Msg: 4903 *Conference*

01-21-94 17:34:45

From: RICHARD HANSON

To : ADAM LIPSIUS

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #4900 (NOT SO BAD, NEC PC8021A)

----
Adam: Again, by the numbers...

 > I am interested to know about ROM software. I have opened the bottom of
 > the case of my PC8021a, and I see some chips and some empty slots inside,
 > what can be installed?

Most of the ROMs I carry have a version for the NEC8201; some don't.  When you
receive the catalog, make a note of those you are interested in and well
discuss them.

You may have one extra ROM and two banks of 32K each.  Again, I have the ROMs
and can get you loaded with RAM.

 > Also, what can be attached to the expansion connector 
 > on the left slide of the case (there is a slot with a trap door)? Do 
 > you know what the SIO-1 and SIO-2 plugs can be used for?

Sorry, I don't know these things but do have one set of manuals for myself and
a set of User Guide and Reference Manual for sale; $20 for the two.

 > I hope to use my PC8021a for several purposes:
 > remote entry of info wp/db and upload it into the IBM compat I have.
 > prototyping Z-80 based programs for robotics

Again, consider Lapdos II (see catalog when it arrives)

 > I wonder if the computer can control stepper motors from the RS-232 
 > port?  I was also thinking about prototyping a burgular alarm.

Yes, the RS232 port is fully programmable on all our Model T's.  We do have a
few folks online who have done such.  Again, let me call your attention to the
(6)TechRef menu as well as the (7)Uploads menu for NEC reference files and
programs.

 > I have not programmed in assembly language, but have light 
 > experience in several flavors of basic and pascal, so the 
 > programming syntax will be unknown to me. KNowing that it must fit 
 > into 32k, it seems that assembly language is the way to go.

You're in luck.  We carry the famous ROM2/Cleuseau ROM with an NEC8201 version.
It's a developers ROM for both assembly and BASIC programming.

 > Also, re: the floppy cable - $30 is a bit steep - if you could 
 > supply a schematic or pinouts I could probably make one, that is if 
 > AMP makes a plug to fit the drive and computer, else I will have to 
 > go with a pre-made one, please let me know if you have one on hand.

I never did get around to mapping the cable but perhaps someone else on this
BBS, like our co-sysop Robert Benson, may be interested in doing that job.  As
for price, believe me, I paid over $20 each from Tandy.  After everything is
said and done, at $30 I would just break even.

 > Also, does the NEC PC8021a have a modem built in? is it one of the 
 > SIO ports?

As far as I know, the NEC 8201 does not have a built in modem and I don't
really know what the SIO is used for at this time.

 > Thanks in advance for you help. I look forward to becoming an active 
 > member of your board.

You're welcome and you are already an active member of both the BBS and the
club.  You've arrived.  -Rick-