QUAD: Difference between revisions

From Bitchin100 DocGarden
Jump to navigationJump to search
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 5: Line 5:


QUAD is a hardware add-on for the Model 100 that provides the user with 4 banks of 32kB, similar to the multiple banks in a T200 or PC-8201.
QUAD is a hardware add-on for the Model 100 that provides the user with 4 banks of 32kB, similar to the multiple banks in a T200 or PC-8201.
 
 
*  provides 4 banks of 32kB SRAM
*  fully compatible with REX - enables mult-bank operation of REX on M100
*  fully compatible with REX - enables mult-bank operation of REX on M100
*  plugs directly into the system bus with no additional modifications
*  plugs directly into the system bus with no additional modifications (takes over the socket - replaces any other system bus device)
*  this module REPLACES the internal memory - the internal RAM becomes unused/disabled (any plugged 8kB RAM modules can be pulled out and redeployed)
*  uses the internal NiCd RAM backup battery for reliable operation
*  uses the internal NiCd RAM backup battery for reliable operation
*  simple software for manual bank switching  
*  simple software for manual bank switching  
*  OR - use 0QUAD.BA - a menu enhancement for M100 (see description below)
*  OR - use 0QUAD.BA - a menu enhancement for M100 (see description below)


== How to Get One ==
== How to Get One ==
Line 19: Line 22:


== Overview ==
== Overview ==
It is pretty simple really - just plug it in, and begin using it.
*  use the simple program to bank switch manually
*  use 0MENU.BA software - OMENU integrates a number of features into the M100 MENU
*  use with REX  (don't use OMENU when REX is installed!  NOT COMPATIBLE!!!)




'''Quick Menu Features'''
[[Image:QUAD1.jpg]]


For commonly used functions, now some shortcut keys are available in MENU.  This avoids the need to start REXMGR to perform simple operations like ROM switching and backing up your RAM.
[[Image:QUAD2.jpg]]


Summary of commands:
*  <CNTL-O>: Switch Option ROM - REX will display available Option ROMs, and the user can use arrow keys to move the cursor to the desired selection.  <ENTER> to activate the new selection and start that ROM.  <ESC> to exit.  The Active Option ROM is indicated with a *.
*  <CNTL-B>: Back up RAM - REX will prompt the user to confirm, and if confirmed will copy RAM to the active RAM image, performing a backup.
*  <CNTL-R>: Restore RAM - REX will prompt the user to confirm, and if confirmed will copy the active RAM image to RAM, performing a restore.
*  <CNTL-H>: Hooks removal - REX will prompt the user to confirm, and if confirmed will remove all hooks relating to REXMGR from the laptop operating system, effectively disabling REX.  REXMGR remains in the MENU, so REX can be easily reinstalled.  Also, the Active Option ROM is accessible using the usual ROM start procedures.  This feature is useful when it is desired to run the Option ROM without REX active.


[[Image:QUAD1.jpg]]
== Hardware Installation ==
 
Installation of the hardware is a piece of cake.
 
'''Step 1'''
 
  Flip over the M100. Open up the System Bus hatch.
  Being careful to have the right orientation, insert QUAD into the System Bus.
  The arrow points to the Option ROM Socket.


[[Image:QUAD2.jpg]]


== Installation ==
'''Step 2'''


QUAD installed in an M100 -
  Replace the cover. Flip the M100 back over.


[[Image:QUAD3.jpg]]


Done!




If you are the owner of a REX which is operating with software of Release 4.8 vintage or earlier, then it is not possible to upgrade to Release 4.9 <B> while maintaining the contents of the FLASH and the image NAME DIRECTORY. </B> 
QUAD installed in an M100 -


'''Step 1'''
[[Image:QUAD3.jpg]]
So then, the first thing to do is for you to 'Save' all your existing RAM and OPTROM images
(the ones that you both want to keep and are not already stored on a PC somewhere) out of REX
and onto your favorite TPDD device.  Please go through your saved images, decide what you want
to save and use again, and get them out of REX.  After we install R4.9, all those images will
be wiped.  You will have to reload anything you need.




'''Step 2'''
== Software for Using the Extra Banks ==
Load the upgrader tool:  Load into RAM the RFx49.CO file using the TPDD device. 
You will need to CLEAR0,55000 to run the program.  But, don't run it yet.


'''Step 3'''
You will need some software to make the extra banks accessible. You have 3 options.
Remove REX software from the laptop.  This is an easy step - just go into REXMGR and press F7
(or SHIFT-F4 in PC-8201/8300)to DEINstall REX software.
You should find yourself at MENU with RFx49.CO in the directory of the laptop.


