MiSTer FPGA Guide

I. Base MiSTer FPGA comparison table

I. Adapter comparison table

I. Digital display comparison table

I. Step-by-step installation

• 1. Connect a network cable with Internet to your MiSTer. Later, you can setup Wi-Fi.
• 2. Install an SD card flasher app on your computer from the Vault.
• 3. Download the latest Mr. Fusion release from the Vault - do not unzip the file!
• 4. Insert your microSD card into your computer or attached card reader.
• 5. Flash the Mr. Fusion zip file onto your card.
• 6. Eject the card from your computer and insert it into your MiSTer, then power up.
• 7. Press the Esc key to go to System Settings.
• 8. In the submenu named Scripts, dismiss the warning and run the update script.
• 9. Once the update script is done, turn your MiSTer off and eject the card.

II. MiSTer navigation and control

Use a wired USB keyboard for navigation. Here are the most important shortcuts:

I. Update All installation

theypsilon's Update All script can collectively update your MiSTer's firmware, OS, cores, scripts, and arcade ROMs.

If you have a prebuilt MiSTer, Update All may already be installed on your card.

• 1. Download the Update All script zip file from the Vault to your computer.
• 2. Insert your MiSTer microSD card into your computer.
• 3. Unzip and move update_all.sh into /media/fat/Scripts/ on your microSD card.
  
  The '/media/fat/' part of the path may not appear on your card when it's inserted directly in your PC / Mac.
• 4. Eject the card from your computer and insert it into your MiSTer, then power up.
• 5. Run update_all from the Scripts submenu.

It takes about 15 minutes the first time. If your MiSTer doesn't connect to the Internet immediately, try a few times.

II. Update All settings

I. FileZilla step-by-step guide

FileZilla is a beginner-friendly way of transferring files and games from your computer to your MiSTer.

• 1. Download FileZilla from the Vault, and install it.
• 2. FileZilla requires you to enter four pieces of information:
  • Host: ?
  • Username: root
  • Password: 1
  • Port: 22 (or 21)
• 3. On your MiSTer, navigate left to the Misc. Options menu, and note your MiSTer's local IP address.
• 4. Enter the IP address in the host field in FileZilla and press Quickconnect.
• 5. In FileZilla, navigate to /media/fat/ on your MiSTer to see the content.

You can now drag & drop files from your computer to your MiSTer.

II. Router troubleshooting

If you suddenly find that you can't connect, it's most likely because your Internet router has dynamically assigned a new IP address to your MiSTer.

Simply note your MiSTer's new IP address (see step 3 in the FileZilla step-by-step guide) and replace it in FileZilla.

Fix this permanently by having your router assign a static IP address to your MiSTer, based on its MAC address.

Your MiSTer's MAC address was created randomly during installation, and can be found in /media/fat/linux/u-boot.txt

To view this file, first exit to the Linux terminal from the MiSTer main menu by pressing F9.

Then log in:

Login: root
Password: 1

After the /root# prompt, type the following and press return/enter:

cat /media/fat/linux/u-boot.txt

Your MiSTer's MAC address is unique, but an example output could be:

ethaddr: 06:F2:FD:F0:EC:68

I. Intro

Most functions are structured like this:

function_name=value ; explanatory comment.

You must adhere to the syntax, including the exact spelling, underscores, spacing or lack of spacing. Remove the semicolon in front of any currently deactivated line in order to activate it.

VSC highlights incorrect formatting through the use of colors.

Most things can remain unchanged, but some things you need to consider:

II. Vertical scaling mode

vscale_mode=1 ; 0 - scale to fit the screen height.

Set mode 1 (integer) to upscale the image in whole numbers, typically up to 5x with WUXGA and 4x with 1080p.

Integer scaling is preferable because it avoids irregular pixels and uneven scanlines. See chapter 20 for examples of integer vs fractional/stretched scaling.

III. Mouse throttling

mouse_throttle=10 ; 1-100 mouse speed divider. Useful for very sensitive mice

Mouse throttling is disengaged unless you remove the preceding semicolon.

The higher the value, the less sensitive the mouse becomes.

