Hi all,
Very quick message to say that the the USB adaptor is coming along well.
I now have the "Pipe" cabling to "glue logic" to "FAT" to "USB stack" to "Mass
storage device" sections up and running and can read the ID from the Mass
storage device (in my case a thumbdrive with a FAT file system)
I'm planning on updating the whole design once I have done some testing and
perfected the file transfers and ironed out the bugs that I will inevitably
find.
My plan is possably to introduce a "translator" to accept the same commands that
would be sent to the 1770 FDC and implement the same port structure as the 1770.
Then to use the USB in place of an external floppy all we'd need to do the the
OS is divert transfers for drive 3 to a different port, and write a disc change
(folder change) routine.
This plan may change, I'd love to hear your feedback.
Regards,
Geoff
hi, just wondering if there is any one around shropshire or the midlands who
could help with some einstein games. I have a couple of 3" disks, and would like
to use the machine again . The only games which i have at the moment are oh
mummy, chuky egg, fukung in las vegas. please e mail me on
ag004r1244@.../ or yahoo, or tel 01952 402200. thanks adam
Hi Jose
Thanks for the welcome and info.
I'm slowly getting up and running on MESS emulator ATM - not purchased any
hardware yet (BTW anyone reading this that has contacted me with hardware for
sale - if I don't get back to you for a while it's due to considering my options
as I have had a few offers and awaiting potential others).
I would appreciate and sources you can make available - thanks.
I'm currently playing around with ZEN assembler/MOS Calls doc - only Assembler I
could find any documentation for (was for the MSX version - but I got it sussed
in the end - except for how to overwrite an existing file - which is a pain)
Saying that I have managed to successfully Assemble some simple stuff and create
a *.com file that works (after a few crashes).
Not done much with basic yet - except use the basic tutorial disk image to find
out all the keywords and play around a little. I probably take a look at BBC
basic for now as I think I can get some documentation for that.
Anyways thats all for now - it's been a little frustatrating with lack of
tools/docs - but fun all the same - bye for now :)
--- In tatung_einstein@..., "jltursan" <jltursan@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Richard,
>
> Welcome aboard!. It's nice to see that new nembers are still joining the
group, in fact I joined the group some years ago also looking for programming
info :)
>
> In the "Files" section, you can find some demos that you can try on your
Einstein/emulator and if you want, feel free to contact me about the
sources....or much better, I'm wondering why I didn't upload the sources along
the COM. So, probably I'll update a bit the "Files" section.
>
> If you've any question about programming (I must warn you that I'm not an
expert at all when talking about MOS, I'm more into the direct hardware access)
I'll do my best to answer you. There're a lot of MOS/DOS expert around here; so
I'm sure you'll find a lot of info asking here.
>
> Of course, don't hesitate to contact me through email if you want more
detailed info.
>
> Again, welcome to the group!
>
> P.D.: There're some nice and exciting new projects "growing" (USB support!) in
the group; so I think that it's a good time to join and take part of them ;)
>
> Jose
Hi Richard,
Welcome aboard!. It's nice to see that new nembers are still joining the group,
in fact I joined the group some years ago also looking for programming info :)
In the "Files" section, you can find some demos that you can try on your
Einstein/emulator and if you want, feel free to contact me about the
sources....or much better, I'm wondering why I didn't upload the sources along
the COM. So, probably I'll update a bit the "Files" section.
If you've any question about programming (I must warn you that I'm not an expert
at all when talking about MOS, I'm more into the direct hardware access) I'll do
my best to answer you. There're a lot of MOS/DOS expert around here; so I'm sure
you'll find a lot of info asking here.
Of course, don't hesitate to contact me through email if you want more detailed
info.
Again, welcome to the group!
P.D.: There're some nice and exciting new projects "growing" (USB support!) in
the group; so I think that it's a good time to join and take part of them ;)
Jose
--- In tatung_einstein@..., "richard.croskell"
<richard.croskell@...> wrote:
>
> Hi there
>
> I used to own an Einstein back when Dixons where selling them off cheap, and
must admit I was really impressed by the quality and build of the machine.
>
> I did use it for quite a while doing some programming in Basic / z80
Assembler.
>
> Now I'm looking to relive my youth, so after deliberating on which of the old
8-bit computers I previously owned and would like to start playing around with
once again, I have decided to purchase either a TC-01 or a 256 at some point in
the near future (funds allowing).
>
> So I was wondering if there is anyone that can help me out with some
documentation:-
>
> 1) Basic Language Manual
> 2) Einstein Memory Map
> 3) Firmware (MOS) guide
> 4) Programmers reference guide
>
> Items 2 - 4 being related to me getting up and running on the assembly
language front.
>
> I have googled for info and tried what few links I found, but seemed to draw a
blank except for a PDF copy of the MOS/DOS intro manual.
>
> I'm currently playing around with MESS/TC-01 Emulation atm until I can get
hold of the real thing.
>
> Thanks in advance for any help that may be forthcoming.
>
H Geoff
Thanks for the reply and information.
Unless I manage to find one in the meantime (not too likely), I would certainly
be interested in purchasing one of the set-ups once you have catalogued them.
--- In tatung_einstein@..., "id_fugu_is_unavailable" <geoff@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi Richard,
>
> Nice to have a new member here. I have several complete Einstein set-ups
(Boxed, complete set of manuals, Introduction, logo, Basic, DOS/MOS and boot
disks etc) that I will be disposing of in the near future. They were part of
Stan Gibbs legacy and profits from the sales go the unit that treated Stan for
the cancer that he eventually succumbed to. Group members will be offered stuff
here first for vary fair prices / donations. I just need to catalogue stuff.
>
> The best reference for All things Einstein are;
> 1. Tatung Einstein Hardware Manuel published by Tatung (ISBN 1-85086-010-6)
> 2. Albert Revealed (unknown publisher)
>
> Albert Revealed has full listings of all MOS commands, MCAL routines,
Scratch-pad locations, XTAL DOS, XTAL Basic, and a memory map. Unfortunately my
copy is missing the Appendices with the memory map and Index of basic reserved
keywords and error messages.
