RFC: new FE3 User Guide

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srowe
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RFC: new FE3 User Guide

Post by srowe »

When I got my Final Expansion 3 I was frustrated by how hard it was to find clear documentation about how to use it. Many of the links on the internet were dead and the User Manual I found was useful but incomplete. I've found various other bits of information over time so I've started to write up a User Guide from scratch.

What I've done is only a sample but I'd be interested to hear what others think of what I've done so far. If there are other details people think should be included please let me know.
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FE3 User Guide.zip
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joshuadenmark
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Re: RFC: new FE3 User Guide

Post by joshuadenmark »

Thanks, will grap a copy instantly :D
Kind regards, Peter.
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SkydivinGirl
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Re: RFC: new FE3 User Guide

Post by SkydivinGirl »

I was planning on doing this myself. I'd be happy to collaborate with you on yours instead if you like. I too found the last manual difficult to understand. I'll download yours to see what you have.

Heather
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RobertBe
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Re: RFC: new FE3 User Guide

Post by RobertBe »

A comprehensive user guide would be good for FE3 newbies, like me. :)

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mrr19121970
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Re: RFC: new FE3 User Guide

Post by mrr19121970 »

Thanks, just what we need. It will be good to go more into the loader options and syntax. I really don't get it, or what I tried I couldn't get working (especially when I don't have items in the ROOT).
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Re: RFC: new FE3 User Guide

Post by SkydivinGirl »

I'm going to do a full write-up of the LOADER syntax with examples to make it easier to understand. I'm also going to make the RTC instructions easier. :)

Heather
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srowe
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Re: RFC: new FE3 User Guide

Post by srowe »

I want this to be a collaborative effort, the cart is a fantastic piece of work and just needs some better documentation so that everyone can get the most out of it.
I'll draw up a brief outline of what I plan to include, please chip in with ideas and content. I also think examples, tables etc are needed.
What does everyone think about the dimensions? Is A5 too small?
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srowe
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Re: RFC: new FE3 User Guide

Post by srowe »

Here's my summary of content I want to include:
  • Quick Start
  • Startup Menus - RAM Manager, Disk Loader, Cart Loader
  • Wedge Commands - Storage Device, Memory Block, Miscellaneous
  • Loader Files
  • SD2IEC - Directory Listing, DOS Commands, Subdirectories, Partitions, Real Time Clock, Other
  • Appendix: Updating Firmware
  • Appendix: Programmers Ref - Memory Map, Register Descriptions
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srowe
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Re: RFC: new FE3 User Guide

Post by srowe »

Here's my latest update, I've put placeholders for much of the content and expanded the wedge commands covered.
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FE3 User Guide.zip
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RobertBe
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Re: RFC: new FE3 User Guide

Post by RobertBe »

Thank you. It's getting better and better!

Truly,
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orion70
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Re: RFC: new FE3 User Guide

Post by orion70 »

Thank you for this! I used the Mega-Cart most recently, so lost contact with my FE3 (also because it doesn't fit my Arfon Micro expander). So I need the guide to refresh my memory about FE3's peculiar features. Is this guide suitable for all FE3 revisions? I have an older one.
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srowe
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Re: RFC: new FE3 User Guide

Post by srowe »

orion70 wrote:Is this guide suitable for all FE3 revisions? I have an older one.
That's a good question, I'm not certain of just how many different versions have been produced. I assume that the basic hardware has always been the same, most of the functionality depends on the firmware, either on the FE3 itself or the SD2IEC. My own cart is a rev 10 from Sinchai (dating from 2015) I'd be interested to hear more about other variants that exist.
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Re: RFC: new FE3 User Guide

Post by SkydivinGirl »

I have a Rev 9, Rev 10, and Rev 11. All of them are functionally equivalent and can run the same firmwares. I don't have any of the older Final Expansion devices.

I think the manual should be written to the R022D firmware as I and others have had issues with the R022E firmware.

Heather
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srowe
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Re: RFC: new FE3 User Guide

Post by srowe »

SkydivinGirl wrote:I have a Rev 9, Rev 10, and Rev 11. All of them are functionally equivalent and can run the same firmwares. I don't have any of the older Final Expansion devices.

I think the manual should be written to the R022D firmware as I and others have had issues with the R022E firmware.

Heather
Thanks for the confirmation. My FE3 has R021 so I should probably flash it to the newer version.

Here's the latest instalment of the User Guide.
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highinfidelity
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Re: RFC: new FE3 User Guide

Post by highinfidelity »

It's ironic how basically all of the chapters that most interest me have a ***text here*** placeholder... :|
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