genuine experience with the Data Recorder and the tutorial on how to put the tracks onto MP3s, that could be really cool if I ever get a Family Keyboard. I also loved how you threw in information about other things like Castle Quest and other Excitebike games (I never knew about the Satellaview version, holy crap!), it definitely makes it all the better. Can't wait for next week!

[@noskap]

I love all the throwback gags to old episodes

[@salozmen29]

Vinnk is finally back!!! Yes!!!

[@FamicomVinnk]

salozmen29 Thank you. but.. Did I go somewhere? The last 2 videos were ones with only me (and my kids).

[@ClexYoshi]

it might be worth it to annotate this episode with the fact that Vs. Excitebike recently got a Wii U virtual console release as well.

[@SeanOrange]

Right? I swear Nintendo must watch our videos...

[@FamicomDojo]

Since annotations went away, we instead added time stamps to the description, and the detail there.

[@joecoolmccall]

I love these guys humor...just discovered this channel

[@FamicomDojo]

We hope you’re enjoying Spring Training 2018!

[@DavinTurner]

Great to see you guys back at it! I missed you two. =3

[@FamicomVinnk]

Davin Turner Thanks it's great to be back. Keep watching the channel, coming up is a video with not only both Sean and I, but with us both in the same location.

[@DavinTurner]

Vinnk Awesome!~ ^-^ That's got to be easier on production!

[@FamicomVinnk]

Davin Turner Yes! ...well... except for the flying to America part.

[@DavinTurner]

Vinnk Yeah! Besides that! X3

[@DavinTurner]

Vinnk By the way, your daughter is so kawaii!~ \^-^/ I'll bet she'll be a great and wise game master like her Dad! =D

[@Andrew_G4CH]

I was always curious about that and never researched it. Well done!

[@TBustah]

I'll take the signal sounds over dubstep anyday. At least they evoke some nostalgia, since they sound kind of like an old dial-up modem.

[@brickman409]

damn, it's been awhile since I've seen these guys. I used to watch this channel in the late 2000's and I just re-discovered it.

[@KeithShizuo]

liked before i even saw the episode. this is what ive been waiting for

[@Embargoman]

The tape recorder only released in Japan what a bummer.

[@FamicomDojo]

The keyboard is the more critical part, and even then it’s only a passthrough for two leads. I bet someone could duct tape together an adapter for the NES, and then any old tape deck (with mic in and headphone out) would be compatible.

[@AlAensland]

Man this channel is still underrated even after 7 years.

[@FamicomDojo]

Thanks! We have a lot coming to celebrate the upload of our first video sixteen years ago on the @SeanOrange channel!

[@arcee420]

I think that, of all of the Famicom Dojo videos, I have watched this video the most. I still can't wait for a Family Basic episode. :D

[@FamicomDojo]

We’ll get there!

[@IINesasta]

Wow! How did you get JD from scrubs cast to play past you in this video??! I'm impressed!

[@salozmen29]

I love Castle Excellent. Serious. It's a great game!

[@OrinokawaMizuki]

Pressing the buttons Play/Load and Record/Save at the same time is a Safety feature, to prevent an accidental recording over existing soundtrack. | There are indicators on the Cassette to show you which part of the tape you are playing, just Fast Forward or Rewind to your desired location.

[@superpan218]

Other games like Lode Runner, Nuts & Milk and Arkanoid II have a level editor system implemented in those games, and they take advantage of the Data Recorder. One more game took advantage of the Data Recorder and that was Family BASIC, the game that came bundled with the Famicom keyboard.

[@FamicomDojo]

We REALLY gotta do that part 2 video… it’s been almost 10 years since this one!

[@nensondubois]

I just tested my Famicom mini Excitebike and Wrecking Crew cart and ExciteBike is identical to the NES Classic Series and E-reader versions. I might look to see if the programming still exists in these versions. Wrecking Crew '98 for the SFC can save your NES tracks.

[@TheSweetiger]

with a specific adaptor it's possible to connect the famicom keyboard on the expansion port of a nes and it works with famicom games

[@FamicomDojo]

We’re gonna give that a shot.

