I have been working on a universal cartridge for the C64. I am now on the second revision and ready to introduce it to you all. I call it Extreme Cartridge 2 or EC2 for short. Basically it is a cart designed around the Cyclone II FPGA starter board. The cart has an EP2C20F484 FPGA, 4M Flash, 512k SRAM, 8M SDRAM, SD card slot, two 40 pin IO's, two 16 pin IO's, two LEDs, and two switches. The IO's are being used for Serial ports, JTAG, active serial port, audio codec, Amiga clock port, IDE port, additional SRAM, and general purpose IO.
The is a lengthy thread at the following URL...
http://jledger.proboards19.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=2696
I hope no one minds if I linked to the thread above.
Any comments, suggestions, or emulation requests are welcome.
Thank,
John
www.adoreware.com
Wow! :D
I think that you've spent some serious time with this project :) It really lookes incredible!
The first issue that I think the people in this forum is interested in, will there be support for the C128's native mode?
If so, will you be able to use 32K cartridgefiles like GEOS 128 and BASIC 8? If you will then sign me up for one right away :)
The creators of MMC Replay gave that cartridge a (very) little support for the C128 in that you could stay in C128 mode with the cartridge plugged in. The manual also suggested that you could use C128 mode cartridgefiles with MMC Replay but I never got that to work :(
So I'm really excited about your cartridge :)
You'll excuse me, but I've seen enough seasons (57 so far) that I've learned to take a 'wait and see' attitude whenever a project like this is announced.
I wish you luck, and hope you can make it real. If it works as advertised, I'd be very interested.
But at my age I can't afford to get all worked up over every new Commodore project. :)
Quote from: airship on January 27, 2009, 03:23 AM
You'll excuse me, but I've seen enough seasons (57 so far) that I've learned to take a 'wait and see' attitude whenever a project like this is announced.
I wish you luck, and hope you can make it real. If it works as advertised, I'd be very interested.
But at my age I can't afford to get all worked up over every new Commodore project. :)
Come on airship, don't be a grumpy old curmudgeon. :-D Let us young whippersnappers offer kind words of encouragement. It might even help the project to complete to fruition. This guy isn't coming across as some kind of fly-by-night jolly cruise, he's put some serious work into it. :-)
Quote from: saehn on January 27, 2009, 05:48 AM
Quote from: airship on January 27, 2009, 03:23 AM
You'll excuse me, but I've seen enough seasons (57 so far) that I've learned to take a 'wait and see' attitude whenever a project like this is announced.
I wish you luck, and hope you can make it real. If it works as advertised, I'd be very interested.
But at my age I can't afford to get all worked up over every new Commodore project. :)
Come on airship, don't be a grumpy old curmudgeon. :-D Let us young whippersnappers offer kind words of encouragement. It might even help the project to complete to fruition. This guy isn't coming across as some kind of fly-by-night jolly cruise, he's put some serious work into it. :-)
Let me start by agreeing with Airship. I have purchased just about every modern cart made for the commodore, and none of them seem to do all of what I want. This is one of the reasons I'm creating the EC2. The prototype is already functional and runs about 230 game carts and a half dozen utility carts. I plan to support 128 mode, but I only have one cart (Warp Speed) and it DOES work on the 128. My primary focus in on the C64, but if I receive enough ROMs and schematic data, I will fully implement a 128 mode. The plus is that the EC2 will emulate analog cards like video capture cards and MP3 players via a daughter board. I am spending a huge amount of time on this project, and hope to get it completed soon. Please send cart requests, I am running out!!!
Quote from: airship on January 27, 2009, 03:23 AM
You'll excuse me, but I've seen enough seasons (57 so far) that I've learned to take a 'wait and see' attitude whenever a project like this is announced.
I wish you luck, and hope you can make it real. If it works as advertised, I'd be very interested.
But at my age I can't afford to get all worked up over every new Commodore project. :)
Then I'm glad I've only seen 38 seasons so that I can still allow myself to get worked up by a new Commodore project ;)
Quote from: Adoreware on January 27, 2009, 06:44 AMI plan to support 128 mode, but I only have one cart (Warp Speed) and it DOES work on the 128. My primary focus in on the C64, but if I receive enough ROMs and schematic data, I will fully implement a 128 mode. The plus is that the EC2 will emulate analog cards like video capture cards and MP3 players via a daughter board. I am spending a huge amount of time on this project, and hope to get it completed soon. Please send cart requests, I am running out!!!
Does anyone know if the ROMS meant for the internal socket of the C128 would also work externally? They would then be mapped into a different bank, but maybe they are smart enough to realize that? A few of them were designed to work either internally or externally in the spare socket of a REU so they should work with the EC2.
Let's list the obvious ones (they are all 32KB roms)
GEOS 128
BASIC 8
KeyDOS
The Servant
There are also these three (does anyone have any of these as a ROM file?):
Turbo Assembler 128 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Commodore-128-Turbo-Assembler-128-ROM_W0QQitemZ310059362516QQihZ021QQcategoryZ3543QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem)
File Browser 6 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-Commodore-128-File-Browser-6-ROM_W0QQitemZ310030696314QQihZ021QQcategoryZ3543QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem)
Super 81 Utilities (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Commodore-128-Super-81-Utilities-ROM_W0QQitemZ310063399293QQihZ021QQcategoryZ3543QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem)
Have you got these John?
Quote from: Adoreware on January 27, 2009, 06:44 AMI plan to support 128 mode, but I only have one cart (Warp Speed) and it DOES work on the 128.
Ack! I keep forgetting to dig out that Mach 128 cart for you. I must look!
Quote from: Adoreware on January 27, 2009, 06:44 AMThe plus is that the EC2 will emulate analog cards like video capture cards and MP3 players via a daughter board.
You mean C= video digitizers, like VideoByte II?
Quote from: Adoreware on January 27, 2009, 06:44 AMPlease send cart requests, I am running out!!!
Do you have Partner 128?
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
Catch the Fatman and Circuit Girl at
http://vimeo.com/jeri
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on January 27, 2009, 07:31 AM
Quote from: airship on January 27, 2009, 03:23 AM
You'll excuse me, but I've seen enough seasons (57 so far) that I've learned to take a 'wait and see' attitude whenever a project like this is announced.
I wish you luck, and hope you can make it real. If it works as advertised, I'd be very interested.
But at my age I can't afford to get all worked up over every new Commodore project. :)
Then I'm glad I've only seen 38 seasons so that I can still allow myself to get worked up by a new Commodore project ;)
Quote from: Adoreware on January 27, 2009, 06:44 AMI plan to support 128 mode, but I only have one cart (Warp Speed) and it DOES work on the 128. My primary focus in on the C64, but if I receive enough ROMs and schematic data, I will fully implement a 128 mode. The plus is that the EC2 will emulate analog cards like video capture cards and MP3 players via a daughter board. I am spending a huge amount of time on this project, and hope to get it completed soon. Please send cart requests, I am running out!!!
