----------------------------------------------------------------------- MLD Version 2.19 Multi Graphic Loader for PC-9801/9821 USER'S MANUAL Copyright (c) 1992, 2000, Wahaha Ohgoe (owahaha@tky3.3web.ne.jp) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Introduction ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.1 What is MLD? Image loader for PC-9801/9821. This reads and displays images in unique software house formats used in commercial games, that is, not images whose format is publically available. Features: (1) Single loader supporting multiple image formats. However, you may need to specify some options to select the right image format, which can be difficult to use (^_^;). It's okay, as long as you're fine with it (smile). (2) MLD supports loading images of different formats, but it is not very good at checking images. If you load strange data into MLD, it may run out of control... sometimes. (^_^;) Even if it doesn't crash, it may break the EMS frame buffer or UMB, making it difficult to handle (^_^;). (3) The drawing speed is slow (^_^;). It's slow because it's mostly coded in C. (4) It can save images using general savers (MAG, Q4, etc). Palettes are saved as constant palettes in images. Palette files like .RGB cannot be generated, so the savers are useless if you're not using a constant palette (^_^;). (5) It has a file selector that may or may not be useful. If you don't think you can use it, you can ignore it (^_^;). (6) 256 colors can be displayed by using the extended graphics mode on WAB-S/1000/2000, GA-1024A/1280A(ACCELA), GA-98NB series, and PC-9821. Other boards/machines are not supported (^_^;). ... Etc, etc. (cutting corners a bit here (^_^;)). 1.2 Required machine and OS PC-9801/9821 and compatible machines in normal mode with 16 analog colors/GRCG. Specifically, PC-9801VM or later machines, which require 80186 (V30) or higher CPU. I don't know about EPSON, but I think it can be used with most of them (probably (^_^;)). OS: MS-DOS 3.1 or later is required. Tested by the author on these: - EPSON Pro-330S + Windows 98 Second Edition + Anex86 2.16 - NEC PC-9821Ap3/C9W - NEC PC-9801RX21 + I/O DATA PK-X486S50 (CPU accelerator) - NEC MS-DOS 6.2 - Microsoft Windows 95 (DOS prompt) - MELCO WAB-1000, WAB-2000 (graphics accelerator) - I/O DATA GA-1024A (graphics accelerator) - I/O DATA GA-98NB II (graphics accelerator) - NANAO F557 1.3 Memory requirement It depends on the size of the image data being loaded (^_^;), but it is about 150K-200K. It may use up to 450K at the moment (^_^;). If you want to run a saver, you also need memory for the saver to use. Also, since MLD has an overlay structure, overlay modules may be loaded while MLD is running. If the MLD is placed on a floppy disk, please be careful. If there is more than 64K free space in EMS, EMS will be used to swap out the overlay module. 1.4 Supported image formats Please see 対応画像.TXT. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Preparation ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.1 Installation Copy MLD.EXE to a directory in your PATH. This is the only way to use other functions than the saver launcher and DOS command execution. If you want to use the saver launcher or DOS command execution, set the environment variables described in the next section. When saving images with a saver, it is convenient to have a constant palette used in MAG loader, etc. ... If you don't have a constant palette, you will be in trouble (^_^;). It is best to create a constant palette if possible, but if a constant palette is not found when MLD starts, MLD will create one temporarily. You can also set frequently used MLD options as environment variables to reduce the number of operations. 2.2 Environment variables 2.2.1 COMSPEC Savers and DOS commands are invoked via COMMAND.COM. In this case, the COMMAND.COM specified in COMSPEC is used. This environment variable is set with the SHELL command in CONFIG.SYS as follows: SHELL=A:\COMMAND.COM A:\ /E:1024 /P ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ Change the ~~~~ parts as appropriate to your environment. The first and second indicate the path where COMMAND.COM is located, and the third indicates memory reserved for environment variables. If you are already using a filer etc, it may already be set (^_^;). 2.2.2 MLDSAVER/MLDSAVER256 Set the command line image of the saver launched from MLD. Batch files and COMMAND.COM internal commands (^_^;) can also be specified. For external commands and batch files, it must be in your PATH. Note that MLD cannot write the current palette information to a file and pass it to the saver, so you basically have to use a saver that supports a constant palette. MLDSAVER sets the saver to start in 16 color mode, and MLDSAVER256 to start in 256 color mode. Examples: set MLDSAVER=mag -s$20,0,639,199 -2$0 $f set MLDSAVER=dopisv -s$8y$cx$b -b$0 c:\cg\$f.pi set MLDSAVER256=wmagsv -sw $f set MLDSAVER=*shell* The "*shell*" in the last example indicates that only the command processor (COMMAND.COM) will be invoked. To return to MLD, type exit. Note that "mag -s $f" is assumed if MLDSAVER is not set, and "wmagsv -s $f" is assumed if MLDSAVER256 is not set. The following substitution symbols are available in the command: (1) $f This will be replaced by the name of the image file passed to the saver when MLD launches the saver. The file name is set depending on the image being displayed. (a) alcdat (glo200, glo400, vsp200, vsp400), gpa, wsb, pt1sm, pt1pm, pt1ch1, pt1ch3, pt1nd, pt1pm2, askch4, asksbp, dad, chm, cgabon3, cgaimg, agdcel, twdat, ida, adt, grpa3, xf2, jsprs (part), pac, miarc, grc, agx, crd (part), ppc, pilarc, grd (part), pttdat, ailarc, ailarc2, adp (part) The image file name will be the base file name plus a two-digit index number. The base name is the currently displayed image file name minus the drive letter, directory, and extension. (b) srm (part), gdm, ot If the image fits on two screens, use the base file name + image number (2 digits). If the image does not fit on two screens, use the base file name + image number (2 digits) + screen ID. (It's one letter A, B, ... for each screen.) (c) sksdat, sksdat2, elfdat2, flk, lbxnd, lbxpm2, doa, doa2, nca, maxg (part), fa1, csa, pxl, elfarc, bnd, gigadat, bpdat, nsx, leafpak, sksdat3, elfdat3, pck, dlb, arl, mbsdat, dl1, mio, blcdat, actpak, sgsdat, mclib, mclbx, ear, lib49, dlb49, dat49 Uses the base file name of each file inside the archive. (d) srm (part), gdb, lbd, szh (part), sz2 (part) If the image fits on two screens, use the base file name as is; if it does not fit on two screens, use the base file name + screen ID. (It's one letter A, B, ... for each screen.) (e) gph, gdh, elfdat