SVI-3x8 PicoExpander 1.4

This is SVI-3x8 PicoExpander - a Raspberry Pico 2 W based expansion device - and it's features, so here you go!

• 96 kB of additional RAM (BK22, BK31, BK32) to SVI-328, to be used for example with BASIC SWITCH command or CP/M
• 144 kB more RAM to SVI-318, converting it to a SVI-328 and allowing games designed for MSX1* and SVI-328 to be run on a 318
• Two disk drives** so you can load and save disk images via Wi-Fi
• Cassette drive with auto-running, allowing you to finally send and run .CAS images via Wi-Fi
• Support for 64 kB ROM game cartridges*, without using the game cartridge slot and finally fixing the 64 kB ROM support in SVI-328 MKII devices

Limitations of the current software (1.4.0):

• Requires converting MSX ROMs with, for example, Nyyrikki's MSX loader for SVI
• Supports only one disk drive, two-disk drive support coming up
• Most of the 64 kB ROMs work, but for some demos there are still some software bugs to solve

Current shipping estimate in 1-4 weeks depending on the order volumes.

The software and the hardware design will be released later as open source. The software upgrades will be provided free of charge.

Please note:

This is ”bleeding edge” hardware, so it might not last 40 years as the SVI did. The Pico pins are used with level shifters and within the limits of the voltage thresholds, but the actual Pico CPU is running overclocked at 300 MHz (normally 150 MHz). This might cause the Pico to wear out sooner than Raspberry has designed it to. However, the Pico can be replaced on the board if needed.

Also, note that device is a prototype and therefore has very limited warranty: you can test it when it arrives and if you're not satisfied, we'll figure out if we ship a new one or you get your money back or something else. But everything else is at your own risk. If the device stops working after 3-12 months, you'll need to fix it yourself or get a new one.