Jean-François DEL NERO (who’s behind the HxC SD Floppy Emulator) recently has released a version of the HxC emulator firmware that is compatible with the STM32 chip used in the Gotek floppy emulators.
This means that the great functionality of the HxC SD emulator is now available on cheaper and more widely available hardware.
The bootloader to convert the Gotek floppy drive in HxC compatible must be purchased on the website HXC 2001 by sending an email to Jean-François DEL NERO. The price of the bootloader is one-off 10 Euro per Gotek that you want to update. Future updates of the software are free and can be made from a USB stick
The HXC Usb (Gotek) firmware supports: 
+ many more….
USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware v3.8.1.2a -> v5.0.0.7a cumulative changelog:
- Another internal interrupts priorities fix : Fix possible read issues with some usb sticks brand/models with HD disk images. (v5.x.x.x regression fix)
- Fix internal interrupts priorities.
- Some optimizations. (OLED I2C Layer, head step irq).
- A new series of Goteks based on the new AT32F435 is now available (PCB “SFRKC30.AT4.35″). This MCU is more powerful than the previous AT32F415 MCU. The AT32F435 has 384KB of RAM ! (This was 32KB for the AT32F415 and 64KB for the STM32F105) The AT32F435 can run at 288MHz ! (This was 150MHz for the AT32F415 and 72MHz for the STM32F105) This hardware revision removes the 32KB memory size challenge introduced by the “SARS-CoV-2″ Goteks (based on the AT32F415). This is definitively more reliable because file system cache can be properly implemented to deal with the USB stick latency. I strongly recommend this new AT32F435 Goteks hardware revision. Regarding the HxC firmware the new v5 version is now compatible with this new core. It still compatible with the STM32 and AT32F415 Goteks.
- Others changes:Artery AT32F415 Gotek now runs at 144MHz ! (the v3 & v4 run this core at 72MHz) Many changes and some fixes in the low level layers.
- The bootloader was updated too and finally gain the OLED screen support.
- The offline firmware installation (activation at hxc2001.com) now supports this new core.
- The online serial installation doesn’t support yet this core. But this will be done next week.
- Fix erroneous “No file image found !” message issue when a dirty CFG file is used on another USB stick.
- QFN32/SFRKC30.AT2 Gotek : Fix v4.2.10.10 regression : init crash due to a race condition.
- QFN32/SFRKC30.AT2 Gotek : Fix possible 7 segments screen issues. Fix possible bus gating issues.
- QFN32/SFRKC30.AT2 Gotek : Low level IO routines optimized : Faster floppy signals update.(Fix possible issues on accelerated Amiga and fast machines)
- By default don’t enable the swap file on MCU with more than 32KB of RAM. Embedded menu added to disable/enable the swap file.
- USB stick reset improved, Check USB stick block size and reject incompatible USB sticks (Fix hardfault crash). Fix possible hardfault crash if the USB stick is removed during the mount process. Bootloader : QFN32 Gotek – Fix possible unwanted update mode selection if the floppy bus is forced in low state at power up.
- Important bug fix in the write support : Fix possible Gotek crash when writing to a high density HFE image. Update strongly recommended to all v4.x.x.x firmwares users (v3.x.x.x firmwares not affected by this issue).
- Fix alternate rotary port support on Artery Gotek with 48 pins AT32.
- AT32 SFR1M44-DU26, SFR720-DU26 (SFRC2D.B Gotek PCB) support added !
- SFRKC30.AT2 PCB Gotek (QFN32 AT32 MCU) support added !
- SFRKC30AT3 PCB Gotek (TQFP48 AT32 MCU + New rotary port) support added !
- Init layer enhanced to support all Gotek variants in a better way.
- Low level layer enhanced to support all Gotek variants in a better way.
- More STM32 and AT32 MCU models supported !
- Amiga and Atari ST File selector updated to support the new v4.x.x.x firmwares series.
- Sound fixed on Artery Goteks.
- New “SWAPMEM.BIN” swap file system implemented to deal with the low RAM memory ARTERY Goteks : Better HFE format and long write operations support (Amiga, E-mu Emulator, Arburg…)
- Bug Fixes !
- Raw *.IMG PC Files : Fix the 40 tracks double sided images support.
- Build-in USB stick init / format function (custom firmware) : If the the 7 segments screen embedded menu is disabled, the format mode can be enabled by the user by just pressing both buttons with no USB stick connected.
- The eject/insert feature can now be disabled on the custom firmware page.
This is only a little part of the changelog. The original one is very long and you can read it here. (instruction manual here)
The HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware Customization page: https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/
Download: USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware (631)
source: hxc2001.com
Jean-François DEL NERO (who’s behind the HxC SD Floppy Emulator) recently has released a version of the HxC emulator firmware that is compatible with the STM32 chip used in the Gotek floppy emulators.
This means that the great functionality of the HxC SD emulator is now available on cheaper and more widely available hardware.
The bootloader to convert the Gotek floppy drive in HxC compatible must be purchased on the website HXC 2001 by sending an email to Jean-François DEL NERO. The price of the bootloader is one-off 10 Euro per Gotek that you want to update. Future updates of the software are free and can be made from a USB stick
The HXC Usb (Gotek) firmware supports: + many more….
USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware v3.4.16.4a -> v3.8.1.2a cumulative changelog:
- Build-in USB stick init / format function :
- The USB stick can now be formatted/initialized for the “Image-less mode” by the firmware.
