Storm ST - 8 MB Alt-RAM and more...
===================================

Features
--------
The Storm ST is a compact add-on for Atari ST, STM, STf, STfm and MegaST
computers with the following features:
-   8 megabytes of additional RAM (alternate RAM) usable with TOS 2.06 and
    EmuTOS.
-   Address decoder for TOS 1.0x, TOS 2.0x and EmuTOS - perfect in
    combination with a Cloudy flashable TOS board.
-   Connector for an optional real time clock (RTC).
-   Fully compatible with a variety of expansions, e.g., Cloudy, Lightning
    ST, 12 MHz acceleration, PAK, ...

Prerequisites
-------------
-   Even though the installation of the Storm ST is relatively easy, please
    note that it still requires some electronics experience. If you're unsure,
    please ask a person that can help you with the installation.
-   The makers of the Storm ST are not liable for any damages to your
    computer that occur during installation of the Storm ST.
-   Please use the plug contacts (64pins) als rarely as possible, otherwise 
    connection problems can arise.

Hardware installation
---------------------
1.  If not already done: Install a DIL 64 socket. 
    Note: There is no need to desolder/remove the CPU. You can also solder a
    socket on top of the CPU. Be sure to check that adjacent pins are not
    accidentally connected by a solder bridge.
2.  Place the Storm ST into the installed DIL 64 socket or into any add-on
    board providing a DIL 64 socket, paying attention to the correct
    orientation. The triangular mark on the Storm ST and the notch in the
    socket / the CPU must be on the same side. 
    Note: If you already have a Lightning ST or a Cloudy, you can stack the
    boards in any order.
3.  If you want to use the TOS decoder with the Cloudy: Connect the provided
    pair of jumper wires: Pin 1 on the Storm ST to pin 1 on the Cloudy and pin
    2 to pin 2. 
    Note: It can be advantageous to utilize the Storm ST's TOS decoder, even
    if you already have your Cloudy connected to a Lightning ST. In contrast
    to the Lightning ST, the decoder implemented on the Storm ST does not need
    additional connections to the motherboard or modifications to support TOS
    1.0x. However, it is not required to use the Storm ST's decoder. If you 
    have everything set up for Lightning ST to your satisfaction, there is no
    need to switch. In that case, simply leave pins 1 and 2 of the Storm ST
    unconnected.
4.  If you want to use the optional real time clock: Using the provided
    4-wire cable, connect the pins SCL, SDA, 3.3V and GND of the Storm ST to
    the RTC, pins SCL, SDA, VCC, GND. Make sure that you have not accidentally
    connected the pins in reverse order. Install a suitable coin cell on the
    RTC board.
    Note: In case you did not order an RTC with the Storm ST, you can use a
    DS3231 RTC board supplied by a third-party, as long as its pins are SCL,
    SDA, VCC, GND.
5.  There is no need to connect a separate 5 V supply to the Storm ST. It is
    supplied from the CPU socket.
6.  The option pin on Storm ST is not in use. Please leave this pin and the
    unpopulated connector marked JTAG unconnected.

Software installation
---------------------
No software is required when using EmuTOS. Alt-RAM and RTC (if connected)
are detected and used automatically. You can verify this by looking at the
boot screen.

For TOS 2.06 driver programs are needed that should preferably be placed in
your AUTO folder:
1.  ALTRAMON.PRG adds the alternate RAM to TOS memory management. From then
    on, this memory is automatically used by TOS and (most) applications. 
2.  RTC_TIME.PRG synchronizes the computer's clock with the RTC and makes
    TOS 2.06 Y2K-compatible.

Note: Under EmuTOS or after running RTC_TIME.PRG under Atari TOS, you can
set the RTC using any program that changes date and time, such as the
control panel. However, RTC_SET.PRG is also provided as a separate program
to set the RTC.

Also note the programs and notes in the Tools folder!


Enjoy using Storm ST
Best regards yours
Thunderstorm Team
June 21, 2020