[@ajsliter]

Please do a video specifically on family basic. It would be interesting to learn more about it. I'm trying to figure out what is needed to create a modern replacement adapter for the family computer keyboard with data recorder support using a ps/2 or a USB keyboard. That way all you will need is a copy of family basic in the future.

[@FamicomDojo]

That IS interesting! I wonder if in some cases only most keys would do what you expect, or none of them. Hmm…

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

The data cassette recorder and computer keyboard were slated to be part of the original Advanced Video System.

[@Kisai_Yuki]

Hmm, that tape deck looks exactly like every tape deck from the 80's. Some tape decks actually had counters on them, which made them more useful for computer use, but in general the tape-era was a pain and nobody I knew had one. What would be interesting is if those new NES/Famicom FPGA made by third parties units could run the family basic/famicom disks and just use a conventional storage device.

[@RarefoilB]

2:30 I thought the Famicom was released in 1983... or are you referring to the cassettes?

[@Tubewings]

RarefoilB They're referring to the compact cassettes.

[@AAKPROD]

being born in 97 it's so hard to wrap my head around saving by using a tape lol geez i'm never taking saving for granted anymore.

[@PlantedWave5190]

I know this video was released before the NES Classic Edition came out. And when the latter came out one year later, they've included an Excitebike ROM with SRAM which made saving custom tracks actually possible without losing them. Too bad they didn't give Mach Rider or Wrecking Crew the same treatment...

[@christiangomez2496]

Maybe it’s a patched ROM

[@PlantedWave5190]

@@christiangomez2496 It IS a patched ROM. I'm glad Nintendo took the time to make custom track saving in Excitebike on the NES Classic Edition function as originally intended using SRAM rather than the Data Recorder.

[@christiangomez2496]

@@PlantedWave5190 like pre patched or patched on the fly? Because then it could be used with other games

[@PlantedWave5190]

@@christiangomez2496 I believe it was pre-patched. I extracted the ROM from my NES Classic Edition, did some hex editing for fixing, and threw it in an emulator. Custom track saving and loading functions with SRAM as intended.

[@christiangomez2496]

@@PlantedWave5190 You know how the first two generations of Pokémon had a 3ds rerelease?

[@RetroGaming-gp2ef]

I wonder if vinnk saved those recordings on the data recorder

[@graugaarddk]

One of my favorite episodes

[@FamicomDojo]

Thanks! Hard to believe it’s almost three years old now. It still feels “new” to us.

[@Tomsonic41]

If you turn up the volume on your TV to maximum and select 'SAVE' you can actually hear the sound signal that would be recorded onto the tape. (this only works on an original NES or Famicom, not any of the emulated versions). I dare say that if you found out what pins on the expansion port the signals were going to, you could rig something up to save and load stuff on real hardware!

[@FamicomDojo]

We’re in the process of wiring up some adapters for Famicom peripherals on the NES, but since some of those pins are routed to the expansion port on the bottom of the NES it might require some rigging up indeed.

[@justin_messer]

So....when's that Family Basic episode coming out?

[@spoffproduction]

"Siri... get off my lawn!" Hahaha!!!

[@Sonicdude10]

I remember cassettes. Only used them for music. Glad I never was part of the 8 bit gaming era where games used cassettes for this sort of thing. Although, if I were to do this now, I would use my smart phone in place of the cassette deck with the proper audio cables. Record and play each save as individual audio files to make sorting, storing, and naming easier. Still would need the Famicom versions along with the keyboard...

[@AparoidX]

Apparently the ASCII Stick 2 Turbo has Tape I/O ports as well!

[@KuraIthys]

wow. they really took the name 'famicom' seriously in those early days, huh. with a tape drive, keyboard, and disk drive it gets dangerously close to being an actual 80's microcomputer. All it needs now is a basic compiler...

[@ThePixelPolygon]

It does have Family BASIC sold separately

[@radornkeldam]

Wouldn't it be possible to use the built-in mic to "label" saved data, easing a little the task of finding things? For example, you shout into the mic "My awesome level of wrecking crew" and then you record the data stream.

[@SeanOrange]

radornkeldam Yep! I believe we recommend that nonchalantly in the video.

