Hazy Dave: Hi, Folks! My name is Dave Haynie, and I'll be "speaking" tonight. I'll especially talk about the C128D, though of course I'll answer any C128 questions, or Commodore questions, that I can. ANNOUNCEMENT!!! The C128 Upgrade ROMs ARE AVAILABLE. Fred Bowen has posted a list of fixes in various places; I don't know if that list is here. It does fix the CAPS-LOCK Q bugs. Anyway, these will be available from repair centers, who'll put them in for you, soon. They are available NOW directly from Commodore. Send $21.95 + $3.00 shipping/handling/whatever with your name and address to: Service Department CBM 1200 Wilson Drive West Chester, PA 19380 ask for "C128 upgrade ROM kit". This upgrades the 3 C128 ROMs; there's no need, of course, to upgrade the C64 ROM. And now, on to questions…
QuestionWe have unofficial reports of the new 128 ROMs being available directly from CBM. True? What address and cost? Will 1571 ROMs follow shortly?
Hazy Dave: Hey, do I have ESP or what? I hear from Fred the 1571 ROM is to follow soon. They were originally on the same schedule, but late-breaking 1571 bugs forced a delay on the 1571 ROM. I'd expect the 1571 ROMs in a month or less; I'll definately post the info here next month, or perhaps sooner if they become available earlier.
QuestionMy 1571 will not work in doub. side mode but single side works OK. Logic problem? Any hints, tips, etc. appreciated. Tnks.
Hazy Dave: If you've started it up with a C128 in C128 mode, told it to HEADER a disk, and that disk comes out as a 1541 (Single sided) disk, there's definately a problem with the drive. Most likely a bad chip somewhere, though I'm not familiar enough with the 1571 logic to guess which one. You'll probably have to take it in for service, but try to format as I mentioned first. You could try a new cable too.
QuestionAs a new owner of the 1750 RAM unit, I would like to know what the prospects are for a RAM disk for the 128 mode.
Hazy Dave: RAM disk software for the 1764 on the C64 has been done, so I would expect a version for the C128 to be no big deal. I'm not sure of the priority given such a program, at present. I'm not directly involved, but I do know the guy working on it (Hedley Davis, also designer of the 1351 mouse), so I'll check on this and hopefully have some news next month.
QuestionHello Dave- missed having you last month
Hazy Dave: Sorry about that — the big snowstorm we had here knocked down my phone line for a few days.
QuestionWill the 128D have the new 128/1571 ROMs?
Hazy Dave: As far as I know, it will. The C128 ROMs are done, the 1571 should be very shortly. The 128D will also come with 64K video RAM standard, in the US version. European versions currently ship with 16K, just like the regular 128, but this is all changing with the new C128D.
QuestionJeff Porter my 1670 doesn't answer right at 1200 baud works fine in 300 baud still on warrenty should I take it back or am I doing somthing wrong?
Hazy Dave: Well, Jeff's not here, but I'll try an answer myself. When you're talking to the modem from a terminal program, it senses the baud rate when you type out the user port. So in that case, if your terminal emulator or Q-Link package is set to 1200 baud and the modem doesn't properly respond, its probably bad. On the other hand, if you're running a BBS of some kind, the modem will set itself according to the baud rate of the incoming connection, and its the responsibility of the BBS package to ask the modem what baud its running at. If you know the BBS does this correctly, and its still not working, its probably a bad modem
Questionhaving purchased a c128 computer (dated 1986) I tried to load PAPERBACK WRITER 1 28/64. It would not load in 128 or 64 m mode. I noted that it also had the CAP/ LOCK q problem. Another c128 at the sam e store acted identically although their demo (dated Nov. 85) loaded the progra m. I returned the computer for a refund , What is the problem and will it be c orrected in the near future?.
Hazy Dave: The CAPS-LOCK Q bug is on ALL C128s currently released. There are ROMs that fix this available, though as far as I know they're not shipping in C128s yet (they may just now be starting). That's not going to hurt PaperBack Writer. I'm not that familiar with PBW specifically, but I do know of a bug that's in programs we've seen from Digital Solutions and Batteries Included that will cause programs trouble in newer C128s and C64s. This is a program bug, and I believe that both companies have fixed it in their latest revisions. Specifically, older CIA chips (6526) in C128s and C64s had an interrupt bug. When an interrupt came into the chip at the same time that a program was reading the chip's interrupt register, there was a chance that the interrupt would never register. The new chips correct this bug so that the interrupts always register (new chip is called 8521). Its hard to imagine how a program could be hurt by catching instead of ignoring interrupts, but that's the story. So if it dies, best return the program and not the computer for the latest rev.