Use the base file name with a three-digit number appended. (f) Other formats Use the base file name as is. If the image number exceeds the digits available, the first number becomes a letter. If a 2-digit number exceeds 100, then use A0, A1 ... A9, B0, B1, and so on. If a 3-digit number exceeds 1000, then use A00, A01 ... A99, B00, and so on. If the base file name [+ image number] [+ screen ID] exceeds 8 characters, it is shortened to 8 characters by excluding characters 4 to 6. (2) $0, $2, $4, $8, $c Specify these to select different command line parts depending on current the image height as the saver is launched. $2: anything after this is only included for 200px images. $4: anything after this is only included for 400px images. $8: included only when the GRAM of two screens is 640x800. $c: included only when the GRAM is assumed to be 1280x400. $0: always include the part after this (default at start) For example, the command line "mag -s0,0,639,$4399$2199 -2$0 $f" becomes depending on image height: 200px image ---> mag -s0,0,639,199 -2 filename 400px image ---> mag -s0,0,639,399 filename However, since MLD version 2 does not draw in 200-line mode, $2 does not actually work, but is retained for compatibility with version 1. (3) $o, $b This is used to select a command line part depending on the screen buffer where the image is being drawn. Anything after $o is only included if the current image is in buffer 0 (front), and anything after $b is included when in buffer 1 (back). (4) $$ Use this to include a single $ character on the command line. 2.2.3 MLDOPT Describes options that are often specified. This option is interpreted before the command line option. Example: set MLDOPT=-k -c -disp However, the image selection options (see below) will be ignored even if written. Also, switch options such as -c, -c1, and -disp can be disabled by specifying the same option on the command line. The options will be explained below. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. How to use ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.1 Display Let's try to display an image. First, check if MLD supports the image format you want to display. The list of supported software houses and software titles is in "対応画像.TXT". If it's there, you're good (^_^). If the image file extension is a clear match, you can just load it into MLD. But depending on format, conversion may be required. Even if the image format is not listed, it may be possible to display the image if it's from a supported software house. "対応画像.TXT" only lists titles that the author has checked (^_^;). To display an image, run MLD followed file names (including paths): MLD k.pd8 h.pd8 MLD -nk -k *.pr1 MLD -pd8 e07.pd7 Multiple image file names can be specified, and wildcards can be used. 3.2 Selecting the image format MLD can display images in multiple formats. The file name extension is used to identify the format. Therefore, the extension cannot be omitted when specifying the image file name. Depending on the specified extension, the image selection option is set as follows. The image selection options are described later in this section. DAT - dat .PR6 - pr6 .PR7 - pr7 .PA7 - pr7 PD8 - pd8 .CGL - cgl .FN1 - fn1 .LSP - fn1 EFD - efd .LIB - mclib .GP4 - gp4 .GEM - gem HEM - hem .GP - gp .MIG - mig .ASK - askjhv FLK - flk .SKS - sks .E - skse .HGS - hgs BPS - bps .GPP - gpp .ARC - arc .AS6 - as6 RGB - bdrgb .BD1 - bd1 .PPP - ppp .PR1 - pr1 GDD - gdd .GD2 - gd2 .OR2 - or2 .PR2 - pr2 PRS - prs .GPC - gpc .GPA - gpa .WSB - wsb IPF - ipf .GRZ - grz .PR3 - pr3 .GP1 - gp1 PR4 - pr4 .TST - tst .TSZ - tsz .TCZ - tcz BND - bnd .NCA - nca .GF - gf .VRS - vrs MOG - mog .GRP - grp .SGD - sgd .XFL - xfl XF2 - xf2 .PDT - pdt .FIL - srm .DA1 - da1 DAD - dad .ADT - adt .FA1 - fa1 .AS2 - as2 MIO - mio .DL1 - dl1 .VDF - maxg .GDB - gdb GDM - gdm .YCG - ycg .CHM - chm .ECD - ecd MGM - aic .AIC - aic2 .GX1 - gx1 .PLS - pls LBD - lbd .ERG - erg .NAR - nar .HHH - hhh MAD - mad .SZH - szh .SZ2 - sz2 .GRX - grx GKG - gkg .PX - px .PXL - pxl .GSX - gsx GPX - gpx .APX - apx .AGX - agx .GSL - gsl SCG - scg .XLE - xle .PAC - pac .L - fdlami OT - ot .RAL - ral .PLZ - plz .AGF - agf AGG - agg .EDO - edo .GRA - gra .GDH - gdh GPH - gph .PKL - pkl .NI6 - ni6mm .NIB - nib CRP - crp .PP1 - pp1 .PPC - ppc .GRD - grd GLZ - glz .KZN - kzn .KZ - kz .NCG - ncg GTA - gta .VC2 - vc2 .ARL - arl .LGD - lgd MIK - mik .PCK - pckarc .PL4 - pl4 .UG - ug GRC - grc .GSD - gsd .GAD - gsd .GTR - nsx E16 - e16 .CRD - crd .LFG - lfg .PAK - pak GRL - grl .GYP - gyp .DLB - dlb .CL2 - cl2 EAR - ear .ECG - ecg .PCL - pcl .ACH - ach NSX - nsx .OZM - ozm .OZ2 - oz2 .PIC - a98pic LIN - lin .MGF - gf .MRS - mrs .CCG - sz2 MRS - mrs .HGR - hgr .ADP - adp .PSA - psa BGD - bgd .CGX - cgx Any other extension is ignored. 3.3 Different formats with the same extension If there are multiple image formats with the same extension, it is not possible to determine them by the extension alone, so the format must be selected using the option described below. In this case, the file extension specified by "operand" will be ignored and all files will be processed as the format specified by the image selection option. For example, if you run "MLD -pd8 e07.pd7", e07.pd7 will be processed as pd8 format. However, depending on the image, MLD may refer to the image data to determine the format. 3.4 MLD behavior (^_^;) When displaying an image, the palette information is reflected in the MAG constant palette. It is better to create the palette beforehand using MAG loader, but if not, MLD will create it temporarily. Note that if the -lb option is not specified, the image is drawn in buffer 0 (if drawing in both buffers, the order is buffer 0 and then buffer 1). Also, when performing transparent color processing, a different buffer (^_^;) than the buffer being drawn in may be used for the work. MLD exit return code (errorlevel) values: 0 - All specified images were displayed successfully. 1 - The display process was interrupted. 2 - Some images could not be displayed due to unsupported format or insufficient memory. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. MLD Options ----------------------------------------------------------------------- MLD options are divided into "Format Selection Options" that specify the image format and "Control Options" that control MLD operation. Notes for specifying the options: - The optional switch characters are - and /. The switch character can be changed by MS-DOS private function, but MLD does not support it (^_^;). - All numerical values in options should be in decimal format. - Items in [] are optional. - You can't combine options, for example, -k -i can't be -ki. 4.1 Format selection options The format selection option specifies how image files are attempted to be opened. All files specified on the command line will be processed as if they are in the specified format. If more than one format is specified, the one later in the command line will take precedence. In most cases, MLD automatically selects the appropriate format by referring to the filename extension, but for some images, the format selection option must be specified. You also need to specify if the file extension is outside the scope of the MLD check. For example, if a file named cg.pdx is a pd8 image, you can run "MLD -pd8 cg.pdx" to tell MLD that it is in pd8 format. The following table shows how each format selection option corresponds to actual image formats. For details on which images are used by particular games, please refer to the 対応画像.TXT file. -dat : alcdat, sksdat, elfdat, twdat auto-select -alcdat : glo200, glo400, vsp200, vsp400, ags256 auto-select -glo200 : Alice Soft (8-color 200L - Alice's Mansion CD 200L) -glo400 : Alice Soft (16-color 400L - Rance III or before) -vsp200 : Alice Soft (8-color 200L - Little Vampire MS-DOS) -vsp400 : Alice Soft (16-color 400L - Rance III or later) -ags256 : Alice Soft (256-color 400L - Super D.P.S. or later) -ags16 : Alice Soft (vsp400 in 256-color mode) -pr6 : pr6old, pr6new auto-select -pr6old : elf (FOXY) Fairy Tail (Dragoon Armor for ADULT) -pr6new : elf (DE-JA) -pr7 : elf (RAY-GUN, Dragon Knight II) -pd7 : elf (FOXY2) -pd8 : elf (ELLE, Shangri-la or later) Silky's (PREMIUM) -gp4 : elf (METAL EYE or later) Silky's (Ikuikupa-kun or later) Mink (WONPARA Wars) -mignew : Mink (GOKKO) -mig : mignew, gp4 auto-select -cgl : Fournine (LIXUS) -fn1 : Fournine (Neko Manma EX etc) -efd : Fournine (Waku-waku Mahjong Panic! Shikigami Denshou) -lib49 : Fournine (Wild Force etc) Apricot (Nocturnal Illusion) -dlb49 : Fournine (Angel☆Night) -p49 : Fournine (Angel☆Night) -dat49 : Fournine (Waku-waku Mahjong Panic! 2 Kokushi Musou) -askjhv : JHV (Sotsugyou Graduation) NEC Avenue (Tanjou Debut) -flk : JHV (Sotsugyou Graduation) NEC Avenue (Tanjou Debut) -gem : GIGA (V.G.) -hem : GIGA (V.G.) -gp : GIGA (Harlem Blade etc) -gigadat : GIGA (Harlem Blade) -sks : sks48, gp4 auto-select -sks48 : Silky's (48 Night Story only) -skse : pd8, gp4 auto-select -sksdat : Silky's (Kawarazakike no Ichizoku) -hgs : Silky's (Birth Days) -bps : Silky's (Koihime) -sksdat2 : Silky's (Möbius Roid) -sksdat3 : Silky's (Fermion) -gpp : Mink (Bomber Quest) -miarc : Mink (Dangel) -elfdat : elf (Doukyuusei 2) -elfdat2 : elf (Isaku) -elfarc : elf (Kakyuusei) -elfdat3 : elf (YU-NO) -arc : miarc, elfarc auto-select -bdrgb : Birdy Soft (Hole Chaser) -as6 : ORANGE HOUSE (REVIEW) -bd1 : bd1200, bd1400 auto-select -bd1200 : Birdy Soft (200L - Pias) -bd1400 : Birdy Soft (400L - CAL, CAL IIetc) -ppp : Birdy Soft (CAL III) -pr1 : Birdy Soft (JOKER etc) Discovery (MIRAGE etc) -gddnew : ORANGE HOUSE (PLERIA) -gdd : pr1, gddnew auto-select -gd2 : ORANGE HOUSE (Irium) -or2 : ORANGE HOUSE (Urban Soldier) -pr2 : Studio Twin'kle (Kagami -mirror- etc) -twdat : Studio Twin'kle (TWILIGHT) -gta : Studio Twin'kle (Mime) -vc2 : Studio Twin'kle (Wakusei Ω no Q Ouji) -arl : Studio Twin'kle (Wakusei Ω no Q Ouji) -prs : ftprs, jsprs auto-select -ftprs : Fairy Tale System (8-color 200L) -gpc : Fairy Tale System (16-color 400L) -gpa : Fairy Tale System (16-color 400L Anime pattern) -wsb : Fairy Tale System (16-color 400L Anime pattern) -ipf : Fairy Tale (Dousoukai) -grz : Discovery (Chakra) -pr3 : Discovery (MIRAGE 2) -gp1 : Discovery (Valkyrie) -pr4 : Frontier (RONDO) BLACK PACKAGE (Kara no naka no kotori) -bpdat : BLACK PACKAGE (Kara no naka no kotori) -cmyold : Ponytail (Pocky) -cmy : Ponytail (Pocky 2) -tst : Ponytail (Ponyon) -tsz : Ponytail (Tensen nyan nyan etc) -tcz : Ponytail (Mahjong Mu) -bnd : Ponytail (Mahjong Mu) -grp : grphs1, grpa3, gem, gp auto-select -grphs1 : D.O. (Hoshi no Suna) -brn : brn200, brn400 auto-select -brn200 : D.O. (Branmaker 200L only) -brn400 : D.O. (Branmaker 400L only) -gf : D.O. (Hoshi no Suna 2 etc) -doa : D.O. (Moonlight-chan Rin Shan) -doa2 : D.O. (Arquelphos, Crystal Renarl) ZyX (Lightning Warrior Raidy etc) -nca : D.O. (Youjuu Senki) -mog : ZyX (Hercequary) -vrs : D.O. (DOR SE '93 MATE only etc) -ida : ZyX (TRIGGER) -pt1sm : GAINAX (Silent Mobius only) -pt1pm : GAINAX (Princess Maker only) -pt1ch1 : GAINAX (Dennou Gakuen I Version 2.0 only) -gx1 : GAINAX (Dennou Gakuen II Highway Buster!! only) -pt1ch3 : GAINAX (Dennou Gakuen III Top o Nerae! only) -pls : GAINAX (Dennou Gakuen III Top o Nerae! only) -pt1nd : GAINAX (Fushigi no Umi no Nadia only) -pt1pm2 : GAINAX (Princess Maker 2 only) -lbxnd : GAINAX (Fushigi no Umi no Nadia only) -lbxpm2 : GAINAX (Princess Maker 2 only) -askch4 : GAINAX (Dennou Gakuen IV Ape Hunter J only) -asksbp : GAINAX (SUPER Battle Skin Panic only) -sgd : Tenshindo (Martial Age etc) -xfl : Tenshindo (G.R.) -xf2 : Tenshindo (G.R., JINN) -pdt : Bonbee Bon Bon! (Ribbon) Harvest (Sela etc) Aypio (Chuushaki) -pdtnc : Bonbee Bon Bon! (Nooch only) -gdtzx : Bonbee Bon Bon! (ZX only) -pdtnc2 : Bonbee Bon Bon! (Nooch II only) -pdtnc3 : Bonbee Bon Bon! (Nooch III only) -srm : VING (Super Real Mahjong PII & PIII only) -da1 : Himeya Soft (Bacta etc) FOREST (Metal & Lace) C's Ware (Kindan no Ketsuzoku, Eve Burst Error) -dad : Himeya Soft (Bacta) FOREST (Metal & Lace) -adt : C's Ware (XENON) -csa : C's Ware (Amy to Yobanaide) -fa1 : Himeya Soft (Bacta 2) FOREST (Marginal Storys etc) -as2 : Himeya Soft (Bacta 2) FOREST (Marginal Storys etc) -mio : Himeya Soft (Nanaeiyuu Monogatari) -dl1 : Himeya Soft (YES! HG) -maxg : CAT'S PRO. (H.H.G.) -gdb : Custom (CARAT) -gdm : Custom (CARAT) -ycg : Custom (TEEN) -chm : Janis (Anniversary) -jsprs : Janis (Bunny Hunter Zero) -ecd : Janis (Sotsugyou Shashin) -aic : Banpresto (Oh! My Goddess) -aic2 : Banpresto (Slayers!) -lbd : LIBIDO (Shinc) -erg : LIBIDO (LIBIDO 7) -nar : LIBIDO (Naru Mahjong) -hhh : LIBIDO (Onnanoko no Shikumi) -mad : QUEEN SOFT (MAD PARADOX) -selpsr : QUEEN SOFT (Possessioner only) -cgxpsr : QUEEN SOFT (Possessioner only) -cgx : QUEEN SOFT (Melty Marchen) -cgbon1 : Software House Parsley (Bonnou Yobikou only) -cgbon2 : Software House Parsley (Bonnou Yobikou 2 only) -cgabon3 : Software House Parsley (Bonnou Yobikou 3 only) -cgaimg : Software House Parsley (Image only) -agdcel : Software House Parsley (Celery only) -szh : SOGNA (Animahjong V3, VIPER-V6 etc) -sz2 : SOGNA (VIPER-V10) -sgsdat : SOGNA (VIPER-CTR) -grx : ACID PLAN (Charm) -gkg : ACID PLAN (Charm 2) Apple Pie (PRESENT DUO) -px : Agumix (Queen of Duellist etc) Raccoon (PRIVATE SLAVE) -pxmoe : Agumix (Master of Elemental only) -pxl : Agumix (Queen of Duellist Gaiden Alpha) -pch1 : Peach Soft (Hot Print) -gsx : Peach Soft (Hot Print Paradise) -apx : scpapx, gpx auto-select -scpapx : SCOOP (Mahou Shoujo B-ko) -agx : SCOOP (Mahou Shoujo B-ko) -gpx : HOME DATA (Mahjong Clinic Zoukangou) -gsl : HOME DATA (Mahjong Yuuenchi) -scg : Manbou Goya (Adirate) -wmgdt : Wendy Magazine (Pink Sox Mania 3 etc) -grl : Wendy Magazine (Manami no Dokomade Ikuno? 