Matrix 128

[Mangelore]

Hi guys,

Some time ago I scored from eBay a C128 software package called Matrix 128 by Scott Maxwell (Progressive Peripherals & Software). It came with the original box, manual and floppy. However, I'm unable to use it as it requires a dongle for Joystick port 2. As expected, the seller made no mention of the missing dongle and listed the item as untested.

Anyway, does anyone have any ideas or information on how complicated these dongle devices were?

[Golan Klinger]

Dongles that go in the datassette port are super easy to circumvent. Joystick ones are more tricky. As it happens, I have a game for the 64 called Echelon that comes with a joystick dongle. I would be willing to mail you that dongle in the hope that it might work and if so, you could always cut it open and see what's in there. Alternately, I could cut it open and report what's inside so you could try to jury-rig one. I'm not worried about the dongle being destroyed as their are cracked copies of Echelon available (not that I'm planning on playing it, I didn't much care for the game.) Come to think of it, it might be easiest to crack Matrix 128. Could you make a couple of g64s of the software for examination?

Regardless, let me know if you want the dongle.

[RobertB]

Some time ago I scored from eBay a C128 software package called Matrix 128 by Scott Maxwell (Progressive Peripherals & Software). It came with the original box, manual and floppy.

I've had Matrix 128 for several years.

Anyway, does anyone have any ideas or information on how complicated these dongle devices were?

Well, the Matrix 128 dongle is in seamless, sealed plastic, unlike the stryrene plastic pieces glued together to form a joystick dongle for Delphi's Oracle/The Consultant.  It would be difficult to open up the Matrix 128 dongle without destroying its look (or even function).

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug

[Mangelore]

Thanks for the info guys.

I tried using two Paperclip dongles without any luck. A had a quick look at the Paperclip dongle and it has a small PROM chip in it so I guess these joystick dongles are far more tricky to copy than a cassette port one.

I tired creating a D64 image using my MMC64 cart but the poor 1541-II drive was having a heart attack due to the high number of read errors.

I might have to dig out my laptop that has Star Commander on it. and the XE1541 cable. Does Star Commander support the creation of G64 images or should I use a different program?

Cheers
Fotios

[airship]

The original Paperclip joystick dongle just had a resistor between two pins. We showed how to make your own in INFO.

We were against piracy, but we were even more against copy protection. We were the only C= magazine to regularly review and rate cracking programs.

Yes, later programs did use little fancy chips, and the only way around them was to get a cracked copy. These programs immediately lost a '*' in their INFO star ratings.

The only references I can find on the web to 'Matrix 128' show it as a 286-platform game (C16/Plus4). Are you sure it's for the C128?
http://www.pouet.net/prod.php?which=23515

[nikoniko]

It's on the C128 commercial programs list under Programming Languages & Utilities, but there are no further details.

[Mangelore]

The original Paperclip joystick dongle just had a resistor between two pins. We showed how to make your own in INFO.

Hmmm, I might try using a variable resistor between the two POT pins on the Joystick port.

The only references I can find on the web to 'Matrix 128' show it as a 286-platform game (C16/Plus4). Are you sure it's for the C128?
http://www.pouet.net/prod.php?which=23515

Yes, the packaging and documentation clearly state that it's for the Commodore 128.

Cheers
Fotiod

[RobertB]

Yes, the packaging and documentation clearly state that it's for the Commodore 128.

Agreed.  The Matrix is a good utility package for the C128.

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug

[RobertB]

...but there are no further details.

Here are some details from the outer package:

Front:

Matrix by Scott Maxwell
The 1st and most important program for the C-128!
c 1986 Progressive Peripherals & Software, Inc.
For the Commodore 128 Personal Computer

Side (spine):

c 1986 Progressive Peripherals & Software
464 Kalamath Street
Denver, Colorado 80204
Matrix by Scott Maxwell
Commodore 128 is a registered trademark of Commodore Business Machines

Back:

(barcode sticker) Software 1st
                         O-Matrix
                         0843-03  $58.82

The Matrix program gives your C-128 capabilities you could only dream about before!

One......Matrix lets you use these powerful C-128 features
            with your existing C-64 software.
            * 80 column screen
            * Numeric keypad and utility keys
            * Runs twice as fast at 2 MHz.
Two......Matrix gives you these new C-64 mode capabilities:
            * Transparent disk utilities, including:
                  * Full feature Sector Editor with bad sector
                     editing and correction.
                  * 10 second disk formatting.
                  * Directory list, and much more.
                  * Transparent screen dump at any time.
                  * Fast loaders - load programs 500% faster.
Three...Matrix provides new and powerful utilities such as:
           * Directory Manager for editing of 1541, 1571 or
              other compatible disk directories.
           * Fast Copiers that will copy single or double sided
              disks in 1 ot 4 minutes.
           * Autoboot Makers will allow your C-64 and C-128
              programs to load and run themselves on power up.

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug

[Golan Klinger]

I might have to dig out my laptop that has Star Commander on it. and the XE1541 cable. Does Star Commander support the creation of G64 images or should I use a different program?

Star Commander will work just fine. Also, I found my dongle last night so my offer stands. If you want it, send me a PM with your address and I'll get it in the post. If you want me to try to cut it open, I can do that too. Whatever.

[Mangelore]

Star Commander will work just fine. Also, I found my dongle last night so my offer stands. If you want it, send me a PM with your address and I'll get it in the post. If you want me to try to cut it open, I can do that too. Whatever.

Thanks, I'll create the G64 image and e-mail it you later on today. PM sent!