QuestionI've downloaded a program from my local BBS,and saved it as a PRG file. I then reset my 128,and tried loading the pro- gram.The 128 gives 'File-Not-Found' error,but it's on the directory. I tried saving it as a SEQ file,and my word processor will load that,but a SEQ-to- PRG file program gives File Not found. I tried renaming the file,but that gives the error.It's not an ARC or LBR file, it is a basic program.Help!
Hazy Dave: Hmmmm…. I've never encountered that myself. Obviously you've checked the directory and found the program there, as a PRG file, so that's where we start from. My first impression would be to check the file name for invisible characters. I know with the VT100 emulator you can get a backspace saved as the first character in the filename, which can look normal but never show up. So try renaming it. Maybe you could LOAD "FILE,PRG" instead of just LOAD "FILE". I've just been informed that a bad directory entry might cause this behavior (Thanks Jeff62), so That's another possibility.
QuestionWhat new mods will it have that are new?
Hazy Dave: For the C128D? C128D will be essentially a C128 and 1571 in a metal box. The video RAM will come standard at 64K, and the new ROMS should be in all units. Nothing else really different, the keyboard's detachable, which is nice. I've always had a C128D at home (the older plastic case version), and its MUCH easier on desk space than the normal C128.
QuestionIs GEOS in the 4th bank of the C-128D?
Hazy Dave: 4th Bank? You mean the internal ROM, I presume. No, GEOS on either the C128 or C64 is always RAM resident, at least to date. It would be nice in ROM, wouldn't it, but I haven't heard any plans at all to ROM it. Then again, I haven't talked with the Berkeley folks since CES in January (where they showed a very nice, prelimiary 80 column screen GEOS for the C128). Wow! We've currently got 31 folks here, 112 questions in the queue. Please be patient, I'll answer as fast as I can.
QuestionOn the 128D is it 100% compatible with the 128?
Hazy Dave: Yes. The original C128D used the same exact PC board as the normal C128. They've sold almost 1:1 C128D vs. C128 in Germany. Unfortunately, the old design was an FCC nightmare, and too expensive for the US market, so the new version is mainly a layout change. Of course, if any program were written for the D that requires 64K of video RAM, you'd have to upgrade your C128 to run it, but other than that, compatible. They use the same ROMs.
QuestionWhy is the char. set in graphic 3 mode so strange? Why not a normal set? Example: The 'I' comes out a '}'.
Hazy Dave: The problem is that you've cut down on the number of visable pixels across the screen from 320 to 160, trading pixels for colors. So the character set come out as every other pixel repeated twice. Very ugly; a wider font would look much better, but only give around 20 characters across (this mode intended mainly for graphics).
QuestionWill the 128D have more RAM allocated to the 8563? If so, what enhancements will this allow?
Hazy Dave: YES, 64K video RAM for the 8563. This allows multiple 640×200 monochrome graphic or text screens as well as full 640×200 color screens. The 640×200 color screen is a little weird; its in some ways like the 40 column hi-res mode, where each "character cell" gets its own foreground color. The neat part is that, instead of 8×8 cells, you can program much tighter cells, for much better color distribution. Fred Bowen did one with 2×2 cells.
Questionwhen will the 128D be available?
Hazy Dave: I'm not really sure about this. I expect it to be out sometime this spring, but I haven't heard any definate release dates. Most of the engineering work is complete, and I know its well into FCC testing. I'll pass on an official date as soon as I hear one. The old version's been selling in Europe for quite some time now.
QuestionWhat is the specific function of rom uda te
Hazy Dave: The ROM update corrects all known bugs in the C128 Kernal operating system, BASIC, editor, and monitor. There's a very big list of everything that was done, put out by Fred Bowen. Its on some BBS systems, don't know if its here or not. It was also, I believe, published in Twin Cities 128 magazine.
QuestionIs the new 1571 ROM available from Commodore?
Hazy Dave: The 1571 ROM's not ready yet, though I'd expect it within the month.
QuestionOn the 80-coloumn 128,can I change the border color without affecting the rest of the screen?and does the128D have changes from my 128,besides the detacha- ble keyboard and built-in drive.
