128 Function ROM

RobertB · February 18, 2009, 08:27 AM

Quote from: airship on February 17, 2009, 06:38 AMIt might be interference with JiffyDOS, since I get the JiffyDOS '@$' command with F1.

So, in other words, with the 128 Function ROM, you lose the use of the JiffyDOS key on F1?

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
CommVEx v5 info -- http://www.commodore.ca/forum and click on ComVEX

airship · February 18, 2009, 08:43 AM

Quote from: RobertB on February 18, 2009, 08:27 AMSo, in other words, with the 128 Function ROM, you lose the use of the JiffyDOS key on F1?

You've got two ROMs fighting for control of the same key - apparently the function ROM wins over the Kernal ROM.

megabit · February 18, 2009, 12:04 PM

QuoteIn addition to those already listed in the 32K version? If so, then yes!

OK, I can do that. The same programs as the 16k, plus the three 32k ROM programs.

QuoteWhat is the pricing for the other high-capacity EPROMs - 27020, 27040, 27080?

Right now the pricing for all four EPROMs are the same, $5.00 USD.
I can buy the EPROMs for just under $5.00 each. If my cost goes up, then I will have to pass on the increase.

QuoteSo, in other words, with the 128 Function ROM, you lose the use of the JiffyDOS key on F1?

QuoteYou've got two ROMs fighting for control of the same key - apparently the function ROM wins over the Kernal ROM.

The Internal ROM adapter will reprogram F1 just before it prints the ready prompt.

If you decide to program you own EPROM, then you can program any one of the 10 function keys to access the menu.

Or you could change the JiffyDos Kernal by swapping F1 with another command you don't use as often. Losing the command to read the directory is for the birds.

Dan...

RobertB · February 18, 2009, 12:27 PM

Quote from: megabit on February 18, 2009, 12:04 PMOK, I can do that. The same programs as the 16k, plus the three 32k ROM programs.

Nice!

QuoteI can buy the EPROMs for just under $5.00 each.

Thanks for the clarification.

QuoteIf you decide to program you own EPROM, then you can program any one of the 10 function keys to access the menu.

Or you could change the JiffyDos Kernal by swapping F1 with another command you don't use as often. Losing the command to read the directory is for the birds.

Then call me a California Towhee sparrow.

Liking the JD one-key directory command,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
CommVEx v5 info - http://www.commodore.ca/forum and click on ComVEX

got128 · February 19, 2009, 12:37 PM

Dan,

You might want to check these guys out for a source of EEPROMS:

http://www.arcadecomponents.com/memory.html

I have had very good luck with them.

BTW, I have a PC-powered burner; i don't know if your manual will cover these, but i can sure help with testing and docs if you are.

I could even stitch-up some of the most common combinations and post them up here(?) if it would help.

got128

Andrew Wiskow · February 19, 2009, 06:41 PM

Quote from: airship on February 18, 2009, 08:43 AMYou've got two ROMs fighting for control of the same key - apparently the function ROM wins over the Kernal ROM.

The same thing happens with the Servant ROM installed on a JiffyDOS C128. But it's not really that hard to type "@$" and press return, so it doesn't really bother me too much.

SmallCleverDinosaur · February 19, 2009, 07:06 PM

Maybe we should hack Jiffydos so that it places its "@$" on another F-key? But then again, I wouldn't want to risk getting Maurice all over me for distributing Jiffydos

airship · February 20, 2009, 01:46 AM

JiffyDOS no longer exists.

CMD products no longer exist.

They are dead to the CBM community.

Maurice and all of 'his' products are hereby officially shunned.

megabit · February 20, 2009, 02:19 AM

QuoteJiffyDOS no longer exists.

CMD products no longer exist.

They are dead to the CBM community.

Maurice and all of 'his' products are hereby officially shunned.

I'll go alone with that. I don't use Jiffydos anyway.

Dan...

RobertB · February 20, 2009, 03:13 AM

Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on February 19, 2009, 07:06 PMMaybe we should hack Jiffydos so that it places its "@$" on another F-key?

Well, there is always PiffyDOS.

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
CommVEx v5 info -- http://www.commodore.ca/forum and click on ComVEX

RobertB · February 20, 2009, 03:28 AM

Quote from: me on February 20, 2009, 03:13 AMWell, there is always PiffyDOS.

Oops, I forgot about S-JiffyDOS.

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
CommVEx v5 info -- http://www.commodore.ca/forum and click on ComVEX

timofonic · February 20, 2009, 08:51 AM

I'm interested. What about a version using flash ram?

megabit · February 20, 2009, 09:58 AM

QuoteWhat about a version using flash ram?

I'll be on the lake fishing in April, I'll let you work on that one.

