Getting Started - Revision history

1BitFeverDreams: /* Getting Powered Up */ added text for wildbits. Added details for the JR2 powering situation. Added text on the internal uSD cards for gen2 machines.

2026-05-25T13:32:54Z

Getting Powered Up: added text for wildbits. Added details for the JR2 powering situation. Added text on the internal uSD cards for gen2 machines.

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:32, 25 May 2026
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	== Getting Powered Up ==		== Getting Powered Up ==

	=== Powering your F256K and F256K2 ===		=== Powering your F256K and Wildbits/K2 (fmr. known as F256K2) ===

	~~The F256K is~~ powered via a standard 2.5mm DC Connector, which takes a centre-positive 12V 2A capable Power Supply.		These machines are powered via a standard 2.5mm DC Connector, which takes a centre-positive 12V 2A capable Power Supply.

	It's possible to use 9 V instead of 12 V, (''I can personally vouch for it -Mu0n''). Typical power draw is ~~a little under~~ 4 W.		It's possible to use 9 V instead of 12 V, (''I can personally vouch for it -Mu0n''). Typical power draw is around 4 to 5 W.

	This type of power supply is quite common. [https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-100-240V-Transformer-Charger-Security/dp/B091XSVV1Y Example 12V 2A capable power supply] (used by at least 1 Discord user successfully)		This type of power supply is quite common. [https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-100-240V-Transformer-Charger-Security/dp/B091XSVV1Y Example 12V 2A capable power supply] (used by at least 1 Discord user successfully)

	The F256K2's higher end FPGA requires adding a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CMK8BMT compatible heatsink] if you're running advanced cores like the ~~upcoming~~ 68k core, but is not required for the default K2c/e, 6809, or Core2x.		The Wildbits/K2 (or F256K2) higher end FPGA requires adding a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CMK8BMT compatible heatsink] if you're running advanced cores like the theoretical 68k core, but is not required for the default K2c/e, 6809, or Core2x.

	=== Powering your ~~F256Jr and~~ (?) F256Jr~~.Jr~~ ===		=== Powering your Wildbits/Jr2 (formerly known as F256Jr2) ===
			Power is provided through a USB-C connector. The cable used there is also providing 4x channels for programming the FPGA, allowing the use of the debug port and the system's serial COM port.

			=== Powering your F256Jr ===

	The F256Jr is supplied as a Mini-ITX form factor mainboard, with a standard 24 pin ATX power supply connector for power connectivity.		The F256Jr is supplied as a Mini-ITX form factor mainboard, with a standard 24 pin ATX power supply connector for power connectivity.
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	The board itself has no power switch. If you do not have a Mini-ITX case, a pin header on the board can be bridged by a jumper and thereby used instead of a proper power switch as a stop gap solution. In this picture https://wiki.c256foenix.com/images/6/64/Pinout_Jr_December_7th_Trans.png the pin header in question is shown in the lower right and is labeled with ''PW ON SPST Switch''.		The board itself has no power switch. If you do not have a Mini-ITX case, a pin header on the board can be bridged by a jumper and thereby used instead of a proper power switch as a stop gap solution. In this picture https://wiki.c256foenix.com/images/6/64/Pinout_Jr_December_7th_Trans.png the pin header in question is shown in the lower right and is labeled with ''PW ON SPST Switch''.

	== Getting programs onto the F256 ==		== Getting programs onto the Wildbits/F256 ==

	=== SD Card ===		=== SD Card ===

	The F256K, F256K2, F256JR and F256Jr.Jr. have an SD card slot. The device software to read the SD card is a bit touchy (it's inherited from the Commander X16 project) and doesn't work with all SD cards		The F256K, Wildbits/K2 (F256K2), F256JR and Wildbits/Jr2 (F256Jr.Jr.) have an SD card slot. The device software to read the SD card is a bit touchy (it's inherited from the Commander X16 project) and doesn't work with all SD cards