>
> I'll try to scan some useful bits soon to add to the files section here.
>
> Regards,
> Geoff
>
--- In tatung_einstein@..., "bbcchris2000" <chriscoxall@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi Richard,
>
> Welcome to this discussion group. You will find this group has flourishes of
activity then very long periods of inactivity. This is probably, especially in
my case, because members are heavily involved in their own development projects
for the Einstein computer. Don't let this stop you from making as many posts and
as frequently as you want. Post any queries you have. They will be welcome. If
there is a long period of inactivity don't worry we will still be here. And! I
mean long.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Chris
Many thanks for the info you provided, I have found and downloaded some bits and
pieces to get me started.
Regards
Richard
Hi Chris,
I don; have much time but here are a couple of quick answers,
I'm trying to source parts, and information on the ACC hard drive with the ACC
BIOS that accessed their hard drice as they had already dealt with the hard
drive integration problem.
The FAT file system is too large to reasonably fit into the Einstein. It will be
dealt with by the adaptor I'm building. The Einstein will merely send commands
to the Pipe and my adaptor will deal with directory creation, reading and
writing files, handling folders etc.
If I can get more information on the ACC device I might follow their lead and
have the hard drive showing as drive 2 (following the PC standard of a C drive)
> 4: With a smaller piece of code could a piece of Einstein RAM be exchanged
with memory in a storage device run and be swopped back? Act something like a
MOS Mcal but from the storage device?
That should be possible.
> The CF Interface
> I'm sorry you have brought closure to the compact flash interface. My regret
is that I didn't have the steadiness of hand and eyesight to solder up the
finley pitched pins of the compact flash holder. If I find a more manageable way
to do it I still will.
I'll try make a second and send it to you if I get time.
> With hardware has full address decoding with the CF since been established?
Full address decoding is possible (I've followed the Einstein standard of
addressing in 8bit chunks (ie only bits 3 to 7 are used for each device, bits 0
to 2 are used by those devices)
> Is there any new programing you have developed for accessing the CF you can
share with us?
Nothing above what's posted here. Just blind reading and writing of sectors
without implementing any file system.
> My Own Development
> As mentioned in a previous post I have established an Einstein user port / PC
printer port link for exchanging data. Example programing can be found at
http://www.einstein.talktalk.net/pio.html . A pdf document viewed or downloaded
from http://www.einstein.talktalk.net/download/pio_extra.pdf
>
Your developments look very interesting. I'll reply to the rest of your post
later when I can read it properly.
Do you have a copy of the "FlexiDos" ROM?
Regards,
Geoff
Hi Richard,
Nice to have a new member here. I have several complete Einstein set-ups (Boxed,
complete set of manuals, Introduction, logo, Basic, DOS/MOS and boot disks etc)
that I will be disposing of in the near future. They were part of Stan Gibbs
legacy and profits from the sales go the unit that treated Stan for the cancer
that he eventually succumbed to. Group members will be offered stuff here first
for vary fair prices / donations. I just need to catalogue stuff.
The best reference for All things Einstein are;
1. Tatung Einstein Hardware Manuel published by Tatung (ISBN 1-85086-010-6)
2. Albert Revealed (unknown publisher)
Albert Revealed has full listings of all MOS commands, MCAL routines,
Scratch-pad locations, XTAL DOS, XTAL Basic, and a memory map. Unfortunately my
copy is missing the Appendices with the memory map and Index of basic reserved
keywords and error messages.
I'll try to scan some useful bits soon to add to the files section here.
Regards,
Geoff
> Now I'm looking to relive my youth, so after deliberating on which of the old
8-bit computers I previously owned and would like to start playing around with
once again, I have decided to purchase either a TC-01 or a 256 at some point in
the near future (funds allowing).
>
> So I was wondering if there is anyone that can help me out with some
documentation:-
>
> 1) Basic Language Manual
> 2) Einstein Memory Map
> 3) Firmware (MOS) guide
> 4) Programmers reference guide
>
> Items 2 - 4 being related to me getting up and running on the assembly
language front.
Hi Richard,
Welcome to this discussion group. You will find this group has flourishes of
activity then very long periods of inactivity. This is probably, especially in
my case, because members are heavily involved in their own development projects
for the Einstein computer. Don't let this stop you from making as many posts and
as frequently as you want. Post any queries you have. They will be welcome. If
there is a long period of inactivity don't worry we will still be here. And! I
mean long.
>So I was wondering if there is anyone that can help me out with some
documentation:-
>1) Basic Language Manual
>2) Einstein Memory Map
>3) Firmware (MOS) guide
>4) Programmers reference guide
For your questions 2 & 3.
Mario's excellent Einstein Reborn web site for Einstein resources.
MOS/DOS Introduction Manual
Hardware Manual
WEB SITE
http://www.tatungeinstein.co.uk/
WEB PAGE
http://www.tatungeinstein.co.uk/front/mans.htm
Also look at page
http://www.tatungeinstein.co.uk/front/micronews.htm
Alternative Micro News volume 1 issue 2 hold scratch pad locations for MOS.
In the groups Files folder Manuals
MosCallsV100.pdf A good listing of Machine calls by Phil Simmons
In the groups Files folder ROM
Einstein.zip Excellent commented disassembles by Ric Hohne. Professionally done.
For your question 1
This site might be of help
http://www.rtrussell.co.uk/
You could download a trial version of BBC BASIC for Windows and use its help
file. Although intended for the PC most of its commands are compatible with
Bbcbasic for the Einstein.
You can also play with BBC4W itself. Don't be put off by all the clever stuff
that BBC4W can do. You can still type in what I call basic basic as you would
with BBCBASIC for the Einstein. Only difference the output is viewed in a window
instead of the whole screen.
I hope this will get you started. When I think of more I'll post. Any more
queries just ask.
