GP32 Some Newbie Questions...

[synkro]

hi guys!

Ok, i already got that devkitadv for GP32 and set it up (well ,not that easy as the Java SDK). Is there something else? (I have no money for MS VC++, so don't mention it. AFAIK with nor ARM9 ASM... that's stupid) There must be some kind of GNU C/C++ compiler with GP32 and ARM libs/extensions/framework)

What kind of IDE do you pros use? Any recommendations? (I hate that prompt makefile stuff!)

Why is the gamepark dev site down?

Why are the docs API-reference that bad ? and hard to find?

 

[generalnmx]

Just use any type of editor that colour-codes C/C++ code. You can even do this with emacs/xemacs for Unix/Linux users, but there are tons of editors out there even for Windows. I just created a batch file which compiles my code, cleans, then runs GeePee32, which I find is a lot easier then any integrated environment.

For better API docs look on this thread:

http://www.gp32x.de/board/index.php?showtopic=4881

 

[synkro]

ah, thanks! But i have some more questions:

Where can I get an english readme/faq/install guide for minigp? (me no french)

Where is the difference between minigp and rico's devkitadv ?

On darkfaders site there should be a link to a modified GCC++, but I can't just find the ling o__O Is it me or is it weird to navigate that site?

I tried to compile some of the gamepark examples with devkitadv (changing all the comments is just stupid), but some *.h are missing, my fault or lack devkitadv some libs/includes/sdk files?

 

[jegHegy]

minigp32 + sdl tutorial here: http://www.gp32news.com/gp32news/index.php...al&id=5&lang=en

 

[synkro]

thank you, Ihave to admit that the ease fo java spoiled me for that uhm.. er.. more traditional way of coding, anway

I found 3 API reference, but none explains the use of GpClockSpeedChange, and several other stuff... that's just weird I just asume the GP SDK I ad documented, that's a shame

 

[generalnmx]

Well synko you're right, there probably is a way to get everything integrated, but I'd rather be coding then trying to find it

As for ClockSpeedChange, here's my non-technical definition:

GpClockSpeedChange(int clkspd, int pllmode, byte clkmode);

clkspd - the clock speed in MHz (ex: 13200000)
pllmode - the hex value given from pllset.exe for clkspd when P=1
clkmode - The rate at which devices are polled by the CPU (0-2). The higher the value, the less they will be polled. You should use the default value from pllset.exe.

 

[synkro]

okidoki so far, I know I am beginning to piss you guys off, bur I have still more question to come...

* what the heck is pllset.exe ?
* so I could use GpClockSpeedChange(1010000000, 0x24001, 2); for 100 MHz ?
* I downloaded GP32Converter, but it doesn't work, it asks aout a VB6FR.DLL, I downloaded this one, but the converter still don't work. Any fixes or other tools?
* I can't use the 16bit functions, the compiler complains about undefined reference "...blt16 in gpmain.o". I checked all header files and included the needed ones and it still don't work...

Setting this up is hard, 5 days now and I coded not one line

 

[generalnmx]

- pllset.exe is a program distributed by Samsung for use with their CPU. It was modified by CHN (I think) for use with the GP32. You can download the modified pllset code off either Firefly or Mr. Spiv's website, and you need only compile it on your computer with your favorite compiler (don't use the devkitadv gcc, that'll compile it for ARM9!). From the output, look for when P = 1. Search on this forum about "overclocking" in the development section for more info.

- I'd have to double-check pllset, but I don't think the associated hex value for 100 MHz is 0x240001. Again, there should be a pllset tutorial somewhere in these forums.

- All GP SDK functions start with "Gp", and I've never heard of "GpBitBlit16". But in any case, I think if you define the pallete as 16-bit you should be fine.

Make sure you're downloading the version of GP32 Convertor off Firefly's website. The version that came with CHN's devkitadv works fine for me. Do a google for the file if you're still having trouble - it sounds like a Visual Basic DLL.

Also, try starting small by compiling the tutorials and working up. Rico's tutorials are great, I suggest starting there: http://www.thaworx.co.uk/ninja/tut1.htm

If you try to jump from newbie GP32 programmer to Mario 64 remake you're going to go insane. Start small and work up. As I always tell myself: You can always make your code better later, just as long as it works now.

[EDIT]

[EDIT] btw, shouldn't this be in the "Newbie Programmer" forum? [/EDIT]

Well, I assume the "New developers help" forum is mainly for programmers new to GP32, not to programming in general. I guess the term "newbie" can be rather deragatory, though I did not mean it that way (actually I thought the forum's name was "Newbie programmer" off the top of my head).
[/EDIT]

 

[synkro]

[EDIT] btw, shouldn't this be in the "Newbie Programmer" forum? [/EDIT]

okidoki, so far... someone could move it

I am no newbie programmer just new to GP32 dev (I never did crosscoding). It's just GP32 dev is so BAD documented, it's makes me angry. devkitadv and minigp32 are nice, but they do not suit my needs from the start

Rico's tutorials are good, BUT w/o the converter they are pointless. The Gamepark examples are far better (at least something good from there). But even the examples wit 6bpp do not work...

gpmain.o(.text+0x6640): undefined reference to `GpTransBlt16
gpmain.o(.text+0x6800): undefined reference to `GpBitBlt16'
gpmain.o(.text+0x6a38): undefined reference to `GpTransBlt16
gpmain.o(.text+0x6ba0): undefined reference to `GpBitBlt16'

AAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!

well, i don't need that, but at leaste the F***ing converter should work with that vb6fr.dll, but it doesn't. GpDevUtil looks good, but does not export my *.bmps ...

I am so pissed, I start over when the gamepakr dev site is up again

 

[generalnmx]

Did you download the version of devkitadv offered off the tutorial website? I started from that, and that version of GP32Convertor works fine on my computer. I'm running Windows XP. Like I said, you may want to google for the DLL.

[EDIT]
OK, I figured it out. It seems all of the tutorial packages came with the 1.0 or earlier version of the SDK, while the 16-bit functions are only included in the 1.1 version or later. Interesting...

You need a later version of the SDK. I can send you this 1.1 version, but there should be a later one available since the docs are out for it.
[/EDIT]

[EDIT^2]
Boy, it seems I have a lot to learn as well <_<
[/EDIT^2]

 

[synkro]

I am sorry, yesterday I was really pissed off. I have my GP now for over a week and not one line coded yet. Hmm I thought something like this. I found documents for SDK 2.x. but can't find it anywhere t download the libs.

*Could anyone of the pros set up a download of uptodate SDK files?!

I use minigp32 because it fits my needs now, and i can compile all examples from Gamepark and the Converter works (some people are providing fake *.DLLs, the should drop dead..)

 

[generalnmx]

One version of the SDK is called work_en.zip

Download it off this site:

http://desarrollo.nylsoft.net/herramientas/

It should have the 16-bit functions you need.

 

[synkro]

FINALLY! I linked the wrongs libs, stupid me I am glad I can finally start