[@radornkeldam]

If you did, I missed it. But judging from this 10:02 I would say you didn't The only reference to using the built-in mic I could find, was this 4:45, and it doesn't seem to have anything to do with labeling data at all.

[@maitlandvt]

so, if there was supposed to be a save peripheral for the nes, it must be writing to one of the pins on the bottom. you could figure out which one with an oscilloscope and rig up a wire to record and playback. it would be pretty easy. to find the record pin. might take some trial to find the playback pin... although im sure someone somewhere has already done this...

[@FamicomDojo]

Someone linked a diagram in another link, and it identified NES EXP 43 as one of the pins, which is almost certainly one of the pins in the port on the bottom. We’re gonna see if we can’t put something together.

[@Absolute_LUNA-C]

the data recorder could also be used with family basic.

[@bonkers3982]

Great stuff. Great channel. Subbed.

[@mechamind90]

Somehow, cassettes are making a comeback. It might be an opportunity for some new data recorders, especially since i want to play Castle Excellent (and be able to save).

[@Mario-rc4oc]

this deserves 100,000+ likes

[@DerekSTUPIDVIDEOGAMES]

Victory cabbage. Those were the days. Kind of brings a tear to my eye thinking about it :')

[@BlackCatRedScarf]

Recording on a laptop... reminds me when I recorded couple programs from my Casio FX-702P on my laptop. That calculator was _kinda old_ for 2012, but it was very handy and capable. Even if most professors didn't allow students to use modern programmable calculators at university, this one​ was an exception, because you don't have anything ready there and you need to do everything from scratch. So... in the words of one of my professors: "if you are able to write a program on this _piece of archaic technology_, you probably put some effort on learning the language of that calculator, you already study enough and have a clue how to calculate things properly and you deserve the time saved by your own programs, but people will be probably mad at you - hehehe". After sometime, I started to backup my programs, because the battery of that calculator was dying (damn... 15 years with the same lithium battery!) and the power switch was not working properly and could corrupt the memory. Funny thing: the "technological museum" inside that university got one of those exposed on a glass box and people couldn't believe I was still using that piece of 80's technology without any problem.

[@Broyale26]

Great video, fellas!

[@FamicomVinnk]

+Broyale26 Thanks. We really enjoy making these longer videos.

[@ashleyp3662]

This channel funny glad i found it

[@PartyDude_19]

14:21 Famicom Dojo Predicted Mario Maker

[@FairPlay137]

You guys should cover Family BASIC!

[@Konacha37]

Wow, that is a really good episode about the Data Recorder... but I do have a question. You said the nes games don't work with the data recorder but what if you had a convertor so you could play NES games on a Famicom? Would it work then?

[@SeanOrange]

Yeah. I think that's implied by showing that early Programmable Series carts had a Famicom converter inside. It should work the other way too.

[@FamicomVinnk]

Konacha37 Yup, it would work. The code is the same.

[@summerwithsai]

"Those Beatles should get haircuts." *"And real jobs."*

[@hatwise]

Thank you very much for your videos and effort. One question. Are you planning to make Famicom Dojo episode about - Square button 1st Run Famicom? It was an interesting thing.

[@FamicomVinnk]

+Kirils Skrabe Yup. As soon as I can track one down.

[@FamicomDojo]

A friend of ours found one at Midwest Gaming Classic a course me years ago. This is the most footage we found of it (but perhaps he would let us film it if we asked nicely?): kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIm1ZXVris2LpKM

[@michaelmatuszak7015]

YES!!! WELL WORTH THE WAIT!!!

[@magyarbluey8406]

Can you please do more famicom videos

[@FamicomDojo]

Okay!

[@pattielovecatsmell1751]

could play generally cassette tape song ? I don't have this thing ,so I ask you for my information.

[@SeanOrange]

Pattie Lovecatsmell It's just a standard tape deck. There's nothing special about it. It should be able to play any normal audio tape.

[@pattielovecatsmell1751]

That's Orange Thank you, Sir

[@ScottBeebiWan]

"Is there even any dubstep in here?" What's the difference? XD

[@FamicomVinnk]

Scott Blacklock I have to say, since I have been living in Japan for the last 11 years I am not 100% sure what dubstep even is.