2) -xle : Foresight (Gakuen Senki) -xlepup : Foresight (Gakuen Senki) -fstpac : Foresight (Madou Gakuin R etc) -fdlami : Fairy Dust (Ami ~Kaze Tachinu~ only) -ot : Fairy Dust (Koukan Nikki) -ral : Fairy Dust (RALL III Kakuisei-hen) -plz : Nihon Bussan (Vanilla Syndrome etc) -agf : Active (Quiz Banchou etc) -agg : Active (Sweet Angel etc) -edo : Active (Sakura no Mori) -actpak : Active (Angel Halo) -pak : leafpak, actpak auto-select -gra : JAST (Tenshitachi no Gogo VI, Maririn DX etc) Tiare (Season of the Sakura) -grpa3 : HARD (Hatchake Ayayo-san III) -gph : HARD (Youkoso Cinemahouse e, Hatchake Ayayo-san IV) -gdh : HARD (Hatchake Ayayo-san V) -pkl : DOLLHOUSE (V-ZONE) -pklx : DOLLHOUSE (Kangoku Country Club) -ni6mm : Studio Milk (Marionette Mind) -nib : Studio Milk (Zhuang Yang Jia Yao) -crp : PLANTECH (Ryouki no Ori) -pp1 : PLANTECH (Panic Dolls) -ppc : PLANTECH (Panic Dolls) -grd : PLANTECH (Ryouki no Ori Dai 2 Shou) -glz : Arkham Products (Purple Cat Vol.1 etc) -kzn : Palm Tree Soft (TO★FIVE) -kz : Palm Tree Soft (TO★FIVE) -ncg : PIL (SEEK) -pilarc : PIL (PILcaSEX) -pckts : MABOROSHI WARE (Time Slip Toujankyou) -lgd : May-Be SOFT (Kirisima Sinryousitsu no Gogo) -mik : May-Be SOFT (Kirisima Sinryousitsu no Gogo) -mbsdat : May-Be SOFT (Escape! etc) -palrgb : Analog 16-color palette (RGB) -palgrb : Analog 16-color palette (GRB) -pl4 : PEARL SOFT (Cyber Illusion) -ug : Ucom (Bakuretsu Quiz Tatakae! Mighty Luna) -grc : Persian Soft (Kousoku) -gsd : Persian Soft (Kousoku) -nsx : Gloria (Moratorium) -e16 : Gloria (Moratorium) -crd : Vi・Vi・an (BLACK BIRD) -lfg : Leaf (Sizuku) -leafpak : Leaf (Kizuato) -gyp : SPACE PROJECT (Clone Doll) -pckarc : Melody (Mesuneko Hishoshitsu etc) Fairy Dust (Escalation '95) -dlb : Aypio (SEX etc) -cl2 : Petit (Memories) -pttdat : Petit (The Beast Breeders etc) -utmig : Umitsuki Seisakusho (Rookies) -ear : Umitsuki Seisakusho (LOVE ESCALATOR) -ecg : Umitsuki Seisakusho (LOVE ESCALATOR) -pcl : Umitsuki Seisakusho (LOVE ESCALATOR) -ailarc : AIL (Dual Soul etc) -ailarc2 : AIL (Dual Soul etc) -ach : AIL (Kyouhaku etc) -ach2 : AIL (Kyouhaku etc) -ozm : APPLE PIE (Sei Shoujo Sentai Lakers etc) -oz2 : APPLE PIE (Sei Shoujo Sentai Lakers III) -a98pic : Grocer (Ore wa Shugorei-sama!) -lin : Nikukyuu (Suki!) -mrs : vrs, bmmrs auto-select -bmmrs : Basement (Armist) -hgr : Basement (MISCHIF) -blcdat : Blucky (Rekiai) -psa : Blucky (Rekiai) -adp : GREAT (Wrestle Angels 3 etc) KSS (Wrestle Angels V3) -pac : fstpac, grtpac auto-select -grtpac : GREAT (Foreigner etc) -bgd : BELL-DA (Tsuioku) -mclib : Mischif (MERRY GO ROUND) -mclbx : Mischif (VISITTE) 4.2 Control options Control options are options that specify the behavior of MLD. They can be specified on the command line, in the environment variable MLDOPT, or in the file selector. Order precedence is MLDOPT → command line → file selector, where the later option takes effect. Options are divided into value options and switches, which are interpreted differently. Value options: Specify a numerical value with the option name to specify the behavior. -lv, -fv, -lb, etc. are value options. Value options are interpreted as a replacement of the previously specified value. If -lv40 is specified in MLDOPT, -lv50 on the command line, and -lv0 in the file selector, -lv0 will be in effect and the tone at the end of MLD will be 0%. Switches: Specify the option name by itself to select the switch. -c, -c1 -k, etc. are switches. A switch is interpreted as an inversion of the previously specified option. For example, if the -k option is specified in both MLDOPT and the command line, the -k in MLDOPT will be canceled by the -k in the command line, and key-input will not be waited for. If -k is specified in the file selector, the file will wait for key input. Specifying -k -k twice on the command line also cancels it. The following is a functional description of the control options. Options marked "(S)" are switches, and "(V)" are value options. Options that are not clearly marked are special (^_^;). For details, please refer to each option's description. (1) -ad (S) When displaying images of two or more screens, all screens are displayed once. (2) -c (S) Clears the screen each time an image is displayed. (3) -c1 (S) Clear the screen only once the first time. (4) -disp (S) When displaying an image, display the file name in the upper left corner of the screen. (5) -f (S) Activate the simple file selector, described later in this chapter. (6) -f1 (S) When the -f option is specified and the file selector is invoked, if there is only one file to be displayed, the display process is performed directly without going through the file selector. (7) -fk (S) Even if the -k option is not specified, the program will wait for key input if the image data is invalid. (8) -fv (V) Set the file selector to the specified tone (%) while it is running. If the -fv option is omitted, it will be 50%. (9) -i (S) Do not change the palette when displaying an image. (10) -k (S) Each time an image is displayed, it waits for key input. The keys that are enabled and their functions are described below. (a) c Once the screen is cleared, the previous image will be displayed again, and then the screen will return to waiting for key input. (b) s Launches the saver. After the saver is finished, it returns to waiting for key input. (c) o Switches the image display on and off. After switching, it returns to waiting for key input. (d) v Switches the display screen (buffer 0 <-> buffer 1) and returns to waiting for key input. For images with more than two screens, the display portion of the image will be switched instead of switching buffers. This function is available only in 16-color mode. (e) ^p Activates the palette number checker, which is available only in 16-color mode. The palette number checker refers to the GRAM of the buffer that is currently being drawn, and displays the color scheme of a specific part. When activated, it clears the text VRAM, reduces the palette tone to 50%, and displays the cursor in the upper left corner of the screen. Use the cursor keys to position the cursor in the area where you want to display the color scheme, and press the return key to display the 8 x 16 dot color scheme under the cursor. (f) p If the currently displayed image has more than one palette information, it