Does anyone know if the ROMS meant for the internal socket of the C128 would also work externally? They would then be mapped into a different bank, but maybe they are smart enough to realize that? A few of them were designed to work either internally or externally in the spare socket of a REU so they should work with the EC2.
Let's list the obvious ones (they are all 32KB roms)
GEOS 128
BASIC 8
KeyDOS
The Servant
There are also these three (does anyone have any of these as a ROM file?):
Turbo Assembler 128 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Commodore-128-Turbo-Assembler-128-ROM_W0QQitemZ310059362516QQihZ021QQcategoryZ3543QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem)
File Browser 6 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-Commodore-128-File-Browser-6-ROM_W0QQitemZ310030696314QQihZ021QQcategoryZ3543QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem)
Super 81 Utilities (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Commodore-128-Super-81-Utilities-ROM_W0QQitemZ310063399293QQihZ021QQcategoryZ3543QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem)
Have you got these John?
The only 128 ROM I have is Warp Speed.
Quote from: RobertB on January 27, 2009, 08:23 AM
Quote from: Adoreware on January 27, 2009, 06:44 AMI plan to support 128 mode, but I only have one cart (Warp Speed) and it DOES work on the 128.
Ack! I keep forgetting to dig out that Mach 128 cart for you. I must look!
Quote from: Adoreware on January 27, 2009, 06:44 AMThe plus is that the EC2 will emulate analog cards like video capture cards and MP3 players via a daughter board.
You mean C= video digitizers, like VideoByte II?
Quote from: Adoreware on January 27, 2009, 06:44 AMPlease send cart requests, I am running out!!!
Do you have Partner 128?
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
Catch the Fatman and Circuit Girl at
http://vimeo.com/jeri
The Video Byte II is exactly what I'm talking about. I own one of these carts and it will be the first video capture cartridge supported. The cart has logic and passive components and no ROM. Once I get the schematic reverse engineered, it will be no problem for the EC2. Note: This cart is not on the top of the list, but will be worked in once I get the more popular carts working.
Quote from: Adoreware on January 27, 2009, 11:13 AMThe Video Byte II is exactly what I'm talking about. I own one of these carts and it will be the first video capture cartridge supported.
Ah, I was going to send you one of my extra ones. :) Like other video digitizers, VB II works through the user port. Will be an easy task to make it work through the expansion port?
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
Catch the Fatman and Circuit Girl at
http://vimeo.com/jeri
Quote from: Adoreware on January 27, 2009, 11:06 AM
The only 128 ROM I have is Warp Speed.
Click on the name to download the following:
GEOS 128 (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/roms/Geos128Am1581.rom)
Basic 8 (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/roms/Basic8.BIN)
KeyDos (http://cottonwood.servebbs.com/wiskow/keydos.zip)
The Servant (http://cottonwood.servebbs.com/wiskow/servant.zip)
Will you be able to emulate more complex cartridges like the ones I described to Robert here (http://landover.no-ip.com/forums/index.php?topic=2600.msg11896#msg11896) and here (http://landover.no-ip.com/forums/index.php?topic=2600.msg11905#msg11905)?
BTW, does anyone have the Super Snapshot cartridge? Robert? ;)
Quote from: RobertB on January 27, 2009, 01:11 PM
Quote from: Adoreware on January 27, 2009, 11:13 AMThe Video Byte II is exactly what I'm talking about. I own one of these carts and it will be the first video capture cartridge supported.
Ah, I was going to send you one of my extra ones. :) Like other video digitizers, VB II works through the user port. Will be an easy task to make it work through the expansion port?
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
Catch the Fatman and Circuit Girl at
http://vimeo.com/jeri
The expansion port dose not have PB0-PB7, CIA1 & CIA2 SP, PC, or FLAG lines. In order to support User Port hardware, a cable will be installed between the user port and the EC2's two 8 bit IO ports on the left. There will be no need to patch the software.
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on January 27, 2009, 06:22 PM
Quote from: Adoreware on January 27, 2009, 11:06 AM
The only 128 ROM I have is Warp Speed.
Click on the name to download the following:
GEOS 128 (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/roms/Geos128Am1581.rom)
Basic 8 (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/roms/Basic8.BIN)
KeyDos (http://cottonwood.servebbs.com/wiskow/keydos.zip)
The Servant (http://cottonwood.servebbs.com/wiskow/servant.zip)
Will you be able to emulate more complex cartridges like the ones I described to Robert here (http://landover.no-ip.com/forums/index.php?topic=2600.msg11896#msg11896) and here (http://landover.no-ip.com/forums/index.php?topic=2600.msg11905#msg11905)?
BTW, does anyone have the Super Snapshot cartridge? Robert? ;)
Thanks for the ROM images. Now I just need a schematic or photocopy of the PC Boards.
I have one IEEE interface for the user port that I have already reverse engineered and plan to include. If I get this working, other IEEE cards should be about the same. Right now C64 hardware in my priority with some 128 support. If I get enough feedback, I may work on a version just for the 128. I have very little hardware documentation on the 128 and would need several months to understand how the expansion ports operate in 128 mode. I do have a working 128 that I test the EC2 on, but in 64 mode mostly.
I have SS V5, but have not even began to reverse engineer it. It is packed with a LOT of logic including a PAL16 that i need the code for. It also has RAM. I believe this cart will be a challenge because of the flip flops!!! VHDL just does not simulate flip flops very well. Same problem I'm having with AR5, FCIII, and Warp Speed. The Nice thing is that FCI used basic logic gates as flip flops, and I going to try to do the same to get the mentioned carts working. Right now, I'm spending most of my time on the software. Soon I'll be back on the hardware once I get the Flash program routines working.
Quote from: Adoreware on January 27, 2009, 09:30 PM
Thanks for the ROM images. Now I just need a schematic or photocopy of the PC Boards.
As you may know the C128 has a spare socket on the motherboard and I think that all these ROM images were designed to be plugged into that socket. So ROMs for the C128 can either be internally mounted or be externally mounted on a cartridge. And they can be up to 32KB without additional bankswitching circuitry.
The lower 16K is mapped to $8000-$BFFF and the higher 16K to $C000-$FFFF. That means a 32KB cartridge for the C128 is rather simple. When the lower 16K is addressed ROML goes low, and when the higher 16K is addressed ROMH goes low. So if you would create a classic cartridge you would use one 32KB eprom with 14 addresslines connected from the expansionport directly to the eprom. The 15'th addressline of the eprom would be connected to ROML so that when the lower 16K is addressed ROML is low so the lower 16K of the eprom is used and when the upper 16K is addressed ROML is high so the upper 16K of the eprom is used. Then you have to have a gate (preferably an XNOR gate) to be able to connect both ROML and ROMH to the OE pin of the eprom. Simple huh? :)
I've actually never seen a 32KB cartridge for the C128 except for the REU's. They include a spare ROM socket as well and some of the 32K ROM's could be used there. Have you reversed engineered the REU's?