- Remove the USB stick, press both buttons to enter the embedded menu and select the sub menu to activate the format mode :
- - 7 digits display “d” menu entry -> Should display “For”
- - OLED display “Format USB Key” menu entry.
- Then insert the USB stick you want to format.
- WARNING : Formatting will erase all data on the USB stick !
- The default built-in image is an HD 1.44MB Floppy disk, but you
- can select another built-in image on the firmware customization
- SFRKC30 / SFR1M44-U100LQD Gotek support enhanced :
- The new rotary port is now supported.
- New explicit U100LQD OLED configuration.
- (Specific binaries for this new Gotek are now provided in the “New_U100LQD_Gotek” folder)
- The detected hardware model can now be read in the embedded menu
- (Sub menu ‘F’ for the 7 digits Gotek and in the “FW/HW version” sub menu for the OLED Goteks).
- Hardware ID definitions :
- 000 : Original STM32F105 Gotek (64KB of RAM)
- 001 : 64 pins ARTERY AT32F415RCT7 on an old STM32 Gotek board (32KB of RAM)
- 002 : 48 pins ARTERY AT32F415CBT7 (New board) (32KB of RAM)
- 003 : 64 pins ARTERY AT32F415RCT7 (New SFRKC30 / SFR1M44-U100LQD Gotek : Native OLED and Rotary support) (32KB of RAM)
- Test firmware updated to support all STM32 and Artery Goteks.
- Some important fixes in the emulation from folder mode
- (Informations about this mode are available on this page : https://hxc2001.com/docs/gotek-floppy-emulator-hxc-firmware/pages/emulation-from-folder.html)
- The emulation from folder mode was broken on ARTERY MCU based Goteks.
- Update recommended for all “emulation from folder mode” users !
- New SFRKC30 Gotek boards support added :
- This new Gotek revision has a new rotary port and will be shipped
- with a rotary switch and an OLED screen directly from the factory
- (No “mod” required anymore)
- Bootloader updated.
- Firmware updated.
- Firmware customization page updated.
- Normal/direct selection mode : File sorting optimized for low memory “Artery” Goteks.
- 1680KB Distribution Media Format (DMF) .IMG support adjusted / fixed.
- Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.7.1.4a for all Artery AND STM Goteks ! ( -> In the “Artery_AT32_Gotek_HxC_Firmware” folder !)
- Update recommended for Artery Goteks users:
- “Normal mode” / Direct stick browsing mode :
- Fix regression with Artery Goteks ! (Crash due to a memory alignment issue)
- Custom firmware page updated
- Build tools updated.
- RAM Memory management enhanced : Detect the RAM size and change/adapt the cache buffers size according to the available memory.
- Compatible with all Goteks (Artery and STM MCU compatible).
- Now support all Artery versions (AT32F415RCT7, AT32F415CBT7…)
- Fixes : EPROM emulation support, Index signal.
- Rotary connections moved to PA13/PA14 (2 pins in the prog header) for the 48 pins MCU version.
- Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.6.1.2a for Artery AT32F415RCT7 Goteks ( -> In the “Artery_AT32_Gotek_HxC_Firmware” folder !)
- Since March/April 2021 we can see some new Gotek variants on the market.
- Due to the electronic components shortage, these new Gotek revisions use different MCUs.
- The STMicroelectronics STM32F105 MCU was replaced by Artery MCUs : AT32F415RCT7, AT32F415CBT7,…
- These MCUs are “mostly” compatible with the previously used STM part but there is an important difference : The RAM size. While the STM32F105 offers 64KB of RAM, these Artery parts have only 32KB of RAM. These changes imply modifications in the firmware.
- A first HxC Firmware compatible with the AT32F415RCT7 MCU can be found in the Artery_AT32_Gotek_HxC_Firmware folder.
- The bootloader was updated this week to support all the 3 Gotek variants: STM32F105RB6, AT32F415RCT7,AT32F415CBT7.
- The bootloader now supports GPT/GUID formatted USB sticks.
- The server was updated this week to support all the 3 Gotek variants :
- The bootloader can installed on all these Gotek using the normal online procedure : https://hxc2001.com/docs/gotek-floppy-emulator-hxc-firmware/pages/bootloader-installation.html
- Preparing the firmware for the next releases / features : Important code size optimizations. (First round !)
- OSD : The HSYNC polarity can be set on the custom firmware
- (VSYNC already supports both polarity)
- Finally introducting the Raspberry Pi Zero W Gotek companion :
- https://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/RPiZeroW_HxC2001_StickEmulator.zip
- (To be installed on the SD Card with rufus, dd, …)
- Use the USB device port to connect the Raspberry Pi Zero W to the Gotek.
- You can access the virtual stick through Wifi.
- The Raspberry is by default setup as an access point. (HxC2001_RPIZeroW SSID)
- The following services are currently enabled in the image :
- IP : 192.168.100.1
- Samba/Windows Share -> login : data, password : data
- ftp -> login : data, password : data
- ssh -> login : data, password : data / login : root, password : root
- http -> just a test page for the moment.
- IMG file images : Fix Technics SX-F100 organ format and file deletion support.
- HFE files : Blind write mode now used on all non-MFM/FM HFE files.
- Quickdisk .QD files write support : Some fixes and improvements.
- Code improvements.
- Roland machines out,img,ima files support : sector interleave and track skew adjusted to the S-550 values. (Fix S-550 issues).