Regards Chris Coxall
Hi Phil,
!The first attempt at sending this to your own email address from my own inbox
returned
"delivery status notification error".
So has the second.
I've only had a quick glance for the moment at your e-mail you sent to me
directly and it has already brought sense for what has been confusion to me for
a long time.
Already very helpful.
I think you may have meant this to be posted to the group as a whole.
as its addressed "Hi all - "
If not it would be very good to have it here.
Regards Chris Coxall.
Hi there
I used to own an Einstein back when Dixons where selling them off cheap, and
must admit I was really impressed by the quality and build of the machine.
I did use it for quite a while doing some programming in Basic / z80 Assembler.
Now I'm looking to relive my youth, so after deliberating on which of the old
8-bit computers I previously owned and would like to start playing around with
once again, I have decided to purchase either a TC-01 or a 256 at some point in
the near future (funds allowing).
So I was wondering if there is anyone that can help me out with some
documentation:-
1) Basic Language Manual
2) Einstein Memory Map
3) Firmware (MOS) guide
4) Programmers reference guide
Items 2 - 4 being related to me getting up and running on the assembly language
front.
I have googled for info and tried what few links I found, but seemed to draw a
blank except for a PDF copy of the MOS/DOS intro manual.
I'm currently playing around with MESS/TC-01 Emulation atm until I can get hold
of the real thing.
Thanks in advance for any help that may be forthcoming.
Hi Geoff and ALL
All success to your new project. A USB would really bring the Einstein into the
modern world. It does though raise issues which are similar to my own
development of linking the Einstein user port and PC printer Port.
Interfacing a new device to the Einstein whether a PC, CF or USB for exchanging
memory is one thing but to intergrate it with DOS and making it compatible with
MOS is another. Additional code in the Einstein for interfacing the device would
have to be placed in the Einstein's RAM where exiting applications loaded in and
run will not over write it. It all starts to get more complicated.
So some questions to satisfy my curiosity.
>USB seems far more logical as, once implimented, it will support any USB Mass
Storage device. Most digital cameras currently use the same storage system so it
should be with us for a while.
USB certainly seems a more versatile option.
>adding onboard support for FAT file systems
I take it that this means the FAT file systems will need to be loaded into the
Einstein RAM at some location.
1: If this is so it will have to stay there when running other Einstein programs
in the TPA.
2: So where to put it and how big will it be?
3: Can it be placed without reducing the size of the TPA for other programing?
4: With a smaller piece of code could a piece of Einstein RAM be exchanged with
memory in a storage device run and be swopped back? Act something like a MOS
Mcal but from the storage device?
The CF Interface
I'm sorry you have brought closure to the compact flash interface. My regret is
that I didn't have the steadiness of hand and eyesight to solder up the finley
pitched pins of the compact flash holder. If I find a more manageable way to do
it I still will.
As I understand it from the documentation you have already provided there was
hardware and software instructions to read and write sector by sector to and
from the Einstein. I would be content and enjoy experimenting with this feature
alone. Find answers to my question 4.
Since providing your original documentation has there been any further
development hardware and/or software you can share with the group?
With hardware has full address decoding with the CF since been established?
Is there any new programing you have developed for accessing the CF you can
share with us?
My Own Development
As mentioned in a previous post I have established an Einstein user port / PC
printer port link for exchanging data. Example programing can be found at
http://www.einstein.talktalk.net/pio.html . A pdf document viewed or downloaded
from http://www.einstein.talktalk.net/download/pio_extra.pdf
From this I have further programing developed which will snapshot the whole of
Einstein RAM to a binary file on the PC. The MOS monitor command can be used to
type in a 194 bytes of code which will download a snapshot RAM file from the PC,
DOS as well, into the Einstein. So it is a way to boot Einey with a DOS without
a floppy disk drive and boot floppy.
I do not of course type in MOS the hex every time. I have saved it to a track
and sector of a formatted disc with the MOS Write command. The track and sector
and address to load to are written on the floppy. I start up the Einstein with
out a disk inserted and go into MOS. Insert the disk and load the code using MOS
READ. Then I remove the floppy. This is so I know the DOS I am using is always
that which has been downloaded from the user port and not been reloaded from a
disc.
The snapshot Einstein RAM files saved on the PC are useful for opening and
exploring the workings of the Einstein RAM with Windows HEX editors and Z80
disassemblers.
The snap shot RAM files can be altered in the PC. One innovation I've tried is
using BBCBASIC for Windows programing to insert an Einstein *.COM file into the
snapshot RAM before downloading into the Einstein. I've done this successfully
with XBAS basic and BBCBASIC, and as with other applications, had them running.
But! Where do I insert an *.XBS file? With BBCBASIC I know from documentation a
*.BBC file is inserted at &400.
The real answer I want is to alter or create a DOS which will point to the user
port to receive files and to be located in RAM where needed. For *.COM files
this is known to be the beginning of the TPA at &100 but when an application
wants to load its own file where is the destination address kept?
I know from documentation and from viewing the RAM snap shot files that the name
of a file to be downloaded by an application is placed at &5C. I also know the
2kb buffer for reading and writing bytes to and from disc is at &FE00. But!
Where is the address held to where the application wants these bytes transferred
to? Is there a &FB?? scratch pad location that gives this address listed in a
way that it doesn't describe its real purpose.
I've been trying to find this answer for months now and it is holding up my
progress. It has really shown up my ignorance of the workings of the Einstein
MOS and DOS.
Can anyone point me in the right direction.
Mcals and ROM switch-A Question?
To show my ignorance. When switched into ROM usually an "OUT (&24)" instruction
is the code in the ROM run by the processor or is it loaded into RAM to run?
I've been following through MCAL RST 8 insruction and the code it jumps to in
RAM at &FC22. The code for RAM is easy to follow then at &FC3B the ROM switch
OUT (24H),A - CALL L0FD7-OUT (24H),A. The CALL L0FD7 routine in MOS is then
quite happy to load &FB-- scratch pad values that are in RAM into registers such
as LD HL,(0FB3AH). How can it access RAM addresses if it is in ROM. IF it can do
this why doesn't the CALL L0FD7 in ROM goto &FD7 in RAM? !Totally confused.
