Msg: 3524 *Conference*

12-06-92 23:23:27

From: GARY WEBER

To : TRACY ALLEN

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #3513 (XR4 <--> NEC 8201?)

Hi Tracy.
 
Actually, you were correct about your assumption.  One of the differences about
the 8300 is that it has 64K already built in, which means two banks.  The 8201
is capable of holding 64K, but it only comes with 16K.  The 8300 and 8201 are
the same form factor, they take the same option roms, and they also take the
same cartridges on their bus slot.  I used to own an 8201 with a Sidecar, until
all my computer equipment got stolen back in 1990, at which time my insurance
"claim" representative got me in touch with an NEC 8201/8300 value added
reseller by the name of Daniel Cohen.  At that time he no longer had any 8201's
but I purchased the 8300 and have been very happy.  Since then Daniel and I
have become great friends.  He still comes across used 8201's and 8300's which
he buys up and sells to other people. 
 
Tell me about this XOS-C type enhancement that someone had written for the
8300, I'm very curious!  My 8300 is equipped with the NEC PC-8207A, whic his a
128K RAM bank (4 banks of 32K).  If I knew of a way I could copy in the
contents of my different option ROMs into those banks and bank switch their
addresses to the 0000-7FFF range, I'd do it!  But then again it would mean
losing access to those 32K RAM banks that are very precious indeed!
 
I certainly wouldn't consider myself a BIG TIME hardware hacker...  But
rewiring a Molex socket to act line an adapter for my standard 27C256 option
ROM socket doesn't sound like it would be too big of a deal.  And the software
shouldn't be a large problem either.  You're right, it probably isn't something
that could be packaged and sold as a retail product.  But for a conversion
kit.....hmmmmm..
 
Dan Cohen has a VERY large list of NEC 8201 & 8300 customers.  He's even gotten
me in touch with some of them.  Also there are NEC 8201 & 8300 users who are
members of Club 100.  Just ask Rick Hanson.
 
Gary.