3.4. How do I increase my computer's speed?
There are a number of products that can increase the operating speed of
the Commodore 64. These products work by turning off the on-board 6510
and turning on a compatible microprocessor, usually a 65C02 or a 65C816
in 6502 emulation mode. These products will work with any software that
does not mind running up to 4 times faster and does not use any of the
undocumented opcodes of the 6502 IC.
Also, for a quick way to gain a small speed increase, please see Section
17.2.
13.4.1. How do I increase my Commodore 64's speed?
Please note that some of these products are no longer offered for sale
by the original companies, but can be purchased from individuals as used
equipment.
Turbo Master Accelerator for C64.
The Turbo Master Accelerator is for a C64 (or C64 mode of C128) only, uses
a Rockwell R65C02P4 microprocessor clocked at 4.09 MHz, has its own 64K of
fast static RAM and a 32K EPROM, has hardware/software switchable speed
between 4.09 and normal, and has an enhanced ROM with faster disk routines
that can also be disabled. A JiffyDOS compatibility option was available.
Turbo Process Accelerator for the C64.
This accelerator, made by Rossm"oller, uses a 65C816P-4 microprocessor
to operate the 64 at three speeds: 1MHz, 4 MHz, or anything between 50kHz
and 4 MHz. The 65C816 is a 16 bit version of the 6502/6510, so it is
possible to write software for the new IC that takes advantage of the 16
bit opcodes.
Flash 8
This accelerator, the only one being currently produced, is also the
fastest such accelerator for the Commodore 64 to date. The module,
which plugs into the expansion port of the Commodore 64, increases
the CPU processing speed from 1MHz to 8MHz. It uses a 65816 CPU
(The 65816 is a descendant of the 65XX series) running at 8MHz to enable
the increased speed. Also, it can be optional expanded to 4 or 8 MB RAM
onboad. This product is the successor to the Rossmoeller TurboAccess 4MHz
accelerator card. The unit has the capability to provide 10x speed disk
access via a parallel cable and has a CP/M option.
GEOS compatible requires the special patches that are available from the
manufacturer, and games or demos which do very intensive timing or raster
effects might not fucntion correctly. At present, the accelerator only
works on PAL 64s of certain revisions and will not function on a C128 in
64 mode. Currenlty, the REU is not supported.
From the advertisement:
"FLASH 8 is a GEOS-compatible module for the expansion port with a 65816
CPU that speeds the C64 to 8Mhz by highest compatibility with existing
software. Additionally to the original Commodore Kernal a JiffyDos
kernal is available. You can choose between two different kernals via
DIP-switch. Flash 8 comes either with 256 Kbyte or 1 Mbyte RAM onboard.
A CP/M-emulator for running Z80-CP/M-Software, a macro-library and
assembler for the 65816 in native-mode are included."
The prices are:
349 DM (~$245.00 US) for the unit with 256kB RAM.
449 DM (~$315.00 US) for the unit with 1MB RAM.
It is being manufactured and sold by Discount 2000 and Performance
Peripherals, Inc.
The Turbo Master Accelerator is for a C64 (or C64 mode of C128) only, uses
a Rockwell R65C02P4 microprocessor clocked at 4.09 MHz, has its own 64K of
fast static RAM and a 32K EPROM, has hardware/software switchable speed
between 4.09 and normal, and has an enhanced ROM with faster disk routines
that can also be disabled. A JiffyDOS compatibility option was available.
| CMD SuperCPU 64
| The CMD Super 64 CPU accelerator cartridge, currently shipping from
Creative Micro Designs, will allow a Commodore 64 or Commodore 128 (in 64
| mode) to reach CPU speeds of 20 MHz.
| A Western Design Center 65C816S 16bit CPU core (with 6502 emulation)
| forms the heart of the unit. The accelerator is compatible will all
| standard peripherals for the Commodore 64, including the 1500 series
| disk drives and the 1700 series Ram Expansion Units. In addition, the
| unit is compatible with GEORam and the various peripherals offered by
| CMD, such as the HD and FD series disk drives and the RAMLink.
| Internally, the unit contains a WDC 65C816S CPU and 64kB of fast static
| RAM for no-wait program processing. Both a stock and JiffyDOS enhanced
| kernel are available, and the user can completely disable the unit if
| desired without unplugging. Also, the speed of the unit (1MHz or maximum
| speed) can be selected via switch or software. A pass through port
| allows the user to use existing cartridges, and an expansion port
| dubbbed the "Rocket Socket" allows RAM or functionality enhancements to
be added to the accelerator.
Production units began on July 25, 1996, and a developer's package
will be made available to software authors shortly. The price is as
follows:
Super 64/20 US$199.00
Creative Micro Designs, Incorporated. (CMD)
15 Benton Drive
P.O. Box 646
East Longmeadow, MA 01028-0646
(800) 638-3263 (Orders only)
(413) 525-0023 (Information)
(413) 525-0147 (Fascimile)
cmd.sales@the-spa.com (Information and Pricing)
cmd.support@the-spa.com (Technical Support)
cmd.cac@the-spa.com (Charles Chistianson - Marketing)
doug.cotton@the-spa.com (Doug Cotton - Technical Writer)
13.4.2. How do I increase my Commodore 128's speed?
The ZIP card for your C128.