	* Cards should support the V2 protocol (HC or XC); older cards that only support the V1 protocol (typically 2GB or less) won't work. By contrast, the kernels for the C256 machines generally only work with V1 cards. Note that, in both cases, this is a software limitation -- all of the Foenix machines are electrically capable of using both kinds of cards.		* Cards should support the V2 protocol (HC or XC); older cards that only support the V1 protocol (typically 2GB or less) won't work. By contrast, the kernels for the C256 machines generally only work with V1 cards. Note that, in both cases, this is a software limitation -- all of the Foenix machines are electrically capable of using both kinds of cards.
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	* FAT32 only supports a maximum partition size of 32Gb, on larger cards you will need to create multiple partitions -- however, only the first is recognized by DOS.		* FAT32 only supports a maximum partition size of 32Gb, on larger cards you will need to create multiple partitions -- however, only the first is recognized by DOS.
	* Some folks have had luck formatting cards with the [https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter/sd-memory-card-formatter-for-windows-download/ Official SD Association formatter for Windows].		* Some folks have had luck formatting cards with the [https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter/sd-memory-card-formatter-for-windows-download/ Official SD Association formatter for Windows].

			=== Internal μSD Card(s) ===
			The gen 2 machines have additional μSD for various purposes.

			The Wildbits/Jr2 (F256Jr2) has a μSD socket on its underside for "internal storage" purposes. This needs to be enabled through a specific FPGA feature that is still pending in May of 2026.

			The Wildbits/K2 (F256K2) has two μSD sockets inside the case. The leftmost one is a storage for the FPGA binary builds that get sent to the FPGA during bootup, according to the status of the DIP switches at the backside of the case. Four such builds can be prepared in advanced and you can read more on this topic in the [[FPGA Releases\|FPGA Release page]]. The rightmost μSD socket is for "internal storage" purposes. This needs to be enabled through a specific FPGA feature that is still pending in May of 2026.

	=== Curated Software Collections ===		=== Curated Software Collections ===
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	* You can use:		* You can use:
	** [https://github.com/pweingar/FoenixMgr FoenixMgr] - works on Windows, Mac, Linux		** [https://github.com/pweingar/FoenixMgr FoenixMgr] - works on Windows, Mac, Linux
	*** A Python script to manage the Foenix series of retro style computers through their USB debug ports. This tool allows uploading files of various formats to system RAM, and displaying memory through various ~~means.~~		*** A Python script to manage the Foenix series of retro style computers through their USB debug ports. This tool allows uploading files of various formats to system RAM, and displaying memory through various me

	** [https://github.com/Trinity-11/FoenixIDE FoenixIDE] (Windows only)		** [https://github.com/Trinity-11/FoenixIDE FoenixIDE] (Windows only)
	*** Development and Debugging Suite for the C256 Foenix Family of Computers.		*** Development and Debugging Suite for the C256 Foenix Family of Computers.

	=== wget ===		=== wget (for gen1 only: F256K and F256Jr) ===
	If you have the [[wifi]] configured, you can use [https://github.com/ghackwrench/F256_wget wget] to pull programs and data right off the web!		If you have the [[wifi]] configured, you can use [https://github.com/ghackwrench/F256_wget wget] to pull programs and data right off the web!

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	=== Discord ===		=== Discord ===

	The [https://discord.gg/9vjUEGgcUS ~~Foenix Retro Systems~~ Discord] is the primary place to get questions answered.		The [https://discord.gg/9vjUEGgcUS Wildbits Computing Company Discord] is the primary place to get questions answered.

	Also, if you resolve your question, and you didn't find the answer here on the Wiki, '''''please consider contributing to the Wiki''''', for the benefit of others with the same question!		Also, if you resolve your question, and you didn't find the answer here on the Wiki, '''''please consider contributing to the Wiki''''', for the benefit of others with the same question!

WF: /* Powering your F256K and F256K2 */

2026-02-27T02:19:45Z

Powering your F256K and F256K2

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:19, 26 February 2026
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	It's possible to use 9 V instead of 12 V, (''I can personally vouch for it -Mu0n''). Typical power draw is a little under 4 W.		It's possible to use 9 V instead of 12 V, (''I can personally vouch for it -Mu0n''). Typical power draw is a little under 4 W.

