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Text File | 1992-12-31 | 99.4 KB | 2,639 lines

=============================================================================== This file is from GEnie's Commodore Flagship Library. To join the Flagship call with a modem set to 8-n-1 300/1200/2400 1/2 duplex and dial 1-800-638-8369 (Canada 1-800-387-8330). Upon connection enter HHH <return> At the id prompt of "U#=" enter xtx99263,genie Have your credit card or checkbook handy! Uploaded by JBEE to GEnie 921229 < 8 Bitters Do It With Bytes > =============================================================================== Terms of distribution: As long as this SFX file and the text remains intact, permission is granted to distribute on a non-profit BBS or on disk by non-profit Commodore User Groups. We reserve all rights to this data and file. ============================================================================== This archive is from the Commodore Flagship, Cat#4, Hardware =============================================================================== ctly to the monitor. ------------ Category 4, Topic 21 Message 18 Thu Apr 23, 1992 MIKE.DUNCAN [ Mikey ] at 20:25 EDT Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Just a note about the devices mentioned earlier. The chips that look like little squares with spider-leg type leads are ~Flat Packs'. They are a pain to replace. The replacement chip usually comes without pre-formed leads. They stick straight out, and you have to bend them yourself. You bend them 90 degrees once to form the ~knee', then again to form the ~foot'. Making all of the ~feet' sit squarly on the pads can be a little tricky. Flat Packs are slightly raised from the surface of the board, standing on their feet. Most SMT chips don't really have leads. They're usually square, with contact points around the bottom edge, which correspond to pads on the circuit board that they're ~surface-mounted' on. Replacement is usually done with a pin-point hot air type of soldering tool. If there are SMT chips with spider-legged leads, then I need to catch up. But I thought I heard Flat Pack talk. - Mikey ------------ Category 4, Topic 21 Message 19 Thu Jul 16, 1992 T.ADAMS2 at 21:56 EDT With the video connected as above, won't the result be mono chrome only? Am looking for an RGB mon- itor for my 128 in order to get 80 colums in color, but if it can be done via a vcr and tv, will have to hold up and try this??! (Tim Adams) ------------ Category 4, Topic 21 Message 20 Fri Jul 17, 1992 M.DULSKI1 [Mark @WIZARD] at 02:10 EDT Well, monochrome 80 is better than NO 80 col. Yep, it's mono but it works. A little fuzzy maybe ;) I used the VCR for about three months before I got a 'real' 80 col monitor. ``Mark`` ------------ Category 4, Topic 21 Message 21 Fri Jul 17, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 02:16 EDT If you are looking for 80 column color you will need an 80 column RGBI (color) monitor. You can use a VCR/TV setup to get a 80 column B&W screen with your C-128. ------------ Category 4, Topic 21 Message 22 Mon Oct 05, 1992 M.MINNIG at 04:07 EDT O.K., hardware hackers, he'p me out on this one. I'm trying to build my own geoCable-type parallel printer cable, but there appears to be some disagreement over which Centronics pin should be connected to the "B" (FLAG2) pin on the Commodore user port. CMD's instructions and the "geocable2.doc" file here on GEnie say to connect "B" to the "BUSY" signal at Centronics pin #11. The instructions for Superbase 128 and The Write Stuff say to connect "B" to the "ACKNOWLEDGE" signal at Centronics pin #10. Paper Clip III says it should connect to "Printer Busy (Acknowledge)" !!! Yikes! Has anyone here successfully made a geoCable, and, if so, to which Centronics pin did you connect "B"? ------------ Category 4, Topic 21 Message 23 Mon Oct 05, 1992 CMD-DOUG at 23:19 EDT We're aware of the various ways, but OUR drivers may not work correctly if you use the other configurations, while I've never heard any complaint about the other programs working with our configuration. I do know that the cable sold by Skyles is identical to our pinout, and he has sold them for a long time for use with the other programs. ------------ ************ Topic 22 Sun Feb 02, 1992 K.LESSING at 14:13 EST Sub: C64 hard disk? Is it possible to add a hard disk, or 3.5" disk to the c64? I have a friend with a c64 that would like to have some faster storage than the standard 5.25" drives. 6 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 22 Message 1 Mon Feb 03, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 01:33 EST The CMD HardDrives and Ramlink are external devices that allow you to add many megabytes of storage to a C64. The CMD HDs range from 20 megabytes to 200 and the CMD Ramlink allows you to build a electronic disk drive with battery backup to 16 megabytes. For more information see Cat#12. CMD also advertises in RUN magazine. ------------ Category 4, Topic 22 Message 2 Fri May 01, 1992 A.K.QUINN at 01:32 EDT How does one open the 128D keyboard? =KevinQ= ------------ Category 4, Topic 22 Message 3 Fri May 01, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 14:27 EDT Pretty good question I wish I could answer. I have had my flat 128s apart dozens of times but never bothered with my D. Would give this a shot for but this is the only computer I have here right now and I don't wish to disable it ;) From a quick look at the keyboard I would suggest opening it from the back since it looks like it has hinge tabs on the front. Of course I would not force it until it breaks. ------------ Category 4, Topic 22 Message 4 Sat May 02, 1992 HOWIE-CBM at 05:52 EDT CBM sells replacement 128D keyboards as a unit. This would lead me to conclude that they don't expect the cases to be opened. Howie ------------ Category 4, Topic 22 Message 5 Sun May 10, 1992 CBM-ED [e.g.bell] at 17:59 EDT I have heard elsewhere that the keyboards are for sale, and tho I can't remember which is the more expensive, one is about $40 more than the other. ------------ Category 4, Topic 22 Message 6 Thu May 14, 1992 B.HOLMSTROM [Bruce] at 20:58 EDT The C128d keyboard is opened by removing the 6 rubber feet on the bottom of the keyboard which reveals 6 phillips type screws which you remove at that point the case of the keyboard splits into the upper and lower half.The keyboard itself is attached to the "upper" half of the case with phillips type screws. The keyboard it self is screwed together with phillips type screws but if the purpose of the dissassembly is for cleaning I wouldn't go any farther with the dissassembly there are plenty of electronic contact cleaners on the market that come in spray bottles and will seep into the contacts of the key switches and repair 90% of cleaning problems. If the spray cleaner doesn't take care of the problem and you are willing to experiment and possibly lose the keyboard and need to replace it dissassemble the keyboard itself being VERY! careful not to break the wires that run from one half of the keyboard to the other...breaks in the runs or contact pad problems can be repaired with a product called liquid contact or liquid wire it comes in a pen type applicator and is a compound of glue and aluminum particles. Bruce ------------ ************ Topic 23 Fri May 29, 1992 B.LUCIER [bill l.] (Forwarded) Sub: Telling what disk drive is hooked up.. I need a way to tell what drive is hooked up. What I would like is to be able to do a memory-read as I think this would be the mose efficient way but I am open to any suggestions. See the first message for more. 3 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 23 Message 1 Fri May 29, 1992 B.LUCIER [bill l.] (Forwarded) I need a way to tell if a given drive is a 1571/1541 or a 1581. I know that when the drive is turned on and the error status is read it will tell but I may need to read it at other times too. Is there a spot in the rom that I could read that would indicate what drive it is? I could try reading different tracks to see what drive it is but that seems ineffiecent. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Bill L. ------------ Category 4, Topic 23 Message 2 Tue Jun 09, 1992 G.CORREA (Forwarded) From the TWIN CITIES COMPENDIUM #1, page 139 (reprinted from TC128#15): 10 t= ABS(PEEK(65533)=255): REM t will equal 0 if on a 64 or 1 if a 128. 20 a= 780: IF t THEN a= 6 30 POKE 144,0: POKE a,unit: SYS 65457: POKE a,1: SYS 65427 40 IF st < 0 THEN do whatever you wanna do if unit ain't there. This works on both the 64 & the 128. If you want to find out what drive type is, add the following 25 FOR unit= 8 TO 30: REM 30= max allowable disk drive device # 40 IF st < 0 THEN NEXT 50 OPEN 15,unit,15,"u;": INPUT#15,a,a$ 60 IF a <> 73 THEN PRINT#15,"uj": INPUT$15,a,a$ 70 CLOSE 15 80 d$(unit)= RIGHT$(a$,4) 90 NEXT Lines 50 & 60 are necessisary because of the 1541. Most Commodore disk drives are supposed to reset with the UJ command; however, I have run into a 1541 or two that lock up when UJ is issued- they reset on U;. U; doesn't seem to hurt any of the other drives in any way I can see, so we issue that first and if we don't get the reset message over the error channel (73,COPYRIGHT COMMODORE DOS v## 15xx,00,00) then we send the other. The FOR...NEXT loop will check devices 8-30, 30 being the theoretical maximum for device numbers that get accessed as disk drives. You could cut this down to 11 or 15 if you feel the need. I don't know how RAMLINK or RAMDRIVE or the CMD HARD DRIVEs react to this- it has been tested on 1541s (old-style), 1571s (both external and 128D's built-in), 1581s, and Commodore's RAMDOS (error code reports back 17xx as drive identifier). ------------ Category 4, Topic 23 Message 3 Wed Jun 10, 1992 B.LUCIER [bill l.] (Forwarded) Thank you. That is exactly what I needed. Bill. ------------ ************ Topic 24 Fri Feb 14, 1992 M.MCCORMIC10 [Mike Mc-] at 04:47 EST Sub: Cartridges for 64C This topic is to share opinions of cartridges and news of new ones. 9 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 24 Message 1 Fri Feb 14, 1992 M.MCCORMIC10 [Mike Mc-] at 04:49 EST I would like input from all 64C on which cartridges are their favorites and why. I,personally want to decide which one to use in the pass-thru port on my Ram Link. Mike Mc- ------------ Category 4, Topic 24 Message 2 Sat Feb 15, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 01:03 EST I would say Super Snapshot is probably the favorite because of it's utilities and ability to freeze programs and screens. The disk speedup will not be that important with Ramlink/JiffyDos installed. ------------ Category 4, Topic 24 Message 3 Sat Feb 15, 1992 PAUL-MB at 08:47 CST I agree with JBEE...a personal favorite is Snapshot. Its ML Monitor is also the best money can buy! ...Paul @ Micro-Bytes Publishing ------------ Category 4, Topic 24 Message 4 Sat Feb 15, 1992 A.KARANTZE [The Maverick] at 23:20 EST Hi guys. Ive never used Snapshot, but my personal favourite is Action Replay v6. It has so many features in there its unbelievable! But the best thing is its ability to work with the 1581. Shame theres no 128 disable but then thats life :-) Maverick ------------ Category 4, Topic 24 Message 5 Mon Feb 17, 1992 G.CORREA at 00:56 EST Gotta be WarpSpeed. I do'nt have JiffyDOS, and I move from 128s (my own) to 64s (at users groups) and WS works in all. Adds a reset button to 64s, hit the "pound" key for a meny of ML monitor, file/single/double-disk copiers the works. Works on 41s, 71s, and 81s. Gotta love my WarpSpeed... except, of course, you can't buy it anymore