This accelerator was not produced. Its development has been stopped due
to miscellaneous problems.
+ The SuperCPU 128
+ In addition to the SuperCPU 64 (see Section 13.4.1), Creative Micro
+ Designs is planning to introduce a 128 version of this 20 MHz accelerator.
+ Production dates are sceduled for around Christmas, 1996. The price for
+ the 128 version has not yet been finalized., Contact CMD for more
+ information.
13.4.3. Can I speed up other Commodore computers?
Although it is possoble to accelerate just about any Commodore machine,
no commercial products exist to speed up other Commodore computers.
13.5. How do I increase my computer screen's resolution?
Although the Commodore computers once reigned in terms or screen
rsolution and number of colors available, newer machines have surpassed
it in both areas. Depending on whether you want more characters on the
screen or more colors at one time, these products might help.
13.5.1. How do I increase my Commodore 64's screen resolution?
Since the Commodore 64's VIC-II cannot be expanded, the only way to increase
the resolution of the Commodore 64 is to turn off the on-board video and
replace its output with one from another IC. The simplist approach
involves attaching an 80 column video chip (6545, 6845, etc.) to the C64
via the expansion port. This will provide 80 columns of monochrome text.
However, this is only useful for text applications, as most of these video
devices are not capable of doing high resolution graphics. Also, none of
the following are currently produced, but many are sold as used equipment
by users.
Batteries Included BI-80
This unit combined an 80 column monochrome text video display (using the
6545 IC) and BASIC 4.0. Either options could be turned on or off via
software control.
DATA 20 80 column unit
This unit preceded the BI80 unit, and was produced from 1982-1984.
Protecto Enterprizes Protecto-80
This was basically a repackaged DATA-20 unit. Some circuitry was changed
to permit price reduction, but the same functionality is there.
13.5.2. How do I increase my Commodore 128's screen resolution?
The Commodore 128 comes equipped with an second video display controller
in addition to the 40 column VIC chip. This chip can be used while in
64 mode through clever programming, and the controller's standard 640*200
pixel size can be expanded to 640*400. However, there is no way to
completely overcome the color limitation of 16 colors
13.6. How do I increase my computer's serial transfer speed?
If you wish to operate serial devices at speeds faster than what the
internal software emulated UART can handle, you will need to purchase
a UART interface. There are a couple of different kinds, and each has
its advantages.
To use these hardware UARTs, the application must be written to take
advantage of the device.
SwiftLink
the SwiftLink cartridge is manufactured by CMD and allows speeds up to
38.4 Kbps. This device contains a 6551 UART and plugs into your cartridge
port and supplies you with a standard 9-pin serial port. You then connect
the desired modem. Dialogue128, Novaterm64, and Kermit(v2.2s) support
the SwiftLink.
Creative Micro Designs, Incorporated. (CMD)
15 Benton Drive
P.O. Box 646
East Longmeadow, MA 01028-0646
(800) 638-3263 (Orders only)
(413) 525-0023 (Information)
(413) 525-0147 (Fascimile)
cmd.sales@the-spa.com (Information and Pricing)
cmd.support@the-spa.com (Technical Support)
cmd.cac@the-spa.com (Charles Chistianson - Marketing)
doug.cotton@the-spa.com (Doug Cotton - Technical Writer)
HART Cartridge
The HART cartridge is a device similar to the Swiftlink in size. However,
the HART unit conatins an 8255 UART IC and can handle speeds up to 57.6Kbps.
The unit is manufactured by Hatronics.
Hatronics
195 Lincoln Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042
(201) 783-7264
Mark Hatten (Contact)
DataPump
DataPump is a set of plans used to build a device that functions just like
a Swiftlink. The plans are available at many FTP sites.
ftp://ftp.funet.fi/pub/CBM/documents/datapump.sfx (GEOS format)
ftp://hamsterix.funet.fi/pub/CBM/documents/datapump.sfx (GEOS format)
ftp://ccnga.uwaterloo.ca/pub/cbm/INCOMING/hardware/
13.7. How do I increase my computer's sound quality?
SID Symphony
The C64 and C128 come equipped with 1 Sound Interface Device (SID) IC.
This provides 3 channels of output. For more channels, one can purchase the
SID Symphony cartridge from CMD to provide 3 extra channels. Most newer
sound playing and editing software is able to use the extra channels.
There are also a number of units one can purchase or build that will
provide MIDI capabilities for Commodore 64 and 128 users.
13.8. What other ways can I expand my Commodore computer?
There are many hardware items that you can use. Below is a list of a few of
them. Note that some of these items may no longer be in production, and
thus are only available as used equipment.
80-Line Simplified Digital I/O Board
This unit has 40 TTL input lines and 40 separate buffered digital output
lines plus an expansion socket that could support a standard ROM or clock/
calendar cartridge. It works on the C64 and all modes of the C128
(including CP/M mode). Its model number is the SS100 Plus.
"Original Ultimate Interface"
This is a universally applicable dual 6522 Versatile Interface Adapter board
with four 8-bit fully bidirectional I/O ports, eight handshake lines, and four
16-bit timer/counters. It has IRQ interrupt capability and is expandable
to four boards. It works on the C64 and all modes of the C128 (including
CP/M mode). Its model number is the 641F22.
A/D Conversion Module
This unit is 16 channel, 8-bit, 100 microsecond conversion time.
