RCA Studio 2 Emulator Instructions

Last updated 17th September 2000
Written by Paul Robson (autismuk@classicgaming.com)

Changes

Status

This emulator is freeware.

Emulator Requirements

The Assembly Debugging emulator is written using the 32 bit DOS extender WDOSX, so should run fine on any computer which will run that - MSDOS or compatible, Windows 3, Windows 95, Windows 98 all work happily. It needs an ADLIB compatible card at $0388 (normal) for the sound to work. This program does not work (apparently) under Windows versions greater than 98, or NT. This one is best used for development, and is not planned to be improved any more.

The DOS non debugging emulators are written in Turbo C v2.01 from Borland ; there are two of them, one uses 320x200 graphics mode, the other uses 80 x 25 text mode. This compiler is available from Borland in their "Historical Archive"

There is also a 16 Bit Windows port using the same code for those of you who are Windows fans. It is quite a small file (see, Windows programs don't have to be 4Mb in size !). It was compiled using Borland C++ v4.5, but is a standard 16 bit Windows Application. This compiler has been put on several cover CDs.

To run either, just unzip them and type STEM, STEMT or WINSTEM. The banner will be displayed, then nothing will happen, except you will see a blank screen. This is absolutely normal for the RCA Studio 2. No other files are required, except the ones in the archive.

To load .ST2 format cartridges (like the new games Invaders and Hockey), you can do this from the command line (e.g. STEM INVADERS.ST2). If you are running the Windows version you can do it via file association of type .ST2 with WINSTEM.EXE, you can use the Open dialog on the File menu, or you can drag and drop a cartridge file onto the game window.

Keys

Emulator Keys

Key Function
F1 Reset the Studio 2 : the equivalent of pressing "CLEAR"
ESC Return to MSDOS
F10 Enter the Debugger

Player Keys

The keys on a real Studio 2 are orientated as follows :-
 
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
 
0

On the PC keyboard, use the following keys :-
 
Studio 2 Key
Player 1: Left Keypad A
Player 2 : Right Keypad B
0
X
Numeric 0
1
1
Numeric 7
2
2
Numeric 8
3
3
Numeric 9
4
Q
Numeric 4
5
W
Numeric 5
6
E
Numeric 6
7
A
Numeric 1
8
S
Numeric 2
9
D
Numeric 3

Games

There are five games built into the machine : Doodle, Patterns, Bowling, Freeway and Addition.
 
At present there are none of the original Studio 2 cartridges available. I just had a stand alone machine. If you are willing to loan me any cartridges so I can dump them on my hardware. If you want to know how to dump them yourself, please see the technical information file (included) for a non destructive method of dumping Studio 2 ROM Cartridges by modifying the Studio 2 , OR by the proposed method of cartridge dumping, then let me have a copy for this site please. 

Built in Games

Very brief instructions on how to play the built in games. Instructions on other games are included in the ZIP file. Scans of the originals, taken from Richard Smedley's site (with his permission) are available at the home page.

Doodle

Press 1 on Keyboard A to start. A white dot appears. Move it by pressing 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9 on keyboard B. Press key 5 to repeat the doodle. Key 0 puts it in "erase" mode.

Patterns

Press 2 on Keyboard A to start. Form a simple design as for "Doodle". Press 0 on Keyboard B to make the pattern repeat. Start again by pressing Key 0.

Bowling

Press 3 on Keyboard A to start. Players take it in turns. Use 2 to hook up, 5 for straight, 8 for hook down. Plays up to 10 frames.

Freeway

Press 4 on Keyboard A to start. Press 0 on Keypad B to start. Control car using 2,4,6,8 on the right keypad. Score given after 2 minutes. For a "hard" game, start with Key 0 on Keypad A

Addition

Press 5 on Keyboard A to start. Add up the digits in the middle and press the appropriate key. The quicker you are the more points you get. Game lasts for 20 numbers.

Thanks to

The RCA Studio II Home Page