and it maps in at the same location as the REU... :( But it's still great! ------------ Category 4, Topic 24 Message 6 Wed Oct 07, 1992 M.MINNIG at 02:02 EDT Can I connect, null-modem-style, two C= computers by connecting user ports, or must I use RS-232 interfaces on one or both computers? ------------ Category 4, Topic 24 Message 7 Wed Oct 07, 1992 HOWIE-CBM at 18:30 EDT Two CBM's can null-modem with and without rs-232 interfaces, so long as both are equiped the same, i.e., both either have or do not have interfaces. In both cases it would still be necessary to switch/cross the send/receive lines. Howie ------------ Category 4, Topic 24 Message 8 Wed Oct 14, 1992 M.MINNIG at 05:25 EDT Well, Howie, which pins do I connect? ------------ Category 4, Topic 24 Message 9 Thu Oct 15, 1992 HOWIE-CBM at 02:30 EDT Since you'll be using Term software, I *THINK* (but am not sure) that the ones to connect are: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 20, and 22. I know that you will want to cross connect the transmit/receive, so that the 2 on one goes to the 3 on the other, and vice versa. But check with someone else first to verify if all the other lines might actually be needed. Howie ------------ ************ Topic 25 Mon Feb 17, 1992 MIKE.DUNCAN [/\/\ike |>] at 01:35 EST Sub: A C-128 Tower??!! Putting a C-128 in a tower case... 22 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 1 Mon Feb 17, 1992 MIKE.DUNCAN [/\/\ike |>] at 01:36 EST How about a `C-128 Tower' ? With my present conglom...uh...configuration of computer and peripherals, there's not much room left on top of the desk for anything else. So I figured it might be kinda nice to have this stuff in a tower case. But before I do it, I'd like to get some feedback on the idea. What's In The Box ? - - - - - - - - - - - - 12 volt DC boxer fan C-128 circuit board RAMLink REU disk drives power supplies - - - - - - - - - - - - * put switches on front panel for drives and CMD stuff * use expander boards for Cartridge & User ports * route all other ports & cables out the back ! PLEASE ! Everybody feel free to jump in with your comments and suggestions. And if anybody knows of someone who has put a C-128 into another case, let's hear about that too. (other than the C= 128d, of course!) advTHANXance, /\/\ike |> ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 2 Mon Feb 17, 1992 HOWIE-CBM at 10:51 EST Mike, Nifty idea! If you decide to make an extra one, let me know. :) One suggestion: Since a fan will be cooling everything, why not use 110 volts, and tie its on/off to the box's on/off power switch which of course controls a power strip for everything in there. Well, maybe another suggestion: Things that give off lots of heat, like 1571's might be better off with their tops removed. Another: Might want to pre-test any configuration for possible electro-magnetic interferences. Disk drives seem to stack pretty well, but they may interfere with a 128's CPU. Howie ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 3 Tue Feb 18, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 05:09 EST I know of two customers who have done something like that. #1) put everything but the flat C-128 inside a XT case and it connects to the case by resting against the front of the XT case. He put his CMD HD, 1571, power supplies etc inside the case with the exception of the REU which sticks out the side of the XT case and going by the picture it looks like he has a ZIF socket installed in the REU. #2) has put the whole C-128D board inside a XT case, the REU with a cable and switch on the front of the case to enable/disable it, and is working on using the 200 watt ps to hook up his CMD and 1581 into the case. Both of them are stuck at getting the XT keyboards to work with the C128. ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 4 Tue Feb 18, 1992 HOWIE-CBM at 14:50 EST Will we hear more about these two custom units in TC128? I'd like to see pictures and know more about what was done. :) I suspect a D's external keyboard would work just fine. As to an XT's.... Hmmm.... Didn't Chris Smeets write a DOS communications package to call a 128 and let the DOS keyboard take over control? Some of its keys had to be redefined, but it worked. I'm sure the source code for that was packaged with the program, and might point the way... Altho, this may require a seperate cpu for the keyboard... oh well.... It would have been nice having access to those inexpensive XT boards, instead of the costly D's replacements... just a thought... Howie ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 5 Tue Feb 18, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 23:31 EST I am sure you can get a XT keyboard to work on a C128, just will take some doing. At $25 a XT would make a nice replacement keyboard. ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 6 Fri Feb 21, 1992 G.CORREA at 01:17 EST Isn't there a file on here somewhere that connects an XT keyboard to a 64? Me, I'm just debating mounting my REU internally on my 128D. ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 7 Fri Feb 21, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 02:22 EST Yes, that file is in the FLAGSHIP library. ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 8 Mon Mar 09, 1992 MIKE.DUNCAN [ Mikey ] at 23:44 EST A big THANX to everyone for the quick replies on the C128 tower project. I thought I'd use a FULL-SIZE tower case, to leave room for possible future expansion. (Who knows?) The tower will have a POWER switch & a RESET button, which I'd use just as they are on the C128. There will probably be a Key-Lock switch, which could be used to enable & disable the POWER switch, the keyboard, or whatever. And it might also have a TURBO switch. Hmmm .... What could you use that for? :> Also, I will add to the front panel, all the switches normally used to control the peripherals that are put inside the tower case. The disk drive mechanisms, when removed from their cases, SHOULD fit into the tower's drive bays, with their circuit boards & power supplies strategically placed somewhere nearby. An AC fan would probably cause problems, so I'm going to look for a quiet, 3", 12vdc fan. As for power distribution, I use a power center to control the few things that I turn off. Right now, that's printer, floppies, and modem. The rest - plugged into a strip - stays on, warmed-up, & ready to go. I'll be using my existing C128 keyboard in an under-the-counter drawer. Leaving all of the original metal shields on, SHOULD prevent any inter- ferance problems. Will have to try it out and see what happens. RAMLink second thoughts - ------------------------- Inside, on top, or what ? 1. If RAMLink goes inside a. Switches and indicators will also have to be routed to front panel. b. Pass-Thru Port will have to be extended to the outside. 2. If RAMLink sits on top a. Extension cable will have to be run from RAMLink to the C128 cartridge (expansion) port. 3. Or What? a. Need more expert opinions! ------------------------ - Mikey ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 9 Tue Mar 10, 1992 HOWIE-CBM at 12:56 EST Mikey, I'm not sure about its name, but there is an extension control panel available for RamLink. It lets you have all the controls available next to a keyboard. Having something like this on the front of the tower would give access to all of its switches. For the fan an AC model ought to be okey, so long as it isn't placed near any drive heads or chips. In fact, I'll *finally* be doing my fan installation project for a 128D later this week, and depending upon what I see in there, I may use an 110 volt AC model, instead of 12 volt DC. I don't beleive an AC fan would have an adverse affect on its power supply, where I am hoping to attact it. Howie ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 10 Sat Mar 28, 1992 G.CORREA at 00:26 EST Here's a thought for you to mull over. Don't know about how feasable/possible/practical/believable this idea is, - BUT-... Familiar with those parallel extension cables, the kind that have two modules (independantly powered, definitely a minus) which convert the parallel signal to a phone cable-like being and can transmit over 50ft? Howzabout replacing the keyboard cable with one of these, or something similar? Problems? Well, I don't know if these puppies transmit all 25 pins, and I really don't know how the RESTORE key would behave (isn't that a hard-wired key?); of course, you would have to have some kind of power supply (a 9volt battery?) and ON/OFF switch for the keyboard portion of this. If possible, you might be able to expand this into a more-than-25 conductor project- Imagine adding about 15 conductors- make a remote joystick port one for mouse use, and add a reset / drive reset combo on the keyboard... 'Course, I have no real idea if all this would work, so I'll leave it all up to you hardware hacker types. :) ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 11 Sat Mar 28, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 06:50 EST Right now I am using my C-128D with a six foot DB25 cable from Radio Shack with the base unit sitting on a shelf and I have just the monitor (on a stand ) with the keyboard underneath it sitting on the desk. Looks pretty nice and gives me a lot of room that way. I had looked for the thin coiled DB25 cables. Radio Shack use to sell them, they do not anymore. If I was going to go with some type of extension I would look at DB25 RS232 drivers for modems since the cables tend to be much thinner than the printer cables. ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 12 Mon Mar 30, 1992 A.KARANTZE [The Maverick] at 04:01 EST Jbee, you mean that config actually works... I wanted to extend the cable on my 128D system, but the plug I wired up did'nt work properly... only some chars appeared, and then at irregular intervals... my wiring was perfect so I put it down to low voltage levels due to length (another 1/2 metre). - The Maverick - ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 13 Tue Mar 31, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 00:03 EST Yes, works fine! I am using it right now. I should mention that I am also using a gender changer for the cable because the ends were not right. But you can buy proper cables almost anywhere with the right type ends. (actually I think this was a SCSI interface cable for a Xetec HD once ;) I would suspect your wiring ? People have been using extended cables since the month the C128D came out and this was a tip recommended in one of the very early issues of TC128. ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 14 Wed Apr 01, 1992 A.KARANTZE [The Maverick] at 00:10 EST Jbee, I guess you are right... I might rip out my modem cable and give that a go one day \:-) - The Maverick - ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 15 Thu Apr 23, 1992 MIKE.DUNCAN [ Mikey ] at 20:12 EDT The C128 Tower project has been put on hold. I just made a career change and relocated to another state. Right now, I'm on the road for a little while, so...... The shielded DB25 (M to F) from RS sounds like a good idea. I looked for some of that coiled stuff too, but couldnt find any 25 conductor. Oh well. BTW - I've used the shielded cable between IBM ATs (LPT1) & LaserJets (Centronics), in a 50 ft length, with no problems. I'm still not sure how I want to place the RAMLink. But, I plan on installing a 4 meg SIMM when I get back, so I will look around inside to see about extending the control panel. It should be pretty easy. But, depending on the tower cases I look at, I may be able to have it facing out the front panel or something. - Mikey ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 16 Sun May 31, 1992 P.CATCHPOLE [Mike] at 14:38 EDT Xt keyboards also have some processor control functions in them. I'm not sure how one could be wired to a 128 easily. ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 17 Sun May 31, 1992 CBM-ED [e.g.bell] at 19:26 EDT There is an article in a very early RUN magazine on adding a PC keyboard to Commodore computers. I only read the last 6 msgs. Hope I'm not too far afield w/this post. :-) ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 18 Mon Jun 01, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 01:52 EDT There was one advertised and reviewed (in RUN?) but died a quick death as far as I can tell. Was too clunky and the cost benefit wasnt there. There are files floating around about adding one to your C-64 yourself and it appears to be a neat hack. C-128 attachment should be even better if there was someone skilled enough and interested enough to try it. ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 19 Mon Jun 01, 1992 CBM-ED [e.g.bell] at 21:38 EDT The article I'm referring to tells how to do it yourself. Didn't seem too difficult. Out of my league, but the article made it *sound* reasonably straightforward. ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 20 Wed Jul 29, 1992 MIKE.DUNCAN [ Mikey ] at 00:19 EDT Hi Ya'll!, It's good to be back off the road. Man, things are sure happening around here. In seven weeks, there's been 400K in new messages and 150+ files uploaded. Pretty good for a buncha folks with obsolete, (NOT!) toy computers. For those interested, I'll soon be gathering parts for the previously mentioned C128 tower project. It's gonna go slow at first cuz I just changed jobs and relocated. But if everything goes as planned, I'll be able to get some dirt cheap deals on the parts. Also - you guys are going to have to put up with me more often cuz I just moved to a city that's big enough to have LOCAL access to GEnie. >> Jeez! I'm not going to know how to act! << BTW - is anybody around here logging-in from the Virginia Tidewater area? Or know of any CBM User Groups in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, or Chesapeake? Thanxalot, Mikey |> ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 21 Wed Jul 29, 1992 HOWIE-CBM at 02:02 EDT Welcome back Mikey! 400k? Is that all we've had to say in 7 weeks... :) ZED should handle that fine! I don't know if I could though... oh! Speaking of ZED, be sure to get the latest version, with some added features, and fixes. Just released this evening. We have a few user groups here in NYC if you decide to move here. I think JBEE might have a national listing, not sure. JBEE? Howie ------------ Category 4, Topic 25 Message 22 Wed Jul 29, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 03:33 EDT Howie, I have a worldwide listing ;) Mike, I will leave you email. ------------ ************ Topic 26 Wed Feb 19, 1992 A.KARANTZE [The Maverick] at 01:16 EST Sub: Aprotek Minimodem : Convert to Amiga How can I quickly convert an Aprotek minimodem to RS-232C so that I can plug it into my Amiga 500 8 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 26 Message 1 Wed Feb 19, 1992 A.KARANTZE [The Maverick] at 01:18 EST Hi there. I have an Aprotek C-24 for my 128D. Is there any way I can convert it to fit into my A500 without buying Aprotek's Convert-a-com? Antony karantze ------------ Category 4, Topic 26 Message 2 Wed Feb 19, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 06:26 EST How much is Aprotek's Convert-a-com? ------------ Category 4, Topic 26 Message 3 Thu Feb 20, 1992 A.KARANTZE [The Maverick] at 02:13 EST j.BEE: Convert-A-Com goes for about $30 US from SSI. Factor into that air pos postage, and delivery time of 2-4 weeks, and you get a picture of me dialem sorry dialemma. should'nt be to hard to make me own..... should it? Antony karantze ------------ Category 4, Topic 26 Message 4 Thu Feb 20, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 09:47 EST In Library #1 there are files (in IBM format too!) about building your own RS232 interface for a C64/128. I know several people online have successfully built them. 1) build your own RS232 interface 2) buy a regular, cheap, 2400 baud modem 3) buy a (2) pieces of cable and a switch box and use it to switch the modem from one computer to the other (with both computers OFF!). 3a) skip the switch box and just unplug the modem from each computer when needed and plug it into the other one. For $30 I would not get the adapter. You can buy cheap 2400 modems mail order (and online here) for under $90. Even cheaper used! A 2400 modem used is probably only worth about $50, a 1200 $30. Why spend almost as much for an adapter as the modem is worth? If the adapter was $15 or so I would say just buy it. If I were you I would just buy a regular RS232 modem (maybe sell the one you have) and build a interface for the Commodore if you want to attach a modem to it. If you buy the RS232 2400 modem locally for the Amiga you save on the shipping, the cost of the money order, and the time. ------------ Category 4, Topic 26 Message 5 Thu Feb 20, 1992 A.KARANTZE [The Maverick] at 21:37 EST True, you save time and postage.... but not on the modem! Average NZ price for a 2400 is $200-$250 NZ. New prices are too shockin to mention. I'll see what Ill do. Maverick ------------ Category 4, Topic 26 Message 6 Fri Feb 21, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 02:25 EST <gulp> That is some bucks! ------------ Category 4, Topic 26 Message 7 Mon Mar 09, 1992 MIKE.DUNCAN [ Mikey ] at 23:46 EST I made the RS-232 adapter in Transactor (Damn! I miss that magazine!) Vol.8, Iss.3 from November 1987. Seems like it would be pretty easy to make a convert-a-com type interface by using the same components and switching some of the lines around. Actually, I'm surprised that you haven't gotten a response from somebody who's already made one! - Mikey :> ------------ Category 4, Topic 26 Message 8 Tue Mar 10, 1992 A.KARANTZE [The Maverick] at 00:20 EST ******* Topic 27 Fri Feb 21, 1992 D.BURR8 at 01:04 EST Sub: 'Crippled' 128d I think there must be some chips gone bad in my 128D, but it still seems to function, albeit strangely... 3 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 27 Message 1 Fri Feb 21, 1992 D.BURR8 at 01:12 EST Anyone here have any idea what could be the problem with my system? Here are the symptoms, ; other than what I list here, everything else functions normally. Cannot set the TOD clock (not in GEOS 128, CS-DOS, Super C, nothing). It remains set at 12:00 at all times, it does not seem to be working. Sparkles in the 80 column screen. When using any font other than the normal CBM characater set, I get 'sparkles' around the letters. This occurs in GEOs 128 as well as when using alternate fonts with Wizard, so it seems to include graphic fonts as well as character fonts. Sparkles in most 80 column graphics. Lines fizzle and pop all the time. 40 column screen flashes. For a millisecond, the 40 column screen seems to go blank then reappear. It also seems to shift rapidly to Black and White back to color when it flashes. 80 column AND 40 column screen 'jump'. Every once in awhile, the screen jumps up or down, then immediately re-centers itself. The cassette port does not provide power to the cassette player. Just tested this on a whim, and a 100% healthy Datasette would not work. There, what a load of stuff eh? It actually is not terribly noticeable most of the time, but at certain times it makes me nuts! Help! Dan ------------ Category 4, Topic 27 Message 2 Fri Feb 21, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 02:47 EST When you say the cassette port does not have power I take it you mean it does not work and that you haven't actually tested it for power. If you have JiffyDos and it is disabled and the datacassette still doesn't work that is a sure sign that the 8502 is bad. The next possible choices are the 8722 (MMU), 8721 (PLA) and 6526 (CIA - TOD) clocks. If the 6526 is going it will affect the 80 column screen, if the PLA is going it will effect the 6526. Since the 8722 is the only chip socketed in a C128 D you can't really "test" them without a tester or testing the board with a DMM, frequency counter, or scope. That being said, I would replace the 8502 first (it's not socketed either), then the 6526 (think Geos uses the one at U4 for it's clock - under the ps), and then the MMU, then the PLA. If you are handy with a DMM and such and have the patience to spend the time I would recommend getting the C= repair manual. With a DMM you can eliminate most of the probables and it beats replacing chips willy-nilly. Of course the first thing I would check would be the power supply. Looking at the computer from the front the motherboard power connector 1 2 3 4 5 6 #1=black - ground #2=yellow- 12 volts #3=black - ground or NC (I forget) #4=5v #5=9 AC #6=9AC Don't touch the power supply, platform, or back of the switches on the power supply while the computer is on. If you do it might be the last time you do. If you are careless you can get quite a shock. Also when testing the ps on the connectors don't let the probes touch each other or you will get sparks and a dead power supply. You can also test on the board, but if you have a bad component you might not get a good reading. You can get the readings on the SID chip too. The power supply pin out is also on the bottom of the power supply. When removing or touching the power supply the very least you should do is unplug the computer and remove the cord from the computer. Never use the power supply outside the computer. ------------ Category 4, Topic 27 Message 3 Fri Feb 21, 1992 M.MINNIG at 18:06 PST If your TOD clock isn't working check fuse #2 in the 12VAC line - the clock uses the 60HZ for timing. Michael ------------ ************ Topic 28 Fri Feb 21, 1992 B.VEGA1 (Forwarded) Sub: gorilla monitors help does anybody know how to hook up a gorilla monitor to a c64 8 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 1 Fri Feb 21, 1992 B.VEGA1 (Forwarded) if you know how to hook it up please send genie mail to bvega thanks ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 2 Sat Feb 22, 1992 HOWIE-CBM (Forwarded) Never heard of the Gorilla. Can you tell us its inputs? Even though DIN sockets may match, I would *NOT* suggest trying to connect it without first knowing what its pins do. Howie ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 3 Sat Feb 22, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] (Forwarded) The topic police will be moving this to Cat#4 ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 4 Fri Jun 19, 1992 R.KNOP1 [Rob Knop] at 10:53 EDT JBEE - maybe the sensitivity of the VDC to overvoltage is related to the fact that the chips are so darn expensive....? About VDC's, I'm worried. Does C= still make those? If I am not mistaken, they are a custom chip used only in the 128, and the 128D has been discontinued for a few years now. How long before you can't get any new ones any more? What we need is some way to contact all those people who have an old, dead 128 in their closet that they don't use any more, and will probably throw away. Likely there is only one dead chip, and the rest of the chips could be put to very good use by a current C128 owner with the ability to do some repairs himself! -Rob ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 5 Fri Jun 19, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 23:08 EDT The VDC in the flat C-128 is reasonable (about $20), the one in the C-128D is big buckroos! $50! I think you will still be able to pick up the chips for a while. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 6 Mon Jun 22, 1992 AMFORD at 23:32 EDT JBEE, tell us where to purchase those VDC chips! A fellow here lost his 80 cols on his C128d, tried Grapevine and they no longer sell the chip. (Nasty thing to do after running off most of their competitors!) ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 7 Tue Jun 23, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 02:41 EDT Earl Harvey and Assc. 1409 Mill St. Laramie WY 82070 He is an authorized dealer and repair shop. If Earl can't get it, it doesn't exist ;) ------------ ************ Topic 29 Sun May 24, 1992 R.LAZAR1 [Shadwell] (Forwarded) Sub: 128D and SID chips Why does certain software sound differently on my 128D than on mu C64? 12 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 29 Message 1 Sun May 24, 1992 R.LAZAR1 [Shadwell] (Forwarded) I've noticed certain differences in the way my 128D sounds when using certain software. I just dragged out Impossible Mission for the first time in years and noticed that some of the sound effects (screams &voices) were almost inaudible on my 128D. Also, many of my sids do not sound the same played on the 128. Another related question...is there any reason for tthe mouse pointer in GEOS to shake quite a bit when I have a joystick plugged into port 2 As well as having a mouse in port1? Any help explaining these things would be greatly appreciated :) Rob ------------ Category 4, Topic 29 Message 2 Sun May 24, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] (Forwarded) The C-128D has a cost reduced SID chip that operates at 9V vs 12V and this makes for a "softer" voice. Most of the problems can be worked around by initalizing the SID correctly. Though you will have to pump up the volume ;) I think the shaky Geos pointer has more to do with the mouse than Geos. I know they had to write new drivers for RUNpaint to support the newer C-1351 to eliminate the jitters. ------------ Category 4, Topic 29 Message 3 Sun May 24, 1992 R.LAZAR1 [Shadwell] (Forwarded) Thanks for the info John :) Is it possible to replace the 128D's 9v SID chip with a 12v? Looking through the grapevine group catalog I notice that 3 different SID chips are listed...6581, 8500, and 8580. Which are which? Rob :) ------------ Category 4, Topic 29 Message 4 Sun May 24, 1992 PAUL-MB (Forwarded) Rob and JBEE, you're right, the SID in the 128 is cheaper. :) I first noticed this the night I got my 128D with Hardball!, which was much different than I knew. ``` Paul ``` ------------ Category 4, Topic 29 Message 5 Sun May 24, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] (Forwarded) The 6581 is the original SID, the 8580 would be the C-128D chip (?), dont know about the 8500. If you pop open your C-128D and look to the lower right corner of the power supply you can see the SID chip. Though it is possible to replace the SID chip with a hardware hack, it isn't really worth doing. ------------ Category 4, Topic 29 Message 6 Sat Jun 06, 1992 R.PATERNOST2 [Ray] (Forwarded) Although I agree with most of what you guys have said about the differences between the 8580 (128D SID) and the 6581, the 8580 is by no means cheap! In the latest Grapevine Group flyer, they list the 6581 for less than $9, but the 8580 is still $14! Anybody know what gives? ------------ Category 4, Topic 29 Message 7 Sat Jun 06, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] (Forwarded) Yes, they are overpriced and sole sourced. You can pick up the 6581 a lot cheaper from other mail order places. I have a disk catalog from a place called CNE and I believe they sell the 6581 for $6! Once I use BBR to move the text files from the PC disks to C= format, I will upload them in SFX format. Been one of those rainy day projects ;) ------------ Category 4, Topic 29 Message 8 Wed Aug 05, 1992 S.MAZZOTTA1 [Sam] at 01:13 EDT One time when I had my 128D open to change a fuse, I tried removing the 8580 SID chip and replacing it with a 6581. It seemed to work fine. Sound was a somewhat loader than before. Then I took the 6581 out and put the 8580 back, and the cover back on the 128D. I wonder if I could have left the 6581 in there? Would it have been damaged or would it damage the computer? Anyone have any ideas? Sam ------------ Category 4, Topic 29 Message 9 Fri Aug 07, 1992 HOWIE-CBM at 03:30 EDT Sam, With the 128D you *can* replace its cost reduced SID with the original SID, for example the one from the flat 128. It should run fine, and will not cause any damage at all. However, you *CANNOT* do the reverse, but then again I don't know why anyone would want to do that. This little bit of info comes from Fred Bowen, who is generally a reliable source. :) Howie ------------ Category 4, Topic 29 Message 10 Sun Aug 09, 1992 B.ENNIS1 at 03:03 EDT How can you get a replacement SID chip for your 128? ------------ Category 4, Topic 29 Message 11 Sun Aug 09, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 13:39 EDT Try calling Earl Harvey and Assc. 1409 Mill St Laramie WY 82070 307-745-7077 I get all my stuff from him. ------------ Category 4, Topic 29 Message 12 Fri Aug 14, 1992 R.PATERNOST2 [Ray] at 01:08 EDT Also check out the ads in just about every Run (and to a lesser extent, Compute) magazine(s). The Grapevine group advertises extensively in both, and there are quite a few other places who sell Commodore chips as well. ------------ ************ Topic 30 Sat May 16, 1992 D.BARR2 (Forwarded) Sub: 128 upgrades upgrade discussions for the C128 17 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 30 Message 1 Sat May 16, 1992 D.BARR2 (Forwarded) I just received a Grapevine catalog and I am intrigued by all the upgrade components for the C128. But...I have no idea what they are for or what I gain. There is no explanation in the catalog, just a listing and price. I see a 64k video ram expansion, ROM upgrades and others. Anyone familiar with these items who can enlighten me? Are they worthwhile? ------------ Category 4, Topic 30 Message 2 Sat May 16, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] (Forwarded) The 64K VDC upgrade is worth every penny! I would skip all the ROM upgrades and instead save my money for JiffyDos. Unless you had a specific need for a REU, I would skip the REU and put the money towards a RamLink. ------------ Category 4, Topic 30 Message 3 Sun May 17, 1992 R.KNOP1 [Rob Knop] (Forwarded) I dunno, I've become a major fan of REU's lately. Don't have a RAMLink (yet... fingers crossed :) ), but have decided that if/when I do get one, I will leave the REU in transparent/direct/whatever_it's_called mode, and continue to use the REU as an REU. There are enough programs that make effective use of the REU to make it worth keeping. For instance, I like Dialogue128's REU buffers. (A 512K buffer is nice for capturing lots of text online - the 64K "boundry" involves MUCH less loss of text than capturing a disk file.) Big Blue Reader uses the REU for a buffer. ZED uses the REU for system memory! (Talking to Craig Bruce, he is adding support in his Dynamic Memory routines to use a special RAMLink partition as system memory - but, since RAMLink doesn't use DMA, accessing the REU is still faster.) Like my REU, I must admit. -Rob ------------ Category 4, Topic 30 Message 4 Sun May 17, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] (Forwarded) Oh, I certainly like both and making SFX files but if I had to choose between one or the other I would go with RamLink because it works with more software. ------------ Category 4, Topic 30 Message 5 Mon May 18, 1992 HOWIE-CBM (Forwarded) I echo everything that Rob just said. The REU is a *MUST* for smoothly and quickly running lots of software. So much so, that I store several images of the REU in RAMLink, so it can get pre-loaded quickly for different uses. Especially useful with CP/M REU's! And Digital's Pocket Filer *demands* direct access to the REU. :) Howie ------------ Category 4, Topic 30 Message 6 Thu May 21, 1992 A.PEROTTI (Forwarded) I've seen lots of discussion recently on RAM enhansements. Given one can only afford one of either an REU of some sort or a Hard Drive which do you experts recommend a novice should invest in first??? Tony ------------ Category 4, Topic 30 Message 7 Fri May 22, 1992 R.KNOP1 [Rob Knop] (Forwarded) Although I don't have one, I would probably recommend a RAMLink for your only RAM device. RAMLink is compatible with the largest amount of software (nearly everything that uses a disk drive), and is the most versatile of all the devices. What do you want to use your RAM device for? RAMLink is much like an ultrafast hard drive with 0.5-8 Megs. Some programs (e.g. GEOS) use a 1750 REU mainly as a RAM disk, and can use RAMLink in exactly the same way. Other programs use a 1750's RAM directly (e.g. the Big Blue Reader uses it as a buffer, ZED uses it as system memory). A 1750 has some utility that a RAMLink can't completely replace. However, for the average C= user, I think that a RAMLink would be more often useful. -Rob ------------ Category 4, Topic 30 Message 8 Fri May 22, 1992 A.PEROTTI (Forwarded) I'm thinking that with a hard drive I don't have to worry about the power going out and then having to reload all thae software again. Plus with a 20 meg HD I'll have lots of room for everything I use regularly. My thinking is that a RAM drive would make a nice addition after I buy a hard drive. With the CMD HDs I could later invest in RAM link with RAM expansion included and run a parallel cable to the HD so I'd get several enhansements in one (sometime after getting the HD) Doesn't an Hard Drive make a better overall mass storage medium that the RAM expansion? Is my rationale sound??? --Tony ------------ Category 4, Topic 30 Message 9 Sat May 23, 1992 L.SCHONDER (Forwarded) What is ZED? ------------ Category 4, Topic 30 Message 10 Sat May 23, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] (Forwarded) If you need mass storage then a hard drive is the way to go. Cost per megabyte, the HD is a lot cheaper than the Ramlink. If you don't have a ton of data and you already have a 1581 disk drive the Ramlink is a very nice option. With a 1581 loading a 4 megabyte Ramlink takes about 10 minutes and the Ramlink is so fast with an average use of 10 hours per week you would probably save that much time. Of course it depends on your software too. Someone that really loves Geos should get the Ramlink instead of the HD! ------------ Category 4, Topic 30 Message 11 Sat May 23, 1992 HOWIE-CBM (Forwarded) Lou, ZED is a 128 mode text editor that you'll find here in the Flagship Library. It is an exceptional program in that it not only expands the capibilites of the 128, and allow it to buffer 650k files intact (with a REU), but it also does all of its many editing tasks flawlessly, and extremly fast. I use it every day since I first got it! :) Howie ------------ Category 4, Topic 30 Message 12 Sun May 24, 1992 A.PEROTTI (Forwarded) Thanks for the advice JBEE. What is the speed comparison between the HD and RAMLink when compared to the 1541? I presume the RAMlink is the fastest, but by how much? --Tony ------------ Category 4, Topic 30 Message 13 Mon May 25, 1992 R.KNOP1 [Rob Knop] (Forwarded) Note: RE: RAMLink and power outage, you can get a battery backup unit for a RAMLink that will maintain its contents for several hours (how many? 20?) even if the power goes out. Re: HD speed, the HD is faster with a RAMLink. So, if you have the dough, the ideal solution is