will switch palettes. If there is only one palette, no action will be taken. (g) ^a Adjusts the image display position. This function is available only when the image is displayed in 256 color mode of WAB-S/1000/2000 or GA-98NB series. When the ^a key is pressed, it immediately enters the image display position adjustment mode. Use the cursor keys to adjust the display position and press the return key to display the value to be specified for the -wabinit option. (h) ESC Stops the image display. (i) Space or return Stops waiting for key input and displays the next image. (j) HELP A brief description of the command waiting for key input will be displayed. (k) Other Ignored, continues waiting for key input. (11) -lb[0|1] (V) Specifies the buffer in which MLD draws in 16-color mode. If omitted, buffer 0 is assumed. (12) -lc (V) The specified palette index is processed as "transparent color". Transparent color processing is a process where the data on the GRAM is left as it is and superimposed on the image without drawing the part of the color of the palette number specified as ransparent color when drawing the image. The number can be from 0 to 255. If -lc- is specified, the transparent color specification is disabled. When the -lc option is omitted, -lc- is assumed. (13) -lv (V) Sets the tone of the palette at the end of MLD to the specified value (%). If the -lv option is omitted, the value is 50%. (14) -nk (S) When the -k option is specified, do not wait for key input if the image data is invalid. (15) -nocheck (S) Do not check the image format. This is effective if only the eye-catchers of the image data are different and the format itself is the same, but if the format itself is different, it may run amok, so be careful (^_^;). Also, it does not work for files in archive format. (16) -r (S) When searching for a file specified on the command line, subdirectories will also be searched. (17) -save (S) Launch the saver each time you view an image. (18) -u (S) During image display, the SHIFT key can be used to interrupt the image display. (19) -wabinitP (V) When using WAB-S/1000/2000 or GA-98NB series for 256-color display, specify the initialization parameters. For details, see Chapter 6. (20) -gainitP (V) When using GA-1024A/1280A (ACCELA) for 256-color display, specify the initialization parameters. For details, see Chapter 6. (21) -disablewab (S) Suppresses the board check of WAB-S/1000/2000 or GA-98NB series and assumes that the board is not mounted. This option is not enabled by changing options with the G command in file selector mode. Be sure to specify it on the command line or with the environment variable MLDOPT. (22) -disablega (S) Suppresses the board check of GA-1024A/1280A and assumes that the board is not mounted. This option is not available when changing options with the G command in file selector mode. Be sure to specify it on the command line or in the MLDOPT environment variable. (23) -c16 (S) When MLD is closed, force a change to 16-color mode. In the case of WAB-S/1000/2000, GA-1024A/1280A, GA-98NB series, even if the last image drawn is 256 colors, MLD will forcibly change to 16-color mode, but in the case of PC-9821, MLD exits in 256-color mode. This option allows the program to exit in 16-color mode. (24) -c16c (S) In addition to the -c16 function, this also clears the screen when MLD exits. (25) -dump (S) This function writes the image data that is in no supported CG format to a file. The file name will be the same as the image data file name with the extension changed to ".DMP". (26) -? Displays a long (^_^;) usage message. This only works if specified alone on the command line. 4.3 File parameters In MLD, parameters for an image file can be passed after the image file name, separated by a comma (,). This is called a file parameter. (1) File name, number [, ...] alcdat, sksdat, sksdat2, elfdat, elfdat2, flk, gpa, wsb, doa, doa2, nca, srm (part), pt1 series, lbx series, dad, maxg (part), gdm, chm, cga series, agd series, szh (part), sz2 (part), twdat, fa1, ida, pxl, askch4, asksbp, ot, adt, grpa3, gph, gdh, xf2, jsprs (part), csa, pac, miarc, grc, agx, elfarc, bnd, gigadat, bpdat, crd (part), ppc, sksdat3, leafpak, elfdat3, pckarc, dlb, pttdat, arl, mbsdat, pilarc, grd (part), ailarc, ailarc2, dl1, mio, blcdat, adp (part), actpak, sgsdat, mclib, mclbx, ear, lib49, dlb49, dat49 Specifies the number of data in the image data to be displayed. Example: MLD ACG.DAT,1,2,3 (Show images 1, 2, 3) MLD BCG.DAT,3-6 (Show images 3-6) MLD CCG.DAT,10- (Show images 10 and on) MLD DCG.DAT,-5 (Show images 1-5) Even if the file name is recorded in the archive, the number is specified (^_^;). (2) File name [, x [, y]] Specifies the display start position for the next data that does not have a display start position in the image data. The position is specified in pixels, but depending on the image, the X direction may be rounded to the nearest 4/8/16 pixels. If you want to give the start position to an image in an archive file, specify the image number followed by the start position in parentheses. In the case of a srm image, this specifies from which part of the image data to be displayed. Image format: gem(8), hem(8), grz, cmy(8), cmyold(8), tst(4), tsz(8), sgd(4), srm(16), bd1(8), bdrgb(8), xfl(8), xf2(8), aic(8), gx1(8), mad(8), cgbon1(8), cgbon2(8),cgabon3(8), cgaimg(8), agdcel(8), szh(8), sz2(8), chm(8), px, pxmoe, cgxpsr(8), selpsr(8), aic2(8), wmgdt(8), xle(8), xlepup(8), fdlami(8), plz(8), gra(8), gpx(8), gta, pckts(8), mik(8), crd(8), edo(8), gyp(8), grd(8), utmig(8), pkl(8), pklx(8), ach(8), ach2(8), ozm(8), oz2(8), lin(8), psa(8), bgd(8), ecg(8), cgl(8), fn1 Example: MLD CHAKURA.GRZ,0,200 MLD -cgabon3 GIRL.CGA,1,2(0,200),3,4(0,200) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. File Selector ----------------------------------------------------------------------- MLD has a simple file selector built in. This file selector is designed to select image files to be displayed from a group of files specified on the MLD command line or in an archive format. Therefore, it does not have functions like directory switching or drive switching that are available in regular filers. The file selector is invoked only when the -f option is specified. The logical maximum number of files that the file selector can handle is 16384, but in practice it runs out of memory after 7000 to 8000 (^_^;). Considering the workbuffer used for image expansion and saver launch, it's best not to use too much memory (^_^;). Also, if the board (WAB-S/1000/2000, GA-1024A/1280A, GA-98NB series) can't display the text screen when 256-color mode is used, it always switches to 16-color mode in the file selector mode. 