#: 13851 S15/Hot Topics 05-Jan-92 18:19:36 Sb: #I/O boards? Fm: Jim Peasley 72726,1153 To: All Anybody know the status of the IMS BBS? I've tried calling at 'off' hours using 2400 8 N 1 and can't get a connect. I also just tried calling 'voice' and got the usual 'this mailbox is full' message. I'd really like to find out the status of the I/O boards, and more specifically, when mine will be shipped. 370 days and *still* counting! There are 2 Replies. #: 13855 S15/Hot Topics 05-Jan-92 21:05:43 Sb: #13851-#I/O boards? Fm: GLEN HATHAWAY 71446,166 To: Jim Peasley 72726,1153 (X) Hi Jim... The BBS has been down for a couple weeks. Paul keeps promising to get it back up 'real soon now', but so far it hasn't happened. Last time I was on, I was about 45-50 numbers off the end of the list - I talked to Paul about it and he figured the next batch of 50 or so would be going out in mid January. So I hope to have mine by the end of Jan. Can't remember my serial # off hand, so I can't tell you what it is. There is 1 Reply. #: 13911 S15/Hot Topics 07-Jan-92 08:35:34 Sb: #13855-I/O boards? Fm: Jim Peasley 72726,1153 To: GLEN HATHAWAY 71446,166 (X) Thanks Glen - batches of 50 are at least a *bit* encouraging, although the lack of communication from IMS is definitely vexing. #: 13857 S15/Hot Topics 05-Jan-92 22:03:43 Sb: #13851-#I/O boards? Fm: Steve Wegert 76703,4255 To: Jim Peasley 72726,1153 (X) Jim, Mark Griffith tells me that Paul's hard drive and or controller has failed and the BBS is down until it's corrected. I'm in the same boat as you .... wondering _when_! Steve There are 2 Replies. #: 13886 S15/Hot Topics 06-Jan-92 21:08:51 Sb: #13857-I/O boards? Fm: Colin J. Smith 73777,1360 To: Steve Wegert 76703,4255 (X) Remember that Paul also has the flu. Hope he gets over it easily. I had it so bad last spring that I was down for 3 weeks! --Colin #: 13912 S15/Hot Topics 07-Jan-92 08:35:49 Sb: #13857-#I/O boards? Fm: Jim Peasley 72726,1153 To: Steve Wegert 76703,4255 (X) Thanks Steve - did Mark happen to mention when the updates to the Distribution disks would be going out? or if the Tech Ref was ready? There are 2 Replies. #: 13923 S15/Hot Topics 07-Jan-92 22:12:13 Sb: #13912-I/O boards? Fm: GLEN HATHAWAY 71446,166 To: Jim Peasley 72726,1153 (X) Hi Jim... Paul Ward told me that the update disks would be going out around Christmas, but that with the holidays messing things up, they might not get shipped until early January. Hope they come soon... #: 13934 S15/Hot Topics 08-Jan-92 07:49:16 Sb: #13912-I/O boards? Fm: Steve Wegert 76703,4255 To: Jim Peasley 72726,1153 (X) He's been working on 'em ... that I know. But when? I'm not sure. I'll be seeing him this weekend so I'll ask. Steve #: 13964 S15/Hot Topics 12-Jan-92 12:35:07 Sb: #13300-#MM/1,SKEL, & Rodents Fm: Bert Schneider 70244,427 To: Colin J. Smith 73777,1360 (X) JDR Microdevices sells a mouse that has 3 buttons, is compatible with either Microsoft or Logitec and sells for $15""" There is 1 Reply. #: 13974 S15/Hot Topics 14-Jan-92 14:18:33 Sb: #13964-#MM/1,SKEL, & Rodents Fm: Bob van der Poel 76510,2203 To: Bert Schneider 70244,427 (X) Re JDR's mouse. Do you have a number/address for them? There are 2 Replies. #: 14013 S15/Hot Topics 19-Jan-92 18:31:12 Sb: #13974-MM/1,SKEL, & Rodents Fm: Bob Palmer 74646,2156 To: Bob van der Poel 76510,2203 (X) As you probably already know the DEXXA mice (meese?) are also switch interchangeable from Microsoft to Mouse (logitec) formats and they sell just bout everywhere in Vancouver for under $20.00 Price depends on whether or not the box contains a 9 pin to 25 pin converter. Not particularly high resolution but they do work. Bob #: 14042 S15/Hot Topics 22-Jan-92 23:45:09 Sb: #13974-MM/1,SKEL, & Rodents Fm: Bert Schneider 70244,427 To: Bob van der Poel 76510,2203 (X) Yes, 1-800-538-5000 Bert #: 13992 S15/Hot Topics 18-Jan-92 17:23:40 Sb: #My I/O Board came Fm: Keith H. March 70541,1413 To: All Hi everyone: I got my i/o board about a week ago, and got my 60 Meg Hard Drive up and running. Love the 3 Meg. Keith There are 2 Replies. #: 13993 S15/Hot Topics 18-Jan-92 19:42:30 Sb: #13992-My I/O Board came Fm: James Jones 76257,562 To: Keith H. March 70541,1413 (X) It *does* make a big difference, doesn't it? Glad to hear that you're happy with it. #: 14034 S15/Hot Topics 22-Jan-92 21:43:25 Sb: #13992-#My I/O Board came Fm: Colin J. Smith 73777,1360 To: Keith H. March 70541,1413 (X) u!Say, what's yer serial #? Maybe mine isn't too far behind! Thanks, --Colin (I have this brand new Epson 24 pin printer here doing nothing but collecting dust, so I'm kind of anxious!) There is 1 Reply. #: 14063 S15/Hot Topics 24-Jan-92 18:22:27 Sb: #14034-#My I/O Board came Fm: Keith H. March 70541,1413 To: Colin J. Smith 73777,1360 (X) Colin: My S/N is 120812 Keith There is 1 Reply. #: 14070 S15/Hot Topics 25-Jan-92 07:20:54 Sb: #14063-My I/O Board came Fm: Colin J. Smith 73777,1360 To: Keith H. March 70541,1413 Sigh. Looks like a couple more weeks. Thanks! --Colin #: 14017 S15/Hot Topics 19-Jan-92 23:32:40 Sb: #unknown mm/1 progs Fm: Bob van der Poel 76510,2203 To: all In attempting to make sense of the programs on my hard drive, I'm trying to figure out what a number of them do! I have a number of graphics display programs for which there are no docs or builtin help. Before I delete them, can anyone tell me what they should do? fshow - I think it has something to do with .fli files iffs - related to .iff files? pflicker - again, to do with .fli files anim - used by the mouse demo, but I have no idea of the file format, etc. Also, in my FLICKS directory I have a ademo file which appears to show the various flicks and play some sound with them. Can't get it to work... There is 1 Reply. #: 14024 S15/Hot Topics 20-Jan-92 20:39:47 Sb: #14017-unknown mm/1 progs Fm: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 To: Bob van der Poel 76510,2203 (X) "In attempting