SidecarTridge Multi-device

SidecarTridge Multi-device Documentation

STABLE-v1.0.1

v2.0.3alpha

Welcome to the SidecarTridge Multi-device Documentation! This comprehensive guide is aimed at providing developers with all the information needed to get started with the SidecarTridge Multi-device board, understand its architecture, and contribute to its development. Please refer to the relevant sections below to explore specific topics.

You can learn about the hardware evolution of the SidecarTridge Multi-device in this video:

🚀 Latest STABLE Firmware: v1.0.1

👉 Do you want to test the new Alpha firmware?

🐞 Bugs, Issues, and Enhancements

Table of Contents

📘 Introduction

An overview of the SidecarTridge Multi-device project, explaining the project's purpose, objectives, and the intended audience.

🚀 Getting started

Guidance on the initial steps including prerequisites, board assembly instructions, setup and configuration.

⚙️ User Guide

Learn how to use the SidecarTridge Multi-device.

🏛️ Architecture and Design

Explore the underlying architecture and design principles of the SidecarTridge Multi-device board.

🔌 Hardware interface

How the board and the code in the RP2040 handle the mismatch of the buses size between the RP2040 and the Atari ST cartridge.

💻 Software Development

Setting up the development environment, compiling the code, debugging, testing and building the firmware.

👨‍💻 Programming SidecarTridge Multi-device

Learn about the ROM emulation, the asynchronous and synchronous programs, develop the firmware and drivers.

📄 Parameters

Description of all the parameters available in the SidecarTridge Multi-device.

🔧 How to

Different small tutorials to customize the SidecarTridge Multi-device to your needs.

🤝 Compatibility

Please read this section if you have issues with your SidecarTridge Multi-device.

🛠️ Troubleshooting

Check this section if you have issues with your SidecarTridge Multi-device.

❓ FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions.

📦 Enclosures

Different enclosures for your board.

🔄 Board revisions

Tracing the path of the SidecarTridge Multi-device boards.

🗄️ Public Floppy DB

Contribute to the Floppy Images Database with your own images

🗄️ Public ROM DB

Contribute to the ROM Images Database with your own images

🗄️ Unoficial Firmwares

Smart people out there building incredible stuff with the device

Do you want to test the new Alpha firmware?

v2.0.3alpha

🚀 What’s new in Firmware v2?

Firmware v2 introduces a new architecture for the SidecarTridge Multi-device that brings flexibility, modularity, and a more efficient workflow — especially for power users and developers:

  • 🧩 Modular Microfirmwares The core of v2 is the concept of Microfirmwares: standalone apps (ROM emulator, floppy emulator, RTC, custom tools, etc.) that you can install and switch between on the same hardware — no need to reflash the entire board.

  • 📡 OTA (Over The Air) Downloads & Updates You can now browse and download Microfirmwares directly from official — and even private — Microfirmware repositories, over Wi-Fi. Install or update apps without removing the SD card or using a PC. A simple and secure way to keep your device up to date.

  • ⚙️ Per-app Configurations Each Microfirmware stores its own settings in flash memory, isolated from other apps. This allows you to easily switch between functions without losing or reconfiguring settings.

  • 🛠️ Optimized Development Workflow & Architecture The v2 architecture separates the core firmware, global settings, and Microfirmwares — making the platform easier to extend and maintain. For developers, this enables a fast test cycle: build ST software on PC/Mac/Linux, test in an emulator, then copy to the device as a microfirmware. Expect faster innovation and more community-contributed Microfirmwares.

Check the following links below:

Explore, learn, and contribute to the SidecarTridge Multi-device project!

Table of contents