Quote from: Adoreware on January 27, 2009, 09:30 PM
I have very little hardware documentation on the 128 and would need several months to understand how the expansion ports operate in 128 mode.
If you don't have the Mapping the C128 (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/books/Mapping_the_Commodore_128.pdf) that is good place to start :)
Quote from: Adoreware on January 27, 2009, 09:30 PM
I believe this cart will be a challenge because of the flip flops!!! VHDL just does not simulate flip flops very well.
I read in the PETSCII forum that you have emulated the large Ocean cartridges like Terminator II. How did you solve that with VHDL, those cartridges includes flip-flops?
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on January 28, 2009, 12:02 AM
Quote from: Adoreware on January 27, 2009, 09:30 PM
Thanks for the ROM images. Now I just need a schematic or photocopy of the PC Boards.
As you may know the C128 has a spare socket on the motherboard and I think that all these ROM images were designed to be plugged into that socket. So ROMs for the C128 can either be internally mounted or be externally mounted on a cartridge. And they can be up to 32KB without additional bankswitching circuitry.
The lower 16K is mapped to $8000-$BFFF and the higher 16K to $C000-$FFFF. That means a 32KB cartridge for the C128 is rather simple. When the lower 16K is addressed ROML goes low, and when the higher 16K is addressed ROMH goes low. So if you would create a classic cartridge you would use one 32KB eprom with 14 addresslines connected from the expansionport directly to the eprom. The 15'th addressline of the eprom would be connected to ROML so that when the lower 16K is addressed ROML is low so the lower 16K of the eprom is used and when the upper 16K is addressed ROML is high so the upper 16K of the eprom is used. Then you have to have a gate (preferably an XNOR gate) to be able to connect both ROML and ROMH to the OE pin of the eprom. Simple huh? :)
I've actually never seen a 32KB cartridge for the C128 except for the REU's. They include a spare ROM socket as well and some of the 32K ROM's could be used there. Have you reversed engineered the REU's?
Quote from: Adoreware on January 27, 2009, 09:30 PM
I have very little hardware documentation on the 128 and would need several months to understand how the expansion ports operate in 128 mode.
If you don't have the Mapping the C128 (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/books/Mapping_the_Commodore_128.pdf) that is good place to start :)
Quote from: Adoreware on January 27, 2009, 09:30 PM
I believe this cart will be a challenge because of the flip flops!!! VHDL just does not simulate flip flops very well.
I read in the PETSCII forum that you have emulated the large Ocean cartridges like Terminator II. How did you solve that with VHDL, those cartridges includes flip-flops?
Wow, thanks for the 101 on C128's bank switching. It sounds easier then the C64, I will investigate. Bank switching for Ocean carts is pretty simple. Just watch $DE00 registers...
VHDL Code snippet from the EC2 FPGA Firmware for Ocean cart ...
ROM_OE <= CP_ROMLO;
ROM_BANK_OUT <= ROM_BANK_IN + DE00_Register(6 downto 0);
Quote from: Adoreware on January 28, 2009, 01:11 AM
Wow, thanks for the 101 on C128's bank switching. It sounds easier then the C64, I will investigate. Bank switching for Ocean carts is pretty simple. Just watch $DE00 registers...
It's much easier since the bankswitching in the C128 is done by software. The external or internal extra ROM's can coexist with the system ROM's and RAM of the C128, just use the MMU to switch the desired part of memory in and out of the memorybank :)
As you know, in the C64 the cartridge ROM's replaces RAM or system ROM and there is no way to change that by software (unless you have external bankswitching circuitry). So the C128 has a much better way of handling cartridges :)
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on January 27, 2009, 06:22 PMBTW, does anyone have the Super Snapshot cartridge? Robert? ;)
Sure! Which version do you need v2, v3, v4, or v5? :)
John, did you implement an ISEPIC cart in EC2?
Can't remember,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
Catch the Fatman and Circuit Girl at
http://vimeo.com/jeri
In this case I was just curious of that cartridge. I've searched for it on the internet but haven't found much info. Do you know a site where info about it can be found? Or do you have the manual and pictures of the cartridge perhaps? :)
I know you're not a fan of VICE ;) But maybe you have the following C128 function ROM's or know where they can be found?
Turbo Assembler 128
File Browser 6
Super 81 Utilities
I'd like to pass them on to John.
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on January 28, 2009, 08:24 PMIn this case I was just curious of that cartridge.
Of which cart are you speaking -- Super Snapshot or ISEPIC?
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on January 28, 2009, 08:24 PMBut maybe you have the following C128 function ROM's or know where they can be found?
Turbo Assembler 128
File Browser 6
Super 81 Utilities
No, I have never searched for the ROMs of those, though I do have Super 81 Utilities on disk.
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
Catch the Fatman and Circuit Girl on
http://www.vimeo.com/jeri
Quote from: RobertB on January 28, 2009, 07:40 PM
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on January 27, 2009, 06:22 PMBTW, does anyone have the Super Snapshot cartridge? Robert? ;)
Sure! Which version do you need v2, v3, v4, or v5? :)
John, did you implement an ISEPIC cart in EC2?
Can't remember,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
Catch the Fatman and Circuit Girl at
http://vimeo.com/jeri
I do own an ISEPIC and will be working this into the EC2. Any help reverse engineering the schematics and/or ROM images helps speed up things. The following carts are being worked on...
Fast Load (Epyx)
Power Cartridge
ISEPIC
Super Snapshot V5
Warp Speed
Mach-5 V.2B
Super 1750 Clone (CLD)
The Final Cartridge I
The Final Cartridge III
Better Working Turbo Load And Save
Explode! V3
Super Explode! V5
Action Replay V5
MMC Replay
MMC64
MM2IEC
Video Byte II
This is just the first phase of utility carts because I own all of these. I have a lot of other ROM images and schematics that I will work with later. Having the actual cart is much better.
Quote from: RobertB on January 29, 2009, 03:04 AM
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on January 28, 2009, 08:24 PMIn this case I was just curious of that cartridge.
Of which cart are you speaking -- Super Snapshot or ISEPIC?
I was speaking of the Super Snapshot cartridge.
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on January 29, 2009, 04:32 AMI was speaking of the Super Snapshot cartridge.
Time to dig out the SS cart and manual! :) At the Feb. 8 FCUG meeting, I can have the cart's board photographed.
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
Catch the Fatman and Circuit Girl at
http://vimeo.com/jeri
Quote from: Adoreware on January 29, 2009, 03:44 AMMM2IEC
Now what did I do with that SD2IEC board I was showing everyone during my European travels last year? :)
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
Catch the Fatman and Circuit Girl at
http://vimeo.com/jeri
Quote from: RobertB on January 29, 2009, 06:29 PM
Time to dig out the SS cart and manual! :) At the Feb. 8 FCUG meeting, I can have the cart's board photographed.