Hazy Dave: Unlike the VIC display, the 8563 doesn't have a separate color for the overscan (border) area. The best you can do, if you want the appearance of a border, is to make all the character locations reverse video of the same color, this will create the appearance of a colored screen with border and characters the same color. The main enhancement to the C128, other than what you mention, is 64K video memory for the 8563.
Questionmuch will it cost?
Hazy Dave: I'm not sure of an official price, but I think they plan for it to sell for the same or possibly less than a C128 + 1571; somewhere in the $500 list price area.
Questionwhat are the prospects for the C-128D Becoming the basis for another computer: C128-D Portable?
Hazy Dave: I don't think there's a whole lot of internal interest in a fully portable C128D. The original C128D has a handle on the side, and the keyboard clipped underneath. Along with adding $40-$50 to the cost (difficult assembly of case) and some FCC problems, this is still a heavy box, and that's without monitor. A combination 40/80 column monitor, and its too heavy for the general public to accept as portable.
QuestionIf the user installs the ROMs will it invalidate the warranty?
Hazy Dave: According to the note I received, it will. So if you're still under warrenty, better take it to a service center. For do-it-yourselfers, the operation is rather painless. Something like 5 screws hold the 128 together, the toughest part is removing the shield. The ROMS are on the left and they're socketed; of course, care must be taken to insert them in the proper direction. If you put them in the wrong ROM sockets, nothing will die. I imagine they'll be sending instructions for this — if I find out they aren't, I'll write up a set and post them everywhere.
QuestionIs it possable to use a double sided disk in the C128? If it is, how are they formatted.
Hazy Dave: If you have a 1571, you're probably using a double sided disk right now. The 1571 has read/write heads on both sides of the disk, so there's no trouble at all. If you're stuck with a 1541, you can't use a DS disk in the way it was intended. Some folks punch write notches in both sides of the disk, and use it in "flippy" fashion, read/writing only one side at a time. This will work, but it wears out your disk much faster.
Questionwhy is the 128D so much more expensive then the 128???
Hazy Dave: Because it has a built-in 1571. The prices quoted for the 128D are list prices, the prices you see in the stores are usually very much discounted. However, when a machine is new, it generally sells closer to list until the initial demand is down. When the Amiga first came out, it sold at full list, around $1495, for the first half a year or so. Then some discounts crept in. Now you can get a system with monitor and some extras for under $1000. Same principle. There are currently 114 questions in the queue. I'm typing as fast as I can!
QuestionDoes Lou Wallace's BASIC 8.0 promise to be a worthwhile addition to the 128?
Hazy Dave: Yes. It looks very good, and Fred Bowen, of Kernal and BASIC fame, has been very interested in it. 80 column FAST graphics, lots of other goodies (this is an extra 32K we're talking about, that's larger than BASIC 7.0). The only question is who's going to bring it to market. Fred wants CBM to do it, but CBM isn't currently too interested in marketing anything other than original systems software. But if it comes out, and you program in BASIC, buy it immediately!
QuestionCan I tell by the serial # if my C128 will work with the new RAM expansion modules?
Hazy Dave: Not as far as I've been able to tell. We tried tracking down the REV 6 units by #, but no good. The good news is that, out of over 1,000,000 C128s, only about 4,000 are the REV 6 PCB, which has trouble with the RAM expansions. Clipping a pullup resistor in the 1750 is all that's needed to make it work with the older C128s, but then it won't work with the new. The "REV" number is on the circuit board's underside, near the Cartridge Port, but you'll probably have to take it apart to see this #.
QuestionMy April 'Update' doesn't list a C128 forum , have you been cancelled or moved to a new time/date?
Hazy Dave: There's definately one scheduled; I don't have the date handy, but I think its earlier in the month. Still at 10. May is definately the 3rd Monday.
QuestionIs there a utility program that will allow the 1750 cartridge to be used as a RAM drive in BASIC?
Hazy Dave: There's some work by CBM being done on this, though I don't know its current status.
QuestionAny chance of commodore packeging the GEOS 128 software with the 128d
Hazy Dave: There's probably a good chance, if the 128 version is done and Berkeley is willing to go along with it. I don't know the official line on this. I'm informed the forum next month is April 13th.
QuestionIs there really a c128D????
Hazy Dave: YES! They've been selling in Europe as long as C128s have been. Soon to be in the USA.
