COMMODORE 64 - EPYX FASTLOAD CARTRIDGE

A lot of experienced Commodore 1541, SD2iEC, Pi1541 users prefer EPYX FASTLOAD, because of its high compatibility with Commodore hardware and software.

Every moment of your life is valuable, money can't buy time. I am sorry that; this is not a Time Travel Machine, but I hope this will help you to save a few valuable seconds of your life :)

While working with Commodore's original Disk Operating System, Commodore Disk drives (1541, 1571...) or disk drive emulators (SD2iEC, Pi1541...) loading is slow. Epyx Fastload Cartridge increases the loading speed remarkable rate.

Average Loading Speeds Comparison:

Normal C64 Loading: 500 bytes per second

Epyx Fastload (1541): 2500 bytes per second

Epyx Fastload (SD2iEC): 8000 bytes per second

Here is; 180 blocks (45KB) loading video, from SD2iEC, with using Epyx Fastload:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfkIw4P4sD0

EPYX FASTLOAD CARTRIDGE also contains disk utilities and a machine code monitor for Commodore 64.

You can find many more information about EPYX FASTLOAD CARTRIDGE from internet.

If you have a suitable eprom programmer, then making your EPYX FASTLOAD CARTRIDGE is very simple now :)

You can download Binary Eprom Images and user manuals from the bottom of this page.

+5v- connection is for optional power source out for "Pi1541 ZERO" or "SD2iEC". (+5V 450mA)

If you need; You can find "C64 Pi1541 ZERO HAT" (Pi Zero size) PCB from this link.

https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/RASPBERRY_Pi1541_ZERO_HAT_COMMODORE_64_DISC_DRIVE_EMULATOR_1.html

If you need; You can find "C64 SD2iEC COMBO" PCB from this link. (while using SD2iEC COMBO unconnected to expansion port, without kernal-cart function but with EPYX FASTLOAD)

https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/COMMODORE_64_SD2iEC___KERNAL_CART_COMBO.html

If you need Epyx Fast Load with ON/OFF switch, you can find it here:

https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/COMMODORE_64_EPYX_FAST_LOAD_CARTRIDGE_with_ON_OFF_SWITCH_5fe35722.html

Components:

27c64 or 27c128 or 27c256 or 27c512 (DIP28)

DIP28 wide IC socket

74LS07

DIP14 IC socket

100nf CAPACITOR

0.47 μF CAPACITOR

2.7K 1/4 WATT RESISTANCE

RIGHT ANGLE TACTILE BUTTON (For optional RESET)

Many thanks to Mark Payne for making a video of building Epyx Fast Load Cartridge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjBzjDka1vE

+5v- connection is for optional power source out for "Pi1541 ZERO" or "SD2iEC". (+5V 450mA)

If you need; You can find "C64 Pi1541 ZERO HAT" (Pi Zero size) PCB from this link.

https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/RASPBERRY_Pi1541_ZERO_HAT_COMMODORE_64_DISC_DRIVE_EMULATOR_1.html

If you have a programmer capable of testing IC chips, such as the 74LS series, you should remember to test them before soldering. Some chips may be defective. (TL866 Minipro Programmer can test some logic ICs)

In order to protect your electronical devices, always turn off your Commodore computer before connecting or disconnecting the cables or any other device.

Gerber files and component list are subject to change without notice. Before paying for the PCBs, be sure to update your orders!

As you can see I have uploaded many projects and I am still working on new projects. If you have any questions, please look for answers online. Unless I specify explicitly, all my projects are tested and confirmed to work under normal circumstances before being shared. I'm sorry I didn't have enough time to answer all the questions.

Use this PCB at your own risk !

Have fun

Thank you.

C64iSTANBUL