IV. Font

font=font/Arcade_Namco_Classic.pf

Replace the menu's font by changing font/myfont.pf to e.g. font/Arcade_Namco_Classic.pf or font/Computer_C64.pf

See the complete MiSTer Fonts list and scroll down for font previews.

V. DVI mode

dvi_mode=1

If you've got external speakers connected directly to your MiSTer, set DVI mode to 1 to mute sound over HDMI.

VI. Video mode

video_mode=1920,1200,60

Insert the above calculated video mode for WUXGA @ 60 Hz.

MiSTer generally prefers 60 Hz as the base frequency, due to variable pixel clock. However, in section X we'll set up additional video modes for PAL and NTSC.

If you've got a 1080p display, use the following preset video mode for 1080p @ 60 Hz instead:

video_mode=8

VII. Video info

video_info=10

Displays the resolution and refresh rate of the core and the display, for up to 10 seconds.

When vsync adjust is set to 2, video info will be slightly incorrect due to the continuous nature of this mode.

VIII. Vsync adjust

vsync_adjust=2

With vsync adjust set to 2, the MiSTer continuously synchronizes the display to the core's original pixel clock and vertical refresh rate.

IX. Refresh min/max

refresh_min=48
refresh_max=75

Set the minimum and maximum refresh values based on your display's official tech specs. See chapter 10 section V.

X. Video mode NTSC / PAL

video_mode_ntsc=1920,1200,60
video_mode_pal=1920,1200,50

Insert the above calculated video modes for NTSC and PAL modes on a WUXGA display.

Some cores offer a choice between PAL and NTSC. Others, such as AmigaVision, automatically switch to the relevant format depending on the loaded game.

If you've got a 1080p display, use the following preset video modes instead:

video_mode_ntsc=8
video_mode_pal=9

XI. MiSTer logo

logo=0

Removes the MiSTer logo overlay on the menu wallpaper.

XII. Custom aspect ratio

custom_aspect_ratio_1=4:3
custom_aspect_ratio_2=7:5

Allows you to switch between to up two custom aspect ratios of your own choosing.

XIII. HDMI game mode

;hdmi_game_mode=1

Tells Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) capable TVs and audio receivers to switch to ALLM by turning off unnecessary image and audio processing.

Requires HDMI 2.1 cables.

XIV. VRR

vrr_mode=0

VRR is intended to reduce frame rate inconsistencies, but ironically it can both reduce and increase lag as well, depending on how your display reacts.

VRR may also disable important overdrive / trace free options on your monitor.

If your display doesn't have VRR or you simply wish to avoid VRR, set it to 0.

Ignore auto detection (mode 1) and force mode 2 for Freesync / VESA Adaptive-Sync or mode 3 for HDMI Forum VRR. See chapter 11 section I for cable requirements and a word of warning.

Set the minimum and maximum VRR framerates as explained in section IX:

vrr_min_framerate=48
vrr_max_framerate=75

VESA VRR framerate is based on your video mode base frequency, typically 60 Hz regardless of PAL / NTSC. See section VI.

vrr_vesa_framerate=60

XV. Preset default

preset_default=Mr RePlay/01_Default_Crt

Video processing allows you to apply a range of filters for a more authentic and historically accurate look. Video processing doesn't affect latency.

Download the Mr. RePlay video processing presets from the Vault, unpack, and place the folder in /media/fat/Presets/

The presets are now selectable from any core's video processing menu as well:

For the Commodore monitor preset to work, you'll also need to download the accompanying Commodore 1084 Philips [Mr RePlay].txt shadow mask from the Vault and place it in the root of /media/fat/Shadow_Masks/. See chapter 21 section VII.

The preset is an amalgamation of the ten Commodore 1084, 1084S, 1084S-D1, and CM8833-II monitors I've got. On average two 1084s die on me a year, and they're harder and harder to find, so emulating the look in MiSTer was important to me.

Commodore 1084 monitor with Philips CRT from 1987

XVI. Core exceptions

Anything written in a core exception will only affect the targeted core. All exceptions must be placed at the end of your INI file.

The syntax for a core exception is:

; Note the core name
[setname]
function_name=value ; explanatory comment.