- Internal parameters : Power-up clear/reset right button timeout set to 3 seconds.
- Electone EL-900 disk change issue fixed :
- Clear internal ready timer at image selection.
- Internal default ready timing changed from 200ms to 400ms.
- v3.5.1.1 regression fix : Broken USB stick folder Auto mount feature fixed.
- Major release : Image-less mode support! Mount USB stick’s FAT12 partitions !
- USB Stick : GUID Partition Table (GPT) support. The firmware now support medias with GPT, MBR or without any partition table. GPT is becoming the default partition table used by most operating systems.
- New custom firmware page option:
- GUID Partition Table (GPT) support option (enabled by default).
- Regression fix : Fix Amiga 1.76MB HD .ADF images support.
- Upside down orientation OLED screen option.
- “Normal mode” / Direct disk browsing mode : Fix possible erroneous “No file image found !” message issue. Update recommended.
- Amstrad CPC / ZX Spectrum EDSK & DSK:
- Fake Track ID protection support.
- Fake Side ID protection support.
- Bad CRC protection support.
- 6144 bytes sectors support fixed.
- (Fix the following copy protected ZX Spectrum games :
- Robocop 2,Turrican 2,Barbarian 2,New Zealand Story,
- Dan Dare 3,Operation Thurderbolt,Simpsons and probably others titles).
- Amstrad CPC / ZX Spectrum EDSK & DSK : Fix deleted data mark support.
- v3.4.16.2a regression fix : Fix file selector issue on fast Amiga machines (>= A1200).
This is only a little part of the changelog. The original one is very long and you can read it here. (instruction manual here)
The HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware Customization page: https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/
Download: USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.8.1.2a (871)
source: hxc2001.com
Jean-François DEL NERO (who’s behind the HxC SD Floppy Emulator) recently has released a version of the HxC emulator firmware that is compatible with the STM32 chip used in the Gotek floppy emulators.
This means that the great functionality of the HxC SD emulator is now available on cheaper and more widely available hardware.
The bootloader to convert the Gotek floppy drive in HxC compatible must be purchased on the website HXC 2001 by sending an email to Jean-François DEL NERO. The price of the bootloader is one-off 10 Euro per Gotek that you want to update. Future updates of the software are free and can be made from a USB stick
The HXC Usb (Gotek) firmware supports: + many more….
USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware v3.4.4.6a -> v3.4.16.4a cumulative changelog:
- v3.4.16.2a regression fix : Fix file selector issue on fast Amiga machines (>= A1200).
- CPC DSK : Fix ZX spectrum “Rolling Thunder” protection support (and this probably also fix others games).
- RAW files : Stream unformatted track when trying to read above the image max track.
- Custom firmware page : Fix an internal memory alignment issue with some particular settings.
- New custom firmware page options : HFE blind write mode support. (Don’t check/ignore sync words) – GCR encoding method write mode support.
- Stream encoder : Amiga demo “Eon by The Black Lotus” random crashes fixed.
- OSD : Atari ST High resolution (Horizontal refresh rate : 35.8KHz) : Fix horizontal front porch delay.
- STARTUPA.HFE power up auto select : Fix v3.4.11.1a regression.
- Last selected file image auto load : Restore the file browser folder position.
- New custom firmware page option : Bitrate override.
- Version code / splash screen : Now shows you if you are using the QuickDisk firmware variant or not.
- Quickdisk : 64 bytes (“Very short”) Read emulation pipeline buffer size option added to the custom firmware page.
- USB stick browser Fix : “No file image found !” printed when no folder and no floppy image are found on the usb stick.
- Roland machines : w30,s50,s33,s55 files direct support added.
- E-mu ESI / EOS : img,ima,dsk files direct support added.
- New system family raw file support : E-mu ESI / EOS. (7 digits display menu entry -> 01B)
- Autoboot/file selector : Old style HxC config files support fixed. (long names issue)
- QD support : Support malformed third-party QD files.
- OSD : Optimizations.
- Custom firmware page OSD options simplified – New resolutions selections : 20×24 and 40×24 characters for PAL/NTSC or 640×480 VGA display types.
- OSD : Default OSD size increased to 21×2 characters.
- OSD : New embedded OSD file selector in full screen mode (21×24 characters).
- OSD : Faster scroll text.
- OSD : Config menu -> The OSD screen position can now be set in the settings menu. (press both buttons to enter the menu)
- Autoboot File selector mode : Fix long name issue regression.
- QuickDisk support : Better ready timings.
- QuickDisk support : Support Roland /RY signal behavior. (Firmware QuickDisk\HxCFEUSB_V3_4_7_11a_Roland_QuickDisk.UPD)
- QuickDisk support : Fix MB87013 based QD machines support (Akai S700/x7000, Roland…) -> Now support the special MB87013 sync method.
- New custom firmware page option : Ignore/disable /SIDE1 input.
- QuickDisk support : Fix the /Reset input behavior : The /Reset input doesn’t stop the motor if this /Motor-on is asserted but always clear the ready signal.
- New direct raw format support : BAS Embroidery machines format (*.IMG,*.DSK) (System Family menu : “BAS” / 7 digits display menu entry -> 01A )
This is only a little part of the changelog. The original one is very long and you can read it here. (instruction manual here)
The HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware Customization page: https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/
Download: USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.4.16.4a (816)
source: hxc2001.com
The usual modification of a Gotek in HxC this time also with OSD (On Screen Display) support for Amiga 1200.
