Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Finally a cheap SD card loading solution for Amstrad 8-bit machines!
Check out PCBWay for high-quality PCB prototyping, 3D printing, and CNC machining services - pcbway.com
I build an M4 expansion board for the Amstrad CPC 464 to load software from a MicroSD card and add Wi-Fi capabilities. The process covers assembling the custom PCB, starting with the STM32 microcontroller and surface-mount components. I encounter a pinout issue with a replacement voltage regulator and demonstrate a temporary workaround before receiving the correct part. I walk through the firmware flashing process using an ST-Link V2, formatting and configuring the SD card, and testing the finished board. I also explore the web interface to transfer files and load classic games directly on the Amstrad.
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If you'd like to help keep the lights on (and the tools plugged in), my Patreon is the best way to do it. Patrons get ad-free early access to videos, behind-the-scenes updates, and entry to a super secret Discord channel — plus my sincere gratitude, which is worth roughly what you'd expect.
▸ Patreon: patreon.morefunretro.co.uk
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There's also the Retro Hardware Discord, where people who enjoy this sort of thing gather to talk about it. It's better than it has any right to be.
▸ Retro Hardware Discord: discord.gg/tsAbuAfqf9
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Second Channel: @morefunretro2
00:00 Introduction to the Amstrad CPC M4 expansion board
05:40 PCBWay sponsor message and unboxing the boards
06:31 Drag soldering the STM32 microcontroller
10:50 Installing SMD capacitors and LEDs
12:44 Identifying the voltage regulator
20:25 Soldering the mini USB port and SD card slot
21:48 Attaching the ESP8266 Wi-Fi module
24:06 First power test and magic smoke
26:07 Creating a temporary trace bodge for the regulator
29:12 Flashing the bootloader firmware
31:40 Assembling a second board with the correct regulator
35:28 Testing the new voltage regulator output
37:19 Step-by-step ST-Link V2 programming
40:27 Formatting and preparing the MicroSD card
43:33 Troubleshooting SD card compatibility
45:48 Navigating the M4 board Wi-Fi web interface
48:33 Loading and playing games on the Amstrad
50:06 Installing the OS 6128 ROM
52:15 Component cost breakdown and conclusion
#AmstradCPC #RetroComputing #PCBAssembly
Finally a cheap SD card loading solution for Amstrad 8-bit machines!
Check out PCBWay for high-quality PCB prototyping, 3D printing, and CNC machining services - pcbway.com
I build an M4 expansion board for the Amstrad CPC 464 to load software from a MicroSD card and add Wi-Fi capabilities. The process covers assembling the custom PCB, starting with the STM32 microcontroller and surface-mount components. I encounter a pinout issue with a replacement voltage regulator and demonstrate a temporary workaround before receiving the correct part. I walk through the firmware flashing process using an ST-Link V2, formatting and configuring the SD card, and testing the finished board. I also explore the web interface to transfer files and load classic games directly on the Amstrad.
─────────────────────────────
If you'd like to help keep the lights on (and the tools plugged in), my Patreon is the best way to do it. Patrons get ad-free early access to videos, behind-the-scenes updates, and entry to a super secret Discord channel — plus my sincere gratitude, which is worth roughly what you'd expect.
▸ Patreon: patreon.morefunretro.co.uk
─────────────────────────────
There's also the Retro Hardware Discord, where people who enjoy this sort of thing gather to talk about it. It's better than it has any right to be.
▸ Retro Hardware Discord: discord.gg/tsAbuAfqf9
─────────────────────────────
Second Channel: @morefunretro2
00:00 Introduction to the Amstrad CPC M4 expansion board
05:40 PCBWay sponsor message and unboxing the boards
06:31 Drag soldering the STM32 microcontroller
10:50 Installing SMD capacitors and LEDs
12:44 Identifying the voltage regulator
20:25 Soldering the mini USB port and SD card slot
21:48 Attaching the ESP8266 Wi-Fi module
24:06 First power test and magic smoke
26:07 Creating a temporary trace bodge for the regulator
29:12 Flashing the bootloader firmware
31:40 Assembling a second board with the correct regulator
35:28 Testing the new voltage regulator output
37:19 Step-by-step ST-Link V2 programming
40:27 Formatting and preparing the MicroSD card
43:33 Troubleshooting SD card compatibility
45:48 Navigating the M4 board Wi-Fi web interface
48:33 Loading and playing games on the Amstrad
50:06 Installing the OS 6128 ROM
52:15 Component cost breakdown and conclusion
#AmstradCPC #RetroComputing #PCBAssembly
