﻿-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------H----H--X----X-----CCCCC-----22222----0000-----0000-----11----------
----------H----H----X-X-----C--------------2---0----0---0----0---1-1-----------
---------HHHHHH-----X------C----------22222---0----0---0----0-----1------------
--------H----H----X--X----C----------2-------0----0---0----0-----1-------------
-------H----H---X-----X---CCCCC-----22222----0000-----0000----11111------------
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-- Contact: hxc2001<at>hxc2001.com ---------------------- http://hxc2001.com --
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HxC Floppy Emulator project
(c) 2006-2017 Jean-François DEL NERO / (c) HxC2001
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                HxC STM32 USB Floppy Emulator release notes

   For bug report and feature request don't hesitate to send an email to :

                           hxc2001<at>hxc2001.com

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-- Work in progress / Alpha Firmware version :
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cumulative modifications since the last stable firmware version :

7 August 2017: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.20.1a

- Low level I2C & LCD IO redesigned and optimized.
- Long names are now scrolling on the LCD during floppy emulation.
- Short name image type identification issue fixed.
- USB "Hot plug" support fixed in autoboot/"file selector" mode.

4 August 2017: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.19.2a

- New buttons behaviour and better debouncing filter. Navigation user-experience should be better now.
- Disk Eject function : Press both buttons to eject the disk. Working in indexed, autoboot mode, and normal mode.
- "Eject at power up" option added.
- Support up to 999 Images in autoboot mode (with the File selector) (Use the new CFG file and selector to use this feature)
- LCD : Display refresh improvements.
- New CFG file format : Some new flags and no more slots/disk drive limitation.
- Some critical parts rewritten in assembly. Huge code speed improvement -> Better HD density reliability. ED density to be tested ;).
- Code size reduced.
- Advanced USB mass storage cache implemented to improve read/write reliability.
  (Btw : Now when track size can be stored into the SRAM, the emulator will not read forever the data from the stick but use the cached data instead).
- IMG/ST file write support done.
- Huge RAW (*.ADF/*.ST/*.IMG) Write performance enhancement (Write 2 tracks at once !)
- RAW *.IMG files can be used in indexed mode : Name the files DSKA0000.IMG,DSKA0001.IMG,DSKA0002.IMG,...
- HFE write performance enhancement.
- "Autoboot.hfe not found" message added.
- 7 segments display "dots" glitch fixed.
- 128 & 256 bytes sectors support added in raw mode.
- FM support : Write to HFE file fixed.
- FM support : Raw (*.dsk) read/write support.
- New File format support (WIP) : HFEv3. Can now support copy protected images converted from IPF and others similar formats !
  Variable bitrate supported (CopyLock & SpeedLock). Weak/Flakey bits support to be added !
- Fix IPF support for these games: Jim Power, Z-Out,Xenon 2,Ghosts'n Goblins,Rainbow Islands,B.A.T II  and probably some others !
- Slot number printed on the second line during slot search with an LCD.
- XCopy write issue fixed.
- Sound buzzer output on the "JB" jumper position. You can connect a piezo or a magnetic buzzer (transistor needed for the magnetic version).
  The sound output can be disabled or enabled into the selector settings.
  (Note : Please remove these old sound mod using directly the step signal, they are producing reliability problems...)
- Mixed track format/density write support fixed (To be tested!).

  Current direct images support : *.HFE (RW),*.HFE V3 (RW) (early write support), *.ADF (RW), *.ST (RW), *.IMG (RW).
  Note : HFE files is a multiplatorms floppy image format supporting many systems and disk formats.

