Action Replay 4-in-1 Carts, Backup RAM, Frontend

[Omni]

Would it be feasible, probable, or technically possible to mod a Pro Action Replay or the PAR-like carts to be recognized as backup RAM carts by default rather than as expansion RAM carts?

I remember reading of course that the Saturn can recognize the cart either as a Backup RAM, or as an Expansion RAM, and that the PARs are built to be recognized as Expansion RAMs and only facilitate access to their backup RAM through the built-in menu.

But could it be possible to modify the cartridge to where the backup RAM capability was recognized by default instead? Perhaps even add a switch, to toggle it between backup RAM capability and expansion RAM capability?

Another semi-related question: the front-end program for the PARs which loads on bootup: is this an example of the unauthorized execution of program code from cartridge which Sega warns developers NOT to do?

 

[cgfm2]

Originally posted by Omni@Thu, 2006-05-18 @ 07:52 PM

Would it be feasible, probable, or technically possible to mod a Pro Action Replay or the PAR-like carts to be recognized as backup RAM carts by default rather than as expansion RAM carts?

I don't believe so. From one perspective, the extra 4MB RAM isn't battery backed and isn't at the right address for the Saturn to use as backup memory.

And then the PAR's internal memory to save compressed files isn't regular RAM either, it's just empty space at the end of the flash chips (that store the PAR program/cheat list) that is used for storage. The Saturn BIOS would have to be aware of a number of PAR-specific things to utilize this memory, natively. That's why you have to always transfer saves between the internal RAM and PAR manually through it's menu, rather than have the BIOS memory manager do it for you.

So the short answer is that those high priced backup RAM carts on eBay really are the only solution.

 

[CyberWarriorX]

High-priced? Just get the jap Power Memory carts. Not only are they official Sega brand carts, they're cheap and pretty common too.

Cyber Warrior X

 

[mrkotfw]

Aren't the official carts close to $20 USD?