uMSX Pro Rev.3.90 - 1ChipMSX FPGA MSX2+ Computer
What is it?
The latest uMSX Pro Rev.3.90 is here, fully stocked and ready to ship. Our goal is simple: let everyone easily own a 1ChipMSX and get the definitive MSX2+ experience.
Born from the va-de-retro retro computing forum, the uMSX is an MSX2+ FPGA implementation inspired by the Zemmix — one of the first commercially available FPGA-based MSX2+ systems. "uMSX" carries two meanings:
- It's a 1ChipMSX clone. To keep PCB manufacturing affordable, the original designer (BCH) split the board into a mainboard and a cartridge slot board, each under 10×10cm.
- "Your MSX." 1ChipMSX belongs to everyone. The FPGA and hardware designs are fully open source, so anyone can build their own.
Design Heritage
- Original uMSX Rev3.7 PCB by BCH
- Gerber reverse engineering by Null
- Acrylic case by Xiaohao Studio
- Mainboard PCB modifications & optimization by Denjhang, Null
- Cartridge slot board modifications by Denjhang, BH2VGM
The VHDL core is the well-known KDL PLD implementation for MSX2+ (also known as ESEMSX), used by the vast majority of FPGA-based MSX computers.
Hardware Core
- FPGA: Altera EP1C12Q240C8N — millions available from surplus markets, with hidden 5V tolerance
- Config Flash: 4Mbit EPCS4 active-serial flash for firmware
- SRAM: MT48LC16M16A2 for system memory
- Clock: NC7WV04P6X inverter + 21.47727MHz crystal
- Reset IC: 953B voltage detector
- Compact SMD layout (0603 resistor arrays, 0805 components) with select through-hole parts
Rev.3.90 Key Upgrades
- Built-in WiFi — ESP8266 module integrated on-board. No dongle needed, 2.4G wireless networking out of the box
- Dual Keyboard Support — Physical switch toggles between PS/2 and USB keyboards. Dedicated on-board USB-to-PS/2 conversion chip ensures full compatibility with virtually all USB keyboards
- Complete Classic Video Outputs — VGA + Analog RGB + S-Video + Composite Video. Full 1ChipMSX port combo for modern monitors and vintage CRTs
- Reliable Power Switch — Proper self-locking switch replacing the flaky 2-pin header
- Pre-amp with Volume Control — On-board audio amplifier with physical volume adjustment
- IB0505S Power Filter — Isolated DC-DC module for cleaner audio with reduced noise
- Self-ejecting MicroSD Slot — Push-to-eject mechanism for better handling
- Improved Layout — VGA port repositioned to rear, enhanced signal quality eliminating color shift and interference
- Two Vertical MSX Cartridge Slots — With dust covers, upright orientation saves desk space
- Integrated Acrylic Case — Mainboard and slot board in a single enclosure. No exposed PCBs or loose ribbon cables
Core Specifications
- Compatibility: MSX2+ full architecture, broad software and game support
- RAM: 2MB or 4MB Mapped RAM (user-selectable)
- VDP: V9958 — sharp graphics, authentic MSX visual experience
- Audio: FM synthesis + Konami SCC wavetable + PSG — complete MSX sound
- Joystick Ports: 2 × DB9 for multiplayer and classic peripherals
- Cartridge Power: 12V lines for compatible peripherals
- Storage: MicroSD up to 4GB — pre-loaded with OCM BIOS, system files, and SofaRun game browser
Verified Compatible Cartridges
- ROM / Multi-mapper: Original game ROMs, multi-mapper carts
- Disk interfaces: TDC-600, SD Mapper V1/V2, Beer202 IDE, Multi-controller FDD+IDE, Sunrise IDE
- Sound expansion: FMPAC, Wozblaster, SFG-01/05, Philips Music Module, vFM
- Multi-function: Carnivore2/2+, MegaFlashROM SCC+ SD + 512K RAM, MSX Pico, Flashjack
- Graphics expansion (requires 1.5A PPTC fuse + 5V/2A PSU): TRH9000, Tecnobytes V9990 Powergraph, Sunrise GFX9000
What's in the Box
- Assembled uMSX Pro Rev.3.90 in acrylic case
- DC 5V power supply
- 1GB MicroSD card pre-loaded with OCM BIOS, system files, SofaRun browser, SCC FlashROM, and floppy emulator
Ready Out of the Box
Zero configuration needed. SofaRun lets you browse and launch games without typing commands. Built-in SCC FlashROM and floppy drive emulator handle 2MB ROM games and multi-disk titles seamlessly — disk swapping via keyboard hotkeys.