Archives of Genesis8 Amstrad Page from 1999 to 2023 about hardware
The MegaLambda-x6(++) by LambdaMikel, a new Amstrad CPC expansion backplane with 6 slots
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Genesis8
Michael Wessel is the author of several hardware expansions for Amstrad CPC which I let you discover on his github and Youtube channel.
His last making is the MegaLambda-x6(++), an Amstrad CPC expansion backplante with no less than 6 slots. You can desactivate individually each connected card. It features :
Six standard MX4 expansion slots
Passthrough edge connector (like LambdaBoard I, II)
Passthrough pin header connector (like MotherX4)
Keyhole in edge connector for hardware that requires it (e.g., DKTronics Retro Speech Synthesizer, ...)
Wide signal traces for good signal conductivity
Extra wide traces for GND and VCC - unlike other backplane expanders for the CPC, MegaLambda is capable of powering the DDI-1 and DDI-3 without requiring an extra power supply
Backplane powered from either the CPC or an external 5V power supply via standard barell jack (center polarity positive)
Double jumpers (for better conductivity) to select between CPC power and external power
Power LED (only) if external power supply is used - polarity check!
The 5V / VCC line of the CPC expansion port is physically disconnected from the backplane if external power is used; only GND is shared with the CPC
the presentation of Manfred Gross's Amstrad CPC which is using the MegaLambda to connect the Ultimate Midi card (also by LambdaMikel), the RSF3 by TMTLogic, and much more !
Vexed v1.11, an Amstrad CPC puzzle game by Under4Mhz
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Genesis8
Vexed by Under4Mhz is a new puzzle game for Amstrad CPC at the first 2023 semester. Match blocks and dont leave one or you must start anew the level.
Since the initial release, joystick support has been added in v1.08, so you should better download it again if you like Vexed.
RetroVirtualMachine v2.1.8, an Amstrad CPC emulator by Juan Carlos González Amestoy
Backbit Pro, a possible replacement for the C4CPC by Gérald ?
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Genesis8
The C4CPC isn't made anymore by Gérald due to lack of time and exploding costs (x3).
But the Backbit Pro could be a possible replacement. Beware it's more than 100 dollars, but you also have the to buy the corresponding Amstrad CPC+/GX4000 adaptater :
the adaptater has a chip for ACID protection bypass
The adapters include a solderless jumper (one jumper is included, and extra jumpers can be purchased, required for ACID bypass)
3.5mm jack allows connecting a BackButton (to move back in the menu without touching the backbit pro, some systems such as Amstrad require an included solderless jumper) or a GenAssister
Supports cartridge images (BIN/CPR) up to 1MB in size
Real-time-clock remembers date & time even after shutoff. Useful when creating new files or versions
One-button diagnostic mode helps you identify system faults (on most systems)
Upgradeable via MicroSD card
New firmware for the USIfAC II and ULIfAC by Ikonsgr
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Genesis8
Ikonsgr has released new firmware for his expansion cards USIfAC II and ULIfAC
. THe ULIFAC is the last iteration of his card which started with the USIfAC 1.
HxC Floppy Emulator Manager v4 released by NoRecess
RAM upgrade from 512 to 640Kb on a Sinclair PC200 by Amstrad Retro Geek
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Genesis8
If you have a Sinclair PC200 (PC XT) still with its RAM default (512 Kb), I invite you to see the video by Amstrad Retro Geek which shows how to upgrade to 640 Kb.
An Amstrad CPC romboard using a raspberry Pico by Matronica