AVGCART
FPGA based multicart for 8bit Atari computers, extensible with SIO and/or ECI/PBI cables
supports CAR (cartridge dump) files up to 1MB and most bankswitching types
supports XEX (executable) files
supports ATR (floppy image) files (read/write) - support is limited without an optional SIO or ECI/PBI cable due to Atari cartridge port constraints (e.g. SW that uses RAM under OS does not work)
supports ATX (protected floppy image) files (read-only, SIO cable required)
supports CAS (cassette) files (SIO cable required)
supports AVF (video) files
supports PDM (audio) files
fast file search, file shortcuts, randomizer and tons of other features
when used with optional ECI/PBI cable, it can expand ATARI memory to up to 576kB, it can also provide extra 48kB RAM to stock 16kB 600XL machines (some limitations apply)
firmware upgradeable via SD card (no additional hw needed)
SIDE2 emulation (compatible with U1MB and SpartaDOS X)
ability to stack emulated cart with emulated SpartaDOS X cart, together with SIDE2 emulated HDD
unlike some other products, most of the functionality is running inside the cart and not on the host machine's CPU which makes it faster and more versatile (it can do stuff in parallel with host machine without having to gain 6502 control and doesn't require soldering extra internal upgrades like Ultimate 1MB for some basic functionality like ATR emulation or memory expansion)
compatible with 600XL, 800XL/XE, 65XE, 130XE, XEGS (cartridge shell is too wide for 1200XL, bare pcb will fit, it is also too tall for 800, can be used with cartridge door opened and door switch triggered)
Online manual
check De Re AVGCART
Questions? Issues? Feature requests? Discord
How to get one
MiscRetro (non-UK) or RetroLemon (UK)
Feature comparison (2021, might need an update)
| AVGCART | Ultimate Cart | UnoCart | SIDE 2 | SIDE 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Media type | SD card | SD card | SD card | CF card | SD card |
| CAR files up to 1MB | yes | yes | no (up to 128kB) | no | yes |
| XEX files | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Limited ATR support | yes | no | yes | no | yes |
| Full ATR support | yes* | no | no | no | no |
| ATX support | yes* | no | no | no | no |
| CAS (tape) support | yes* | no | no | no | no |
| File search | yes | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Autorun / bookmarks | yes | no | no | no | no |
| PDM audio playback | yes | no | no | yes | yes |
| Phaeron's video playback | yes | no | no | yes (single video per CF card) | no |
| Software firmware update | yes | no | no | yes | yes |
| HDD emulation with U1MB | yes | no | no | yes | yes |
(*) with an optional SIO cable
Firmware
latest firmware is 0030 (changelog)
External resources
flashjazzcat's SIDE firmware in AVGCART compatible CAR files (one enables SIDE emulation and runs SIDE loader, the other runs SpartaDOS X, use Shift-S to enable SIDE for use with U1MB)
my older collection of CAR test files
XEX files sources - Homesoft - Fandal
sticker for the cart (courtesy of Mr Robot)
Unbricking information: here and here
Nir Dary's demo of the cart:
Larek's review of the cart (in polish):