Piggy-backs on the 641F22 and thus requires it to operate. Works on the
C64 and all modes of the C128 (including CP/M mode). Its model number is
641F/ADC0816.
The Spartan Apple ][+ emulator for the C64, by Mimic Systems, Inc.
In addition to allowing the use of Apple ][+ hardware/software, this
device boasted four software selectable C64 cartridge slots, a non-
dedicated 8-bit parallel port, and standard audio cassette deck
capabilities for the C64.
ROM upgrades are available for the C-128 and the 1571.
C64 Games Port Expander (Model #8401) 40/80 column converter.
Switchable, it has 4 independent cartridge sockets plus a 5th switch
position accessing an 80 col. character set ROM - (limited usability
because it *apparently* accesses a C64 Ram location which interferes
with a lot of stuff, I forget where or how) - and a 6th switch position
independent of the cartridge port for general use stuff.
It was built into a neat steel housing designed to sit flat on the desktop
and slide into the cartridge port at exactly the right height.
--
Jim Brain, Embedded System Designer, Brain Innovations, Inc. (BII)(offline sig)
j.brain@ieee.org "Above views DO reflect my employer, since I'm my employer"
Dabbling in WWW, Embedded Systems, VR, Old CBM computers, and Good Times! -Me-
Jim Brain: BII, VR, and CBM info
#! rnews 14801
Path: pravda.aa.msen.com!conch.aa.msen.com!not-for-mail
From: brain@mail.msen.com (Jim Brain)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.cbm
Subject: COMP.SYS.CBM: General FAQ, v3.1 Part 9/9
Supersedes:
Followup-To: comp.sys.cbm
Date: 13 Aug 1996 01:16:51 -0400
Organization: Brain Innovations, Inc.
Lines: 342
Sender: brain@msen.com
Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.EDU
Expires: 05 Sep 1996
Message-ID:
Reply-To: brain@mail.msen.com
NNTP-Posting-Host: conch.aa.msen.com
Summary: This posting contains answers to questions that commonly surface in
comp.sys.cbm. This posting will tell you enough to get your
computer connected to a network, fixed, and/or enhanced. This file
should be read by new users of comp.sys.cbm before posting to the
group. It should also be proofread by users who are currently
active in comp.sys.cbm.
Keywords: CBM FAQ Help List C64 C128 VIC Modem
X-URL: http://www.msen.com/~brain/
X-Posted-By: YPost, version 0.08
Archive-name: cbm-main-faq.3.1.p9
Comp-answers-archive-name: commodore/main-faq/part9
News-answers-archive-name: commodore/main-faq/part9
Comp-sys-cbm-archive-name: main-faq/part9
Version: 3.1
Last-modified: 1996/08/12
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents (for this file)
---------------------------------
14. Programming
14.1. What Programming Languages are available?
14.2. What is a Cross Assembler? How do I use one?
+ 14.3 What is an "undocumented opcode"?
15. User Groups
16. Sales and Service
16.1. Where do I purchase Commodore Equipment and Software?
16.2. Where do I get equipment serviced?
16.3. How do I know who to buy from or request service from?
17. Miscellaneous
17.1. How fast does a Commodore 64 run?
17.2. How can a turn my NTSC-M 64 into a PAL-B 64 or vice versa?
17.3. What does this IC number mean?
+ 17.4. What are the differences between C64 ROM Revisions?
18. Credits
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. Programming
14.1. What Programming Languages are available?
The following programming languages are known to exist for the CBM
computers:
Ada
APL
Assembly Language
BASIC (interpreted and compiled)
BASIC extenders
C
COBOL
COMAL
FORTH
FORTRAN
LISP
LOGO
MUMPS
Pascal
PILOT
You name it, and it is probably available for the Commodore computer
system. The list of supported languages availeble for the Commodore
8 bit computer systems is much too large to fir in the FAQ, but they are
available at http://www.wimsey.com/~danf/cbm/languages.html.
14.2. What is a Cross Assembler? How do I use one?
A cross assembler is a program that runs on one computer and generates
code for another computer. Usually, a non 8-bit CBM machine generates
the code using this program, but it can be another 64 hooked in some way
to a "target" 64. Whatever the case, here are some packages that can be
used:
as6502 linking 6502 cross assembler
masm6502 6502 macro cross-assembler
ps65a12 Unix format 6502 cross assembler
svasm02 6502 cross assembler
xasm220 many-targeted cross assemblers
smal6502 linking macro assembler written in portable PASCAL
A more detailed list can be found at:
http://www.wimsey.com/~danf/cbm/cross-development.html
For all cross assemblers, the user will most likely benefit from a way to
transfer the program from the source platform to the target platform.
See Section 7 for information on products that will help transfer the
files.
14.3 What is an "undocumented opcode"?
In the 65XX CPU line, each machine language instruction is a single byte,
which allows for 256 instruction types, or opcodes. However, there are
fewer than 256 defined. When designing the 65XX line, the designers,
needing to keep complexity down, decided to treat the extra opcode
positions as "don't care" opcodes, where no effort would be made to make
those opcodes do anything special. Since the opcodes are arranged in a
16X16 matrix, with a row or column cotaining opcodes that perform similar
operations, an undefined opcode in the matrix can have the behavior of
other opcodes in its row or column or both. These opcodes are called
"illegal" or "undocumented" opcodes, and are occasionally used by
demo coders to accomplish special timing effects, or by software
programmers for copy protection code. To learn more about these opcodes
and what each does, the get the 64doc file at
ftp://ftp.funet.fi/pub/cbm/documents/64doc or visit a cbm emulator forum.