to make sense of the programs on my hard drive, I'm trying to figure out what a number of them do!" Yah, there's a lot of demo command thingies floating around out there... some leftover from Rainbowfests and such. "iffs - related to .iff files?" I think that's a IFF slide show program. Give it the name of a file which has a list of pictures. "anim - used by the mouse demo, but I have no idea of the file format" Plays the really simple and bloated compression format I used when I converted Amiga animations to the MM/1 and TC70 long ago. Not much use otherwise. "fshow - I think it has something to do with .fli files" I think you're right. Chd to your flicks dir, and try "fshow ademo >>/nil". But first make sure the flis and sounds listed in "ademo" exist. And don't try to stop the sucker ... it uses all sorts of named pipes etc. Hmm. You can stop it... but it takes a lot of "kill" commands to do it :-) "pflicker - again, to do with .fli files" Used by fshow. Pflicker is the same as flicker (for showing flis), but understands a limited set of commands ("play","wait","quit") from stdin and sends "okay" to stderr when it's read in the file and is ready to play. I'm coming up with a standard set of commands for programs like this. With named pipes, this allows astonishingly easy setup of demos and even multimedia (overused word! but true here) applications. For instance, using a fairly simple basic program and named pipes to communicate with commands to playback sounds and minature flis, I've come up with a simple but neat looking alphabet video kid's book. It could almost be done from a scriptfile. #: 14350 S15/Hot Topics 16-Feb-92 20:38:17 Sb: New 68030 OSK Computers Fm: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 To: all I just uploaded two files to DL15 about TWO 68030 based OSK computers from FHL. Thank You Frank Hogg -- FHL #: 14358 S15/Hot Topics 16-Feb-92 23:28:04 Sb: #Vaughn Cato Fm: Paul Rinear 73757,1413 To: Vaughn Cato Does anyone know the whereabouts of Vaughn Cato author of OSTerm? There is 1 Reply. #: 14359 S15/Hot Topics 17-Feb-92 00:25:24 Sb: #14358-#Vaughn Cato Fm: Mike Haaland 72300,1433 To: Paul Rinear 73757,1413 (X) Vaughn's Internet Address is : vcato@sctnve.sct.peachnet.edu There is 1 Reply. #: 14379 S15/Hot Topics 18-Feb-92 15:10:47 Sb: #14359-Vaughn Cato Fm: Paul Rinear 73757,1413 To: Mike Haaland 72300,1433 (X) Thanks Mike. #: 14451 S15/Hot Topics 01-Mar-92 01:24:48 Sb: #Secret 6309 Modes? Fm: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 To: all Hold onto your hats, folks! Several days ago, someone on Usenet asked if there were any faster/better replacements for the 6809. A student from Japan replied that there had been an article years ago about new modes in the Hitachi 6309... and he also said he had tried many of them himself. After exams, he's going to post more info. If this pans out, someone may have to locate a good source of 63C09E's :-) In any case, these are some supposed features he has mentioned... 1. More registers (additional two 8 bit accumulators, 8 bit register, and a 16bit register), 2. Two modes (6809 emulation mode and native mode), 3. Reduced execution cycles in native mode, 4. More instructions (16 bit x 16 bit multiplication, 32 bit / 16 bit division, inter-registers operationa, block transfer, bit manipulating operation which is compatible with what 6801 has, etc) 5. Error trap by illegal instruction, zero division. Some of this jibes with rumors I've heard previously. So keep your fingers crossed... this could be the fun scoop of the decade for 6809 fans! There are 2 Replies. #: 14468 S15/Hot Topics 02-Mar-92 23:26:48 Sb: #14451-Secret 6309 Modes? Fm: Brother Jeremy, CSJW 76477,142 To: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 (X) Dear Kevin: I looked through several catalog tonight..Allied, Jamesco, Newark, etc, but culd not find the 6309 or 63C09E chip listed. If I can find a source for them, I will post it. I may check with Marty over on Delphi. WIth all best wishes, Br. Jeremy, CSJW #: 14489 S15/Hot Topics 05-Mar-92 15:00:02 Sb: #14451-#Secret 6309 Modes? Fm: Lee Veal 74726,1752 To: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 (X) I've found a source for Hitachi 63C09EP microprocessors, where I can get: 1 - 24 @ $9.95/ea 25 - 99 @ $8.75/ea 100 - 999 @ $7.80/ea I'm going to try to get over to there tomorrow and pick up a specifications book on it. Lee There are 2 Replies. #: 14490 S15/Hot Topics 05-Mar-92 15:17:34 Sb: #14489-#Secret 6309 Modes? Fm: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 To: Lee Veal 74726,1752 (X) HEY! The guy posted the secret 6309 opcodes on Usenet today... AND THEY WORK!!!!!!!!!!!! (at least, the ones I tried, which included a block transfer mode, and a 32 by 16-bit division!!!!) Details forthcoming... my gawd, if only we'd known about this a couple of years ago! And now my hands are tied up with 68K stuff. Gentlemen, you're going to have loads of fun with the 6309, I can tell already! With its bit manipulation, fast copies, extra 16 and 32-bit register modes, division, etc... you could do some really hot things!! Can you tell that I'm excited? kev There is 1 Reply. #: 14495 S15/Hot Topics 05-Mar-92 21:00:24 Sb: #14490-#Secret 6309 Modes? Fm: James Jones 76257,562 To: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 (X) Well...if there are extra registers, you need to be vewy, vewy caweful (as Elmer Fudd would say). Remember, we're multitasking! To really do it up right, I fear that the process descriptor would have to be modified and that the kernel would have to save any extra registers at context switch time. That might make for an interesting project, were there people with skill and time and permission. There is 1 Reply. #: 14505 S15/Hot Topics 06-Mar-92 09:49:45 Sb: #14495-#Secret 6309 Modes? Fm: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 To: James Jones 76257,562 (X) Right - the kernel would have to know about the extra register (W) saved, but the process descriptor wouldn't need modification. I've put Kent onto looking at what needs to be changed... . He's been pretty bored for the last year. I think this'll change things ;-) First up: changing F$Move, and GRFDRV scrolling, to use the block move instructions! The CoCo oughta hum right along with those. Disk drivers could be updated, too. Fun times ahead! kev There is 1 Reply. #: 14522 S15/Hot Topics 07-Mar-92 08:04:24 Sb: #14505-#Secret 6309 Modes? Fm: Mark Griffith 76070,41 To: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 (X) Kevin, I sincerely hope that you have finished with the MM/1 windows code before you go diving into "fixing" Level II to work with the secret 6309 codes. If this is true than can you PLEASE upload it into DL16 so the developers can use it to start coding some applications? Mark There is 1 Reply. #: 14529 S15/Hot Topics 07-Mar-92 12:59:28 Sb: #14522-#Secret 6309 Modes? Fm: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 To: Mark Griffith 76070,41 (X) Mark, As I've already mentioned, others will have to "fix" Level II... I'm too busy on the 68K stuff right at the moment. kev There is 1 Reply. #: 14536 S15/Hot Topics 08-Mar-92 07:47:50 Sb: #14529-Secret 6309 Modes? Fm: Mark Griffith 76070,41 To: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 (X) Kevin, Well, judging from your messages on the BITNET CoCo list, you have already started playing around with it on your system. While I can understand the exitement this causes you, you can see by reading the BITNET messages that there are a number of people having trouble with the earlier versions of the window driver and the differences between them. Getting a stable version out to everyone is extremely important. Paul Ward mentioned here last Monday that your window driver would be uploaded here in 7 days. That makes tomorrow the day. Even a few hours messing with the 6309 code can cause this deadline to be missed so please try and keep yourself on the more important tasks. Mark #: 14491 S15/Hot Topics 05-Mar-92 15:19:01 Sb: #14489-#Secret 6309 Modes? Fm: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 To: Lee Veal 74726,1752 (X) PS: can you post the source for 6309E's that you found? thx! - kev There is 1 Reply. #: 14510 S15/Hot Topics 06-Mar-92 17:18:41 Sb: #14491-#Secret 6309 Modes? Fm: Lee Veal 74726,1752 To: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 (X) Kevin, The source that I found for HD6309 microprocessors is: Marshall Electronics 2045 Chenault Dr. Carrollton, Tx 75006 (214) 233-5200 I called them yesterday (Thursday), and the guy that I talked to said that they did in fact carry them, but were currently out of stock. However, he added that it looked like a new supply was coming in in a couple of weeks. I guess if you wanted to order a few, then you'd just be backordered for a little bit. I went over there today and picked up a data book that includes most, if not all, of Hitachi's 8/16 bit microprocessors. The book's in the car now, but I seem to remember that there were 6301s through 6809s (which includes the 63B09, 63C09, 63B09E and 63C09E microprocessors). And Hirotsugu was right on in his "Secret Feature Memo", the new features are not documented in the data book. It looks like they just took the MC6809 specs and retitled the document for the 6309. I'm going to call Hitachi America to see if they now have official (or at least "semi-official) specs written for the heretofore secret 6309 features. The data book that I got today also included some MC68000 counterparts, too. I wonder of some of them have "secret" features, too, that could blow the doors off stock 68000 operations. Hmmmm.... Lee There is 1 Reply. #: 14512 S15/Hot Topics 06-Mar-92 17:44:17 Sb: #14510-#Secret 6309 Modes? Fm: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 To: Lee Veal 74726,1752 Thanks Lee! Yah, I have old 6309 docs... not a word about the secret stuff. I can't believe we've gone **4** years without knowing about it. Auuugh. See if you can look up in the 6301 manual, and find out what the AIM, OIM, EIM, and TIM commands do, woulda? thx - kev There is 1 Reply. #: 14519 S15/Hot Topics 07-Mar-92 06:39:55 Sb: #14512-#Secret 6309 Modes? Fm: James Jones 76257,562 To: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 (X) Just thought of something the other day: with the 6309 in native mode, wouldn't the layout of the register packet (see Technical Manual, page 6-15) have to change? Maybe not; guess it depends on how that's saved. There is 1 Reply. #: 14528 S15/Hot Topics 07-Mar-92 12:55:57 Sb: #14519-Secret 6309 Modes? Fm: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 To: James Jones 76257,562 (X) Right... the register packet would have to change, which could be critical to some drivers (and of course, the kernel and file managers). A simple way around that would be to have the interrupt kernel code move the W register someplace else, and also diddle with signal intercept routines, but it'll take some thinking on what is the best method (whole hog or hack?) to handle things. Another note is this: if I recall correctly, Basic09 *cheats* in its intercept routine, and looks for the DP reg on the intercept stack. That'll have to be patched as well. kev #: 14507 S15/Hot Topics 06-Mar-92 09:54:34 Sb: #Secret 6309 Opcodes Fm: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 To: all The secret opcodes and registers of the Hitachi 6309 have been uploaded to the Reference library (Lib 1). Fascinating reading! There is 1 Reply. #: 14517 S15/Hot Topics 06-Mar-92 23:29:28 Sb: #14507-#Secret 6309 Opcodes Fm: Brother Jeremy, CSJW 76477,142 To: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 (X) Dear Kevin: I had a problem downloading the file. My OSTERM2.08 would not accept the file name 6309.txt. I changed it to txt_6309 and it worked. Might