



rea 2 nor
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Topic 2         Thu Oct 24, 1991
C128.JBEE [* Sysop *]        at 04:36 EDT
Sub: Ram Link                               

 This topic is for comments, suggestions, and news about CMD's Ramlink.

168 message(s) total.
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 1         Tue Nov 02, 1993
D.BOBER [RENTaLASER]         (Forwarded) 
 
Thanks for the info... Got another question. If I get RamLink with only a one
Meg. RAM Card, can I increase the memory to four Megs without having to buy
another Ram Card? (at a later date). *s
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 2         Tue Nov 02, 1993
H.HERMAN1                    (Forwarded) 
 
RENT,

Yes.

Howie
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 3         Tue Nov 02, 1993
CMD-DOUG                     (Forwarded) 
 
As Howie mentioned, yes. RAMLink can hold only 1 RAMCard. The RAMCard has 4
SIMM sockets, which can hold either 1 MB or 4 MB SIMMs. When you buy a 1 MB
RAMLink, it comes with a RAMCard and one 1 MB SIMM installed. You may add
three more SIMMs, but all SIMMs must be either 1 MB or 4 MB with only one
exception - you may use a single 1 MB SIMM mixed with one, two or three 4 MB
SIMMs.
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 4         Wed Nov 03, 1993
D.BOBER [RENTaLASER]         (Forwarded) 
 
What about geoPrint Cable. Is there any problem with using RamLink and the
geoCable?

Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it!
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 5         Wed Nov 03, 1993
H.HERMAN1                    (Forwarded) 
 
RENT,

This one I'd answer: no.  No problem, that is.

I am sure, however, that Doug may amplify on this.  :)

Howie
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 6         Thu Nov 04, 1993
CMD-DOUG                     (Forwarded) 
 
Absolutely no problems using RAMLink and a geoPrint Cable together. I do it
all the time. Or at least every time I print from in GEOS. :)
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 7         Sun Nov 28, 1993
R.DAY                        at 04:31 EST
 
On my RAMlink I want to unhook the parallel cable but unhooked the power one
that I did not want to. I said good thing I have the battery on it I only had
it out for I guess 5 sec. but all the ram 14 meg reset. I had it in there for
2 months. O well can't get mad I guess if it happins anuff I will lern to back
it up. I think it my be because of the battery connector just not getting a
good connectshion. I think CMD did change this, did they? I tested it after
all my ram was gone








































































































it will not give me the next line I can keep typeing and all is lost!!!!!






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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 8         Sun Nov 28, 1993
GEOS-TIM                     at 11:41 EST
 
A black hole in the message threads.  Glad to see you got out of it. Twilight
zone music is on the SID.      :) -Tim
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 9         Sun Nov 28, 1993
CMD-DOUG                     at 12:14 EST
 
Perhaps the connection, but perhaps not. Unplugging the Power Supply from
RAMLink with the computer turned on isn't good - RAMLink watches the power
lines on the computer to determine when it needs to take over refreshing the
RAM. I believe that Mark made changes to this in the v2 circuitry, but I can
tell by your post that you have a v1. Not sure how you could really confuse
the parallel with the power, big difference in size - but you really should
use extreme caution when unplugging cables from RAMLink.
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 10        Sat Dec 11, 1993
D.BOBER [RENTaLASER]         at 18:59 EST
 
On page 43 of my RamLink Users Manual, it states that a JiffyDOS manual is
included with your RAMLink manual so that you may become familiar with the
JiffyDOS commands and enhancements. But I can't find it im my copy of the
RAMLink Manual. I do not have JiffyDOS installed in my C-128. I am thinking of
getting the JiffyDOS chip for my 1571 drive though. I have the most recient
version of RAMLink.
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 11        Sat Dec 11, 1993
CMD-DOUG                     at 23:59 EST
 
If you have the plastic spine bound RAMLink manual, then the JiffyDOS manual
is part of it. Take a look at the last 60 or so pages.
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 12        Sun Dec 12, 1993
D.BOBER [RENTaLASER]         at 13:24 EST
 