15. User Groups
User's Groups fulfill a major function for Commodore owners. They provide
a place to meet other users, discuss problems and solutions for computing,
teach and learn information about their machines. Software can be shared
and friendships are made. The Commodore community is made up largely by
real or virtual user's groups.
A complete list of Commodore user groups can be found at
| http://www.msen.com/~brain/pub/cbm-ug-list.1.0.txt
This file is also available from Jim Brain's MAILSERV server as file
cbm-ug-list.txt. (See Section 6.5.2 for directions on using the MAILSERV
server.)
Commodore owners are encouraged to join a CBM user group to help keep these
vital organizations around. In addition, most user groups publish
newsletters
16. Sales and Service
Sooner or later, every Commodore owner will need to get his or her
computer serviced, add another peripheral, or simply purchase some
enhancement hardware or software. Contrary to popular belief, there
is a large base of hardware and software suppliers and service centers.
16.1. Where do I purchase Commodore Equipment and Software?
ESCOM (holder of the Commodore patents and copyrights), does not currently
manufacture Commodore 8-bit computer systems. Many online services,
including GEnie, the Internet, and user group newsletters contain
classified ads from individuals wanting to sell used CBM equipment, however.
In Germany, there are a number of shops which still sell factory new
Commodore 64 and Commodore 128 computers.
ESCOM also does not manufacture software for the Commodore 8-bit line.
However, many companies still sell software for the Commodore line.
A complete list of Commodore hardware, peripheral, and software suppliers
| is available at http://www.msen.com/~brain/pub/cbm-supply-list.txt, as on Jim
Brain's MAILSERV server as file cbm-supply.txt (See Section 6.5.2 for
directions on using MAILSERV).
16.2. Where do I get equipment serviced?
There are a number of repair facilities around that will bring your trusty
Commodore computer up to speed again. Please look in the list below for one
that might be able to help you. If that doesn't turn up anything, check
with your local User's Group.
A complete list of Commodore software and hardware repair facilities can
be found at http://www.msen.com/~brain/pub/cbm-repair.txt or at Jim Brain's
MAILSERV server as file cbm-repair.txt. (See Section 6.5.2 for directions
on using MAILSERV)
16.3. How do I know who to buy from or request service from?
The information provided in this file does not imply that a company is
reputable or even still in business. It is best to use the above information
as a starting point, and contact others who can discuss the various
manufacturers and repair facilities listed above.
17. Miscellaneous
Well, this is where the chaff falls. The following questions are either
too new to categorize or do not fit into a category.
17.1. How fast does a Commodore 64 run?
If you are using a stock Commodore 64, the CPU clock frequency is a function
of the video timing frequency, which is slightly different for differing
countries. If you have a stock PAL-B C64 (Common in Europe), the computer
is running at 985248.444Hz. If you are using an NTSC-M C64 (Common in the
USA), the computer is running slightly faster, at 1022727.143Hz.
17.2. How can a turn my NTSC-M 64 into a PAL-B 64 or vice versa?
Changing a C64 from stock PAL-B to stock NTSC-M or vice versa
requires swapping in the approproate VIC-II chip and the appropriate
crystal, as well as changing a jumper on the motherboard (The jumper
has printing near it that indicates whether to cut or connect the jumper).
Also, if you have a version 1 KERNAL ROM and want to use the built-in
RS-232 routines, you need to either swap KERNAL ROMs with the other
computer (not recommended), or obtain a revision 3 KERNAL (recommended).
Now, if maintaining stock operation is not a complete must, or if you
just want to tinker, the crystal and jumper modifications can be made
optional.
The VIC-II chip has a relaxed tolerance for timing, so it is possible to
run an NTSC-M VIC-II with a PAL-B crystal and jumper settings.
The converse is possible as well. Since the crystal frequency is used to
generate the frequencies for the TV and monitor output, your TV or
monitor may not like the resuling hybrid signal very well, but it won't
break anything.
In addtion, the jumper indicated above determines the divisor used to scale
down the crystal frequency for the CPU. For PAL-B units, the divisor is
18, and for NTSC-M units the divisor is 14. The Commodore 64 will operate
regardless of the crystal frequency and state of this jumper. Therefore,
to speed up a 64, one can install a PAL-B crystal (17734472Hz) and change
the jumper to use the NTSC divisor (14) to increase the operating
speed of the machine to 1266748Hz. However, note that any operations (disk,
rs-232, special VIC tricks) that require synchronized timing may fail in
this "non-stock" scenario.
17.3. What does this IC number mean?
Here are a few Commodore IC numbers and their functions. Note that this
| is an incomplete list. A more comprehensive list is called csg.chips.info
and is at ftp.funet.fi.
For the VIC-20:
Mnemonic PN# Alt. PN#
CPU 6502
VIC-I (NTSC-M) 6560
VIC-I (PAL-B) 6561
CPU 6502
For the C-64 and C-64C:
Mnemonic PN# Alt. PN#
CPU 6510
VIC-II (NTSC-M) 6567 8562?
