Difference between revisions of "Final Expansion"
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== Hardware == | == Hardware == | ||
| − | In addition to | + | In addition to one [[SRAM]] and one [[EEPROM]] memory chip, the [[PCB]] contains an ATmega644/1284 microprocessor for the [[SD2IEC]] functionality, and an ATF1504 [[CPLD]], which controls the hardware of the FE3 in a single chip. |
== Software == | == Software == | ||
| Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
'''[[Cartloader]]:''' This menu point exists to load and execute 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. | '''[[Cartloader]]:''' This menu point exists to load and execute 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 ([[ | + | '''[[FE3 Wedge]]:''' This utility extends the command set of the VIC-20 and implements SJLOAD/SJSAVE ([[JiffyDOS]] compatible load and save). Cause the integrated SD2IEC is also JiffyDOS compatible, it is a benefit also with the diskloader. |
== Reproduction == | == Reproduction == | ||
[[File:FE512_V3_REV8.png|right]] | [[File:FE512_V3_REV8.png|right]] | ||
| − | The schematic of the FE is free available and the firmware is open source. Everyone can build a FE3 | + | The schematic of the FE is free available and the firmware is open source. Everyone can build a FE3 themselves easily. It is possible to build a FE3 on a breadboard or a [[8 Bit Baby]] (see also [http://vc20final.t-winkler.net/index_1.html Final Expansion v1]). |
| − | There are also kits available from Nils at forum64. The WEB Shop is [http://www.for8bits.com/index.php?lang=en& here]. The assembly instructions are [http://www.for8bits.com/vc20fe3r9_assembly.htm here]. | + | There are also kits available from Nils at forum64. The WEB Shop is [http://www.for8bits.com/index.php?lang=en& here]. The assembly instructions are [http://www.for8bits.com/vc20fe3r9_assembly.htm here](link dead 2016-09-05). |
== Weblinks == | == Weblinks == | ||
| − | * [http://t-winkler.net/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=en:fe3:main Documentation] to the Final Expansion | + | * [http://t-winkler.net/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=en:fe3:main Documentation] to the Final Expansion (link dead 2016-09-05) |
| − | * [http://vc20final.t-winkler.net/index_en_old.html Old homepage] of the Final Expansion | + | * [http://vc20final.t-winkler.net/index_en_old.html Old homepage] of the Final Expansion (link dead 2016-09-05) |
* [http://www.sinchai.de/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=77 Available from Retro-Donald] | * [http://www.sinchai.de/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=77 Available from Retro-Donald] | ||
* In Forum64 the FE was developed from a team: [http://www.forum64.de/wbb3/index.php?page=Board&boardID=283 Final Expansion in Forum64] | * In Forum64 the FE was developed from a team: [http://www.forum64.de/wbb3/index.php?page=Board&boardID=283 Final Expansion in Forum64] | ||
Revision as of 08:44, 5 September 2016
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, and
- 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
In addition to one SRAM and one EEPROM memory chip, the PCB contains an ATmega644/1284 microprocessor for the SD2IEC functionality, and an ATF1504 CPLD, which controls the hardware of the FE3 in a single chip.
Software
The firmware of the FE3 is contained within the flash memory. It starts immediately after power on and when the VIC-20 is being reseted.
RAM Configuration: This menu point allows to configure any known memory configuration of the VIC-20.
Diskloader: This menu point exists to load and execute 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 execute 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 (JiffyDOS compatible load and save). Cause the integrated SD2IEC is also JiffyDOS 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 themselves 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(link dead 2016-09-05).
Weblinks
- Documentation to the Final Expansion (link dead 2016-09-05)
- Old homepage of the Final Expansion (link dead 2016-09-05)
- Available from Retro-Donald
- In Forum64 the FE was developed from a team: Final Expansion in Forum64
- See also Vic Flash Plugin
