Epyx FastLoad

Epyx FastLoad Screenshot
Technical Info
ROM	8/16 kbyte (C64/C128)
RAM	None
Hardware features	1 Button Reset
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

• There is a hippo on the package back.

Binaries

Cartridge_Speeder_all_rr.c64.org.rar contains:

• Epyx FastLoad .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

Weblinks

• Epyx FastLoad at english wikipedia
• Epyx FastLoad (ripoff?) at CSdb (in T64 format - very funny)