Denial

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.

Thanks, will grap a copy instantly

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

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

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
June 10-11 Pacific Commodore Expo NW -
http://www.portcommodore.com/pacommex
July 29-30 Commodore Vegas Expo v13 -
http://www.portcommodore.com/commvex

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).

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

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?

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

Here's my latest update, I've put placeholders for much of the content and expanded the wedge commands covered.

Thank you. It's getting better and better!

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
June 10-11 Pacific Commodore Expo NW -
http://www.portcommodore.com/pacommex
July 29-30 Commodore Vegas Expo v13 -
http://www.portcommodore.com/commvex

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.

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.

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

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.

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