Selector software :
- New Bootblock for the Amiga version : The file selector is now "trackloaded" and start faster.
- Speed up the sub-directory change/browsing.
- Can start an image from the slot page with the F7 key.
- The File selector is now available under Windows and Linux ! : You can now edit the list from a PC !. (Compatible with all SD/USB HxC drives !)
  To launch it : HXCFEMNG -disk:[SD/USB drive letter:]
  See the selector readme file for more details.
  This is a new selection solution for all others machines without native file selector available.
- Linux/Windows version : You can now import from txt file / export to txt file / auto populate / check / fix and clear your slots configuration.
  Very useful for fast populating and compilations duplication ;)
- Windows version : Fix big size (>8GB) usb stick/sd access issue.
- populateslots option : autoboot.hfe filtered.
07 aug 2017:
- Fix the config file access error when the file haven't the archive flag set.


Converter / HxC Software :
- WIP : HFEv3 Import/export support added. This format support copy protections (variable bitrate protections and soon weakbits protections).

Thanks to all alpha/beta testers for testing the firmware and reporting the issues ! :)

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-- Stable Firmware versions :
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

31 May 2016: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.8.2a

	- HD floppy disk format issue corrected : write buffer size corrected.

15 April 2016: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.8.1a

	- Last selected image save issue corrected.

14 April 2016: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.8.0a

	- "Autoboot"/ File selector mode :
	   Fast backward/forward mode : Keep the button pressed to speed up the image change.
	   Press both buttons in the same time to jump the autoboot/file selector image.

	- "Indexed mode :
	   Fast backward/forward mode : Keep the button pressed to speed up the image change.
	   Press both buttons in the same time to jump the DSKA0000 image.

	   Up to 1000 indexed images (DSKA0000-DSKA0999).

21 January 2016: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.6.7a

	- Tandy TL/2 write issue corrected - glitch filter reduced
	  (Probably solve write issue with some others machines too).

	- 2 digits display init issue corrected (I2C timeout reduced).

	- LCD support : Characters glitches with some long file name corrected.

11 October 2015: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.6.6a

	- Some more random crash issues corrected into the disks images managers.
	  USB Stack updated.
	  Firmware Update strongly recommended !

26 September 2015: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.6.4a

	- Random crash issues corrected into the disks images managers.

23 September 2015: Firmware USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.6.3a

	- Some user interface delays added to make it more usable ;)
	- "Press select for the Setting menu" text added.

20 September 2015: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.6.2a

	- Normal mode : Endless init loop corrected.

20 September 2015: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.6.1a

	- Amiga : Disk change detection corrected : Desert Strike, Dizzy Crystal and
                  probably others games disk change detection are now working properly.

	- Direct access mode : Correct interface mode set when activated from an PC HD image.

13 September 2015: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.6.0a

	- Low level write layer redesigned : Some write issues solved.

	- 2 digits display detection issue corrected.

	- HFE : Index timing changed/corrected.

	- Select button added at the JA jumper position.
	  This additionnal button and the I2C LCD screen allow you to freely
	  select a file image without the indexed mode or any selector software.

	- Indexed mode : "Previous"/"Minus" button repeat rate reduced.


3 August 2015: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.5.4a

	- Amiga : Extra Disk change delay added. Solve some disk change issues (Protracker 3.15, Defender of the Crown,...).

25 June 2015: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.5.1a

	- CPC Fileselector issue corrected (-> If no file extension, HFE format mode is selected).

20 June 2015: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.5.0a

	- Direct *.ST / *.IMG file support added :)

	(Read only - Write support incoming !)
	For Atari ST users, you need to update your file manager too :
	http://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/SDCard_HxC_Floppy_Emulator_Manager.zip

	Current image support : *.HFE (RW), *.ADF (RW), *.ST (RO), *.IMG (RO).
	(Note/Reminder : The HFE format was designed to be universal. This one can be used with many types of machines).


17 June 2015: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.4.0a

	- I2C LCD auto detection/scan and communication improved/corrected

	- Low level pulses generator improved :
		- Code size reduced.
		- 250Kbits/s, 300Kbits/s, 500Kbits/s support (FM/MFM).
		- Variable bitrate & flakey bit support "Ready" ;)

07 June 2015: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.3.1a

	- Some IOs timing improved.