just be me or could be a problem. --With all best wishes, Br. Jeremy, CSJW There is 1 Reply. #: 14518 S15/Hot Topics 07-Mar-92 00:01:45 Sb: #14517-#Secret 6309 Opcodes Fm: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 To: Brother Jeremy, CSJW 76477,142 (X) Jeremy - ummm, oh yeah. OS9/6809 (unless patched) won't accept a number as the first character of a filename... best - kev There is 1 Reply. #: 14534 S15/Hot Topics 08-Mar-92 01:07:40 Sb: #14518-#Secret 6309 Opcodes Fm: Brother Jeremy, CSJW 76477,142 To: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 (X) Deaar Kevin: How do I patch OS9/6809 to accept a number as the first character of a filename... You knew I'd ask, didn't you? --With all best wishes, Jeremy. There is 1 Reply. #: 14535 S15/Hot Topics 08-Mar-92 02:48:52 Sb: #14534-Secret 6309 Opcodes Fm: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 To: Brother Jeremy, CSJW 76477,142 Dear Jeremy, Yeah, I knew you'd ask... and you should know that my answer will be: Drop into the CoCo library (Lib 10) and do a "bro /key:kernel" :-) Up comes KRNL.AR, which is an AR'd ipatch file for making a new kernel which'll accept numbers as the first character of a filename. Hopefully, it also tells you how to install the new kernel. best regards - kev #: 14543 S15/Hot Topics 09-Mar-92 00:59:05 Sb: #14512-#Secret 6309 Modes? Fm: Lee Veal 74726,1752 To: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 (X) Kevin, Here's what the manual says about AIM, OIM, EIM and TIM... In addition to the HD6801 Instruction Set, the HD63x01xx has the following new instructions: AIM----(M).(IMM)-->(M) Evaluates the AND of the immediate data and the memory, places the result in memory. OIM----(M)+(IMM)-->(M) Evaluates the OR of the immediate data and the memory, places the result in memory. EIM----(M)circled+(IMM)-->(M) Evaluates the EOR of the immediate data and the memory, places the result in memory. TIM----(M).(IMM) Evaluates the AND of the immediate data and the memory, changes the flag of associated condition code register. Each instruction has three bytes; the first is op-code, the second is immediate data, the third is address modifer. The xIM instructions can use only two addressing modes, Direct and Indexed. The op-codes codes for AIM, OIM, EIM and TIM are 71, 72, 75, 7B and 61, 62, 65, for their respective addressing modes. The Direct addressing instructions take 6 machine cycles to execute, while the Indexed addressing mode instructions take 7 cycles except for the TIM which takes 4 and 5 cycles, respectively. The HD63x01xx also has: XGDX---(ACCD)<-->(IX) Exchanges the contents of accumulator and the index register. SLP----The CPU is brought to the sleep mode. These two both use the Implied addressing mode, their opcodes are 18 and 1A, they use 2 and 4 cycles, and their instruction lengths are 1 and 1, respectively. Hope this helps. Lee There is 1 Reply. #: 14545 S15/Hot Topics 09-Mar-92 02:33:57 Sb: #14543-#Secret 6309 Modes? Fm: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 To: Lee Veal 74726,1752 (X) Neat! Thanks, Lee! kev There is 1 Reply. #: 14547 S15/Hot Topics 09-Mar-92 06:58:54 Sb: #14545-#Secret 6309 Modes? Fm: Lee Veal 74726,1752 To: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 (X) Just curious.... Where are you using a 6301? Lee There is 1 Reply. #: 14553 S15/Hot Topics 09-Mar-92 14:41:28 Sb: #14547-Secret 6309 Modes? Fm: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 To: Lee Veal 74726,1752 (X) Lee, the 6309 docs (in Lib 1) mention those 6301 style codes, but not what they do or their format. So your info would be helpful to anyone hacking around with the new 6309 stuff. kev #: 14544 S15/Hot Topics 09-Mar-92 01:14:37 Sb: #14535-Secret 6309 Opcodes Fm: Brother Jeremy, CSJW 76477,142 To: Kevin Darling 76703,4227 (X) Got it. WIll be in touch. --Jeremy #: 15924 S15/Hot Topics 16-Jul-92 01:17:54 Sb: OS9 Underground Fm: Jim Sutemeier 70673,1754 To: Wayne Day 76703,376 (X) Wayne: Nice to hear from you....been a long time since we had anything to say to each other. Re: me and the OS9 Underground Actually, what I am doing is helping a friend out, more than any other consideration. Alan and I go back to about 1985 sometime, when he became a user on my BBS. He eventually became a SysOp of an StG System, which I liked well enough to eventually change my BBS from PBBS to StG. Well, Alan helped me out many times. When I set up my own Sirius Software & Hardware, Alan helped me by designing my logo, and also my ads, for practically nothing. He set up, a few months ago, the Underground. I was >100%< for this magazine, having thought some 5 years ago that such a magazine would be GREAT for the OS9 community. Well, the opportunity finally came for me to pay back many of the kindnesses that Alan had afforded me over the past few years. It was my idea to set up my Sirius Software & Hardware phone line as an answer machine line that could take 'freebie' calls for a free issue of the Underground, while still advertising my own company. Alan agreed with me, especially since his phone is often quite tied up with calls to/from writers, etc., for the Underground. I am helping him out as far as I possibly can. For one reason, because he has been quite helpful to me both as an StG SysOp and also as a Company owner. But more importantly, I believe in what this magazine is, and what it stands for. The OS9 community has desparately needed a magazine to help unite us all for years now (and, obviously, Rainbow just doesn't cut the mustard, with it's primarily 'token' addition of OS9 materials). This OS9 Underground COULD keep us united for the next few years, even adding more to our numbers. It is this idea of something to keep us united that propels me more than any other factor. This community NEEDS ANY and all help it can get in unification. jim #: 15928 S15/Hot Topics 17-Jul-92 00:51:50 Sb: #15841-#6309 & /t2 Fm: BOB LEET 72020,2536 To: Pete Lyall 76703,4230 (X) Pete, I am now on to my next project, putting it all in a PC case. I have bn out collecting parts today. This should be a fun one. What do you suggest to clean the connector edges with? Ammonia, like you do with gold jewelry? See ya, Bob////// There is 1 Reply. #: 15931 S15/Hot Topics 17-Jul-92 08:44:19 Sb: #15928-6309 & /t2 Fm: Pete Lyall 76703,4230 To: BOB LEET 72020,2536 Bob - I used to use denatured alcohol (91% pure... NOT rubbing alcohol, which is only about 70%). Pete #: 15934 S15/Hot Topics 17-Jul-92 20:38:02 Sb: #15902-6309??? Fm: DOUG 72667,1433 To: Bill Dickhaus 70325,523 Thanx Bill Doug Press !