UKRetrogamer

How do I dump my card, bearing in mind there are 2 different formats on it (SDX and FAT32)? I partitioned and formatted the card with SDX's FDISK, then removed the card and formatted it FAT32 under Windows 7. I dropped a folder containing a mix of Atari .COM and .EXE files onto the FAT32 partition and flicked the switch. I get the loader but nothing is listed. If I flick the switch back to SDX mode, I can boot the Atari from SDX and I have access to all the SpartaDOS partitions I originally created and formatted. It's just the FAT32 partition I can't access. I can still see the folder and files from W7 but the SIDE loader can't. It's definitely formatted FAT32 and NOT NTFS. I just wondered as the switch is visible through the closed case but inaccessible unless I drill a hole or remove the board from the case but thanks for answering my question.

Heh. I managed to get SDX working no problems. I'm struggling with the SIDE loader though. I either get a corrupt or EMPTY directory. It's as if the files I placed aren't seen by the loader. Excellent device but needs documentation. (Hint, hint)

Just a quick question. What does SW3 do? It's not fitted in the photos linked in this thread but is present on the cartridge although it's inaccessible due to the casing.

On the plus side, with the working iFlash CF card, I've found the SIDE works in all of the 8-bit Ataris I've tested it in so far, including a rather temperamental 800XE which won't normally load anything above standard SIO speeds. So far I've confirmed it working in my 800XL (The ONLY ONE the MyIDE+Flash will work with), a 65XE, 130XE and the 800XE. With the cross-system reliability (sadly missing from my MyIDE+Flash cartridge) and the RTC, I think we're onto a winner!

I've since nipped out to Maplin and bought an "iFlash" 512MB CF card and this seems to work okay. It seems odd a Lexar 1GB card wouldn't though. Now, need to figure out how to use the SIDE menu? I found it by flicking the switch, but I've no idea how to put things onto the card which can be selected from the menu.

It might be a good idea to put together a CF-Card compatibility list too. I've tried mine with a 64MB Transcend card and a 1GB Lexar card. Neither work. Both cards work fine in other retro solid-state devices. (The 64MB Transcend card was borrowed from my working ZX Spectrum divIDE interface) The Transcend card is listed by SIDE as incompatible media and although the Lexar is seen, it won't FDISK properly. I have an Atarimax MyIDE+Flash with SPARTADOS X 4 programmed into the 1MB flash cart and this works fine on the same Atari 800XL. The MyIDE+Flash uses a Transcend 256MB FlashIDE module as it's fitted with a 40-pin IDE connector. I too have noticed the SIDE won't initialise on a stock 800XL. I presume this also means there's no chance of it working in an 800 or a 65XE either? Luckily, I have one of the excellent 320XL expansions.

I take it this means all carts are built and ready to be despatched? eBay Auction -- Item Number: 280746047026

Things have gone quiet here just lately. How are things progressing? Is there an expected time-frame for when the first batch will go out to end users?

Is it possible to get two of these cables shipped to the UK?

My unit arrived today. Plugged it into my unexpanded, 16K PAL 600XL and immediately loaded up the Numen demo from an SDrive Nuxx. It works like a charm, requiring no configuration. Fantastic Work, ctirad.

Apparently, I bought The last pre-made device a couple of weeks ago. If you're handy with a soldering iron and can lay your hands on a SIO port, AFAIK some kits are still available.

I for one, can't wait!

Hi ctirad I've pm'd you as I'd like to buy one of the remaining cased 320XLs. Regards Mark

If it doesn't add too much work, I'd add or keep the keyboard controls. I've always found keyboard control more responsive for platformers. Especially pixel-perfect ones like Matthew Smith's classics. I'm only up the road in Bolton, so if you ever need a Beta tester...

Yeah. Me too. I have this on cartridge for the Atari 8-bit, Atari 7800 and Commodore Vic-20. One of my all-time favourites. Also why I was surprised to find 3 versions for the A8.

Hmm. It would appear there are at least 3 different A8 versions. I also own a Broderbund cartridge with rainbow-effect intro logo. Then there's the more common monochrome criss-cross logo version. And finally, the Red and White striped logo of the 1988 Atari XE version. Image attached, showing the three version I'm currently aware of.

I had the same problem upgrading to v2.5. In the end, I worked out I'd not renamed the .bin file and had just downloaded it straight onto the card, leaving the original name intact. I'd need to check but the file name of the firmware needs to be something like sio2sd.bin. The upgrade process looks specifically for a .bin file with this name. If you've done the same as I did, you'll need to rename the file before the existing firmware will know it's there!

Roger, I've PM'd you regarding my outstanding MicroSD Pack/DVD/Phoenix IDE orders. Please respond via PM as soon as you get the opportunity. Regards Mark

Please add me to your pre-order list. I'll take one.

Thanks. I'll download and give them a try.

Sysinfo?? What's that? (or Where's that?)

Having recently picked up a 130XE from eBay, how can I tell if the machine has 128K? The RAM test passes but doesn't indicate how much RAM is being tested. PRINT FRE(0) from BASIC results in roughly 32k (or thereabouts). Is there a simple program or test to poll all the banks in turn and show the results? Perhaps a simpler way of telling it has 128K?