Epyx FastLoad

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
• Basic disk editor

Trivia

• There is a hippo on the package back.

Binaries

Media:Cartridge_Speeder_all_rr.c64.org_2010-06.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 at CSdb (in T64 format - very funny)