Epyx FastLoad
 Epyx FastLoad Screenshot | |
| Technical Info | |
|---|---|
| ROM | 8/16 kbyte (C64/C128) |
| RAM | None |
| Manual | PDF: Epyx FastLoad Manual Epyx FastLoad Manual Project64.txt |
| CRT ID | 10 |
FastLoad(tm) by Epyx was released in 1984 and quickly became very popular in the USA. It supplies all basic functions and speed ups a user _really_ requires and is said to be quite compatible towards original software. Makes us wonder why there are several documentations found on adding an ON/OFF switch to the cartridge. Especially since there is a software option to disable the cartridge. FastLoad was designed by Scott Nelson who also did the Vorpal utility kit, loading and protection system for Epyx. A C128 version of the Epyx FastLoad is also available. www.retroport.de notes over 650.000 sold units without a source though. Would be interesting to know the origin of that number.
Functionality
- Fast serial I/O (1541 floppy disk drives)
- DOS wedge
- Monitor
- Disk and file copy
- Basic disk editor
Trivia
Binaries
Cartridge_Speeder_all_rr.c64.org.rar contains:
- Epyx FastLoad .bin and converted .crt
- Epyx FastLoad Charger Hack, Express Hack and Jet Load Hack .bin and converted .crt
- PDF: Epyx FastLoad Manual
- Epyx FastLoad Manual Project64.txt
- Epyx FastLoad ON/OFF switch howto by The Transactor April 1987
- Epyx FastLoad ON/OFF switch howto by Commodore Magazine Januar 1988
- Epyx FastLoad Dumper by Markus Brenner
- High resolution pictures of the Epyx FastLoad board
- Epyx FastLoad Schematics by ALARD EALES ( BitBlaster66 )
Weblinks
- Epyx FastLoad at english wikipedia
- Epyx FastLoad (ripoff?) at CSdb (in T64 format - very funny)
- Multi Easy by Lord Crass at CSDb contain an Easyflash3 version of Epyx FastLoad
- retrohackers.com has a thread and the original schematics archive
Thanks to Alard Eales (BitBlaster66) for the schematics!
