Default iOS Restrictions Passcode; and what to do if you've changed it but forgotten your code.

With the release of – I think – iOS 10, Apple enabled 'Restrictions' by default. This is the section of iOS where parental controls etc. are. That wouldn't normally be an issue for most people, but if you need to send your device for repair, or are going to sell it, you'll want to erase all content and settings, and to do this you'll need that passcode (which is separate to your normal device passcode).

Not exceptionally well documented is the fact that the default restrictions passcode is: 1234

If that doesn't work, and you've forgotten what you changed it to, you can use Gareth Watts' superb Pinfinder (https://github.com/gwatts/pinfinder). You need an unencrypted iTunes backup to do so, but that's easily done (just remember to turn encryption back on for subsequent backups!).

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Atari 8-bit SIO2SD

The SIO2SD device for the Atari 8-bit range is a fantastic piece of kit, allowing you to run software from an SD device on your Atari. It's difficult for a new user to pick up though, so I put together some instructions to try and make things simpler:

File structure:

Place the Loader file in the root of the SD card, ensuring it is called: sio2sd.xex
Create a folder called ATARI that contains all of your files in whatever directories you wish.


Loader Instructions (v3.5):

ARROWS/JOYSTICK: select directory/file (.xex) or disk image (.atr)
RETURN/FIRE: enter directory/load file/disk image
KEYS 1-8: mount selected file/image into drives 1-8
ESC: go back through the directory tree.
X: (long press) restart computer with selected image(s).

CTRL+T: lets you toggle between real drives / virtual drives

Lots of software needs BASIC to be disabled. In this case, press and hold the OPTION key on your Atari, then press X to reboot and keep holding OPTION for a few seconds until the software starts to load.


To ensure the Loader software is run at each boot:

On SIO2SD double press SHIFT to get into Config mode.
Press K1 button until “cfgtool mode:" is displayed.
Press K2 button to select "every startup".
Press K3 button.
Press K1 button until "topdrive mode:" is displayed.
Press K2 button to set it to "off".
Turn off computer.
Turn on computer.


To upgrade firmware:

You MUST put the firmware on a standard SD card, SDHC or SDXC will not work.

Place the firmware file in the root of the SD card, ensuring it is called: sio2sd.bin

Turn on the Atari, either holding SHIFT down at boot, OR double-pressing SHIFT once booted to get into Config mode. Then press SHIFT-K3 on the SIO2SD. It will ask you to confirm the firmware update with K2.

Once done and you have seen an “OK” confirmation message, power off and on. The status display on the SIO2SD will tell you which firmware version you have.

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