of course to get both a HD and a RAMLink! :D -Rob ------------ Category 4, Topic 30 Message 14 Mon May 25, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] (Forwarded) Well, with JiffyDos, I would hazard a guess the HD is up to 50 times faster, especially with relative files. Ramlink is almost instant when loading files and working with relative files it is about three times faster than the HD working with the parallel connection. Actually, Ramlink makes the HD look like it is crawling, when in fact, the HD is pretty darn fast! I have left my Ramlink without power for almost a whole day (24 hours -3megs) and still had everything there. In a previous CMD conference we discussed connecting two batteries to the Ramlink to double its backup power. Actually, if there was going to be anything that would make me worry about data integerity it would be poorly written programs, especially older programs, that would corrupt the data. No matter what mass storage device you get you should back up any data you can't stand to lose. That is where ARC and CS/DOS can come in handy. When I want to back up a partition filled with files I use ARC, do the whole thing to a 1581 and come back later when it is done. ------------ Category 4, Topic 30 Message 15 Wed May 27, 1992 A.PEROTTI (Forwarded) I have tried ARC and CS/DOS and have been very impressed. They are very good programs! ------------ Category 4, Topic 30 Message 16 Sat May 30, 1992 D.BARR2 (Forwarded) Dumb question, but...just what will the 64k Video Ram Expansion do for me? And will it do it without intervention from me? ------------ Category 4, Topic 30 Message 17 Sat May 30, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] (Forwarded) There is no such thing as a dumb question, answers on the other hand ... :D The 64K will give you access to a whole range of new graphic capabilities such as full color bitmaps, MAC Paint viewers, interlaced pictures, large virtual bitmaps 640x800, extended video animation, the list goes on. Almost all the programs make use of the extra 64K automatically. Those that do not make use of it automatically usually allow you to make a simple change in the basic boot file, like Wizard does. The 64K is required for a lot of the newer programs coming out. After you install the 64K all you have to do is use it. Until a program accesses the 64k as far as the C128 is concerned you have a stock machine with 16k and the extra memory will not interfer with programs which do not require the extra memory. ------------ ************ Topic 31 Sun Mar 08, 1992 B.NELSON13 [Brian] (Forwarded) Sub: info on PET 4016 Anybody? PLEASE? This topic is for information on the Commodore PET 4016 Please pass along some information on programs and use. Thanks Brian 7 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 31 Message 1 Sun Mar 08, 1992 B.NELSON13 [Brian] (Forwarded) Hi I have an unusual request. I've just received a Commodore 4016 PET with a cassette drive. I'd like to take on the challenge of making it run. Does anyone have or know of some programs for this computer. I know it's old but I'd like to see it go. Thanks for your help. Brian (B.Nelson13) ------------ Category 4, Topic 31 Message 2 Sun Mar 08, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] (Forwarded) I will move this topic to the hardware category (#4) for you :) ------------ Category 4, Topic 31 Message 3 Sat Mar 14, 1992 AMFORD at 20:53 EST Well, if someone can come up with an address for TPUG, Toronto Pet User Group.... They were one of the largest of the early user groups and had software for all the Commodore 8 bit computers. Mind reeling::: Also, I beleive that SCOPE, Society of Computer Owners and PET Enthusiasts, P.O. Box 833095, Richardson, Texas 75083-3095; just might be able to help you. (And they put out a nice newsletter also!) ------------ Category 4, Topic 31 Message 4 Sun Mar 15, 1992 HOWIE-CBM at 09:20 EST I can do that! :) TPUG 5334 Yonge Street, Suite 116 Willowdale, Ontario CANADA M2N 6M2 Their BBS number (data): 416-733-2933 Howie ------------ Category 4, Topic 31 Message 5 Tue Mar 17, 1992 B.NELSON13 [Brian] at 18:36 EST Thanks for the hep. I'm sending out a letter to them today. Brian ------------ Category 4, Topic 31 Message 6 Tue Sep 22, 1992 D.KATHRENS (Forwarded) I realize this is not the place for this cry for help, but I don't know where else to post it. My brothrer picked up a PET 2001-8 computer at a school auction. When you turn it on, sometimes it says 7167 bytes free and READY. Most of the time though, it just throws a lot of garbage on the screen 5 to 7 characters at a time. I suspect a bad keypad but who knows? Is there anyone here who can point me to some repair parts or manuals or anything helpful? It only cost a dollar so it may be worth salvaging if only for a BASIC learning tool. It has a tapecassette tape drive. We have a couple of programs on tape but can't load them. Hopefully some helpful SYSOP will move this plea to the proper area and someone will reply there or send me EMAIL to D.Kathrens. Thanks already! ------------ Category 4, Topic 31 Message 7 Wed Sep 23, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 02:15 EDT Done :) ------------ ************ Topic 32 Wed Apr 01, 1992 R.SHADE1 at 20:35 EST Sub: 128D Character ROM troubles Please help me reason through this keyboard problem. 7 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 32 Message 1 Wed Apr 01, 1992 R.SHADE1 at 20:41 EST I have a 128D that's about 5 years old. Since I have had to replace 4 power supplies, I now leave the computer turned on all the time. When I returned home today from a weekend trip, I noticed one of the kids had set an index card filebox on the keyboard. Well... the "7," "8,", "Y," "V," "G," "H," "U," and "B" keys do not work properly.... the 8 is now a backspace, the G is an enter key, the B calls the ML monitor, the U prints scnclr on the screen.... First I accused the keyboard of being spilled upon... but I have had dirty keyboards before... the keys on those just don't work at all. any ideas out there? I suspect a semi-fried 6526 or a toasted character ROM chip ------------ Category 4, Topic 32 Message 2 Wed Apr 01, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 22:05 EST If you have replaced 4 power supplies something is wrong with the juice coming in on the power line. You should be using either a good surge protector or even a battery backed UPS. (I figure at $80 a piece x 4 = $320 The price of a UPS) I would take the keyboard apart and clean it before I went any further. If the box was thrown on the keyboard the pc board might be broken. ------------ Category 4, Topic 32 Message 3 Thu Apr 02, 1992 R.SHADE1 at 18:41 EST Well... i took the keyboard apart and cleaned it thoroughly over Christmas vacation. as far as the power goes.... I run an IBM PS/2 Model 50 through the same Isobar unit and have never had a power supply problem. ------------ Category 4, Topic 32 Message 4 Mon Apr 06, 1992 R.SHADE1 at 21:39 EDT I opemed the keyboard tonight and checked it over.. using a continuity chacker, i got reads from all keyboard circuits. I also checked all of the tiny contactors. Then I put it back together.... same defect. I wrote a small program to check the character ROM.... characters were sent to screen correctly. Do you think it safe to assume that the 6526 is fried? Is there a program i can use to check it? ------------ Category 4, Topic 32 Message 5 Tue Apr 07, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 02:37 EDT Since 6526s are so cheap I would go with the 6526 first, especially since the other keys appear to work and that you now have eliminated the keyboard as a problem. I believe you want a 6526A (vs. 6526) when ordering the chip. ------------ Category 4, Topic 32 Message 6 Tue Apr 07, 1992 F.BUNTON at 22:02 EDT I forget who has the k-board problem but have you checked to see if there is a joystick plugged in? If so, unplug the joystick and re-boot the computer and see if that clears your problem. I have found that a joystick with a stuck switch can cause k-board problems. Good luck! ------------ Category 4, Topic 32 Message 7 Sun Jun 28, 1992 CBM-ED [e.g.bell] at 08:16 EDT This could just be an inadequate cleaning of your keyboard contacts too. I had a similar problem. Cleand the keyboard well, reassembled it, and a lot of the keys STILL didn't work, or didn't work very well. Soooo... I disassembled everything, cleaned the PC board again, and then... I filled up my kitchen sink w/warm soapy water, got a brush, and scrubbed the bottom of the keyboard very well. I pressed the keys to make sure the little 'rubber' legs were fully extended. This did the trick and it has been the longest time between cleanings that I can remember since owning a Commodore computer. Sounds to me like the box just pressed the keys until the rubber legs have become the problem. I'd try that before twiddling chips. ------------ ************ Topic 33 Tue Mar 31, 1992 M.MINNIG at 04:53 EST Sub: CIA chips on the 128D Are the CIA chips on the 128D socketed? 3 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 33 Message 1 Tue Mar 31, 1992 M.MINNIG at 04:58 EST I'm trying to get a D25 to D25 M-F cable to work as a keyboard extension cable on my 128D, but none of the keys that use pin #13 will work. I checked the cable with an ohmmeter and it's OK. I'm thinking it's CIA #1, but I don't think it's worth the hassle of replacing if it's soldered to the board. The keyboard works fine when it's plugged directly into the computer. ------------ Category 4, Topic 33 Message 2 Tue Mar 31, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 23:48 EST The 6526s in the C128D are not socketed, most of the chips are not. Does a joystick work okay in both joystick ports? Have you tried hooking up the cable and testing pin 13 ? It might not be making proper contact with the connector. Look at the end of the connector and see if its slightly pushed to one side. ------------ Category 4, Topic 33 Message 3 Tue Apr 07, 1992 F.BUNTON at 22:05 EDT Please see my post in Topic 32 message number 6 about a k-board problem. ------------ ************ Topic 34 Thu Apr 09, 1992 LUIGI (Forwarded) Sub: changing 1541 device number How do I change device numbers on my 1541 what hardware change must I make? 3 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 34 Message 1 Thu Apr 09, 1992 LUIGI (Forwarded) f my 1541 disk drive I can change to device # 10. Years ago I threw away the instructions. Can somebody help me ? I have inherited a second drive and need to make thechange. 1Thanks ------------ Category 4, Topic 34 Message 2 Thu Apr 09, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] (Forwarded) How to change the device number... I can not say for sure because I do not own a 1541 but there should be two sets of round or square pads connected by a thin wire on the 1541 PC board. You cut the wires in between the pads to change device #s. These pads look like silver circles. O-O O-O More 1541 information can be found in files #6851 #6721 #7188 ------------ Category 4, Topic 34 Message 3 Fri Apr 10, 1992 J.ROBBINS16 [JBUS] (Forwarded) I've got the manual in front of me, so to give it more details... If facing the front of the drive, the pads ore on the left edge in the middle of the board : DEVICE# ... JUMPER A/1 ... JUMPER B/2 8 DON'T CUT DON'T CUT 9 ... CUT ... DON'T CUT 10 ... DON'T CUT ... CUT 11 ... CUT ... CUT Hope this helped you somewhat... Model 1541, the jumpers are 1 & 2 Model 1541CR the jumpers are A & B Piece of advice, it may be worth your while to wire in a couple of switches in case you change your mind in the future, but don't attempt it unless you are well versed in electricity and electroinics, might be better to have a qualified Commordore serviceperson install them for you. ------------ ************ Topic 35 Tue Apr 21, 1992 B.HAGEBUSCH at 01:04 EDT Sub: C128 Cartridges What catridges are available for the C128? Where can I find a Mach 128 cartridge? 