VIC-II (PAL-B) 6569 8565
VIC-II (PAL-N) 6572
VIC-II (PAL-M) 6573
SID 6581 6582 8580
For the C-128(D):
Mnemonic PN# Alt. PN# Notes:
CPU 8502
VIC-IIe (NTSC-M) 8564
VIC-IIe (PAL-B) 8566
VIC-IIe (PAL-N) 8569
| DVDC 8563 8568 (get r9a or r9b if possible)
SID 6581 6582 8580
Differences between 64 boards:
The older boards had discrete LSI logic and a PLA chip. The newer
boards put all the PLA and LSI logic into one ASIC chip. On the
older boards, the KERNAL and BASIC ROMs were separate, while they are
combined in the newer design.
There are two different models of the narrow board. One has Color RAM,
while the other does not. The ASIC chip includes the PLA and 7 TTL chips,
and the Color RAM on some machines machines.
The new models use 9 volt versions 8580 SID, while older models use the
6581 12 volt SID. The VIC chip (6567 NTSC-M, 6569 PAL-B) has been replaced
with the 8562 (NTSC-M) and 8565 (PAL-B) on newer models.
Both BASIC 2.0 and the KERNAL ROM have been combined into one ROM for
the C64C/G/GS. This ROM is the same as is used on the C128 in C64 mode.
The ROM is indentical except for nationality differences.
+ 17.4. What are the differences between C64 ROM Revisions?
+ Well, they have a number of them, and each difference is documented and
+ explained in "The Commodore 64 Whole Memory Guide" by Tim Arnot.
+ (ftp://x2ftp.oulu.fi/pub/cbm/docs/c64-kernel.diffs)
18. Credits
I want to extend my thanks to the following people for their help in
providing correct, up-to-date information in this FAQ:
Fred Mueller, who maintained this FAQ before I.
Everyone who helped add to the 1.4 FAQ material to make the 2.0-2.2 FAQ.
Everyone who helped add to the 2.2 FAQ to make the 3.0 FAQ.
+ Adam Vardy, with corrections to Section 3.3.
+ Roger Long, for information on Random Magazine.
+ Jouko Valta, for information on C65 archives and kernal diffs.
+ Tom Cwikla, for info on ANADISK.
+ Alan Jones, for info on a new newsgroup mail gateway.
+ Antony Gibbs, for info on Commodore Zone.
+ Gaelyne Moranec, for info on GIF viewers.
+ John Keyerleber, for info on plans for CBM printer to PC interface.
+ David Gahris, for numerous WWW addresses.
+ Marc Frank, for error in cbm-supply-list.txt filename.
+ Jack Vander White, for address updates.
+ Jeff Daniels, for info on his company.
+ Paul MacArthur, for info on X1541 cable source.
+ Craig Bruce, for info on his FTP Mail Server.
+ Dirk Moell, for info on blinks on 8050.
+ Bob Masse, for info on C128 VDC IC revisions.
+ Alan Jones, for corrections to Daniel Dallmann's RS-232 interface.
+ Donald Ayers, for information on his GRASSROOTS #1 Disk.
+ Daniel Kahlin, for info on Over5.
+ Dallas Legan, for info on Transactor Index.
+ Andre Fachat, for info on VICE.
+ Allen Smith, for info on COMPUTERSMITH Internet updates.
+ Jack vanderwhite, for updates on COMMODORE CEE BBS phone.
+ Jeff Jones, for updates on LOADSTAR prices.
+ Frank Ellert, for info on more UNIX-like OSes.
+ Paul McAleer, for informaiton on Micro-Bytes.
+ J. E. Sears, for info on PPI.
+ Jeff Jones, for information on LOADSTAR Letter going commercial.
+ Chris MCEE, for corrections on Demo terms.
+ R.T. Cunningham, for updates on SuperCPU dates and info.
+ Beth Gladen, for uncovering a bug in user group list filename.
+ Nhat-Viet Phi, for info on his RAMLink User's List.
+ Holger Heimes, for info on extra BBS numbers to get FAQ at.
+ Scott Eggleston, with new email info and merger of Underground info.
+ Jarno Lamberg, for corrections to 17.4 URL.
+ Eric Hoetzel, for info on 6502CC mailing list.
+ Jeff Daniels, for updates on the VIC newsletter.
+ Nick Rossi, for information on Novaterm 9.6.
+ Walt Roth, for corrections on posting frequency.
--
Jim Brain, Embedded System Designer, Brain Innovations, Inc. (BII)(offline sig)
j.brain@ieee.org "Above views DO reflect my employer, since I'm my employer"
Dabbling in WWW, Embedded Systems, VR, Old CBM computers, and Good Times! -Me-
Jim Brain: BII, VR, and CBM info
#! rnews 10398
Path: pravda.aa.msen.com!nntp.coast.net!oleane!in2p3.fr!univ-lyon1.fr!howland.
erols.net!swrinde!news.sgi.com!mr.net!news.netins.net!phdss
From: phdss@worf.netins.net (Phd Software Systems)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.cbm
Subject: RE: SuperCPU
Date: 13 Aug 1996 05:56:54 GMT
Organization: INS Info Services, Des Moines, Iowa, USA
Lines: 232
Message-ID: <4up5f6$7uo@insosf1.netins.net>
NNTP-Posting-Host: worf.netins.net
--> in a message Alan Jones wrote <--
AJ> First the CMD SuperCPU is a very significant development for the
AJ> C64/128 community. This is not for the hardware itself but because it
AJ> will generate a lot of ink and buzz (interest and excitement).
