Msg: 1258 *Conference*

01-06-92 21:28:25

From: JAMES FIELDS

To : RICHARD HANSON

Subj: RS232

Rick,
     I am still finding references to Ultrasoft's Disk Power II's ability to
use the disk drive while on line, but I have found out that it is not done
using direct line access.  You have to be using the acoustic cups (its still a
neat trick and I would love to find out how they do it).  So that kills part of
the mystery.  I also have decoded a little more than 1k of the M100's memory.
Its slow work but I'm still going.  The part that  really slows me down is
hitting undocumented subroutines but then again thats why I am doing this isn't
it.  Oh I contacted MicroSoft, after I received the run-around (10 laps and
counting), I was told that a tech would call (I am still waiting- 3rd week) and
help me map out the System Ram.  Also on the circuit to add a second RS232, I
finally have drawn the circuit.  It has the ability to be expanded to other
uses because I tryed to use as much of the original M100 diagrams.  The current
diagram includes 3 data ports and programable baud rate timer for the UART (via
a 8155 chip), 8 interrupts with one for the UART (via a 8259 programmable
interrupt controller) and of course the UART itself.  Also with it, it allows
the user to build other add-ons for the computer, I did this so the users can
make special circuits (for those that can) for there their computers.  Now if I
can get the money for the parts (creating is easy, its unemployment that causes
money/parts problems).
                      James Fields P.S.:  I hope everything is better for all
concerned since our last voice talk.