I got a TNS-HFC5

[ImATrackMan]

Hey, all. I relatively recently (late November) got myself a TNS-HFC5 cartridge. It allows real-hardware NSF playback with no emulation, but doesn't support expansion chips without an external board unlike its more popular predecessor, the HFC3, and slightly less so, the HFC4. However, thanks to an on-board YMZ294 I CAN play Sunsoft5B NSFs without using a Gimmick! cartridge.

Basically, if any of you are also NSF musicians/listeners, and with the recent release of Famicompo Pico entries, if you have any Sunsoft5B NSFs you'd like to hear on hardware feel free to suggest some.

Here's one created with a modded version of Famitracker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWbLw8swfcI

[UglyJoe]

Ah, nice.  I remember reading about the earlier models that had slots for cartridges with the extra sound chips.  Cool stuff

[Jedi Master Baiter]

Sweet! I've been planning on getting something like this for an NSF project I've been working on.

But let me get this straight; is just the YMZ294 included on here? I want one that supports FDS sound.

[ImATrackMan]

Yeah, only the YMZ. The previous version, (The HFC4: http://www2s.biglobe.ne.jp/~tns/nr26730221.html) has a real on-board 2C33 from a RAM adapter, but they're discontinued. If you know someone in Japan that's into this, you might be able to ask them about one, but I don't know of any way to get the previous models. Heck, maybe their next model will have both the on-board 2C33 and YMZ.

[ImATrackMan]

Alright, time has passed and I've learned that the HFC4 ISN'T discontinued (I just don't know how to get one). Anyway, I just got the TNS-HFX4, which allows up to 4 carts with audio expansion to be used at once. It also means I can record FDS NSFs (it seems the ones from games don't work, but Famitracker, nsd.lib, and MCK ones do), so if anyone wants an FDS NSF recorded, feel free to ask about it.

[famiac]

Wow this looks really interesting. Where can i buy one?

[ImATrackMan]

I got mine from here through a proxy service as they only ship withing Japan, but you can also order directly from the manufacturer (also JP-only). Be warned, though, as they're not cheap and the carts are separate, of course.
Here's an FDS NSF recorded from hardware. I think it's by Lunar: a.pomf.se/dzivxd.flac

[famiac]

So the hfx4 can record fds?

[ImATrackMan]

Yep.

[famiac]

Sweet, i just bought one!

[Jedi Master Baiter]

How much do these run for? I want a TNS-HFX4! Wah! [/crybaby]

[jedahan]

The HFC5+HFX4 cost me about 25,000 yen in person at http://march-rabbit.jp which is maybe $200 with the exchange rate nowadays.

[Jedi Master Baiter]

Is the YMZ294 already soldered on there, or do you have to do it yourself?

[ImATrackMan]

You have to put one on yourself, but these boards come with sockets so there's no soldering needed.

[Jedi Master Baiter]

NO WAI!