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Device Description:
The Final Cartridge III+ (FCIII+) is a powerful expansion cartridge for the Commodore 64 and 128 that significantly enhances the capabilities of these retro computers. It adds over 60 new functions, including a graphical user interface, fast loader, and freezer mode. Replicas of the cartridge are still being sold and built by enthusiasts today.
�� Overview:
The Final Cartridge III+ is a popular expansion cartridge created for the Commodore 64 and 128, connecting via the expansion port. It was developed in 1987 by the Dutch company Riska B.V. Home & Personal Computers, based in Rotterdam. The cartridge gained widespread recognition for its rich feature set and became one of the most common accessories for the C64.
The device was released in several versions: Final Cartridge I, II, Plus, III, III+, each adding new capabilities and increasing ROM size.
⚙️ Technical Specifications
Parameter | Value |
Type | Expansion port cartridge |
Compatibility | Commodore 64, Commodore 128 (in C64 mode), SX-64 |
ROM Size | Versions: 256 KB |
Hardware buttons | RESET and FREEZE |
Indicator | LED showing cartridge activity |
Interface | Graphical user interface (Desktop 2.0), similar to GEM or early Windows |
Controls | Keyboard, joystick (ports 1 and 2), mouse (COM-compatible) |
�� Software Features
The cartridge offered a wide range of functions:
· Graphical shell: A window based interface (WIMP Desktop) that could be used both to launch programs and to work with built in applications (calculator, notepad).
· Drive acceleration: Built in Fastloader and Fastsaver for the 1541 disk drive, speeding up loading and saving by up to 10× compared to the standard mode.
· BASIC extension: Added more than 60 new commands to the BASIC programming language, greatly simplifying program writing.
· Freezer mode: Allowed stopping any running program at any moment, saving the memory contents to disk, and later resuming exactly from that point.
· Machine code monitor: Built in debugger and disassembler for analyzing and modifying running programs.
· Deactivation (Final Kill): A command to completely disable all cartridge functions and return to standard C64 mode without physically removing the cartridge.
��️ Usage and Control
· Activation: The cartridge activates automatically when the computer is turned on. It can also be activated manually by pressing RUN/STOP during boot or by typing DESKTOP.
· Deactivation: To disable cartridge functions, you can use the KILL command, execute SYS64738, or select Final Kill from the Freezer menu.
· Controls in the desktop environment:
o Keyboard: F1, F3, F5, F7 for navigation, C= (Commodore key) to select.
o Joystick: Both joystick ports are supported.
o Mouse: A COM compatible mouse (e.g., Commodore 1350) can be plugged into the first joystick port for easier operation.
�� Available Revisions
Thanks to the open source nature of the project, many variants exist:
· DIY projects: You can build the cartridge yourself by ordering a printed circuit board (PCB) from sites like PCBWay.
· Ready made replicas: Fully assembled cartridges are sold by enthusiasts on online marketplaces (e.g., starting from around €17.50).
· Colors and versions:
o PCB colors: Red and blue.
o ROM size: Versions with 64 KB, 256 KB, or 512 KB ROM are available. Later firmware versions (v4.1) allow customising the toolset in the menu.
�� Additional Resources
· User Manual (PDF) (https://rr.c64.org/rrwiki/images/7/70/Final_Cartridge_III_english_Manual.pdf): Original 61 page English manual (PDF, 4.04 MB).
· C64-Wiki (https://www.c64-wiki.com/wiki/Final_Cartridge_3): Detailed article about the cartridge (recommended source).
· Schematics and PCB files (https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/_DIY__FINAL_CARTRIDGE_III__FOR_COMMODORE_64.html): DIY project on PCBWay including schematic and BOM.
