Elk Expansion Options?

[Elk2019]

Hi all. What are my options when it comes to expanding the Elk? ATM, I have an Elk & SD Card Interface (expansion port). This set-up allows me to enjoy my favourite games and it allows more titles to work by keeping PAGE memory at E000. Now, here is my dilemna. I recently aquired a PLUS-1 expansion and analogue to dual-digital joystick interface, which plugs into the analogue port of the PLUS-1. If I want to play using a joystick I have to resort to LOADing from tape (time is no longer a luxury!) as I can no longer attach the expansion port SD Card Interface. My biggest gripe about the PLUS-1 expansion is that Acorn in their infinite wisdom forgot (or deliberately?) omitted an expansion port thru connector on the back of the PLUS-1. If there was one, then I could easily plug-in the SD Card Interface. IMHO what I need is an SD card solution that can operate via a spare cartridge slot on the PLUS-1. Then, I can LOAD games quickly and still use a joystick and save wear on the keys. Your suggestions please?

[rmbrowngr]

GoSDC with the cartridge adapter will work for you.

Alternatives would need additional hardware like the AP5 http://www.acornelectrontoday.com/pres- ... 4594060136 or Electron UPURS https://www.retro-kit.co.uk/page.cfm/co ... RAM-board/

[Elk2019]

Thanx rmbrowngr for your speedy reply. So, if I get hold of a GoSDC with the cartridge adapter I can then LOAD games fast AND use a joystick? Great! Where do I get it from?

[danielj]

Actually, you can just dangle an SD reader off the Plus 1's printer port and use MMFS. You'll need a ROM cartridge to hold the MMFS ROM, but davejhitchins can supply you with an appropriate device. The whole setup will be much cheaper than any alternatives...

Going further, if you want to be a bit more flexible then adding a proper disc interface (e.g. Pegasus 400 or AP3/4) will let you attach a gotek floppy emulator with the free flashfloppy firmware on it. That's the most compatible option.

If you just want to play games, davejhitchins also does the megagames cartridge which you just plug straight into the plus one... See this thread:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8246

[Elk2019]

Thanks danielj. Is there a link to the printer port SD reader & MMFS Rom cartridge?

[danielj]

Printer port: viewtopic.php?t=12737 - you'll need to get your hands a touch dirty, but that's half the fun

And daveejhitchins on here sells ROM/Battery-Backed-RAM cartridges:
memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=9595

Drop him a PM and see what he suggests

Edit: GoSDC is, of course, a perfectly viable option too!

d.

[Elk2019]

Many thanks danielj for your input and listing all the available options.

I am also interested in this Advanced Tube Interface advertised on ebay.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Retro-Hardwa ... OSwUVFcAF6~

How easy/hard is it to add a 2nd processor e.g the Raspberry Pie to the ATI? Has any forum member done it and written a tutorial? How beneficial can a 2nd processor be? Is there any specific software that takes advantage of a 2nd processor?

[Elminster]

The Pi Tube Direct works with ATI I seem to remember. But you might want to consider the full monty and get the AP5. Dave Hitchins makes/sells both so same person either way. Dave is Retro-Hardware.

It is a bit of a monster now, but all the links and more are in the hardware list mentioned in my sig below.

[rmbrowngr]

Thanx rmbrowngr for your speedy reply. So, if I get hold of a GoSDC with the cartridge adapter I can then LOAD games fast AND use a joystick? Great! Where do I get it from?

Here's the "buy" link. http://www.zeridajh.org/hardware/gosdc/buy.htm

[rmbrowngr]

The Pi Tube Direct works with ATI I seem to remember. But you might want to consider the full monty and get the AP5. Dave Hitchins makes/sells both so same person either way. Dave is Retro-Hardware.

It is a bit of a monster now, but all the links and more are in the hardware list mentioned in my sig below.

Yes, the AP5 is a great way to go. You get Tube, 1Mhz bus and 2xUser Ports. It has inside 3 slots for ROMs. You can insert MMFS ROM for cheap SD card reader to access floppy disk images, or ADFS ROM combined with a BeebSCSI (SD card reader which gives HardDisk like storage, but PAGE is raised "slightly" reducing memory).

[rmbrowngr]

Going further, if you want to be a bit more flexible then adding a proper disc interface (e.g. Pegasus 400 or AP3/4) will let you attach a gotek floppy emulator with the free flashfloppy firmware on it. That's the most compatible option.

If you just want to play games, davejhitchins also does the megagames cartridge which you just plug straight into the plus one... See this thread:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8246

Personnaly, I do like the combination of Pegasus 400 and Gotek. Pegasus 400 has DFS with PAGE at E00, but it is also compatible with ADFS (higher PAGE). I've combined my Pegasus 400+Gotek, with AP5 and BeebSCSI. You get massive storage with the BeebSCSI combined with the flexibility of the Gotek and USB sticks. BeebSCSI is great when coding programs and the Gotek is great for transferring software off the Electron (BeebSCSI) and having your favourite game (err seroius software) collections on various USB sticks.

I don't have the MegaGamesCartridge, but I'm sure it's great for those interested in playing games.

[danielj]

The PiCopro works fine with the Elk, but you'll have to write/modify your own software to take advantage of it

[Elminster]

The PiCopro works fine with the Elk, but you'll have to write/modify your own software to take advantage of it

Disk (and co pro) version of Elite for Elk!

[rmbrowngr]

The PiCopro works fine with the Elk, but you'll have to write/modify your own software to take advantage of it

Disk (and co pro) version of Elite for Elk!

Solved that problem by getting a BBC B+ and Pi-Zero based Co-processor. A bit extreme, but works a treat.