Msg: 4724 *Conference*

10-26-93 09:58:17

From: RICHARD HANSON

To : PAUL WHITING

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #4723 (TROUBLE LOADING .CO FILES)

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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.

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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>.

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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.

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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.

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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!