8 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 35 Message 1 Tue Apr 21, 1992 B.HAGEBUSCH at 01:06 EDT Does anyone know where I can find a Mach 128 cartridge for my C128? What [C [C [C [C [C [C [C [C [Cs do you recommend for the C128? ------------ Category 4, Topic 35 Message 2 Tue Apr 21, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 05:34 EDT I would recommend skipping the Warp cartridge completely (new or used) and buying JiffyDos from CMD. A much better value all around. No hassles and provides many benefits. ------------ Category 4, Topic 35 Message 3 Sun May 10, 1992 CBM-ED [e.g.bell] at 18:01 EDT I can speak FOR the Mach 128, but you may not be able to find one now. I do like mine, but it is getting kind of long in the tooth. May have to consider Jiffy DOS after it dies, but it is a nice piece of work. ------------ Category 4, Topic 35 Message 4 Mon May 18, 1992 A.PEROTTI at 22:14 EDT Does anyone else out there use the Final Cart III? It only works in 64 mode on my 128D but I have found it very useful. Tony ------------ Category 4, Topic 35 Message 5 Sat Jun 13, 1992 J.PEEPLES at 16:15 EDT Are there any cartridges that can do memory capture while in 128 mode? I could really use such a beastie... ------------ Category 4, Topic 35 Message 6 Sat Jun 13, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 17:28 EDT None that I know of but the 512K article published in TC128 can be modified to capture programs complete. I do have the rough revisions but haven't tried it yet because I need some hand holding while trying the modifications (beyond my knowledge curve) before I publish them. Basically you would load programs into one 256K bank where they would run like normal, flip a switch to throw the computer into the first 256k, reset the computer and then save the other 256K bank to disk. There are some problems like saving common memory that have to be overcome. But it should offer a way to save those good programs to disk for use on Ramlink that won't load from anything but a copy protected disk. ------------ Category 4, Topic 35 Message 7 Sun Jun 14, 1992 HOWIE-CBM at 00:52 EDT JBEE, I hope this is a high priority item! :) But I sort of wonder about sneaky stuff like the Pockets. If they stash some vital things into areas like the tape buffer, and such, would a copy of memory pick up these? I've been able to ~trick' the Pockets into doing a lot of things they were never supposed to do. Booting from a 1571 is *NOT* one of them. Even if the process can be shortened a bit, they still want that 1571 to get up and running... Howie OH!!!! Did you see the ad that Software Hut ran in RUN? They are now selling brand new 1581's and 1571's. I have no idea how they got their hands on these, and suspect that they will sell out very fast. ------------ Category 4, Topic 35 Message 8 Sun Jun 14, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 16:19 EDT Most likely it will require a hardware solution and two captures to make a complete program captured from memory. Nope, haven't seen the latest RUN. ------------ ************ Topic 36 Sun May 10, 1992 K.RILEY6 (Forwarded) Sub: SX-64 and REU's Aid in getting an REU set with external power or adding power to an SX 2 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 36 Message 1 Sun May 10, 1992 K.RILEY6 (Forwarded) To anyone out there who has either added external power to a REU or added more power to an SX-64.... HELP!!!! I want to use an REU with my stock SX or add power so I can use the REU with the Modified SX. If you have accomplished either of these tasks, I could use some info on how it can be done>.. thanx, and e-mail me at k.riley6 ------------ Category 4, Topic 36 Message 2 Sun May 10, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] (Forwarded) I believe Earl Harvey has upgraded SX-64s with HD (internal) power supplies. You can write him at: Earl Harvey Earl Harvey and Assc. 1409 Mill St Laramie, WY 82070 He is a Commodore Authorized dealer and repair shop. If you are inclined to do this yourself, just ask him for the parts! ------------ ************ Topic 37 Tue May 05, 1992 D.CORREA (Forwarded) Sub: Modem cable for C128 Where can I get a modem cable for hooking up an external modem to my C128? Please send GENIE mail reply to: D.Correa 5 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 37 Message 1 Tue May 05, 1992 M.DULSKI1 [Mark @WIZARD] (Forwarded) A cable from what? to the modem. You'll need an interface for a non- commodore compatiple modem before you can use it. The best one in my opinion is the Swiftlink RS232 interface. It plugs into the cartridge port of your C128. As for a cable you can get one at any Radio Shack, a male DB25 to female DB9. RS part# 26-269 costs about $18 Category 12, Topic 7 has more information about the Swiftlink interface. ``Mark`` ------------ Category 4, Topic 37 Message 2 Tue May 05, 1992 CBM-ED [e.g.bell] (Forwarded) Just one thing to add to that. If you decide to go with a normal modem interface, the cable Mark mentioned won't be the one you need. For about the same price you can get an OmniTronix interface {about $50} which will also allow you to use any non-Commodore modem. Last I heard, the SwiftLink was about $35-$40, so either route will cost about $50. I agree about the SwiftLink, but keep in mind that the two methods require different cables. If you go with the Omnitronix interface, the cables are included. Didn't they used to offer the cable w/the SwiftLink for about $10 or so? ------------ Category 4, Topic 37 Message 3 Wed May 06, 1992 M.DULSKI1 [Mark @WIZARD] (Forwarded) You're right, CMD offers the cable for $10 with the Swiftlink. Recieved my S/L cart used so just went to Radio Shack for the cable. ``Mark`` ------------ Category 4, Topic 37 Message 4 Sat Jun 06, 1992 C.HAMER at 22:07 EDT I built a cable to go from my 128 to ANY RS-232 modem , one edge connector one DB25, and one 74ls04, and the required cable are all that's required. works up to 9600 baud, with no garbage.. If interested drop me a line. Total cost for parts at R/S was about 8 bucks! Chris... ------------ Category 4, Topic 37 Message 5 Sun Jun 07, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 03:53 EDT Is this something you can upload to the Flagship as an article? ------------ ************ Topic 38 Thu May 07, 1992 M.MINNIG at 22:58 EDT Sub: 128D CPU Soldered or socketed? 8 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 38 Message 1 Thu May 07, 1992 M.MINNIG at 23:00 EDT Can someone who's opened his/her 128D recently remember if the CPU chip (8502?) is socketed (I hope,I hope!) or soldered directly to the board ( :< )? ------------ Category 4, Topic 38 Message 2 Fri May 08, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 01:51 EDT From doing repairs on many C-128Ds, I say you have a 30/70 chance. Some are, some are not. What I could not believe was that the 6526s are soldered vs. socketed on the C-128D. ------------ Category 4, Topic 38 Message 3 Sat Jun 13, 1992 J.PEEPLES at 16:17 EDT I've got an old flat C128. Nearly EVERYTHING is soldered in, including the 8502 and Z80-A CPU's. ((sigh)) ------------ Category 4, Topic 38 Message 4 Wed Jun 17, 1992 R.KNOP1 [Rob Knop] at 01:24 EDT Hmmm.... oddly enough, the 8510 (or is it an 8502? I can never remember that!) on my flat 128 is socketed. May be because I have an oldish 128. (Not first-run, but old enough that it came with an older, R7 VDC chip. Of course, once Richard Curcio got ahold of my 128, it doesn't look much like it used to!) The Z80A is soldered to the board, however. -Rob ------------ Category 4, Topic 38 Message 5 Wed Jun 17, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 04:58 EDT Close to first run if it has a R7 chip! ------------ Category 4, Topic 38 Message 6 Wed Jun 17, 1992 HOWIE-CBM at 09:34 EDT The R7 in my flat seemed to do fine until the newest version of RSCards was released. That was what got me to upgrade to R9-B. A Richard Curcio upgrade is going to have to be next. :) Especialy when I keep hearing all these good things about it from Rob and JBEE... Howie ------------ Category 4, Topic 38 Message 7 Wed Jun 17, 1992 R.KNOP1 [Rob Knop] at 10:41 EDT What prompted me to get a R9 chip was Dialogue128. The intro screen would sometimes lose a byte with the R7 chip, meaning the rest of the screen from there down was shifted one to the left. This I could live with. However, sometimes a byte or two would be lost when the character set was downloaded, and that would mean that many of the characters would be shifted up in their 8 byte cell on the screen. This got very annyoing. Upgrading to the R9 chip seemed to fix it. (I was lucky too - didn't have to buy the chip. I just stole the one from the 128 I keep at my parents' house, and gave them the R7, since they'll probably never notice.) I also noticed some problems with GEOS - little blips on the screen, that sort of thing. Never anything serious, though. At first, the R9 chip got rid of those, although I've started to see them again. (Not as frequently as I did with the R7 chip, though.) -Rob ------------ Category 4, Topic 38 Message 8 Thu Jun 18, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 04:29 EDT If you had problems, it disappeared, and then reappears again I would check the power supply or my surge protector. The VDC in the flat C-128 is very sensitive to overvoltage and surges. Not sure why exactly ... ------------ ************ Topic 39 Thu Jul 23, 1992 T.ADAMS2 at 22:46 EDT Sub: RGB Monitor alternative? Has anyone (I can't be the first to think of this) ever tried to utilize a RGB adapter for the Amiga on the RGB output of the C=128? The monitors around are few and the prives are high. Would like to use the TV adapter and spend the re 4 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 39 Message 1 Thu Jul 23, 1992 T.ADAMS2 at 22:50 EDT Has anyone eveer tried to use the amiga adapter on the C=128? If it will adapt the Amiga's analog RGB, why not the 128's? Please Email t-ay (T Adams2) ------------ Category 4, Topic 39 Message 2 Fri Jul 24, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 01:53 EDT If you are trying to use the RGBA (analog) to NTSC (TV) adapter on the C-128 to get 80 columns on the TV you won't be able to. The C-128 is RGBI (Digital). Also, it has been awhile since I have owned an Amiga but even with the adapter you could only get 60 columns out of the Amiga Workbench using it. You can feed the 80 column mono on the C-128 through a VCR to the TV and get a passable 80 column picture. The cheapest and best 80 column screen for a C-128 can be had by using a monochrome monitor (9 PIN RGBI connector or 80 column composite with a RCA type connector). You can probably find these used locally for $10-$50. ------------ Category 4, Topic 39 Message 3 Sat Jul 25, 1992 T.ADAMS2 at 22:32 EDT Thanks for the feed back JBEE. I do have a monochrome monitor now, just hoping to get 80columns in color a cheep as possible! Would like do do some ^grades but, it all costs. Have tried to order a good rgb monitor lately but they're all gone except the most expensive. Oh well! ------------ Category 4, Topic 39 Message 4 Mon Jul 27, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 00:34 EDT Color is nice to have, but I wouldn't worry too much about it. Things like the 64k VC are much more important. I use my color monitor in white (bg) and black (fg) most of the time anyways. Everything from Paperclip and Dialogue to Geos is set that way. I also used a mono composite with a homemade cable for quite a while. That's what C= computing is really all about - doing more with less. ------------ ************ Topic 40 Tue Jul 28, 1992 D.COOK45 (Forwarded) Sub: half-dead 1571 in c128d My C128d's 1571 drive is stuck in 1541 mode,it won't format,reading disks is errattic,but loads/runs most games! Need to repair it or disconnect! 