COMMODORE 64 - EPYX FASTLOAD CARTRIDGE

A lot of experienced Commodore 1541, SD2iEC, Pi1541 users prefer EPYX FASTLOAD, because of its high compatibility with Commodore hardware and software.

Every moment of your life is valuable, money can't buy time. I am sorry that; this is not a Time Travel Machine, but I hope this will help you to save a few valuable seconds of your life :)

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 remarkable rate.

Average Loading Speeds Comparison:

Normal C64 Loading: 500 bytes per second

Epyx Fastload (1541): 2500 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.

You can find many more information about EPYX FASTLOAD CARTRIDGE from internet.

If you have a suitable eprom programmer, then making your EPYX FASTLOAD CARTRIDGE is very simple now :)

You can download 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

+5v- connection is for optional power source out for "Pi1541 ZERO" or "SD2iEC". (+5V 450mA)

If you need; You can find "C64 Pi1541 ZERO HAT" (Pi Zero size) PCB from this link.

https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/RASPBERRY_Pi1541_ZERO_HAT_COMMODORE_64_DISC_DRIVE_EMULATOR_1.html

If you need; You can find "C64 SD2iEC COMBO" PCB from this link. (while using SD2iEC COMBO unconnected to expansion port, without kernal-cart function but with EPYX FASTLOAD)

https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/COMMODORE_64_SD2iEC___KERNAL_CART_COMBO.html

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

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

Have fun

Thank you.

Components:

27c64 or 27c128 or 27c256 or 27c512 (DIP28)

DIP28 wide IC socket

74LS07

DIP14 IC socket

100nf CAPACITOR

0.47 μF CAPACITOR

2.7K 1/4 WATT RESISTANCE

RIGHT ANGLE TACTILE BUTTON (For optional RESET)

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)

Many thanks to Mark Payne for making a video of building Epyx Fast Load Cartridge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjBzjDka1vE