'''Step 4'''
  1. Use the simple bank switching program below.
  Issue the BASIC command CLEAR0,55000.  Exit BASIC and run RFx49.CO from Menu.   
  2.  Use OMENU.BA
RFx49.CO will do the necessary steps of erasing blocks, loading the REX software,
  3.  Use in conjunction with REX
copying it to backup block 1, and then loading TS-DOS into block 8.


'''Step 5'''
Once RFx49.CO completes, you should be able to start REXMGR.  Power cycle the laptop. 
Cold restart the machine to clean out any funny memory stuff.  Enter BASIC and type either
CALL63012 (M100/T102)
CALL61167,2 (T200)
EXEC62394 (PC-8201/8300)


Voila!  You should see REXMGR in the MENU, and you should see the fancy new OPTROM indicator in the top right corner.  You are now running release 4.9!!!!


== Simple Bank Switching Program ==
== Simple Bank Switching Program ==
Line 108: Line 100:
<table border="1">
<table border="1">
<tr><td>Status</td><td>Source Files</td><td>Revision</td><td>Submitter / Date</td></tr>
<tr><td>Status</td><td>Source Files</td><td>Revision</td><td>Submitter / Date</td></tr>
</table>
</table>


Revision as of 20:00, 7 February 2015

Supported Models

  • Model 100 only

Features

QUAD is a hardware add-on for the Model 100 that provides the user with 4 banks of 32kB, similar to the multiple banks in a T200 or PC-8201.

  • provides 4 banks of 32kB SRAM
  • fully compatible with REX - enables mult-bank operation of REX on M100
  • plugs directly into the system bus with no additional modifications (takes over the socket - replaces any other system bus device)
  • this module REPLACES the internal memory - the internal RAM becomes unused/disabled (any plugged 8kB RAM modules can be pulled out and redeployed)
  • uses the internal NiCd RAM backup battery for reliable operation
  • simple software for manual bank switching
  • OR - use 0QUAD.BA - a menu enhancement for M100 (see description below)


How to Get One

 Please get in touch with me on the Bitchin100 mailing list or directly at twospruces geee mail. 
 Price is 45$ US + shipping.


Overview

It is pretty simple really - just plug it in, and begin using it.

  • use the simple program to bank switch manually
  • use 0MENU.BA software - OMENU integrates a number of features into the M100 MENU
  • use with REX (don't use OMENU when REX is installed! NOT COMPATIBLE!!!)


QUAD1.jpg

QUAD2.jpg


Hardware Installation

Installation of the hardware is a piece of cake.

Step 1 

 Flip over the M100. Open up the System Bus hatch.
 Being careful to have the right orientation, insert QUAD into the System Bus.
 The arrow points to the Option ROM Socket.


Step 2 

 Replace the cover. Flip the M100 back over.


Done!


QUAD installed in an M100 -

QUAD3.jpg


Software for Using the Extra Banks

You will need some software to make the extra banks accessible. You have 3 options. 

 1.  Use the simple bank switching program below.
 2.  Use OMENU.BA
 3.  Use in conjunction with REX


Simple Bank Switching Program

The following program can be quickly typed into BASIC and run. It allows manual bank switching. In each bank, you could save this program and call it BANK1.BA, BANK2.BA etc. (the number relating to bank number), so that you know what bank you are in. 

 10 INPUT"INPUT BANK ";X:IF X<1 OR X>4 THEN 10
 20 A#=0:B=VARPTR(A#)
 30 POKE B,249 :POKE B+1,195 :POKE B+2,241 :POKE B+3,118
 40 CALL B,X-1,30481




OQUAD.BA : Advanced MENU add-on for QUAD

StatusReleaseModelDescriptionFileRevisionSubmitter / Date


OQUAD.BA Source Code

The following files are ZIP files containing the source code for QUAD by Revision.


StatusSource FilesRevisionSubmitter / Date


Memory Testing Software for use with QUAD

The following program can be used to test the memory in each bank. Load the following program into BASIC and run.

StatusReleaseModelDescriptionFileRevisionSubmitter / Date



QUAD Trouble Reports

StatusModel(s)DescriptionImpactWork AroundUser/ Date


QUAD Enhancement Requests

StatusDescriptionRequester / Date


nb: to put a username+datestamp just type 4 tildes ~~~~

Retrieved from "https://bitchin100.com/wiki/index.php?title=QUAD&oldid=2710"