	This type of power supply is quite common. [https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-100-240V-Transformer-Charger-Security/dp/B091XSVV1Y Example 12V 2A capable power supply] (#)		This type of power supply is quite common. [https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-100-240V-Transformer-Charger-Security/dp/B091XSVV1Y Example 12V 2A capable power supply] (used by at least 1 Discord user successfully)

	~~(#)~~ ''~~This specific power supply has~~ not ~~been verified (by the author)~~ for ~~use with~~ the ~~F256K~~. ~~Please update this page with verified options!''~~		The F256K2's higher end FPGA requires adding a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CMK8BMT compatible heatsink] if you're running advanced cores like the upcoming 68k core, but is not required for the default K2c/e, 6809, or Core2x.

	=== Powering your F256Jr and (?) F256Jr.Jr ===		=== Powering your F256Jr and (?) F256Jr.Jr ===

1BitFeverDreams: /* Youtube Channels with regular Foenix videos */ programmer vs world changed to peertube link

2025-10-03T19:07:35Z

Youtube Channels with regular Foenix videos: programmer vs world changed to peertube link

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:07, 3 October 2025
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	NormanYen (from beethead): https://www.youtube.com/@normanyen5720		NormanYen (from beethead): https://www.youtube.com/@normanyen5720

	Programmer vs World (from PlasmaTrout): https://~~www~~.~~youtube.com~~/~~@ProgrammerVsWorld~~/videos		Programmer vs World (from PlasmaTrout): https://makertube.net/c/programmervsworld/videos

	==== Specific youtube videos from heavy hitters: ====		==== Specific youtube videos from heavy hitters: ====

1BitFeverDreams: /* Tutorial Video on 13 methods on running programs: */

2025-06-25T17:53:32Z

Tutorial Video on 13 methods on running programs:

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:53, 25 June 2025
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	=== Tutorial Video on 13 methods on running programs: ===		=== Tutorial Video on 13 methods on running programs: ===
	<~~youtube0ShFv89KGDs~~</youtube		<youtube>0ShFv89KGDs</youtube>

	00:41 Method 1 - SuperBasic program		00:41 Method 1 - SuperBasic program

1BitFeverDreams at 17:52, 25 June 2025

2025-06-25T17:52:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:52, 25 June 2025
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	=== Tutorial Video on 13 methods on running programs: ===		=== Tutorial Video on 13 methods on running programs: ===
	~~https:~~/~~/www.~~youtube~~.com/watch?v=0ShFv89KGDs~~		<youtube0ShFv89KGDs</youtube

	00:41 Method 1 - SuperBasic program		00:41 Method 1 - SuperBasic program

1BitFeverDreams: tutorial on loading programs

2025-06-25T17:52:01Z

tutorial on loading programs

@@ Line 40: / Line 40: @@
 * [https://github.com/Mu0n/F256MiscGoodies/tree/main/SDCard_Collection Go here to get a nice curated collection of programs] - it was first pepared for VCF East 2025 for the showroom Foenix table, but it is actively getting further updates. simply unzip it to the root of the flash card. You are encouraged to browse and launch most things with the f/manager program by first diving into /- fm from superbasic.
 * An older 2023 pack can be found here (and is referenced down below in the SuperBasic section of this current page), simply unzip it to the root of the flash card: [https://github.com/FoenixRetro/Documentation/blob/main/f256/archive older demo pack from 2023]
 === Debug USB port ===

1BitFeverDreams: /* Demos Archive */ referring to all 4 F256 machines in the top of the page, links to way more programs, better description at using pexec, youtube links in the bottom resource area

2025-05-06T03:20:56Z

Demos Archive: referring to all 4 F256 machines in the top of the page, links to way more programs, better description at using pexec, youtube links in the bottom resource area

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:20, 5 May 2025
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	== Getting Powered Up ==		== Getting Powered Up ==

	=== Powering your F256K ===		=== Powering your F256K and F256K2 ===

	The F256K is powered via a standard 2.5mm DC Connector, which takes a centre-positive 12V 2A capable Power Supply.		The F256K is powered via a standard 2.5mm DC Connector, which takes a centre-positive 12V 2A capable Power Supply.

			It's possible to use 9 V instead of 12 V, (''I can personally vouch for it -Mu0n''). Typical power draw is a little under 4 W.