The setname is the internal name for the core. Open the core, go to System, select About, and note the exact spelling of the setname.

You can affect all arcade cores by using [arcade], only vertical arcades with [arcade_vertical], or the main menu with [Menu] as the setname.

You can affect multiple, but specific, cores with the same exception(s) by adding to the setname brackets. You must follow this syntax and observe correct linebreaks:

; Core names or collection
[setname
+setname
+setname
]
function_name=value ; explanatory comment.

; The Simpsons arcade
[jtsimson]
custom_aspect_ratio_1=10:7 ; PAR adjust

; Sega System 16B (2023-07-08 service release)
[jts16b]
refresh_max=60 ; Screen tearing fix

; AmigaVision (WUXGA)
[Amiga
+Amiga500
+Amiga500HD
+Amiga600HD
]
;vsync_adjust=1 ; Uncomment with dropouts or for demos
custom_aspect_ratio_1=40:27 ; PAR adjust
bootscreen=0 ; Disable Minimig boot screen

I. Video processing example

Video processing lets you enjoy a close approximation of the authentic CRT look on your modern display. Graphics were originally designed for this smoother and deeper look - not the flat, blocky look.

Below are close-up photos taken of an Eizo 2456 flatscreen monitor, showing Gods on the Amiga core.

Before video processing

With MegaAGS preset on

Video processing can be set in three ways:

• A. Global preset configuration (see chapter 19 section XV).
• B. Preset selection per core under System, Video processing, and Load preset.
• C. Manual adjustment per core.

II. Display calibration

Before adjusting video processing, your display needs basic user calibration of brightness, contrast, color temperature, sharpness, and response time.

If you have one of the displays mentioned in chapter 10 section II, please go to the addendum, and come back here after calibration.

III. Horizontal filter

The horizontal filter sets the method used for interpolating or upscaling the original low resolution output to a modern display.

The choice of interpolation mainly determines how smooth or sharp the image looks.

Select Filters/Upscaling/Recommended/GS_Sharpness_60.txt or another value between 50 and 65.

A value of 50 will be quite blurry, 65 will be very crisp.

IV. Vertical filter

The vertical filter sets the scanlines, i.e. the light intensity of the horizontal lines in the image.

If it seems odd that the horizontal scanlines are performed by the vertical filter, it's because they're drawn from the top of the screen to the bottom, i.e. in a vertical motion, although they appear as horizontal lines.

Strictly speaking, the bright lines are emulated scanlines, while the dark lines are emulated gaps between the scanlines. In retro emulation lingo they're collectively referred to as scanlines.

Scanlines should always appear lengthwise on the display, which means the filters should remain unchanged with vertical shooters and when you pivot your display.

Scanlines appear lengthwise

Monitor is pivoted, scanlines are still lengthwise

V. Scan filter

This filter method is a poor man's alternative to adaptive scanlines. It's ignored by MiSTer even when set, unless you also activate Scandoubler Fx in the core's Video submenu. See more in chapter 22 section I.

VI. Gamma correction

Gamma controls the light intensity curve, affecting the balance between dark, light, and mid-tones.

Gamma curves such as CRT Simulation and Poly Gamma affect color vibrancy and temperature as well.

For a punchy, color-saturated TV-look:

Gamma/CRT Simulation.txt

For a cooler, monitor look:

Gamma/Poly_Gamma/2.3.txt

The Pure Gamma settings don't alter color curves in the same way, and are mainly useful for extreme overall darkening or brightening.

The Contrast Boost gamma settings can be excellent for separating sprites from the background in washed out games.

VII. Shadow mask

A shadow mask in a CRT blocks the electrons from hitting the wrong colored phosphors. In retro emulation lingo, a shadow mask can also refer to the aperture grille found specifically in Sony Trinitron CRTs.

While scanlines appear as horizontal lines, the shadow mask appears as a finely divided grid or mesh.

Applying a shadow mask in MiSTer texturizes pixels and creates depth, similar to the look on a CRT.