> #: 15945 S15/Hot Topics 19-Jul-92 01:19:50 Sb: #15913-6309 & /t2 Fm: randy pischke 75460,205 To: Mark Griffith 76070,41 (X) Mark, something weird happened today. I decided to build my MV boot disk from scratch to get it tailored just the way I want. After spending a couple of hours on the computer, the lines didn't show up. Maybe there was some small patch I had done to my system long ago that didn't agree with the 6309 and the mouse pointer. When I redid my boot I just used the standard modules without running the patches on them except for those needed to use the 6309 and those to improve floppy drive performance. I am going to do some more experimenting. Randy, #: 16023 S15/Hot Topics 26-Jul-92 00:59:38 Sb: #15842-6309 & /t2 Fm: Curtis boyle 71310,1271 To: Mark Griffith 76070,41 (X) Since Chris doesn't preserve the W register in his powerboost patches, an interrupt that goes to one of his TFM routines could clear W to zero. If you happened to be in another routine that was trying to use W (like his BBFHDISK), the register could be modified without the driver knowing it. (I have no idea if this is what happens for sure, but it sounds good to me!) #: 15968 S15/Hot Topics 20-Jul-92 22:44:20 Sb: #15931-6309 & /t2 Fm: BOB LEET 72020,2536 To: Pete Lyall 76703,4230 (X) Pete, Thanks for the advice. I will clean all my contacts before putting them into the new Case. See ya, Bob////// #: 16407 S15/Hot Topics 08-Sep-92 14:17:29 Sb: #NEW Microware "Ultra C" Fm: Jay Truesdale 72176,3565 To: all I was browsing through a new magazine that I just started receiving at work "Personal Engineering and Instrumentation News," when I happened across an ad from Microware touting: "A Truly *New* C Compiler Comes Along Only Once In A Generation. Introducing ULTRA C. It lets you explore the boundaries of performance for hard real time." The ad goes on to say that most C compilers were written over ten years ago and since then a lot has been learned about how to write better compilers and that Microware has incorporated this knowledge into their new compiler. "Microware's Ultra C uses a modular architecture that created a virtual playing field for vigorous action by dozens of optimizers to analyze, arrange, accelerate and compress code into fast, compact executables. Heuristic analysis of register and variable usage FAR SURPASSES THE CAPABILITIES OF WHAT HUMAN PROGRAMMERS COULD DO THEMSELVES." (Emphasis Microware's) I called Microware and asked about Ultra C. The scheduled release date is 21 September 1992 for the OS9 resident version. The next issue of "Pipelines" will be dedicated to discussing Ultra C. Pricing and upgrade details have yet to be determined. Should be interesting! -J There are 2 Replies. #: 16416 S15/Hot Topics 10-Sep-92 20:31:49 Sb: #16407-NEW Microware "Ultra C" Fm: Bob van der Poel 76510,2203 To: Jay Truesdale 72176,3565 (X) Jay - Also interesting to read in the same magazine the editorial titled "The Workstation is Dead". #: 16422 S15/Hot Topics 11-Sep-92 21:49:07 Sb: #16407-NEW Microware "Ultra C" Fm: Jim Sutemeier 70673,1754 To: Jay Truesdale 72176,3565 (X) Jay: A couple of months ago, I was talking to MW up in San Francisco. The guy I talked to said there would be a new C Compiler come out "the last quarter of this year". I asked him how much it would run (as I told him it was absurd that they wanted $800+ for the currently available C Compiler), and he said there was nothing definite regarding price, but he thought it would run in the $500 range. This new C Compiler really looks like something, based on what you have had to say about it so far. Thanks a lot for the info. jim #: 16443 S15/Hot Topics 14-Sep-92 20:09:43 Sb: Source for 6309?? Fm: DOUG 72667,1433 To: all Hi, all... Anyone have a source for onezies/twozies 6309s???? Want to tinker a bit with it. Thanx, Doug 72667,1433 #: 16486 S15/Hot Topics 20-Sep-92 22:17:34 Sb: #15924-OS9 Underground Fm: John Wight 76370,2100 To: Jim Sutemeier 70673,1754 (X) This I will most definitely agree with. Alan has this same goal of keeping the OS-9 Community united. He showed it to me when he called me voice last month and asked that I upload information on RiBBS related communications. I thought he was speaking more of OS-9 CN communications, so I sent him that information, and then he also asked for information on RiBBS since this is what he actually wanted. Our voice call resulted in conference calls with Warren Hrach (an MM/1 representative and beta RiBBS sysop) and Charles West (the guy responsible for the newest RiBBS updates). As coordinator of OS-9 CN I do want to attempt to keep the communications going with Alan, as I feel he will be alot of help in improving communications among all members of the OS-9 community. #: 16583 S15/Hot Topics 30-Sep-92 19:03:29 Sb: KiX\30 Announced Fm: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 To: All NEW PRODUCT ANNOUNCMENT..... CHECK DL15 FOR INFORMATION ON THE NEW KiX\30 COMPUTER, and KEEPER(tm). Both from FHL and Hazelwood. Frank Hogg -- FHL #: 16620 S15/Hot Topics 04-Oct-92 15:16:27 Sb: Micro Charts Fm: Jim Sutemeier 70673,1754 To: all To those who are interested in the Micro Charts -- Please see my notice in the Hot Topics Section of the Database for