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Getting Started: Tandy Color Computer (CoCo)

FujiNet support for the Tandy Color Computer family is an exciting and growing platform. The CoCo connects via the Bit-Banger (RS-232 serial) port or DriveWire protocol.

Growing platform

The CoCo port of FujiNet is newer than the Atari and Apple II implementations. The software library is actively expanding. Expect some rough edges and check the FujiNet Discord for the latest news.

Compatible computers

Computer Notes
TRS-80 Color Computer 1 Bit-Banger port
TRS-80 Color Computer 2 Bit-Banger port
TRS-80 Color Computer 3 Bit-Banger port (enhanced)

What you need

  • [x] FujiNet for CoCo (Bit-Banger / DriveWire variant)
  • [x] Appropriate serial cable for your CoCo model
  • [x] Your CoCo computer
  • [x] Wi-Fi password for your 2.4 GHz network
  • [x] microSD card (FAT32, optional)

Connection diagram

flowchart LR
    COCO[Tandy CoCo\nBit-Banger Port] -->|Serial Cable| FN[FujiNet\nDevice]
    FN -->|Wi-Fi| NET[Internet / TNFS\nServers]
    FN -.->|SD Card| SD[(Local Images)]

Step 1: Connect the hardware

  1. Power off your CoCo.
  2. Plug the FujiNet's cable into the Bit-Banger (RS-232) port on the CoCo's rear.
  3. Insert a microSD card if you have one.

Step 2: Wi-Fi setup

  1. Power on your CoCo — FujiNet also powers on.
  2. If first-time setup, FujiNet broadcasts FujiNet-XXXXXX.
  3. Connect a phone or laptop to FujiNet-XXXXXX and open http://192.168.4.1.
  4. Enter your Wi-Fi credentials and click Save.

Step 3: Load CONFIG

On CoCo, CONFIG is loaded as a BASIC or machine-language program:

CLOAD

Or from a disk image: 

LOADM"CONFIG"
EXEC

Full CONFIG guide

See Using CONFIG — CoCo for a complete walkthrough.

Step 4: Mount a disk image

  1. In CONFIG, go to Hosts & Devices.
  2. Browse a TNFS server or SD card.
  3. Select a .DSK image file.
  4. Mount it and exit CONFIG.
  5. Boot or reset to load the image.

Troubleshooting

Symptom Likely cause Fix
No response from FujiNet Cable or baud rate mismatch Verify cable pinout; check baud rate settings
CONFIG won't load Bit-Banger not initialized Check CoCo BASIC POKE settings for serial initialization
Intermittent connection Loose cable Ensure the Bit-Banger connector is fully seated

Next steps