The following is a transcript of the July 21, 1987 Flagship C-128 RTC hosted hosted by Twin Cities 128, North America's only C-128 specific publication. Our impromptu guest during this session was Fred Bowen of Commodore Engineering and one of the co-creators of C-128. I would like to thank Fred for stopping by and "hanging out" with us. Fred will be back on with us July 28, 1987 at 10 pm eastern for a more formal affair. Please come join us this, and every week as we discuss using and programming the Commodore 128 personal computer. I wrote a program and wonder if anyone is interested in it <[Loren] SPARROW.J> What does the program do? hi jenni is here. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Howdy Mr. Bush takes files from the disk and stashes them int the expram <[G.Tirebiter] W.BUSH> Shoes for Industry Hiya sparrow.. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Sounds like something worthwhile..send it up <[G.Tirebiter] W.BUSH> What does ?? then it also swaps programs in and out of the 128 <[G.Tirebiter] W.BUSH> isn't Commodore comming out with one soon? <[G.Tirebiter] W.BUSH> hehee <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Just upload it...I'm sure many people would be interested <[G.Tirebiter] W.BUSH> =many people <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Well if all goes right, you can ask the man who wrote the C= program i would also be interested in anyone who would like to modify it <[Loren] SPARROW.J> exactly what is going on with that, tonight <[G.Tirebiter] W.BUSH> has left. is here. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Again send it up Hello everyone..... <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Hello Iash I'll send iit up later Whats the topic of discussion tonite? <[Loren] SPARROW.J> open session Do all of you have 128s'? <[Loren] SPARROW.J> We have been talking about REU usage <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Yep, I got three of them Did you get your ROM updates put in yet? is here. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Two of my machines have ROM updates <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Hello Fred hi guy I just installed mine this weekend. My user group had an e-prom and we burned quite a few chips... <[Loren] SPARROW.J> you can add Fred to your name by typing: /nam Fred what do they do now <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> wow- hot stuff! <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> what is goin on, anything???? sta is here. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Well IASH, was just describing how his user group made does anyone else have an expansion ram program ? <[Loren] SPARROW.J> several ROM upgrades for themselves is here. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Hello Jeff <[jeff] J.ADAMS> hello veryone <[jeff] J.ADAMS> ^e is here. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Well anybody, i should let the cat out of the bag <[jeff] J.ADAMS> hello IAS, see you are from N. VA what do the ROM upgrades do? yes, arlington <[Larry] LEROSENMAN> Hello All <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Fred is Fred Bowen of Commodore engineering <[jeff] J.ADAMS> Im here in Fredericksburg <[jeff] J.ADAMS> (what cat Sparrow?) The rom upgrades basically from what I can tell, give you peace of mind knowing you have the upgrade as opposed to not having them.... <[jeff] J.ADAMS> they correct rel file problems <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Well Iash, they do a bit more than that <[jeff] J.ADAMS> validation problems <[jeff] J.ADAMS> indentification of disk formats... <[Loren] SPARROW.J> care to comment Fred? rel file problems? <[jeff] J.ADAMS> nad more! <[jeff] J.ADAMS> AND I never had any problems with my old chips, but I wanted peace of mind.... <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> Which ROMs are we talking about? <[WestSider] F.MORRIS> Are you talking the 128 OS ROM, or the 1571 ROM or 64K VDC chips? <[Loren] SPARROW.J> They is talkin 128 and 1571 upgrades I replaced 3 27128 chips and 1 27256 chip... <[Loren] SPARROW.J> your favorite subject Does anyone know what the empty slot in the 128 (near the 27128 chips) are for? <[jeff] J.ADAMS> BASIC-8 CAN FIT IN THAT SLOT <[Loren] SPARROW.J> In one of my 128's that socket now holds BASIC 8 <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> The empty slot is the 'internal cartridge' ROM slot- 256K space. is here. <[jeff] J.ADAMS> Hello Tiggy! <[Loren] SPARROW.J> But there is nothing "official" planned for it as far as I know If I burn a chip with the basic 8 program it will convert my basic 7 to basic 8, is that correct? HIya Gang! who produces chips for that slot <[WestSider] F.MORRIS> Does CBM have any upgrade plan for 128 owners to (fixed) C128D, or must I sell te old 128 myself an get new 128D? <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> Any cartridge that works outside would work inside. ROM cart. that is... <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> Naaa- the 