Msg: 4724 *Conference*
10-26-93 09:58:17
From: RICHARD HANSON
To : PAUL WHITING
Subj: REPLY TO MSG #4723 (TROUBLE LOADING .CO FILES)
---- Paul: Sounds like you have the concept, okay. But, for the purpose of sharing my knowledge with you and all readers about .CO files I'll add a few words. A .CO file is a machine language (m/l) file. The Intel 8085 processor (80C85 is the CMOS, low power-required version) requires machine language program operations from a particular area (address space) in memory. CMOS = complimentary metal oxide semiconductor The m/l operations address space must be zero'd out, then a specific amount must be reserved for the incoming m/l program, before that m/l program will operate. There are variation on this theme but this is the simple, one file, method--yes, you may stack m/l's that use completely different areas of the m/l operations address space. Stacking is also called "relocating." Some m/l's may be relocated to start just beyond another, giving the user two or more m/l use, without first removing one, cleaning and clearing, then loading the next--only to do this each time for each m/l required. And yes, multi-m/l program via single file load/unload operations may easily be preformed from a simple .BA program. --- The procedure for single file load/unload is: Enter BASIC Clear the address space: CLEAR0,MAXRAM <enter> Attemp-load the m/l file (.CO): LOADM"filename" <enter> The result will give you three numbers. The one marked "Top" is the one you need to know... write it down. Reserve space: CLEAR256,xxxxx <enter> xxxxxx = the "top" number. Exit BASIC, back to the menu. <F8> function key, or MENU <enter> Place your bar-cursor over the m/l (.CO) file and hit <enter>. --- If all goes well the program will execute. If you get a beep and return to the menu then something is not functioning properly. Possible causes are: You didn't reserve space, correctly. Some other m/l program is "stuck" in that area, or as altered that area ad must be destroyed via a cold start, i.e., you use FLOPPY for the tpdd2, and killed it within BASIC rather then using the FREMEM.BA program from the 26-3814 utility diskette. Something is "screwed up"--this, of course, is a technical term--leaving the machine's system RAM in less then correct condition for proper operations. A cold start is recommended. If in doubt, cold start your computer... but first save your data. --- In all cases, develop a backup plan and use it religiously so you will never fear a cold start--planned or unplanned. Develop a convenient re-set-up method so you will not only not fear a cold start but can execute one and reset your computer with ease. --- The Model 100, 102, and 200 are great computers with a future, as long as we take the time to learn the basics. Thank you, Paul, for the question this morning regarding machine language program operations. Hope this helps. -Rick- FYI: Readers will find .CO file load/unload type programs in our online library. Annual library access is highly recommend and still cost only $12 a year. Proceeds go to support this BBS, Club 100 operations in general, lunch, and trips to exotic places throughout the world, likr Ann's Sunshine Cafe on Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill, where I am headed right now for some coffee, to plan my day, to start writing a new newsletter, featuring yet another program from our library, and generally excape the world around me. Oops! Did I really say that? Golly!