SidecarTridge Multi-device KIT

An apps platform for your Atari, in a cartridge

The SidecarTridge Multi-device plugs into the cartridge port of any Atari ST, STE, Mega, TT or Falcon. Inside sits a Raspberry Pi Pico W that adds Wi-Fi and a microSD slot, and runs a growing catalog of 12 modular apps. Boot floppy images, swap ROMs over the air, run a hard disk without opening the case, or download games online. No internal mods required. This is the solder-it-yourself kit for makers who already own a Raspberry Pi Pico W or WH.

Not just an emulator. An apps platform.

Powered by Firmware V2, the Multi-device runs a catalog of modular apps that you switch in seconds, with no reflashing and no extra hardware. New apps arrive over the air as they ship. Highlights:

• Drives Emulator: floppy and hard-disk emulation from a microSD card. Boot any image and swap on the fly, no mechanical drive required.
• ROM Emulator: swap cartridge ROMs over Wi-Fi. Browse the online catalog from the ST itself and load 64K or 128K images on the spot.
• Browser: search floppy images directly from your ST. Type a title, press Enter, watch it boot over Wi-Fi. You can also browse the same catalog on the Atari ST Public Floppy Database.
• MIDI-to-IP: bridge your ST's MIDI port to the Internet and play MIDI Maze against players in other cities.
• RTC and many more. Browse the full app catalog at the Multi-device app store.

What it does

SidecarTridge Multi-device is a state-of-the-art multi-device emulator for the Atari ST, STE, Mega, TT and Falcon families. It builds on the RP2040 microcontroller of the Raspberry Pi Pico to:

• Emulate 64 KByte and 128 KByte cartridge ROMs by loading the binary files from a microSD card or over Wi-Fi.
• Read and write the cartridge bus in real time, so it can emulate floppy disks, hard disks, real-time clocks, keyboards, mice and more.
• Grow with you. Thanks to its open architecture and open-source code, the device keeps gaining capabilities.

What's new in version 3

• Smaller and more compact: a slimmer design makes installation easier while keeping all functionality.
• Enhanced performance and stability: ENIG PCBs and an optimized track layout improve signal integrity and reduce electrical noise, especially in older machines.
• Improved power efficiency: optimized power handling lowers consumption without compromising performance.
• Stronger Wi-Fi signal: a larger copper window for the antenna boosts signal strength and reduces interference.
• Flexible Pico W integration: solder the Raspberry Pi Pico W directly to the board, or mount a Pico WH on female headers.
• Expanded connectivity for makers: JST and classic two-pin connectors to externalize the RESET and SELECT buttons, plus UART and DEBUG access for advanced users.

And of course, 100% backward compatible with the previous version.

What's in the kit

This edition is for makers with soldering skills who already own a Raspberry Pi Pico W or WH, or can buy one cheaply from a local dealer. The kit includes:

• SidecarTridge PCB, Revision 3.1.

Since version 3 the Raspberry Pi Pico W can be soldered directly to the board. If you prefer to mount a Pico WH or use headers, you will need a 2x20 pin 2.54mm female header, available from any electronics supplier. Want it ready to use? Check the assembled edition instead.

Good to know

• This kit does not include the Raspberry Pi Pico W or WH.
• This kit does not include the USB-A to micro-USB data cable. You can find one in our store.
• You will need a microSDHC, microSDXC or microSDUC card formatted as exFAT. Plain microSD (SDSC) cards are not supported.
• Not compatible with the plain Raspberry Pi Pico (non-W) or the Pico 2W. The Wi-Fi module (Infineon CYW43439) is only present on the Pico W and WH.
• Atari TT and Falcon support requires Firmware V2. Not every app runs on the TT and Falcon yet. Check per-machine availability in the app catalog.

New to the device? Follow the quickstart guide.