QuestionHow is the 128d different from the 128?
Hazy Dave: ONCE AGAIN… The C128D is a C128 with 64K video RAM plus integral 1571 drive in one metal box. With detachable keyboard.
QuestionWhy was the 1700/1750 RAM expansion not provided with another port to replace the one it occupies?
Hazy Dave: 1) Many things wouldn't work in such a port, as they use the same resources the 17{5]0}0 uses. 2) Nearly impossible to pass FCC testing that way, and it puts the unit in a completely different FCC class. 3) Costs $30 more.
QuestionWill it be possible to make a 128d with duel drives installed!
Hazy Dave: No plans are in the works for this as of the moment. The older C128D has a power supply in the way that would make modifying the case for this impossible. It might be possible to hack up the newer box to fit a second drive, but I doubt very much this would ever surface as a real product.
QuestionIs anybody working on some 128 software? I haven't seen anything that uses just 128 mode besides the WORD WRITER, FINANCIAL PLANNER,etc. Is anybody working on games???
Hazy Dave: I've seen all kinds of productivity/business software — 3 or more word processors, spreadsheets, etc. Games are another thing. Unless you really need 128K for such a game, or want to use the 80 column screen for some reason, why write a program for C128 mode, and limit yourself to a market of 1 million, when you can write a C64 game with an audience of 7 million. The 40 column mode of the C128 offers a few enhancements, but not much difference over the C64, as far as games are concerned.
QuestionWill the 128D have the new SID chip?
Hazy Dave: I believe they'll be going with the new SID, though the circuit board is laid out for both as I recall. The new SID runs from 9V versus 12V, is supposed to be a bit more stable, but otherwise isn't any different than the 12V part.
QuestionIve been wanting to add a volume control for the speaker in my 1660. could i put a potentiometer inline with one of the speaker leads, or would that skrew something up? Thanx SA
Hazy Dave: That's really not a good way to make a volume control. It shouldn't hurt anything, and might even work for this application, but for anything with high quality sound a volume control must be part of the amplifier design or distortion will result.
QuestionJeff: Why is it that the 1660 has ports on the rear of the modem for external sound input/or/output, not sure which, and the 1670 doesn't? My friend made an answering machine with a voice synthesizer with his 1660 and SAM speech through software and a cable… Is there any way I could do this with my 1670?
Hazy Dave: Well, Jeff's not here, but this is an easy one. The 1660 NEEDS the SID chip for sound generation for autodialing, thus the sound input. SID can easily synthesize touch tones (as well as voice). The 1670 is more intelligent, and contains its own tone generator, which unfortunately does limit its use as an answering machine.
QuestionWILL THE 1571 drive included with the 128d, be compatible with the 21 sec. bck up hardware??? and is there gonna be a geos 128 unculded with the 128d
Hazy Dave: I'm not familiar with the "21 sec backup hardware", but if this is hardware that plugs into a 1571, I can say MAYBE. Some additional integration has been done on the 1571 circuit in the C128D (fewer chips), so depending on what this does, it may or may not fit. Software may be the new 1571 ROMs, depending on their readiness.
QuestionIs the new 1581 going tobe compatible withthe 128?
Hazy Dave: 1581 was designed for the C128, and is really nice; usually 2-3 times faster than a 1571. Also handles things like super sidesectors for relative files the size of the disk (800K). The 1581 won't support may 5 1/4" protection schemes, but then again, you can't fit a 5 1/4" disk in it. The 1581 format is always MFM, so it could be used with a program similar to "BIG BLUE READER" to read IBM or Atari ST format 3 1/2" disks.
QuestionWill the 128D be affected by the threatened trade war with Japan?
Hazy Dave: Not yet, but who knows. I think the 128Ds are being made at our big plant in Hong Kong. But if DRAM prices go up alot, it will raise the cost of all computers. We can usually get parts from other places, though, so it probably won't be noticable. Depends on how much the US screws things up.
QuestionAre the ports on the 128d at all hidden or are just spaces out the back that wil make the 128d with modm and ram expansio stick out very far!
Hazy Dave: The C128D that'll sell in the US has a back side very similar to that of the regular C128, only difference is the cassette port is around one side. The ports couldn't be recessed, or we'd risk the possibility of compatibility problems with things that wouldn't fit.
QuestionWill the 1581 utilize the fast serial mode and burst modes of the 128?
