RAMLink mode DIRECT/STANDARD

[MIRKOSOFT]

Hi!


I have read in RAMLink manual about switching between STANDARD and DIRECT mode access. Don't understand it correctly:
If is DIRECT seems it that RAMCard is used like REU? If, what does REU in RAM port?
If is STANDARD mode selected, seems it that RAMLink is as device RAM disk on RAMCard (in case of RAMLink like HDD) and REU in RAM port is REU?


When I have two REUs, can I use both (one in RAM port, one in PASS-THRU port)?


Many thanks for answers to these Qs.


Miro

[dr.v]

Miro - here's the difference:

Direct Mode - The REU is used as an REU and cannot be used as a ramdisk

Standard Mode - The amount of memory in the REU can become part of the overall aggregate ramdisk space (so for instance, if you have 16 mb on the ramcard and a 1750 REU, you can have a total of 16.5 mb of power-backed ramdisk space).  But you will be forced to partition it at 16.5 mb.  That will become clear when you start setting up your RL.

The problem which this circumvents is having your files saved on the REU being overwritten if you use software that stores data in the REU.

Also - you cannot have 2 REU's in the RL.

Tom

[MIRKOSOFT]

Many thanks for explain Tom!


Ok, so else one Q:
I'm using 1541Ultimate, there's emulated 16MB REU, but the cartridge is emulation of 1541 as main. So, I can't to insert it into REU-slot?
If I insert it to PASS-THRU port, will be emulated REU accessible? It's emulating of REUs 1700/1750/1764. Can inserting into REU-slot damage one or both devices?
I asked at 1541Ultimate forum, but there were no way answers.
Can you explain it me?


Also, look at screenshot in attachment, there is at end of program written your nick. Can it to be there? Also, when will be released, will be in Credits.
When you try LIST this program, at end of listing is detailed info.
Still need only one component - checking CMD-FD... when sb. helps me with this, will be released.


Many thanks,


Miro

[dr.v]

Unfortuantely I won't be of much help there.  I have never used a 1541Ultimate.  My guess is that it is not going to work.  Whether or not you will damage the hardware... I don't know enough about the 1541U to answer that question.

Thanks for the acknowledgment in your software!  Of course you may put my name there.  It's wonderful to see my handle appear in C128 software with a copyright date of 2010!

BTW - For the sake of completeness you might want to include the identification of Ramdrive (a CMD-PPI device which was a portable battery backed ramdisk).  I don't own one but maybe someone around these forums does.

Tom

[MIRKOSOFT]

Hi Tom!


Please tell me more about CMD-RAM Drive... don't know st. about.

[wte]

1. for some further info about the DIRECT mode see: http://mikenaberezny.com/hardware/peripherals/cmd-ramlink/

2. I have had a RAMDrive (very smart and handy device; I used it as "portable Jiffy Dos") but it got damaged after I installed some new accus (MeH instead of NiCd; maybe that was a big mistake) (*grrrr*)

Pic of the (my) open device (there is a backup board an the main board, both sides full with electronic parts):
http://www.c128.net/album/ht2006/CIMG7037.JPG
Pic (from http://www.commodore.ca/gallery/hardware/hardware.htm) of the RAMDrive:
http://www.commodore.ca/gallery/hardware/cmd_ramdrive.jpg

RAMDrive
ID: RD (instead of RL for RAMLink)
SCPU compatibility: not compatible with SuperCPU
Size: 1 or 2 MB RAM
Format: Supports mostly the same partition types than the RL (1541, 1571, 1581, native)
Optional: additional use of the memory of a REU (like RL)
OS: RD-DOS / JiffyDos replaces original Computer ROMs (C64/C128)
RTC: no (not posible)
Swap keys: yes (8/9)

Regards WTE

[Shaun_CCC(UK)]

Miro - here's the difference:

Direct Mode - The REU is used as an REU and cannot be used as a ramdisk

This all depends on how you set your RAMLink/17xx combo up. There is a way to get the best of both worlds, which is something I'm going to write about.

Standard Mode - The amount of memory in the REU can become part of the overall aggregate ramdisk space (so for instance, if you have 16 mb on the ramcard and a 1750 REU, you can have a total of 16.5 mb of power-backed ramdisk space).  But you will be forced to partition it at 16.5 mb.  That will become clear when you start setting up your RL.

Not sure what you mean? From the default setting, you have two partitions, partition one is the 17xx REU and partition two is the internal RAM on the RAMCard. You can remove both partitions with the set up utility on the tools disk and have one whole 16.xxMB partition if you want to, but you have to remove partition two first and then partition one, then set up one whole partition as the maximum size native partition.

The problem which this circumvents is having your files saved on the REU being overwritten if you use software that stores data in the REU.

Yes, this is a problem, but if you're using GEOS you can set the REU memory as a 'geoDACC' partition (to run Wheels, for instance) and switch between 'Normal' and 'Direct' mode as needed (after a reset). This gives you the best of both, and also means that you don't have conflicts with geoZip or the Wave when it tries to access the memory. Remember to set the geoDACC to the exact amount of blocks of the REU and make that partition one, and to set your other partitions thereafter, making your default partition as something different.

Also - you cannot have 2 REU's in the RL.

I've never tried this, but I always wondered.

Regards,

Shaun.

[Shaun_CCC(UK)]

Many thanks for explain Tom!


Ok, so else one Q:
I'm using 1541Ultimate, there's emulated 16MB REU, but the cartridge is emulation of 1541 as main. So, I can't to insert it into REU-slot?

!!!! Important: the RAMLink independently powers the RAMPort (back port) on the RAMLink. If you are going to plug your 1541U into this port then *please* remove all power sources first, and before you do, back up your data on your RAMLink. Plugging the 1541U into the RAMPort whilst there is still a power source (mains or battery) is like plugging a cartridge into a C64 or 128 whilst it's switched on - not a very good idea and will eventually damage your RAMLink. The opposite is also true: when you want to remove your 1541U from the RAMPort, back up your RAMLink data first and remove all power sources before removing the 1541U. Obviously, do all of this whilst your C128 is switched off as well.

The benefits of using the RAMPort with the 1541U is that it's powered all of the time and can therefore be used with any other Commodore you have lying around providing that the serial cable will reach, of course. The disadvantage is that the 'freeze' switches will not work as it has to be plugged into the pass-through port for this, so it really depends on what you want to use the 1541U for? Do you want it as a 'solid-state' RAMDisk or not? Lastly, I'm not sure how power hungry the 1541U is, so it might need more ampage that the RAMLink's power supply gives you. Perhaps try 9VDC at >1.5Amp (so the more ampage, the better).

If I insert it to PASS-THRU port, will be emulated REU accessible? It's emulating of REUs 1700/1750/1764. Can inserting into REU-slot damage one or both devices?

Yes, you should be able to access the 17xx REU memory but there is a timing bug when you emulate above 512K which means that some software will not work.

I asked at 1541Ultimate forum, but there were no way answers.
Can you explain it me?

Basically, when you have the REU available, the DMA is available to the software, and this accesses the memory. Using the pass-through port should be fine if that's what you want. If you want to keep the memory in a solid state then see above. You'll also need the RAM-Tools program to set up your partition as you need it.

Regards,

Shaun.