For my own interest do any members have and use BBCBASIC for Windows?
All the best to all with there Einey projects.
Regards Chris Coxall
--- In tatung_einstein@..., "id_fugu_is_unavailable" <geoff@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> Well, I've gathered some bits that should enable me to add a USB host port to
the Einsten.
>
> The chips and firmware I'm using have built in support for the FAT 12, 16 and
32 file systems (with the standard 8.3 naming convention) and should be able to
support a limited number of printers too.
>
> The CompactFlash project gave me a good insight into the hardware side of
things but the problem was always going to be that supporting IDE interfaces was
looking more like a dead end as IDE drives are being phased out in favour of
SATA, and adding onboard support for FAT file systems just for IDE looked like a
lot of effort for a small amount of supported hardware. USB seems far more
logical as, once implimented, it will support any USB Mass Storage device. Most
digital cameras currently use the same storage system so it should be with us
for a while.
>
> USB Flash Drives and Hard drives will all be accessable the same way,
regardless of how they are actually built.
>
> There's also the possibility of adding a number of USB HIDs (Human Interface
Devices) such as keyboards, touchpads and mice. I'm also looking into making a
network adaptor to get all these Einsteins online, firstly for email, then for
an Einstein BB style internet service, but that's some way off yet.
>
> I'll keep you all updated but posting this here will help me get my act
together.
>
> Regards,
> Geoff
>
Hi,
Well, I've gathered some bits that should enable me to add a USB host port to
the Einsten.
The chips and firmware I'm using have built in support for the FAT 12, 16 and 32
file systems (with the standard 8.3 naming convention) and should be able to
support a limited number of printers too.
The CompactFlash project gave me a good insight into the hardware side of things
but the problem was always going to be that supporting IDE interfaces was
looking more like a dead end as IDE drives are being phased out in favour of
SATA, and adding onboard support for FAT file systems just for IDE looked like a
lot of effort for a small amount of supported hardware. USB seems far more
logical as, once implimented, it will support any USB Mass Storage device. Most
digital cameras currently use the same storage system so it should be with us
for a while.
USB Flash Drives and Hard drives will all be accessable the same way, regardless
of how they are actually built.
There's also the possibility of adding a number of USB HIDs (Human Interface
Devices) such as keyboards, touchpads and mice. I'm also looking into making a
network adaptor to get all these Einsteins online, firstly for email, then for
an Einstein BB style internet service, but that's some way off yet.
I'll keep you all updated but posting this here will help me get my act
together.
Regards,
Geoff
Hi All,
If you have visited the original web site at
http://members.lycos.co.uk/albertstc01/ you will see I give
notice "THIS WEB SPACE IS BEING CLOSED BY THE PROVIDER". Well that's
what they said was going to happen on the 16/02/2009. This was just
before Christmas last week they have given notice that the web site
will continue with a different provider. In the mean time I have been
working in a panic to set up alternatives.
http://www.einstein.talktalk.net/ is just a straight forward port to
secure the existing site as is but now without advertising. The web
space is by my present broad band provider. Hope this provides
lasting service until I get something better.
In my last post I mentioned
> I've spent the weekend signing up to about half a dozen free web
> space providers to find one that appears reliable and does the work
> I want it to for a mirror site.
I also gave an address for the one I thought to be the most reliable.
It was the least reliable and has closed down.
These sites are still going for anyone who wants to view the work in
progress for a mirror site.
http://einstein.hostrator.com/mirror/index.htmlhttp://einstein.freehost10.com/mirror/index.html
Many thanks to Jose for his interest in responding to my last post. I
value his comments and I am now trying new design ideas that are
more easy to navigate. The old web site must now have a ten year
history. I started out with limited knowledge and skill using a basic
HTML editor and added java scripts downloaded from the web for
additional features as time went on. I did borrow the occasional use
of a computer with Dreamweaver to wysiwyg up pages but most of the
time had to rely on typing in or pasting in script, viewing in a
browser and then retyping in adjustments. Time consuming.
Recently I found Serif's WEBPLUS SE freeware version excellent and
it's features suited for wysiwyging up the pages I want. For just
under £10 I've bought the full version. An additional advantage is
that it has a desk top publishing sister publication PAGEPLUS SE.
I've been using the freeware PagePlus for a long time now and I am
comfortable with it's use. A real advantage is that the PagePlus DTP
pages can be loaded into WEBPLUS as web pages. Better still copying
PAGEPLUS pages to clipboard then pasting into WEBPLUS can be done.
With this ability I've created both web pages and a copy pdf
document to download from the mirror sites. Acrobat Reader gives the
option to shrink to paper size so I've tried to make the document
pages both visually comfortable for the default A4 and a shrink to A5
size.
Every thing on the mirror sites are very exploratory and experimental
at the moment. My intention is to make use of their free facilities
until I have something put together I'm confident enough to put up on
a premium site with my own domain name.
With all the hassles with threats to close down web space I forgot to
find the time to wish you all the best for the New Year. I hope you
all had a good Christmas.
Regards Chris Coxall
Hey!, Firefox seems to identy the WIP page as a phishing site... :D
Anyway, I'm not a design expert; but maybe it's a good time to make
some changes to the design (of course only if Chris has enough time
;)). I've always find a bit confusing the page layout, it remembers me
the multi-column layout of a newspaper. A standard page with a
menu/tree in the left and the body at the right could be even easier
to design as there're dozens of downloadable templates of such model...:)
Just an idea...
Regards,
Jose
--- In tatung_einstein@..., "Chris Coxall"
<chriscoxall@...> wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> Just a few things.
>
> 1:
> A message on the Web Sites guest book
> "A good home wanted for an Einstein"
> Location Shropshire.
> See guest book
> http://members.lycos.co.uk/albertstc01/guestbook.html
>
> 2:
> A new web page for a Einstein user port PC printer port 8bit data
> transfer link.
