🚀 Pico-286 "Navigator" Release 🌐

Unified firmware format. If firmware does not contains RP2350/RP2040 mark - its universal firmware for both Picos

The biggest update yet - now with host filesystem magic and cross-platform prowess!

Download preconfigured and finetuned boot disk FDD A:

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🎯 Release Highlights

This massive release brings 112 commits of pure emulation excellence, transforming Pico-286 into a truly versatile PC emulator that bridges the gap between retro computing and modern convenience.

🌟 Major New Features

🗄️ Host Filesystem Pass-Through (Network Redirector)

• Revolutionary new feature: Access your host computer's files directly from DOS!
• Full network redirector implementation with RBIL6 compliance
• Cross-platform support for Windows, Linux, and RP2350/RP2040
• Complete file operations: create, read, write, delete, search
• Directory operations and disk information queries
• Includes mapdrive.com utility for easy drive mapping

🐧 Complete Linux Platform Support

• Native Linux builds with X11-based MiniFB graphics
• Multi-threaded architecture for optimal performance
• PulseAudio and OSS audio backend support
• Full keyboard and mouse input handling
• Cross-platform build system consistency

🎵 Enhanced Audio Experience

• Massive MIDI emulation improvements, especially for drums
• Pi Zero I2S audio support
• Expanded sound card emulation (PC Speaker, Covox, Disney Sound Source)
• Better audio mixing and real-time processing

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🔧 Technical Improvements

Memory & Performance

• RAM increase: Bumped from 350KB to 384KB for more breathing room
• Enhanced virtual memory system with configurable TOTAL_VIRTUAL_MEMORY_KBS
• Improved PSRAM handling with better no-PSRAM fallback
• Advanced build optimizations with LTO and aggressive compiler flags

Graphics & Display

• ST7789 TFT driver enhancements with additional graphics modes
• HDMI optimization improvements for 80x25 color text mode
• Better EGA/VGA support with runtime toggling (Ctrl+Alt+KP*)
• MCGA support in no-EGA/VGA mode
• Fixed VGA plane size calculations

System Features

• A20 line emulation via port handling
• UMB (Upper Memory Blocks) redesign with 64+64+32+16 KB blocks
• Enhanced XMS implementation with proper UMB handling
• Speed control: Ctrl+Alt+KP- (slow down) / Ctrl+Alt+KP+ (speed up)
• Improved CPU emulation accuracy

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🛠️ Developer Experience

Documentation Overhaul

• Comprehensive CLAUDE.md with detailed project guidelines
• Expanded README with complete build instructions
• New NETWORK_REDIRECTOR_DOCUMENTATION.md for filesystem features
• PORT_DOCUMENTATION.md for I/O port details
• VIDEO_MODES.md with supported graphics modes
• Developer-friendly architecture documentation

Build System Improvements

• Streamlined CMake configuration
• Better cross-platform compatibility
• Enhanced error handling and debugging
• Cleaner dependency management

Code Quality

• Extensive refactoring for maintainability
• Improved error handling throughout
• Better logging and debugging capabilities
• Cross-platform code unification

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🐛 Bug Fixes & Stability

• Fixed missing braces in switch cases
• Corrected VGA plane size declarations
• Win32 build fixes and improvements
• Linux-specific path handling fixes
• Memory allocation and cleanup improvements
• Sine calculation bitwise precedence fix
• Pattern handling improvements in file search
• Register usage corrections in network operations

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🎮 Gaming & Software Compatibility

The enhanced memory management, improved graphics drivers, and new filesystem access capabilities mean:

• Better game compatibility with more available RAM
• Seamless file sharing between host and emulated system
• Improved audio experience in music and sound-heavy applications
• Faster loading times with optimized I/O operations

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🚀 What's Next?

This release establishes Pico-286 as the premier retro PC emulator for Raspberry Pi Pico, with robust cross-platform support and innovative features that make retro computing more accessible than ever.

Try It Out!

1. Windows/Linux: Build with cmake -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Release -DPICO_PLATFORM=host
2. RP2350: Use cmake -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Release -DPICO_PLATFORM=rp2350
3. Enable network drive: Use the included mapdrive.com tool
4. Access host files: Map drives and enjoy seamless file access!

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Happy retro computing! 🎮✨

Full Changelog: View all 112 commits

What's Changed

• no-psram bug-fix by @DnCraptor in #10
• Feature/configurable vmem psram logic by @xrip in #11
• one more bug-fix for no-psram by @DnCraptor in #12
• I'll merge PR #13 and apply the suggestions. by @xrip in #14
• Docs: Update README with floppy and hard disk information by @xrip in #16
• • turn EGA/VGA off by @DnCraptor in #15
• • MCGA in no-EGA/VGA mode by @DnCraptor in #17
• Add port documentation by @xrip in #18
• A20 + UMB by @DnCraptor in #20
• Fix Host Build and Add Build Instructions by @google-labs-jules[bot] in #21
• I've fixed several bugs in your XMS implementation related to UMB han… by @xrip in #24
• This commit provides a comprehensive update to the project's document… by @xrip in #27
• Hostfs passthrough by @xrip in #30
• Feature/rp2350 network redirector by @xrip in #31
• docs: Add info on host filesystem pass-through by @xrip in #32

New Contributors

• @google-labs-jules[bot] made their first contribution in #21

Full Changelog: v1.0.0...v1.1.0

286 Personal Computer

What's Changed

• optimization by @DnCraptor in #2
• Performance optimizations by @DnCraptor in #3
• psram fix by @DnCraptor in #4
• RAM usage bug-fix / improvements by @DnCraptor in #5
• • mouse sensitivity auto-throttling by @DnCraptor in #6
• blinking mode was fixed by @DnCraptor in #7
• • repair gcc for Win build by @DnCraptor in #8
• Create readme by @xrip in #9
• All sound card emulators optimized by @xrip

New Contributors

• @DnCraptor made their first contribution in #2
• @xrip made their first contribution in #9

Full Changelog: https://github.com/xrip/pico-286/commits/v1.0.0