Changes

[[ImageFile:Cpc-ideSymbiface II highres.jpg|200px|thumb|Prototype of the CPC-IDE interface600px]]

In autumn 2004 the CPC-IDE was developed by Detailed documentation can be found here: [[Dr.ZedProgramming:SYMBiFACE II|SYMBiFACE II documents]] with support by [[Octoate]], [[Tolkin]] and [[TFM]]. It is the first hardware solution ever that allowed connection of IDE-harddrives and CF-cards to the CPC with the maximum possible data transfer speed. Technically the CPC-IDE interface was based on the GIDE IDE interface by Tilmann Reh.

After working successfully, About 200 units of the SYMBiFACE II have been built and shipped between 2006 and 2012. Today it is only available in the second-hand market. The RAM/ROM and the IDE feature of the SYMBiFACE II can be replaced by the [[Dr.ZedX-MEM]] and the [[ProdatronX-Mass]] hardware created by [[TotO]] made plans for a second version, which includes a lot of more extensions. So the '''SYMBiFACE II''' is not only an IDE interface anymore. It merges the CPC with current PC technologystill available today (2016).

CPC [[Image:Symbiface II.jpg|thumb|400px|SYMBiFACE II contains the optimal solution for connecting a CPC with an IDE harddisc. It provides the maximum - both for the performance and for the simpleness in accessing the harddisc]][[Image:Symbiface2.gif|thumb|400px|SYMBiFACE II with description]]

''CPC SYMBiFACE II provides one solution for connecting a CPC with an IDE Features''hard disc. You can use a master and a slave device.

* Supports IDE-Harddiscs with up to 128GB * Bigger HDDs or CD/DVD drives support possible with drivers* Simultaneous operation of two harddiscs (master and slave):for a total of up to 256GB on your CPC! * Transfer speed of 162KByte/s: That's as fast as copying memory inside the CPC with LDIR. In practice (loading FAT16/32 files) the speed is still about 130KB/s ([[SymbOS]]-FAT-driver).* External power supply required: no extra load for the CPC's internal PSU* No timing problems: Interrupts donIDE Features''t need to be disabled during the data transfer with the harddisc. The harddisc can operate while you play sound or doing other things with your CPC (multitasking etc.). * Traffic activity display via a LED on the board

*Supports IDE hard discs with up to 128 GB.*Bigger HDD or CD/DVD drive support possible with drivers.*Simultaneous operation of two hard discs (master and slave) for a total of up to 256 GB on your CPC! *Transfer speed of 162 KByte/s. That's as fast as copying memory inside the CPC with LDIR. In practice (loading FAT16/32 files) the speed is still about 130 KB/s ([[SymbOS|SymbOS]]-FAT-driver).*External power supply provided: no extra load for the CPC' Additional Features's internal PSU.*No timing problems: Interrupts don't need to be disabled during the data transfer with the hard disc. The hard disc can operate while you play sound or doing other things with your CPC (multitasking etc.). *Traffic activity display via a LED on the board.

* 512KB RAM extension, which is fully compatible with the CPC [[6128]] and the [[dk'tronics]] ram extension * 512KB rewriteable ROM. You can upload up to 32 ROMs, which are persistant. You can also use the ROM space as an additional RAM extension. ROMs can be switched on or off via switches or via software. * PS/2 mouse connector. This makes it possible to connect wireless and optical mouses to your CPC.* Realtime clock, which is fully PC compatible and provides additional 128 byte persistant RAM, which can be used to store config data.'Additional Features''

[[Image:sf2rommanSf2romman.gif|thumb|320px400px|SYMBiFACE II rom ROM manager]] [[Image:RM-Info.jpg|thumb|400px|SYMBiFACE II ROManager]]

== ROM-Manager == * Under [[BASIC]] you can use [[ROManager BASIC]] to manage all 32 ROMs of the SYMBiFACE II. It can load/save all 32 or one 16 KB ROM. Further you can copy, move, erase, park, unpark or check ROMs. *The simulated ROMs of the (SYMBiFACE II can also be handled by a ROM manager which runs under [[SymbOS|SymbOS]]. This tool allows displaying, loading, saving and deleting the 32 x 16K ROMs. *The most comprehensive application for the SYMBiFACE II ROM management "[[ROManager|ROManager]]") tool runs under [[FutureOS|FutureOS]]. It allows you to backup/restore display the Symbiface existing ROMs. You can install, deleteload or save one or all ROMs, movetest a ROM, adapt the checksum, copy , paste and explore single delete ROMsetc. This program  <br> == Background ROMs == [[HDCPM]] or [[UniDOS]] are excellent complements to the Symbiface II. [[File:hdcpm.gif|HDCPM booting CP/M Plus]] <br>  == Derived hardware ===== Cyboard === [https://github.com/salafek/cyboard-for-cpc Cyboard] is available a SYMBiFACE II clone with embedded Ethernet controller for the Amstrad CPC range of computers. [[FutureOSFile:Cyboard-v1.1.png]] Its Ethernet controller is supported by [[SymbOS]] and by [https://github.com/salafek/KCNet-software-for-Net4CPC KCNet utilities] for CP/M. The Ethernet controller uses 4 I/O ports: * #FD20: MR - Common Register* #FD21: IDM_ARH - Upper 8 bits Offset Address Register* #FD22: IDM_ARL - Lower 8 bits Offset Address Register* #FD23: IDM_DR - 8 Bits Data Register [[Media:Ethernet W5100s ds v125e.pdf|WIZnet W5100S datasheet]] <br> === RSF3 === The [[RSF3]] is a modern multi-function expansion card that integrates a SYMBiFACE II compatibility mode. <br> === Symbiface II Mouse Interface === Dr. Zed, the creator of the SYMBiFACE 2, also built a standalone Interface of the PS2-Mouse part of the SF2. [[File:Symbiface II Mouse.jpeg|500px]] It is compatible with all software which is compatible with the original SF2-Interface. (Patched Arkanoid from [[Nilquader]] for example, or SymbOS or FutureOS). Every PS2 Compatible Mouse Devices (like trackballs, spinners) can be used. When using a USB Mouse, you need a passive adapter usb to ps2. [https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/sf2-maus-symbiface-2-mouseinterface/ Build your own or make a batch of devices for others] <br>

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20161019055304/http://www.symbos.de/sf2.htm SYMBiFACE II homepage] <br>

[[Category:HardwarePeripherals]] [[Category:PeripheralsMemory expansions]][[Category:Expansion ROM]] [[Category:SymbOS]] [[Category:Memory expansionsFutureOS]][[Category:DATA Storage]][[Category:Input Device]]