Autoloader for the Acorn BBC Micro

Autoloader is a BBC Micro ROM originally written in 6502 assembly using the ADE ROM assembler.
Its primary purpose is to automatically launch the VIEW word processor when VIEW-format files are selected, extend the VIEW menu, and detect the filesystem type (DFS, ADFS, or ANFS). Optional Winchester-style chimes can also be played every 15 minutes.

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Features

• Auto-detect file systems: DFS, ADFS, ANFS
• Automatically launch VIEW for VIEW-format files
• Extended VIEW menu accessible after exiting editing
• Optional Winchester-style chimes
• ADE source preserved for historical authenticity
• Autoload support from $.Library._HH

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Repository Structure

The project is organised as follows:

Autoloader-BBC/ ├── src/ Source code (.ADE, include files, workspace files)
├── rom/ Compiled ROM images (built output)
├── docs/ Additional documentation
├── screenshots/ Images showing ROM behaviour
└── README.md Main project overview (this file)

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Screenshots

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Built ROM

The compiled ROM image(s) can be found in the rom/ folder. Example:

rom/autoloader.rom

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Building the ROM on a BBC Micro (Using ADE)

This project can be built on a real BBC Micro or emulator using ADE (Advanced Disk Editor).

Required ADE ROMs

To build this project on a BBC Micro, you will need:

• ADEasm – ADE assembler ROM
• ADEmmu – ADE MMU ROM

You can find them in the TobyLobster ROM Library. Search for ADEasm or ADEmmu to download the appropriate image.

Step 1 — Load ADE ROMs into Sideways RAM (Classic Method)

On a BBC Master (or compatible machine with sideways RAM), you can load ROM images manually into slots using the standard method:

1. Insert the disc containing the ADE ROM images (ADEasm, ADEmmu).
2. Choose a free sideways slot — e.g., 4 for ADEasm, 5 for ADEmmu.
3. Load the ROM into memory:

*LOAD ADEasm 8000
*LOAD ADEmmu 8000

• 8000 is the start address in sideways RAM.
• The ROM is loaded into memory but not yet active.

4. Initialise the ROMs:

*SWITCH 4
*SWITCH 5

• Alternatively, on some Masters, press <Ctrl> + Break to initialise the newly loaded ROMs.

5. Verify loaded ROMs (optional):

*FX 4
*FX 5

• ADEasm and ADEmmu should appear.

⚠️ Notes:

• Track which slots are free to avoid conflicts.
• This method is slower but works on any Master without helper code.

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Step 2 — Change to the source directory

Navigate to the folder containing the AUTOLAUNCH wrapper and source:

*DIR <your-source-directory>

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Step 3 — Assemble the ROM

Run ADE with the AUTOLAUNCH wrapper file:

*ASM AUTOLAUNCH

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Step 4 — Output ROM

ADE will assemble starting at &8000. If AUTOLAUNCH contains a SAVE statement, the ROM will be written automatically. Otherwise, save manually:

*SAVE AUTOLOADER &8000 &BFFF

This creates a ROM image suitable for a sideways ROM socket or emulator.

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Building the ROM on Windows/Linux/Mac (Using BeebAsm)

This project can also be assembled using the modern BeebAsm assembler.

Requirements

Install BeebAsm:

• Windows: Download binary from BeebAsm releases
• Linux/macOS:

  git clone https://github.com/stardot/beebasm
  make
  

Step 1 — Go to the project folder

cd Autoloader-BBC

Step 2 — Assemble the ROM

beebasm -i src/main/autoloader_main.asm -o rom/Autoloader.rom -v

(Replace the input path with your actual main source file if needed.)

Step 3 — Load the ROM in an emulator

• B-Em: → Hardware → Load ROM → select slot → choose rom/Autoloader.rom
• BeebEm: File → Load ROM → choose rom/Autoloader.rom → Slot 4

Notes:

• INCLUDE paths may need adjusting for BeebAsm (.include "file" syntax)
• Workspace definitions may need slight conversion
• Logic, routines, and labels will assemble identically once syntax updates are made

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License

This repository does not include a license by default. Use at your own discretion.