Hazy Dave: Yup, 2-3 times faster in general than the 1571, due to the natural speed increase you get from a 3 1/2" drive (less distance to travel).
Questiondid you no you can Over ride 128 to 64 by turning on your c-128 hand holding th e commodore ket and you will enter 64 mode
Hazy Dave: Yes, I helped put that feature in. We found that some things played games with /EXROM and /GAME on the expansion port, preventing the C128 from properly detecting C64 cartridges and going to C64 mode automatically. So we put that in to give you a way to force C64 mode.
Questionwhat is the 'new 128d'?
Hazy Dave: The original C128D has been sold in Europe as long as the C128 has. Its a plastic cased unit, and uses the same C128 PC board as a regular C128, plus a 1571 daughter board. The "new" C128D is on a single PC board and in a metal case.
Questionwhat is the memory amount of the 1764?
Hazy Dave: 256K
QuestionCan you give us a reason to buy the 1581, when, for the cost of two 1581's, we can buy a 20M Hard Disk?
Hazy Dave: Can you really? If you want one, buy it. And maybe for the price of two 20 meg hard disks you can buy a 40 Megger. They won't fit in your shirt pocket. Its really a matter of personal preference and how much you can afford. I've got all 3 here (the hard disk is actually on my Amiga…). I rarely if ever use 5 1/4" floppies anymore, but I do use floppies all the time. Gotta back up that HD, and transport stuff somehow.
Questionis commodore ever going to to release the 1581, the 3.5 minidrive, for the 64/ 128?
Hazy Dave: YES! They're making them in the Far East right now, and the code for the ROM was just released to MOS for ROMming. The problem has been that most of the new code development was done by a consultant (used to work for us, then left).
QuestionIs there a 1571 ROM available that will correct the problem with relative files?
Hazy Dave: The new ROM corrects bugs in this area. It does NOT implement super sidesectors, which is the mechanism you need for relative files over about 180K long. The 1581 has it, and allows them nearly 800K long.
Questionwhy is there a feature on the software o nmy1660 modem to change the baud rate?
Hazy Dave: Modem software is usually written to support a variety of modems, even if the modem you buy it with only works at one speed. Its easy to do in software, keeps the author from needing a new version every time a faster modem comes out.
QuestionWhat's new on a 64/128 emulator for the Amiga's?
Hazy Dave: Good Question! We've heard lots of rumors, supposedly two separate companies have a C64 emulator coming out Real Soon Now. Though I haven't seen any Beta test copies, which means either the companies are doing internal testing only, or the emulators aren't as far along as they'd have you believe. If they can get these things to properly emulate raster interrupt screen splits in real time, I'll be all kinds of impressed. Sounds like they plan to sell for nearly the price of a C64 anyway, though, and you'd still need a 1541 or 1571 to read the C64 disks (the Amiga could easily read 1581 format).
QuestionWhen using two 1571 disk drives is it possable to load from the second drive without using the D.O.S. shell?
Hazy Dave: I usually type DLOAD "FILE", U9.
QuestionAre the old 1571's compatible w/128D?
Hazy Dave: Yes.
QuestionWhat's happening with Amiga sales?
Hazy Dave: Good things, and the two new models shouldn't hurt anything.
QuestionIs ATH a valid command for the 1670? If so, why wasn't it documented in the manuel?
Hazy Dave: I'm not sure if it supports ATH. It could have been an oversite, or it may not be implemented. ATZ is there, and can give much the same results. Due to a bug, the "+++" attention code also hangs up, at least in the early units (I don't know if they've revved the ROM code or not).
QuestionDoes the C128D have a disk heating problem, due to the limited space? I still have sad memories of 1541 overheating…
Hazy Dave: The older C128D has a fan to take care of this. The newer unit doesn't have a fan, but in fact has LOTS of open space inside, so it cools really well. 70 questions left!
QuestionWhen will the new C-128's start coming with the 64K Video ram?
Hazy Dave: I'm not sure if regular C128s will come out with 64K video RAM at all, though all C128Ds sold in the US will.
QuestionI am trying to find a cartridge expander that will work with my 128 programs such as Vizastar 128. I purchased the Aprospand 64 and was disappointed to fin that it would not work. Do you have any suggestions?