No. I have the small blue three ring binder with CMD printed on the comver. I
checked the last sections in the book and it is not there. Not even in the
Appendix. My RAMLink is only one month old. Did they perhaps revise the Book
and no longer include the JiffyDOS instructions in it?
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 13        Sun Dec 12, 1993
CMD-DOUG                     at 21:21 EST
 
Sounds like they forgot to put the JD section in yours. Just give a call and
mention this, and request they get you one right away. Meanwhile, I'll check
to make sure they aren't doing this on all the manuals. (Have to keep an eye
on production, seems like they need retraining every time we come back from a
holiday weekend...) ::sigh::
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 14        Mon Dec 13, 1993
B.KIRKLAND                   at 07:01 EST
 
When I bought my RAMDrive about a year ago, the manual in it also said there
was a JiffyDos manual included, but I could not find one either. There is no
page numbers, but it's in the third paragraph, in section 5, JiffyDos. Even
though it has been about a year, can I still get a JD manual?

Bob.

BTW, mine is also the three ring blue folder with CMD on the front and  side.
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 15        Mon Dec 13, 1993
CMD-DOUG                     at 20:53 EST
 
At various times the JiffyDOS manual has been either a totally separate entity
or a printed part of the RAMLink and RAMDrive manuals. So anyone who thinks
they did not get one should always check the last 60 pages or so of the manual
they did get to make sure. But if it isn't there, call and report this so that
you can get a replacement. I can't answer for management on whether they will
honor such a request a year afterwards. I can't see why they wouldn't, but
they're obviously going to ask why you waited a year to make the request. For
anyone in this latter category, I suggest the following excuses:

 1. I've been suffering from Desert Storm Syndrome.
 2. My wife hid my [RAMLink/RAMDrive] until I finished cleaning the garage.
 3. I couldn't figure out how to hook it up to my IBM.

Doug :)
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 16        Mon Dec 13, 1993
THE.OUTLAW                   at 21:19 EST
 
LOL Doug! I like those excuses! My manual didn't come with one either but I
wasn't worried about it.. I have 2 JD manuals from buying the JD chips for
both the 64 & 128  :>
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 17        Mon Dec 13, 1993
CMD-DOUG                     at 22:18 EST
 
This is really strange. I had no idea that there were that many of them out
there getting shorted on this. I'm really going to have to do some looking
into this.
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 18        Sat Dec 18, 1993
D.BOBER [RENTaLASER]         at 00:42 EST
 
CMD Doug,
   I received the JiffyDOS manual today, Thanks a lot!! CMD's customer service
is excellent!
                    Thank You.        :)
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 19        Sat Dec 18, 1993
CMD-DOUG                     at 07:17 EST
 
We're not without our flaws, but we do try to make up for them. :)
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 20        Sat Dec 18, 1993
MRABOY                       at 08:36 EST
 
Doug,  I removed my RL from my 128D and when I replaced it I got amessage
"Device not present."  I don't get access or activity lights to come on but I
can reset my computer with RL.  Other cartridges don't seem to to work either.
Any input would help.
 Otherwise the computer and other drives seem to be working.
                                       Mike :)
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 21        Sat Dec 18, 1993
CMD-DOUG                     at 09:12 EST
 
Sounds like either the power supply, or the RAMCard isn't properly seated.
Could be other things, but those are the two most likely problems that would
cause what you're (not) getting.
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 22        Thu Jan 06, 1994
S.PADOVE1                    at 19:56 EST
 
Have a RamLink w/16 megs, battery backup and REU 1750 used in direct mode (to
allow use of large Dialogue 128 buffer).  Other hardware includes 128D w/1571
as 8, 1571 as 9, 1581 as 11, CMD HD 40-85 as 12, and the RL as 16.

