Altair (ZX, CPC) Mac OS
Version 2.0 BETA-1 R7 AVAILABLE 10/07/2019
Multiplatform
Finally, Retro Virtual Machine is now multiplatform.
Retro Virtual Machine, The emulator of Amstrad CPC and ZX Spectrum for Windows, Linux and MacOs The ZX Spectrum and Amstrad CPC emulator for MacOs, Linux and Windows. Version 2.0 BETA-1 R7 AVAILABLE. ZX Desktop, running multitask windows, on Solarized Dark GUI Style, running ZX Spectrum OverScan demo. ZX Desktop, running demo ny17 from TSConf, showing new direct access buttons starting from ZEsarUX version 9.1 ZX Spectrum Overscan demo. ZX Spectrum Sir Fred running on curses (text) driver.
It works natively in MacOs(from version Mavericks 10.9), Linux(any modern distribution) and in Microsoft Windows(from Windows Vista).
Multisystem
Another big new feature in version 2 is that Retro Virtual Machine now emulates the Amstrad CPC.
In addition it emulates all the official models of ZX Spectrum, as well as some clones like Inves Spectrum+ and the ZXUno.
Machines available in Retro Virtual Machine
ZX Spectrum
- Spectrum 16k/48k
- Spectrum 128k
- Spectrum +2
- Spectrum +2A
- Spectrum +3
- Inves Spectrum+
- ZX-Uno
Virtual cassette player
Retro Virtual Machine emulates a Virtual Cassette player
Can be played back and recorded in different formats, at real speed or, using warp mode, at a higher speed
Low level disc emulation
Another new feature in RVMv2 is that disk drives are emulated at a low level (MFM/FM).
Disks are loaded at the correct speed, and emulation is much more accurate than in RVMv1
RVMv2 also supports the use of HFE files directly.
Devices
Now, in RVMv2 we can add external devices, for example we can add a DIVMMC to the virtual Spectrums to load from SD cards.
Or you might want to have more sound channels, no problem, add a Turbo Sound to your spectrum.
Do you need more memory? Add an X-Mem to your CPC and you will have 576k ram+ 512k rom.
And this is just the beginning, many more devices are planned for the next beta.
'Virtual' SD Cards
If you use a DIVMMC or a ZXUno you can have your software on 'virtual' SD cards.
RVMv2 makes life easier for you, internally implements FAT16/32 file systems
You can add files just by dragging them, renaming them, deleting them and all using only the mouse.
Selection of homebrew games
Altair (zx Cpc) Mac Os Catalina
In the ZXUno, or in any ZX with a DIVMMC when you create a sd card you can optionally add a selection of the best Homebrew games. All this thanks to:
How to use the included games?
ZX Spectrum
Amstrad CPC
Supported peripherals
ZX Spectrum
- Magic-AY
- Turbo Sound
- DIVMMC
- Kempston Mouse
Monitor emulation
RVMv2 emulates all video signal generation at low level, virtual machines generate H-Sync V-Sync signals as well as the video signal.
The virtual monitor is responsible for displaying the final image, also emulates the mix of frames that is usually produced in an interlaced signal.
RVMv2 also uses the correct pixel aspect ratio. In the analog world there is nothing exactly square.
Graphic post-processing.
In RVMv2 all video output goes through a shader that runs on your graphics card, so you can (or not, it's your choice) apply effects like 'scanlines', blur, static noise, and even emulation of the monitor's pixel mask.
High quality audio
In RVMv2 the audio is quantified cycle by cycle, then a 192,000Hz signal is generated and sent to the sound card.
As a result, the sound is clean, and the emulation is synchronized with the audio, without jumps and with low latency.
The output of each of the audio channels is configurable directly from the emulator interface.
Gamepads
Do you like to play with the gamepad of your favorite console? No problem, in rvm Joysticks and Gamepads are detected and map automatically just by connecting them.
System Requirements
MacOs
- Any mac that can run MacOs Mavericks 10.9 or later
Microsoft Windows
- Windows Vista+ x86 or x64
- dual core CPU (recommended)
- Any graphics card compatible with OpenGL 2.1
Linux
- dual-core CPU (recommended)
- Any graphics card compatible with OpenGL 2.1
Altair (zx Cpc) Mac Os Pro
Debugger
Are you programming for any of the systems supported in RVMv2? RVMv2 incorporates a powerful integrated debugger with which you will be able to test your program.
You can control the execution of the emulator with the keyboard and mouse.
You also have a powerful terminal from which you can launch a multitude of commands that will make the task easier.
Assembler
RVMv2 Also features a powerful integrated z80 assembler. You can compile your own programs from the debugger terminal.
The assembler uses LUA as 'meta-language'.
The 'Programming Guide with RVMv2 Beta1' will soon be available.
Be warned that the development environment will change a lot in future versions.
Support us
If you like Retro Virtual Machine, please think about supporting us.
You can follow us on Twitter and Youtube... it's free.
If you think it's worth a donation, don't hesitate to support us on Patreon, or donate with Paypal.
Anyway, just for using it Thank you so much!