(DIY) SD2iEC & EPYX FAST LOAD CARTRIDGE FOR COMMODORE 64

This is a tested and working project.

This is an Easy DIY project, all components are through hole, marked on the PCB, Easy to solder, Easy to make ;)

SD2iEC (Commodore disk drive emulator) and Epyx Fast Load Cartridge (the most popular "disk fast loader" for Commodore 64). Now they are togetger on one PCB.

Actually, this PCB is a combination of two independent projects, one of them is SD2iEC (Commodore disk drive emulator) and the other is Epyx Fast Load Cartridge. They can be used separately or both together.

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

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 remakable rate.

Average Loading Speeds Comparison:

Normal C64 Loading: 500 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.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epyx_Fast_Load

You can download Epyx Fast Load Cartridge Binary Eprom Image and user manuals from this link.

https://archive.org/download/epyx-fast-load-1984-v-2-roms_202005/Epyx_FastLoad_1984_v2_ROMS.zip

Original SD2iEC is designed by Lars Pontoppidan

With SD2iEC, from an regular SD Card; you can use D64, M2I, PRG, D71, D81 and P00 ... extensions, Commodore 64 floppy disk images and program files.

SD2iEC is easier to use and faster than its competitors. You can use SD Card as a huge capacity floppy or hard disk drive, you are not obligated to mount D64 disk images, you can load and save easly.

You can search and find alot of information about "how to use SD2iEC" in the internet.

SD2iEC Official Site is https://www.sd2iec.de/

SD2iEC firmware download link: https://www.sd2iec.de/nightlies/

(Use firmware ...larsp-m1284p.bin or ...larsp-m644p.bin)

MMC2IEC / SD2IEC - Evolutionen link: http://www.pitsch.de/stuff/mmc2iec/index.htm

 ** Before soldering SD Card Module you should place some isolation tape between PCB and SD card module.

 ** If you already have ATMEGA1284 or ATMEGA644 in TQFP44 package, then you have an option of using this TQFP44 to DIP40 adapter in the place of buying DIP40 package ones. Or you can order TQFP version of this PCB.

** If you want to use SD2iEC unconnected to the C64 expansion port then you need to provide DC +5V power to the (+ -) pins on the PCB.

In order to protect your electronical devices, always turn off your Commodore 64 before connecting or unconnecting any device.

Ps. While transfering data (reading or writing) from SD cards it should not be interrupted like power-off or Reset systems. Otherwise that may damage SD cards.

Gerber files can be changed at any time. Before paying for the PCBs, be sure to update your orders!

Have fun

Thank you.

ATMEGA1284 or ATMEGA644 FUSE SETUP

COMPONENTS:

ATMEGA1284 or ATMEGA644 (DIP40)

27C512 or W27C512 or 27C64 or 27C128 or 27C256 (DIP28)

74LS07 (DIP14)

DIP14 IC SOCKET

DIP28 WIDE IC SOCKET (for eprom)

DIP40 WIDE IC SOCKET (for ATMega)

2x8 pin SD Card Module ( NOT Micro SD module ! ) (will be placed to the bottom side)

RED LED

GREEN LED

2 PCS. 270ohm - 1K 1/4watt RESISTANCE (value changes leds brigtness)

10K 1/4watt RESISTANCE

2.7K 1/4watt RESISTANCE

8 Mhz Passive Quartz Crystal

1N4148 DIODE

2 PCS. 33pf ceramic CAPACITORS

6pin MALE DIN CONNECTOR

6PIN MALE HEADER

1PCS. HEADER JUMPER CAP

4 PCS. RIGHT ANGLE TACTILE BUTTON

6 PCS. 30cm MALE-FEMALE DUPONT CABLE

SD CARD (4GB will be enough)

3 PCS. 2PIN MALE HEADER

2 PCS. 100nF ceramic CAPACITORS

1 PCS. 0.47μF CAPACITOR

You will need a programmer for ATMEGA and EPROM

If your programmer have capability to test IC chips, like 74LS series, then you should not forget to test them before soldering, some chips may have defect. (TL866 Minipro Programmer is able to test some of logic IC)