@syllopsium.bsky.social
I was sort of hoping to control multiple switches via serial, but I imagine I can work around this. I'm part way through trying to hack the firmware for the MX42-HS to put in my own EDID.
It's already been done by other people manually for Dolby Atmos, I just want to automate it, & learn more C.
It's already been done by other people manually for Dolby Atmos, I just want to automate it, & learn more C.
November 7, 2025 at 6:27 PM
I was sort of hoping to control multiple switches via serial, but I imagine I can work around this. I'm part way through trying to hack the firmware for the MX42-HS to put in my own EDID.
It's already been done by other people manually for Dolby Atmos, I just want to automate it, & learn more C.
It's already been done by other people manually for Dolby Atmos, I just want to automate it, & learn more C.
CeX isn't just games, always worth checking if they stock something, & you get a guarantee!
What was advertised was an EZ-MX42HS (HDMI 4x2 matrix with serial & USB control). What arrived is an EZ-MX42PRO-HAS (HDMI 4x2 matrix, USB control only, SPDIF audio extraction) - so mostly better.
What was advertised was an EZ-MX42HS (HDMI 4x2 matrix with serial & USB control). What arrived is an EZ-MX42PRO-HAS (HDMI 4x2 matrix, USB control only, SPDIF audio extraction) - so mostly better.
November 7, 2025 at 6:26 PM
CeX isn't just games, always worth checking if they stock something, & you get a guarantee!
What was advertised was an EZ-MX42HS (HDMI 4x2 matrix with serial & USB control). What arrived is an EZ-MX42PRO-HAS (HDMI 4x2 matrix, USB control only, SPDIF audio extraction) - so mostly better.
What was advertised was an EZ-MX42HS (HDMI 4x2 matrix with serial & USB control). What arrived is an EZ-MX42PRO-HAS (HDMI 4x2 matrix, USB control only, SPDIF audio extraction) - so mostly better.
A reminder to people that @cexofficial.bsky.social exists in the UK. Just had a delivery. Fantastic, environmentally friendly packaging.
Downside is that it wasn't exactly what was advertised, some model number confusion, but it's still 90 quid of HDMI matrix switch (new) for under 40 quid used!
Downside is that it wasn't exactly what was advertised, some model number confusion, but it's still 90 quid of HDMI matrix switch (new) for under 40 quid used!
November 7, 2025 at 6:17 PM
A reminder to people that @cexofficial.bsky.social exists in the UK. Just had a delivery. Fantastic, environmentally friendly packaging.
Downside is that it wasn't exactly what was advertised, some model number confusion, but it's still 90 quid of HDMI matrix switch (new) for under 40 quid used!
Downside is that it wasn't exactly what was advertised, some model number confusion, but it's still 90 quid of HDMI matrix switch (new) for under 40 quid used!
Sadly I wasn't quite correct about HIDMan now being fine with USB mice and my PS/2 KVM. It's much better, sure, but half way through a call at work the mouse freaked out, so I went straight back to PS/2 mode.
Fortunately I'd put in an extension cable so this was literally a 20 second job.
Fortunately I'd put in an extension cable so this was literally a 20 second job.
November 7, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Sadly I wasn't quite correct about HIDMan now being fine with USB mice and my PS/2 KVM. It's much better, sure, but half way through a call at work the mouse freaked out, so I went straight back to PS/2 mode.
Fortunately I'd put in an extension cable so this was literally a 20 second job.
Fortunately I'd put in an extension cable so this was literally a 20 second job.
1/4 After looking at proposals for a 'better' tax system, which included the lunacy of regular reassessment of council tax bands I decided to check if I would actually be impacted & if I'm being treated advantageously.
I bought my 3 bed semi new in 2001 for 89K
I bought my 3 bed semi new in 2001 for 89K
November 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM
1/4 After looking at proposals for a 'better' tax system, which included the lunacy of regular reassessment of council tax bands I decided to check if I would actually be impacted & if I'm being treated advantageously.
I bought my 3 bed semi new in 2001 for 89K
I bought my 3 bed semi new in 2001 for 89K
HIDMan (github.com/rasteri/HIDman) firmware was updated a few months ago, & now my old (MX518) & modern (Makulu 67) mice are working fine in USB mode to my PS/2 KVM, instead of needing a direct PS/2 connection previously.
It's nice to have the option of a modern mouse, 67g is a bit light though.
It's nice to have the option of a modern mouse, 67g is a bit light though.
GitHub - rasteri/HIDman: Adapting USB devices to work on old computers
Adapting USB devices to work on old computers. Contribute to rasteri/HIDman development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com
October 26, 2025 at 2:52 PM
HIDMan (github.com/rasteri/HIDman) firmware was updated a few months ago, & now my old (MX518) & modern (Makulu 67) mice are working fine in USB mode to my PS/2 KVM, instead of needing a direct PS/2 connection previously.