Dan...

timofonic · February 20, 2009, 05:03 PM

Quote from: megabit on February 20, 2009, 09:58 AM

QuoteWhat about a version using flash ram?

I'll be on the lake fishing in April, I'll let you work on that one.

Dan...

Sorry, it was just a suggestion.

RobertB · February 25, 2009, 04:46 PM

Quote from: megabit on February 18, 2009, 12:04 PMThe same programs as the 16k, plus the three 32k ROM programs.

Right now the pricing for all four EPROMs are the same, $5.00 USD.

Dan, I'd like to place a pre-order for three of the Function ROMs -- all with 27080 EPROMs and with the same programs as the 16K plus all the 32K ROM programs.

Needing to feed a bunch of C128DCRs,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
CommVEx v5 info - http://www.commodore.ca/forum and click on ComVEX

megabit · February 26, 2009, 12:27 AM

QuoteDan, I'd like to place a pre-order for three of the Function ROMs -- all with 27080 EPROMs and with the same programs as the 16K plus all the 32K ROM programs.

Great! I'll let you know when they're ready.

Dan...

megabit · February 26, 2009, 12:44 AM

QuoteQuote
What about a version using flash ram?

I'll be on the lake fishing in April, I'll let you work on that one.

Dan...

Sorry, it was just a suggestion.

Sorry timofonic, I didn't mean to sound flippant, but that project would take up a lot of time.
I assumed you wanted to program the flash while installed in the function ROM socket.
It would be a good project for someone.

Dan...

RobertB · March 01, 2009, 05:49 PM

Quote from: airship on February 17, 2009, 06:38 AMEach is the same price: $15 PPD in the US.

Postage Paid in the U.S. is no longer the case. Dan Newbury says shipping and handling are *not* included.

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
CommVEx v5 info - http://www.commodore.ca/forum and click on ComVEX

megabit · March 01, 2009, 07:42 PM

QuoteEach is the same price: $15 PPD in the US.

Postage Paid in the U.S. is no longer the case. Dan Newbury says shipping and handling are *not* included.

I'm sorry, I didn't catch that in airships review. Shipping and handling is separate.

Here is the pricing:

Adapter without EPROM $15.00 USD

Adapter with EPROM $20.00 USD

Shipping and handling for 1ea. Adapter/EPROM/CD:

USA is $2.50
Canada is $3.00
Europe is about $5.00

If you want more than one, then it will cost more to ship.

Dan...

airship · March 04, 2009, 02:23 AM

Dan, make sure the guy at Commodore Free knows the correct pricing before he goes to press.

megabit · March 04, 2009, 03:58 AM

QuoteDan, make sure the guy at Commodore Free knows the correct pricing before he goes to press.

Thanks, sent an email, hope he replies.

Dan...

RobertB · March 10, 2009, 02:35 AM

At yesterday's SCCAN meeting, we plugged in a Megabit 128 ROM adapter (32K version) into Joe M.'s flat C128 and gave the adapter its first tests. Here are the notes --

1. The 128 ROM adapter board is fairly large and at first could not fit with the JiffyDOS 128
Kernal board plus riser which is to the side. The JD 128 Kernal board plus riser must be
removed. Then the 128 ROM adapter can be easily inserted. The JD 128 Kernal is then
replaced. With a regular CBM kernal ROM in place, a 128 ROM adapter board would fit
more easily.
2. The wire which leads from the C128 ROM adapter to pin 12 of U36 is stiff (hard to lay
flat against the motherboard), though strong and good-looking.
3. No problem engaging the menu with the F1 key.
4. VizaWrite would sometimes crash (break) on start-up, necessitating a system power
down and power up.
5. Pushing the C128's reset switch does not clear the 128 ROM adapter. A complete
cold start would.
6. A surprise... the ZED 128 text editor is included. Another surprise... ZED 128
initializes correctly from the 128 ROM adapter, but when a user tries to type more
than one character into the program, the whole program freezes up.
7. No problem with initializing Maverick's FileCopy or Single Drive Copy modules. The
Maverick other modules have not been tested.

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

SmallCleverDinosaur · March 10, 2009, 06:44 AM

If Maurice Randall is doing a great job pissing everone off (pardon my French), Mr Dan Newbury does the completely opposite thing

I received my internal adapter today, only 10 days after I sent the money through PayPal. That time includes packaging of the adapter itself, a very thorough installation instruction and a CD-ROM on which he has printed his own label. Very professional. And then shipping it to Sweden, on the other side of the World. Impressive!

I can't wait to test this device.

