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Q: What is V-Box Video Converter?
A: In a plain technical nutshell, V-Box lets you convert NTSC
signal to VGA monitor signal. V-Box takes any composite (or RCA
connector, now usually labeled yellow) input or S-Video input and
output as 15-pin VGA connector for your VGA monitor. This means
all home NTSC devices - game console, VCR, DVD, camcorder, etc.
can now be displayed on your VGA monitor with even better picture
quality. This also save you from buying TV due to tight space
or budget issue.
Q: What is Z64 and how does it work?
A: Z64 is an add-on enhancement device for Nintendo 64©.
Z64 sits on top of N64 and into its normal game cartridge slot.
There is a game cartridge slot on Z64 so you can play your
cartridges as you would with N64 slot. (So theoratically you
don't ever need to detach Z64 from N64.) One unique feature
of Z64 is that by itself, it can detect whether you inserted
a defective cartridge before you turn on your N64.
One important feature of Z64 is its ability to backup your
game cartridges into equipped ZIP drive as files. You can
then play back that game file from the ZIP drive by selecting file
with LCD menu (or through On Screen Display menu). Note that you
do need to have a game cartridge
plugged into the Z64 game slot at all time although cartridge
and game file do not need to be the same. i.e. play ABC game
(from ZIP drive) while XYZ cartridge is plugged in.
Another
important feature of Z64 is its use as a game development
tool. If you are or want to be a N64 game developer, you
would just write the codes on PC and then test your codes
easily through Z64. To play your backup game or the codes you
just wrote, you will load the game from ZIP disk to Z64 memory,
and when it is done, you will be prompted to turn on N64 power (or
game will start immediately if you use OSD).
At that point, Voila! N64 sees Z64 as if it is a normal cartridge.
The most important feature of Z64 is that as game image is now
stored as file on disk in a rewritable form, you can use 3rd party tools to
modify the file for play enhancement purpose. Z64 also saves your
game record and progress into ZIP drive therefore you could modify
the saved data as well. All these fancy abilities plus the built-in
action replay (i.e. so called cheat codes or GameShark(tm) codes)
feature allow you to greatly enjoy your N64 games. Read on for
more information.
Q: What version of Z64 are you selling? What is Z64 2.0 or 3.0?
A: At any time, we have only the newest Z64 hardware revision
available.
(We don't have old Z64 hardware to sell it to you even if you want one!)
It already comes with 32MB (256Mbits) memory. Z64 2.0 adds
OSD (On Screen Display) and enhanced SRAM support (i.e. let you
modify or add game cheat records like GameShark(tm). p.s. This is also
commonly referred as Action Replay Codes.), and these features
were enabled beginning with BIOS v.2.00. 32MB support was enabled
beginning with BIOS v.2.10. It is intended that old Z64 hardware
(i.e. HW1.0) will support 32MB when feasible. Note that do not confuse
Z64 2.0 (hardware) with its BIOS version (software).
Hardware 3.0 is not
exactly new Z64 hardware, it is an effort to reduce several
control chips to one ASIC chip and to further increase reliability.
(However this also means Z64 is now more proprietary.)
Hardware capabilities are identical to 2.0.
Please check our web site main page http://www.softidea.com/Z64/
for ongoing hardware update information.
Z64 HW2.0 or later all have serial numbers beginning with 2 or 3.
Version of Z64 hardware also shows from the BIOS revision when
Z64 is turned on and BIOS is initialized. e.g. BIOS 2.00X,
where X is the hardware type. HW1.0 is 'A', HW2.0 is 'B', and
HW3.0 shows 'C'.
Q: Is Z64 legal? Isn't Z64 simply a game copier?
A: Z64 is a multiple-purpose N64 enhancement device.
In addition to backing up your game cartridges to removable
ZIP diskette for playback which saves the wear and tear of
your game cartridges, Z64 is also an unbelievably inexpensive
N64 game development system. Imagine that if you are a
software programmer/hacker you could write your GL 3D codes on PC
and test it on Z64. With so called trainers or patches, plus
the recent addition of Z64's own action replay feature, now
N64 gamers could change a game's behavior or uncover a
hidden secret directly. This is simply not possible with
N64 by itself. Users who use Z64 as a game copier not only
violate copyright laws but also take advantage of only one
small Z64 function. Z64 can be similar to CD-Recordable
drive or even a floppy drive on PC. There are many good
uses for CD-R drive and floppy drive but a wild guess would
suggest that many people use them for illegal purposes, too.