It's nice to have the option of a modern mouse, 67g is a bit light though.
It's nice to have the option of a modern mouse, 67g is a bit light though.
Need to investigate if NUSSpli can be used to just patch, rather than 'obtain' games. I have legit EU games, I just want to see if I can patch them on a Japanese Wii U.
Only the ones I want to play on Pretendo are probably relevant, which is likely to mean Super Mario Maker
Only the ones I want to play on Pretendo are probably relevant, which is likely to mean Super Mario Maker
October 26, 2025 at 2:30 AM
Need to investigate if NUSSpli can be used to just patch, rather than 'obtain' games. I have legit EU games, I just want to see if I can patch them on a Japanese Wii U.
Only the ones I want to play on Pretendo are probably relevant, which is likely to mean Super Mario Maker
Only the ones I want to play on Pretendo are probably relevant, which is likely to mean Super Mario Maker
Little bit of Wii U gaming tonight; confirmed Aroma makes a Japanese Wii U region free.
Unfortunately games can't be patched when running under Aroma; either patch outside Aroma or use USBHelper (Windows).
I wonder if USBHelper's patch downloading could be replicated under Aroma?
Unfortunately games can't be patched when running under Aroma; either patch outside Aroma or use USBHelper (Windows).
I wonder if USBHelper's patch downloading could be replicated under Aroma?
October 26, 2025 at 2:11 AM
Little bit of Wii U gaming tonight; confirmed Aroma makes a Japanese Wii U region free.
Unfortunately games can't be patched when running under Aroma; either patch outside Aroma or use USBHelper (Windows).
I wonder if USBHelper's patch downloading could be replicated under Aroma?
Unfortunately games can't be patched when running under Aroma; either patch outside Aroma or use USBHelper (Windows).
I wonder if USBHelper's patch downloading could be replicated under Aroma?
As far as I can see it's only the Wii U homebrew that's embarrassing. It's not the development environment.
That exists, and there appears to be a (mostly functional?) SDL/ SDL2 port.
Programs can integrate directly into a jailbroken boot, it's a decent user experience once the homebrew exists!
That exists, and there appears to be a (mostly functional?) SDL/ SDL2 port.
Programs can integrate directly into a jailbroken boot, it's a decent user experience once the homebrew exists!
October 18, 2025 at 2:21 AM
As far as I can see it's only the Wii U homebrew that's embarrassing. It's not the development environment.
That exists, and there appears to be a (mostly functional?) SDL/ SDL2 port.
Programs can integrate directly into a jailbroken boot, it's a decent user experience once the homebrew exists!
That exists, and there appears to be a (mostly functional?) SDL/ SDL2 port.
Programs can integrate directly into a jailbroken boot, it's a decent user experience once the homebrew exists!
Homebrew on Dreamcast is incredible - looking to get DOOM64 compiled to a CD for it.
Homebrew on a Wii U is.. embarrassing :(. Hoping to correct that a bit. Homebrew on the Wii side of the Wii U is much better, even with a lot of the software being old, and Drama existing.
Homebrew on a Wii U is.. embarrassing :(. Hoping to correct that a bit. Homebrew on the Wii side of the Wii U is much better, even with a lot of the software being old, and Drama existing.
October 18, 2025 at 2:18 AM
Homebrew on Dreamcast is incredible - looking to get DOOM64 compiled to a CD for it.
Homebrew on a Wii U is.. embarrassing :(. Hoping to correct that a bit. Homebrew on the Wii side of the Wii U is much better, even with a lot of the software being old, and Drama existing.
Homebrew on a Wii U is.. embarrassing :(. Hoping to correct that a bit. Homebrew on the Wii side of the Wii U is much better, even with a lot of the software being old, and Drama existing.
Shortened version of my stream of consciousness on Mastodon. It's odd which consoles stick with you.
Wii U, and Dreamcast. Both flawed. Both lacking some third party support. Both still have great games, peripherals, and innovations. Have lots of games for them both, but not PS2, SNES, Gamecube.
Wii U, and Dreamcast. Both flawed. Both lacking some third party support. Both still have great games, peripherals, and innovations. Have lots of games for them both, but not PS2, SNES, Gamecube.
October 18, 2025 at 2:16 AM
Shortened version of my stream of consciousness on Mastodon. It's odd which consoles stick with you.
Wii U, and Dreamcast. Both flawed. Both lacking some third party support. Both still have great games, peripherals, and innovations. Have lots of games for them both, but not PS2, SNES, Gamecube.