5.1 File selector screen +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | xxxxxxxx.xxx tttttttt xxxxxxxx.xxx tttttttt xxxxxxxx.xxx tttttttt | | ____________ ________ | | | | | | | +----- (2) | | +---- (1) | | . . . | | . . . | | . . . | | xxxxxxxx.xxx tttttttt xxxxxxxx.xxx tttttttt xxxxxxxx.xxx tttttttt | | MLD Version x.x Page np/ep File nnnn NB(v/a) | | ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~ | | (3) (4) (5) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) File name. The filename to be replaced by the $f substitution symbol when the saver starts. (2) Image format as determined by extension. (3) Number of pages currently displayed and total number of pages. (4) Number of files to be displayed. (5) Current active display buffer (left) and drawing buffer (right). The lines with (3), (4), and (5) are actually reverse displays. The file name and image format that the cursor is positioned on will also be displayed in reverse. Also, while the file selector is running, the palette tone of the graphic will be the tone specified by the -fv option. 5.2 Operation method Only direct key input triggers commands, not function keys (^_^;). Pressing the HELP key will display a brief description of the file selector commands. 5.2.1 Page switching, cursor movement Operation keys: ↑/↓/→/←/PageUp/PageDown The number of files displayed in one page of the file selector is 63. If the number of files exceeds this, you can use the PageUp and PageDown keys to switch pages and display the files. To move the cursor, use the cursor keys (↑, ↓, →, ←). 5.2.2 Marking a file Operation keys: SPACE/HOME The SPACE key allows you to mark the file at the cursor position. The HOME key is used to toggle the marking of all files on and off. The SHIFT + HOME key is used to reverse the marking of all files. 5.2.3 Image display position adjustment Operation key: ^A Activates the image display position adjustment function activated by (^a) of the key input wait command. The operation is the same as that of the key input wait command. 5.2.4 Palette number checker Operation key: ^P Starts the palette number checker invoked by (^p) of the key-input wait command. The operation is the same as that of the key input wait command. 5.2.5 File sorting Operation key: A Sorts and displays the currently displayed files. The sort key is the file name or extension, and you can sort in ascending or descending order. You can also restore the order to the one immediately after starting File Selector. Press the A key, and this prompt appear at the bottom of the screen: sort condition (f:file name e: file extention i:initial): Press f to sort by file name, e to sort by file extension, or i to sort to the initial state. Pressing the ESC key will abort the sort command. If you press the f or e key, this prompt is displayed: sort order (a:ascending d:descending): Press the a key to sort in ascending order, or the d key to sort in descending order; press the ESC key to return to the selection of the key to sort. 5.2.6 Switching between 16 and 256 colors Operation key: B If 256 colors are available, the display will switch from 16 colors to 256 colors; if text cannot be displayed in 256 colors, the display will switch to 256 colors, wait for key input, and then return to 16 colors when the key is pressed. 5.2.7 Clearing the screen Operation key: C This function clears the buffer that is currently the display target (v buffer of NB (v/a)). After clearing, the buffer to be drawn becomes the same as the buffer to be displayed. Also, after clearing, the palette tone will be changed to 0%. 5.2.8 Changing MLD options Operation key: G You can change any of the options except the MLD image selection option. The image format can be changed for each file with the T command. Pressing the G key will open a frameless window above the file list, showing the currently specified options ("now options:") (the default options will not be shown). You will also see this prompt at the bottom of the screen: override options: In the "override options:" field, enter the options you want to change, as you normally would on the command line (e.g. -k -disp -u). Options entered here that are not shown in "now options:" will be set as is, but options that are shown can be undone by re-specifying the options shown in "now options:" with "override options:" so that options defined in the MLDOPT environment variable can be undone with command line options. The options displayed in "now options:" can be undone by specifying them again in "override options:". Press the ESC key to stop changing the options. 5.2.9 Executing DOS commands Operation key: H Lets you execute DOS commands. Since there is not much free memory, large commands may not be possible (^_^;). Press the H key, and this prompt appears: command: If you only want to run it once, enter the command name here. If you do not type anything, but only the return key, COMMAND.COM is launched. When you want to return to MLD, type EXIT. 5.2.10 Renaming a file Operation key: N Rename the file where the cursor is located. This file name will be replaced by the $f substitution symbol in the MLDSAVER environment variable when the saver is invoked. Only 8 characters are used, excluding the extension, but you can change the extension too (^_^;). Press the N key, and this prompt appears: new name: Enter the name here of the file you want to change. However, since we don't perform a detailed syntax check, please do not enter a very strange (^_^;) file name (^_^;). Pressing ESC aborts the renaming. 5.2.11 Image display on/off Operation key: O Toggles the currently displayed image on and off. When off, it changes the palette tone to 0%; when on, it changes the tone to the one specified by the -fv option. 5.2.12 Changing file parameters Operation key: P You can change the parameters given to each image file. The parameters are the starting position of image display and the image number for file selection in an archive. The parameters set by this command will remain valid until the file selector exits. When you press the P key, the following prompt appears. If the mark is not set at all, the parameters set in the file where the cursor is located are displayed at the same time. parameter: Enter the parameters to be set in the file here. Pressing ESC aborts the parameter change. Pressing the Return key only will cancel the previously set parameters and leave them unset. If the "*" mark is set, the same parameters will be set for all marked files. 