Have been having problems with the RL loosing everything for no apparent
reason.  When that happens all that shows up as partitions is (1) with 17xx
blocks.  If I remove the 1750 REU and then plug back in I get two partitions
#1 - 2048 blocks and #2 - 63232 blocks.  I then reinstall programs into new
partitions.  This will hold for anywhere from 2 weeks to 1-2 days.  There has
been no power outages and the battery is fully charged (6.5).

I really don't want to install anymore programs till I resolve this problem. 
Any suggestions???

TIA    "C"
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 23        Thu Jan 06, 1994
CMD-DOUG                     at 20:25 EST
 
I've not seen such a problem as you've described it before. This one sounds
like you should get in contact with Mark at our technical support line.
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 24        Sun Jan 30, 1994
M.KIRBY2                     at 17:23 EST
 
Help!!  This is an urgent plea to anyone with a C128 and RAMLink.

I Was recently downloading some files from a BBS and when I finished a HUGE
chunk  of files was missing from my RAMLink.  The first eight files were still
there  along with the last file I DLed but every thing in between (and there
was a  lot in between) is gone.  None of the files in the other partition were
affected. I know I didn't accidently format it because some of the original
files are still there.   I have a program to retrieve scratched files but
don't know if it will work on RAMLink.  

I'm using a C128, a RAMLink with a one meg card, an REU expanded to 2 megs,
and  was using Dialogue 128.  I've had this setup for a while and never had a
problem  like this before.

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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 25        Sun Jan 30, 1994
C128.JBEE                    at 19:06 EST
 
 Sometimes Dialogue messes up your disk (nukes the partition table?) like
 it NEWed the whole partition IF one of the files contains a "/" slash
 in the file name.  Also, there was a file called U-96 (the battleship
 game) that kept nuking my native mode partition, so I renamed it before
 it went live (of course).

 All I could think was Dialogue 128 was making the "u-96" into a command
 channel command.  Never could track the exact problem down.

 Also, when downloading files, Dialogue 128 will cut the file off before
 the "/" in a filename.  So we try to make sure the C= RT files do not
 have any "/" slashes in them.
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 26        Mon Jan 31, 1994
L.SCHONDER [Lou]             at 05:11 EST
 
Nuked ramLink partitions!!!! Just the thought of it is terrifing!!!! I'll be
careful of "slasher" files!!!
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 27        Mon Jan 31, 1994
M.KIRBY2                     at 09:06 EST
 
Well, I've never had this problem before and like I saide some of the old
files were still  there.  And I don't have any fils with a "/"in them.

Whatever caused it I'm more interested in what could be done about it.  Is
there  a program to unscratch RAMLink files?  I don't think I can use the one
on my  commodore DOS Shell disk because the BAM is different.
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 28        Mon Jan 31, 1994
CMD-DOUG                     at 22:21 EST
 
  No. File Name             Type Address      YYMMDD Bytes   Access Lib ----- -
----------------------- - ------------ ------ ------- ------ --- 11585
UNSCRATCH.SFX            X CMD-DOUG     930307    5376     36   8
      Desc: File Unscratch for CMD & CBM drives

Also highly recommended: CMD UTILITIES from CMD. FCOPY+ on this disk contains
an UNSCRATCH function, as well as an UNNEW function. Lot's of other goodies
for CMD device owners as well.
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 29        Mon Jan 31, 1994
M.KIRBY2                     at 22:36 EST
 
Thanks.  I'll try it.
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 30        Mon Jan 31, 1994
M.KIRBY2                     at 22:43 EST
 
Can't get the file it's a private library.  Who do I have to Email for acces?
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 31        Tue Feb 01, 1994
C128.JBEE                    at 00:23 EST
 
 e-mail CMD-DOUG with your name, address, model, and serial numbers.
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 32        Tue Feb 01, 1994
F.OGLE [Color BBS]           at 01:09 EST
 
FCOPY+ is the single copy utility that I use the most.  This handy utility
does everything but take out the trash.  BTW is that feature being worked on? 
;)
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 33        Tue Feb 01, 1994
CMD-DOUG                     at 19:27 EST
 