> Wiring and program listings.
> http://members.lycos.co.uk/albertstc01/pio.html
>
> 3:
> I've spent the weekend signing up to about half a dozen free web
> space providers to find one that appears reliable and does the work
> I want it to for a mirror site. The winner is CEDHOST
> Site address http://tatungeinstein.cedhost.com/ still under
> development.
> If you want to see work in progress try
> http://tatungeinstein.cedhost.com/z.php
>
> Regards Chris Coxall
>
Hi All,
Just a few things.
1:
A message on the Web Sites guest book
"A good home wanted for an Einstein"
Location Shropshire.
See guest book
http://members.lycos.co.uk/albertstc01/guestbook.html
2:
A new web page for a Einstein user port PC printer port 8bit data
transfer link.
Wiring and program listings.
http://members.lycos.co.uk/albertstc01/pio.html
3:
I've spent the weekend signing up to about half a dozen free web
space providers to find one that appears reliable and does the work
I want it to for a mirror site. The winner is CEDHOST
Site address http://tatungeinstein.cedhost.com/ still under
development.
If you want to see work in progress try
http://tatungeinstein.cedhost.com/z.php
Regards Chris Coxall
Hi All,
Regarding Stan Gibbs passing. The items listed by Derek Waller in
his post to the Guest book
at
http://members.lycos.co.uk/albertstc01/guestbook.html
have now passed into the hands of of a Sharp User Group member. A
member of our own group is in contact and arranging to how Stan's
past work with the Einstein will not be lost to Einstein owners and
users. There is the big collection of discs, documentation etc. that
went with the hardware items mentioned. This could hold Stan's true
legacy for Einstein enthusiasts. That which is of his own programing
on disk and notes and documentation. It would be a shame if this was
overlooked.
Stan's passing has shaken me up in a peculiar way. Although Stan
Gibbs and other names of authors contributing articles to Einstein
magazines might have not been active for some time I still think of
them as young active enthusiasts. Then suddenly there is a reminder
that we are all not getting any younger. I'm not going to ask
members of this group their ages or am I going to tell you mine but
I will tell you that I now get free bus rides.
I see another member of the established Einstein community and
article contributor Andrew Dunipace has become a member of the group
and posted his own memorial message to Stan.
First let me welcome Andrew to the group and say that "lurking" or
as I would prefer to say just being a passive observer of group
activity is perfectly permissible. It is not like the magazine days
where deadlines had to be met and editors sent out urgent requests
to members to contribute content to fill out pages. With an online
news group members can be left alone to focus on their interests and
post or not post their Einstein activity for others as and when they
see fit.
Andrew it appears from his post had kept in personal contact with
Stan up until his passing. Without creating any demand for this
group to have direct contact with past contributors to the Einstein
community if current members are still in personal contact it would
be good to here of the wellbeing of past article writers to Einstein
magazines.
With condolences to Stan's family and Friends
Regards Chris Coxall
Hello everyone,
I just wanted to de-lurk here and say how sad I was at Stan's passing.
I knew him for over 15 years and we used our interest in the einstein
as an excuse to keep in touch.
He was a really lovely guy and was so positive throughout his
chemotherapy.
It's a real loss of a friend and enthusiastic einstein owner.
-Andrew Dunipace
Hi Chris,
I'll be happy to pick up everything, sort through it and see if there
are any bits that the group here needs then auction the rest off and
split the profits with the cancer charity of their choosing.
If you could contact then ang put them in touch with me that would be
great.
Geoff
--- In tatung_einstein@..., "Chris Coxall"
<chriscoxall@...> wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> Sad News.
> Stan Gibbs long time article contributor to Einstein Magazines has
> passed away.
>
> The sad news came by the web sites Guest Book
> http://members.lycos.co.uk/albertstc01/guestbook.html
>
> There is a list of equipment including 13 Einsteins the beneficiary
> needs to clear.
>
> They only want a donation to a local Cancer charity. However, the
> items would need to be collected from West Bromwich, West Midlands.
> See Guest Book.
>
> Regards Chris Coxall
>
Hi All,
Sad News.
Stan Gibbs long time article contributor to Einstein Magazines has
passed away.
The sad news came by the web sites Guest Book
http://members.lycos.co.uk/albertstc01/guestbook.html
There is a list of equipment including 13 Einsteins the beneficiary
needs to clear.
They only want a donation to a local Cancer charity. However, the
items would need to be collected from West Bromwich, West Midlands.
See Guest Book.
Regards Chris Coxall
Hi All,
I recently rediscovered my Tatung Einstein and also your club website.
I wondered if anyone would like to make me a reasonable offer for the
following -
Einstein TC01 computer s/n 6028319 with 1 disk drive.
(In original box/packaging – although box is now a little "dog eared").
Machine is working, had it running for about an hour today, hooked up
to a portable TV.
It loads the system master disk & and boots into dos etc. Also had a
play with some of the games so colour display and sound all seems to
be OK.
I also have -
Einstein System Master Disk V3.0 s/n 36146.
Bumper Games Pack disk (came with machine).
8 New – shrink wrapped – Tatung CF2 3" floppy disks.
Einstein Quick Reference Card.
Einstein DOS/MOS Introduction Manual.
Einstein BASIC Reference Manual.
Einstein Relatively Basic - Book by Solo Software.
Einstein Assembly Language Course – by Glentop, Dr Watson.
(Assembler/Disassembler & tutorials – Book & Disk – Mike Bayliss &
Graham Rounce).
Einstein User Mags - V1 num 1 – Nov 84, V1 num 2 – Mar 85 &
V2 num 4 – Dec 86.
TV aerial co-ax lead.
5 pin din to 5 pin din lead (pin layout like the 5 on a dice) fits
RS232 port.
240 degree 7 pin din plug (plug only) fits Analogue 1 or 2 port.
Hi,
The mirror site appears to have been blocked by clean web 'providing
a service to the community' ha. ha. - they supply a support link if
you think the site should be unblocked but it's non clickable :) very
helpful.
