SidecarTridge Multi-device Real Time Clock Emulator
v2.0.3alpha
This is a microfirmware application for the SidecarTridge Multi-device, designed to emulate a Real Time Clock (RTC) for Atari computers, including the Atari ST, STe, Mega ST, and Mega STe.
Table of contents
🚀 Installation
To install the RTC Emulator app on your SidecarTridge Multi-device:
- Launch the Booster App on your SidecarTridge Multi-device..
- Open the Booster web interface.
- In the Apps tab, select “Real Time Clock” from the list of available apps.
- Click “Download” to install the app to your SidecarTridge’s microSD card.
- Once installed, select the app and click “Launch” to activate it.
⚠️ WARNING: Booster Loader is currently in alpha. Use at your own risk.
After launching, the app will automatically run every time your Atari computer is powered on.
🕹️ Usage
When you boot your Atari ST/STE/Mega ST/Mega STe, the app displays a setup screen for 5 seconds.
If no key is pressed, the emulator will attempt to fetch the current time from the configured NTP server.
Pressing any key will stop the countdown and keep the setup screen open.
⚙️ Setup Screen Commands
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| [H]ost NTP | Set the NTP server hostname (default: pool.ntp.org). |
| [P]ort NTP | Set the NTP server port (default: 123). |
| [U]TC Offset | Set UTC offset in hours (e.g., 1 for CET, 2 for CEST). |
| [Y]2K Patch | Enable or disable the Y2K patch (default: Enabled). Disabling it may cause incorrect dates on older TOS versions. |
| [T]ype | Select the RTC emulation type: SIDECART (native SidecarTridge RTC) or DS1307 (compatible interface). |
| [E]xit to Desktop | Exit setup and start the emulator. Time will be fetched and applied to the Atari clock. |
| [X] Return to the Booster menu | Exit setup and return to the Booster Loader main menu. |
🔁 System Reset Behavior
The RTC Emulator app is resistant to system resets. Pressing the reset button on your Atari will not stop the app — it will continue updating the system clock.
🔌 Power Cycling
Every time the Atari is powered on, the setup screen will be shown briefly before the app proceeds to fetch the current time.
❌ Time Fetch Failure
If the app cannot fetch a valid time from the NTP server:
- An error message will be displayed.
- The system clock will not be updated.
- You will be returned to the setup screen.
To proceed without a valid time, press E to exit setup and launch the app manually.
⚠️ Please ensure your network connection is properly configured before launching the app.
🛠️ Setting Up the Development Environment
This project is based on the SidecarTridge Multi-device Microfirmware App Template.
To set up your development environment, please follow the instructions provided in the official documentation.
📄 License
This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0.
See the LICENSE file for full terms.
🤝 Contributing
Made with ❤️ by SidecarTridge