3 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 40 Message 1 Tue Jul 28, 1992 D.COOK45 (Forwarded) Somebody please help me with my flaky 1571d drive! I'll settle for info on how to disconnect it or change it's device number in hardware to something other than #8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANX! in advance! dale cook ------------ Category 4, Topic 40 Message 2 Wed Jul 29, 1992 HOWIE-CBM (Forwarded) I'll move this to Category 4, where I am sure JBEE will have some suggestions. :) Howie ------------ Category 4, Topic 40 Message 3 Wed Jul 29, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 03:58 EDT Read topic #2 here :) Read topic #5 here :) Since this is a dupe of topic #2 I am going to delete it (since it has already been moved once it won't show up in a BRO). We are also starting to approach our topic limit for this Category. ------------ ************ Topic 41 Thu Sep 03, 1992 R.BOSE at 23:21 EDT Sub: Commodore color monitors A discussion (possible) about commodore color monitors and the diff versions of the monitor such as 170x, 180x 4 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 41 Message 1 Thu Sep 03, 1992 R.BOSE at 23:25 EDT Having used a Commodore 1702 monitor for many years, I had the need to look for another color monitor and I was surprised to find that there were zillions of incarnations of the 1701 which had invaded the market but aren't available anymore. Also are the 6pin video cables available anymore? I had an old 64 which I was using with a 5 pin video cable and now need a 6pin cable. the commodore 6/8 pin video plug is nonstandard as the pins are thinner than the available DIN plugs. Commodore, commodore COMMODORE!!! ------------ Category 4, Topic 41 Message 2 Fri Sep 04, 1992 HOWIE-CBM at 05:02 EDT Hmmm... Are you sure? I always thought that DIN pins and sockets were the same, and that it was only a matter of matching them up. At worst, cutting off one end to put another type of plug onto it. I was recently in an electronic's store, and they had bins of all types of mixed cables. None cost more than $2.00. Howie ------------ Category 4, Topic 41 Message 3 Fri Sep 04, 1992 R.BOSE at 23:43 EDT Although Commodore calls the video connector DIN it is just a look-alike. The pins are thinner! ------------ Category 4, Topic 41 Message 4 Sat Sep 05, 1992 L.MCCLURE at 04:56 EDT That's odd...I have plugged 5-pin DIN plugs into the Commodore 8-pin video port with no problem. You mentioned "6-pin video cables", are you trying to plug a monitor into your drive port?? Or, are you talking about the 6-pin jack that was used on some 1084 monitors (the ones that resemble a Magnavox 8515) for separated video input? ------------ ************ Topic 42 Mon Oct 05, 1992 T.ADAMS2 at 20:52 EDT Sub: dead 1351 Does anyone know the chip for a 1351 mouse, made in Taiwan (by BREDEN)? The old chip (18 pin) has C=(?) # 5717 0987 40 on top, Phillipines IH09292906 HC- 10 underneath.It says HongKong on the mouse case. Can't X it it any ref's I have 1 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 42 Message 1 Tue Oct 06, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 02:34 EDT Not me, though it sounds like a real dozy to track down. ------------ ************ Topic 43 Mon Nov 09, 1992 T.FARRELL5 [Tacony Boy] at 22:09 EST Sub: 1702 or 1084? Which is best? 2 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 43 Message 1 Mon Nov 09, 1992 T.FARRELL5 [Tacony Boy] at 22:11 EST I would like to know which is better for the 64 as well as the 128D? Is there a VISUAL difference? ------------ Category 4, Topic 43 Message 2 Mon Nov 09, 1992 C128.JBEE [* Sysop *] at 22:15 EST The 1702 is 40 columns, the 1084 has both 40 and 80 columns. So for use with the C-128D you need the 1084 for the 80 columns. For the forty column composite signal I think the 1702 is "brighter". ------------ ************ Topic 44 Wed Nov 18, 1992 L.FERRER at 05:48 EST Sub: C128 video problem C128 video display problems 5 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 44 Message 1 Wed Nov 18, 1992 L.FERRER at 05:53 EST My C128 displays it's video screen upon powerup but then in a moment or so the screen goes blank. This happens to the 40 and 80 column display. When this happens the 1541 cannot be accessed at all. What is the problem? If I turn the computer off and wait about a minute then turn it back on then the display comes back but it blanks out once again. help?!? ------------ Category 4, Topic 44 Message 2 Wed Nov 18, 1992 YLR.ROSE [* Mistress *] at 08:42 EST hmmm.. could be the video chip has gone caplooey.. here is a company you can call to tell them the problem, and they can tell you how to fix it, sell you the part cheap, and you'll be back in business. Kasara, 1-800-248-2983. Ask for Jim, if he's still there. HUGs ------------ Category 4, Topic 44 Message 3 Wed Nov 18, 1992 C128.JBEE at 09:52 EST This sounds like the 8564 (VIC) chip has gone bad. If you touch the chip and it is really hot then the chip should be replaced. Please note that after a while the VIC will be very warm anyways. ------------ Category 4, Topic 44 Message 4 Wed Dec 23, 1992 B.LOGAN7 at 04:13 EST my 128 flickers in both 40 col and in 64 mode. any suggestions?????:) ------------ Category 4, Topic 44 Message 5 Wed Dec 23, 1992 C128.JBEE at 07:00 EST Unless you have other problems I would say check the cable and make sure it is plugged in securely both in the monitor and in the C-128. You might also try moving the cable away from other cables. ------------ ************ Topic 45 Fri Nov 27, 1992 J.BRIALES2 (Forwarded) Sub: 1541 disk drive change device # i have a 1541 dd and the C= user guide say ".7 locate dev numberjumper left edge in middle of the board. .8 cut either or both of jumper1 and 2 for model 1541 (1541 cr) 5 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 45 Message 1 Fri Nov 27, 1992 J.BRIALES2 (Forwarded) ok can someone tell me how to do this, becuase i cant find the wires i have a 1541 that look like (c= commodoere xxx rainbow xxx 1541 ). ------------ Category 4, Topic 45 Message 2 Sat Nov 28, 1992 HOWIE-CBM (Forwarded) Hi, I believe there are "half-moons" that have a bridge which needs to be cut. Someone else can probably give you a better description of its location, and specifics. I'll re-locate this Topic into the Hardware Category, Category 4, where we will get to the bottom of this! :) Howie ------------ Category 4, Topic 45 Message 3 Sat Nov 28, 1992 CBM-ED [e.g.bell] at 09:07 EST Pretty good description Howie. There are two of them in the 1541... Something like O-O you have to cut the ^ part, as Howie mentioned. When you do, either power off the drive or send it an initialize command, and the device number will be different. If you want maximum flexibility, get a couple of cheap toggle switches from Radio Shack and solder wires from each contact of the switch into one of the 'O' blobs as pictured in my crude little diagram. Then you can open or close the bridge whenever you want. You need 2 switches to do both contacts. BTW, to 'cut' the trace, just get a sharp knife or something and scratch the solder 'bridge' between the two blobs. It is just a very thin line of solder, almost like someone made a mistake. It is easier than it sounds, and even the switch installation is easy for a dummy. I know because I did it, and when it comes to stuff like this, they don't come any dumber! ------------ Category 4, Topic 45 Message 4 Sat Nov 28, 1992 CBM-ED [e.g.bell] at 09:09 EST As I usually do, I forgot to send that last message using *sn instead of just *s, so the pointer missed the mark. It should have been like this: O-O ^------------Arrow points to 'trace' that needs to be cut. (now watch me do it again! >>argh<<) ------------ Category 4, Topic 45 Message 5 Sat Nov 28, 1992 C128.JBEE at 12:53 EST There is also an archived topic about 1541s in Library #1. ------------ ************ Topic 46 Thu Dec 03, 1992 B.CHADWICK at 01:06 EST Sub: Need help with Excellerator plus drive I have an Excelerator Plus disk drive (1541 compat.) that has bit the dust. I need a schematic and component layout to effect repairs. Can anyone help?? 2 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 46 Message 1 Thu Dec 03, 1992 B.CHADWICK at 01:13 EST Help! I have an "EXCELERATOR PLUS" disk drive that has decided to bite the dust. I want to repair it myself, but I need some documentation (with a schematic) to be able to do much with it. Doing the work really isn't a problem, as I have done a lot of repair of Commodore brand computers and drives for members of the local computer club that I am a member of. If anyone can help me out with a copy of a schematic and component layout, or any info about where to obtain same, I would greatly appreciate it! EMAIL me (B.CHADWICK) with info or send info or needed items to my home address: R. H. Chadwick 534 Sunbeam Rd. Lompoc, CA 93436 THANKS in advance for any and all help!! ------------ Category 4, Topic 46 Message 2 Thu Dec 03, 1992 C128.JBEE at 01:25 EST Try Earl Harvey and Assc. 1409 Mill St Laramie WY 82070 307-745-7077 He repairs a lot of disk drives including 9090 HDs :) So he might have something you can use. ------------ ************ Topic 47 Thu Dec 24, 1992 B.BURCH2 [B.Burch2] (Forwarded) Sub: MPS1000 PRINTER/XETEC SUPER GRAPHIX WHAT PRINTER TYPE MUST I USE WITH THE XETEC INTERFACE. I DO NOT HAVE A PRINTER MANUAL. I CAN NOT GET THE PRINTER TO WORK. