Using a CopyNES or other NES dumping device

[mrmark0673]

Hi folks,

I posted in the "Dumping Resource" thread without a response after a few days and figured that asking here may get me an answer quicker. I have a few carts that I need to dump and I was thinking about purchasing a CopyNES unit to dump the games. How user friendly is the unit? Is it something that someone with pretty much 0 knowledge of ROMs or EEPROMs can use and successfully back up a game? If not, are there any other units for sale that are easier to use for those less ROM savy? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

-Mark

[TheRedEye]

What kind of games are we talking about, is the million dollar question.

If you're dumping stuff you could buy in stores, or licensed prototypes, it's pretty easy; as long as you're able to open the cartridge and look at the board. If you're trying to dump bootleg multicarts and stuff, no, it's not easy at all.

[mrmark0673]

So lets just assume I was going to dump something from a store or a licensed proto, what will I need to identify after I open it up? Is there a guide on how to use a CopyNES after I have access to the ROMs/EEPROMs and the board?

[TheRedEye]

NES games use tons of different circuit board types, you need to know which kind of board the game you're dumping uses so you can select the proper plugin.

That's the only "hard" part, the rest is cake.

[jajaja]

I dumped all my NES protos not long ago. All i did was to load the retail ROM with a emulator to find out what mapper the games uses and then select the same mapper in the CopyNES software and dump. Some of the protos are on TKROM (or something like that, big boards atleast) boards, but i still just chose which mapper and it dumped 100% fine.

[mrmark0673]

Sounds good, I'll try that out. Another quick hypothetical question; What if I happened to have, say, a PAL only proto in NTSC form. Would it use the same mapper as the PAL release? Thanks again for all your help guys, I really appreciate it.

-Mark

[jajaja]

Yep, the mapper is the same even if its PAL or NTSC :)

[leonk]

May I also suggest you don't hold off on getting the CopyNES ??

There's only a few kits left, and once they're gone, they're gone! (according to Kevin).

[mrmark0673]

May I also suggest you don't hold off on getting the CopyNES ??

There's only a few kits left, and once they're gone, they're gone! (according to Kevin).

Well that clinches it, just sent him an email placing an order. Thanks for all the advice guys, I'll let you know how everything turns out.

-Mark

[Player-2]

I want to try a copynes as well. Where does one buy one of these last few units?

[jajaja]

I want to try a copynes as well. Where does one buy one of these last few units?

Here:

http://www.tripoint.org/kevtris/Projects/copynes/

I think you'll have to e-mail him and request a fully made CopyNES unless you want to make it yourself. Not 100% sure about the price, but i think its $100+. I dont think these will run out at some point as long as there are a demand for them.

[mrmark0673]

I sent Kevin an email several days ago without response. Does anyone know a better way of getting through to him?

[Mr.collection]

Don't mean to bring up an old topic, but it better than creating a new one.
If I got a CopyNES and a flash cart could I dump hacked copies of games on it and play them on my NES. Can I play the games on a NES without the CopyNES?

[leonk]

It doesn't seem one is able to purchase a CopyNES anymore. Kevin isn't replying for a while. I think they're all sold out!

I believe the time delay between the first CopyNES and the next was over 10 years!!! I hope we won't have to wait that long to see it on the market again.

[jajaja]

Don't mean to bring up an old topic, but it better than creating a new one.
If I got a CopyNES and a flash cart could I dump hacked copies of games on it and play them on my NES. Can I play the games on a NES without the CopyNES?

Alittle late reply so you might already know the answer, but no, you dont need a CopyNES to be able to use a flashcard. Altho there is one flashcart that doesnt have the CF card slot, then you need a CopyNES to copy the game over to the card. I've heard that there might come a USB version for this also, then you dont need a CopyNES.

Come to think of it, the CF flashcards might have been released after you asked, but i answer anyway :)