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.

Nowadays there are clones available going by the e.g. Epyx FastLoad Reloaded and alike. This Lemon thread discusses a problem which might arise from the use of replacement parts.

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.

Tech

As usual ripped from epyxfastload.c from the VICE emulator.

    - 8kb ROM, mapped to $8000 in 8k game config (if enabled)
    - last page of the rom is visible in io2

    The Epyx FastLoad cart uses a simple capacitor to toggle the ROM on and off:

    the capacitor is discharged, and 8k game config enabled, by
    - reading ROML
    - reading io1

    if none of that happens the capacitor will charge, and if it is charged
    then the ROM will get disabled.

Binaries

Cartridge_Speeder_all_rr.c64.org.rar contains:

• Epyx FastLoad .bin and converted .crt for three versions
• 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 PCB Files, partslist, etc. by a mirror of sys64738/DDI's page
• Epyx FastLoad Schematics by ALARD EALES ( BitBlaster66 )
• Epyx FastLoad Schematics by a git clone of https://github.com/svenpetersen1965/Epyx-FastLoad

• BetterWorking Fast Load and Save .bin and converted .crt along with the english Manual

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!
Thanks to Pete Rittwage from C64 Preservation Project for the early 'v1' version without the file menu.