Remember Z64 is in your hands to use it. We sell the hardware,
we do not sell games.
Q: What is BIOS? What does it do?
A: BIOS is "Basic Input Output System". It is the core software
which controls the functions of hardware. In Z64's case, BIOS is very
much like an operating system for PCs such as DOS© or Windows
95©. Of course Z64's is much simpler and therefore is much
easier to use. Z64 BIOS handles the read/write from/to ZIP drive,
address mapping between backup file and memory, LCD and on-screen display,
dynamic patching (to memory) of cheat codes, etc.
Q: I have Z64 1.0 so how do I upgrade to/trade in for new Z64?
A: Upgrade offer is now available in two forms. You either buy
upgrade kit ($149 + shipping) and do it yourself, or you send it back
to Warranty Center (Harrison Electronics) to have them replace it
for free of labor charge for you. (so it's $149 + two shippings)
(Again, only they are authorized to repair Z64 for USA customers.)
Upgrade kit consists of one Z64 HW3 mainboard and one 32MB SIMM memory.
You cannot buy upgrade kit without the 32MB memory because of
quality and compatibility assurance reason. Upgrade kit is available
through us for $149 + shipping. The upgrade parts come with
30 days warranty. This upgrade is fairly easy since it's a board
swap and a memory module swap, i.e. about 12 screws to work with.
Q: I tried to use ABC game catridge with the XYZ game file that
I backed up earlier, the screen is blank. What's wrong?
A: For certain reasons such as cartridge hardware
circuitry incompatibilities or game memory access issues,
some game cartridges simply do not work with certain backup
game files. Try a different, newer (or older) cartridge
to see if it would resolve the problem. If not, then you
may need a patch file to make it work. (see below)
There are so many games now and we cannot possibly test all
the combinations and scenarios. You might want to go to discussion
forum such as www.dextrose.com or www.n64talk.com to ask
people about your specific case.
Q: What are patches? How do I use them?
A: Patches (or so called cracks, trainers, or cheats)
are 3rd party modifications used to enhance game playing, add
functionalities, or
allow your backup game files to play back correctly with
N64. The basic concept of how patch is done is:
Q: What is the best, all-purpose, host game cartridge to use?
A:With the right patches, whether permanent or dynamic,
most game cartridges work fine with all games. As a general
recommendation, Mario 64© works great on all games we have
tried so far including 32MB games such as Zelda 64©.
Without patches, some games due to their special hardware
architecture (double EEPROM, special SRAM, etc.) will have
to use original cartridge or similar cartridges. (Please
note that when you do this, your original saved data on
that cartridge may be erased by the backup game file data.)
We cannot possibly and will not test all cartridges so if you
have questions on your specific case you should go ask users
on the net or N64 discussion forum such as www.dextrose.com
or www.n64talk.com.
Q: What BIOS do you supply with your Z64 units?
A: We always ship with the latest version and then you can
easily update the BIOS in the future by downloading
BIOS update file and "flash" Z64's BIOS. Note that you should
always get the new BIOS from official Z64 dealers. Please
check our web site main page http://www.softidea.com/Z64/
for ongoing BIOS update information.
Q: I just ordered my Z64, how soon will I receive it?
A: If you use VISA, MasterCard, or American Express card,
we will ship in the same day if you order before 1 PM CDT, or we
we will ship it out the next business day. The same applies to
the time we received your Cashier Check or Money Order.
UPS Ground will take 4 to 7 business days, the 2nd Day
service will arrive 2 days later, and the Next Day service will
make sure you get it tomorrow. If you are in Hawaii or Alaska,
it may take one more day (and the shipping charge is slightly
higher.) Foreign orders generally take longer primarily
due to custom/duty tax issue.
Q: I just received my Z64, how do I use On-Screen menu (OSD) mode?
A: After you sit Z64 on top of N64 and plug in power cord,
turn on Z64 first, wait for BIOS initialization to complete, then
turn on N64 and you should see Z64 OSD displays on your TV. You
then use N64 controller pad to select the game to load. Instruction
on controller buttons function is at the bottom of the screen.
Please also remember to set several default parameters from within
toolbox option menu - Auto Load IPS, Auto Load Cheat, Auto Save, etc.
Note that OSD only works with Z64 HW2.0 or later with BIOS v.2.0
or later.
Q: I have young children, would they be able to use the Z64?
A: Yes, we believe that 4 years old and up can easily operate
the Z64 if they can read simple English (well, game titles, in fact.)
