QMTECH MiSTer FPGA Console User Manual

1. Introduction

The MiSTer FPGA is an open-source project designed to emulate classic gaming consoles and computer systems using FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) hardware. This QMTECH MiSTer console allows users to run vintage games and applications on modern hardware, providing an authentic retro gaming experience.

For more details and the latest information, please refer to the official MiSTer FPGA documentation and open-source links:

• Software Open Source Link: https://github.com/MiSTer-devel
• Hardware Open Source Link: https://github.com/ChinaQMTECH/QMTECH_Cyclone_V_SoC_KFB_With_Dual_SDRAM
• MiSTer FPGA Documentation: https://github.com/MiSTer-devel/Wiki_MiSTer

2. Features

• Equipped with Intel Cyclone V SoC 5CSEMA6U23 FPGA chip and 128MB built-in SDRAM, providing professional-grade hardware for smooth retro gaming and compatibility with various consoles.
• Supports simultaneous HDMI (1536P) and analog video (480P) output.
• VGA interface for analog video output, including RGB, YPbPr, and standard VGA signals.
• Supports multiple USB device inputs, including keyboard, mouse, joystick, and game controllers.
• User I/O interface supports SNAC expansion plugins for connecting original controllers from N64, SNES, NES, PS2, MD, and more.
• Supports various video filters and audio filter settings.
• Supports both wireless and wired network communication modes for system updates, file management, device debugging, and more.

3. Package Contents

Please ensure all the following items are included in your package:

• 1 x QMTECH Cyclone V SoC Board with 128MB Built-in SDRAM
• 1 x QMTECH IO Board: VGA, 3.5mm Audio Header, SNAC, 4-port USB Hub, RTC
• 1 x Pre-Assembled Frosted Acrylic Shell
• 1 x DC 5V 4A Power Supply
• 1 x 32GB TF Card

4. Setup

Before powering on your QMTECH MiSTer console, please follow these steps:

1. Insert TF Card: Insert the provided 32GB TF card into the PRIMARY SD slot on the console.
2. Connect Video Output: Connect your display device (monitor or TV) using either an HDMI cable to the HDMI OUTPUT port or a VGA cable to the VGA port. The console supports simultaneous HDMI (1536P) and analog video (480P) output.
3. Connect Audio Output: For analog audio, connect speakers or headphones to the 3.5mm AUDIO header.
4. Connect USB Devices: Connect your keyboard, mouse, joystick, or game controllers to the available USB-A ports (USB-A 1, USB-A 2, USB-A 3) on the 4-port USB Hub. A Mini USB port is also available.
5. Network Connection: For system updates and file management, connect an Ethernet cable to the NETWORK port for wired connection, or configure wireless network settings if supported by your MiSTer setup.
6. SNAC Expansion: If using original controllers, connect the appropriate SNAC expansion plugin to the USER I/O port.
7. Power Connection: Connect the DC 5V 4A Power Supply to the DC 5V/4A input port.

5. Operating Instructions

1. Power On: Once all connections are secure, plug in the DC 5V 4A power supply. The console should power on automatically, and the MiSTer menu will appear on your connected display.
2. Navigation: Use a connected USB keyboard or game controller to navigate the MiSTer menu.
3. Loading Cores/Games: From the main menu, select the desired core (e.g., NES, SNES, PSX) and then browse for your game ROMs on the TF card.
4. Video/Audio Settings: The MiSTer offers various video filters and audio filter settings. These can typically be accessed through the OSD (On-Screen Display) menu, often triggered by a specific key on your keyboard or controller.
5. SOG Switch: The SOG (Sync-on-Green) switch is used for specific analog video configurations. Consult the MiSTer documentation for detailed usage if you encounter display issues with analog output.
6. Playing Games: Once a game is loaded, use your connected game controller to play.

6. Maintenance

• Cleaning: The frosted acrylic shell can be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.
• Software Updates: As an open-source project, the MiSTer FPGA firmware and cores are regularly updated. It is recommended to periodically check the official MiSTer-devel GitHub repository (https://github.com/MiSTer-devel) for the latest updates and instructions on how to apply them. Network connectivity is essential for convenient updates.
• SD Card Management: Regularly back up your TF card content, especially game saves and custom configurations, to prevent data loss.

7. Troubleshooting

• No Display:
  
  • Ensure the power supply is correctly connected and the console is powered on.
  • Check HDMI or VGA cable connections to both the console and the display.
  • Verify your display is set to the correct input source.
  • If using analog VGA, try toggling the SOG switch.
• Input Devices Not Responding:
  
  • Ensure USB devices are securely plugged into the USB-A ports.
  • Try different USB ports.
  • Verify that the specific core you are running supports the connected input device.
• Games Not Loading/Running:
  
  • Ensure your game ROMs are in the correct format and placed in the appropriate directories on the TF card as per MiSTer documentation.
  • Verify that the correct core for the game system is loaded.
  • Some cores may require specific BIOS files; ensure these are correctly installed.
• General Issues: For more in-depth troubleshooting or specific core-related problems, consult the extensive MiSTer FPGA Wiki and community forums.

8. Specifications

8.1. SDRAM Information

• Built-in 128MB BGA SDRAM.
• Verified by MemTest_MiSTer, the core frequency is stable at 160MHz.
• Compatible with all MiSTer cores, including Saturn, Mega Drive, PSX, N64, GB, and more.

8.2. QM-Mister Console Compatibility List

The QM-Mister console is compatible with a wide range of classic systems, including but not limited to:

• Adventure Vision
• Atari 5200
• Atari 7800, 2600
• Atari Lynx
• AY-3-8500 (Pong-on-a-chip)
• Bally Astrocade
• Bandai Super Vision 8000
• BBC Bridge Companion
• Casio PV-1000
• ColecoVision, SG-1000
• Emerson Arcadia 2001
• Epoch Super Cassette Vision
• Fairchild Channel F
• Gamate
• Game & Watch
• Game Boy, Game Boy Color
• Game Boy Advance
• Game Boy Advance 2P
• Intellivision
• Interton VC4000
• Magnavox Odyssey2
• Neo Geo MVS/AES
• Nintendo 64
• Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
• Nichibutsu My Vision
• Philips CD-i
• PlayStation (PSX)
• Sega 32X
• Sega CD/Mega-CD
• Sega Master System, Game Gear
• Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
• Sega Saturn
• Super Game Boy
• Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
• TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine
• Vectrex
• VTech CreatiVision
• Watara SuperVision
• WonderSwan

9. User Tips

• Initial Setup/Cores: While a 32GB TF card is included, it is recommended to verify if all desired cores are pre-installed or if updates are needed. Some users find reinstalling or updating the MiSTer software (e.g., 'mrfusion') can significantly improve performance and compatibility.
• Video Tutorials: For visual guidance on setup and usage, search for "RetroScaler" on YouTube. Many community-created videos offer helpful tips and walkthroughs.

10. Warranty and Support

This product is supported by the manufacturer, TICKNOT. For specific warranty details, please refer to the product's purchase documentation or contact the seller directly. As the MiSTer FPGA is an open-source project, a large and active community provides extensive support, documentation, and ongoing development. Users are encouraged to explore the official MiSTer-devel GitHub and community forums for assistance and to contribute to the project.