Great! I'd love to see that one :)
If you make it compatible with Trilogic Expert software I'd be very interested in it. Personally I think that Expert was the best C64 cart for the programmers in 80's. As all the software is available on the net with proper circurity it could be ported to work in 128 mode I suppose.
Quote from: Alex on January 31, 2009, 04:06 AM
If you make it compatible with Trilogic Expert software I'd be very interested in it. Personally I think that Expert was the best C64 cart for the programmers in 80's. As all the software is available on the net with proper circurity it could be ported to work in 128 mode I suppose.
As far as I know, the expert cartridge was for the C64 only. I do have a ROM and schematic but I don't have a cart. I will attempt to include support, and don't see a problem unless the schematic I have is incorrect. The author of the schematic says he/she is not sure if it is correct. When I run the .crt file in Vice, it starts a ML monitor. I don't know if this is how it should auto start. If someone knows how it starts or has screen shots of it running, let me know.
There are a couple of different versions of the expert cartridge. The latest version has seperate Reset and ESM momentary switches with an ESM LED. There's also a toggle switch that can be placed in either PRG, OFF, or ON mode.
Depending on the software version used, the cartridge menu/use differs. Back in the days, this was the version I used the most.
http://dougroberts.co.uk/bizzmo/Expert4_1.D64 (http://dougroberts.co.uk/bizzmo/Expert4_1.D64)
This cartridge operates in C64 mode only.
Cheers
Fotios
Quote from: Mangelore on February 01, 2009, 08:59 AM
There are a couple of different versions of the expert cartridge. The latest version has seperate Reset and ESM momentary switches with an ESM LED. There's also a toggle switch that can be placed in either PRG, OFF, or ON mode.
Depending on the software version used, the cartridge menu/use differs. Back in the days, this was the version I used the most.
http://dougroberts.co.uk/bizzmo/Expert4_1.D64 (http://dougroberts.co.uk/bizzmo/Expert4_1.D64)
This cartridge operates in C64 mode only.
Cheers
Fotios
The schematic I have says it is for version 4. I hope the ROM images I have are version 4. If not, I will have to ask someone to email me them along with a photo of the PC board.
I enjoy answering everyone's questions here. I post general development progress on http://jledger.proboards19.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=2696 so keep an eye on updates there.
As for Trilogic Expert it works simply by coping memory from C64 to cartridge itsefl. There is no ROM inside - all the software available just use the internal memory. The Export does not work in C128 mode because - as far as I remember - it is using CBM80 at $8004. It is invoked by intercepting NMI line. The only difference between boards - again as far as I remember - is the ESM button to trigger the NMI line in case you disable NMI by using CIA timer to trigger NMI and never ack'ing it later. The ROM file that is floating around is some 3.x version of the software -not real ROM. You can also take a peek at VICE source code to find out more about handling different carts.
As for Turbo Assembler 128 ROM (turbo ilasm 3.0 actually) I think I have it and I can send it to you. Just drop pm me if you are still looking for it.
Quote from: Alex on February 05, 2009, 04:37 AM
As for Trilogic Expert it works simply by coping memory from C64 to cartridge itsefl. There is no ROM inside - all the software available just use the internal memory. The Export does not work in C128 mode because - as far as I remember - it is using CBM80 at $8004. It is invoked by intercepting NMI line. The only difference between boards - again as far as I remember - is the ESM button to trigger the NMI line in case you disable NMI by using CIA timer to trigger NMI and never ack'ing it later. The ROM file that is floating around is some 3.x version of the software -not real ROM. You can also take a peek at VICE source code to find out more about handling different carts.
As for Turbo Assembler 128 ROM (turbo ilasm 3.0 actually) I think I have it and I can send it to you. Just drop pm me if you are still looking for it.
I'm looking on Ebay for one of these carts, so if one pops up and anyone see it, let me know. If you want me to archive you a backup copy ;) , I will be glad to do so.
As for Expert I mostly used 2.9-10 and 3.x versions (if someone has 4.2 version I would be thankful for sharing it with me).
As some people ask for Turbo Assembler 128 ROM here it for all of you to download:
ftp://ftp.scs-trc.net/pub/c64/Tools/Assembler/Tasm2_eprom128.zip (http://ftp://ftp.scs-trc.net/pub/c64/Tools/Assembler/Tasm2_eprom128.zip)
It works in VICE - just need to enable external ROM and be quick during startup to press TAB key. BTW: can somebody point me to document describing the internal/external ROM function in C128 and how it is being loaded?
Wish you good luck with further development of EC2.
Quote from: Alex on February 09, 2009, 09:15 AM
As some people ask for Turbo Assembler 128 ROM here it for all of you to download:
ftp://ftp.scs-trc.net/pub/c64/Tools/Assembler/Tasm2_eprom128.zip (http://ftp://ftp.scs-trc.net/pub/c64/Tools/Assembler/Tasm2_eprom128.zip)
Thank you for that! However, it seems like the forum software adds http:// to the address so you can't link by clicking it. Instead, copy the link and paste it into your browser.
Quote from: Alex on February 09, 2009, 09:15 AMIt works in VICE - just need to enable external ROM and be quick during startup to press TAB key. BTW: can somebody point me to document describing the internal/external ROM function in C128 and how it is being loaded?
What exactly do you want to know?
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on February 09, 2009, 05:58 PM
What exactly do you want to know?
I'd like to know what is the start address, how the code in ROM is being started and are there any other requirement for the code except for the obvious that it can not write to itself ;)
If you don't already have the book "Mapping the C128", I suggest you download it here (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/books/Mapping_the_Commodore_128.pdf). It's the holy bible when it comes to finding out what all the different memory locations and routines are being used for in the C128.
That pdf contains a description of every address in the C128 memory. When it comes to function ROM's the most interesting addresses are 2752-2756 (in RAM) and 57922, 57963 and 63591 (in ROM).
Search that pdf for "function rom" and you'll have a good start :)
Quote from: Adoreware on January 27, 2009, 06:44 AMLet me start by agreeing with Airship. I have purchased just about every modern cart made for the commodore, and none of them seem to do all of what I want. This is one of the reasons I'm creating the EC2. The prototype is already functional and runs about 230 game carts and a half dozen utility carts. I plan to support 128 mode, but I only have one cart (Warp Speed) and it DOES work on the 128. My primary focus in on the C64, but if I receive enough ROMs and schematic data, I will fully implement a 128 mode. The plus is that the EC2 will emulate analog cards like video capture cards and MP3 players via a daughter board. I am spending a huge amount of time on this project, and hope to get it completed soon. Please send cart requests, I am running out!!!
May I suggest the SuperCPU 128 ;-) though that's more of an upgrade than a cart.
Regards,
Shaun.