If you will ever buy something from Dan, you can do it with a 100% confidence

megabit · March 12, 2009, 02:11 AM

Quote1. The 128 ROM adapter board is fairly large and at first could not fit with the JiffyDOS 128 Kernal board plus riser which is to the side. The JD 128 Kernal board plus riser must be removed. Then the 128 ROM adapter can be easily inserted. The JD 128 Kernal is then replaced. With a regular CBM Kernal ROM in place, a 128 ROM adapter board would fit more easily.

I did some sanding on the right side of the PCB, as much as I dared. But it does not help. The Jiffydos adapter sits up high enough that it will sit over the right side of the Internal ROM adapter PCB. But the edge of the Jiffydos adapter sits against the right edge of the Internal EPROM. It would be prudent to put a strip of insulating tape alone the edge of the Jiffydos adapter to prevent shorting.

Quote2. The wire which leads from the C128 ROM adapter to pin 12 of U36 is stiff (hard to lay flat against the motherboard), though strong and good-looking.

The wire used is a military grade shielded single conductor cable. The shield is to prevent any stray signals from triggering the page switching circuit.

Quote4. VizaWrite would sometimes crash (break) on start-up, necessitating a system power down and power up.

That break out may be the Jiffydos Kernal. My stock 128 does not do that, well, semi-stock 128. I change one byte in the Kernal of all my 128's.

Quote5. Pushing the C128's reset switch does not clear the 128 ROM adapter. A complete cold start would.

There are five programs in the Internal EPROM that require a power down and power up. They are: VizaWrite, VizaStar, Basic 8, Servant and KeyDos. The reason is that the Internal ROM is not set to page 0 when you push the reset button and the F1 function key will not be programmed. During a power up, there is a hardware circuit that assures page 0 will come up every time.
There are two ways to fix the problem.
1. Add another wire from the adapter to the system reset line
2. Add a switch to page 0 routine somewhere in the reset routine in the Kernal.

All the other programs will default to page 0 when you exit the program by pushing the reset button.

Quote6. A surprise... the ZED 128 text editor is included. Another surprise... ZED 128 initializes correctly from the 128 ROM adapter, but when a user tries to type more than one character into the program, the whole program freezes up.

Surprise, you're right, it doesn't work. The program works fine from disk, but when loaded from Internal ROM it crashes.
Here is what I found: When you enter the Internal ROM menu, the pre-configuration registers A & B ($D501 & $D502) are re-programmed in order to access the 32k of data in the Internal ROM. No Kernal or I/O except when you have to switch a page in Internal ROM.
When ZED is selected from the menu, the loader routine will transfer the program from ROM to RAM in the proper location, then jump to start of the program. That part works well, but use another key after start up, it will crash. The program expects the pre-configuration registers to be at their default values.
So, restoring the register values before program startup fixes the problem.

Robert, if you will send me your EPROMs, I will re-program them for you, as well as DLH, airship and SmallCleverDinosaur and I willl send them back to you.

Dan...

RobertB · March 12, 2009, 03:31 AM

Quote from: megabit on March 12, 2009, 02:11 AMIt would be prudent to put a strip of insulating tape alone the edge of the Jiffydos adapter to prevent shorting.

Thanks for the advice.

QuoteThe wire used is a military grade shielded single conductor cable. The shield is to prevent any stray signals from triggering the page switching circuit.

Ooo, military grade... very nice. Joe M. of SCCAN wanted to route the wire between the chips on the board (just as he had done for the JiffyDOS wires), but because of the stiffness of the wire, it had to be held down by electrical tape. It was slightly annoying for him, but it was no big deal for me.

QuoteThat (Vizawrite) break out may be the Jiffydos Kernal. My stock 128 does not do that, well, semi-stock 128.

Ah, we tried Vizawrite with and without JiffyDOS on, but it still would sometimes break.

QuoteThere are five programs in the Internal EPROM that require a power down and power up. They are: VizaWrite, VizaStar, Basic 8, Servant and KeyDos. The reason is that the Internal ROM is not set to page 0 when you push the reset button and the F1 function key will not be programmed. During a power up, there is a hardware circuit that assures page 0 will come up every time.
There are two ways to fix the problem.
1. Add another wire from the adapter to the system reset line
2. Add a switch to page 0 routine somewhere in the reset routine in the Kernal.

It sounds like Option 1 would be the way to go. Where on the adapter would you solder that reset wire?

QuoteWhen ZED is selected from the menu, the loader routine will transfer the program from ROM to RAM in the proper location, then jump to start of the program. That part works well, but use another key after start up, it will crash. The program expects the pre-configuration registers to be at their default values.
So, restoring the register values before program startup fixes the problem.

Robert, if you will send me your EPROMs, I will re-program them...

That is very kind of you. After this Sunday's FCUG meeting, I will repackage the items and send them back to you.

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
http://retro-link.com/smf