No. We have to leave something for future upgrades... :)
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 34        Thu Feb 03, 1994
E.WHITAKER2 [Scormus]        at 04:05 EST
 
Well, boy do I feel stupid.... I've been noticing a bit of a problem with my
ramalink lately.  I'm not  yet certain if it's software or hardware related,
but occasionally, the  reset button has been intermittently failing to
function.  My first thought , of course, was... HARDWARE.  Something's not
fully plugged in.  I have a SuperSnapshot V5 cartridge, a 1750 clone from SSI,
and of course the main  ramcard and rtc plug into the motherboard as well. 
Please, when you read the next few lines, DON'T PITY ME.  It was my own fault.
Anyway, I made the [stupid] decision to unplug the SS5 and then plug it back
in.  No big deal but it led me down the path.  The next time the reset failed,
I popped out the 1750 clone and then stared in horror at the former 384K geos 
ramdrive full of information in my hand.  Well, after I recovered from my 
shock, I turned off the ramlink, plugged in my now barren REU (praying the
whole time to the gods of CMD that the rest of my data was still ok & I was
not about to ruin my entire Ramlink hardware wise).  Now for the big test.  
AAARRRRGGGGHHHHH.  turning on the system, the familiar 3 second wait, and I
have two partitions.  One, the size of my empty clone, and the other, the size
of all my expansion ram, and two or three weeks worth of tinkering and
puttering with my new laser was gone. I had been writing a printerdriver for
SuperScript and the Epson Action Laser 1500. Well, fine.  I, of course, had a
backup of my ramlink on HD, minus the  stuff I had been working on. 
Additionally,  I have a paper printout of my partitions, sizes, etc.  made
with the program uploaded by me (scormus) in the libraries.  Additionally, of
course, I have a 16 block copy of my System partition stashed on the HD.  Now
what?.  I didn't feel like a 29 minute wait to do a restore, and I really had
nothing to lose, So i  decided to experiment.  I copied the 16 block system
file into memory, & then sent it to the ramlink.  Nothin happened.  D***, I
thought.  Then I remembered seeing somewhere that the ramlink reads certain
data on powerup and doesn't reread it.  Turning off the power, and then
turning it on.   VOILA.  Back in business.  I am AMAZED at the quality of the
Hardware that is produced at CMD.  I know that plugging things in and
unplugging them is a Major risk, but I simply cannot say enough good things
about this device and it's performance for me so far.  Anyway, my next step
was to round up the laser printer horses that had escaped through the
proverbial barn door. Then, I had to write on the blackboard 100 times...  I
will not write any programs,data files, or text files without saving them to
at least two different forms of data storage.

Thanks, CMD, for a fantastic piece of equipment.  By the way, I apologize for
making this whole thing one sentence.  Also, any Idea why the reset button
might be giving me trouble?

The moral of the story?  All's well that ends without hardware damage.

Scormus   aka   Eeek
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 35        Thu Feb 03, 1994
H.HERMAN1                    at 05:08 EST
 
 Scormus,

 >...  No big deal but it led me down the path.  The next time the reset
 >failed, I popped out the 1750 clone and then stared in horror at the
 >former 384K geos ramdrive full of information in my hand.

 I wonder...

 Is this the way it happened....

 with Mrs. Bobbitt?    :)

     <<THUD>>

 Actually you are a lot luckier.  Imagine just replugging the REU clone back
 into RAMLink, and you found all the RL's ram intact.  I never would have
 believed such a thing possible!

 Thinking about it, I do not think that I would ever think to do something
 like that. I mean all that plugging and unplugging while RL is still
 powered.  That is the first  "thou shalt not" commandment we all learned
 at the very beginning.  But then I usually follow the rules, instructions,
 and everything else...

 I have never had a reason to make a copy of RL's sys setup.  However, after
 reading your experiences, I will be runnning that just as soon as I signoff
 from here.