Sony Trinitron (1968)

MG Stripe (Magenta Green)

Commodore 1084 Philips [Mr RePlay]

The Sony Trinitron aperture grille was invented in 1968 and was produced up until 2004. Its rendition by TrashUncle is bundled with MiSTer and works well for most arcade games and consoles:

Shadow_Masks/Sony Trinitron (1968).txt

The bundled MG Stripe (Magenta Green) is one of the more subtle choices:

Shadow_Masks/MG Stripe (Magenta Green).txt

For the Commodore 64 and Amiga I recommend the Mr. RePlay Commodore 1084 Philips monitor shadow mask:

Shadow_Masks/Commodore 1084 Philips [Mr RePlay].txt

Download the shadow mask from the Vault and place it in the root of the /media/fat/Shadow_Masks/ folder.

The shadow mask is intended to be used as part of the complete Mr. RePlay Commodore video processing preset 04_Commodore_1084, as referenced in chapter 19 section XV.

This checklist can be used for all arcade cores. Some sections are relevant to home computer and console cores as well.

I. Scandoubler Fx

Not relevant with modern displays, so make sure it's turned all the way off. For CRTs it can be used for doubling the scanning frequency and adding effects. Instead, see chapter 21 section V on how to apply video processing with modern displays.

II. Aspect ratio

Check that the pixel aspect ratio appears proportional. If not, see chapter 20 section V and chapter 19 section XVI.

III. Rotate screen / Orientation

Check that the game is oriented correctly on the screen, then pivot the display if necessary.

Rotation or orientation can be changed either in the core's menu under Orientation or in the Video submenu under Rotate Screen.

This is applicable to most vertical shooters, such as 1942, Galaga, etc.

IV. Flip screen

Some games can be flipped, either on the horizontal or vertical axis.

Originally this mode was used for cocktail cabinets, where the screen was set down in a piece of furniture with a glass plate over it (for drinks), and two players took turns playing.

1980s amusement arcade with cocktail cabinets

With a modern display this feature can be used to control which direction you want to pivot your display.

Flipping is typically found either in the core's main menu or under DIP Switches. Any changes to the DIP switches require you to select Reset to apply.

A few cores don't have DIP switches available in the menu, so search online for how to activate the core's hidden service menu during core startup.

V. Video processing

If you've set a standard preset for post-processing in the INI file, e.g. the Mr. RePlay 01_Default_CRT preset, you can check if the lighter or darker version of the preset suits the game better, or you can make your own settings from scratch.

VI. Autosave high scores

A few games can save high scores to the microSD card. This requires activation in the core's menu.

VII. Define [Core] buttons

As mentioned in chapter 17 section II, most games require you to set up the controller's buttons per core.

VIII. Compatibility check

Check that the game plays without dropouts or screen tearing. If not, see chapter 19 section VIII, IX, and XVI.

I. Video processing

A Commodore monitor-look can be obtained by using the Mr. RePlay Commodore 1084 Philips monitor video procesing preset 04_Commodore_1084. See chapter 19 section XV.

If you prefer a more straightforward look, try the AmigaVision MegaAGS preset, which works well with the Commodore 64, too. See chapter 24.

II. SID chip versions

The C64's sound chip, the SID, comes in two versions: the original 6581 SID and the later 8580 SID.

Generally speaking the 6581 works with all games, most classic chiptunes, and with sample playback in games.

The 8580 is a common choice for modern chiptunes and demos, due to its predictable filter, but it's underfiltered when used for most classic chiptunes.

You can switch between SID versions in the C64 core, but I recommend the 6581 for all-round use.

III. SID filter curves

The original 6581 SID filter varies greatly between production batches, so no two C64s sounds identical.

Contrary to popular belief this has little to do with the revision number itself (6581 R2, R3, R4, R4 AR), but rather with the filter and capacitor production tolerances.

See my website Ultimate SID Collection for more technical and historical information.

The following custom SID chip filter curve (by Antti S. Lankila, converted by yxkalle) hits the sweetspot and works with the greatest variety of games and chiptunes.

