Multiplayer
Multiplayer can refer to:
- 4P-capable games like Kizuna Encounter - Super Tag Battle using the NEO-FTC1B board on a single cab.
- Multi-system cable-linked games like League Bowling, Riding Hero and Thrash Rally.
The linkable cartridges have a dedicated HD6301 MCU and use a 3.5mm stereo jack cable to communicate with each other.
The cartridges are fitted with two 3.5mm jack plugs to daisy chain up to 4 systems. Both jack plugs can be swapped, there is no in or out. The cabinet ID is set with the hardware DIPs.
Protocol
Data is transmitted by the MCU using its SCI module. A data frame is composed of a start bit, 8 data bits then one end bit. Transmitted data is NRZ encoded, data rate appears to be 62500 bauds. See source on MCU page.
The data is then carried on a common RS-485 bus formed by the linked cartridges.