 You wrote the RL Root printer?  Outstanding utility.

 Thanks!!

 Howie
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 36        Fri Feb 04, 1994
CMD-DOUG                     at 23:43 EST
 
RE: Reset button... can you 'feel' it click when this happens? If not, the
switch may be sticking, and if it is it may have other problems internally, or
may have a bad solder joint. There are also some components in that circuit,
but generally they're the type that would either be good or bad, not
occassionally one or the other. The switch can be replaced pretty cheaply -
I'll check on a price.
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 37        Fri Feb 11, 1994
E.WHITAKER2 [Scormus]        at 02:33 EST
 
doug, the switch is clicking.  The problem doesn't seem to occur often, & I
haven't isolated any specific circumstances.  I'm tempted to think that it
could be software related now, though.  I just noticed that Superscript won't
reset properly unless the super snapshot cart is installed.  IT's to prevent
people from examining the code, I guess, but if you don't exit  through the
software's quit function, the computer locks up.  

H.Herman1 >> The ram APPEARS to be intact, and some of it is verifiably so but
I don't know for sure that the system area was the only part that was
rewritten.  The whole thing was scary as h**k though.  As for which programs I
have online, Search for Scormus.  That's a key word on all of  them.  There's
a very useful version of find, among others.

Scormus   aka   Eeek
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 38        Fri Feb 11, 1994
C.OGLE2 [V128_B.Stick]       at 04:02 EST
 
 While we're on the Ramlink subject... I was reading in Compute'S C128
Programmers guide that the 128's can't access 2 relative files simultaneously,
yet out of curiosity I tried in on both my Ramlink and HD, with no problems.
Will this cause any unforseen side effects, or were CMD products adapted to do
this?
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 39        Fri Feb 11, 1994
CMD-DOUG                     at 04:53 EST
 
Accessing more than one REL file at once is not a shortcoming of the computer
itself - it is generally a limitation of a specific drive, based on the number
of buffers available. The limitation of one REL file applies only to 1541 and
1571 disk drives (or clones). The 1581, RAMLink, FD and HD can all handle at
least two (the FD and HD can actually handle several).
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 40        Fri Feb 11, 1994
D.BOBER [RENTaLASER]         at 22:49 EST
 
Having a problem with RamLink/GEOS and a C128D...

First, this is how I had RamLink/GEOS configured with my FLAT 128. GateWay is
located in a NATV Partition.  Part.#1 RamLinks default device number is 8 I
have a Super 1750 Clone REU installed in the RAM PORT. It is Partition number
31. (for Switcher and geoWizard) And I had a 1571 drive set at device #9 Now
when I boot gateway from RamLink (#8), everything worked fine. I nnever had a
problem...Until I bought a refurbished C128D... Before iI installed RamLink, I
changed the device number in the Internal  drdrive to #9. (Cut the trace
closest to the front of the Computer.) But when I boot GateWay from RamLink
(#8) it starts to load, but freezes right after the Pull-down menus and the
date/tie appear. The Trash can and drivers never appear. Neither does the
filePad. Just stops...

I have tried to boot from the floppy boot disk, same result. Even tried to
boot from the Master GEOS Disk (after pressing SWAP 9), again, GEOS starts to
boot, the DeskTop appears, so does the trash, then CRASH!

Now, if I disable RamLink, and boot from the GEOS Master Disk, it  works, but
you obviously can't access the RamLink...

           Any Ideas??? Is there any reason I can't change the internal drive
number to 9...

         :(
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 41        Fri Feb 11, 1994
D.BOBER [RENTaLASER]         at 23:03 EST
 
Oh, I forgot...

All my other software, both 64 and 128 loads and runs from RamLink flawlessly.
Just having a problem with GEOS...

