Atari Lynx FlashCard User manual
Lynx FlashCard
User Manual
Use with board 1 FlashCard with firmware versions 1.xx
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Index
Page 3: Foreword
Page 4: Terms of Use
Page 5: Important: ESD
Important: Use of FlashCard with Lynx I and Lynx II
Important: Miscellaneous
Page 6: Specifications
Page 8: Requirements
Page 9: File Formats
Page 10: Initial Operation
Page 11: Menu System
- FLASH
- 93Cx6
- BAUDRATE
- MODE
- LANGUAGE
- SYSTEM
Page 15: Special Functions
- 20
th
and 25
th
Anniversary Edition
- Board-Variant 1.3d4
Page 16: The Bootloader
Page 18: Inserting and Removing the FlashCard from the Lynx
Page 19: Short Introduction to HTerm
Page 20: Error Messages and Common Problems
Page 21: Don’t Do This - EVER
Page 22: History
Page 24: Credits
Page 25: Links
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Foreword
During a two week leave in February 2007, I got a little bored.
So I decided to make use of my skills in circuit developing, microcontroller programming
and printed circuit board design in order to refresh my attainments.
Luckily, I had some left over Flash-EEPROMs in my hobbyist-box which, for a long time, I
wanted to put to use.
As a Lynx fanatic, I stumbled upon several demo and games on the Internet, but with
burning EEPROMs being rather time consuming, I impulsively made the decision to build a
FlashCard for the Lynx.
With this FlashCard, I want to give a tool to demo and game developers, which hopefully
will help to increase the homebrew-scene around the Lynx, at least a little. I would be very
glad to see some of the projects, even those already started, being completed with the
help of the FlashCard.
After two years of developing this card, I'm looking forward to using my Lynx only for
playing, for quite some time.
Bernd Thomas June 2009
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Terms Of Use
All hints for the correct use of the terminal program refer to HTerm 0.81beta. If you are
working with another version, you have to adjust the settings appropriately.
For HTerm, you have to make the following adjustment from the default setting:
Set “Newline“ to “CR + LF“ (See “Short Introduction to HTerm“ on Page 15 for more
details.)
The handling of the menu and all pop ups of the FlashCard are explained in reference to
the English version.
This manual is only valid for "board 1" FlashCards.
(PCB variants 1.2xx and 1.3xx)
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Important: ESD
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is an unwelcome phenomenon in electronics.
Describing ESD and its effects in detail would go beyond the scope of this manual. There
are other sources referring to this issue; Wikipedia being one of them.
It is very important that you do NOT touch the FlashCard when you are electrostatically
charged.
You should always discharge yourself of any static prior to touching the FlashCard. You
can do this by simply touching anything made of metal.
It is best not to touch the components or contacts of your FlashCard.
Important: Use of FlashCard with Lynx I & Lynx II
The FlashCard has been designed for use with a Lynx II.
You can also use the FlashCard with a Lynx I. However, due to the enclosed cartridge slot
of the Lynx I, there is a danger of damaging the Card by plugging and unplugging it, as
well as by the opening and closing of the cartridge door with the Card inserted.
I do not recommend the use of the FlashCard in an unmodified Lynx 1!
However, if you insist on using the FlashCard with your Lynx I, you should remove the door
permanently, prior to inserting the FlashCard. Note: No documentation will be provided to
assist you in removing the door.
Naturally, every change you make to your Lynx is done at your own risk.
It is always a good idea to think before you position your screwdriver. ;-)
Important: Miscellaneous
Use the Lynx FlashCard at your own risk. The creators of the FlashCard assume no
liability or responsibility due to damage. No warranty is included with this product or the
documentation. The FlashCard is not intended for use in any way that would violate the
law.
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Specifications
For standard FlashCard: (PCB variants V1.2xx)
- 512K Flash ROM
- 128 Byte EEPROM
- 93C46 in 16 Bit Mode, for details see data sheet
- Data interchange by USB as serial connection via terminal program
- LEDs as status indicators and transfer-control
- Button to bring up the menu and confirm entries (“Anykey“)
- Reset button for resetting the microcontroller and USB-connection
Anykey Status LED USB Reset
USB-Transfer LEDs (red=upload, green=download)
Anykey Status LED USB Reset Anykey Status LED USB Reset
USB-Transfer LEDs (red=upload, green=download) USB-Transfer LEDs (red=upload, green=download)
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For enhanced FlashCards: (PCB variants V1.3xx)
- Only at PCB V1.3a4: Additional 8Kb EEPROM (20
th
anniversary demo)
Anykey Status LED USB Reset
USB-Transfer LEDs (red=upload, green=download)
- Only PCB V1.3d4: two 512K FlashRoms (alternate writing of the FlashRoms make it
possible to clear the unused chip in the background. This means almost no wait time
because there is always a clear FlashRom ready to use.)
Anykey Status LED USB Reset
USB-Transfer LEDs (red=upload, green=download)
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Requirements
- Computer with USB port
- available driver for FT232R by FTDI
- Terminal program (8N1, Newline CR + LF)
Driver for FT232R:
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
Terminal program:
I recommend HTerm, for Windows and Linux:
http://www.der-hammer.info/terminal/
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File formats
The following file formats can be accessed by the FlashCard:
- *.bin
- *.lyx
- *.lnx
- *.o
Please note: Firmware 1.0x and 1.1x cannot use *.o files with the FlashCard.
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Initial Operation
Connect the FlashCard to your PC by using the provided USB cable.
Caution! Using a USB-Hub can cause malfunctions and/or connection-terminations.
The operating system should automatically detect the device and install the needed USB
drivers. Should the operating system not be able to find those drivers, you can get them
from the FTDI homepage.
The FlashCard’s factory setting for baudrate is 9600 baud. The FlashCard can use
baudrates up to 115200. To change baudrate, see page 11.
Note - If you update the firmware or reset your FlashCard, it will reset to 9600 baud.
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