Gallery:
Video:
source: hxc2001.com
Jean-François DEL NERO (who’s behind the HxC SD Floppy Emulator) recently has released a version of the HxC emulator firmware that is compatible with the STM32 chip used in the Gotek floppy emulators.
This means that the great functionality of the HxC SD emulator is now available on cheaper and more widely available hardware.
The bootloader to convert the Gotek floppy drive in HxC compatible must be purchased on the website HXC 2001 by sending an email to Jean-François DEL NERO. The price of the bootloader is one-off 10 Euro per Gotek that you want to update. Future updates of the software are free and can be made from a USB stick
The HXC Usb (Gotek) firmware supports: + many more….
USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware v3.3.1.2a -> v3.4.4.6a cumulative changelog:
- QuickDisk support : Fixes/Timing improvements. Data masked outside the read window.
- OSD : Keys/Rotary regression fixed.
- QuickDisk support : Various write enhancement for Roland machines support (Roland S-10,S-220,…)
- OSD : Keys/Rotary wake-up behavior changed/enhanced.
- QuickDisk support : More Fixes again ! Blank.qd image : Ready window increased from 5s to 5.5s
- QuickDisk support : More important write support fixes !
- QuickDisk support : Write support fixed (DMA descriptors fixed).
- Work in progress : QuickDisk emulation support added !
- A new build variant is now available to emulate QuickDisk drive !
- The Gotek floppy port to the QuickDisk interface is:
- – Shugart pin – — QuickDisk Machine–
- Pin 2 (/DC) -> /MS (/MediaSense)
- Pin 10 (/DS0) -> Connect it to GND/VSS
- Pin 16 (/MotorOn) -> /MO
- Pin 20 (/Step) -> /RS (/Reset)
- Pin 22 (/WriteData) -> /WD (/WriteData)
- Pin 24 (/WriteGate) -> WG (WriteGate)
- Pin 28 (/WriteProtect) -> WP (WriteProtect)
- Pin 30 (/ReadData) -> RD (ReadData)
- Pin 34 (/Ready) -> /RY (/Ready)
- Pins 4,6,8,12,14,18,26 and 32 can be left unconnected on the Gotek.
- Odd pins Gotek pins (1,3,5,7,…,33) should be connected to the GND/VSS.
- The jumper must be set to “MO”.
- A Blank QuickDisk floppy disk can be found in the firmware archive in the /QuickDisk folder.
- Fix 3.3.8.14a PC Floppy interface mode regression.
- Faster disk-change state head-step clear and mask ready during the diskchange delay. (Fix Yamaha Clavinova diskchange issue)
- USB stick browser : Faster/smoother files/folders browsing.
- USB stick folder Auto mount : Faster files copy/image generation.
- You can hide HXCSDFE.CFG, AUTOBOOT.HFE and /mount/emptyfat.img files on the stick now.
- Default 7 segments screen standby / powerup can changed on the custom firmware page : https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/
- Fix non-working v3.3.6.1a firmware !
- On screen display : Separated HSYNC/VSYNC signals support added:
- For machines without CSYNC (Composite Sync) signal.
- Once this option is enabled the Gotek video IOs are mapped as this :
- OSD Video out : Gotek U8 Pin 5 (PB15).
- OSD Video HSYNC in : Gotek “JTCK-SWCLK” pin (PA14).
- OSD Video VSYNC in : Gotek U8 Pin 1 (PB12).
- New system family raw file support : Roland W30/W50/S50/S330/S550. (7 digits display menu entry -> 019)
- Fix floppy IO pins state when the select line is permanently low (v3.3.4.1a regression).
- Write codes speed optimizations.
- HFE : Format support : Fix the “too early index” issue.
- Raw files : Fix interface mode settings. (v3.3.4.4a regression)
- File sorting : Ignore file name case.
- Direct access : Fix the “set index” command.
- OSD : CSYNC Pull-up enabled.
- Fix some possible format issues.
- Some more optimizations.
- Head settling time default value fixed on the custom firmware page : https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/
- “Interface CFG” LCD/OLED/OSD menu entry fixed.
- OSD:
- Code speed optimizations (CPU pipeline + Flash prefetch optimizations).
- OSD Polarity can be now set with the “OLED screen polarity” parameter.
- Better/lower lines jitter while floppy emulation is running.
- USB : Code speed optimizations (read & write Fifos, ISR).
- ASM ISR (Step, Drive Select…) : Many code speed optimizations (CPU pipeline + Flash prefetch optimizations).
- The firmware is now stable with both OSD and floppy emulation working in the same time !
- “Normal mode” / Direct disk browsing : Files entries are now alphabetically ordered. Folders appears first then the files images.
- “Load Last selected image” : Fix reload issue with some long file names.
This is only a little part of the changelog. The original one is very long and you can read it here. (instruction manual here)
The HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware Customization page: https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/
Download: USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.4.4.6a (961)
source: hxc2001.com
Jean-François DEL NERO (who’s behind the HxC SD Floppy Emulator) recently has released a version of the HxC emulator firmware that is compatible with the STM32 chip used in the Gotek floppy emulators.
This means that the great functionality of the HxC SD emulator is now available on cheaper and more widely available hardware.
The bootloader to convert the Gotek floppy drive in HxC compatible must be purchased on the website HXC 2001 by sending an email to Jean-François DEL NERO. The price of the bootloader is one-off 10 Euro per Gotek that you want to update. Future updates of the software are free and can be made from a USB stick
The HXC Usb (Gotek) firmware supports: + many more….
USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware v3.1.60.5a -> v3.3.1.2a cumulative changelog:
- Fix multi-screens support (OSD + 7 segments screens)
- New Major feature !!! : On screen display support (OSD overlay)
- The HxC firmware for Gotek now support the On Screen Display !
- You can now select images and see the drive status on the machine’s screen without any additional software or LCD/OLED !
- No need to make holes in the machine case anymore ;).
- Picture: https://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/HxCGotek_OSDAmiga1.jpg
- You only need 2 wires and a resistor to connect the Gotek to the machine’s video signals :
- One wire is used for the CSYNC video signal (Composite Sync), the other wire for the red, green (prefered) or blue signal.
- One resistor must be put in serie on the color signal between the Gotek and the machine.
- You can use a value between 220 and 470 ohms for this resistor. A potentiometer can be also used to tune the OSD brightness/contrast.
- This was currently tested on Amiga 500, Atari STE and Amstrad CPC 6128 machines, but should work with any machines having a composite sync signal.
- HxC Firmware for Gotek OSD wiring:
- Gotek wiring:
- Amiga 500:
- Amstrad CPC6128:
- Atari STE:
- Power supply voltage measurement:
- You can now see/read the power supply voltage incoming to the floppy emulator.
- This feature is quite useful to check the machine power supply state/working condition.
- If you want to use this feature you must add this voltage divider to measure
- the power supply on the JC jumper input :
- VSS/GND|—| 1Ko Resistor |–(JC pin)–| 4.7Ko Resistor |—< 5V Power Supply input.
- ( See https://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/HxCGotek_voltage_system_monitor.jpg )
- Notes:
- Use +/-1% Resistors if possible.
- This voltage divider support up to 18V.
- Use the embedded menu to access the system monitor :
- Press both buttons to enter the menu. Choose “System Monitor” or “E ” if you have the original 7 segments display.
- “Temperature” menu renamed “System Monitor”.
- On-die STM32 temperature sensor support : You can get the current CPU core temperature from the embedded menu :
- press both buttons to enter the menu. Choose “temperature” or “E ” if you have the original 7 segments display.
- Blackberry trackball : Sensitivity reduced/better usability.
- External/Additional select button support : Behavioral fix -> remove glitch-like effect when selecting images.
- Fix the short and long read emulation pipeline buffer size options (custom fw web page).
- HFEv3 : Weakbits support added.
- Fix the files extensions display option : you can now also hide the file name extensions in selector/indexed mode.
- New major feature ! : Auto mount USB stick folder to a FAT/DOS compatible virtual floppy !
- This feature allows you to directly put your files in a stick’s folder and mount this folder as a FAT/DOS floppy disk !
- You can use it with any machine compatible with the FAT file system (PC, Atari ST, lots of keyboards/samplers and CNC machines…).
- To use this feature, copy an empty/preformatted DOS IMG image to the stick path “/mount/emptyfat.img”
- This image can be a 720KB or 1.44MB blank DOS image or any other FAT compatible blank image.
- You can use the HxC Floppy Emulator software Disk Browser to create it or take the ones present in the firmware archive.
- Once you select a “mount source” folder on the emulator, the emptyfat.img file is duplicated to a “MOUNTED.IMG” file.
- Then all files/subfolders present into the selected folder are added into this duplicated image.
- (Note : the emptyfat.img remains untouched).
- Your “mount sources” / root folders should have the extension “.mnt” to be mounted by the emulator :
- example : “myvirtualdisk.mnt”
- This new feature can be used with the “normal”/direct browsing (oled/lcd screen usage) and indexed modes.
- For the indexed mode just put the DSKAXXXX prefix in the mount point folder name.
- example : “DSKA0000_MyMidiFiles.mnt”
- Please note that the image duplication and files copy operations can take some seconds.
- I will try to optimize/speedup the mount operations in the next releases.
- Let me know if you have any problems or any suggestions/questions/comments on the HxC forum or by email.
- FAT 12/16/32 layer write support enhanced to create entries (files & folders) and allocate clusters.
This is only a little part of the changelog. The original one is very long and you can read it here. (instruction manual here)
The HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware Customization page: https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/
Download: USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.3.1.2a (883)
source: hxc2001.com
Jean-François DEL NERO (who’s behind the HxC SD Floppy Emulator) recently has released a version of the HxC emulator firmware that is compatible with the STM32 chip used in the Gotek floppy emulators.
This means that the great functionality of the HxC SD emulator is now available on cheaper and more widely available hardware.
The bootloader to convert the Gotek floppy drive in HxC compatible must be purchased on the website HXC 2001 by sending an email to Jean-François DEL NERO. The price of the bootloader is one-off 10 Euro per Gotek that you want to update. Future updates of the software are free and can be made from a USB stick
The HXC Usb (Gotek) firmware supports: + many more….
USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware v3.1.38.2a -> v3.1.60.5a cumulative changelog:
- GeneralMusic S2/S3 : Undocummented floppy format support added + *.gem file extension support.
- Non-gated interface : Ignore the floppy selection line for the head step + Some fixes.
- Motor-ON signal support to emulate properly the “READY” and “INDEX” signals.
- OLED : SSD1305 2.23″ 128×32 OLED screen support added.
