Final expansion
The VC-20 Final Expansion is a universal memory expansion for the VC-20 . The FE is plugged into the expansion slot of the VC-20. The current version v3.2 offers the following options:
- Expansion of the main memory ( SRAM ) by 512 KB
- A 512 KB flash memory ( EEPROM ) for the firmware and frequently used programs
- A mass storage device as a floppy disk replacement based on an SD card ( SD2IEC ) for up to 2 GB
- A real-time clock and a connection for the LC display extension of the SD2IEC
The Final Expansion can start any known VC-20 software. The games and programs can be started conveniently using the menu. The FE offers the software the required environment and sets it automatically (memory configuration).
hardware
In addition to the two memory modules (SRAM and EEPROM) there is also an Atmel controller ATmega644 and an Atmel CPLD ATF1504 on the board , which represent the hardware logic of the FE in just one module.
software
The firmware of the FE3 is stored in the flash and is available immediately after switching on or after a reset of the VC-20.
RAM configuration: This menu item allows you to set all known memory configurations of the VC-20.
Diskloader : This menu item supports the convenient loading and execution of programs. The disk loader is freely configurable by the user and supports all types of floppy disk drives and of course the integrated SD2IEC.
Cartloader : With this you can comfortably start the programs that are stored in the flash memory. 480 KB (of 512 KB) are freely available in Flash. Everyone can transfer their favorite programs to the flash memory themselves. Any programs (BASIC, programs, cartridges) can be programmed into the flash memory.
FE3 Wedge : This little utility program expands the instruction set of the VC-20 and implements SJLOAD / SJSAVE ( Jiffy -compatible loading and saving). Since the integrated SD2IEC is also Jiffy-compatible, you benefit directly (even in the DiskLoader) from the speed advantage that SJLOAD offers.
Replica
The plans for the FE are freely available and the software is open source. The interface can be easily reproduced for experienced hobbyists and electronics engineers. If you don't want to create a circuit board, you can also build the FE on an 8-bit baby .