Quote from: Shaun_CCC(UK) on February 11, 2009, 02:50 AMMay I suggest the SuperCPU 128 ;-)
Something to complement Gideon Zweijtzer's SuperCPU 64 clone, eh? :)
I wonder how Gideon is progressing on it,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
Quote from: Alex on February 09, 2009, 09:15 AM
As for Expert I mostly used 2.9-10 and 3.x versions (if someone has 4.2 version I would be thankful for sharing it with me).
I'll second that. I only had 3.2R back in the day. The rocket fast loader was very impressive, but as it relied on a custom disk format it was less useful. Instead I did a custom version of their no block boot that could work with keyboard/joystick. I ought to dig that out and release it as I never did.
I always regretted not buying the 4.1 upgrade, because they withdrew it soon after. The only version I found since was a hacked up scene release. I'll take a look at the one that was posted, to see if it's the elusive version.
The expert had a CBM80 header, but only used it if you pressed the reset button. However that generally screwed everything up.
Hitting restore was the standard way in, which worked like everything else ( watched for the NMI line and switched the 64 to ultimax mode while the vectors were fetched ). I think the cartridge can be paged in and out in software as well, but while I always thought about writing my own code I never got that far. The ESM button is to get round the NMI being edge triggered. You can get the NMI line asserted permanently using a CIA timer, if you don't acknowledge the timer then you can't trigger it again. When you push the button it drags the line down, obviously that part is going to need some physical hardware to achieve.
Video Byte II has been reverse engineered lately
http://moogle-tech.com/blog/?p=104
Quote from: Shaun_CCC(UK) on February 11, 2009, 02:50 AM
Quote from: Adoreware on January 27, 2009, 06:44 AMLet me start by agreeing with Airship. I have purchased just about every modern cart made for the commodore, and none of them seem to do all of what I want. This is one of the reasons I'm creating the EC2. The prototype is already functional and runs about 230 game carts and a half dozen utility carts. I plan to support 128 mode, but I only have one cart (Warp Speed) and it DOES work on the 128. My primary focus in on the C64, but if I receive enough ROMs and schematic data, I will fully implement a 128 mode. The plus is that the EC2 will emulate analog cards like video capture cards and MP3 players via a daughter board. I am spending a huge amount of time on this project, and hope to get it completed soon. Please send cart requests, I am running out!!!
May I suggest the SuperCPU 128 ;-) though that's more of an upgrade than a cart.
Regards,
Shaun.
I'm already looking into SuperCPU for both 64 and 128. The most important function is increasing the clock speed. The FPGA in the EC2 has three clocks, 50MHz being the fastest. I have tested the 6510 core using the 50MHz clock and preliminary benchmarks show twice the speed as SuperCPU64 and 1.5 times faster then SuperCPU128. However, these benchmarks are inconclusive because it was only the CPU and not the rest of the logic which adds to loss in speed. My believe is that the EC2 will be faster then both SuperCPU128 and SuperCPU64. The greatest gain will be on the 64. To match the speed exactly and maintain compatibility, I will need to use one of the EC2's built in PLL's, but I also want to see if I can go faster. If faster is possible, I will add both options. Before I can even start, I need schematics and ROMs, so if anyone hases them, send them my way. I don't play to purchase either of these due to their cost.
Quote from: smf on February 11, 2009, 06:21 PM
Quote from: Alex on February 09, 2009, 09:15 AM
As for Expert I mostly used 2.9-10 and 3.x versions (if someone has 4.2 version I would be thankful for sharing it with me).
I'll second that. I only had 3.2R back in the day. The rocket fast loader was very impressive, but as it relied on a custom disk format it was less useful. Instead I did a custom version of their no block boot that could work with keyboard/joystick. I ought to dig that out and release it as I never did.
I always regretted not buying the 4.1 upgrade, because they withdrew it soon after. The only version I found since was a hacked up scene release. I'll take a look at the one that was posted, to see if it's the elusive version.
The expert had a CBM80 header, but only used it if you pressed the reset button. However that generally screwed everything up.
Hitting restore was the standard way in, which worked like everything else ( watched for the NMI line and switched the 64 to ultimax mode while the vectors were fetched ). I think the cartridge can be paged in and out in software as well, but while I always thought about writing my own code I never got that far. The ESM button is to get round the NMI being edge triggered. You can get the NMI line asserted permanently using a CIA timer, if you don't acknowledge the timer then you can't trigger it again. When you push the button it drags the line down, obviously that part is going to need some physical hardware to achieve.
Video Byte II has been reverse engineered lately
http://moogle-tech.com/blog/?p=104
A lot of people are asking for Expert cart, so I will go ahead and add this. I'm watching EBay for one.
I wish the person who reversed engineered the Video Byte II would post his schematic and VICE source code. Does anyone know how to contact the author?
Super CPU both for the C64 and the C128 too? Wow, this is going to be a heavy cartridge! :) Do you have any idea as to what it's going to cost?
I sent a mail to the guy who reversed engineered the Video Byte II asking for the same thing you asked for. So far he has sent me pictures of the pcb itself. I used the address he has in his blog: mooglyguy(at)gmail.com.
(http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/videobyte001.JPG) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/videobyte001.png)
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on February 12, 2009, 12:25 AM
Super CPU both for the C64 and the C128 too? Wow, this is going to be a heavy cartridge! :) Do you have any idea as to what it's going to cost?
I sent a mail to the guy who reversed engineered the Video Byte II asking for the same thing you asked for. So far he has sent me pictures of the pcb itself. I used the address he has in his blog: mooglyguy(at)gmail.com.
(http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/videobyte001.JPG)
(http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/videobyte001.png)
The EC2 doesn't get heavier when I add support for new devices because it is mostly done within the FPGA. The 5 prototypes cost $250 each to make, but I should be able to get that down considerable once I order a full production quantify. The FPGA chip is what is hurting this cost on this device at $65 each. Any smaller FPGA would not have the logic cells I need. The price may have went down some since the prototypes were built, but I haven't looked lately. My goal is to keep the cost below $200.
Thanks for the pic. I have one of these carts and will eventually get around to reverse engineering it. If someone else has already completed the work, then it would save me some time.
Heh, I've had the VideoByte for years, but I've never opened it up to look inside. Thanks for the photo.
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
CommVEx v5 info - http://www.commodore.ca/forum and click on ComVEX
Quote from: Adoreware on February 12, 2009, 01:37 AM
The EC2 doesn't get heavier when I add support for new devices because it is mostly done within the FPGA.
Well, heavy wasn't meant literally :)
Quote from: RobertB on February 12, 2009, 01:32 PM
Heh, I've had the VideoByte for years, but I've never opened it up to look inside. Thanks for the photo.
But of course, you have everything ;)
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on February 12, 2009, 05:21 PMWell, heavy wasn't meant literally :)
Oh, you mean like, "Yeah, man, that was *heavy*!" ;)
Speaking as a 1960's hippie,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
CommVEx v5 info - http://www.commodore.ca/forum and click on ComVEX
You tell me man, you're the one with American-English as your native language, not me :D
BTW, on the subject of you having everything, do you have the manual for the Video Byte II? Scanned? Oh, forgive me, I meant photocopied ;)
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on February 12, 2009, 06:24 PM...do you have the manual for the Video Byte II? Scanned? Oh, forgive me, I meant photocopied ;)
I can easily find the cart. Finding the manual (which is only a page or two) would be more difficult to dig out.