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED. 1 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 47 Message 1 Thu Dec 24, 1992 C128.JBEE (Forwarded) Best to set the interface to transparent and the printer to Epson mode. Someone with a MPS-1000 will have to tell you the switch settings. ------------ ************ Topic 48 Mon Dec 28, 1992 H.KONCZAK1 [Henry] at 15:39 EST Sub: MODEM FOR THE 128 Looking to get a friend online and need info on the price and availability of modems for the 128 6 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 4, Topic 48 Message 1 Mon Dec 28, 1992 H.KONCZAK1 [Henry] at 15:41 EST I've had a 128 for years but I never had a modem for it. I'm giving it to a friend and I would like to have it up and running for her. What terminal program would you recommend. The system is a 128 w/ a 1571 dr ive and the MPS 803 printer. BTW do they still make ribbons for the 803? Thanks Henry ------------ Category 4, Topic 48 Message 2 Mon Dec 28, 1992 YLR.ROSE [* Mistress *] at 18:03 EST Henry.. yes, they still make ribbons for the 803.. I have in use right now.. usually you can get them mail order, or if you have an Office Depot in your area.. they carry them in the store. They run about 4.50 a ribbon here in my area of Waco, Texas.. if you need some, let me know. Will be happy to purchase and mail them to you for the cost + postage. Terminal programs.. there are lots to choose from, Desterm 128 v2.0 is right here in our library and is very good for use on IBM ANSI boards, as well as GEnie. Also Bobs Term Pro128 is good for ASCII boards like GEnie. That one you would have to order from the supplier, or be lucky enough to find a copy floating around somewhere. :> Also, for the 128, our own E.G.Bell has uploaded a great GEnie program for negotiating this system as well as your local systems, called RTCMaster v1.08. That is a highly recommended download! Come in tonight to our RTC and watch it in action! >:D HUGs and good luck getting your friend online! ------------ Category 4, Topic 48 Message 3 Tue Dec 29, 1992 CBM-MARK at 01:02 EST You forgot one Rose! My favorite, but now neck & neck with RTCM, is Wizard 128. ;D ------------ Category 4, Topic 48 Message 4 Tue Dec 29, 1992 HOWIE-CBM at 03:48 EST Well, I think the commercial program, Dialogue 128 ought to be included on that list too. And, for its specific applications, Kermit too. Howie ------------ Category 4, Topic 48 Message 5 Tue Dec 29, 1992 H.KONCZAK1 [HENRY] at 15:01 EST Mistress... Terminal prog... Will the recommended terminal progs run in 40 column mode? I have yet to make sure the 803 works alright but if it does I will be needing a ribbon for it. Thanks for the good wishes. When I'm finished maybe we'll have a new GEnie fan... Thanks again Henry ------------ Category 4, Topic 48 Message 6 Tue Dec 29, 1992 CBM-ED [e.g.bell] at 18:48 EST RTCMaster will not be much good in 40 column mode. However DesTerm may work for you. It has a 'pixel' mode which translates the 80 column output to 40 columns thru VDC registers, making it look just like the 40 column output. It may not be what you want, but then, it may be just the ticket. It is a SUPER term program. Probably the one against which most are measured. Dialogue was also a good suggestion. It is the only commercial one of the lot. ------------ ************ Topic 49 Thu Dec 31, 1992 AMFORD at 00:39 EST Sub: MSD Repairs Hopefully some forth coming hints on repairing MSD Dual drives 2 message(s) total. ************ Thu Dec 31, 1992 AMFORD at 00:42 EST I have an MSD Dual Drive with the Chip Level Designs Mass Duplicator and Autocopy chips installed. The chips used to allow the MSD to act as a standalone disk duplicator (no computer needed!), but the MSD no longer starts up by itself. The MSD does still quickly dup disks, but a computer has to be hooked up to open the drive channel and give the copy command. Any hints on fixes? ------------ Category 4, Topic 49 Message 2 Thu Dec 31, 1992 C128.JBEE at 19:12 EST MSD Repairs the cheap way --------------------------------------------------------------------- Also see the MSD SD1 to MSD-SD2 conversion file in Library #1! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Okay, the first and most important thing to remember is your drive is very old and parts are not easily available and Earl will be charging you serious money for your mistakes ;) --------------------------------------------------------------------- When your drive no longer boots from the autocopy roms the most likely cause is the transformer is about to go. Since this part is hard (almost impossible) to find and expensive, we will go the cheap route first. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Take the serial cable out of the disk drives and now try the autocopy roms! Still doesn't work? Let us start by assuming your drive needs to be cleaned. First get a SINGLE sided cleaner and throughly clean both drives. Two times. Don't do it any more times than this or you will scratch the head or wear out the top felt pressure pad. If the heads are that dirty it is time for Q-tips and cleaning fluid. Since most people will destroy a good drive by cleaning it, pressing too hard, etc etc we will skip this last suggestion entirely. Don't Q-tip it. Now using a disk with a write protect notch made of electrical tape try booting the drive. Don't use a disk flipped upside down, it drags on the drive sometimes and the MSD will not boot properly. Also, some write protect notches are not opaque enough, that is why I said electrical tape. Also the cheap ones you get today will fall off sooner or later inside the drive tomorrow. Boot the MSD with the disks inside and the latches open. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Darn, still didn't work. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Okay, get a flashlight and look inside the drive. Do you see any write protect tabs or lint hanging around? No, give it a blast of air or gentle blowing without the spit, anyways. The on/off switches are usually the sealed type so we won't bother with that. Try it again. No luck. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Okay, maybe just the switch is bad since it has been flipped hundreds or thousands of times over the last eight years. With the main power switch on and the MSD the first thing plugged into the power strip with the other equipment off and no serial cable attached "smartly" flick that switch on. You just get the green light with no flashing or just the red drive lights. Try again, this time a bit more violently. Still doesn't work. Do it again a couple of times but a bit faster, remember though, the point is not to burn the drive up or to blow the fuse. It works! Don't turn it off! Turn off the power strip. Wait a GOOD minute. Turn the power strip on. Does the drive boot nicely? If so, you need a switch from Earl. You won't find one locally, I know, I have tried before. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Still doesn't work? --------------------------------------------------------------------- Let us assume your problem is oxide. Unplug your MSD and remove the power cord. Remove the screws on the left and right of the case Assuming you do not have any switches in the back, tilt the MSD onto its back surface but not all the way. You do not want to crush the hard to find on/off switch. Remove the screws from each disk drive, if you have not tilted the drive too far back the drives will hang in there by the front lips. Put it back down and level. Carefully unplug the drive connectors by using gentle prying motions and a firm grip on the connectors and NOT the cable. Pull on the cable and you will be sorry. Now remove the power cable connectors. Gently lift the right hand drive (1) out of the MSD and make sure you do not catch the electronics on the top of the drive on the (0) drive. Lift out the left hand drive. Now we are going to remove all the roms and rams you have carefully marked with their "U" numbers. Of course you are going to be grounded and static free since the 2k rams and roms are almost impossible to find. Now with a CHIP REMOVER remove all the chips and remember to use a gentle prying motion IF needed. You shouldn't need it. You will probably notice the chips are "white" on the legs. There are many ways to remove it. Since brushing or "sanding" them will produce static and possibly destroy the chips I prefer a chemical cleaner or spray. Up to you, I wouldn't go crazy on this or would possibly skip the cleaning altogether. Up to you. Now straighten the pins with a pin straighter or use a flat surface. Make sure the legs are straight as in not bent left or right when you removed the chip with a screw driver because you did not use a chip remover like I told you told :D If they are bent, use a small pair of pliers to gently straighten them out. If you use your fingers you will break the leg and be out of a chip or a bigger repair job to fix the mistake (kludge). Now slightly bend each row of legs inwards towards the bottom of the chips. The point is to make solid contact with the chip socket. Normally the legs are splayed outwards slightly to make good contact when they are inserted with machinery at that factory. Now reassembly the whole MSD. This should have taken about an hour so far. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Okay, it still doesn't boot up automatically. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Darn! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Could be the drive speed. You will need a strobe for this and have to take the case apart and look at the bottom of the drives to do this one. I believe the RPMs are 202 vs the 300+ for a 1541. Since I have never adjusted the speed on these drives, I can't tell you how. This is Earl territory for me! What I have done in the past that worked about 50% of the time is to just replace the drives themselves at this point. I use to buy them for $19 a piece from JB Technologies. They advertise in Computer Shopper. I figure for the $38 it was almost cheaper than the shipping to WY and labor Earl would charge (which by the way is VERY reasonable). Besides, I know I will always need them since they do wear out with all the copying I do and at the very worse I can always sell them for cost. Now one trick I have tried in the past was to switch the drives! I don't know why it works sometimes but it does. I suspect it is because one drive is slow or fast or that it doesn't really matter much for the #1 drive. When switching the drives make sure you change the shorting blocks for D0,D1 on the drives themselves and move the terminating resistor from drive 1 to the former drive 0. Basically it looks like a black & ugly chip plugged into a socket near the drive selector/shorting blocks. It is marked "xxx OHMs" on the top. Be gentle prying this one because this one is hard to find too. Now reassemble and boot the drive again. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Darn, still doesn't work ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Let's assume you have a extra MSD laying around. Do all this with the power cord disconnected and off the drive! Switch out the p.s. switch first since it is the easiest part to get at and usually isn't soldered to the wires. Does the MSD work now? No, okay, then let us switch the switches back and swap ROMs. I wouldn't bother with the rams. Still doesn't work? Exchange the drives in pairs and in exact order! If you decide to mix or match them you really are crazy. Okay, the drive still doesn't work. <sigh> What we were afraid of in the first place, probably the power supply. Switch them out and try the drive with the "new" power supply. Whatever you do, don't try the suspected bad one in your good drive! Usually the problem is under voltage but you never know! Does it finally work? Okay, call Earl and beg him to find a transformer/ power supply and ask him pretty please to solder the leads on correctly for you, since when he can find them, they come without wires attached and the last thing a person like us wants to do is solder the wrong wires to the wrong outputs. In this case, AC & DC really doesn't mix! --------------------------------------------------------------------- At this point where you are replacing the power supply, you are probably better off spending the $10 in shipping and whatever the labor will be and have Earl check it out completely in case you or I forgot something vital to check. Better to spend the small amount $$ of labor before throwing an expensive power supply at it. Most of this was "common" sense stuff, but noone told me about it and I had to find out on my own. Hope it saves you time, money, and spares parts. Having too many things plugged into a power strip will drop the voltage enough, especially with the MSD plugged into the last socket, so it doesn't work properly. As noted above, unplug or turn off all devices and plug the MSD into the strip first. Also remove all the serial cables as they will prevent the MSD from booting when it senses the computer pulling the line! --------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ 4 ?