Incognito BIOS and SIDE Loader

In 2012, Sebastian Bartkowicz (Candle) asked me if I could write a BIOS to realize the PBI hard disk functionality he was developing for the Incognito. During the months that followed, Candle thought of more and more things to add (such as the ability to read and write disk images mounted in the FAT partition of the CF card), and after weeks of coding and debugging, we had something approaching a final version.

In 2015, a desire to significantly broaden the functionality of Incognito and correct some problems with the PBI BIOS led me to completely re-write the the firmware for the device, including the main BIOS, PBI BIOS and XEX loader.

Among new features provided by the firmware are the following:

  • A PBI implementation of Matthias Reichl’s High-Speed SIO code which does not require OS patching and which works with external cartridges
  • The ability to set the system date and time from inside the BIOS setup utility
  • Expanded PBI BIOS settings on a dedicated menu page
  • System information page showing video standard, CPU speed, etc
  • User-selectable BIOS hotkeys
  • Configuration profiles
  • BIOS plugin API for user-defined external device control
  • New, faster XEX loader supporting multiple FAT partitions, APT partition mounting and recursive searching
  • SIO2BT support (at up to 56kb/s) and high-speed SIO for PCLink and other serial devices
  • Built-in CIO “Z:” RTC device handler

New to Version 4.2

  • SIDE3 Loader-style menu design
  • Fixed Sophia 2 plugin
  • Fixed JED version reporting

Download

Note that the firmware is compatible with all Incognito JED versions.

Incognito Firmware version 4.2 (24 January 2023)

Important: The firmware consists of three separate files which should be applied in this order:

1. Main BIOS
2. SIDE Loader
3. PBI BIOS

After updating those components, power-cycle the machine.

CPLD JED

The version 2.0 JED for Incognito (which should be pre-installed on all recently purchased boards) is included here for those wishing to update older boards. Benefits of the newer JED include BIOS plugin support, VBXE compatibility, Mosaic RAM emulation, and much more.

Incognito JED version 2 (031021)

User Manual

The User Manual contains installation instructions and usage notes for the Main BIOS setup utility and SIDE/XEX Loader:

Ultimate 1MB, Incognito and 1088XEL-U1MB Firmware Manual

Loader Quick Reference

SIDE Loader Quick Reference

Technical Documentation

Technical documentation describing the firmware memory map and configuration data layout is provided below:

Ultimate 1MB, Incognito and 1088XEL-U1MB BIOS Technical Documentation

Feedback

If wish to report any issues with the new firmware of have any suggestions on how it might be improved, you may email me directly via the address on the contact page, or post in the discussion thread on the AtariAge Forum.

Previous Versions

Incognito Firmware version 4.0 (07 July 2021)

Incognito Firmware version 3.10 (June 2020)

Incognito Firmware Update (August 2019)

Donations

While the firmware is free at the point of delivery for personal use, if it is to be included on commercially sold devices, the firmware is subject to a licensing fee which should be arranged with the author in advance. Developers interested in customised versions of the firmware tailored to their particular hardware should contact the author.

In light of the fact that firmware licensing revenue is modest and that updates are offered for free to the end user, donations are welcomed and appreciated. Indeed, it has been my mission to facilitate easy and safe firmware updates, and regular in-the-field upgrades are encouraged to ensure that devices remain up to date and bug fixes are delivered in a timely manner.

Thank you!

Tutorial Videos