        - Agony game issue almost corrected.

06 June 2015: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.3.0a

	- USB Sticks are now mounting a way faster at power up ! :)

	- I2C LCD display support added !

	These kind of I2C LCD board is compatible with the firmware :

	http://www.ebay.com/itm/IIC-I2C-TWI-SP-I-Serial-Interface-Board-Module-Port-For-Arduino-1602LCD-Display-/310565362720?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item484f235c20
	(board only - without the LCD)

	http://www.ebay.com/itm/IIC-I2C-TWI-SPI-Serial-Interface-Board-Module-Port-for-Arduino-1602LCD-Display-/161245616356?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item258afcd8e4
	(board only - without the LCD)

	http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Blue-IIC-I2C-TWI-1602-16x2-Serial-LCD-Module-Display-for-Arduino-/221439853893?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item338ed80545
	(board + LCD)

	http://www.ebay.com/itm/IIC-I2C-TWI-SP-I-Serial-Interface1602-16X2-Character-LCD-Module-Display-Yellow-/310565065933?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item484f1ed4cd
	(board + LCD)

	Any I2C address is supported : The firmware scan automatically the I2C bus at power up (0x20-0x27 and 0x38-0x3F address range scanned)
	So there is no specific requirement about the I2C address setting.

	To connect the I2C LCD, you have to connect SDA & SCL at the J7 connector (see below).
        Please note that 2 additionnals 4.7Kohms pull up resistors (+5V) are needed on SCL & SDA.
	the +5V and GND wire can be connected on the programming connector (see below) :

	If you want to build the I2C board yourself, here is the schematic:
	http://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/Ext_Slim_HxC_Floppy_Emulator_I2C_LCD_Schematic.pdf


- Possible +5V source on the PCB (on the programming connector):

 _____________________________
 |
-+--- NC
-+--- GND      O J3 (BOOT0)
-+--- GND      O VCC3V3
-+--- +5V     OO TX
 |        +5V OO RX
 |        GND OO RST
 |--
 |  |
 |  |


 - SCL & SDA position on J7 :

                           _____|
                          |     |
                          | USB |
                          |_____|
        OO______________________|
    SDA OO|SCL
    GND OO|VCC3V3
        J7|
          |
__________|



31 May 2015: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.2.5a

	- CPC & Shugart disk change signal timing corrected.
	- Dead lock issue while existing the direct access mode corrected.

23 May 2015: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.2.2a

	- Amiga Disk change timing corrected. (Goal!, Arabian Nights, and probably other titles)
	- The last disk selected is now saved to the USB Stick.
	- Long press on one button allows to select the manager disk (000).

15 May 2015: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.2.0a

	- ADF Write support is now working correctly !
	This firmware have now the full Read & Write capability for both ADF & HFE format !

11 May 2015: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.1.1a

	- Ready  / Dskchg amiga timing corrected.

11 May 2015: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.1.0a

	- ADF file support added :)
	(Write support not tested yet ! And Manager v1.13 needed -> Please update it! :
	http://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/SDCard_HxC_Floppy_Emulator_Manager.zip )


30 April 2015: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.0.1a

	- Write Data line filter reduced (CPC issue)

28 April 2015: Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.0.0a (HFE file support - "Gotek" HW)

	- First public USB version firmware.

    	-> FAT 12 / FAT 16 / FAT 32 USB stick support.

	-> Read & Write support.

	-> DD (MFM 250) & SD (FM 250) density support.

	-> Software compatible with the SD HxC Floppy Emulator : Use the same HXCSDFE.CFG file.

	-> USB Direct Access mode : Direct Floppy to USB bridging. Protocol compatible with the SD HxC :
	   see http://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/SDCard_HxC_Floppy_Emulator_Direct_Access_mode.pdf
	   Amiga, Atari ST and CPC file managers are working with this firmware.

