This program fully emulates the 8087 math coprocessor on 80286 and 80386 based computers. This is useful to run software that requires the 8087/80287/80287. This program does not emulate the 80287/80387 extensions to the 8087 instruction set, but most software I have seen only uses the 8087 instructions to be PC/XT compatible. Please note that floating point emulation is MUCH slower than the real thing (but also much cheaper!).
Unfortunately, this method of emulation does not work on the 8088 and 8086 based computers because these processors do not have emulation support built in.
History:
========
Version 1.1 fixes problems with programs that access extended memory, like VDISK.SYS, RAMDRIVE.SYS, SMARTDRV.SYS, AUTOCAD, etc. Also this version will not load if a real 80X87 is present.
Version 1.2 fixes problems uninstalling EM87 under certain versions of DOS. Also display of the help screen would lock up some machines.
Version 1.3 allows floating point exception interrupts to properly cause a non-maskable interrupt when enabled. Very few programs use this feature.
The lack of this capability caused programs that needed it to do strange things to the video display.
Version 1.4 will not attempt to load on a 8088/8086/V20 processor machine. EM87 is now compatible with 80386 memory managers, see section below.
NEW!
====
Version 1.5 will allow EM87 to be loaded on a 80386 machine that has the latest (as of 10/13/90) version of 386MAX loaded. I received a call from them saying that they made changes to 386MAX to support EM87 version 1.3.
Unfortunately EM87 version 1.4 will not allow loading and unloading after any 386 memory manager is loaded. If you try the /L option and your machine crashes or EM87 doesn't function properly, you probably need to use EM87.SYS. Note that the program has been changed from a .COM to a .EXE file. You must delete the old program. Copying the new program will not overwrite the old one!
If you are using a non-compatable 80386 memory manager:
To load EM87 on an 80386 machine with a non-compatable memory manager loaded (such as QEMM, older version of 386MAX, EMM386.SYS) you MUST place the device driver, EM87.SYS, in your CONFIG.SYS by putting the line: DEVICE=EM87.SYS as the FIRST line in your CONFIG.SYS. This line MUST be before the line that installs the memory manager! You must also place the line: EM87 /L in your AUTOEXEC.BAT. If EM87.EXE is not loaded after EM87.SYS and before ANY program that checks for or uses the numerics coprocessor, your system WILL crash! EM87 can not be unloaded if you are using a non-compatable 80386 memory manager. It can be loaded into high memory if your memory manager has the capability to load programs in high memory. Do not load EM87.SYS into high memory, as it does not remain resident anyways. Do not try the EM87 /U command when a non-compatable 386 memory manager is loaded as it WILL crash your machine!
Do NOT use EM87.SYS if you are not running a 80386 memory manager!
Microway's 87TEST v1.20 (A very intensive 8087 test program).
FATMAN30 (A great mandelbrot generator!).
NORTON UTILITIES 4.5 SI (Reports a 8087 present).
PC-Matlab Simnon
Does not work with:
===================
AUTOCAD 386.
Possibly any other program that uses a DOS extender (286 or 386 protected mode).
Probably only works with WINDOWS 3.0 in real mode or with only non-protected mode programs?
Usage:
======
EM87 >Display the help screen.
EM87 /L >Load the emulator.
EM87 /U >Unload the emulator.
EM87 returns the error codes as shown in the section below to MSDOS.
Possible messages:
==================
========EM87.SYS always displays the lines:
EM87.SYS V1.5 preload driver for 386 memory managers.
Copyright (C) 1990 by Ron Kimball. All rights reserved.
========followed by one of the following lines:
EM87.SYS successful. Thanks for using EM87!
Extended memory manager loaded! EM87.SYS must be loaded first! Can't load!
Math coprocessor detected! Can't load!
Not an 80386! Can't load!
========EM87.EXE always displays the lines:
EM87: 8087 emulator for 80286 and 80386 based computers.
Version 1.5 (c) 1989, 1990 by Ron Kimball. All rights reserved.
If you continue to use this program after evaluation you must send 5 dollars for registration to: RON KIMBALL RR01 BOX 15Y BROOKFIELD, MA 01506
========followed by one of the following messages: ERROR CODE
========Command line = EM87 ==========
1 Usage: EM87 /L >Load the emulator.
EM87 /U >Unload the emulator.
========Command line = EM87 /L
8087 emulator loaded. Thanks for using EM87! 0
Math coprocessor detected! Can't load! 2
Processor must be 80286 or 80386! Can't load! 4
386 memory manager detected! 0 If your machine crashes or EM87 fails to function, EM87.SYS may need to be loaded first!
EM87 already loaded! Can't load! 7
========Command line = EM87 /U
EM87 unloaded. Thanks for using EM87! 0
EM87 was not resident! Can't unload! 3
Extended memory manager loaded! 0 If your machine crashes now due to a non-compatable 386 memory manager, do NOT use this (/U) command.
Source code or custom version:
==============================
These are available with a license to use or distribute EM87 with your software products. The price is usually $500.00 (Unless you need something really unusual). Write with your needs!
Distribution:
=============
This program may be freely distributed by anyone in its unmodified form only and must be with this unmodified documentation file.
Shareware: EM87 is copyright 1989, 1990 Ron Kimball, all rights reserved. It is not "Public Domain" or "Freeware". If you intend to use this program after evaluation you must send me five dollars for registration. Registration entitles you to use EM87 on a single machine at any one time, and the right to use (under the same terms) any future version of EM87 that may be released for no further charge. Include the version number of EM87 that you are presently using. Also please tell me of any new uses you may find for this program.
This registration may be transferred to another by merely notifying me at the address below.
I will notify you of updates, which you may download from various BBS's or obtain directly from me for a small charge. My BBS number is (508) 867-5352 open to first time callers with no registration. Thanks.