128D is not really an upgrade. No plans for special deals that I knowof <[Loren] SPARROW.J> The 128D is a 128 in a different case, with 64K VDC RAM <[Loren] SPARROW.J> and a built in '71 is here. <[WestSider] F.MORRIS> Well, I have no idea how to open my case and change the chips. Do I have to pay somene to do that, after buyng the cips? <[jeff] J.ADAMS> hello Tracy [hiya tracy!] greetings! <[WestSider] F.MORRIS> The 128D hassALL the corrected chips! <[Loren] SPARROW.J> no, the upgrade is very simple <[Loren] SPARROW.J> But your local service center will do it WestSider, It is very easy there is instructions in the librarys on how the procedure is done, very simple... <[jeff] J.ADAMS> Did you do yours yourself Loren? <[Loren] SPARROW.J> for a modest fee <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Yep, I did <[WestSider] F.MORRIS> Still seems more like an UPGRADE to me.. is here. <[jeff] J.ADAMS> (I have the chips on order (the chip is in the mail hehe) What chip do I need to put in the empty slot to convert to a 256K machine? has left. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Iash, I think you misunderstood has left. please explain.... <[Loren] SPARROW.J> The socket is for application ROM <[jeff] J.ADAMS> the 27128 is the eprom chip, but it doesnt give you 256K at once <[Larry] LEROSENMAN> has left. <[jeff] J.ADAMS> (its not like upgrading an EYE BEE EEM <[Loren] SPARROW.J> You could put a large program in their <[jeff] J.ADAMS> CBM's memory is bank switched through a PAL Thats too bad, I have a few spreadsheets I use that are filled to capacity.... <[Loren] SPARROW.J> but it is not going to give you more Random Access Memory <[jeff] J.ADAMS> A memory cartridge w/ pocket planner software might be the answer to your spreadsheet problem <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Hey gang, does anybody want to ask Fred anything? is here. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Hello Deb Hiya! is CBm going to put a RAM disk for the expansion RAM on one? <[jeff] J.ADAMS> How much is CBM charging dealers for Amiga 500's? <[jeff] J.ADAMS> (Hi DEB) Will the 128 ever be able to run M/S DOS? <[jeff] J.ADAMS> hehe <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> I don't have any price lists here- I dunno what 500's dealer price is. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Sorry to open the floodgates Fred <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> CBM has no plans for the ROM slot in either the 128 or the RAM expanders. too bad I have a question about the 1581, can it format cp/m, and IBM with programs like big blue does on the 1571? <[Loren] SPARROW.J> But there are third party developers that do <[jeff] J.ADAMS> will CBM start supporting/developing software for the expanders <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> Sorry, MS DOS cannot run with an '02 or a Z80 <[jeff] J.ADAMS> (more than now) has left. <[WestSider] F.MORRIS> I have an engineering question for Fred.... <[WestSider] F.MORRIS> The 128 is downdardly compatible with the 64....and the 1581 with 1571 with 1541 etc. <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> The 128 RAM expander disk with RAMdisk stuff is in QA- hopefully (he prayed) it will be available soon. <[WestSider] F.MORRIS> I undertad this is not tru with the aAmiga and the PC-1. Are there any aver-all <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> The 1581 will be supported with a new version of CP/M <[jeff] J.ADAMS> anything else in the works for the expander? <[WestSider] F.MORRIS> compatibblty plans at CBM regarding downward compatability? <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Gang...as soon as Fred gives the word, i promise I will upload the Ram disk <[WestSider] F.MORRIS> I think the RAM disk is on-line over at Q-L. <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> What's the compatiblility question? <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Westsider..the 128 mode version of the Ram disk from CBM had better not be <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> I hope the RAMdisk is not on line- it was to be pulled. I just made a few bug fxes today! <[WestSider] F.MORRIS> Is the 128/1581 as high ass compatiblity that CBM plans to go....then a total jump to Amiga or PC? <[WestSider] F.MORRIS> ass is a typo! <[jeff] J.ADAMS> (steno notes deleted) <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> There are no current plans for a higher-end 6502 machine currently. <[WestSider] F.MORRIS> Loren, dont know which version, just rushed by the annoucemnt tonight. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Where was the announcement? Who announced it? has left. <[WestSider] F.MORRIS> Somewhere in CIN, Comp. Comm, 128.... <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> What do you think the public would do with a 10MHz 6502-type Up, though... <[jeff] J.ADAMS> Fred, is CBM trying to market directly through dealers, or are you also trying stores like Seras, Kmart etc? <[WestSider] F.MORRIS> Fred, think your last msg got garled with steno notes msg.... <[Loren] SPARROW.J> The RAM disk software, as far as I know, is still confidential <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> The 128 and associated peripherals go to dealers and mass market, like sears, et. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> at least the one from CBM is here. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> There are other people who have written Ram disk software <[WestSider] F.MORRIS> Loren, think this might be a private vers... <[WestSider] F.MORRIS> Loren, sorry to get you upset! <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Fred, is there anything new on Devpak? <[Loren] SPARROW.J> I'm not upset.. <[WestSider] F.MORRIS> good. is here. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> <- very rarely get upset about anything <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> Just finished DevPak128, and sent it to QA today, too. <[jeff] J.ADAMS> yea! is here. What's DEVPAK <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> (had to re-submit it for changes to the assembler & RAMdisk) (did ramdisk 128 get a release yet?) <[jeff] J.ADAMS> PATECH, found an error in BASIC-8 manual (I think) is here. tdah! <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> No release yet on anything- not RAMdisk, not CP/M for 1581, not DEVpak. HIya Dan! <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> soon. (still praying). Jeff, Give us a call at (201) 545-1571 <[Loren] SPARROW.J> In Nomis, et Pateris, et Spirtus Sancti... has left. amen <[jeff] J.ADAMS> looks long distance, Ill send you EMAIL has left. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> oops.. left out et Fili <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Fred, any chance we could ever get your ACiA card plans released maybere this means your wifey is having the son? has left. has left. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> for the hardware hackers out there <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Dan, just ask away question for fred? <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> I am still hoping the ACIA card can be made- either by CBM or some secret place on the side... <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Fred Bowen enterprises yeh! <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> (shhh) fred does cbm own cmos? <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> ???? CMOS is a silicon process. One of several. Do yu mean MOS Tech? <[jeff] J.ADAMS> CMOS is a process, not a company (complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) I think that was the iddezaa idea <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> Yes, MOS Tech is a division of Commodore. Now known as Commodore Semiconductor needed some ram to fill up my laptop and was confused at the 25-30 pricre tag for 8k <[jeff] J.ADAMS> (probably static vs dynamic) <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Dan do you have a model 100? is here. loren I pickrd up (cheep!) a model 8201a from nec. hey all!!! but I understabd thst many of the parts are intedchangable <[Loren] SPARROW.J> You can get the RAMs for the 8201 and the Model 100 for much less my Savior! <[jeff] J.ADAMS> Fred, can you tell us what else is in the works at CBM (since we have now seen the 1581 and 1531)? <[Loren] SPARROW.J> than that...I got mine for $10.00 check out Computer Shopper from whence??cometh the ram? <[Loren] SPARROW.J> I got those 16K segemented things dLoren, do you remember where you bought them ? I have the shopper for July and I didn't see them > <[jeff] J.ADAMS> (dan, look at JameCo) does anyone know debs mail address?? <[jeff] J.ADAMS> DEB <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> Currently nothing new is planned for the 64/128 line. Maybe a new printer, <[Loren] SPARROW.J> look in or near the classifieds under Radio Shack/Tandy <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> eah, that's the ticket! <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Fred, I keep hearing things about a new modem <[Loren] SPARROW.J> any truth? <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> See a doctor. ::smile:: Does anyone know of a good 40col term for the 128??? <[jeff] J.ADAMS> beep beep, beep beep, beep beep <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Yeah, I never listen to those little voices anymore anyway <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> Actually, I think there was (maybe still is) some desire to make a modem that fi <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> fits the 64/128 and Amiga lines. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Yeah..that is the one.. <[jeff] J.ADAMS> makes sense <[jeff] J.ADAMS> 1200 baud Fred? is here. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Hi Mike <[jeff] J.ADAMS> Hi Mike What about Volksmodem 12??? <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> Well, if I were making a modem, it better be 300/1200/2400 at least. Greetings. hi mike^ <==---Uses Volks-12 most of the tim. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Dan I can't go private right now ok just wanted to get your attention about the 100 , you got one? Whay do you think of it??? <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Fred, do programs that get placed in either empty ROM socket have to M.T. - I thinks its a pretty nice/reliable modem. No bells or whistles, but works very well. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> be copied into RAM or can they be addressed directly <[Loren] SPARROW.J> with something like JMPFAR Hmmm...I just bought one!!! loren , either rom socket? <[jeff] J.ADAMS> Loren, is a new TC128 due soon? M.T. - Great! <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> The application ROM space can be addressed using the banking calls- yes, like JMPFAR. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> yep it is done and will find its way to your door by the weekend Do you know a good term prg?? <[jeff] J.ADAMS> (Great - looking forward to it) can I ask fred how he might go about interfacing a model 100 clone to the 128 to transfer files?? M.T. - Care to go /private for a sec? <[jeff] J.ADAMS> RS232 port? (sorry Fred) <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Dan I do it with a simple phone cord ya (BRB) how? how?? <[jeff] J.ADAMS> who? <[Loren] SPARROW.J> plugged into my 1670 from the model 100's built in modem 8201 has no modem=> yet <[Loren] SPARROW.J> I simply use a term program with a buffer on 128 <[jeff] J.ADAMS> 8201 has 232 port correct? <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Okay..that presents a problem..Fred... yup <[jeff] J.ADAMS> software driver to spit it out 232 port tandy sells null modem package ok alsos <[jeff] J.ADAMS> and connected to 232 port of 128 w/ terminal program <[Loren] SPARROW.J> The null modem package is a ripoff <[jeff] J.ADAMS> (maybe just a driver routine for the C128 to read it) <[Loren] SPARROW.J> unless you must go machine direct ripooff , how so? <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Because you can do the same thing via modem <[Loren] SPARROW.J> that is if you have a modem zounds"! <[Loren] SPARROW.J> and the modem is more worthwhile having <[Loren] SPARROW.J> strange logic I know <[jeff] J.ADAMS> Goodnight all - Thanks for visiting us Fred <[jeff] J.ADAMS> has left. you mean if I get a modem for the 8201, I can 'call' the 128 via its 1670? <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> Bye jeff. night fred <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Fred, what about talking with other machines via the user port <[WestSider] F.MORRIS> has left. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> without a modem..problems..suggestions? <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> The 1011A card is no longer made by CBM, but if you can find one, it's the best way I know of <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> There are other outfits that make similar rs232 level-converters for the 64 & 128 Parallel port. maybe the kind lady from fresno , who by the way ... ahem, might help me locate one?? <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> Then again, I once used a simple 3-wire thing between an Apple game port and my 4. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Fred, the R-disk software in its current state allows you to relocate the deb? <[Loren] SPARROW.J> interface page, where else besides Bank 14 can it live? (back) got any omnitronix rs232 's leftZ? <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> The RAMdisk interface page can go anywhere that is not under a ROM. Dan ... no word on RS 232 interfaces yet. BT phone home! <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> You could put it in the 40-col screen, $1300-$3fff, anywhere like that. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> But it has to live in Bank 1 RAM right? anyone know where I can get 80col rgb reasonable <[Loren] SPARROW.J> I mean Bank 0 <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> Well, watch yer terminology- BANK 0 <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Right try new york times of today saw an add for 1902 for 189. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> I ***'d up BT phone home <[Loren] SPARROW.J> But it could not without a big rewrite live in BANK 1 (the real Bank 1) has left. <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> It depends- a ML program could put it somewhere else. Or you could extend commo RAM... time to nag someone for me! <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> Make that common (a.k.a. shared RAM) <[Loren] SPARROW.J> You mean down low in the first page? <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> Heck no- shared RAM (means accessable in banks 0 & 1) currently goes from $0 to $3ff (1k). <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> It could be extended. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Okay, I'm sorry when I said page, I did not mean the first 256 bytes I <[Loren] SPARROW.J> meant that 1K block <[Loren] SPARROW.J> How do you extend that portion of common RAM? <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> It all depends what your trying to do- Mike you have to attack someone for me when she is in range! <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> If you want just ML stuff, it's more or less up to you. is here. <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> If you want BASIC to be happly, your options are limited. hi dwight howdy. just dropped by to get some education.... <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> You can tweak the shared RAM via pokes to the MMU. kisse to deb <[Loren] SPARROW.J> The configuration register? <[Fafhrd] CCH> is here. (waving to Chris) has left. <[Fafhrd] CCH> Howdy <[grey mouser] S.PLATYPUS> hi fagf <[Fafhrd] CCH> (cough) <[grey mouser] S.PLATYPUS> faf <[Fafhrd] CCH> :-) <[DALE] DSEARS> is here. is here. <[grey mouser] S.PLATYPUS> had any good adventures lately? <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Fred, if you add common RAM <[DALE] DSEARS> evening all! <[grey mouser] S.PLATYPUS> ;-] <[Loren] SPARROW.J> what do you do with the storage stuff from $0400 up to $1c00 if you have to <[Loren] SPARROW.J> have BASIC alive and well <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> You attack the RAM config. register- $D506. BASIC would be content if you moved is here. <[grey mouser] S.PLATYPUS> night all <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> the start of BASIC text and the start of variables in bank1 up higher. <[grey mouser] S.PLATYPUS> has left. <[DALE] DSEARS> Fred, are we discussing the ram expanders?? <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> Sorta. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> and then put your stuff in between $1c00 and your new lower limit for <[Loren] SPARROW.J> BASIC text and/or BASIC variables (in BANK 1) <[DALE] DSEARS> Is the ram used dynamic ram? <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> If 'your stuff' refers to the interface page, yeah. <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> Yup- expanders use DRAMs. is here. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> so it follows that provided there is not an overlapping ROM you could <[Loren] SPARROW.J> put it up high in Bank 1 or does it have to be common has left. <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> It has to be in the same bank as the Kernel indirect vectors. <[DALE] DSEARS> How is the ram refreshed when using the expansion port on a 64? next chance you get to answer! <[Loren] SPARROW.J> So sorry guys, I'll quit hogging Fred's expertise <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> The DMA controller on the RAM expander card does refresh. <[DALE] DSEARS> I.C. <[DALE] DSEARS> no problem loren! <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> So you thinkin along the lines of battery backup? <[DALE] DSEARS> Read my mind, Fred!! <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Fred can such be done? err..easily? is here. <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> No- isolating power and things from the 128 (or 64) itself is one of the gotchas. I think a better question might be...will CBM release Tech Specs on the units in the future? is here. <[Fafhrd] CCH> :poof: <[Fafhrd] CCH> has left. <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> I don't think anyone has thought of releasing tech docs on the expanders. <[G.Tirebiter] W.BUSH> Hiya Fred..thanks for returning !! <[DALE] DSEARS> Personaly, I think that would be a excellent step!! <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> It should not be much of a problem- we got a proprietary chip on it- not like someone could copy it! I know a bunch who'd love something more than what is included in the manual which accompanies it. <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> I hear lots of requests from such 'bunches' <[DALE] DSEARS> Goferit, Dale. <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Dale speak up <[G.Tirebiter] W.BUSH> oh yeah REHi Loren... <[DALE] DSEARS> I was just funning as to wanting some specs!!ha <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> Well, I gotta hit the sack- think of what to ask next week? has left. (Wish I was earlier) Thanx for coming, Fred! <[G.Tirebiter] W.BUSH> Sack yep..we is not in Cali !! You coming back next week, Fred?! <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Okay gang...Fred will be back next wekk <[DALE] DSEARS> Thanks Fred will you be on next week?? <> <[G.Tirebiter] W.BUSH> Would help..been here earlier if I knew.. <[Fred] DEBS-GUEST> Okay, now how do I get outta here, folks? <[Loren] SPARROW.J> Yeah, Deb, sorry this was impromptu like this afternoon <[DALE] DSEARS> same here!! Fred type: /exi <[Loren] SPARROW.J> You told him..we could have held me hostage...