--- In tatung_einstein@..., "Chris Coxall"
<chriscoxall@...> wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> Just to let you know I'm having web site problems again.
>
> The original site
> http://members.lycos.co.uk/albertstc01/
> is still ok and has improved as Lycos are not putting a column of
> adds down the side.
> Also links to other sites don't get locked into Lycos frames any
more.
>
> The mirror site
> http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/retrocomputer/xindex.html
> and the emulator
> http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/retrocomputer/xindex.html
> have been closed down by Orange.
>
> I'll arrange new web space for these as soon as I can.
>
> I've come to the end of my tether with Orange formerly Wanadoo
> formerly Freeserve. They provide and promote services which they
> later close down. First it was smart groups which I had to transfer
> to this Yahoo group now the ftp web space they provided. They offer
> replacement web space but you are restricted to using their
> templates. Uploading own designed HTML pages can't be done. Also
the
> original web site addresses can't be transferred so I've lost the
the
> established links with search engines like Yahoo which took time to
> build up.
>
> Orange seems to be for kids and mobile phones. They don't have much
> interest for their IP customers.
>
> Orange was my Internet Provider but I've just moved to TalkTalk.
I've
> moved from dial up with Orange to broadband with TalkTalk and it
> costs me £5 less per month. Good riddens Orange.
>
> Work in progress with the parallel Einstein/PC link. I have now
> working programing to upload the whole of the Einstein's ram to a
> file on a PC running XP and vice the versa. Uploading takes just
over
> 7 seconds. There is also a feature which will add an Einstein *.com
> file into the transient program area of an Einstein ram file on the
> PC which then can be downloaded to the Einstein and run. I've used
> the downloading ram programing from MOS just to make sure a working
> DOS would be put into ram. This I hope will possibly be helpful for
> developing new or adapted DOS types which could point to different
> storage media such as compact flash.
>
> Its early days yet but the program on the pc will be an executable.
> On the Einstein a ram.com file is used to load the up and
downloading
> code into memory. Another *.com file can then be loaded and run. A
> call to the uploading code's address (provided it has not been over
> written) is all thats needed to upload the ram. The call is usually
> made by dropping down into MOS and using the "G" HEX ADDRESS
command.
>
> Regards Chris Coxall
>
Hi All,
Just to let you know I'm having web site problems again.
The original site
http://members.lycos.co.uk/albertstc01/
is still ok and has improved as Lycos are not putting a column of
adds down the side.
Also links to other sites don't get locked into Lycos frames any more.
The mirror site
http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/retrocomputer/xindex.html
and the emulator
http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/retrocomputer/xindex.html
have been closed down by Orange.
I'll arrange new web space for these as soon as I can.
I've come to the end of my tether with Orange formerly Wanadoo
formerly Freeserve. They provide and promote services which they
later close down. First it was smart groups which I had to transfer
to this Yahoo group now the ftp web space they provided. They offer
replacement web space but you are restricted to using their
templates. Uploading own designed HTML pages can't be done. Also the
original web site addresses can't be transferred so I've lost the the
established links with search engines like Yahoo which took time to
build up.
Orange seems to be for kids and mobile phones. They don't have much
interest for their IP customers.
Orange was my Internet Provider but I've just moved to TalkTalk. I've
moved from dial up with Orange to broadband with TalkTalk and it
costs me £5 less per month. Good riddens Orange.
Work in progress with the parallel Einstein/PC link. I have now
working programing to upload the whole of the Einstein's ram to a
file on a PC running XP and vice the versa. Uploading takes just over
7 seconds. There is also a feature which will add an Einstein *.com
file into the transient program area of an Einstein ram file on the
PC which then can be downloaded to the Einstein and run. I've used
the downloading ram programing from MOS just to make sure a working
DOS would be put into ram. This I hope will possibly be helpful for
developing new or adapted DOS types which could point to different
storage media such as compact flash.
Its early days yet but the program on the pc will be an executable.
On the Einstein a ram.com file is used to load the up and downloading
code into memory. Another *.com file can then be loaded and run. A
call to the uploading code's address (provided it has not been over
written) is all thats needed to upload the ram. The call is usually
made by dropping down into MOS and using the "G" HEX ADDRESS command.
Regards Chris Coxall
Hi Geoff, Jose and All,
I've up loaded a zip archive for the user port/PC parallel link to
files.
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/tatung_einstein/files/PRINTER%20%
20PC%20%20LINK/P_LINK.zip
It has programing for both the Einstein and PC. The present PC
programing will only work with win95/98. I am making up win2000 and
XP versions at the moment. I've added a text file holding the program
listings. These are not as tidy as I would like. To heavily commented
and still have remed out debugging lines. I've burnt the midnight oil
on this and my eyes and hands need a rest from the monitor and
keyboard but I will update them to something more respectable.
The important feature is the interrupt handling for mode 0 and 1.
With this known new peripherals can be considered. I've read a lot of
good programing for using node 3 on the user port for control factors
but nothing for data exchange. The link with the PC is just one
example to be thought of.
Jose wrote #303
>could it be possible to
>use the Einstein as a slave of the
>PC (or even master :) )?
The present link only uses 8 data lines and two hand shaking lines.
This leaves the PC printer port with 4 input lines not being used
and 3 outputs not being used. If we are prepared to use two Z80 PIO
ports the 7 wires could be linked to the Einstein with one port in
mode 3 configured for 3 inputs and 4 outputs to the PC. This would
give the PC the programing option to send instructions for Einstein
programing to call 7 different routines. In reverse the Einstein
could ask the PC to implement up to 16 routines. So yes I would say.
Einstein slave or master, all that would be neccessary is thinking
out the logic for the programing.
>as an
>immediate use I'm thinking in the 3" disk drives
This is a thought that occupies my mind. With my experience of
writing EDIP I think I might be able to write the programing at the
PC end but as I posted in message #111
>Understanding how applications use dos is what I
>don't know. If an application has embedded data
>within it to save as a file how does it tell dos
>its start address and end address.