Here's how to install and enable it:

• 1. Download the custom SID filter from the Vault.
• 2. Unpack the custom filter and place the C64 folder in /media/fat/Filter_Audio/.
• 3. Open the C64 core, navigate to Audio & Video, and select Load Custom Filters *.flt.
• 4. Navigate to /Filter_Audio/C64/ and select Alankila6581R3_3984_1.flt.
• 5. Set both SIDs to 6581 for authentic mono playback.
• 6. Set Custom 1 as the filter for both the left and right sides.

When a custom filter is loaded, there's no difference between custom options Custom 1, 2, and 3. Selecting Default switches back to the built-in filter curve.

Remember to save the core settings before exiting the core.

IV. Installing C64 games

It's not difficult to find C64 games on the web, but for your convenience there's a link to a preservation archive in the Vault.

It features a curated and verified collection of retro games, primarily from 1982-1993, alongside recent public domain games and remakes.

Once downloaded to your computer, transfer the game subfolders into /media/fat/games/C64/ on your MiSTer.

Commercial games from around 2017 and newer, such as Sam's Journey, Steel Ranger, A Pig Quest, Knight 'n' Grail, Zeta Wing II, and Planet Golf, aren't included and can be purchased from their respective developers.

V. Loading a program directly

While browsing game folders in the menu, you can jump to any starting letter by pressing the relevant character on your keyboard.

By default the C64 core comes with the speedloader DolphinDOS activated for fast loading and shortcuts for disk operations.

Here's how to load a program directly from a game folder:

• 1. Open the core menu.
• 2. Select Load *.PRG,CRT,REU,TAP.
• 3. Navigate to a game folder and load the program.

VI. Loading from a disk image

If the game folder appears empty, you need to mount the game as a disk image instead:

• 1. Select Mount #8 *.D64,G64,T64,D81.
• 2. Navigate to a game disk image and select it.
• 3. Press Shift+Esc on the C64 startup screen to automatically load and run the first program on the disk.

VII. Loading a specific file from a disk image

If there are multiple programs on the same disk, here's how to load a specific program:

• 1. Mount the disk image as explained above.
• 2. Press F7 on the C64 startup screen to load and display the disk directory.
• 3. Press Esc to break the directory scroll, if necessary.
• 4. Press ↑ to navigate up to the program you wish to load.
• 5. Press F5 to load the program.
• 6. After loading, type RUN: or simply RUN (on a new line) and press Return

VIII. Loading a tricky disk

If you get an error when trying to run the program or the disk loader stalls, you'll need to disable the DolphinDOS fastloader ROM and try a different method:

• 1. Open the core menu and navigate to the Hardware submenu.
• 2. Navigate to System ROM and set Standard C64.
• 3. Reset the C64 core and mount the disk image.
• 4. Type LOAD"*",8,1 and press Return to load the first file on the disk.
• 5. If necessary, type RUN and press Return.

IX. Loading a specific program from a tricky disk

Repeat the steps 1 through 3 from section VIII, then:

• 4. Type LOAD"$",8 and press Return to load the directory.
• 5. Type LIST and press Return to display the directory.
• 6. Type LOAD"PROGRAM NAME",8,1 and press Return.
• 7. if necessary, type RUN and press Return.

AmigaVision MegAGS games selector

I. Advantages of AmigaVision

AmigaVision (formerly known as MegaAGS) is a must-have add-on for the MiSTer's Amiga core, MiniMig.

AmigaVision adds the following handy features to the Amiga core:

• +Games selector with screenshots and favorites.
• +Correct PAL / NTSC format, scaling, aspect ratio, and CPU speed per game.
• +HD-based - easy in-game saving and no virtual disk switching.
• +Configuration of extra buttons and mouse per game.
• +Bug fixes, cheat codes, and level skips per game.
• +Dynamic cropping and 5x scaling with 1080p displays

II. Installing AmigaVision

Install AmigaVision in three steps:

• 1. You can find a link to a combined and complete AmigaVision-MegaAGS archive in the Vault.
  
  Third party archives are neither built, nor distributed by the AmigaVision team, who exclusively develop and maintain the open source script.
• 2. After unpacking, transfer the contents into the matching folders on your MiSTer in /media/fat/
  • _Computer/
  • config/
  • Filters/
  • Presets/
  • Shadow_Masks/
  • games/

  Do not transfer the above folders themselves, as this would overwrite essential contents and games on your MiSTer!
  
