Difference between revisions of "Final Expansion"
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Revision as of 08:49, 18 December 2009
The VIC-20 Final Expansion is a universal memory expansion for VIC-20. The FE is a cartridge for the expansion slot of the VIC-20. The actual version v3.2 has following features:
- Expansion of main memory (SRAM) by 512KB
- A 512KB Flash memory (EEPROM) for the firmware and frequently used programs
- A mass storage device as floppy disk replacement based on a modern SD card (SD2IEC,µIEC) up to 2GB
- A RTC (realtime clock) and a connector for the LCD display extension of the SD2IEC
The Final Expansion can start any known VIC-20 software. Games and programs will be started by a comfortable menu. The FE gives any expected environment for any software and configures memory requirements automatically on startup.
Contents
Hardware
Neben den beiden Speicherbausteinen (SRAM und EEPROM) befindet sich auf der Platine noch ein Atmel Controller ATmega644 und ein Atmel CPLD ATF1504, der die Hardware Logik der FE in nur einem Baustein abbildet.
Software
The firmware of the FE3 is within the flash memory. It starts immediately after power on and after a Reset of the VIC-20.
RAM Configuration: This menu point allows to configure any known memory configuration of the VIC-20.
Diskloader: This menu point exists to load and execue programs on SD card or floppy disk. The diskloader is free configurable by the User and supports any kinds of floppydisk drives and of course the integrated SD2IEC (µIEC).
Cartloader: This menu point exists to load and execue programs directly from flash memory. The flash provides 480KB (from 512KB) userspace. You can fill this userspace with most favourite games and programs. All kind of programs are possible (BASIC, programs, cartridges) to flash into userspace.
FE3 Wedge: This utility extends the command set of the VIC-20 and implements SJLOAD/SJSAVE (Jiffy compatible load and save). Cause the integrated SD2IEC is also Jiffy compatible, it is a benefit also with the diskloader.
Reproduction
The schematic of the FE is free available and the firmware is open source. Everyone can build a FE3 herself easily. It is possible to build a FE3 on a breadboard or a 8 Bit Baby (see also Final Expansion v1).
There are also kits available from Nils at forum64. The WEB Shop is here. The assembly instructions are here.
Weblinks
- Nils WEB Shop
- Homepage of the Final Expansion
- In Forum64 the FE was developed from a team: Final Expansion in Forum64
