M100 CP/M: Difference between revisions

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<big>'''What is M100 CP/M?'''</big>
<big>'''What is M100 CP/M?'''</big>


REXCPM is an add-on memory card that plugs into the Option ROM socket in a supported laptop, augmenting significantly the amount of memory in the laptop as well as what that memory can be used for. REXCPM changes the way the laptop memory works:
M100 CP/M is an implementation of CP/M 2.2 that is tailored to the Model 100 & Tandy 102.:
   * REXCPM provides up to 4MB of battery backed SRAM to the laptop.
   * REXCPM provides up to 4MB of battery backed SRAM to the laptop.
   * Like REX, REXCPM puts bank switched memory into the OPTION ROM memory bank (1x32k bank)
   * Like REX, REXCPM puts bank switched memory into the OPTION ROM memory bank (1x32k bank)

Revision as of 20:04, 14 May 2020

M100CPM.PNG



============= PAGE UNDER DEVELOPMENT!!!================


What is M100 CP/M?

M100 CP/M is an implementation of CP/M 2.2 that is tailored to the Model 100 & Tandy 102.:

  * REXCPM provides up to 4MB of battery backed SRAM to the laptop.
  * Like REX, REXCPM puts bank switched memory into the OPTION ROM memory bank (1x32k bank)
  * In addition, REXCPM disables (while installed) the internal installed RAM, and replaces it with bank switched memory (2x16k banks)

Why?

CP/M. The main goal of REXCPM is to enable support for Philip Avery's port of CP/M 2.2 onto the M100 hardware. CP/M requires the full 64k address space to be RAM in order to operate, and so a RAM based capability is needed.

RAMdisk. CP/M is a disk based operating system. REXCPM, via the 3 bank-switched memory regions, is able to transform the majority of the SRAM resource into a RAM based, battery backed, ultra fast disk.

...and of course, all of the classic capabilities of REX can be supported using SRAM as well! So REXCPM is really all of the best aspects of REX, combined now with a custom, supported CP/M implementation, opening the door to a wide range of new applications!


Links

REXCPM Information page


Status

  * REXCPM is currently in beta testing.
  * Hardware design and test is complete.
  * Inventory status will be kept up to date at the Ordering page.

Documentation

Software

example Table

Type Supported Models Memory type CP/M? Option ROMs? RAM backups? PCB2MOLEX Carrier? Robustness improvements?
REXCPM M100, T102 Static RAM, 2MB or 4MB YES YES YES YES YES
REXsharp M100, T102 Flash, 1MB NO YES YES YES YES

Utilities

Installation and Set Up

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank those that have contributed to the project:

Steve Adolph - for producing REXCPM hardware - a delight to program. For CASS video output & hi-speed Backup.

Kenneth Pettit - for VirtualT as this project would have remained a dream if not for VT.

Mike Stein - for