Partially true, but the ink and buzz is a direct result of the
hardware: the most advanced significant piece of 64/128 hardware
ever made.
AJ> Who
AJ> knows, it might even get a few lines in mainstream computing
AJ> magazines.
That would indeed be fortunate. I'd encourage people to write some
of the other platform magazines. I sent a couple to a few of the
computer TV shows (c|net, and computer chronicles) - I'd hope other
do to. Part of the problem is that the main stream press doesn't
even know we are still out here.
AJ> CMD calls it an "accelerator", but it is more than that. It is a
AJ> whole new computer that is "hosted" by a C64/128 computer. This is good
AJ> news, bad news. It limits the new computer in display, sound, I/O, and
AJ> peripherals to that of the C64/128.
AJ> The SuperCPU is based on a 20 Mhz
AJ> 65C816 CPU. This is an enhanced 16/8 bit version of the 6502. Its
AJ> not much in a world of 200 Mhz 64/32 bit CPUs in modern PCs.
Comparatively it is roughly equal in clock cycle advances from a turbo
286 to a 166 pentium. Certainly we are not gaining the cycles per
instruction reduction that the 486-586 enjoy over their forerunners,
but it is still an awesome jump.
AJ> So right out of the box all we get is a fast C64. So what is a
AJ> C64/128 best for? The 6502 is very responsive to sevicing interupts
AJ> and the C64/128 is very good for hobbyist type harware and software
AJ> hacking. (Actually it is good for many more things.) The 65C816 CPU
AJ> has some more and wider internal registers so it may take it a few more
AJ> cyles to save the current processor state over the 8 bit buss before
AJ> servicing the interupt. Most of these interupts may be generated by
AJ> the slow C64 host itself, so that is no limitation. A stock 128 with a
AJ> 6551 can run RS232 at 115K bps anyway. So interupt handling with the
AJ> SuperCPU is no big advantage.
Major league disagreement - that is wrong. So what if you can set a
16550 at 115k - Dialog suffers away a 1100-1200 and Dest around 1600
regardless of the uart setting. A 14.4 modem on a good clone will
keep up a 33.6 on a 128 throughput anyday. Why, interrupt handling
is too slow - the 128 gets nothing done but holding off the modem
until it does something with the bytes received -whether that is to
disk or to screen - irrelevant. I don't know what the throughput on
Novaterm 9.6 is going to screen or ram disk, but it is probably
pretty close to that of any clone running a similar modem or null
modem.
AJ> I have read only discouraging things about user hacking on the
AJ> SuperCPU. I asked if it was easy to patch the RAM shadow of the ROM
AJ> image and what type of ROM the SuperCPU used. I was told that this
AJ> was not possible and that I should keep a hands off policy toward
AJ> hacking the SuperCPU.
I said it was defiantly possible - but why, why, why. Haven't we
learned enough from 12 years of incompatibilities - why would you
want to introduce more? I think we could both list a couple hundred
programs that have caused, created or otherwise introduced
incompatibilities just because the programmers wanted to trick out
the system.
There is not actually anything specifically wrong with changing the
kernal - it is just that after almost 2 decades of programming,
there is one lesson learned from experience: Use only those parts of
the system, you absolutely need and leave the rest alone.
Case in point: Desterm 1. It comes out 87-88 and is undoubtiedly
a major break through program - no one had pushed reliable rs232
software routines to 9600 on the 128. It was distributed shareware
to every BBS in the country - at that time, most BBS's were running
LtK's, SFD'x, 8250's and other IEEE equipment with Quicksilver Flash
(easily 75% of the boards in the country had IEEE equipment on it).
The only problem was that Desterm was incompatible with the
Quicksilver 128 ROM (the only 128 program Ive ever seen that was).
So because Matt thought he could "trick" around the serial routines
and call all the xxx kernal routines he wanted, all he did was
eliminate 90% of his advertising by making Desterm incompatible with
ever system that was carrying his software. Log onto a board, and
every sysop said Desterm was worth the download time because it
didn't work - most thought it was bug ladden, but really it was the
incompatibility with their rom.
When you spoke of changing the kernal, I assume you where talking
about playing with the shadowed copy of it in the SCPU ram, and
leaving the ram under the 64 side kernal along. If you want to play
with the kernal, do it the same way we've done it for years.
AJ> This same person told me that the ROM used is
AJ> "virgin jdos". I've checked all my reference manuals and catalogs and
AJ> I can't find an IC chip manufacturer or trade name of Virgin, nor jdos.
AJ> I'm sure the responder was confused, and I discount his answer to the
AJ> first part of my question as well.
Oh sorry, I assumed you understood the 64 and the 64 scene - my
mistake for the reference everyone else knew.
Virgin: pure, white, unblemished, original.
JDOS : aka: Jiffy DOS. A major portion of the Super CPU operating
System ROM. It is a licensed enhanced version of Commodores
64 ROM Kernal produced by CMD. JDOS provides disk speed
enhancement with a ROM equipped 1541/71/81/FD?000/and other
CMD devices.
