In this 8-Bit Show And Tell episode, the 1982 Commodore 64 racer LeMans takes center stage. The host sets out to reverse-engineer the game by dumping its ROM. However, Ultimax mode cartridges quickly prove to be tricky customers.
Right away, the Super Snapshot cartridge monitor refuses to cooperate. Instead of giving up, the host tries a new approach—manually dumping the cartridge to disk. This workaround begins a hands-on exploration of how Ultimax mode affects memory and cartridge behavior on the C64.
Cartridge Formats and Memory Mapping
Next, the video breaks down what makes Ultimax mode cartridges so unique. These cartridges use specific memory ranges and behave differently from standard C64 carts. The host references resources like Markus Brenner’s cartridge ID list and Zimmers.net to validate cartridge characteristics.
He explains each step of the dumping process with clarity. The video covers how to locate ROM data, how to capture it using BASIC and monitor routines, and why traditional tools fall short. It’s an excellent breakdown for viewers new to memory mapping or cartridge hacking.
Tools, Tactics, and Success
To handle the cartridge dump, the host uses a combination of tools. These include a monitor cartridge, a custom BASIC program, and the X-Pander 3-slot expander. Each solution is explained clearly. Troubleshooting is part of the process, but it’s handled with skill and patience.
Eventually, the ROM is successfully dumped, saved to disk, and launched from memory. The final moments tease a future episode that will disassemble and analyze the game code line by line.
This video offers more than a tech demo. It’s a practical guide for anyone curious about how Ultimax mode cartridges operate—and how to work around their limitations.