	This type of power supply is quite common. [https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-100-240V-Transformer-Charger-Security/dp/B091XSVV1Y Example 12V 2A capable power supply] (#)		This type of power supply is quite common. [https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-100-240V-Transformer-Charger-Security/dp/B091XSVV1Y Example 12V 2A capable power supply] (#)
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	(#) ''This specific power supply has not been verified (by the author) for use with the F256K. Please update this page with verified options!''		(#) ''This specific power supply has not been verified (by the author) for use with the F256K. Please update this page with verified options!''

	=== Powering your F256Jr ===		=== Powering your F256Jr and (?) F256Jr.Jr ===

	The F256Jr is supplied as a Mini-ITX form factor mainboard, with a standard 24 pin ATX power supply connector for power connectivity.		The F256Jr is supplied as a Mini-ITX form factor mainboard, with a standard 24 pin ATX power supply connector for power connectivity.
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	=== SD Card ===		=== SD Card ===

	~~Both the~~ F256K and ~~F256JR~~ have an SD card slot. The device software to read the SD card is a bit touchy (it's inherited from the Commander X16 project) and doesn't work with all SD cards		The F256K, F256K2, F256JR and F256Jr.Jr. have an SD card slot. The device software to read the SD card is a bit touchy (it's inherited from the Commander X16 project) and doesn't work with all SD cards

	* Cards should support the V2 protocol (HC or XC); older cards that only support the V1 protocol (typically 2GB or less) won't work. By contrast, the kernels for the C256 machines generally only work with V1 cards. Note that, in both cases, this is a software limitation -- all of the Foenix machines are electrically capable of using both kinds of cards.		* Cards should support the V2 protocol (HC or XC); older cards that only support the V1 protocol (typically 2GB or less) won't work. By contrast, the kernels for the C256 machines generally only work with V1 cards. Note that, in both cases, this is a software limitation -- all of the Foenix machines are electrically capable of using both kinds of cards.
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	* Some folks have had luck formatting cards with the [https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter/sd-memory-card-formatter-for-windows-download/ Official SD Association formatter for Windows].		* Some folks have had luck formatting cards with the [https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter/sd-memory-card-formatter-for-windows-download/ Official SD Association formatter for Windows].

	=== ~~Demos Archive~~ ===		=== Curated Software Collections ===

	* [https://github.com/~~FoenixRetro~~/~~Documentation~~/~~blob~~/main/~~f256/archive Download~~ the most ~~recent demos archive]~~ and ~~expand~~ it to the root of the flash card.		* [https://github.com/Mu0n/F256MiscGoodies/tree/main/SDCard_Collection Go here to get a nice curated collection of programs] - it was first pepared for VCF East 2025 for the showroom Foenix table, but it is actively getting further updates. simply unzip it to the root of the flash card. You are encouraged to browse and launch most things with the f/manager program by first diving into /- fm from superbasic.
			* An older 2023 pack can be found here (and is referenced down below in the SuperBasic section of this current page), simply unzip it to the root of the flash card: [https://github.com/FoenixRetro/Documentation/blob/main/f256/archive older demo pack from 2023]

	=== Debug USB port ===		=== Debug USB port ===
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	\|}		\|}

	=== Running ~~PGZ~~ Files ===		=== Running pgz, pgZ, pgx Executable Files ===
			Running executables from superbasic involves calling the "pexec program" normally stored in Flash memory, but which is written as simply as possible with a "-" (dash symbol without the quotes) to make it easy and convenient to run programs.

	<pre>		You can use this notation to execute file.pgz (the same can be done with pgx, pgZ):<pre>
	/- file.pgz		/- file.pgz
	</pre>		</pre>The / is for running anything that's stored in flash

			The - is the special alias for pexec, as it is stored in flash

			Therefore /- is used together to launch an executable, which would follow as the first argument to the right. Keep in mind you need a space between /- and your program name.

	=== More Resources ===		=== More Resources ===
	=== This Wiki ===		=== This Wiki ===
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	Issues starting at #4 cover the F256 line. Issues 1-3 cover the previous version of the hardware (C256), although there are still many salient points.		Issues starting at #4 cover the F256 line. Issues 1-3 cover the previous version of the hardware (C256), although there are still many salient points.

