Msg: 5853 *Conference*

06-18-95 09:09:44

From: RICHARD HANSON

To : WEIYI LI

Subj: NEC QUESTIONS

A reply to questions posted via an internet e-mail question through The Dock!

---

Welcome aboard, Weiyi.  I will respond to your questions in the message.

 > My name is Weiyi Li. I think I've recently joined Club 100 (I have
 > went through the signup procedure at the BBS). I'm wondering if it's
 > possible to obtain a catalog? I recently come into a 24k Nec8021a 
 > and would like to maximize its use.

It's "more then possible" to get a catalog.  If you used the (J)oin feature in
the (8)ClubStuff area then I have your mailing address.  In the mean time, I
will send 3 files via internet e-mail.  These 3 files are the text of the
current catalog.  Capture all 3 files. 

 > Three newbie questions:
 > 
 > 1. I've read through the messages in the conference wrt the
 > compatibility between NEC and the Model 100. Ok, so BASIC's a bit
 > different. However, could I use the T-100 machine language programs 
 > that are on the BBS' library?

Yes.  Most of them but you will have to edit each one, altering the Model
100/102 code in favor of the NEC8201 code.  You will find a conversion file in
the (6)TechRef (D)ownload area.  I think it's called BASIC.NEC but am not sure
at this moment since I am not in the Club 100 computer lab/office.  No matter.
Each file on the list is annotated.  You will have no problem finding the right
file.  Then, start by working over a simple, short Model 100/102 program to
work with the NEC8201. 

Side Note: You will find some "alreadyconverted" files in the public upload
area.  Start by downloading those. 

 > 2. What is, in your opinion, the best ROM-based personal info manager
 > (word processing, calendar, and outliner) for the NEC? How much 
 > would it cost?

Their ain't no best and my opinion will be biased in favor of selling you on
the idea of buying all that exist so I may vacation in Hawaii for a month ...
just kidding! 

The Ultimate ROM II has the most extensive combination (see catalog).  A guy
named Dan Cohen produced a ROM with programming that some NEC users rave about.
I believe that PCSG created NEC8201 versions of their ROMs but have not seen
any, physically.  There are others.  And, remember, you can always use your
favorite ROM-based programs with your favorite RAM-based programs.  The
"combination" is up to you to discover ... and you may come up with a number of
programs and program combinations you enjoy.  Keep your mind open and try
everything you find.  Enjoy the search. 

 > 3. Is 24k sufficient for most T-100 programs?

I would say that 24K is minimum.  You may increase your NEC8201 to 32K in bank
1, then to 32K in bank 2.  Both banks function independently.  In effect, you
have 2, 32K NEC8201 computers in one box.  The NEC8201 uses the same 8K RAM
modules used by the Model 100 ... not the 102 or 200 ... just trust me on these
facts. 

The Model 100 8K module is a small circuit board with a handful of chips ...
not just "a" chip.  Okay!?  There are two ways to get these modules.  1) Find
unwanted Model 100s and NEC8201s and combine the RAM modules into one NEC, or
2) Buy 8K RAM modules from me at $29 per 8K module. 

Hope this helps ... -Rick-

PS: May I suggest you ask questions in the (1)Conference section of the Club
100 BBS instead of via internet e-mail.  This way, it's less work for me to
present other Club 100 members with your questions and my responses, and allow
them to add their 2 cents as well ... which for the most part is why we are a
club ... everyone shares so everyone gains.