  Transfer only the contents inside the above folders into the matching folders on your MiSTer.

  It may take up to 45 minutes to remote transfer the entire package with games to your MiSTer.
  
  The contents of MegaAGS-Extras.7z can be ignored - or unpacked and transferred in the same way, if you wish. Read MegaAGS-Extras.txt for more info.

• 3. Input the core exception as shown below in section III and reboot your MiSTer.

III. Core exceptions

AmigaVision needs a core exception to look and work correctly. Inputting core exceptions in the MiSTer's INI file are explained in chapter 19 section XVI.

I've included two core exceptions. Firstly, AmigaVision's own recommendation for 1080p displays:

; AmigaVision (1080p)
[Amiga
+Amiga500
+Amiga500HD
+Amiga600HD
]
video_mode_ntsc=8 ; 1080p60
video_mode_pal=9 ; 1080p50
vscale_mode=0 ; Full screen, up to 5x integer scaling with dynamic cropping
vsync_adjust=1 ; Set to 2 if your display can handle it
custom_aspect_ratio1=40:27 ; PAR adjust
bootscreen=0 ; Disable Minimig boot screen

Secondly, my AmigaVision core exception recommendation for WUXGA (1920 x 1200) displays:

; AmigaVision (WUXGA)
[Amiga
+Amiga500
+Amiga500HD
+Amiga600HD
]
;vsync_adjust=1 ; Uncomment if get dropouts or want to run demos
custom_aspect_ratio_1=40:27 ; PAR adjust
bootscreen=0 ; Disable Minimig boot screen

The above core exception predicates that you've already correctly set up your MiSTer's video mode, vertical scaling mode, and vsync adjust for WUXGA in your INI, as detailed in chapter 19.

IV. Core checklist

Open the AmigaVision Amiga core, then

• 1. Confirm that Aspect ratio is set to 40:27.
• 2. Load the video processing preset MegaAGS or /Mr RePlay/04_Commodore_1084.
• 3. Save any changes to the core setup.

V. Using the AmigaVision menu

Use the keyboard or a controller / joystick to navigate the menu.

Add a game to AmigaVision Favorites by pressing the Tab key.

Remove an existing favorite by navigating to the game inside the Favorites folder and pressing Tab again.

Press the Delete key to exit a running game and return to the AmigaVision menu.

In the event of a malfunction or a blank screen in the AmigaVision menu, reload the core from the core menu or reset the MiSTer. This will lose any unsaved data.

VI. Saving user data

You can save data in games or other Amiga software to a virtual hard disk in AmigaVision.

However, you must exit the game or software properly by returning to the AmigaVision menu first, in order to actually store the data on your microSD card.

Exit a game properly by pressing the Delete key, returning you to the AmigaVision menu. Only then should you exit the core or turn off your MiSTer.

VII. Backing up user data and updating AmigaVision

AmigaVision isn't updated by the Update All script. Instead you repeat this chapter's section II, using the latest AmigaVision version.

Before doing so, make a backup to your computer of your AmigaVision user data. This contains your saved games and menu favorites.

All is stored in the file /media/fat/games/Amiga/MegaAGS-Saves.hdf on your MiSTer.

Once you've updated the AmigaVision files, transfer back your safety copy of MegaAGS-Saves.hdf to your MiSTer, replacing the newly updated, but empty, MegaAGS-Saves.hdf file.

VIII. Running demos

Most demos can run on the regular AmigaVision Amiga setup from the core selector, but otherwise use the separate Amiga 500 setup.

See the section III warning about the vsync adjust core exception for Amiga demos and some games.

IX. Potential naming confusion

Before you installed AmigaVision, there was already a core named MiniMig on the MiSTer. This is the actual Amiga core and is an .rbf file.

When you install AmigaVision, two or more (depending on whether you installed MegaAGS Extras) new Amiga options are created in the menu with names such as Amiga, Amiga 500, etc. Normally, you should just use Amiga.

