Welcome to the RetroCade Synth!

Thank you for purchasing the RetroCade Synth! You are probably wondering how to get started with your shiny new hardware. Don't worry, you've found the right place! Follow along and you will be up and running in a few minutes. If you run into any problems along the way head over to the RetroCade forum and we will help you out.

The RetroCade Synth ships out as two separate circuit boards, the Papilio Pro LX9 and the RetroCade MegaWing . To get started you will first have to attach the two boards together and then follow the Quick Start Guide to install the software and load the firmware to the hardware.

Windows Quick Start

Install RetroCade Synth

  1. Download RetroCade Installer
  2. Unzip to a temporary directory of your choice and run the included setup executable.

At this time the ZPUino IDE does not work if there are spaces in the path, the installer will place the ZPUino IDE in the root of your C: drive instead of in Program Files. If you do not want this to happen then choose "Custom" install type and deselect the ZPUino IDE. You will not be able to edit the RetroCade sketch if you deselect this option.

  1. The installer will prompt you to install the RetroCade Device Drivers. Important: To install the Papilio Drivers under Windows 8 follow this Guide.


  1. Windows Security may display a warning message. Choose, "Install this driver software anyway".


  1. The drivers should be successfully installed.


Upgrade Hardware

Upon receiving your RetroCade Synth the first thing you will want to do is install the latest firmware to the hardware to ensure you have all the latest bug fixes and features. The latest firmware is included with the Windows Installer and can be accessed from the Start Menu.

  1. Ensure the RetroCade MegaWing is plugged into the Papilio Pro FPGA board.
  2. Plug the Papilio Pro board into a free USB port using a standard Mini-B USB cable.

The RetroCade Synth does not ship with a Mini-B USB cable, chances are good that you will already have one on hand.

  1. Open your Start Menu and click on the "Upgrade to RetroCade-[Version] Bit File".
  • Windows XP and Windows 7 users will have this entry under "Start\Gadget Factory\RetroCade"


  • Windows 8 users should press the "Windows" button on their computer and type in "Retrocade" to see all RetroCade start menu options.


  1. The Papilio Loader should pop up and write the latest firmware to your hardware.


What's next?

You will want to read the RetroCade User Guide next, in particular the Using the RetroCade Section.

  

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