There are only three buttons and one power switch on the entire Z64,
and it also has clear and cool looking back-lit LED display so it is very
easy to operate. However we suggest that you give proper training
on the use of ZIP diskette if they will handle it.
Q: What file formats does Z64 support?
A: It reads .ROM and .V64 file extentions. Note
that file extention has to be one of these two. If you see
the text on dsiplay screen is reversed, then you may have
a wrong file name extension.
Beginning with BIOS 2.10, there are some new file formats
such as .GB, .NES, etc. are now supported for future
emulation of older game consoles. Please note that
this still requires emulators (i.e. a .ROM executable
file to run) first to work with those backup image files.
Additionally, .ZIP file is now also supported. Please
see the question below.
Q: How long does it take to back up or load a game? When I play
the game from the back up disk, does it slow down?
A: It only takes less than 30 seconds to back up or load a game.
The play speed will be the same since N64 read the game from Z64
memory (after it is loaded in), not from diskette. (Technically
speaking, it would be faster because RAM is faster than ROM on
cartridge, right?)
Beginning with BIOS 2.10, .ZIP is supported so you can compress
your .ROM file to .ZIP on your PC to save some ZIP disk space so
you could squeeze one or two more games on each disk. But we
would like to warn you that this is a big trade-off for your time
because the compressed game file will now take several minutes
to load - some larger games even took 10 minutes.
Q: How many backup games can I store in one ZIP disk?
A: Each disk castore about 800 Mbits (100 MBytes) data.
Most games are about 64 to 128 Mbits, so it can store about 6 to 12
backup files. Some recent games are 256 Mbits so it will
reduce the total games available on the disk. You can try to
zip (compress) the game on your PC first to squeeze space but as
mentioned earlier, game load time will increase significantly. Z64 will
display the size of each cartridge (and game file), and will
also show how much space is left on the diskette.
Q: Can I save the game records into Z64?
A: Yes, you can save the records into Z64's ZIP diskette
(will show as .EEP or .RAM file) when you exit the game. Z64
works for both EEPROM or SRAM type data saves.
SRAM is a piece of static memory hardware usually resides in the
game cartridge.
Z64 uses the .RAM file to emulate the hardware. This is the same
concept as EEPROM but SRAM is much faster. (Since it becomes
a file, one can modify or change game record/behavior by patching the
file, right? See patch info above.)
Most games have .EEP but only a small number of games use SRAM so do
not expect a .RAM file for every game. We do
recommend that you always have EEPROM and/or SRAM capable game
cartridge around so in case there is no patches out for a
new game then you could use that cartridge to play back that
new game. Beginning with BIOS v.2.11, Z64 will now be able
to save game data that is originally required by controller memory
pak for certain newer games. This is automatic and is not a
configurable option in OSD menu. Some patches will also make
this work for certain games such as Zelda 64© patch
enables full game record saving. We
do not have a list of what games work without the need of
memory pak. You would just need to try your games.
Although this could essentially eliminate the need for memory
pak, we still recommend that you keep some controller memory paks
around to work with those incompatible games.
Beginning with BIOS v.2.10, SRAM saves are supported on most
newer games.
Q: How do I delete the files stored in the ZIP diskette?
A: By pressing the Up and Down key both for 3 seconds, it
will enter the delete function mode and you can choose the file
to delete. You can now also use OSD menu to delete file on
ZIP disk. File copy is now working, too, in OSD mode.
Q: Is 128 Mbits in the Z64 1.0 hardware large enough to backup
every game? Can the Z64 1.0 be upgraded to 256 Mbits?
A: Current version of Z64 is already equipped with 256Mbits
(32MB) but existing 128 Mbits Z64 (i.e. v.1.0) can support all the
games that are available today which are under 128Mbits. Yes, it
can be upgraded by swapping with 32MB RAM however there is no
advantage in doing so because HW1.0 does not make use of full 32MB
unless a BIOS is written specifically for HW1.0. Until then,
32MB game cannot work on Z64 HW1.0.
Q: How do I get memory upgrade in order to go 256 Mbits?
A: Z64 v.1.0 uses one PC standard 4x32 72-pin non-parity FPM
SIMM module which gives you 128 Mbits (16 Mbytes). You can upgrade it by
replacing it with 8x32 72-pin non-parity FPM SIMM memory. But at
this moment BIOS does not support the extra memory yet. See
previous answer.
Q: How do I upgrade the Z64 BIOS? Can I do the upgrade myself if
I am not a technical person ?
