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Archimedes

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Overview

The Acorn Archimedes family, released in 1987 by Acorn Computers, is among the first home platforms built around ARM processors. These machines ran RISC OS, dominated UK educational markets and offered a fast BBC BASIC environment that made them a favourite for developers and enthusiasts.

REG-Linux identifies Archimedes titles via the archimedes system group so compatible themes can surface the related artwork set.

Technical specifications

  • Manufacturer: Acorn Computers
  • Release year: 1987
  • Hardware type: computer
  • CPU: ARM2 at 8 MHz (Archimedes 300/310/440) and successor models
  • OS: RISC OS 3.x

Supported ROM extensions

mfi, dfi, hfe, mfm, td0, imd, d77, d88, 1dd, cqm, cqi, dsk, ima, img, ufi, 360, ipf, adf, apd, jfd, ads, adm, adl, ssd, bbc, dsd, st, msa, chd, zip, 7z

Quick reference

  • ROM folder: /userdata/roms/archimedes
  • Accepted formats: (list above)
  • Emulators: libretro: mess, MAME, CLK
  • System group: archimedes

BIOS

MAME, libretro-mess and the mes core depend on the official aa310.zip ROM bundle plus archimedes_keyboard.zip. Each archive contains multiple ROM components, and you must verify their MD5 checksums before using them; REG-Linux uses those checksums to detect the files. For CLK, also install the RISC OS 3.11 ROM at bios/Archimedes/ROM311 (MD5: b7e46ab8c832d720942fcd2c8a66c294).

ROMs

Place your Archimedes disk or ROM images inside /userdata/roms/archimedes. Use the software list (archimedes, archimedes_hdd, archimedes_rom) in MAME or libretro-mess for best compatibility and to let the frontend resolve the correct driver automatically.

Emulators

RetroArch

RetroArch boots libretro cores such as mess for Archimedes titles. Open the Quick Menu ([HOTKEY] + south button) to adjust global settings, shaders, overlays, input mapping and other per-core options. REG-Linux exposes system-wide keys such as archimedes.videomode, archimedes.bezel, archimedes.shaderset, archimedes.ratio, archimedes.integerscale, archimedes.hud, archimedes.decoration, archimedes.ai_*, archimedes.runahead, archimedes.video_threaded and more.

RetroArch configuration

ES setting name REG-Linux.conf_key Description => ES option key_value
GRAPHICS API archimedes.gfxbackend Choose the renderer (OpenGL/GLCore/Vulkan).
AUDIO LATENCY archimedes.audio_latency Adjust buffer size in milliseconds.
ALLOW ROTATION archimedes.video_allow_rotate Permit cores to rotate the framebuffer when needed.
CONTROLLER TO LIGHTGUN archimedes.lightgun_map Map controller inputs to lightgun axes.

libretro: mess

The libretro mess core exposes standard keys like archimedes.autosave, archimedes.netplay and archimedes.padtokeyboard plus classic MAME-style options.

ES setting name REG-Linux.conf_key Description => ES option key_value
OVERCLOCK (UNSTABLE) global.mame_cpu_overclock Boost CPU speed (use with caution).
RENDERING RESOLUTION global.mame_altres Increase resolution for clearer output.
SHARE MAME ARTWORK global.sharemameart Share artwork paths with standalone MAME.
CROP ARTWORK global.artworkcrop Crop surrounding decorations to focus on the game.
CUSTOM MAME CONFIG global.customcfg Apply a central mame.ini.
ALT DPAD MODE global.altdpad Adjust D-pad orientation.
SOFTWARE LIST archimedes.softList Pick the appropriate software list.
ARCHIMEDES MODEL archimedes.altmodel Force a specific model (AA310, A3000, AA4401, AA540).
UI KEYS archimedes.enableui Toggle MAME UI bindings at startup.
CUSTOM GAME CONFIG archimedes.pergamecfg Allow per-game menu overrides.

MAME

Standalone MAME also runs Archimedes software using the same BIOS requirements (aa310.zip, archimedes_keyboard.zip). Open the MAME menu with [HOTKEY] + south button or [Tab] to edit controls, video options, software lists and other driver-specific settings.

Standardized features for MAME include archimedes.videomode, archimedes.padtokeyboard, archimedes.bezel, archimedes.bezel_stretch, archimedes.hud and related bezel/tattoo options.

ES setting name REG-Linux.conf_key Description => ES option key_value
VIDEO MODE archimedes.video Choose BGFX or Accel/OpenGL rendering.
BGFX GRAPHICS API archimedes.bgfxbackend Select the BGFX backend when BGFX is enabled.
BGFX VIDEO FILTER archimedes.bgfxshaders Apply a visual shader.
CRT SWITCHRES archimedes.switchres Enable SwitchRes profiles.
ARTWORK CROP archimedes.artworkcrop Crop decorations.
ALT DPAD MODE archimedes.altdpad Tweak D-pad orientation.
CUSTOM MAME CONFIG archimedes.customcfg Use a shared config file.
DATA PLUGIN archimedes.dataplugin Display game history or instructions.

CLK

CLK (Clock Signal) provides a cycle-accurate Archimedes experience with low input latency. It requires the bios/Archimedes/ROM311 file (MD5 b7e46ab8c832d720942fcd2c8a66c294, RISC OS 3.11). Use CLK if you prefer a more modern, low-latency emulator over MAME or RetroArch.

Controls

Default Archimedes controls map to a REG-Linux Retropad:

RetroArch, MAME and CLK all allow per-game or per-core remapping through their respective menus.

Troubleshooting

  • Ensure aa310.zip, archimedes_keyboard.zip and (for CLK) ROM311 are present in your BIOS paths with verified MD5 checksums.
  • Confirm your game images reside in /userdata/roms/archimedes and use a supported extension.
  • Use software lists (archimedes, archimedes_hdd, archimedes_rom) when launching floppy, hard disk or ROM-based titles for best compatibility.
  • Consult the MAME troubleshooting page for system-specific issues