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
CommVEx v5 info - http://www.commodore.ca/forum and click on ComVEX
Well, see what you can do Robert. Any efforts are appreciated :)
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on February 15, 2009, 06:38 AM
Well, see what you can do Robert. Any efforts are appreciated :)
Some time back I purchased a Video Byte but the instructions did not come with it. There was a pretty nice screen shot of the Warranty card and a partial view of the front of the instruction manual. I re-created this after I got it as far as I could read from the screen shot. It's not complete, but its a start. Maybe others can complete the rest. The company that produced it used quite a bit of bad grammar and I copied it exactly to preserve it.
http://adoreware.webhosting-for-free.com/Info/Video_Byte_II.doc
Thank you!
As Robert said, the manual is really short :)
I have taken the liberty to pdf (http://commodore128.org.uk/books/Video_Byte_II.pdf) it.
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on February 15, 2009, 08:59 AM
Thank you!
As Robert said, the manual is really short :)
I have taken the liberty to pdf (http://commodore128.org.uk/books/Video_Byte_II.pdf) it.
I like Adobe too.
I generally provide EC2 updates on PETSCII, but I wanted to let everyone know here that the development will be delayed until about the second week in March (about a month). I am moving, and will not be able to do much work. I will watch the forums and respond to email so keep the suggestions coming.
Quote from: Adoreware on February 11, 2009, 09:55 PM
A lot of people are asking for Expert cart, so I will go ahead and add this. I'm watching EBay for one.
Cool :) Thanks - I'm looking forward for further project news. I belive what you really need is to look into Vice sources to see how it is emulated using crt file. This will provide info regarding used lines. Of course the "ESM" circurity is not emulated properly but as pointed earlier it's all about ACKing NMI.
Quote from: Alex on March 12, 2009, 08:19 AM
Quote from: Adoreware on February 11, 2009, 09:55 PM
A lot of people are asking for Expert cart, so I will go ahead and add this. I'm watching EBay for one.
Cool :) Thanks - I'm looking forward for further project news. I belive what you really need is to look into Vice sources to see how it is emulated using crt file. This will provide info regarding used lines. Of course the "ESM" circurity is not emulated properly but as pointed earlier it's all about ACKing NMI.
I am still trying to get moved in so I can start back on this project. I do indeed look at Vice source, but I first try to hardware emulate for 100% compatibility. Vice mostly uses registers and this has draw backs but the source code dose help me a lot. This biggest challenge with any cart is getting the ROM image and a schematic. I usually purchase carts on EBay, but funds are tight right now. I really need outside support getting ROMs, PC board scans, and schematics to make this work because I can't afford to buy every cartridge.
To update everyone, I have finished moving and will be starting back on the project this weekend. I got lucky and found an Expert Cartridge on eBay last night. It appears to be version 4. I also got a Retro Replay Cart. Because there has been so many requests to include the Expert Cart in the EC2, I will be moving in into the first round of supported cartridges.
I will also be pulling out my C128 and will be looking at the internal ROM sockets and the schematics. As long as the internal ROM sockets connect to the expansion port, I don't see a problem emulating the ROMs. I need to search for 128 schematics and look them over. If anyone has them, please let me know or post a link. Best I remember, the schematics are archived on zimmers.
From a birds eye view of the C128 schematics, it appears that Internal Function ROMs can be connected to the Expansion port without having to modify code. Below are my initial observations...
Expansion port SA0-SA7 lines are tied to the internal Function ROM A0-A7 depending on the state of _DMA and _AEC.
Expansion port TA8-TA13 lines are tied to the internal Function ROM A8-A15 depending on the state of _DMA.
The internal Function ROM is enabled by the _FROMI line coming from the 8721 PLA and is done internally by the C128.
Expansion port D0-D7 are directly connected to the internal Function ROM's D0-D7.
Expansion port TA14 along with and TA13 (depending on the state of the DMA line) enables internal ROM1.
So basically, depending on the state of _DMA and _AEC, all data and address lines of the internal Function ROM tie to the Expansion port.
The only foreseeable issue is that EC2 hardware might have to monitor _DMA to know when to tie the EC2's D0-D7 and A0-A15 to the Expansion port. I plan to burn one of the Function ROMs to an EPROM and install in the C128 first, then try moving it to the EC2. This will be my first step in making the EC2 C128 compatible. If one Internal ROM works, ALL of them will work. As far as other carts, I will need to look at the schematic and have the ROM images.
Welcome back :)
I'm thrilled to hear that you are going to try and get the internal function ROM's of the C128 to work with the EC2 :) When an internal ROM is mapped into the memory map of the C128 at startup, it's automatically mapped into BANK 4 of the C128's memory bank. External function ROM's (i.e placed in the empty socket of a REU) as well as native C128 cartridges are mapped into BANK 8. Can you emulate this with the EC2 and make internal function ROMs appear in BANK 4 even though they are connected externally through the EC2?
Back in the days there was a German company called REX that made many different cartridges for the C64. I found four of them in my collection. Have you seen these before?
(http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Printer%20screen%20modul%209823_thm.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Printer%20screen%20modul%209823.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Slow%20down_thm.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Slow%20down.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Unknown_thm.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Unknown.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Multifunktionsmodul_thm.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Multifunktionsmodul.jpg)
I have also created a website to collect most of the available information about the EC2. Please have a look here (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/EC2/) and tell me what you think. Everybody is invited of course :) If there is anything you don't want to see on that site, please let me know and I will remove it.
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on March 29, 2009, 08:32 AM
Welcome back :)
I'm thrilled to hear that you are going to try and get the internal function ROM's of the C128 to work with the EC2 :) When an internal ROM is mapped into the memory map of the C128 at startup, it's automatically mapped into BANK 4 of the C128's memory bank. External function ROM's (i.e placed in the empty socket of a REU) as well as native C128 cartridges are mapped into BANK 8. Can you emulate this with the EC2 and make internal function ROMs appear in BANK 4 even though they are connected externally through the EC2?
Back in the days there was a German company called REX that made many different cartridges for the C64. I found four of them in my collection. Have you seen these before?
(http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Printer%20screen%20modul%209823_thm.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Printer%20screen%20modul%209823.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Slow%20down_thm.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Slow%20down.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Unknown_thm.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Unknown.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Multifunktionsmodul_thm.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Multifunktionsmodul.jpg)
I have also created a website to collect most of the available information about the EC2. Please have a look here (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/EC2/) and tell me what you think. Everybody is invited of course :) If there is anything you don't want to see on that site, please let me know and I will remove it.