- Internal enhancements. (WIP)
- New direct raw format support : Yamaha QX3 format (*.IMG,*.DSK)
- 7 segments screen menu : Add missing system family entries :
- 15 = Robox RC9400
- 16 = Kawai
- 17 = Yamaha QX3
- 18 = User defined format
- Gotek I/O Lines Diagnostic/Test mode Since this hardware is quite sensitive to ESD and other electrical issues, the floppy lines can be easily damaged.
- This new mode allows you to test/check all Gotek’s Input/Output lines with a simple wire.
- The test must be run with floppy ribbon disconnected from the machine.
- Once enabled/flashed with the diagnostic firmware, all outputs will toggle every 2 seconds.
- All inputs states are displayed on the screen.
- Input lines test method :
- The default input states should be High (1), so to test an input line you have just to connect it to the ground/vss. On the floppy port you just need a jumper to make a contact between the line and the ground.
- Once the jumper is placed between the line pin and the ground/vss pin the corresping input state should turn to Low (0).
- Output lines test method :
- All outputs are toggling every 2 seconds during the test.
- (Note : A 1 ms pulse is sent to the JB output at each toggle to test the buzzer ouput)
- Connect the output line to test to one input line (use a tested input by the above method) with a simple wire.
- If the corresponding input status is toggling with the outputs line, then this means that the output line/driver is working properly.
- LCD / OLED / 7 segments screens output/input status definition :
- LCD/OLED input lines status format : “IN:123456 789AB”
- 1 or Digit-1-segment-a : Floppy Drive Select line (Pin 10 or 12 or 16 -> Depend on the S0/S1/MO jumper !).
- 2 or Digit-1-segment-b : Floppy -Direction In (Pin 18)
- 3 or Digit-1-segment-c : Floppy -Step (Pin 20)
- 4 or Digit-1-segment-d : Floppy -Write Data (Pin 22)
- 5 or Digit-1-segment-e : Floppy -Write Enable (Pin 24)
- 6 or Digit-1-segment-f : Floppy -Head 1 Select (Pin 32)
- 7 or Digit-1-segment-g : Down push button (left)
- 8 or Digit-2-segment-a : Up push button (right)
- 9 or Digit-2-segment-b : Select push button (JA)
- A or Digit-2-segment-c : Rotary CK (J7-2)
- B or Digit-2-segment-d : Rotary DIR (J7-1)
- 7 Segments Digit-3 : ‘h’ when the outputs are high and ‘L’ the outputs are low.
- 7 Segments Digit-2-segments e,f & g : ON when the outputs are high and OFF the outputs are low.
- Floppy connector pinout :
- Pin Signal Pin Signal
- 01 Ground – (O)02 -High Density Select
- 03 Ground – 04 Reserved
- 05 Ground – 06 Reserved
- 07 Ground – (O)08 -Index
- 09 Ground – (I)10 -Drive Select 0 (*)
- 11 Ground - (I)12 -Drive Select 1 (*)
- 13 Ground - 14 Reserved
- 15 Ground - (I)16 -Motor Enable (*)
- 17 Ground - (I)18 -Direction In
- 19 Ground - (I)20 -Step
- 21 Ground - (I)22 -Write Data
- 23 Ground – (I)24 -Write Enable
- 25 Ground – (O)26 -Track 0
- 27 Ground – (O)28 -Write Protect
- 29 Ground – (O)30 -Read Data
- 31 Ground - (I)32 -Head 1 Select
- 33 Ground – (O)34 -Diskette Change/Ready
- (*)Depend on the S0/S1/MO jumper!
- 7 segments screen segments definition :
- // a
- // f b
- // g
- // e c
- // d
- Custom firmware option : Blackberry trackball -> Single and double step support.
- Custom firmware option : Extra up/down buttons or navigation switchs on the rotary connectors.
- Some fixes in the user defined image feature.
- Custom firmware option : Display the current track number on the 7 segment screen.
- Custom firmware option : Debug output on the serial port (115200 8N1).
- Custom firmware option : Read pipeline buffer size.
- New system family support : Kawai.
- Blackberry trackball support.
- Track position display changed to when the screen line size is less than 16 characters.
- Fix some OLED fonts glitches.
- New parameter : OLED line alignment.
- New fonts : 8514oem 10×20, xwindow 8×32, unscii 8×32.
- More customization options :
- 2.42 Inch OLED screen support.
- 100 khz / 400 khz I2C bus selection.
- Indexed mode files naming convention enhanced :
- DSKAXXXX become a prefix : You can now add something after the prefix. e.g : DSKA0000_MyDiskName.IMG, DSKA0001_SaveDisk.HFE…
- The prefix can be changed on the customization page if you don’t like it : https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/
- AUTOBOOT and config files names are now not case sensitive.
- And some more fixes (rotary settings…).
This is only a little part of the changelog. The original one is very long and you can read it here. (instruction manual here)
The HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware Customization page: https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/
Download: USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.1.60.5a (849)
source: hxc2001.com
This software act as the floppy server with the USB HxC Floppy Emulator.
This program also allows you to convert floppy image files for the SDCard based HxC Floppy Emulator.
Supports many input floppy image file formats: List of the supported floppy image formats.
Operating systems supported:
- Windows 98 / 2000 / XP / Vista / Seven / 10
- Mac OS X.
- Linux.
HxCFloppyEmulator software v2.1.23.1:
- New XML format : Coat-A-Matic 9400 / Robox RC9400 format.