further information. Thanks to those who have given me input about these charts. jim #: 16621 S15/Hot Topics 04-Oct-92 15:22:14 Sb: OS9 Underground Magazine Fm: Jim Sutemeier 70673,1754 To: all Also, I put up in the Hot Topics database information about the new (well, about 3 or 4 issues new) magazine for the OSK/OS9 Computer. Please read the text for further info. jim #: 16645 S15/Hot Topics 10-Oct-92 22:24:35 Sb: New Video for KiX\30 Fm: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 To: all NEW PRODUCT FEELER After we do the EK-VAK video board for the KiX\30 we are planning to do a high resolution (1024x768) SVGA type video board. The preliminary basic specs are: 32 Bit SVGA Graphics chip (fast) VGA thru SVGA resolutions with millions of colors (640, 800, 1024 by 400, 600, 768) 512K to 1 Meg on board RAM mono sound output DB9 Serial mouse AT keyboard port. Uses standard monitors This is similar to the EK-VAK. But with higher resolution and much faster speed because of the 32 bit capability We are considering leaving the DMA stereo sound off for cost and board space reasons. This would keep the cost close to the EK-VAK board. A trade of high resolution and speed for loss of DMA stereo. We could do a separate sound board if there was demand for it. This new board would not work with the CM8 and Magnavox monitors that work with the EKVAX/CoCo/TC70/MM1. Monitors for this new board are readily available and inexpensive. DMA stereo sound would add about $100 to the cost, if it would fit. With all this in mind I would like feedback from you on this board. We are planning to start layout in two weeks with production in December. What do you think? Frank Hogg -- FHL #: 16646 S15/Hot Topics 10-Oct-92 22:25:46 Sb: RAM for the KiX\30 Fm: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 To: all NEW PRODUCT FEELER Mike and I were talking about the 8K battery backed RAM that is on the KiX\30. Among other things we talked about is that this RAM can be used in conjunction with the power fail circuit on the MB to store vital system information. We rambled on about a variety of uses when we discussed using it as a mini RAM disk. It would only be 32 sectors but if we did a simple variation of the 'ram' driver it could be done. This conversation started running a bit wild when I asked about doing a battery backed RAM board for the bus. Mike added that he had been thinking of a EPROM board for the bus so we combined both ideas and came up with the following: Full 32 bit, full speed card 4 banks of 4 32K chips. (128K per bank, 512K total) Use Static RAM Use Battery backed Static RAM Use EPROM The above options would be via jumper or DIP switch for each block. On board battery and a connector for off board battery. Max of 4 boards in the system. (2 Meg) Each bank of 4 chips would have to be the same type. But each bank could be different.The off board battery connector would allow larger capacity batteries for extended use. Useful if the on board battery was too small. For example: You could have one bank of EPROM (128K) for OSK Two banks of static RAM for runtime use. (256K) One bank of battery backed RAM for a RAM disk. (128K, 512 sectors. Other combinations could be used. You could also have up to 4 boards in the system. For speed freaks Static RAM is 10-20% faster than Dynamic RAM. The projected cost would be $200 for a zero K board. What do you think? Frank Hogg -- FHL #: 16647 S15/Hot Topics 10-Oct-92 22:27:37 Sb: New Upload Fm: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 To: all I've just uploaded to DL15 the bus pinouts for the KiX\30. More info coming. Frank Hogg -- FHL #: 16657 S15/Hot Topics 12-Oct-92 10:11:03 Sb: #16645-#New Video for KiX\30 Fm: JBM Electronics 71174,3442 To: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 (X) Is 1 MB RAM enough for millions of colors at 1024 X 768? What about 1024 X 1024? If you are going to make a 'high end' video board it seems reasonable to want 'high end' sound as well. I'd say if it will fit, put the stereo sound on the video board. Maybe you could make it an optional daughter board that would plug on to the video board? -J Truesdale There is 1 Reply. #: 16660 S15/Hot Topics 12-Oct-92 23:02:07 Sb: #16657-#New Video for KiX\30 Fm: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 To: JBM Electronics 71174,3442 (X) >>Is 1 MB RAM enough for millions of colors at 1024 X 768? Yes, at 8 bits per pixel 3/4+ meg is enough. All those colors come from the RAMDAC (palatte controller) Just like the EK_VAX. >>What about 1024 X 1024? Not on this board. That would require a very high cost monitor and I don't think that is our market at this time. When the monitors come down we can quickly do a new board to match. Thanks for you input on the sound. Space may be the big problem. A daughter board strikes me as a cluge. I would rather do a separate sound board that could do much more, like MIDI. That way it would not 'require' a particular video board for use. Also it could be used in a terminal system. Frank Hogg -- FHL There is 1 Reply. #: 16663 S15/Hot Topics 13-Oct-92 05:08:53 Sb: #16660-#New Video for KiX\30 Fm: Stephen Seneker 75020,3611 To: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 (X) Frank, I'm hooked on AUDIO, espically high end. Perhaps a seperate board with 8/16 bit bidirectional stereo or quad would be nice. If it has stereo sound support I'll buy... just depends on what develops %-) There is 1 Reply. #: 16668 S15/Hot Topics 13-Oct-92 19:52:07 Sb: #16663-New Video for KiX\30 Fm: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 To: Stephen Seneker 75020,3611 Well, The EK-VAX has stereo support and should be somewhat better than what you are used to. The separate board for sound etc has appeal to me as it would allow upgrading video without having to rebuy sound capabilities. Video is a fast moving area with prices dropping and capabilities