How to configure 64NIC+ ?

[MIRKOSOFT]

Hi!


I bought longer time ago, but don't had time to configure, 64NIC+...


I have 64NIC+ + blank EPROM + Rotary switch


I tried to start Contiki in C64 mode (I'm 128'er), so I set at 64NIC+ to C64 mode.


But Contiki hangs at Starting config...


I'm using SCPU128 and RAMLink, can this cause hanging Contiki or better:


HOW TO CONFIGURE 64NIC+ FOR C128 MODE AND FOR C64 MODE?


Mant many thanks.


Miro

[brain]

Push all switches so the ends are farthest from the cart port connector.  That will configure for 64 AND 128 mode.

Jim

[MIRKOSOFT]

OK, I did.


I have connected SCPU128 & RAMLink...


First it hangs computer, but SCPU error message appears not.
So I turned off RAMLink and computer works, I switch to C64 mode and run Contiki - still hangin'..
I tried to use I/O switcher on 64NIC+ selecting IO1 and then works also with RAMLink, but always Contiki hangs..


I tried NIC-TEST program and sent/received data were displayed, no errors, but what is problem, incompatibility with SCPU128/RAMLink or C128?


I have C128DCR and flat C128.
At flat C128 I have connected 1541Ultimate-I with Ethernet adapter and Contiki runs correctly...


So, I'm confused..


Miro

[MIRKOSOFT]

So, I found some info at web.


Here's what I found:



Switch 1:  rr-Net/Standard mode (Up is rr-Net mode) // TFE = standard mode?
Switch 2:  EPROM off/on (Up is off)
Switch 3:  64/128 mode (Up is 64 mode)
Switch 4:  IO bank 1 or 2 (Up is IO bank 1) <Advanced users> // IO bank can overlap RAMLink registers?

There are also 4 jumpers on the card.
These are used to change which memory address range the card works in.
Unless you plan on putting an EPROM in or using multiple devices, leave these alone // multile devices = e.g. Port Expander?


//////////////////////////////////////////////////////


SO, I have This config:


Commodore 128DCR in Cartridge Port:
- SuperCPU128
- X-Pander 3
  - Port 1: 64NIC+
  - Port 2: free
  - Port 3: RAMLink
            - RAM-port: 1764 REU 1,5MB
            - PASS-THRU port: free
            - MODE: direct


//////////////////////////////////////////////////////


I think about this config of 64NIC+:


Switch 1: up (RR-NET)
Switch 2: up (EPROM socket free)
Switch 3: down (C128 mode)
Switch 4: down (IO bank 2) // at IO bank 1 computer hangs until I disable RAMLink


All 4 jumpers: free // 64NIC+ is in 3 port expander


//////////////////////////////////////////////////////


C128 mode is selected 'cause Contiki 128 are available and works in C128 mode.


IS IT CORRECT?


Miro

[brain]

C128 mode is jsut for the EPROM, not for the NIC itself.

I have heard that some folks have bus issues with the NIC.  Can you reduce the number of variables and see what works.  I'm happy for a return if you can't get it to work, but the fact that NIC-Test works seems to indicated a lack of bus issues.

Push all the switches away from the cart port.  That will enable 64 AND 128 mode operation.

Jim

[DotBoy]

C128 mode is jsut for the EPROM, not for the NIC itself.

Jim, could you expand on that a little bit? Like the op I've been flipping the switch to then 128 setting when using the Contiki 128 web browser, for example.  Are you saying that isn't necessary?

I'm probably missing something obvious and I'm sorry for being thick, but I don't really understand what you mean by that.

[brain]

C128 mode is jsut for the EPROM, not for the NIC itself.

Jim, could you expand on that a little bit? Like the op I've been flipping the switch to then 128 setting when using the Contiki 128 web browser, for example.  Are you saying that isn't necessary?

I'm probably missing something obvious and I'm sorry for being thick, but I don't really understand what you mean by that.

It is not necessary.  The switch's full name is:  "C128 EPROM Mode".  The definition is:

"When EPROM switch is on, this switch configure the EPROM for C128 mode (i.e., do not pull EXROM/GAME low).  When EPROM switch is off, this switch has no effect.

It was added to ensure that the NIC EPROM wasn't a C64 only thing. 

There is another feature on board the PCB.  Right around the C128 EPROM switch, there is a 2 position jumper.  If you cut the trace an d solder the other half closed, the C128 EPROM mode will track the low bit of the hex switch.  Thus, instead of having:

ROM bank 0
1
2
3
4
...
16

You have:

C64 ROM bank 0
C128 Bank 0
1
1
2
2
...
8
8

(It's just tying the state of the GAME/EXROM lines to the state of the low bit of the hex switch).

The advantage is that you could put the 64 Telnet in C64 bank 0, the C128 version in C128 bank 0, and select the telnet client by just rotating the switch.  Of course, you have to leave the EPROM switch inactive for this to work)

The EPROM stuff was just added to the NIC because it seemed a waste of space to not include something in the blank area.  It is not needed.

Funny, though, I get no questions on NIC operation, it's the EPROM stuff that generates all the questions :-)

Jim