Firmware

2026-02-02T04:42:22Z

Agurtovoy: /* RP2040 Firmware */

== System Flash ROM ==
The Foenix F256K, Jr., K2 and Jr2 computers contain 512K of flash memory which is intended to store software which should be available to the user without any media like SD-cards or IEC drives present. Think of it like a space traditionally occupied by ROM chips of 80's computers containing critical, often used programs and routines, but instead of being very rarely updated with scarce ROM chip revisions, it can be quickly updated with firmware revisions using the FoenixMgr python scripts.

'''Important Note''': for the F256K2, each core has its own dedicated area of 512K of flash memory. When switching to a new core, a separate dedicated area of 512K exists for that core and there's an expectation that the process of flashing the firmware has to be done for it.

This collection of software can be changed by the user by simply reprogramming the flash "ROM". At the moment (2025+) the following applications are stored in flash as a default loadout:
{| class="wikitable"
|+Collection of 6502/65816 firmware programs as of firmware release version 2025.13
!Absolute Block* in Memory Map
!Block* Offset in onboard Flash
!Name of program
!Description
|-
|0x40
|0x00
|'''''reserved'''''
|
|-
|0x41
|0x01
|xdev
|trampoline program meant to react to developper scripts from [[FoenixMgr]]: pcopy, runpgz, runpgx
|-
|0x42 to 0x45
|0x02 to 0x05
|superbasic
|if xdev has nothing to react to, superbasic is your default startup program
|-
|0x46
|0x06
|dos
|minimalistic file management and info shell
|-
|0x47
|0x07
|'''''free'''''
|
|-
|0x48
|0x08
|fcart
|allows a user to flash the 256K Flast Cart with 8kb prepared blocks. See [[CartFlasher|this for usage]]
|-
|0x49
|0x09
|'''free'''
|
|-
|0x4A
|0x0A
|help
|text help on screen for superbasic programming
|-
|0x4B to 0x4E
|0x0B to 0x0E
|'''''free'''''
|
|-
|0x4F
|0x0F
|wget
|web get, works only for gen1 K and Jr equipped with a feather wifi board
|-
|0x50 to 0x56
|0x10 to 0x16
|fm
|f/manager - a rather feature rich file manipulation, program launcher and memory exploration software
|-
|0x57
|0x17
|'''''free'''''
|
|-
|0x58 to 0x5B
|0x18 to 0x1B
|mless
|moreorless - a text editor. See [[Moreorless|here for more information.]]
|-
|0x5D to 0x7B
|0x1D to 0x3B
|'''''free'''''
|
|-
|0x7C to 0x7F
|0x3C to 0x3F
|microkernel
|the microkernel, gadget's masterpiece used by many programs
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>Block: each block of flash memory is 8kb is size

To reprogram the flash, you can start with the [https://github.com/FoenixRetro/f256-firmware/releases official firmware releases in this github.]

This repo is part the [https://github.com/FoenixRetro FoenixRetro] Github organisation which in turn is an attempt to gather forks of all projects which are part of the firmware and other resources relevant for the Foenix F256 new retro computers.

There are now two firmware loads available: Gen1 - for K and Jr and Gen2 - for K2 and Jr2. The only difference between these loads is the superbasic part of the firmware, in order to have a properly identified superbasic startup screen that reflects the exact computer and generation in the logo.

====== Video tutorial: ======
A part of a tutorial video covers updating the firmware as a follow up step to updating the FPGA core, check it at 6:45 and on.

<youtube>pOab0ocKqac</youtube>

==== 6809 firmware: ====
This core has specialized firmware - it is best to ask around in the appropriate channels of the [https://discord.gg/9vjUEGgcUS Foenix discord].

== RP2040 Firmware ==
This is a separate flash chip for the RP2040, which initializes the FPGA and uploads the core to it. These flash images are <code>.uf2</code> files.
[[File:Rp2040-cable.jpeg|thumb|Connector location, Switch S3 on the left, and cable orientation]]
Installation step:

* Install Cable as above (F256K2 Powered Off)
* Plug Cable in any PC that holds the new programming file.
* Keep 1 finger on the button
* Power the F256K2
* A new folder will appear on the PC's Desktop
* Drop the new file in the newly appeared folder.
* Power off F256K2
* Remove cable
* Reinstall the system as your heart's desire
* Power On the unit
* RP2040 is updated and running (because you need it to boot the unit)
* Bob's your uncle!

File:Rp2040-cable.jpeg

2026-02-02T04:41:32Z

Agurtovoy: Posted by Stefany on the discord

== Summary ==
Posted by Stefany on the discord

Main Page

2026-01-08T06:48:10Z

Agurtovoy: Update Wiki title

<div id="mainpage"></div> __NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__


<div style="margin: 0 0 15px 0; padding: 1px; border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;">
{| style="width: 100%; margin: 0; padding: 0; border: 0; background-color: #FCFCFC; color: #000000; border-collapse: collapse;"
| align="center" style="vertical-align: top;"|
<div style="font-size: 150%;">Welcome to the Foenix F256x / Wildbits/K2 Wiki</div>
<div style="font-size: 100%; margin-top: 0.7em; line-height: 130%;">Dedicated to the WDC65C02/WDC65C816 or FNX6809 based F256x series of personal computers.</div>
|}
</div>


{| style="width: 100%; margin: 0; padding: 0; border: 0; border-collapse: collapse;"
| style="padding: 0; width: 25%; vertical-align: top;" |


{{NocatBox|subject=Getting Started|page=Main2/Getting_Started}}
{{NocatBox|subject=How To|page=Main2/How_To}}
{{NocatBox|subject=Technical Overview|page=Main2/Technical_Overview}}
{{NocatBox|subject=System Maintenance|page=Main2/System_Maintenance}}

| style="padding: 0 0 0 10px; width: 25%; vertical-align: top;" |


{{NocatBox|subject=Software Development|page=Main2/Software_Development}}
{{NocatBox|subject=Utility Software|page=Main2/UtilitiesPage}}
{{NocatBox|subject=W65C816 Processor|page=Main2/65816_Processor}}
{{NocatBox|subject=FNX6809 Processor|page=Main2/FNX6809_Processor}}
{{NocatBox|subject=Game Development|page=Main2/Game_Development}}
|}

Foenix F256 / Wildbits/K2 Wiki - User contributions [en]

Firmware

File:Rp2040-cable.jpeg

Main Page