increasing. Sound on the other hand seems more stagnant. Once you have a good sound board you wouldn't need to upgrade it. Not as often as video anyway. Frank #: 16658 S15/Hot Topics 12-Oct-92 10:11:08 Sb: #16646-#RAM for the KiX\30 Fm: JBM Electronics 71174,3442 To: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 (X) I'd suggest allowing for the use of higher density static RAMs if at all possible. They are REAL pricy now but later.... Can you get EPROMs fast enough so they won't slow the system down? -J. Truesdale There is 1 Reply. #: 16661 S15/Hot Topics 12-Oct-92 23:02:39 Sb: #16658-RAM for the KiX\30 Fm: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 To: JBM Electronics 71174,3442 (X) >>I'd suggest allowing for the use of higher density static RAMs if at >>all possible. They are REAL pricy now but later.... Later when that are not pricy we could do a board for them. However even then the current 32K ones would be much cheaper. >>Can you get EPROMs fast enough so they won't slow the system down? No the board would have a jumper you would set for the speed of the chips in each bank. Frank Hogg -- FHL #: 16813 S15/Hot Topics 29-Oct-92 22:50:35 Sb: KiX\30 manual Fm: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 To: all I've just uploaded to dl15 an offer to provide the "KiX\30 Technical Reference Manual" Frank Hogg -- FHL #: 16820 S15/Hot Topics 30-Oct-92 20:44:33 Sb: #16645-#New Video for KiX\30 Fm: David George 72240,134 To: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 (X) I might be interested in the VGA type board. I have been debating whether or not to buy the EV-VAK. Could we have both the EV-VAK board and the VGA type board in the system at the same time? Also I just received my Kix\30 board and I am having a problem booting up. I am using a Wyse 60 terminal connected to P1. I have tried reversing pins 2 and 3. I have tried with and w/o dip switch 5 set. I don't see anything on the terminal at all. The floppy drives do not light. I have a Seagate ST157N and I am using Teac High density 5.25in and 3.5in drives. I am using 70ns simms (1Mx9), I originally tried using 4, but I didn't know which slots to put them in. The manual says to stagger them, but doesn't say where to start (I started at SIMM1). So I put all 8 SIMMs in. I double-checked all of my cables. Any Suggestions. David George 72240,134 There is 1 Reply. #: 16877 S15/Hot Topics 02-Nov-92 23:27:35 Sb: #16820-New Video for KiX\30 Fm: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 To: David George 72240,134 David, This message responds to 16820 and 16822 As we don't have the EK-VAK or the VGA board done yet I can only give you our intentions. Both boards should work in the system at the same time. That is the planned intention from Hazelwood. I am a bit gun-shy about making promises on things I don't directly control, so I'll leave it at that. I'm glad you got you terminal problems fixed by making a new internal cable. I forgot to ask you on the phone about where you got the internal cable you used that didn't work? In case someone else runs into it. On staggering the SIMMs. It doesn't matter which way you do it. There is only 2 choices. If you put them in one way and then do a 'v' from the monitor ROM it will display a memory map showing you where your SIMMs are in the 128 Meg space. Each '*' represents 256K by 8. It would be nice to know where to put them to get them at the beginning of memory. OSK doesn't care but it would be nice. I'll add that to the manual. Sooo How do you like your KiX\30? You're the first one on CIS to have one, (besides me) Why don't you tell the guys how building it went and how you like it etc etc. Frank #: 16821 S15/Hot Topics 30-Oct-92 20:46:25 Sb: #16668-New Video for KiX\30 Fm: David George 72240,134 To: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 (X) I totally agree. I think a seperate sound board is an excellent idea. #: 16992 S15/Hot Topics 08-Nov-92 21:31:25 Sb: #16877-#New Video for KiX\30 Fm: David George 72240,134 To: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 (X) The internal cable I was using was an IBM internal cable. (The manual mentioned using IBM serial cables so I tried it and found out that you meant external only). I also figured out (from the supplied schematics that I could alternate the SIMM's starting at SIMM1 or SIMM2. I think that the Kix\30 is a great machine. I have been using an Atari Mega 2 ST that I upgraded to 4Meg RAM running OSK v2.2, and the Kix\30 is A LOT faster. One comment (no reflection on the Kix\30): I tried to frestore the disks that I fsave'd on my Atari and the index structure was bad (luckily I decided to try it before I reformatted my HD on the KiX\30). So I copied the OSK2.2 frestore and tried it on the KiX\30 and it worked fine (keep this in mind for anyone upgrading from Atari OSK2.2) The assembly went OK. Oh I almost forgot the holes in the MB need to be a little larger in diameter, I had to file down my standoffs in order to push them into the motherboard. There also is no mention on how to build the parallel printer cable. I assumed from how the serial pinout was done and from the schematics that I just had to wire it pin for pin to the DB25. I think it is a wonderful machine and I am hoping that it becomes very popular (mainly because I would like to see some interesting boards for it) David George 72240,134 There is 1 Reply. #: 17024 S15/Hot Topics 10-Nov-92 21:26:34 Sb: #16992-New Video for KiX\30 Fm: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 To: David George 72240,134 I'll add the comments about the internal cables to the Tech Manual. The holes in the MB are the right size but the board house over plated or over tinned them. We're afraid if we ask them to correct this it may affect the other holes. If you are very carefull you can ream them out with a 1/8" reamer. Mike is doing that on boards from here on out