Thanks
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 42        Fri Feb 11, 1994
CMD-DOUG                     at 23:54 EST
 
Could be any of a number of things... If you aren't running with the timing
jumper clip installed, that would be something to try. Position of the
Normal/Direct switch also can cause boot failure if it isn't set exactly the
same way as it was when the boot disk was created. Something could also be
messed up in the System area of RAMLink, so you may have to ZAP SYSTEM and
recreate the partitions.
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 43        Sat Feb 12, 1994
C128.JBEE                    at 03:34 EST
 
 If you have this problem using gateWay it is usually because your disk
 drivers are not in proper order.

 Since you did not mention gateWay, I will assume you do not have it.
 So, run your OLD boot disk on the flat 128 with Ramlink, then pick the
 configure file and set up the drive sequence the way you want it with
 the 1571 attached (or in this case with a C-128D).  Then save the
 configure file.  Next time you boot GEOS on the 128D, it will properly
 search for the drives.

 Sometimes you have to configure the 1571 as a 1541 if you are having
 problems booting (especially with the Maverick boot).

 When using the normal deskTop, you HAVE to have the A/B drives as 8/9.
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 44        Sat Feb 12, 1994
D.BOBER [RENTaLASER]         at 10:50 EST
 
I am using GateWay.  The switches are in the same position as before. This
morning, I connected RamLink to my Flat 128 and GEOS/GateWay booted with no
lock-up. Everything worked. Also I do have the jumper clip ins [A [C [C [C [C
[A [B [C [C [B [D [D [D [D [D [D [D [D [Dd on the PLA. On the 128D that is...

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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 45        Sat Feb 12, 1994
M.RANDALL2 [Maurice]         at 11:35 EST
 
Obviously, your RamLink is working OK, you've proven that on your C-128. But
you need to figure out if the problem exists with it being connected to the
128-D or if it is just a problem with the 128-D itself, or if it is the
internal drive. Since you can't disconnect the drive, put your RamLink back on
the C-128 and boot up gateWay. Then, delete all the disk drivers except the
one you need for the RL. This way, when gateWay boots up, it won't even
attempt to look for the 1571, and any access problems with it won't occur. So,
put the RL back into the 128-D and boot it up. If it comes up OK, then the 
problem is with the 1571. If it still does not work then it is a  problem
either with the computer or the computer/RL combination. Keep testing.
 ------------
Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 46        Sat Feb 12, 1994
D.BOBER [RENTaLASER]         at 14:57 EST
 
M.Randall2... ...Thats it!!!!

I booted gateWay/GEOS from my flat 128, removed the 1571 driver from the
partition. Plugged RamLink into the 128D, booted gateWay, and it worked. Just
can't use the internal 1571 drive. There must be a defect in the  128D and or
the drive. I bought it from a mail order company. Its going back on
Monday...Damn.

Before I send it back, is there anything I can do to make the drive  work with
gateWay/RamLink?

Thanks alot for all your jhelp!!! I really appreciate it!       :)
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 47        Sat Feb 12, 1994
M.RANDALL2 [Maurice]         at 18:09 EST
 
Now that you've got it narrowed down to the drive, here's the next thing to
check. My 128D is very sensitive to having certain monitors sitting on top of
it. It will mess up about 10 percent of the time and it only seems to happen
with certain programs. But ever since I changed the layout, it hasn't faulted
yet. I now have two 1541s sitting on top of the D and then a power center on
top of the 1541s. Then on top of the  power center is the monitor. I think
that the 1541s are providing a good shield for the built-in 1571. Try
relocating your monitor and see what happens. Also, pay attention to little
things like how the drive sounds, if the heads sound like they are moving
smoothly. Does the drive start spinning if a disk is either removed or
inserted? If not, then that is one problem to investigate. You might also have
to do a ram test of the drive. Maybe somebody else has some other ideas. But
I'd check the monitor for messing up the drive first.
 ------------
Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 48        Sat Feb 12, 1994
D.BOBER [RENTaLASER]         at 20:21 EST
 
My monitor doesn't sit on the computer. In fact, nothing sits on the computer.
The drive starts spinning when a disk is inserted and removed. How do you do a
drive RAM test?
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 49        Sun Feb 13, 1994
M.RANDALL2 [Maurice]         at 01:03 EST
 
  

 Here's a little BASIC program that will test the ram area
 that the GEOS turbo code resides in within any drive that
 GEOS can use. It works on the 1541,1571,1581,HD,and FD.
 Since it's a BASIC program, it's kinda slow, but it works.
 It will take almost a minute and a half to run, and will
 work on either a 64 or 128.

