Retroleum SMART Card
Retroleum SMART Card
Reading the recent posts about some games struggling to work with DivIDE/DivMMC made me think about the Retroleum SMART Card..
I purchased mine some years back mainly for running diagnostic checks, but its a very good (as long as you accept the limitations) at loading games, and because its not DivIDE/DivMMC based, you don't get any of the associated issues. Its also under £30. Its popular so regularly gets sold out.
Things to remember (Both bad and good)
It only supports 16/48K Games
Built in diagnostic tests with a number of different options
Low cost
Is not cased
Supports TAP and Snap only
Has long filename support with an attractive browser
Folder support
Supports pokes and multi-load games (I have not tested this)
Allows you to take snapshots of games
The firmware is subject to regular updates, and the update process is easy
Have a I missed anything?
I purchased mine some years back mainly for running diagnostic checks, but its a very good (as long as you accept the limitations) at loading games, and because its not DivIDE/DivMMC based, you don't get any of the associated issues. Its also under £30. Its popular so regularly gets sold out.
Things to remember (Both bad and good)
It only supports 16/48K Games
Built in diagnostic tests with a number of different options
Low cost
Is not cased
Supports TAP and Snap only
Has long filename support with an attractive browser
Folder support
Supports pokes and multi-load games (I have not tested this)
Allows you to take snapshots of games
The firmware is subject to regular updates, and the update process is easy
Have a I missed anything?
Re: Retroleum SMART Card
It's also an absolute steal for what he charges, there are a couple of other features you didn't mention:
- It has a joystick port
- You can load alternative ROMs into it and swap them with a switch on the back (I switch between ZX Diagnostics and the built-in diags)
Re: Retroleum SMART Card
There is a design for a 3D printed case on GitHub, but I suspect it might then only allow the Smart card to physically plug into a 48k.
https://github.com/SM7I/SmartCardv2
Re: Retroleum SMART Card
I quite agree!
If you are happy with 48K games only (which is potentially a big issue), I would say it blows the divMMC devices out of the water. Far better UI, no need for adapted versions of some troublesome titles, long file support and low cost.
Re: Retroleum SMART Card
I've got a v1 and probably use it more than my DIVMMC, well on my 48k machines anyway. The ability to use alternate ROMs is it best feature and I've regularly used it as a Diagnostic Cart. Good way to get Shadow of the Unicorn working
Retro enthusiast and author of Flynn's Adventure in Bombland, The Order of Mazes & Maze Death Rally-X. Check them out at http://tomdalby.com
Re: Retroleum SMART Card
I also designed a case for the v1 so it fits on the plus models.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4629173
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4629173
Retro enthusiast and author of Flynn's Adventure in Bombland, The Order of Mazes & Maze Death Rally-X. Check them out at http://tomdalby.com
Re: Retroleum SMART Card
They are always sold out when I check, and I've been checking for quite a while.
Alex
Re: Retroleum SMART Card
The website says the store is closed from the 5th to the 13th March. Maybe send him an email when he is back open and ask if he will reserve one for you in his next batch.
Re: Retroleum SMART Card
I'm sure if you email him he will reserve one for you. I don't think he has been open much over the pandemic. Do I recall correctly that he was closed when you wanted to order those memory chips?
Re: Retroleum SMART Card
Isn't the issue with some games not working more to do with turbo loaders being outside the spec of TAP files, more than it's a specific issue with DivIDE/MMC devices? Alessandro has fixed a large number of these here.
I don't disagree that the Retroleum device is good though.
I don't disagree that the Retroleum device is good though.
Last edited by patters on Wed Mar 10, 2021 11:32 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Retroleum SMART Card
I can't recall, but I did need memory for my 48k Speccy, but I bought another one.
Alex
Re: Retroleum SMART Card
I'm sure you are right [mention]patters[/mention]. I just know I can just use the standard TAP files with this device and they work (at least with the ones I have tried).
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- Dizzy
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Re: Retroleum SMART Card
Not sure if you guys realise, but the V3 SMART card supports Spectrum 128 games....
Re: Retroleum SMART Card
Thanks. Yes, it was mentioned here:hellraiseruk wrote: ↑Tue Jan 25, 2022 11:50 am Not sure if you guys realise, but the V3 SMART card supports Spectrum 128 games....
viewtopic.php?f=22&t=5761&p=77996&hilit=SMART#p77996
I have one and am very pleased with it.
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- Dizzy
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Re: Retroleum SMART Card
Yup, finally got one for myself and very pleased - it's a fantastic piece of kit for less than 30 quid, I'd highly recommend it to anyone. Just make sure your M1 line works, or you'll have to budget for a replacement Z80 as wellPeterJ wrote: ↑Tue Jan 25, 2022 4:15 pm
Thanks. Yes, it was mentioned here:
viewtopic.php?f=22&t=5761&p=77996&hilit=SMART#p77996
I have one and am very pleased with it.
- albertoevt
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Re: Retroleum SMART Card
I can say it was the best money spent for check /repair all my spectrums.
I have a V2 and it's more than useful, you need to have a well cleaned and working edge connector or else it will have obviously problems
I am tempted to get asap a V3 because of the 128K support, let's see.
I have a V2 and it's more than useful, you need to have a well cleaned and working edge connector or else it will have obviously problems
I am tempted to get asap a V3 because of the 128K support, let's see.