X-Pander 3 Slot Cartridge Port Expander

This is a very powerful and versatile device, sadly, it's missing a manual. Here are some use cases: It can be used to switch between cartridges (all switches down to enable cartridge, all switches up to disable). Or you can combine multiple cartridges (if they are compatible). For example, to use a cartridge and a REU together (all but IO2 down on the cartridge, POWER and IO2 down for the REU). You can also use this to disable booting from a cartridge (e. g. if you want to dump it): ROMH, ROML, EXROM, and GAME up when you turn on the computer, then switch them to down when you're ready to access the cartridge (this might make the BASIC ROM unaccessible, depending on the cartridge, so start your dumper first).

This is one of the best products for C64, a must have product. The reason for the 4 stars instead of 5 is simply that there is no manual for it. However a search in one of the popular C64 forums usually clear things like compatibility and how the switches should be set. All switches down for all power and io lines to be on will probably be the answer from your first search. Get one for yourself, mine is in use daily.

Nice piece of tech. I'm using the xpander with the 1541 Ultimate II and Midi Interface simultaneously. No probs with 1541U2 drive emu, even REU stuff runs like a dream.

Facile a utiliser, je recommande ce xpander3.

The whole entire of a port expander is to allow you keep your carts plugged in and simply switch between then. In times gone by, DECENT port expanders such as the Aprospand etc did just this. Unfortunately, this POS does not. It has three major problems. Firstly, it only has 3 (supposedly)individually select-able ports. The third and forth are connected and cannot be separated, so if you have a two carts that do not play nice with each other (which most dont) then you can only use one in either slot 3 or 4, not both, making one slot a waste of plastic. Secondly, the card uses a heap of ridiculous dip switches to select, well, who knows. I assume it is to select individual address lines that are connected. Why? Dip switches are not designed for continual use and have a VERY VERY short lifespan. Also, why not just have a bloody switch like DECENT expanders? To select/unselect a slot with this POS you have to slip about a dozen dip switches?!?!?! Crazy. Thirdly, and this is by far the biggest issue I had. With all of those stupid dip switches, the card STILL does not properly isolate the slots!!!! For instance, if you have two carts that do not like each other, then chances are you will be unplugging/plugging carts in to make the system boot as the sip switches do not properly isolate each cart. Other expanders with a simple switch to switch a slot in and out do not have this problem (such as the mighty Aprospand). So what exactly is the use of a port expander that forces you to unplug/plug carts constantly anyway? Absolutely none. If you ever wonder why used (decent) port expanders from 30 years ago still fetch good prices on eBay, buy one of these X-pander POS's and you will soon find out. Avoid like a bad case of the crabs.

The X-Pander 3 is a very well-built piece of kit. It provides more than ample support for all types of cartridges, and the included LEDs and DIP switches are great. My only complaint is that no documentation was included to highlight and explain the configuration capabilities that the X-Pander 3 offers. I have also not located any docs online.

Works perfect and easy. Can Combine carts on the C64 with no trouble. Perfect for combining the 1541 Ultimate and a SIDII cart !

Works exactly as advertised. I have an Aprotek cart expander also and this one is definitely better. The easy throw switches are perfect for turning on and off particular ports. I use it with my 1541 Ultimate II and Easyflash 3 and couldn't be happier.

I have an Aprospand Cart Port Exp and this one blows it away. Easy to switch ports in and out on top of all the other dip switch settings. It is built very sturdy, which needs to be if changing carts all the time. Currently using it with my 1541 Ultimate II and EZFlash 3.