[@ScottBeebiWan]

Vinnk WA WA WEEWEEWEE WO WEEWEEWEEWOA WOW WOH WOH WAM is dubstep.

[@FamicomVinnk]

Scott Blacklock It hurt my ears just reading that.

[@ScottBeebiWan]

Vinnk I think that's the point

[@DeathBringer769]

Scott Blacklock I can't wait till we can look back on dubstep as a fad of the past (i.e. when the time finally comes when it's no longer THE mainstream overused thing and we're over it... please, god)

[@TheGameboyNerd23]

It’s kinda cool I watched this video when it was new before my accounts existence

[@FamicomDojo]

That just means it’s oooooooold. (Like us!) Hopefully you’re subscribed on the new account to see all the awesome new stuff we’re gonna release this year! ;)

[@ElricSowrd]

Now a days since the 5th generation of games, you can now save games on Memory Cards, RAM carts and hard drives.

[@FamicomDojo]

Otaku_GameFan That's why these Virtual Console versions are (nearly) all superior to owning the original hardware.

[@brandonreina3931]

Not to mention recordable CDs, DVDs and BDs along with SD cards and USB flash drives.

[@FamicomVinnk]

If you like the video please consider sharing. It really helps.

[@SeanOrange]

I hope you see this, because I'm sharing it as hard as I can...!

[@therealhardrock]

In the commentary for the DVD you put out, you said that you would never use the old man again.

[@SeanOrange]

Did we actually say that, or was it something like "people didn't respond well to this character, so maybe we won't use him any more"? Either way, that's a Past Sean & Vinnk problem! Future Sean and Viink are in charge now!!

[@therealhardrock]

That's Orange Seriously, stop pretending there's more than one of you. And stop pretending that you don't hear the consoles talk. On the commentary of the DVD for episode 3, Vinnk said that his wife threw away his old man costume "so those of you who hated the old man and don't want to see him again, your wish is granted." You and Vinnk talked about how unpopular the third episode of Famicom Dojo was and how fans didn't like the old man.

[@Mario-rc4oc]

Well the old man is forever back to haunt you lol

[@HerecomestheCalavera]

If your interested in saving things to cassette tapes check out audio paint and sonic visualizer.

[@KetwunsGamingPad]

For people in the last few years after this video, we can safely say that the Virtual Console updated automated save capability for Excitebike was fortunately carried over to the NES mini and NES online service version for the Nintendo Switch. That just means don’t need to worry about tapes or audio jacks nor nothing, just select and save/load. I have tested a few ways without save states by returning to Game selection or resetting. Yes I even turned off the whole NES mini and could still reload it again.

[@MrMario4574]

I have 3D classics:Excitebike and it saves tracks on the 3DS memory

[@emptyspotlight]

So basically the famicom data recorder can be used as a regular tape player?

[@FamicomDojo]

+emptyspotlight The Data Recorder is nothing more than a regular tape player with Nintendo branding. There is nothing at all special about it.

[@OrinokawaMizuki]

+Stefano Pavone While a Counter on the Player is nice, it can be quite inaccurate. Believe me, I know, it's hard to rely on it just for a location search. Back then, when most people want to jump to a certain section of the tape, they just look at the indicators on the Cassette Tape itself. Each Tape is divided into around 6 or so sections. Of course car bsased Players and newer Players usually hide these useful indicators.

[@infinitr7021]

necro post..but I was thinking that since it's a normal tape recorder with a mic, a good way to do it would be to record your voice with a title before each save.

[@FamicomDojo]

We mention that in the video, but yeah that’s still pretty cumbersome.

[@abeardwithtattoos]

Is it weird I just want the data recorder to just play old tapes I have? haha Nice Back to the Future II reference.

[@SeanOrange]

abeardwithtattoos There are MUCH cheaper tape players.

[@abeardwithtattoos]

haha Oh I know.. but if money were no object. I’d have one 😏

[@piratestation69]

Yes it all works. Ive been using a sony digital recorder for saving and loading tracks. For what ever reason loading basic programs can not get working unless its from a computer. Weird.