>
How do you point dos to recognize a virtual disk connected to the
user or printer port? I'm hoping Phil's work with DOS and new O/Ss
might provide the answers.
My immediate thought to use the link is to create 32k of memory space
on the PC as a kind of shadow memory. Then different portions of that
memory to be downloaded into the Einstein's RAM to be run. I not sure
whether it will work like a ROM switch or something like jump and
call far in early IBM computers. Its a thought that keeps crossing my
mind at the moment.
In general I think the question to ask is what kind of hardware can
be attached to the user port and then could it be emulated by
programing on the PC?
From Geoff #302
>Firstly let me thank you for posting the MOS disassembly that Ric
>Holne sent to you.
Yes! But a very big thanks to Ric Holne himself. I started myself to
get a MOS dis assemblies commented to known I/O ports and scratch pad
locations. I didn't seem to be getting any where fast. The MOS
disassembly must of taken up a lot of Ric's time and effort back in
86/87.
>I've got a newer version of the "Compact Flash Access Guide" to post
>with some corrections and new programs, there were some anomalies
with
>data transfer that I wasn't aware of until I did some testing.
Excellent
>I also
>found some Compact Flash breakout boards available here
>http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=493
Now that does look a lot more manageable.
Regarding CF connectors. I've chased some dead ends.
1: IDE>CF adapter, the 50 pin CF to 40 pin IDC do not give the
interfacing required for Geoff's wiring. Some of the CF pins wanted
for the pipe connect directly to the 5v supply of the adapter others
to ground.
2:SCSI micro "D" sockets and plugs. This does look promising. The
pins horizontally have same pitch as the CF card but the pitch
vertically between the two rows 25 pins is not the same.
From Geoff
>I can't wait to see this working.
I still do but on the printer port. If the strobe from pin 1 of the
printer port on my Einstein is at fault it will mean other Einstein
users could wire up the connecting link and any established
programing for output to a printer will go to the PC. No need for
more programing on the Einstein for output just on the PC to receive.
I've been going through the back numbers of my Einstein magazines. I
seem to recall reading some time ago that there is spare space above
the transient program area and also in the vidio ram that is
available for the users own programing. With Geoff's work with the
CF, Phil's new O/S and the printer link this could become useful to
know. Can anyone recall in which magazines this info is?
Regards Chris Coxall
Topic reference in messages
#303 #302 #301 #283 #282 #281 #277 #276 #275 #274 #111
--- In tatung_einstein@..., "Chris Coxall"
<albertstc01@...> wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> I've successfully linked the Einstein user port to the PC parallel
> port. The wiring is straight forward PC data lines D0 to D7 to
> Einstein D0 to D7. PC strobe to Einstein STB. PC acknowledge to
> Einstein RDY. Plus one or more grounds. No additional circuitry
> needed.
>
> In post #289 I reported "It seems to get the kind of hand shacking
> required more sophisticated programming using the interrupt will be
> needed. Until I can find a working program example or work out by
> trial and error how it can be done I've put using mode 1 aside."
>
> The working example code was where I should have looked first in MOS.
> Its there to configure port "A" of the Z80 PIO for a printer port.
> Thanks to Ric Holne's disassembles of MOS it was easy to find.
>
> I also reported "The data output pin from the user port was only 3.4v
> multi metre reading not enough to put acknowledge high on the PC."
> This seemed to be true when using mode 3 and one data line from the
> user port for handshaking when, to exchange data to and from the
> printer port but when all user port data lines, RDY and STB were
> connected the 3.4v was enough power to set the inputs on the PC
> printer port.
>
> In one way or another I was totally side tracked, confused and
> reported problems that didn't exist. I have now though working
> example programs for exchanging data in both directions via the user
> port using interrupts with mode 0 and 1 and the PC eccp printer port.
>
> Regarding the printer port:-
> The programing used for the user port was a direct copy of that used
> by the printer port as set by MOS at power up. There is a problem I
> have with using the printer port. I can't get strobe from pin 1 to go
> low and set acknowledge on the PC printer port low. It remains
> permanently high. The programing I use on the PC to import data
> (which works with RDY with the user port) only works with one hand
> shaking line instead of two. Using a timing delay on the PC does
> allow streams of data to be imported without bytes being missed or
> duplicated but when output from the Einstein has stopped there is no
> hand shaking to stop the last byte output being repeatedly read by
> the PC program. Besides slowing down transfer defeats the purpose.
>
> This is a nuisance. As the printer port programing is installed at
> power up no further programing would be required and any established
> means to use the printer port such as pressing "CTRL" "R" or a MCALL
> would work and be held at the termination of output.
>
> There is a difference between the wiring of the printer and user
> ports.
>
> From the Einstein Hardware Manual.
> Port A is dedicated as a printer output by MOS at power-on, and this
> port has a monostable (IO53b) [this is a circuit using a 74LS123
> chip] which provides a (1us) pulse triggered by the ready line of
> the PTO port A and is fed to the strobe output (M001, pin 1). This
> pulse is needed to comply with the centronics printer-interface
> timing.
>
> I understand this to mean that the high on pin 1 strobe would be
> mainly off and only going on for short bursts when data has been put
> on the data lines. I have tested this with the BBC4W program and by
> using strobe from pin 1 to power an LED. Strobe from my Einstein
> stays permanently high.
>
> This could be a fault with my Einstein.
>
> I'll make another attempt to use the printer port and test more
> thoroughly.
>
> I'll upload the example programing to files as soon as I've made them
> more tidy than they are at the moment. They will be provisional and
> still rudimentary. Spare space in the Einstein above the transient
> program area will be needed for the code and some scratch pad bytes
> for serious implementation. At the moment they just show an example
> of how user port interrupt handling can be made.
>
> Regards Chris Coxall
>
> Topic reference in messages
> #283 #282 #281 #277 #276 #275 #274 #111
>
Good work Chris!.