5.2.13 Image display Operation keys: Return/R/X Displays the file at the cursor position or marked. If the image format is undef, the file will be ignored. The return key displays the file where the cursor is located, regardless of whether it is marked or not. If the file is an archive, a new file selector is launched. Normally, the cursor will not move after the display is finished, but if CAPS LOCK is on, it will move to the next file. The X key also displays the file where the cursor is located, regardless of whether the mark is present or not, but allows you to enter file parameters before starting the display. The file parameters you enter here are temporary settings, and will not change the parameters set by the P command. The R key will display all marked files if the mark is set, or the file at the cursor position if no mark is set. In the case of archived files, no new file selector will be invoked, and the files are displayed continuously. 5.2.14 Launching a saver Operation key: S Launces the saver set in the MLDSAVER environment variable. Here you can enter the file name to be passed to the saver and the screen mode to be used when saving. Press the S key, and this prompt appears: save file name: Enter a file name to replace the $f substitution symbol in MLDSAVER. The file name at the cursor position is already displayed, so if you do not need to correct it, just press the Return key. Press ESC to abort saver launch. Next, if your model supports 256-color mode, you will see this prompt: color mode (1:16 2:256): Here we specify the display color at saver startup: if 1, use MLDSAVER; if 2, use MLDSAVER256. Next, in the case of 16-color mode save or 256-color save on the PC-9821, this prompt is displayed: line mode (4:640x400 8:640x800 c:1280x400): Here we specify the screen mode to use when launching the saver. The screen mode of the image just drawn is displayed. Change it if necessary. Press the ESC key to return to the "save file name:" prompt. This screen mode affects the $4, $8, and $c substitution symbols in MLDSAVER. One more thing, the buffer to be drawn when the saver starts (a in NB (v/a)) affects $b and $o. 5.2.15 Changing the image format Operation key: T Changes the image format at the cursor position or for the marked file. Press the T key to display this prompt: CG type: Here you can enter the image format you want to change. If there is no mark at all, the image format of the file at the cursor position is displayed. Enter the image selection options without - or /. Press ESC to abort the image type change. If the mark is set, the same image format is set for all marked files. 5.2.16 Switching the display buffer Operation key: V Switches the target buffer (v in NB (v/a)) for image display. The buffer to be drawn is not switched. 5.2.17 Switching the drawing buffer Operation key: TAB Switches the buffer to be drawn (a in NB(v/a)). The buffer to be displayed will also be switched at the same time. 5.2.18 Exiting the file selector Key: ESC Exits the file selector. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. 256-color mode ----------------------------------------------------------------------- MLD can show 256 colors using these PC-9821 and graphic accelerators: - PC-9821 extended graphics mode - MELCO WAB-S, WAB-1000, WAB-2000 - I/O DATA GA-1024A/1280A - I/O DATA GA-98NB series If you have WAB-S and GA-1024A mounted on a PC-9821 (^_^;), they are checked and used in the order GA -> WAB -> 9821. If you want to use the 256-color mode of 9821 in this state, specify the -disablewab and -disablega options to suppress the board check of WAB and GA, respectively, to assume that no board is installed. Note that GA-98NB is treated as same as WAB-S/1000/2000. It also supports the 256-color constant palette included in 256set by Aji. It is possible to save without a constant palette, but if you use a lot of tone changes, it is more convenient to create one. Even if the 256-constant palette doesn't exist, MLD will not create a temporary constant palette. 6.1 PC-9821 6.1.1 Initialization method When using the PC-9821 for 256-color display, no special options need to be specified. MLD uses the extended graphics mode in the 640x400 dual screen mode. 6.1.2 Important notes (1) Two screen mode is used, so if you want to save images larger than 640x400, you will need a saver that supports two screen mode (VRAM split mode). (2) In 256-color mode, it is set to 640x400 2-screen mode and does not return to the mode used before MLD is started, even after MLD is terminated. I was troubled a little, but I decided to leave it as it is in the current version (^_^;). However, the horizontal scanning frequency is not changed. (3) If you exit MLD after displaying a 256-color image, it will remain in 256-color mode, but please note that some software may not work properly unless it is switched to 16-color mode. If necessary, use the -c16 option to switch back to 16-color mode when exiting. (4) In the early days of the PC-9821, the VRAMs for 16-color mode and 256-color mode were independent, but in recent machines, they seem to be shared. If it's shared, switching from 256-color to 16-color mode causes 256-color data to be displayed in 16-color mode, and vice versa, resulting in garbage being displayed. 6.2 WAB-S/1000/2000 or GA-98NB series 6.2.1 Initialization method When using WAB-S/1000/2000 or GA-98NB series to display 256 colors, specify the initialization parameters (mode, ph, pv) with the -wabinit option. Only this value should be specified in hexadecimal. These values can be specified for mode: 000 ... 640x480 256 colors Hsync=31.5kHz/Vsync=60Hz 001 ... 640x480 256 colors Hsync=37.9kHz/Vsync=72Hz 002 ... 640x480 256 colors Normal Display Mode Hsync=25.5kHz/Vsync=48.8Hz 003 ... 640x480 256 colors Normal Display Mode Hsync=27.4kHz/Vsync=52.6Hz 004 ... 640x480 256 colors Normal Display Mode Hsync=25.5kHz/Vsync=52.1Hz 010 ... 800x600 256 colors Hsync=37.9kHz/Vsync=60Hz 011 ... 800x600 256 colors Hsync=35.2kHz/Vsync=56Hz 012 ... 800x600 256 colors Hsync=48.1kHz/Vsync=72Hz 020 ... 1024x768 256 colors Hsync=48.3kHz/Vsync=60Hz 021 ... 1024x768 256 colors Hsync=56.0kHz/Vsync=70Hz 022 ... 1024x768 256 colors Hsync=58.0kHz/Vsync=72Hz 200 ... 640x480 16m colors Hsync=31.5kHz/Vsync=60.0Hz 201 ... 