			=== Youtube Channels with regular Foenix videos ===
			Official Foenix Retro Systems channel: https://www.youtube.com/@foenixretrosys

			8-Bit Wall of Doom (from EMWhite): https://www.youtube.com/@8-bitwallofdoom

			AnyBit Fever Dreams (from Mu0n): https://www.youtube.com/@anybitfeverdreams

			Boisy Pitre (from MrPitre): https://www.youtube.com/@boisypitre

			digarok (from digarok): https://www.youtube.com/@digarok

			Micah Bly (from Micah): https://www.youtube.com/@micahbly8241

			NormanYen (from beethead): https://www.youtube.com/@normanyen5720

			Programmer vs World (from PlasmaTrout): https://www.youtube.com/@ProgrammerVsWorld/videos

			==== Specific youtube videos from heavy hitters: ====
			Jan Beta reviews the F256K: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57FuA8YuXn0

			Perifractic (from Retro Recipes) reviews the F256K: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJQgecozNzU

Grenouye: /* Running PGZ Files */

2025-05-05T20:27:30Z

Running PGZ Files

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:27, 5 May 2025
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	<pre>		<pre>
	/- "file.pgz"		/- file.pgz
	</pre>		</pre>
	=== More Resources ===		=== More Resources ===
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	Also, if you resolve your question, and you didn't find the answer here on the Wiki, '''''please consider contributing to the Wiki''''', for the benefit of others with the same question!		Also, if you resolve your question, and you didn't find the answer here on the Wiki, '''''please consider contributing to the Wiki''''', for the benefit of others with the same question!

	=== Foenix Retro Systems ~~Newletter~~ ===		=== Foenix Retro Systems Newsletter ===

	Read back issues [http://apps.emwhite.org/foenixmarketplace/ here] (also a great source for sample programs).		Read back issues [http://apps.emwhite.org/foenixmarketplace/ here] (also a great source for sample programs).

	Issues starting at #4 cover the F256 line. Issues 1-3 cover the previous version of the hardware (C256), although there are still many salient points.		Issues starting at #4 cover the F256 line. Issues 1-3 cover the previous version of the hardware (C256), although there are still many salient points.

1BitFeverDreams: /* Discord */ invite link was dead

2025-01-18T14:55:29Z

Discord: invite link was dead

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:55, 18 January 2025
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	=== Discord ===		=== Discord ===

	The [https://discord.gg/~~mUfNc3dQZj~~ Foenix Retro Systems Discord] is the primary place to get questions answered.		The [https://discord.gg/9vjUEGgcUS Foenix Retro Systems Discord] is the primary place to get questions answered.

	Also, if you resolve your question, and you didn't find the answer here on the Wiki, '''''please consider contributing to the Wiki''''', for the benefit of others with the same question!		Also, if you resolve your question, and you didn't find the answer here on the Wiki, '''''please consider contributing to the Wiki''''', for the benefit of others with the same question!

71.209.244.212: /* SD Card */ typo

2024-10-04T23:19:47Z

SD Card: typo

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:19, 4 October 2024
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	* Cards should support the V2 protocol (HC or XC); older cards that only support the V1 protocol (typically 2GB or less) won't work. By contrast, the kernels for the C256 machines generally only work with V1 cards. Note that, in both cases, this is a software limitation -- all of the Foenix machines are electrically capable of using both kinds of cards.		* Cards should support the V2 protocol (HC or XC); older cards that only support the V1 protocol (typically 2GB or less) won't work. By contrast, the kernels for the C256 machines generally only work with V1 cards. Note that, in both cases, this is a software limitation -- all of the Foenix machines are electrically capable of using both kinds of cards.
	* ~~Partition~~ should be MBR, and partition type 0x0c.		* Partitioning should be MBR, and partition type 0x0c.
	* Cards MUST be formatted FAT32 -- NOT: FAT, FAT12, FAT16, or exFAT.		* Cards MUST be formatted FAT32 -- NOT: FAT, FAT12, FAT16, or exFAT.
	* Formatting with Windows 10/11 works fine, but make sure to force FAT32 (or use the command line: <code>format /FS:FAT32 H:</code>)		* Formatting with Windows 10/11 works fine, but make sure to force FAT32 (or use the command line: <code>format /FS:FAT32 H:</code>)