Sheepshaver (MacOS PPC 9): any coder interested?

I know, it is boring reading about stupid users requesting this and that, but...

I would like to use some of my MacOS powerpc application for OS 9.x on my Sam.
I'm wondering if the AMCC 440 have enough power in order to make Sheepshaver working.

We have Basilisk already working but:
1) not enough speed as it emulate another CPU (68k)
2) it uses veeeeery old MacOS software

Besides Sheepshaver:
1) has not CPU emulation (can use native PPC calls)
2) can make MacOS 9.x "newer" application working

So: there is a coder interested in a OS4 native port?


Sheepshaver homepage
http://gwenole.beauchesne.info//en/projects/sheepshaver

@virgola

I don?t remember the details but it?s not easy to do.
basically Sheepshaver is Basilisk II, but the CPU core emulation is different.

If I remember correct it uses the JIT emulator provided in PowerPC MacROM, the problem is the memory layout emulation, it can not be easily done when the emulation uses a real CPU on AmigaOS.

(MacOS7.0 / 8.0 and 9.0)

That rises another question for me; sorry it's not quite what you're after but does anyone know if FusionPPC works on OS4.1 / SAM?

I have the original just haven't tried it, I used it to play Warlords2 on the 604e PPC

I suppose it only supported up to MacOS 8.1 applications, I think.

bumps your thread at least Virgola

@Slayer

I did try FusionPPC without luck.
It just doesn't start and I get a grim reaper.

But wait: I've just found out that an update on Aminet is available since 2003. Thiw weekend I'l try with that and I'll let you know.

@virgola

I studied a little the sources some years ago and I think it would require memory mapping functions to relocate the first kilobytes of memory (it's used by MacOS) when the sheepshaver task is active. I don't know if it's documented how to do that or if it's possible at all.

I just thought I'd bump this 1.5 year old thread and see if anyone's interested in looking into it again.

You see, we'd get a new host of applications if we could get that one. I know they're not the newest apps, but still we'd get some version of cinema4d, microsoft office, adobe apps (photoshop, premiere), some good games (shadow warrior, silver) and final cut pro 2.0 (for comprehensive video editing) and all that in native speed , as the powerpc is not emulated - not bad imo!

Any thoughts? Any takers? Would a bounty help?

edit:


homepage:
http://sheepshaver.cebix.net/

software for MacOS 7.x-9.x:
http://www.macintoshgarden.org

@Vulture

You can install Basilisk II, I have recently updated to speed up graphics.

At least it runs MacOS up to MacOS8.

@LiveForIt
Yup, I know and thank you for that :) It's just that sheepshaver could add many "modern" apps at native speeds.

@Vulture

and MacOS9 in NOT better than MacOS7.6.1

see the explaination and bench here :

http://main.system7today.com/articles/til/benchmarks.html

@Lio

that's completely beside the point that MacOS9 brings much more "modern" and useful apps with it. That's what this is all about really.

@liveforit

Have you checked the sources of sheepshaver?
I guess someone could donate some money if it's a possible port?

Sounds like a treat, but I'm not going to do it, not at the moment anyhow.

@antique

It's the same source code, See comment 3

At least you need to know some thing about how to store and restore CPU state (all registers),
WHDload does it on classic Amiga 1200/4000, See WHDload SDK documentation for more information.


I'm waiting for the UAE jit CPU emulation it might help speed 680X0 EMU up.

@all

Maybe troels could set up a bounty for this port? Since macos9 can most likely run more apps than 8? And some progs require ppc aswell.

What Antique said

I don't know anything about MacOS9. Give us 10.4/10.5 and I'm interested as a user.

It's more interesting to por MacOnLinux and i suspect that it would be more or less as difficult as Sheepshaver

Hi All,

I'm in with Antique... I'd also be glad to contribute to
a Sheepshaver bounty.

Yes, just being able to run Mac Classic apps is somewhat
less productive then OSX... But then you can run the Mac
emulation while running AmigaOS.

To me, MacOnLinux just turns your Amiga into a Mac...
I've already got Macs. I'd rather turn them into
Amigas!

;)

PJS

@fransexy

I think emulating osx would be dead slow. Since macs are now used to dual/quad 2ghz speeds. But a classic ppc could maybe be ok speedwise. Hopefully.

@pjs
Driving a mustang?

Quote:

Why, yes.... enjoying the hell out of it.

As for OSX, I completely agree... It's a pig running on
a multi-gigahertz, multi-core Macs, so it would just crawl
on any hardware we have or will have.

Besides, setting aside the eye-candy, what did OSX really
do for the Macs? Real multitasking!? We already have
that! ;)

PJS