640x480 16m colors Hsync=25.7kHz/Vsync=51.4Hz ph and pv are the values displayed at the end of WABTESTx.COM, WT08Mx.COM and WT24Mx.COM (H_pos and V_pos) or the values displayed by MLD's image positioning function. If this option is not specified, the default value is mode=003, ph=5A, pv=EA. Example: -wabinit000,54,EA 6.2.2 Important notes (1) When 256 colors are displayed on WAB-S/1000/2000 or GA-98NB series, initialization is done by MLD, but for some reason, it may not be possible to initialize well (^_^;). In this case, please re-initialize with the display position adjustment program attached to WAB-S/1000/2000 or the initialization program available as free software. If this does not work, please wait patiently.... (the initialization is still unstable (^_^;)). (2) Use the rotary switch for changing the I/O address of the board in the 0 state. (3) Using MLD in a windowed DOS prompt on Windows while using a WAB-S/1000/2000 or GA-98NB series display driver is a sad thing (speaking from experience (^_^;)). It works fine in full screen mode. 6.3 GA-1024A/1280A(ACCELA) 6.3.1 Initialization method When using GA-1024A/1280A (ACCELA) to display 256 colors, specify the initialization parameter (mode) with the -gainit option. Note that the values that can be specified for mode are different from the /m option of GAINIT/GABIOS. 0 : Use the mode initialized by GAINIT/GABIOS 1 : 640x480(60Hz) Ni (same as GAINIT /m=2) 2 : 640x400(56Hz) Ni (same as GAINIT /m=5) 3 : 640x480(72Hz) NiFF (same as GAINIT /m=11) 4 : 640x480(51Hz) NDHD-2 (same as GAINIT /m=14) 5 : 640x480(52Hz) NDHD-2 (same as GAINIT /m=16) If mode=0, MLD does not initialize the mode and uses the mode initialized by GAINIT/GABIOS as it is, but be sure to initialize it in 8-plane mode. If mode=1 to 5 is specified, MLD initializes in 8-plane mode and returns to the original mode when MLD exits. If this option is not specified, the default is mode=2. Example: -gainit1 6.3.2 Important notes (1) If you want to display 256 colors on GA-1024A/1280A, GAINIT/GABIOS must be resident in advance. (2) Using MLD in a windowed DOS prompt on Windows while using the GA-1024A/1280A display driver is a sad thing (speaking from experience (^_^;)). It works fine in full screen mode. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. Additional notes ----------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Basically, the STOP key does not work during MLD operation. If you want to stop continuous drawing without waiting for key input, press and hold the SHIFT key. The same applies during continuous drawing from the file selector. (2) The following image formats don't contain palette information or other information necessary for image expansion. Therefore, MLD has its own information, but in order to select the appropriate information for the image data, it uses the "file name" as a key. Therefore, please do not change the file names of these image data. If you do, the images will not be extracted correctly. Of course, this is only a limitation when displaying the image data in MLD, and you can rename them freely after converting them to other image formats (^_^;). Image formats whose files should not be renamed: srm, pdtnc, gdtzx, pdtnc2, pt1sm, pt1pm, pt1ch1, pt1ch3, pt1nd, pt1pm2, pls, askch4, asksbp, brn, sks48, lbd, erg, cgbon1, cgbon2, cgabon3, cgaimg, twdat, agdcel, pxmoe, cgxpsr, selpsr, fdlami, ni6mm, pckts (3) Some image data contains two or more screens in a single image data. Such data is drawn in both GRAMs of buffer 0 and buffer 1 if it is within two screens, and divided into one screen each if it is three or more screens. If you are using both buffers for drawing, the saver will be activated only once, so you need to use a saver that can save two screens at the same time (^_^;). For formats that draw one screen at a time, the saver will be started multiple times (saving one screen each time). (4) In some cases, the image is displayed, but does not appear on the screen. This may be due to the following reasons: - The image data is meant to clear the screen (^_^;). - All palette information is set to black. Such data may be displayed on top of another image because there is no need to include the palette information. For such data, try displaying it with the -i option of MLD (which does not set the palette). - No palette information. This is also a common pattern in formats used to overlay an image. In this case, you have to display the base image and then overlay it. - The image was not drawn within the 640x400 range being displayed. This may happen with data that uses more than two screens. If you have enabled key input with the -k option or are in file selector mode, try switching the display area by pressing the v key. Also, if the -ad option is specified, the image on all screens will be displayed once in the case of images on two or more screens. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. Programs ----------------------------------------------------------------------- This program is free software... I would like to say (^_^;), but the loader part is not copyrighted or anything (^_^;). It is very suspicious software. However, since the loader part is also recoded, I will claim the copyright as free software (^_^;). The copyright belongs to the author, Ohgoe Wahaha. You are free to use, copy, and redistribute as long as you do not change the copyright notice or archive contents. However, reprinting on BBS is prohibited. The primary distribution is done on the World Wide Web, so please use it if you can use the WWW. The URL is: http://www3.tky.3web.ne.jp/~owahaha/ The author is not obliged to compensate for any damage caused by using this program, nor to correct any flaws in the program (the author will try, but may toss it (^_^;)). Also, it goes without saying that the copyright of images displayed by MLD belongs to the software house that created the image data. Therefore, please keep the images displayed by MLD (including those converted to other image formats) for your personal use only. This program is compiled and assembled with Borland C++ Version 5.0J and Borland Turbo Assembler Version 5.0J(4.1J). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. Acknowledgements ----------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) In making this program, I would like to thank the members of the NIFTY-Serve patio "Professor's Room" (as it is called) for their various advice, bug reports, image format information, and sources (^_^;). (2) The options of MLD are MAG.EXE (by Sam), and the document format is based on documentation of various (^_^;) free software, using the text formatter XTR (by Ναδα), the macro for XTR REPORT.XTR (modified by K.Ken (^_^;)), and TBL.EXE (by Akira Iwamoto) to format and output the data. (3) For the initialization part of WAB-S/1000/2000, I used Mr. Bakkasu's analysis document as a reference. (4) For the initialization and drawing part of GA-1024A/1280A, I used the library provided by I/O DATA as a reference. (5) When using the extended graphics mode of the PC-9821, I referred to the documents published by Takeshi Konno and Aji. (6) I learned how to initialize GA-98NB series from Mr. Misuradea. My gratitude to all of the above. Thank you very much. owahaha@tky3.3web.ne.jp Ohgoe Wahaha