- Amiga Image loader (ADF, DMS,…) : Fix the v2.1.20.1 left sector(s) field regression !
- Update recommended for Amiga users !
Download: HxCFloppyEmulator software v2.1.23.1 (828)
source: hxc2001.com
Jean-François DEL NERO (who’s behind the HxC SD Floppy Emulator) recently has released a version of the HxC emulator firmware that is compatible with the STM32 chip used in the Gotek floppy emulators.
This means that the great functionality of the HxC SD emulator is now available on cheaper and more widely available hardware.
The bootloader to convert the Gotek floppy drive in HxC compatible must be purchased on the website HXC 2001 by sending an email to Jean-François DEL NERO. The price of the bootloader is one-off 10 Euro per Gotek that you want to update. Future updates of the software are free and can be made from a USB stick
The HXC Usb (Gotek) firmware supports: + many more….
USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware v3.1.32.1a -> v3.1.38.2a cumulative changelog:
- More customization options:
- Raw file image/disk format selection.
- You can now define your raw file image/disk format !
- Floppy Interface modes.
- https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/
- More customization options:
- 16 different oled graphic fonts available.
- New oled screen models supported (128×32,128×64, SSD1306, SH1106…).
- Default raw system selection.
- And many more new options: sound volume, auto select delay, …
- New raw formats support: Coat-A-Matic 9400 / Robox RC9400 (*.IMG/*.DSK) (289KB)
- Fix Track 00 issue (v3.1.34.1a regression).
- AutoSwap support enhanced/completed (sub-folders in normal mode supported).
- Internal optimizations.
- Direct access mode : Some fixes for the auto disk swap (“AutoSwap”) support.
- Direct access mode : New functions
- Select mode (0×5):
- Mode 0 – Flash sector access mode (Default)
- Mode 1 – Plain text browser, Entries format : “IIII;T;SSSSSSSS;File name\r\n”
- IIII = Object ID (ASCII HEX Number).
- T = Type -> ‘F’=FILE, ‘D’=DIRECTORY
- SSSSSSSS = File Size (ASCII HEX Number).
- Mode 2 – Slot list mode.
- Change Objects list ID base (0×6) (Plain text browser).
- Select/Enter Object (0×7) (Plain text browser – Image/Directory selection or File tranfert mode).
- Set file base offset (0×8) (File transfer mode).
- Get current selected image (0×9).
- Select file with path (0xA) (Select image with a plain text file path).
- MFM & FM support. (see the customization page : https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/)
- With these new direct access API functions small file selector/browser/swapper/loader can be developed without the need of any FAT32 library on resource-limited machines. The protocol specification document will be updated soon at this address : https://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/SDCard_HxC_Floppy_Emulator_Direct_Access_mode.pdf
- First online-customizable firmware available !
- Fill up the form on the page to https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/ customize the firmware.
- The firmware will be recompiled/rebuilt following your requests and sent to the provided email some minutes later.
- This is a fully automated and free service so don’t hesitate to play with it ! :).
- More and more options will be added on the customization page.
- Fix v3.1.34.1a regression : Disk density selection issues with some raw formats. Please update.
- Files & Folders names starting with ‘.’ are now hidden.
- Firmware memory size reduced once again : More tables size optimizations.
This is only a little part of the changelog. The original one is very long and you can read it here. (instruction manual here)
Download: USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.1.38.2a (1045)
source: hxc2001.com
This software act as the floppy server with the USB HxC Floppy Emulator.
This program also allows you to convert floppy image files for the SDCard based HxC Floppy Emulator.
Supports many input floppy image file formats: List of the supported floppy image formats.
Operating systems supported:
- Windows 98 / 2000 / XP / Vista / Seven / 10
- Mac OS X.
- Linux.
HxCFloppyEmulator software v2.1.11.1 -> 2.1.22.3 cumulative changelog:
- Raw loader: Fix global disk bitrate value. (HD disks bitrate issue)
- CPCDSK loader: v2.1.20.1 Regression fixed. (null sector data length field support).
- Track editor : New Side1 add/delete button.
- HFE v3 loader: Regression fixed.
- Dos disk browser : Amiga HD (1760KB) disk creation support.
- Dos disk browser : Amiga HD (1760KB) disk support fixed.
- TeleDisk loader fixed : Bad CRC checking fixed.
- General : Faster/better file images identification and loader.
- General : Many loaders now use the new generic raw file loader.
- General : Lots of code improvements.
- Internal tracks generator : Now support “weak” sectors.
- HFEv3 writer : Remove any possible parasitic opcodes coming from the stream.
- New Loader : NEC PC98/PC88 FDI.
- CPCDSK loader/writer : Now support the SAMDisk method for DSK with weak bits.
- Roland DD XML : Fix tracks skew.
- New XML format : ABB disks formats.
- New XML format : Automatix RAIL DD disk format.
- New XML format : COMX disks formats.
- New XML format : DEC RX55 format.
- New XML format : Didaktik Spectrum disk format.
- New XML format : Dynacord HD disks formats.
- New XML format : Gravograph ISIS 640KB disk format.
- New XML format : Memotech disks formats.
- New XML format : Oerlikon Balzers disks formats.
- New XML format : OpusDiscovery disk format.
- New XML format : Oric Jasmin disk format.
- New XML format : OS9 DD disks formats.
- New XML format : PUMA arm robot disks formats.
- New XML format : Tatung Einstein disks formats.
- New XML format : Timex FDD3000 formats.