Wii U, and Dreamcast. Both flawed. Both lacking some third party support. Both still have great games, peripherals, and innovations. Have lots of games for them both, but not PS2, SNES, Gamecube.
It pragmatically means : you may get different results from some drivers, & it may be necessary to fiddle with resolutions, refresh rates, & colour depths. Or say use something like recent MST USB-C hubs that have multiple DisplayPort 1.4 out ports or DisplayPort & HDMI
Or it may not work at all.
Or it may not work at all.
October 15, 2025 at 12:03 AM
It pragmatically means : you may get different results from some drivers, & it may be necessary to fiddle with resolutions, refresh rates, & colour depths. Or say use something like recent MST USB-C hubs that have multiple DisplayPort 1.4 out ports or DisplayPort & HDMI
Or it may not work at all.
Or it may not work at all.
For work's Dell Pro laptop I get three monitors working with 8 bit colour if the internal display's resolution and refresh rate are reduced, otherwise it only works if one of the monitors is on 6 bit colour
Doesn't make sense because the port on the laptop is DisplayPort 2.1, 77Gb/s!
Doesn't make sense because the port on the laptop is DisplayPort 2.1, 77Gb/s!
October 14, 2025 at 11:58 PM
For work's Dell Pro laptop I get three monitors working with 8 bit colour if the internal display's resolution and refresh rate are reduced, otherwise it only works if one of the monitors is on 6 bit colour
Doesn't make sense because the port on the laptop is DisplayPort 2.1, 77Gb/s!
Doesn't make sense because the port on the laptop is DisplayPort 2.1, 77Gb/s!
Which is a nerdy way of saying 'when I connect two other monitors to my main monitor through an MST hub it doesn't work in some configurations & it's a pain to diagnose because there's no monitoring'. Works : 3 monitors at 8 bit. Doesn't work : 10 bit turned on to high res monitors
October 14, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Which is a nerdy way of saying 'when I connect two other monitors to my main monitor through an MST hub it doesn't work in some configurations & it's a pain to diagnose because there's no monitoring'. Works : 3 monitors at 8 bit. Doesn't work : 10 bit turned on to high res monitors
Main monitor? DisplayPort 1.4 input : 25.9Gb/s. DisplayPort output is 1.2 = 17.28Gb/s. 1440p Monitor supports 10 bit colour @ 75Hz = 8.86Gb/s, if running at full chat. DisplayPort 1.2 is sufficient for remaining bandwidth. Running at 8 bit/60Hz? 5.63Gb/s - DP1.2 output is depriving you of 3Gb/s
October 14, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Main monitor? DisplayPort 1.4 input : 25.9Gb/s. DisplayPort output is 1.2 = 17.28Gb/s. 1440p Monitor supports 10 bit colour @ 75Hz = 8.86Gb/s, if running at full chat. DisplayPort 1.2 is sufficient for remaining bandwidth. Running at 8 bit/60Hz? 5.63Gb/s - DP1.2 output is depriving you of 3Gb/s
Downsides? Driver support. If you're running a Mac, no Displayport MST support because fuck you it's Apple, that's why. Windows/Unix you may be OK, ideally use Nvidia or Intel chipsets rather than AMD because AMD drivers suck.
Bandwidth. Different DisplayPort standards have different limits.
Bandwidth. Different DisplayPort standards have different limits.
October 14, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Downsides? Driver support. If you're running a Mac, no Displayport MST support because fuck you it's Apple, that's why. Windows/Unix you may be OK, ideally use Nvidia or Intel chipsets rather than AMD because AMD drivers suck.
Bandwidth. Different DisplayPort standards have different limits.
Bandwidth. Different DisplayPort standards have different limits.
My previous Surface setup went Surface laptop->USB-C->Monitor (USB-C port in)->Displayport out embedded in monitor (a one port MST hub)->two port MST hub (Startech)->two separate DisplayPort monitors attached by DisplayPort cables.
Monitor provides USB-C power, USB ports for keyboard/mouse/webcam
Monitor provides USB-C power, USB ports for keyboard/mouse/webcam
October 14, 2025 at 11:39 PM
My previous Surface setup went Surface laptop->USB-C->Monitor (USB-C port in)->Displayport out embedded in monitor (a one port MST hub)->two port MST hub (Startech)->two separate DisplayPort monitors attached by DisplayPort cables.
Monitor provides USB-C power, USB ports for keyboard/mouse/webcam
Monitor provides USB-C power, USB ports for keyboard/mouse/webcam
This supports hubs, like USB. Displayport can be encoded in alt mode over Thunderbird/USB-C. Net effect - work's laptop can be driven by 1 cable. It provides power, takes video from the laptop, passes it to >1 monitors via an MST hub, & attaches devices via USB in the monitor including networking.