so it won't be a problem for future customers Interesting about frestore. Our fbu and frs are backward compatible. I'm surprised that MW didn't make frestore backward compatible. I'm glad you like your KiX\30. The first production run sold out within weeks. Orders are coming in very strong for it and interest is building as word gets out. Looks like we have a winner here. Frank Hogg #: 17092 S15/Hot Topics 17-Nov-92 14:51:51 Sb: #17024-#New Video for KiX\30 Fm: Chris Perrault 75346,165 To: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 (X) Frank, out of curiosity, what percentage of those kix-30's went out to personal users and what percentage to indiustrial? I'm not asking many kix-30's you've sold note, just somewhat of a ratio maybe so I cang get an idea of how many personal os9 users are out there. I am also very excited about the new machine. You know when I get the time and money to give to a new machine, it's gonna be either a tc-70 or a kix-30 which brings me to my next question... Are you still gonna sell tc-70's or are they going to be replaced by the kix-30? I know I asked this before but I forgot your reply. Good luck with your machines! >Chris< There is 1 Reply. #: 17111 S15/Hot Topics 18-Nov-92 20:55:03 Sb: #17092-New Video for KiX\30 Fm: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 To: Chris Perrault 75346,165 (X) 17110 was 'supposed' to go to you. I screwed up. Frank #: 17110 S15/Hot Topics 18-Nov-92 20:52:07 Sb: #17024-#New Video for KiX\30 Fm: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 To: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 (X) Chris, The split so far is about 50/50 but I suspect it will drift more towards business/industrial users as time goes on. Re TC70 vs KiX\30. Since we introduced the KiX\30 we have not sold ANY TC70s! Once the KiX\30 sale ends at the end of the year the TC70 sales may pick up. As we are a market driven company the market will determine what machines we will continue to make. So far the KiX\30 has caused us to discountinue the QT PC30 and QT 30/16. (Both can be easily replaced by the more powerful and less expensive KiX\30) When we get a call on the TC70 and tell the caller about the KiX\30 all interest in the TC70 fades away. Even though it is several hundred dollars more expensive. (The KiX\30 is actually less expensive than a expanded TC70) One of these days I must get around to making up a chart that compares the two. Maybe when sales slow down. Frank There is 1 Reply. #: 17116 S15/Hot Topics 19-Nov-92 09:50:06 Sb: #17110-New Video for KiX\30 Fm: Chris Perrault 75346,165 To: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 Why what perfect timing it will be. Actually if the TC-70 is going to stay as cheap as it is, it will be good to have a good low end computer for the people who stillm won't be able to afford the 030. SOom er' I'm sure some Coco upgraders wouldn't mind moving on to a good cheap machine to see what osk is like. Of course at this point I would go with the 030 myself. >Chris< #: 17117 S15/Hot Topics 19-Nov-92 10:52:54 Sb: Custom Date Program Fm: Jim Sutemeier 70673,1754 To: all Be sure and check the Hot Topics Database for a Description and Demo Programs for my latest offering from Sirius Software for both the OSK and 6809 User - a Special Custom Date Program. jim Press !> #: 17150 S15/Hot Topics 22-Nov-92 23:11:07 Sb: #OS9 Underground Fm: DOUG 72667,1433 To: all Is OS9 Underground publishing??????? I sent in my money for a 1 year sub after receiving the freebie on request issue and haven't seen copy one since. Hope I haven't been snookered.... There is 1 Reply. #: 17156 S15/Hot Topics 23-Nov-92 15:30:22 Sb: #17150-OS9 Underground Fm: Chris Perrault 75346,165 To: DOUG 72667,1433 Nope you haven't. Leave Mail to Jim Sutemeir. I would recommend e-mail over forum. He will be able to help you out since he has tie s with Allen. he will just give your name and situation and Allen will take good care of you :> Also, in case he doesn't see this, or you don't have his Id I will leave him mail on Delphi so that he can get in touch with you here. See Ya >Chris, #: 17176 S15/Hot Topics 27-Nov-92 23:27:51 Sb: #17116-New Video for KiX\30 Fm: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 To: Chris Perrault 75346,165 Not cheap, good value for the money or low cost or inexpensive but not cheap! #: 17199 S15/Hot Topics 02-Dec-92 10:14:59 Sb: #17150-OS9 Underground Fm: Lee Veal 74726,1752 To: DOUG 72667,1433 Apparently they've been having some sort of problem getting them bulk mailed. I recently called to get an issue that was long overdue, it came within a few days by first class mail. I think the problem is showing up somewhere in the bulk mailing process. I hope they get the bugs ironed out, it's a very good magazine. Lee #: 17205 S15/Hot Topics 03-Dec-92 10:29:01 Sb: #17176-New Video for KiX\30 Fm: Chris Perrault 75346,165 To: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317 Gee, Let's not go and get too Technical about it! ;> Btw... I know I asked this a long while back when you didn't have one, but do you have a collective catalog of all your products yet? I'm interested in all you got, and also any 6809 software/hardware you may be selling. Also, I was looking in some of the OS9 material Microware sent me and I noticed they had OS-9 running X-windows/Motif. There any chance of seeing that happen with the KMA machines currently available. I'll bet the 68070 machine won't handle it so I'm more interested in whether or not the Kix could do it. I talked to my regional microware dealer on the phone and brought it up and when I brought up the KMA machines, he said they couldn 't handle X-windows. They tend to deal more with the BIG boy machines anyway so it doesn't suprise me, but I imagine the size of x-windows, and plus the cost is what got you to go with K and possibly G-windows. Am I correct? Thanks! >Chris<