- New XML format : TRS80 disk format.
- New XML format : Unitel Videotex format.
- New file image support : SAB Diskette Utility / *.SDU floppy image.
- SCP Loader/Writer : Fix single sided SCP file export.
- New writer : Dragon VDK format.
Download: HxCFloppyEmulator software v2.1.22.3 (808)
source: hxc2001.com
New update : HxC Floppy Emulator file selector version 1.89.
Amiga -> Better multitasking/Workbench compatibility/support:
- Don’t “overtake”/hand-initialize the screen anymore : Let the system initialize the bitplane and just use it.
- Don’t reboot anymore the system but just exit the file selector if we are not track-loaded.
- Don’t lockup the system anymore in case of error if we are not track-loaded.
With these modifications the file selector is now more “Workbench-friendly”.
Amiga Workbench tips and tricks :
- Press Left-Amiga+N keys to switch to the Workbench.
- Press Left-Amiga+M keys to switch back to the HxC File selector.
Download: HxC Floppy Emulator file selector v1.89 (894)
source: github.com
Jean-François DEL NERO (who’s behind the HxC SD Floppy Emulator) recently has released a version of the HxC emulator firmware that is compatible with the STM32 chip used in the Gotek floppy emulators.
This means that the great functionality of the HxC SD emulator is now available on cheaper and more widely available hardware.
The bootloader to convert the Gotek floppy drive in HxC compatible must be purchased on the website HXC 2001 by sending an email to Jean-François DEL NERO. The price of the bootloader is one-off 10 Euro per Gotek that you want to update. Future updates of the software are free and can be made from a USB stick
The HXC Usb (Gotek) firmware supports: + many more….
USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware v3.1.25.1a -> v3.1.32.1a cumulative changelog:
- Menu subsystem refactored.
- Smaller code size with more features.
- Menu OLED and sound parameters (Video Inverse, contrast, step sound) are now taking effect immediately.
- Code optimizations.
- CPC DSK : Write cache flush timeout set to 2 seconds.
- Once again more code size optimizations!
- More code size optimizations.
- STM32 startup / init functions refactored (WIP).
- Flash memory code size reduced.
- Inversed Floppy Ribbon detection at power-up : “rib” (7 segments display) or “Floppy ribbon reversed !” (LCD/OLed display) message printed at power-up if the floppy ribbon is not connected properly.
- Fix a regression introduced into the v3.1.28.1a : Fix normal and indexed mode possible browsing issues (unexpected wrap to index 0). Please update !
- OLED screen : Standby/screen saver mode – The screen is now dimmed to a minimal level. The standby delay can be changed into the setting menu.
- OLED screen : New Menu entry – “Video” Polarity mode (Normal/Inverse).
- Files Browser : All Files/Folders with the hidden attribut set are not shown anymore… (Hide Windows/MAC system folders).
- Push buttons Auto-repeat : Better/Smoother rate changes. Rate changes delays adjusted.
- Thomson *.FD file support : Faster Loading (sectors interleave factor fixed).
- Fix the “clear settings”/reset factory function.
This is only a little part of the changelog. The original one is very long and you can read it here. (instruction manual here)
Download: USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.1.32.1a (951)
source: hxc2001.com
Another 2 x Gotek (HXC) with some Enhancements.
Enhancements:
- OLED Display (light blue version)
- Piezo Buzzer.
- Rotary Encoder with knob.
- Firmware HxC by J.F. Del Nero.
Gallery:
Credits for the best firmware Jean-françois Del Nero.
Another Gotek (HXC) with some Enhancements.
Enhancements:
- OLED Display
- Piezo Buzzer
- Push Button for select
- Rotary Encoder
Gallery:
Video:
Credits for the best firmware Jean-françois Del Nero.
Jean-François DEL NERO (who’s behind the HxC SD Floppy Emulator) recently has released a version of the HxC emulator firmware that is compatible with the STM32 chip used in the Gotek floppy emulators.
This means that the great functionality of the HxC SD emulator is now available on cheaper and more widely available hardware.
The bootloader to convert the Gotek floppy drive in HxC compatible must be purchased on the website HXC 2001 by sending an email to Jean-François DEL NERO. The price of the bootloader is one-off 10 Euro per Gotek that you want to update. Future updates of the software are free and can be made from a USB stick
The HXC Usb (Gotek) firmware supports: + many more….
USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware v3.1.22.1a -> v3.1.25.1a cumulative changelog:
- TI99/4A : V9T9/DSK Loader -> Better disk layout detection.
- OLED screen setting sanity check: Do not allow more than 21 characters per line.
- 2 Digits screen Gotek: Fix embedded config menu.
- HFE files: Fix MPC60 MkII formatted images write support regression. May also fix possible write issues on HFE files with some others machines/disk formats. Update recommended.
- 7 segments Gotek: New menu entry : 5 -> Auto select delay setting.
- Floppy Interface initialized before the screen. (Fix Emu Emulator second drive detection issue).
- Amiga ID support enabled by default (HD ADF support).
- Internal improvements.
- “Double steps per increment” rotary support added.
- New menu entries: Head settling time. (7 digits gotek meny entry number 6). Rotary type. (7 digits gotek menu entry number 7 – 0=Single Step, 1=Double Step, 3=Disable.).
This is only a little part of the changelog. The original one is very long and you can read it here. (instruction manual here)
Download: USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.1.25.1a (1014)
source: hxc2001.com
Recent Comments