 10 input"device number to test";dv
 20 print:print"wait, testing drive ram..."
 30 vl=85:gosub100
 40 vl=170:gosub100
 50 print"drive ram is ok":end
 100 open15,dv,15:ad=768
 110 for m=1to32
 120 ah=int(ad/256):al=ad and 255
 130 a$=chr$(vl):forl=1to31:a$=a$+chr$(vl):next
 140 print#15,"m-w"chr$(al)chr$(ah)chr$(32)a$
 150 ad=ad+32:next
 160 print#15
 170 ad=768
 180 form=1to4
 190 ah=int(ad/256):al=ad and 255
 200 print#15,"m-r"chr$(al)chr$(ah)chr$(0)
 210 for l=1to256:get#15,a$:if a$=""then a$=chr$(0)
 220 if vl<>asc(a$)then print"ram failed!!!":close15:end
 230 next:ad=ad+256:next:close15:return


 In addition to running this test on your D's 1571, try
 something else. Try to verify that the problem doesn't
 exist with the fast bus electronics of the 1571. There
 are a couple of tests you could try. Switch JiffyDos off
 and time how long it takes to load a plain old BASIC
 file in 128 mode. Then time it on your C-128 with your
 other 1571. If there is a big difference, then you are
 getting close to the problem. Also, copy the 1541 disk
 driver to your RamLink with your C-128. Then plug the
 RL back into your 128D and issue the command @U0>M0 to
 the 1571 with a single-sided disk in the drive. Now
 boot up gateWay from the RamLink and see if gateWay will
 run your 1571 in 1541 mode.

 Keep checking...

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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 50        Sun Feb 13, 1994
H.HERMAN1                    at 02:43 EST
 
It might be prudent to take another look at the deice changing board cut.

Is it a clean cut all the way thru?  Any little bits of metal left floating
around inside the 128?

Howie
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 51        Wed Feb 16, 1994
D.BOBER [RENTaLASER]         at 00:09 EST
 
I re-soldered the device number change cut. Still does the same thing. I
noticed something else, sometimes when loading a program from the  1571 drive,
It would do one of three things...
          1. Program loads and runs
          2. DOS ERROR, File not found. But the file is on disk. Spelling
             is also correct.
          3. Nothing happens after hitting return, cursor jumps down to
             next line.

Oh well, dosen't matter, I sent it back Monday for a replacement.

        Thanks for all of your help. I'll save that basic program and try it
on my other drives...

                                   :)
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 52        Wed Mar 09, 1994
H.STEVENS5 [HaroldOH]        at 22:18 EST
 
Doug, I have a question concerning the SIMM used in RAMLink. In a local used
computer store, I have noticed a package containing two 1-meg SIMM (x8) for a
MacIntosh. The package is listed as having one SIMM for the Mac although there
are two in the package. 

My question is that I [Dif I purchase this SIMM package, I would really be 
getting two 1-meg SIMM for my RAMLink due to the fact that my C-64 is an 8-bit
machine, and the Mac is a 16-bit machine. Is that correct?

If this is correct, then I can assume that I can add these two SIMMS to my
RAMLink, right? In other words, two 1-meg SIMMs are needed to give a Mac 1-meg
of memory and one is needed for equal size of memory for the C-64?

