Getting Started¶
This guide covers the initial hardware setup for PicoIDE.
What You'll Need¶
- PicoIDE unit
- SD card, FAT32 or exFAT formatted with MBR partitioning, best formatted with the SD Association's SD Card Formatter
- IDE ribbon cable
- 4-pin floppy/berg power connector
Jumper Configuration¶
Device Selection¶
The M/S/CS jumper block determines PicoIDE's device selection on the IDE bus:
| Jumper Position | Mode | Description |
|---|---|---|
| M | Device 0 | Traditionally named "master" |
| S | Device 1 | Traditionally named "slave" |
| CS (cable select) | Auto | Position determined by cable |
| none | 2-device | (future) Emulate primary and secondary devices simultaneously |
Choosing a Position
- Use M if PicoIDE is the only device on the IDE channel
- Use CS only if your IDE cable supports cable select (80-pin cables with blue/gray IDE connectors support cable select)
Connections¶
IDE Cable¶
Connect the IDE ribbon cable between PicoIDE and your computer's motherboard or IDE controller card. The connector is keyed, but some cables are not, so make sure pin 1 is aligned correctly: match the stripe on the cable edge that indicates pin 1 with the pin 1 marking on both the PicoIDE (a triangle, on the side of the connector closest to the power connector) and your computer's IDE connector.
Power¶
Connect a standard 4-pin floppy/Berg power connector from your computer's power supply. PicoIDE only uses the +5V rail on this connector. If your power supply doesn't have a floppy power connector, use an adapter.
Audio connectors¶
PicoIDE has two connectors for CD-ROM audio out: an MPC-2 compatible connector for internal connection to a sound card (cables are still available!), and a 3.5mm line out jack.
Other connectors¶
There are two more connections on the PicoIDE on a standard 2.54mm header: "ext. LED" and "ext. btn". You can connect an external drive activity LED to the ext. LED connector, taking care the polarity is correct. An external action button can be connected to the ext. btn connector to switch images, etc. (support to come)
Front Panel (Optional)¶
If you got a "Deluxe" PicoIDE with front panel, it should already be connected, but if you're upgrading your base PicoIDE with a front panel module, connect it using the flat flex cable to the header marked "front panel SPI" on the main board.
Mounting Options¶
External-facing Installation (Deluxe version with Front Panel)¶
When using the front panel, mount PicoIDE so the front panel is accessible from outside your computer case, using the rearward set of mounting holes on the sides of the PicoIDE, or the holes on the bottom.
WiFi Reception
Even if you don't use the front panel controls, this is the recommended position for WiFi reception as the WiFi antenna is located at the center front of the PicoIDE.
Internal Installation (base version without Front Panel)¶
To mount fully internally, use the more forward set of mounting holes on the sides of the PicoIDE.
This configuration is ideal if you don't have the optional front panel or if you prefer to manage images via the web interface over WiFi.
Headless Operation
Without a front panel, PicoIDE automatically loads the first image found in the appropriate directory (/cdrom for ATAPI mode, /hdd for IDE mode) unless a specific image is configured in picoide.ini.
Disc images can be swapped via control apps like pidectl.
First Boot¶
- Insert the prepared microSD card (see SD Card Setup) (note, hot swap of cards will be supported on final release)
- Power on the computer
- The BIOS should detect PicoIDE as an IDE hard disk or ATAPI CD-ROM depending on your configuration
If the device isn't detected, check that the IDE cable is connected correctly and that the jumper is set appropriately, and that the microSD card is inserted.