These new options from AmigaVision are .mgl files, which are configuration files that use the original MiniMig core.

As shown in chapter 13 section II, Update All lets you enable Names TXT in 5 Tools & Scripts. If this is enabled, MiniMig will be renamed Amiga in the menu.

When there are multiple options named Amiga in the core selector, AmigaVision's are the ones without a date.

Press F2 to toggle core dates on and off to confirm which is which.

More technical information can be found here: https://amiga.vision/docs, but all the essentials are covered in this guide.

I. Installing flynnsbit's Top 300 DOS Games Pack

flynnsbit's 'MiSTer AO486 Top 300 DOS Games Pack (Total DOS Launcher Release)' contains two virtual hard disks: A bootable one with DOS and one with 300 classic games.

• 1. Search for the Top 300 DOS Games Pack here and download it via a torrent client.
  
  It doesn't matter if it's an older pack, you'll update it in a moment.
• 2. The download contains some split zip files which must be rejoined while unpacking:
  • Mac: Download the free The Unarchiver app, select all the split zip files, Ctrl+click, Open With > The Unarchiver. Make sure you have enough free space on your hard disk.
  • PC: Download the free 7-Zip app, select the first zip file, right-click, select Extract Here. If this doesn't work then try selecting all the zip files and try again. Make sure you have enough free space on your hard disk.
• 3. From the rejoined and unpacked Top300FINAL folder transfer the following to /media/fat/games/AO486/:
  • cd/
  • floppy/
  • IDE 0-0 BOOT-DOS98.vhd
  • IDE 0-1 Top 300 DOS Games.vhd

  Do not transfer the two .rom files as they would overwrite the newer ones on the MiSTer.

  It may take more than a couple of hours to remote transfer the two virtual hard disks to your MiSTer.

• 4. From the downloaded main folder, transfer the file trident_VGA 640x480x16.bin into /media/fat/games/AO486/.
  
  This is an alternative boot ROM that a few games need in order to work. More on this in section II.

The ADDOS folder contains the famous After Dark screensaver, which can be transferred as well or ignored.

The Manuals folder contains PDF scans of the games manual, which can be saved on your Mac or PC for future reference.

II. Scripts

You'll need to run flynnsbit's eXoDOS Top 300 Game Pack Updater script, since this pack isn't updated by theypsilon's Update All script.

The updater script and instructions can be found here: https://github.com/flynnsbit/Top300_updates

It'll also change the DOS menu from Total DOS Launcher to MyMenu. Once you've completed section III in this guide, press the F1 key to read the help menu.

Turbo presets may be disabled in MyMenu. To enable them again press Alt+U in MyMenu, select MYMENU CONFIG, uncomment the first three turbo options in the MyMenu INI file, save, and exit.

Use F3 to change the turbo speed before loading a game, although it may be overruled by individual game settings.

Finally, Seth Gregory has made a script that switches the boot rom for the AO486. The script and instructions can be found here: https://github.com/sethgregory/ao486_boot_switcher

Alternatively, you can simply make a backup of the boot1.rom file, rename the Trident rom file as boot1.rom, and restart. Then reverse the procedure when you want to go back to the normal rom.

III. AO486 settings

The AO486 core menu exceptionally requires you to hold down Win+F12 to access it. You can still use the menu button you assigned on your joystick as well.

• 1. Select the BOOT-DOS98.vhd for the IDE 0-0 disk and the TOP 300 DOS Games.vhd for the IDE 0-1 disk.
• 2. Audio & Video and Hardware can both be left to the default settings.
• 3. In the Video Processing menu, load the Mr. RePlay 05_PC_VGA_Monitor preset (see chapter 19 section XV)
• 4. Go back to the AO486 main menu and press Select and Apply HDD to confirm and boot up the PC.

Your keyboard and mouse will work without further ado.

IV. Top 300 DOS Games Pack settings

If prompted, select 1. HIRAM for most games. A few exceptions will let you know to use a different type of RAM upon startup.

Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to reset, select the right type of RAM, and load the game again.

A few games require the alternative Trident boot rom. There's a script for this procedure, as shown in section II.