An open IDE/ATAPI drive emulator
PicoIDE is a device that emulates IDE/ATAPI devices developed by Ian Scott, creator of PicoGUS.
- Fully open source firmware and hardware
- Emulates ATAPI CD-ROM and IDE fixed hard drives
- .bin/.cue or .iso image support for CD-ROM
- .img/.hda/.vhd/.hdf for HDD
- Built-in CD audio output on 3.5″ jack and MPC-2 header
- Supports PIO modes 0-4 and multi-word DMA modes 0-2
- Optional front panel/3.5″ drive bay enclosure with:
- 1.3″ 128×64 OLED screen & 4-way navigation buttons
- WiFi for remote control and upload/management of disk images
- RGB activity LED
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can PicoIDE emulate more than 1 drive at a time?
- Currently PicoIDE only emulates one drive, but the hardware is capable of supporting two devices simultaneously. Enabling this is a priority for development after the PicoIDE is released.
- Can you add [hardware feature]?
- The current hardware design is locked in, but who knows what the future may bring.
- Will PicoIDE work in my device?
- The primary development/testing platform for PicoIDE is 90s-era PCs, but PicoIDE has a high level of compatibility with the ATA and ATAPI standards, so there’s a good chance it will work in your device. If your device is particularly finicky, that sounds like a fun development challenge!
- What about UDMA support?
- In the interest of providing a cost-effective design, PicoIDE’s hardware doesn’t support UDMA, but faster systems are very well served in the area of fast HDD replacements by CF, SD, and M.2 to IDE adapters, and for optical, PicoIDE’s MWDMA mode 2 and PIO mode 4 support is as fast as a 52X CD-ROM drive, plenty for fast systems.
- Will there be a 5.25″ or 2.5″ version?
- PicoIDE will launch with a 3.5″ enclosure only, but depending how things go, other form factors may be made available.
- When will PicoIDE be available?
- PicoIDE will be launching soon™. Sign up below to be notified when it becomes available for purchase.
- Where will I be able to purchase a PicoIDE? How much will it cost?
- Availability and pricing will be announced when PicoIDE is launched. If you’re familiar with PicoGUS, you know I value making attainable hardware.