So to put it altogether:
"near Virgin JDOS ROM"
A near identical copy of the stock Commodore 64 Jiffy DOS ROM.
It was only modified as required to make the SCPU (Super CPU) work.
AJ> I certainly hope that the SuperCPU
AJ> ROM(s) is(are) socketed DIP packages and of a type that is commercialy
AJ> available and programmable by the Promenade C1.
YES they are. Knock yourself out, have a ball and end up with a
machine that will only run the software you write for it.
AJ> The SuperCPU C64 emulator
It is not an emulator.
AJ> uses only stock 8 bit 6502 instructions.
AJ> However, the C64 kernel is designed with jump tables. This makes it
AJ> easy to update individual kernal routines such as the arithmetic
AJ> routines.
The 64 OS Kernal Jump table has no entries for math routines;
however the basic ROM does have some know routines that are call able
by users.
AJ> Using the 65C816 16 bit instructions it should be possible
AJ> to nearly double the speed of individual kernel routines that the user
AJ> wishes to patch.
Depends entirely on the routines you wish to patch, and how you are
going to patch them. Ultimately you will cause incompatibilities.
AJ> Users could publish many patches and eventually we
AJ> would have a significantly faster SuperCPU C64 emulation.
And it wouldn't run 10% of the 64 software in existence.
AJ> Again,
AJ> computing faster is not the overriding issue, the ease of user hacking,
AJ> which is the heart and soul of C64/128 programmer/users is.
In the finest tradition of, those who can do - those who can't, teach.
Those who can program - those who can't, Hack.
AJ> An unresolved question is how fast the SuperCPU will run cartridge
AJ> based software such as the COMAL 2.0 programming language. This
AJ> cartridge is 64-128K of EPROM bank switched in 16K banks.
I have heard it won't work at all. What is the memory setup it uses?
AJ> It is also apearant that the CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device)
AJ> is the magic "black box" that makes the SuperCPU work. I have not
AJ> seen any info on this published yet. Understanding the CPLD is
AJ> certainly of interest to user/programmers.
Why? The less that is publicly known about it - the better.
What happens when Western Design (home 65816) comes out with a 40 or
100 mhz version of the 65816, or they produce the all fabled 65832?
CMD goes back an reworks the PLD to work with the new processor,
switching a few of the undocumented registers and peculiarities
around to work - and poof all your hacked code is incompatible.
ie: Didn't learn anything from all those undoc ops eh? If we (I'm
as guilty of it as anyone) wouldn't have used all those undoc ops,
our compatibility factor with the SCPU would have increased
exponentially.
AJ> I have two great hopes for the SuperCPU. First is the Rocket Socket.
AJ> If CMD produces a series of powerful expansions for this port and
AJ> software to use them, it could become much more usefull. For example
AJ> a good FPU (floating point unit) and an enhanced graphics card.
There none that I'm aware that would work!? As far as I know, that
is a ram expansion only. I hope I'm wrong - but that is the beauty of
the design, who knows what they will come up with. (ie:thats why
I'm on the generic code kick :)
AJ> So who should buy a SuperCPU?
Anyone who runs Geos. Even I (the self-proposed moderator of
comp.sys.geos.die.die.die) am impressed with it running on the SCPU.
AJ> Anyone who blew money on that
AJ> Turbomaster thing and wants to run faster still.
HA! LOL. Or even worse - the Falsh 8 cartridge.
AJ> What would really sell the SuperCPU? A killer application that
AJ> requires the SuperCPU.
Bingo, we have a winner.
AJ> I doubt that this will happen.
Psst: Geos. For the first time in its life - this program actually
works (somewhat). ie: output is still pathetic, but hey...
AJ> However, it
AJ> may happen that the WAVE (a C128 graphical web browser in development)
AJ> may work well but very slow on a stock 128 but be quite fast on a
AJ> SuperCPU 128.
Good call - it is the one thing the clones can do, that can't.
Brett
... phdss@worf.netins.net
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From: Irv Cobb
Newsgroups: comp.sys.cbm
Subject: Re: ?: CMD HD and Geos
Date: 12 Aug 1996 18:19:32 -0400
Organization: Yale CS Mail/News Gateway
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BOWES1 wrote:
> > Beyond anything, I want the thing to be able to access the HD, the RamLink,
and
> the FD2000, with the option to swap in my REU and/or my 1571 if needed. FWIW
> the REU is used here as temporary storage, I don't care if it's contents gets
> destroyed by other programs--it wasn't meant to be battery backed. The
ramLink
> memory right now, has nothing in it, not even a copy of EZloader.
>
> Can someone give me any ideas, or point me to a decent alternate desktop that
> will allow better drive access?
>
> I am willing to change device numbers around if needed, as long as my HD can
> remain as device 8 (I use it for everything).
GeoSHELL can do what you want, at least to some degree -- you'll have to
experiment with your own setup. Specifically, GeoSHELL will let you
remove a device from Geos and replace it with another. You can do this
without actually turning off the drive being replaced as long as it's
being replaced with a RAM drive and not another physical device (two
identical physical device numbers operating at the same jam up the serial
bus) or if you can change the device number of the drive on the fly with
device number switches and a reset button. What I've
done is hard-wire the 1571 in my 128D to be device 11. Then GeoSHELL can
remove d
and
installXXXX.128 d (sorry - I can't remember the default name
for GeoSHELL device drivers -- I've renamed
mine.)
and the 1571 is gone and the new device (in my case one 1571 bank of my
BBGRAM, in yours your REU) is in place and usable.
