TOS Emulator
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SidecarTridge TOS Emulator for Atari ST/E/MegaST/MegaSTE
The SidecarTridge TOS Emulator is a programmable TOS ROM emulator and replacement designed for the Atari ST, STe, and Mega series computers. It allows users to switch between multiple TOS versions and custom ROM images without physically swapping ROM chips.
Overview
The device is based on the SidecarTridge ROM Emulator board and uses a Raspberry RP2350 microcontroller. It connects directly to the Atari ST ROM sockets on the motherboard and fits inside the computer case. USB connectivity allows management of ROM images from a PC (Windows, macOS, or Linux), as the device appears as a mass storage device. Users can also select, manage, and upload new TOS images directly from the GEM desktop.
Features
- ROM Emulation: Uses bit-banged emulation through the Programmable Input Output (PIO) of the RP2350 to replicate the behavior of the original Atari ST ROM chips.
- Multi-TOS Support: Includes 16 MB of flash memory, supporting up to 64 different TOS versions or custom ROM images.
- Custom ROM Compatibility: Compatible with custom ROMs, including open-source TOS replacements such as EmuTOS.
- Software Management: The included SWITCHER.TOS utility runs on the Atari ST and allows users to select, manage, and upload new TOS images directly from the GEM desktop, without the need for an external computer.
- No Case Modifications Required: Installs internally and connects to the ROM sockets; no case modifications or soldering are necessary for supported motherboards.