[@pattielovecatsmell1751]

I'd like to know that the Famicom data recorder could he plays Madonna cassette tape song or not? or generously cassette song?

[@kylehazachode]

Awesome episode. Vinnk needs to look at the camera. It's like he's trying to talk to someone sitting behind you.

[@FamicomVinnk]

George Moore Yeah, I need to work on that. My tripod was too high and my chair too low. But I didn't want to move my head up to look at the camera so I looked more or less directly forward. I'll fix that for the next video. I does look a bit odd.

[@ManuTheDeath]

You are almost there... just get faster dialogs and scenes and i think i'll be worth watching it

[@KehHs-l8b]

Are you and vinnk still making videos? Long live the dojo

[@FamicomDojo]

We’re doing weekly streams at @FamicomDojoLIVE, but are also working on new videos for this channel! (We have a few drafts, bloopers, and outtakes of videos past and future on our Patreon: patreon.com/famicomdojo)

[@KehHs-l8b]

@@FamicomDojo service with a smile....thanks boys

[@Dilios_of_Sparta]

Um, Sean and Vinnk, you completely forgot Lode Runner. The Famicom version of Lode Runner could be used with the Famicom Data Recorder. In fact, Lode Runner was one of the first video games to employ a level editor.

[@FamicomDojo]

***** Well, hot damn! We'll check that out. This is unsurprising as Hudson was involved in the HuBASIC that the Family BASIC cart uses, which can also save out to the Data Recorder. We also heard about another game too, and will be checking them out.

[@FamicomVinnk]

***** Lode Runner Confirmed. Already started filming the follow-up.

[@Dilios_of_Sparta]

Vinnk Far out! Can't wait to see it!

[@UUPDirector]

9:21 Well I guess you were right from that Q&A Sean

[@ridbensdale]

Belgium? Is that a Hitch-Hikers reference there?

[@ridbensdale]

That's Orange Well, don't I feel like an unhoopy frood 😢

[@SeanOrange]

Ben Ridsdale You're so unhip, it's a wonder your bum doesn't fall off.

[@ridbensdale]

That's Orange in all seriousness I found this video very interesting. I didn't hesr of the NES until the late 80s and it's fascinating all peripherals the Famicom had. I grew up with a ZX-81 and an Acorn Electron so know all about the joys of using a tape player for data storage, and what a total pain it cloud be.

[@yourepostedinthewrongneigh1545]

When's that family basic video comin?

[@FamicomDojo]

Uhhh...

[@darklinggolem]

There should be a adapter that can connect the data recorder directly to the famicom

[@FamicomDojo]

We’re going to try to make one, but it looks like it requires some extra electronics, and not just wiring.

[@64bitmad42]

So can you use a different tape deck instead of the data recorder?

[@SeanOrange]

As long as it has line out and microphone ports? Most assuredly.

[@64bitmad42]

Thanks

[@kavya1638]

just curious... suppose someone did make an add-on for the NES, would excite bike's save function actually work? what I'm REALLY asking is... does the NES excite bike know to look to the expansion port for further instruction?

[@SeanOrange]

It should. That's where the pins are routed. Someone could rig up an adapter for the Family Keyboard to figure it out. The only thing that wouldn't work is on-cart extra sound channels.

[@aaronmoser2617]

The manual says the load and save function are not operable, does that mean they do not work at all?

[@aaronmoser2617]

***** Or is that just on the NES(US) version?

[@DeathBringer769]

***** There is an edit function instead of replying to your own comment, you know.

[@FamicomDojo]

***** The manual says that they exist, but cannot be used until "further product developments", whether that was a Disk System (with expanded sound feature), or some other add-on that could communicate with the cartridge. No such add-OMD were released, so it was effectively unusable. BUT, if you used the NES cart on a Famicom (via a 72-to-60 pin converter), it work work just fine with a Data Recorder.

[@OrinokawaMizuki]

+Famicom Dojo Most likely they were planning for further expansion of the NES, but then they opted to not have any of them. The manual along with the cartridge cover probably was written when they are still thinking about it, the actual NES itself though was released after they have decided to have any expansion at all. It's interesting that both the NES and the Master System are less expandable than their Japanese counterparts, the Famicom and the Mark III.