Note that it is also possible to do this with physical drives if you
install reset switches in them. For instance a system that has
8 HD-500
9 REU
10 1541
11 1571
could have a 1581 running at device 9 and unavailable to Geos because the
REU is in use. But a simple
remove c
(user changes 1581 to device 10 and 1541 to device 9 and resets them)
installXXXX.128 c
switches the system to
8 HD-500
9 REU (1541 present and running but not in use)
10 1581
11 1571
I do this all the time and find it extraordinarily helpful.
===============================================================================
| irv_cobb@radiks.net http://www.radiks.net/irv_cobb |
| "Listen, for I will speak Files for Commodore Geos |
| of excellent things..." Links to GARBC organizations |
===============================================================================
#! rnews 3753
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From: "Glenn P.,"
Newsgroups: comp.sys.cbm
Subject: Re: terminal program to send a whole disk
Date: Tue, 13 Aug 1996 04:10:41 -0400
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At some earlier time, koyn@crl.com (T. Koyn) posted to "comp.sys.cbm":
> I would like to send the entire contents of a 1541 disk (raw sector dump)
> as a single file to be received on another computer for use with an
> emulator. I have a working commodre system, but am wondering what
> terminal program would allow me to do this. I do not want to have to
> specifiy individual files on the disk to transer, as I want the whole
> disk. Any guidance on what software to use on the commodre would be
> greatly appreciated. Thanks.
You have three options. First, if your recipient has a Commodore computer, see
if you can both manage to lay hold of a program that supports the Punter
Whole Disk Transfer protocol. Many Commodore-specific term. prgs. do,
including the new commercial version of Novaterm, NT 9.6. On the PD front,
I believe several versions of CCGMS support this protocol (but don't bank on
this, because I haven't used CCGMS in years). If you can find a way to use
Punter Whole-Disk, then go for it -- it's by far the easiest and most direct
way of accomplishing your purpose.
Second, you and your recipient can use a C-64 program called ZipCode.C64,
which reads whole disks, sector-by-sector, and converts it into four separate
files that can be easily uploaded/downloaded. The recipient then uses his own
copy of ZipCode to unpack the disk files and re-create the original disk.
I can send you a UUencode or MIME of ZipCode; if memory serves correctly,
I believe it's freely redistributable.
Your third option is for both of you to buy the much-maligned Compression Kit
'94 by MadMan Software (C-Kit '94) -- you know, the one with the (*Gasp!*)
dongle. The C-Kit generates 1541 (and 1571, and 1581, and CMD Native) Disk
Boas that do essentially the same thing as ZipCode, but can use a single file.
C-Kit is very reliable, but you DO need some sort of RAM expansion (even a
RAMDrive will do, however) in order to use it.
Hope this helps... Good Luck!
--_____
{~._.~} "There are a hundred ways in which a boy can injure -- if not
_( Y )_ not indeed kill -- himself. The more advennturous he is and the
(:_~*~_:) greater his initiative, the more ways he will find. If you protect
(_)-(_) him from each of the hundred, he is sure to find the hundred-and-
========= first. Though most men can look back on their boyhood and tremble
========= at the narrowness of some of their escapes, most boys do in fact
W.T.P. survive, more or less intact, and the wise father is the trusting
========= father."
=====================================
:: --= Glenn P. =-- :: --"The Enchanted Places", Chapter 21,
:: c128user@GTI.Net :: By: Christopher Robin Milne.
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c128us
er
From: "Glenn P.,"
Newsgroups: comp.sys.cbm
Subject: Re: Where to find text adventures ?
Date: Tue, 13 Aug 1996 04:15:21 -0400
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On 11-Aug-1996, Greg Cox wrote:
> Anyone know of any good sites that have any text adventures or grphic
> ones for the c64 ?
Yes, FTP the "Interactive Fiction Archives" at ftp.gmd.de, in directory
"if-archives". Their C64/C128 titles are unfortunately very limited, but
some do exist. :)
--_____
{~._.~} "There are a hundred ways in which a boy can injure -- if not
_( Y )_ not indeed kill -- himself. The more advennturous he is and the
(:_~*~_:) greater his initiative, the more ways he will find. If you protect
(_)-(_) him from each of the hundred, he is sure to find the hundred-and-
========= first. Though most men can look back on their boyhood and tremble
========= at the narrowness of some of their escapes, most boys do in fact
W.T.P. survive, more or less intact, and the wise father is the trusting
========= father."
=====================================
:: --= Glenn P. =-- :: --"The Enchanted Places", Chapter 21,
:: c128user@GTI.Net :: By: Christopher Robin Milne.
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From: joy daidola
Newsgroups: comp.sys.cbm
Subject: Re: FS:::super sketch
Date: Mon, 12 Aug 96 20:06:14 -0500
Organization: Delphi (info@delphi.com email, 800-695-4005 voice)
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X-To: Ron King
super sketch is similar to a clip board with a stylus attached..you draw
on it..it's interesting