Cartridge Dumping

This is a basic tutorial on cartridge dumping using the INLretro Dumper-Programmer by Infinite NES Lives.

As each cartridge dumper is different, this isn't a definitive tutorial by any means, but you may be able to adapt this information for your own dumper, and I will certainly add new sections to this document as I acquire new dumpers. Since most cartridge dumpers use a Command Line Interface (CLI), I will assume the reader has a working knowledge of the command prompt/terminal.

Dumping with the INLretro Dumper-Programmer

Installing the Software

1. Download the source code from the INL-retro-progdump GitLab repository by using the download button at the top of the page. Once it is done downloading, extract the archive and open the "INL-retro-progdump-master" folder.

2. If you're using Windows, plug the INLretro into a USB port and head to the "WindowsDriverPackage" folder. Run the program labelled "InstallDriver.exe" to install the required driver. Once finished, go back to the "INL-retro-progdump-master" folder.

   If you're using Linux or macOS, you'll need to compile the inlretro executable. Open a terminal from the "INL-retro-progdump-master/host" directory and run make. After a few moments, the inlretro executable should appear.

Dumping the Cartridge

1. With the INLretro unplugged, plug the cartridge into the "SNES/SFC Cartridge" slot, being sure that the cartridge is facing the correct way, with the label facing fowards. Plug the INLretro into your computer via USB.

2. Open a terminal from the "INL-retro-progdump-master/host" directory.

3. Run the following command:

   ./inlretro -s ./scripts/inlretro2.lua -c SNES -z 8 -d "./J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings - Volume 1.sfc"

   If the command ran successfully, you should now have a file called "J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings - Volume 1.sfc" in the "INL-retro-progdump-master/host" folder. A breakdown of the command:

   ./inlretro The filepath of the INLretro software executable.

   -s ./scripts/inlretro2.lua Use the "inlretro2.lua" script for dumping the cartridge.

   -c SNES The cartridge is a SNES cartridge.

   -z 8 The size of the ROM is 8 megabits (1 megabyte).

   -d "./J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings - Volume 1.sfc" The filepath of the ROM to be dumped.

4. Verify the CRC32 or SHA-1 file hashes match what is in the "ROM Info" table provided in the main "README.md" of this project. Most SNES emulators, such as Snes9x, will have a way to view the ROM information and should show either or both hashes. If the hash matches, congratulations on a successful dump! If it doesn't match, try cleaning the cartridge edge connector with isopropyl alcohol (as high a percentage as you can buy) and q-tips. Do not blow on the cartridge, as that will only lead to further corrosion. Once cleaned and dried, try steps 1-4 again.