Amiga with vasm

Alternative local tools for this machine’s assembly lessons.

This guide uses vasm. For the recommended Asm198x workflow and available browser lessons, use the main setup guide.

Install the alternative tools

macOS

1. Install Homebrew (if needed)

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

2. Build vasm from Source

vasm isn't in Homebrew, so you'll need to build it:

curl -O http://sun.hasenbraten.de/vasm/release/vasm.tar.gz
tar xzf vasm.tar.gz
cd vasm
make CPU=m68k SYNTAX=mot
sudo cp vasmm68k_mot /usr/local/bin/

3. Install FS-UAE Emulator

brew install --cask fs-uae

You'll also need Kickstart ROMs (not included due to copyright).

4. Verify Installation

vasmm68k_mot -quiet -Fhunkexe -o test test.asm

Windows

1. Download vasm

Download pre-built Windows binaries from sun.hasenbraten.de/vasm.

Extract to a folder like C:\Tools\vasm and add it to your PATH.

2. Download FS-UAE

Download FS-UAE from fs-uae.net.

You'll also need Kickstart ROMs (not included due to copyright).

3. Install amitools (optional)

For creating ADF disk images:

pip install amitools

Linux

1. Build vasm from Source

wget http://sun.hasenbraten.de/vasm/release/vasm.tar.gz
tar xzf vasm.tar.gz
cd vasm
make CPU=m68k SYNTAX=mot
sudo cp vasmm68k_mot /usr/local/bin/

2. Install FS-UAE

sudo apt install fs-uae fs-uae-launcher

Or download from fs-uae.net for the latest version.

3. Install amitools

pip install amitools

Building Your Code

Once installed, build your assembly files:

vasmm68k_mot -Fhunkexe -kick1hunks -o game game.asm

Create a bootable ADF disk:

xdftool game.adf create + format "Game" + boot install + write game

Then run in FS-UAE with your Kickstart ROM configured.

You'll also need ROMs

FS-UAE needs a Kickstart ROM (and Workbench) to boot — you provide your own. Amiga Forever is the easy, legal route; here are all your options. How to get your Amiga ROMs →

← Back to Setup Guide Start the Amiga Curriculum →