[@LaFu3000]

a new Epic from Famicom Dojo, waited over a year for this. But it was worth it. @Sean: I could trade some tracks with you, if I had made some ^^;;

[@preservationera9768]

Was the Hyrule Historia/Wrecking Crew joke a reference to your finding Wrecking Crew on that Zelda disk?

[@FamicomDojo]

+Nintendo Era Maaaaaaybe...

[@YoshiAngemon]

Vs. ExciteBike, Available on Wii U Virtual Console, now.

[@ClaytonianJP]

Ah cool, I've rediscovered you

[@pelgervampireduck]

this was great, I didn't know there was a cassette recorded for nes/famicom. the intro was too long and forced, the video could be better if you just started talking about the thing, but I liked it anyway. (this is the first video I see from you guys).

[@AngelaGonzalez-sf1yx]

can you record with a regular tape recorder

[@FamicomDojo]

If it has those input and output jacks, yes.

[@fargeeks]

I have never ever heard of games being loaded by sound This is some complicated stuff

[@svenjansen2134]

Call a fax number!

[@superultra3771]

THE BTTF REFERENCE THOUGH XD

[@OrinokawaMizuki]

The Famicom's Microphone on the Second Controller actually was designed for this Saving and Loading purpose using ANY Cassette Player, but scrapped in favor for the Keyboard dongle. Load the Data from the Cassette Player, by using the Second Controller near the Cassette Player's speaker. Save the Data to the Cassette, by using the Cassette Player's microphone near the TV's speaker. Of course should such thing ever occured, what prevents people from Saving, Loading, and Sharing Nintendo games using Cassette Tapes?

[@ThePixelPolygon]

Does this mean I can just use a regular cassette recorder with a headphone and microphone jack to save and load data?

[@FamicomDojo]

Yes.

[@BlueMSX.]

You know, The famicom expansion port was rewired to controller port 2 on the nes. Perhaps it would be possible to create an adapter. This would allow addons like the famicom keyboard to be used on the nes. Someone needs to make that....

[@SeanOrange]

Yamatoman 64 Oh yes, we know quite well. In this case, not all of the pins for that port were rewired to controller 2 on the NES. Some went to the bottom of the console.

[@BlueMSX.]

Maybe the cord for this adapter could have a split wire with one end going to controller port 2,and the other to the bottom of the console. However since the port was never used a custom connector would have to be made for it. If you could find a existing connector that is close enough and tweak it. it might could work. With both ports other addons like the famicom keyboard would get the signals they need to work on the nes. It would be difficult,but it could be done in theory.

[@preservationera9768]

Adapters already exist, people sell them every now and then on Famicom World.

[@FamicomDojo]

We’re gonna give it a shot, and try to make an adapter for the Light Gun on the NES. The pins that the Family Keyboard uses might not go through the controller ports (there are only 7, compared to the 15 available, and 9 of those are controller-related), so it may require using an ENIO board for the NES Expansion port, or some combination of that and a controller adapter.

[@ernavk31]

Out of curiosity, does the Famicom keyboard do any kind of processing when it is reading/writing tape data, or does it simply act as a physical adapter between the Famicom expansion port and the tape in/out jacks? If it's only making a connection between the exp. port and the jacks, couldn't you just make a Famicom to tape adapter using a DB15 connector and 4 wires?

[@ernavk31]

After a few minutes of Googling, looks like there is a little bit of processing, but a relatively simple circuit to make! Just cut one end off a Neo Geo extension cable and do some soldering :) assemblergames.com/l/threads/use-the-data-recorder-on-the-famicom-without-the-keyboard.58807/

[@FamicomDojo]

Woo, thanks! NES EXP 43 is probably on the bottom of the console, as we feared...

[@dylanpalmer5168]

Wait, if you can send your custom levels from excite bike using MP3 files to a friend's famicom tape recorder, does that mean that Nintendo had made a Mario maker style game 30 years prior?

[@FamicomDojo]

Yup!!