I'll be the first to say that I know very little about the C128 bank switching and ROM mapping hierarchy. in fact, today was the first time I ever looked at the schematic. My initial observations were posted before and I don't know at this time if the Function Rom slot can be mapped to the Expansion port for simply ONE reason and this is that the _AEC line is not available on the Expansion port. This dosen't mean it can't be done. I can say with almost certainty the it would be possible with a system ROM and PLA patch, but that would alter the C128. With such a path, a standard cart could be made to house the internal Function ROM EPROM and no software patching would be necessary. If you would like to start a separate project to explore this, let me know and I will gladly participate. With all that said, I still believe it may be possible by watching the _DMA line on the Expansion port.
As far as carts designed to plug into the C128's expansion port or that use the REU socket, I see absolutely no reason why any cart would not work on the EC2. In fact, the 3 of the 4 carts by REX you posted (By the way, I have not seen these before except Slow-Down), can easily be built into the EC2 in C128 mode. The only questionable one is the Slow-Down cart because it has an active component (the electrolytic capacitor). This doesn't mean it won't work because I already designed a capacitor model in VHDL for EXPX Fastload which may be used. The first step would be to reverse engineer the boards and read the ROM contents.
The web site you created looks very nice and is much appreciated. Feel free to use anything from my website or newsgroups to keep it updated. I already figured out how the Action Replay bank switches, so you can scratch that one off the list. Also, the order of business changes from time to time, so keep an eye on PETSCII for updates. I am bumping SuperCPU to the bottom of this list for now because this involves an entire core withing the EC2 and I don't even have the EC2's core finished. I haven't updated Adoreware.com since the day I finished it. I actually have the push button switches and SD Card Slot assembled and I'll try to post some photos.
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on March 29, 2009, 08:32 AMBack in the days there was a German company called REX that made many different cartridges for the C64.
Hey, I have one or two of those (kindly presented to me at the Bunker Meeting in Bochum, Germany back in 2005).
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
Notacon 6 / Blockparty 3 on April 16-19
http://www.notacon.org , http://www.demoparty.us
Quote from: Adoreware on March 29, 2009, 09:43 AM
My initial observations were posted before and I don't know at this time if the Function Rom slot can be mapped to the Expansion port for simply ONE reason and this is that the _AEC line is not available on the Expansion port.
It should also be noted that the C128 does not map its internal or external ROMs into the memory map using hardware, which is the case of the C64. The C128 polls both the internal and external ROMs at startup do decide where it should be mapped. So fooling the C128 into believing that a ROM connected to the expansion port is actually placed in the internal ROM socket would be quite a trick. It'll be very interesting to see if you can manage that :)
Quote from: Adoreware on March 29, 2009, 09:43 AM
This dosen't mean it can't be done. I can say with almost certainty the it would be possible with a system ROM and PLA patch, but that would alter the C128. With such a path, a standard cart could be made to house the internal Function ROM EPROM and no software patching would be necessary. If you would like to start a separate project to explore this, let me know and I will gladly participate.
I'm afraid I'm too little of a hardware guy for such a project :(
Quote from: Adoreware on March 29, 2009, 09:43 AM
As far as carts designed to plug into the C128's expansion port or that use the REU socket, I see absolutely no reason why any cart would not work on the EC2.
I agree completely, there should be no problem at all. Maybe I shouldn't have posted all these remarks in the same post, it might have gotten somewhat confusing :) I didn't mean that the REX cartridges should be made to work in C128 mode, I just wanted you to see them since you earlier have said that you want to incorporate every cartridge possible into the EC2. Are you interested in reverse engineering these?
Quote from: Adoreware on March 29, 2009, 09:43 AM
The web site you created looks very nice and is much appreciated.
I'm glad you like it :) If you'd like you can write about it in a post in the Petscii forum. Coming from you would make it a little more "official" :)
Quote from: Adoreware on March 29, 2009, 09:43 AM
I already figured out how the Action Replay bank switches, so you can scratch that one off the list.
Consider it scratched :)
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on March 29, 2009, 06:08 PM
Quote from: Adoreware on March 29, 2009, 09:43 AM
My initial observations were posted before and I don't know at this time if the Function Rom slot can be mapped to the Expansion port for simply ONE reason and this is that the _AEC line is not available on the Expansion port.
It should also be noted that the C128 does not map its internal or external ROMs into the memory map using hardware, which is the case of the C64. The C128 polls both the internal and external ROMs at startup do decide where it should be mapped. So fooling the C128 into believing that a ROM connected to the expansion port is actually placed in the internal ROM socket would be quite a trick. It'll be very interesting to see if you can manage that :)
Quote from: Adoreware on March 29, 2009, 09:43 AM
This dosen't mean it can't be done. I can say with almost certainty the it would be possible with a system ROM and PLA patch, but that would alter the C128. With such a path, a standard cart could be made to house the internal Function ROM EPROM and no software patching would be necessary. If you would like to start a separate project to explore this, let me know and I will gladly participate.
I'm afraid I'm too little of a hardware guy for such a project :(
Quote from: Adoreware on March 29, 2009, 09:43 AM
As far as carts designed to plug into the C128's expansion port or that use the REU socket, I see absolutely no reason why any cart would not work on the EC2.
I agree completely, there should be no problem at all. Maybe I shouldn't have posted all these remarks in the same post, it might have gotten somewhat confusing :) I didn't mean that the REX cartridges should be made to work in C128 mode, I just wanted you to see them since you earlier have said that you want to incorporate every cartridge possible into the EC2. Are you interested in reverse engineering these?
Quote
You didn't confuse me, I understood you were referring to the C64, and yes I would like very much to get those cartridges reverse engineered.
Quote from: Adoreware on March 29, 2009, 09:43 AM
The web site you created looks very nice and is much appreciated.
I'm glad you like it :) If you'd like you can write about it in a post in the Petscii forum. Coming from you would make it a little more "official" :)
Quote
I already have an "official" site at Adoreware.com, but feel free to post your site in PETSCII and I will happily acknowledge it.
Quote from: Adoreware on March 29, 2009, 09:43 AM
I already figured out how the Action Replay bank switches, so you can scratch that one off the list.
Consider it scratched :)
Quote
One more thing, can you please correct the spelling from "Extreme Cartridge II" to "Extreme Cartridge 2".
Quote from: Adoreware on March 29, 2009, 10:54 PM
You didn't confuse me, I understood you were referring to the C64, and yes I would like very much to get those cartridges reverse engineered.
How do we solve that then? Are pictures and ROM dumps enough or do you need them shipped to you?
Quote from: Adoreware on March 29, 2009, 10:54 PM
One more thing, can you please correct the spelling from "Extreme Cartridge II" to "Extreme Cartridge 2".
It has been corrected :)
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on March 30, 2009, 04:24 AM
Quote from: Adoreware on March 29, 2009, 10:54 PM
You didn't confuse me, I understood you were referring to the C64, and yes I would like very much to get those cartridges reverse engineered.
