NaoPi - a Raspberry Pi as Naomi loader

[Paolo63]

Hi all, I'm new here. I'm an old (I'm 50... ) Italian arcade games collector (mainly pcb) and I wanted to know if I could start a thread about a thing I've done, it's a Naomi games loader using a Raspberry Pi, and it's called NaoPi, what else
I don't know if such thing is between the forum rules. I mean, it's not strictly piracy, but naturally it could be used for a legal gdrom substitution but also as a tool to make easy to play games backup not legally obtained.
I don't sell anything, I'm simply a programmer who was learning something new and I've done this thing that I hope you could be interested in.
So, if some moderator gives me the authorization I'll write a little about it.

Thaks in advance and sorry for my poor english !

Paolo

[Paolo63]

My message was approved, thanks ! So here are the facts about NaoPi

NaoPi is a minimal linux distribution for Raspberry Pi which only purpose is to load Naomi games.
I've made it just to learn something new but I hope it will interest you.

It's usage I think it's easier and cheaper than a typical compact flash adapter.

First you have to put the NaoPi image on an SD card, the games on an USB memory stick, and both in a Raspberry Pi model B.

Then you connect the Raspberry Pi to the properly configured Net Dimm Board via an Ethernet cable and finally you switch on everything.

I've naturally tested it in my Naomi installation but I'd like a lot to have others trying it in different configurations. Is there someone wanting to give it a try, please ? I need feedback !

I've put all the stuff, image and instructions, here: http://www.e-venturi.com/jamma/?page_id=1073

Thanks in advance

Paolo

P.S. I've seen that there is another guy selling a kit (raspberry + lcd shield) doing the same stuff, i.e. a Naomi game loader. This is a totally different project, I don't sell anything. Search him if you want to pay for something readi to run without effort.

[LordHypnos]

Not something I can help you test, unfortunately

I wonder, though, if this could be adapted to work with a Dreamcast. The GD-ROM drive has a tendency to fail, and at some point there won't be any Dreamcasts left to buy (at least not for around $30, like my last one was). On the other hand, though, I don't think anyone's managed to get the NAOMI SD adapter to work with a DC...

[Paolo63]

Uhm, no sorry, this is really not something that can be adapted to a DC. But I've read about a great project for a gdrom alternative. I remember there were also pictures of this installed on a beta tester machine. Sorry but I don't have the link handy but should be easy to find.

Thanks !

Paolo

Edit: this one http://dknute.livejournal.com/

[Paolo63]

A little "up" for my Naomi/Triforce/Chihiro loader named NaoPi.

I've released a new version compatible with both the Raspberry Pi B and B+ models.

Last NaoPi release is available as always here: http://www.e-venturi.com/jamma/?page_id=1073

Paolo

[ratsflif]

NaoPi works great, I have it setup and working perfectly with my Naomi 2.

[Paolo63]

NaoPi works great, I have it setup and working perfectly with my Naomi 2.

Thanks ratsflif, very kind ! Nice to know