A:When new Z64 BIOS is released, all our (Software Ideas)
customers will be notified by e-mail. (Note that the registration card
you sent to our USA Service Center may provide you with additional notice.)
If you decide to update the BIOS yourself, simply
download the BIOS file from our web site and copy the BIOS image file
(file extension .IMG) to your ZIP diskette with your PC.
(If you don't have ZIP drive
installed in the PC, we can send the upgrade diskette to you with
$15.00, shipping included.) Then just insert the
update diskette to the Z64 ZIP drive and turn the Z64 power on, scroll
down, select Z64 BIOS update and Z64 will prompt you to update
BIOS. Z64 will do write preparation and then update the BIOS.
This takes only about 30 seconds to 60 seconds but be sure not
to interrupt this process under any condition.
Q: How long is the warranty? Where should I send it for repair?
A:The warranty is 90 days from the date of purchase and it
covers parts and labor. When you receive the package, please make
sure you register on-line on our web site or fill out the warranty
card and return it back to our USA Service Center, otherwise the
warranty may not be covered if you cannot provide proof of
purchase. In the rare case that your Z64 becomes defective,
please note the following procedures. All products must be returned
with RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) number issued by our USA
Service Center. Please call 800-683-7335 or click on "Warranty" on
our web site (or go to http://www.Z64.com/rmaform.html) for your RMA
request. Please ship with pre-paid postage to: Z64 Service Center,
Harrison Electronics, 382 N. Lemon #357, Walnut, CA 91789 USA,
and be sure to put down the RMA number below the above address.
If RMA# is not shown on outside box, it may be rejected by the
Receiving Dept. Normally service will be done on the same day upon
arrival and will ship back to you immediately.
Q: Can the Z64 power adapter support different voltage? Can
it support American and European type video?
A: Z64 comes with a universal power adapter, supporting 110v to 220v
automatically. Regarding video format, it supports NTSC (North American
and most Asian countries) and PAL (most European countries).
Q: Does Z64 require link to any other devices such a PC to
back up games?
A: No, it is not necessary to link to a PC. Z64 is a stand-alone
device and you do not even need to hook it up to N64 to back up
your games.
Q: Does Z64 have any output ports that I can link to my PC?
A: No, the Z64 does not have external port for PC connection. It
is not necessary to link to a PC. See previous answer. There are
3rd party modification (see "PC Connection" on the left side bar
on our main page) which utilizes Z64's internal IDE connector to
dual-connect the IDE ZIP drive to PC but doing so and damaged the
unit may void your warranty. (so make sure you are comfortable in
doing this ...) If you are thinking to borrow the IDE ZIP drive
inside Z64 temporarily and connect it to PC, you can ... but
you might want to use a separate power supply for the ZIP drive and
this entire setup will not look pretty, we can tell you that.
Q: Can I use the ZIP drive that comes with the Z64 for my PC?
A: Yes, you can. You could open up Z64 and unscrew the
ZIP drive from bottom and connect it to your PC's IDE cable.
(You also need a driver from IOMega for this to work.)
Again, please be sure that you are comfortable in doing this and note
the warranty issue. However, if you are going to perform
a lot of patches and frequently update/try new BIOS yourself, we
recommend that you buy a separate ZIP drive for your PC. It is
really not a good pratice to disassemble any tightly integrated
high tech devices such as Z64.
Q: How do I get into the Z64 self test mode?
A: Press and hold the Down key and turn on the Z64 power, it will
automatically goes to the self test mode. Then press the Enter key, it
will start the self-testing. It basically will test all functions of
Z64 including memory and each function key.
Q: May I use others power source for my Z64 ?
A: No, you should not. Use only the original power adapter
from Z64 package. It may damage Z64 if other power adapter is used.
Q: Can I use other kind of game cartridge on the Z64 ?
A: No, You can only play the Z64 with an original N64 game
cartridge plugged-in. Z64 can only back up N64 game cartridges.
DO NOT use any other cartridges such as
SNES or Sega as this may damage your Z64.
Q: I heard that there are game images (ROM) available on the
Internet. Can I purchase that or where can I get them?
A: We do not have such information. Remember, too, that it is illegal
if you duplicate the game from your back up diskette(s). DO NOT DUPLICATE
BACKUP DISKETTE FOR ANY REASONS, you will violate the copyright law.
We recommend that you go to local game stores such as Funcoland
or Microplay and buy used cartridges which are usually priced
between $15 to $35.