Intel Hex to CS2 Converter and Loader

This is Phil G's (phil__g on vintage radio forum) Nano based implementation of a Fast Loader for the MK14.  He has produced a video demonstrating its use: 

Intel Hex to CS2 Converter and Loader Set-up

You will need the following file:

The latest version of the code can be found at http://philg.uk (bottom of SC/MP page)

Windows Driver Installation

The M5Stick requires the FTDI driver so if this is not already installed then connect the device to the PC, open device manager and install it from here https://ftdichip.com/drivers/.

This will only work for a genuine Arduino Nano, if you have a clone then you will most likely to need to install the CH340 USB Driver. 

Arduino Development Environment Setup

(This was completed using Windows 7 and Arduino IDE version 1.8.19)

  1. if not already installed, install the Arduino IDE from here https://www.arduino.cc/en/software
  2. select Tools -> Board -> Arduino AVR Boards -> Arduino Nano
  3. select Tools -> Processor -> Atmega328P
  4. select Tools -> Port -> and select the serial port your Nano is connected to (can be found by running Control Panel -> Device Manager)

It’s then a good idea to check the IDE is working and communicating with your Nano by running the Blink program from Examples-> 01:Basics -> Blink.

Install the Application

  1. put the ihex2cs2.ino file in a folder with the same name
  2. you can then Upload to the Nano

Connecting to the MK14

Just four connections (one optional) are required to connect to the MK14:

At the MK14 the SIN and Sense B lines are connected together for the cassette interface and will need to be separated if this has been used.  Both signals are available on the rear edge connector (SIN: pin 27, Sense B: pin 28).  On the MK14E they are accessible at the LK6/7 links or from Issue 1.1 boards on via the 'Fast Loader' connector J6.

Nano Connections

Tera Term Set-up

It is recommended to use the Tera Term terminal program which can be downloaded from https://tera-term.en.softonic.com/

  1. run the program and select Serial and your Nano's COM port

  2. select Setup -> Serial Port

  3. baud rate should be 9600 baud

  4. change the Transmit delays to 1mS/char and 10mS/line

  5. select New Setting

  6. select Save Setup and choose a location for Tera Term to save your settings e.g. as FastLoader.ini

when you rerun the program, close the New connection box and select Setup -> Restore setup and choose your saved settings file

 

Sending Files to the MK14

The MK14 must be running the new version of SCIOS V3 (with the orange and purple dots) and files must be in Intel Hex format.

  1. on the MK14 enter the execution address of the Fast Loader program $0052 and press GO
  2. on Teraterm select File and choose the file you wish to send
  3. select Send, the red LED on the Nano will flicker and go out when the transfer is complete

If you have the VDU attached make sure it is off during loading.

 

Phil has produced a document explaining the format of Ian Murray's (Coolsnaz2) CS2 Protocol.

 

 

Back to MK14

 

Acorn Home Page