The VIC-20 Final Expansion is a universal memory expansion for VIC-20. The FE3 is a cartridge for the expansion slot of the VIC-20. The actual version v3.2 has following features:

• Expansion of main memory (SRAM) by 512KB

• A 512KB Flash memory for the firmware and frequently used programs

• A mass storage device as floppy disk replacement based on a modern SD card (SD2IEC,µIEC) up to 2GB

• A RTC (realtime clock) and a connector for the LCD display extension of the SD2IEC.

The Final Expansion can start any known VIC-20 software. Games and programs will be started by a comfortable menu. The FE gives any expected environment for any software and configures memory requirements automatically on startup.

In addition to two SRAM (628512) and flash memory (AM29F040) chips, the PCB contains an Atmel CPLD (ATF-1504) and an Atmel controller (ATmega644). The controller is for the µIEC (SD2IEC) functionality. The CPLD controls the logic of the FE3 in a single chip.

The firmware of the FE3 is contained within the flash memory. It starts immediately after power on and when the VIC-20 is being reseted. The manual describes all features of the firmware.

The firmware consists of two parts:

• The menu system for choosing features of the FE3

• The FE3 Wedge extends the command set of the VIC-20 and implements SJLOAD/SJSAVE (Jiffy compatible load and save). Cause the integrated SD2IEC is also Jiffy compatible, it is a benefit also with the diskloader.

The menu system offers the following features:

• RAM Configuration: This menu point allows to configure any known memory configuration of the VIC-20.

• Diskloader: This menu point exists to load and execute programs on SD card or floppy disk. The diskloader is free configurable by the User and supports any kinds of floppydisk drives and of course the integrated SD2IEC (µIEC).

• Cartloader: This menu point exists to load and execue programs directly from flash memory. The flash provides 480KB (from 512KB) userspace. You can fill this userspace with most favourite games and programs. All kind of programs are possible (BASIC, programs, cartridges) to flash into userspace.

• Utilities: This are programs to update the firmware and write selected programs and games into the flash memory.

• The FE3 manual

• The FE3-Wedge

• FE3 Docu - LOADER files

• FE3 Internals - technology and programming

The schematic of the FE is free available and the firmware is open source. Everyone can build a FE3 herself easily. It is possible to build a FE3 on a breadboard or a 8-Bit Baby (see also Final Expansion v1).

There are also kits available from Nils at forum-64. The WEB Shop is here. The assembly instructions are here.

• FE3-20 available at Retro-Donald

• Homepage of the Final Expansion 3

• Final Expansion in the Forum-64 - the fe3 is a teamwork

• Die Final Expansion in der Denial WIKI