I know that it's still in its first stages; but about the
possibilities of the parallel connection,...could it be possible to
use the Einstein as a slave of the PC (or even master :) )?, as an
inmediate use I'm thinking in the 3" disk drives, because I don't want
to disassemble one of the Einey drives to assemble it back in the PC.
Keep on the good work!
Greets,
Jose
Hi Chris,
Firstly let me thank you for posting the MOS disassembly that Ric
Holne sent to you. I'll be working on a MOS to boot from my compact
flash card next month, it seems easiest to add some code to MOS to
make the CF card drive 4 then any existing software will just treat
the CF like another floppy (with partitions as separate disks for
now). I'll also look into getting some adaptors made up but that will
take some time yet.
I've got a newer version of the "Compact Flash Access Guide" to post
with some corrections and new programs, there were some anomalies with
data transfer that I wasn't aware of until I did some testing. I also
found some Compact Flash breakout boards available here
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=493 they
might be suitable for my CF to Pipe adaptor if you can't wait for me
to get boards done. They are certainly easier than trying to solder to
the tiny pins of the CF holder.
> In one way or another I was totally side tracked, confused and
> reported problems that didn't exist.
I know that feeling all to well.
> I understand this to mean that the high on pin 1 strobe would be
> mainly off and only going on for short bursts when data has been put
> on the data lines. I have tested this with the BBC4W program and by
> using strobe from pin 1 to power an LED. Strobe from my Einstein
> stays permanently high.
>
> This could be a fault with my Einstein.
I believe you're right it should go low in between each of the pulses
unless the 74LS123 has failed. Have you tried using a printer
connected to the printer port? That might be the easiest way to test
the port.
> I'll upload the example programing to files as soon as I've made them
> more tidy than they are at the moment. They will be provisional and
> still rudimentary. Spare space in the Einstein above the transient
> program area will be needed for the code and some scratch pad bytes
> for serious implementation. At the moment they just show an example
> of how user port interrupt handling can be made.
Thanks again for all your work, I can't wait to see this working.
Regards,
Geoff
>
> Regards Chris Coxall
>
> Topic reference in messages
> #283 #282 #281 #277 #276 #275 #274 #111
>
Hi All,
I've successfully linked the Einstein user port to the PC parallel
port. The wiring is straight forward PC data lines D0 to D7 to
Einstein D0 to D7. PC strobe to Einstein STB. PC acknowledge to
Einstein RDY. Plus one or more grounds. No additional circuitry
needed.
In post #289 I reported "It seems to get the kind of hand shacking
required more sophisticated programming using the interrupt will be
needed. Until I can find a working program example or work out by
trial and error how it can be done I've put using mode 1 aside."
The working example code was where I should have looked first in MOS.
Its there to configure port "A" of the Z80 PIO for a printer port.
Thanks to Ric Holne's disassembles of MOS it was easy to find.
I also reported "The data output pin from the user port was only 3.4v
multi metre reading not enough to put acknowledge high on the PC."
This seemed to be true when using mode 3 and one data line from the
user port for handshaking when, to exchange data to and from the
printer port but when all user port data lines, RDY and STB were
connected the 3.4v was enough power to set the inputs on the PC
printer port.
In one way or another I was totally side tracked, confused and
reported problems that didn't exist. I have now though working
example programs for exchanging data in both directions via the user
port using interrupts with mode 0 and 1 and the PC eccp printer port.
Regarding the printer port:-
The programing used for the user port was a direct copy of that used
by the printer port as set by MOS at power up. There is a problem I
have with using the printer port. I can't get strobe from pin 1 to go
low and set acknowledge on the PC printer port low. It remains
permanently high. The programing I use on the PC to import data
(which works with RDY with the user port) only works with one hand
shaking line instead of two. Using a timing delay on the PC does
allow streams of data to be imported without bytes being missed or
duplicated but when output from the Einstein has stopped there is no
hand shaking to stop the last byte output being repeatedly read by
the PC program. Besides slowing down transfer defeats the purpose.
This is a nuisance. As the printer port programing is installed at
power up no further programing would be required and any established
means to use the printer port such as pressing "CTRL" "R" or a MCALL
would work and be held at the termination of output.
There is a difference between the wiring of the printer and user
ports.
From the Einstein Hardware Manual.
Port A is dedicated as a printer output by MOS at power-on, and this
port has a monostable (IO53b) [this is a circuit using a 74LS123
chip] which provides a (1us) pulse triggered by the ready line of
the PTO port A and is fed to the strobe output (M001, pin 1). This
pulse is needed to comply with the centronics printer-interface
timing.
I understand this to mean that the high on pin 1 strobe would be
mainly off and only going on for short bursts when data has been put
on the data lines. I have tested this with the BBC4W program and by
using strobe from pin 1 to power an LED. Strobe from my Einstein
stays permanently high.
This could be a fault with my Einstein.
I'll make another attempt to use the printer port and test more
thoroughly.
I'll upload the example programing to files as soon as I've made them
more tidy than they are at the moment. They will be provisional and
still rudimentary. Spare space in the Einstein above the transient
program area will be needed for the code and some scratch pad bytes
for serious implementation. At the moment they just show an example
of how user port interrupt handling can be made.
Regards Chris Coxall
Topic reference in messages
#283 #282 #281 #277 #276 #275 #274 #111
Uploaded to the group files in the ROM folder-file Einstein.zip
Hi All,
An email to the web site from Ric Hohne.
>I've come across some disassembles done back in 86/87.
>Are you interested in a copy ?
They are soft copies which Ric generated back in 86/7. He believes he
has identified
all the data areas. Suitable comments were added at the time,
including info
on the MCAL calls.
He started to put together some info on the IO registers, but never
got
round to finishing it.
These have been uploaded to the group files in the ROM folder-file
Einstein.zip
This makes my meeger attempt to make sense of a mos disassembly
pretty
much useless.
Ric's work is Professionally done. Lots of documented comment as you
would expect
in an assemble file.
Regards Chris Coxall
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