--Harold
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 53        Thu Mar 10, 1994
CMD-DOUG                     at 07:26 EST
 
That package isn't properly marked, I suspect. Two megs is two megs - it just
happens that Mac's require that you add SIMMs two at a time because of how
they are designed (they could have been designed to take one at a time, but it
would be a little harder to manage that way). Anyway, Mac places will always
try to sell you two at a time, being convined that there couldn't possibly be
a use for a single SIMM. But you're right about using them in a RAMLink - two
1 MB SIMMs will indeed expand your unit by 2 MB.
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 54        Sat Mar 12, 1994
H.STEVENS5 [HaroldOH]        at 00:33 EST
 
That's what I thought. And this package is a deal, too. These two SIMMs are
selling for $70 together, or $35 each. Great, this will mean that I can expand
my RAMLink by another 2 megs cheaply.

BTW, what is your E-Mail address, Doug? I tried dropping a line using CMD-DOUG
and it refused to go through. I want to leave my address to get the writer's
guide.

--Harold
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 55        Sat Mar 12, 1994
CMD-DOUG                     at 11:12 EST
 
That's the correct email address, Harold. Can't see any reason for it to fail -
I get mail all the time with it.
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 56        Sat Mar 19, 1994
R.KING53 [Ron]               at 13:16 EST
 
I currently have a 2 meg RamLink and a C-64.  If I ever get a C-128 will my
RamLink work with it?
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 57        Sat Mar 19, 1994
CMD-DOUG                     at 14:11 EST
 
Yes, RAMLink was made to be universally usable on 64's and 128's.
 ------------
Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 58        Sat Mar 19, 1994
L.SCHONDER [C128.LOU]        at 18:22 EST
 
hey Ron (R.KING53), I have a flat C128 for sale, CHEAP! See CAT #10, "For Sale
& Wanted"
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 59        Tue Mar 22, 1994
N.PHI [Toto]                 at 07:06 EST
 
More on the topic of this famous RAMLink device:

I would like to know what software RAMLink users have successfully installed!
By this I mean software that was conceived well before any notion of RAMLink
ever came forth.

I have had success with the following programs:

SSI role-playing games (Countdown to Doomsday, Champions of Krynn, Death
    Knights of Krynn, Gateway to the Savage Frontier, Secret of the
    Silver Blades) Black Gold, Duck Tales, Racing Destrution Set, B.A.T.,
Puffy's Saga, Blockout  ...and maybe a few others tha I can't remember off the
top of my head. Some of these just file-copy straight into a NATV partition;
others must be loaded into individual 1541-mode partitions; still others must
be booted from 'snapped' files.

Basically, I wonder if anybody else would like to shared his/her experience
with me!
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 60        Tue Mar 22, 1994
N.PHI [Toto]                 at 07:10 EST
 
And YET ANOTHER question:

What IS the official policy for upgrading RAMCard I to RAMCard II?? I heard
somewhere (quite recently) that the user would have to send the  old Card and
$70 to CMD; then if it all checked out, a $50 refund would come back...
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 61        Tue Mar 22, 1994
R.KING53 [Ron]               at 21:05 EST
 
Toto:

 I have installed Double Dragon, The Three Stooges, Big Blue Reader, Evelyn
Wood's Dynamic Reader, Sylvia Porter's Financial Planner at one time or
another.  On some I had to use Maverick. As you said some worked with Native,
but I've had the most luck with 1541 partitions.
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Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 62        Tue Mar 22, 1994
CMD-DOUG                     at 21:57 EST
 
Last I knew, the upgrade to RAMCard II was $59.95, but some very old versions
of RAMLink require hardware modifications at the factory in order to use the
new RAMCard; and there's an additional charge for that. If the RAMLink is a
Revision G or higher, it won't require the modifications.
 ------------
Category 12,  Topic 2
Message 63        Wed Mar 23, 1994
N.PHI [Toto]                 at 02:46 EST
 
Regarding the installation of software on RAMLink:

Thanks for chipping in your bits of experience! I forgot to mention that World
Class LeaderBoard and Echelon seem to work quite well from RL. I really
appreciate the option of NOT using the built-in fastloader for 1541 only.
 ------------
