Unofficial web page for DivIDE interface

Some text used from: http://baze.au.com/divide/

INTRODUCTION

divIDE is an ATA (IDE) interface which takes your ZX Spectrum computing to a whole new level. As the time takes its toll on ageing media such as audio tapes or diskettes, many ZX Spectrum enthusiasts simply stick to emulation for better reliability and comfort. With divIDE you can put your software collection to a hard disk, CD-ROM or even CompactFlash card and experience your favourite games, demos and utilities the way the were meant to be run - and even better. Using existing firmwares, many users find their Speccy box again a live platform - time for you to make the switch?

DivIDE - software / systems / documentations

( NEW ) >>> DivIDE interface versions, schematics, history <<<

DivIDE gallery - photos of DivIDE interface with SATA/CF/SD adapters

DivIDE PLUS by RWAP Software

( NEW ) >>> DivIDE 5.7 - 2k11 ( Lotharek ) <<<

DivIDE upgrades / prototypes

DivIDE kit - step by step

DivIDE links - next web pages with DivIDE support

(NEW) >>> RTC MODULE for DivIDE <<<

FEATURES

• divIDE uses full 16 bits of ATA bus
• divIDE works on all ZX Spectrum flavours (16, 48, 48+, 128, +2, +2A, +3 and clones)
• Thanks to divIDE's onboard logic, theoretical transfer speed is 218 KB/sec (determined by the latency of INI/OUTI instructions)
• divIDE has 8 KB of shadow flash ROM that hosts operating system core, leaving your original ZX Spectrum ROM intact. Additional 32 KB of RAM accessible as 8 KB memory banks are present.
• divIDE's auto-mapping feature transparently maps shadow ROM at important entry points, enabling standard tape emulation, BASIC extensions, NMI menu and DISCiPLE/+D or BetaDisk emulation.
• divIDE's MAPRAM feature helps developers and users to test new software without the need of reflashing their working system in shadow ROM. It can also emulate another 8 KB of ROM if necessary.
• divIDE works with all ATA-compatible devices (there are no known compatibility issues)
• Available software supports widely used emulator formats (TAP, SNA, Z80, SCR). Just download your all-time favourite games from the web and play!
• divIDE interface with new R'GAL chip support also 16kB allram mode similas as MB02+ interface. Older divIDE inerfaces can be upgraded via R GAL replacement only.

ZX EMULATORS WITH DIVIDE SUPPORT

• Spin (Windows) - one of the best Speccy emulators around that contains complete divIDE emulation.
• SpecEmu (Windows) - next very good Speccy emulator with full divIDE emulation
• Spediv (Linux) - enhanced version of Spectemu by Dusky. Spediv's emulation of memory mapping and ATA layer is well-tested and is able to run any existing divIDE software.
• Fuse (Linux, Windows) - mature ZX Spectrum emulator which adopted divIDE courtesy of Matthew "Gasman" Westcott.
• EightyOne (Windows) - polished Sinclair/Timex emulator by Michael D. Wynne.

WHERE TO GET ONE ?

The divIDE is a free project and thus has no official producer - anyone wishing to produce a set of interfaces is invited to do so. The initial three batches of boards (about 150 in total) produced by Pavel Cimbal were sold mostly as DIY kits at a price of mere 20 EUR (14 GBP), which is basically a cost of components. However, these are now definitely out of stock and it is unlikely that Pavel himself will produce another batch, mainly due to overwhelming demand and the lack of time needed for assembling and shipping. However, there are currently three other producers:

Czech ZX Spectrum enthusiast Noby produces batches of divIDE boards on a semi-regular basis. There's a dIvIDE e-shop.

UK-based Papaya Labs offer divIDE interfaces via their on-line shop. They also offer accessories such as CompactFlash cards and various adaptors.

Also in UK, RWAP Software offers extended version of the divIDE interface (with custom board layout) and also various accessories. The extended version, named diwIDE, comes cased and has various options, such as through connector and either an IDE adaptor or CF adaptor built in. Also, changes have been made to allow the interface to work in 128k BASIC mode.

We will keep you updated with all the relevant information as soon as it becomes available.

CONTACTS

Contact me with issues related to this page.

Contact Pavel "Zilogator" Cimbal (the hardware author) with any technical questions.

Contact me with issues related to FATware system.