October 14, 2025 at 11:36 PM
This supports hubs, like USB. Displayport can be encoded in alt mode over Thunderbird/USB-C. Net effect - work's laptop can be driven by 1 cable. It provides power, takes video from the laptop, passes it to >1 monitors via an MST hub, & attaches devices via USB in the monitor including networking.
Anyway. Recent adventures in DisplayPort courtesy of tests & a work laptop. DisplayPort is great, it's not a video protocol, it's an information stream. It can support Multi Stream Transport (if you're not using a Mac) where video for several sinks (monitors) are encoded in one stream
October 14, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Anyway. Recent adventures in DisplayPort courtesy of tests & a work laptop. DisplayPort is great, it's not a video protocol, it's an information stream. It can support Multi Stream Transport (if you're not using a Mac) where video for several sinks (monitors) are encoded in one stream
A note - for more long winded and definitely more stream of consciousness notes from me, you need to follow me on Mastodon at @syllopsium@peoplemaking.games
October 14, 2025 at 11:29 PM
A note - for more long winded and definitely more stream of consciousness notes from me, you need to follow me on Mastodon at @syllopsium@peoplemaking.games
Looking at other compilers the advice seems to be 'you can write inline assembly, but we'd prefer that you didn't'. sigh. *Fine*.
I suppose it ultimately means things are better segregated that way
I suppose it ultimately means things are better segregated that way
July 22, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Looking at other compilers the advice seems to be 'you can write inline assembly, but we'd prefer that you didn't'. sigh. *Fine*.
I suppose it ultimately means things are better segregated that way
I suppose it ultimately means things are better segregated that way
oh bollocks to this! Trying to combine C & inline assembly in CP/M. Hi-Soft C needs opcodes specifying manually, but lets you directly refer to C variables provided they're globals.
Hi-Tech C lets you freely write Z80 assembly, but there is no automatic method of referring to C variables.
1/2
Hi-Tech C lets you freely write Z80 assembly, but there is no automatic method of referring to C variables.
1/2
July 22, 2025 at 2:17 AM
oh bollocks to this! Trying to combine C & inline assembly in CP/M. Hi-Soft C needs opcodes specifying manually, but lets you directly refer to C variables provided they're globals.
Hi-Tech C lets you freely write Z80 assembly, but there is no automatic method of referring to C variables.
1/2
Hi-Tech C lets you freely write Z80 assembly, but there is no automatic method of referring to C variables.
1/2
In other news, CP/M is firmly an 'assembly first' OS, whereas Unix is fundamentally based on C
I was hoping to program it in C in a compiler independent manner, but it'll need the assembly abstracting to a separate include file with different methods of using assembly depending on the compiler
I was hoping to program it in C in a compiler independent manner, but it'll need the assembly abstracting to a separate include file with different methods of using assembly depending on the compiler
July 16, 2025 at 9:28 AM
In other news, CP/M is firmly an 'assembly first' OS, whereas Unix is fundamentally based on C
I was hoping to program it in C in a compiler independent manner, but it'll need the assembly abstracting to a separate include file with different methods of using assembly depending on the compiler
I was hoping to program it in C in a compiler independent manner, but it'll need the assembly abstracting to a separate include file with different methods of using assembly depending on the compiler
You know you're dealing with an older system when the programming manual says C has 'recently been gaining popularity' and most of the examples are in BASIC, COBOL, Pascal, and ALGOL is mentioned.
July 16, 2025 at 9:24 AM
You know you're dealing with an older system when the programming manual says C has 'recently been gaining popularity' and most of the examples are in BASIC, COBOL, Pascal, and ALGOL is mentioned.
If you thought ed under Unix was painful and limited, it has nothing under ed in CP/M! Just about got things working.
Also, back in 1989/1990, the absence in directories in CP/M didn't seem so limiting. Now, trying to set up a C development environment & a virtual hard disk, it definitely does!
Also, back in 1989/1990, the absence in directories in CP/M didn't seem so limiting. Now, trying to set up a C development environment & a virtual hard disk, it definitely does!
July 3, 2025 at 1:13 AM
If you thought ed under Unix was painful and limited, it has nothing under ed in CP/M! Just about got things working.
Also, back in 1989/1990, the absence in directories in CP/M didn't seem so limiting. Now, trying to set up a C development environment & a virtual hard disk, it definitely does!
Also, back in 1989/1990, the absence in directories in CP/M didn't seem so limiting. Now, trying to set up a C development environment & a virtual hard disk, it definitely does!