The Multi-ROM-Builder (MRB) Project Page

Introduction

Welcome to the Multi-ROM Builder (MRB) Project Page! MRB is a utility to create binaries from multiple small binaries for use with ROM switchers, Multi-Carts, or any ROM/EPROM socket that is designed for bank-switching/selection etc where the contents contain multi same-sized "slots" or "banks". It is a GUI-based program written in Microsoft Visual BASIC 6 and is a 32-bit app that should run on any version of Windows upto and including Windows 11. The VB runtimes must be installed and should be pre-installed in most Windows versions.

Features

• Load and Save SET files.
• Creates binaries up to 2MB in size.
• Up to 256 selectable slots.
• Drag-and-Drop files into slots.
• Colour-coded display status for each slot.
• Command for padding an empty slot with a specific fill byte.
• Options for allowing short files or empty slots.
• Cursor up/down to select slots.
• Can set the padding byte value for empty slots and/or short files.
• Recognizes CBM Load Address bytes and automatically removes them (with limitations).
• Hides file path when not being edited for easier identification of filenames.
• Split large files into individual component files.

Operation

Refer to the "mrb.txt" file for detailed instructions.

Edit the Set Description field. Select the desired Target Size and number of slots. The slot size will be calculated and shown. Add files to slots by clicking on the slot numbers on the left or clicking in the filename area then clicking the "Add file..." button. You can also drag-and-drop one or more files to slots. Look at the right side for the status indicator for the slot to ensure that it is the correct size. Arrange slots using the buttons at the bottom. Set options if you want to allow empty slots or short file sizes... they will be padded to fit. Save the set. When everything is done, click the "Built It!" button, and enter a filename. Your binary will be created!

To split a large file, add the file to SLOT 0. Adjust the Target to be the same filesize then set the slot size. Click the "Split" button and it will write out a file for each slot with a numbered extension such as ".000", ".001" etc.

Github

Source code, executable, and doc file available on Github: https://github.com/sjgray/MRB.

Project History

• 2024-05-26: Version 1.0 released on Github.
• 2024-05-27: Initial Webpage.
• 2024-05-27: Add Split function.
• 2024-06-01: Update to V1.2. New 16-bit mode. New repository URL.

Contact

Page Created: May 27/2024. Last updated: Jun 1/2024, 2:45pm EST

Send comments or feedback to Steve Gray(sjgray@rogers.com)