How do we solve that then? Are pictures and ROM dumps enough or do you need them shipped to you?
Quote
Why don't you send me a PM to jreece@adoreware.com so we can discuss this. Pictures and ROM dumps are a good start, but some times an IC has to be removed to see under it and can damages the cartridge or chip so we should discuss that.
Quote from: Adoreware on March 29, 2009, 10:54 PM
One more thing, can you please correct the spelling from "Extreme Cartridge II" to "Extreme Cartridge 2".
It has been corrected :)
Quote
I meant to say "would you consider changing the name?". Forgive my inconsideration and thanks for changing it.
Quote from: Adoreware on March 30, 2009, 08:12 AM
Why don't you send me a PM to jreece@adoreware.com so we can discuss this. Pictures and ROM dumps are a good start, but some times an IC has to be removed to see under it and can damages the cartridge or chip so we should discuss that.
I sent you a mail, I hope it got through to you :)
I've found some more cartridges that might be interesting for the EC2 to emulate. I don't own these myself, I have only seen them on the internet. Have you seen these? Are any of them emulated?
(http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Partner%20128%20Cartridge_thm.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Partner%20128%20Cartridge.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Geo%20RAM_thm.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Geo%20RAM.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Magic%20voice_thm.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Magic%20voice.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Sound%20expander_thm.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Sound%20expander.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/RAMLink%20cartridge_thm.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/RAMLink%20cartridge.jpg)
I find Partner 128 to be useful, if just a bit underwhelming. It's nice to be able to type a note or pop up an on-screen calculator when you need it. It's the closest you'll ever come to multitasking on the C128.
Sweet :) I didn't even know what Partner 128 was. Do you know if there's ROM dump of it anywhere?
Does the cable connect to the joystick port? Do you know what's it for?
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on April 01, 2009, 01:32 AMDoes the cable connect to the joystick port? Do you know what's it for?
Yes, the cable plugs into the joystick port. I have no idea why. It might just be to make it harder to clone.
I don't know about a ROM image. I have the cart, and haven't opened it up, but I assume the ROM is soldered in, so I can't rip it with my EPROM burner. I also assume the standard ROM busters might not work, since it's a weird invasive cartridge, not the standard stuff.
Edit: There's a nice-looking one for sale on eBay right now for $20 + $5 shipping, if that helps at all.
I didn't find that one. Do you know which itemnumber it has? I only found the item number: 360127480326. But $50 is a little too much...
eBay number: 180335147949
Sorry. I had the number copied and I forgot to paste it. :-[
I've had a partner 128 for years and never used it. So I popped it open to see what's inside.
There is a 16K EPROM, an 8K Static RAM (no batt. Backup) and 9 logic chips. The joy port connection is just 1 wire, pin 3 of the nine pin connector. Pin 3 goes to col 2 (pin 18) of the keyboard connector.
If you want to look at the code in the EPROM, it's very easy. With the cartridge plugged in, go to the built in MONITOR, type M88000 and it will display the first part of the EPROM. If you want to save it to disk, type T88000 8BFFF 8000, then S"PARTNER128",8,8000,A000. You don't have to take the EPROM off the PC board.
It would be a tough board to reverse engineer. A lot of small traces and you would have to remove all the ICs'.
Dan...
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on March 31, 2009, 11:32 PM
Quote from: Adoreware on March 30, 2009, 08:12 AM
Why don't you send me a PM to jreece@adoreware.com so we can discuss this. Pictures and ROM dumps are a good start, but some times an IC has to be removed to see under it and can damages the cartridge or chip so we should discuss that.
I sent you a mail, I hope it got through to you :)
I've found some more cartridges that might be interesting for the EC2 to emulate. I don't own these myself, I have only seen them on the internet. Have you seen these? Are any of them emulated?
(http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Partner%20128%20Cartridge_thm.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Partner%20128%20Cartridge.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Geo%20RAM_thm.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Geo%20RAM.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Magic%20voice_thm.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Magic%20voice.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Sound%20expander_thm.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/Sound%20expander.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/RAMLink%20cartridge_thm.jpg) (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/images/forumpics/RAMLink%20cartridge.jpg)
Quote
I received your email and have responded. I personally own the Magic Voice and know it has a custom voice chip and should be able to be emulated. The same goes from the Sound Expander. The GEORAM and RAMLINK can be emulated for sure. The Partner 128 can also be emulated but would also need the cable connected to the Joystick port.
Quote from: megabit on April 01, 2009, 07:44 AM
I've had a partner 128 for years and never used it. So I popped it open to see what's inside.
There is a 16K EPROM, an 8K Static RAM (no batt. Backup) and 9 logic chips. The joy port connection is just 1 wire, pin 3 of the nine pin connector. Pin 3 goes to col 2 (pin 18) of the keyboard connector.
If you want to look at the code in the EPROM, it's very easy. With the cartridge plugged in, go to the built in MONITOR, type M88000 and it will display the first part of the EPROM. If you want to save it to disk, type T88000 8BFFF 8000, then S"PARTNER128",8,8000,A000. You don't have to take the EPROM off the PC board.
It would be a tough board to reverse engineer. A lot of small traces and you would have to remove all the ICs'.
Dan...
Quote
I would be nice to have the ROM image, and a scan of the top and bottom of the PC board.
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on April 01, 2009, 01:32 AMI didn't even know what Partner 128 was.
At last year's CommVEx, we had a Partner 64 as a door prize.
You enter CommVEx, and you might
win a door prize,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
CommVEx v5 info - http://www.commodore.ca/forum and click on ComVEX
or go to http://www.portcommodore.com/commvex
Thanks for the autopsy report, Dan. Yeah, I figured it was complex. I knew (but forgot to mention) that it had some scratchpad RAM in there, too. That's what it uses for taking notes, etc., without disturbing application memory. Interesting about the keyboard line from the joystick port. I can't imagine what that's for.
I am selling off a bunch of Commodore hardware. See my stuff on E-Bay at
http://shop.ebay.com/jreece7744/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg= (http://shop.ebay.com/jreece7744/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=)
I am still working on the EC2, so don't be worried that selling this stuff will stop me from completing it. I still have at least one of everything I'm selling that I plan to keep.
Is it weird that I feel strangely attracted to the Tinkerbelle stuff in that auction? ???
Quote from: airship on August 18, 2009, 02:43 AM
Is it weird that I feel strangely attracted to the Tinkerbelle stuff in that auction? ???
This is off subject but I cant help but to share your sentiments. I have a daughter and all that stuff was hers when she was a little girl. Anyone who has a daughter can easily relate to what we are talking about. My fondest memories are playing Tinkerbell (and Commodore ;) ) with her. There is no shame in having a sensitive side. She is now grown and I no longer have use for the stuff, so I might as well sale it.
Yep. My daughter is now 35. She's great, and I love her, but sometimes I miss my 'little' girl.