Hazy Dave: I don't know of any, and in general I don't like them. Most are lucky if they work with many things at all. To work with a C128 cartridge, an expander can't do anything with the XROM and GAME lines, or the C128 will think its a C64 cartridge of some sort (Don't mix C128 and C64 cartridges in one of these expanders either, for much the same reason). Also, some cartridges use the /IO select lines for copy protection; expanders often fool with these too.
Questionis the vic 20 still available?
Hazy Dave: I'm pretty sure its discontinued in general, though I did hear a rumor that occasionally they whip up a batch for some large buyer. They don't go retail anymore. You might try to find a used one if you're really in need.
Questionwhen is jeff coming in?
Hazy Dave: Probably never. Would help speed things up.
QuestionI want to know why I can't load everything on my 128 that my friend can load on his 64? I am using 64 mode and i it simply wont work when I run it.
Hazy Dave: If you're using a C128 and a 1541, there are about 2 programs that won't work, and the newer versions will. Both of these are due to a bug in a few writers code that writes to revserved VIC chip registers. If you're using a 1571 in 1541 mode, there are a few more things that die due to copy protection conflicts; at least half of these are due to bugs in code that runs on the 1571, the other rough half is real 1571 incompatibility (at the hardware level; developers were told long ago that many of the things done for CP wouldn't be supported). If you're having touble with more than a few programs, though, you're doing something wrong.
QuestionWillthe bugs that are fixed in the 128d and it's drive affect the current software for the c-64
Hazy Dave: The C64 ROM in the C128 is exactly the same ROM as in all later C64s. That's not changing, ever. The new 1571 ROM may be a bit more 1541 compatible, I believe they've fixed a bug or two. Its not going to be any less compatible.
QuestionAbout the C128-D. I don't really see it lasting very long against the Amiga 500 if Commodore doesn't do something to help it. Is there a chance of bundling the true 80-column version of GEOS, or Lou Wallace's BASIC 8.0, or both, with it?
Hazy Dave: The C128D may or may not do well against the A500, that remains to be seen. There's certainly a chance of 80 column GEOS bundled, though I don't know enough about all the details involved to make a guess at if this will really happen or not. Same with BASIC 8.0. Of course, the C128 has a larger software base than the Amiga (or anything else, for that matter), and the software's cheaper. I'd personally like to see them both do well.
QuestionDo you know of any soft or hardware that will enable me to lay C64 graphics over an already recorded VCR tape. Some sort of character generator maybe?
Hazy Dave: There's nothing short of a special purpose VCR that'll let you do that. With 2 VCRs you can do video titling with a GenLocking device. However, it takes special hardware to GenLock something. The C64/C128 can't be GenLocked, so, unless you have a VCR that's capable of being GenLocked itself, you'll need an Amiga for this.
QuestionDO YOU USE RAM EXPANDERS?
Hazy Dave: Yes! I keep a 1750 in my C128D at all times.
QuestionDave, I got your circuit from CIS that allows you to use an IBM TTL mono monitor with the Amiga and it works GREAT! Anyway, is there a chance of taking this further by using a frequency doubler to drive a monitor (tlike the NEC MultiSync) at 60 Hz and 35 Mhz bandwidth to elliminate the flicker?
Hazy Dave: A frequency doubler is a much more complex circuit. You need lots of video DRAM and you'll need an Analog to Digital converter into the video DRAM circuit, and a Digital to Analog converter on the way out. 'Twould be expensive, much more so than a high persistance phosphor monitor (of course, if you already have the NEC, the cost might be comparable).
QuestionHOW MANY MODELS OF C128s ARE THERE?
Hazy Dave: 2 right now, C128 and C128D. The C128 comes in PAL and NTSC versions, the C128D I think is only PAL. The NEW C128D is a forthcoming 3rd model, and should be available in both video flavors.
Questionwhy would a program work on a 64 but not work on a 128 in 64 mode?
Hazy Dave: Only 2 reasons: 1) The program depended on writing to SID images (no one does this, its S-T-U-P-I-D). 2) The program writes to a reserved VIC register, specifically, register $30, which contains the 2MHz and TEST mode bits. If this gets overwritten (usually by a bug that loads 2 extra BYTES of data to the VIC registers), you'll get a fantastic screen display, which reflects the data activity on the RAM bus. We actually used to use this display for primitive debugging — you get regular patterns if your program is in a loop. The FAST command in BASIC also blanks the VIC screen, so this is only accessable by directly writing $30. Changing the TEST bit can cause random things to happen.
QuestionAny truth to the rumor that CBM will drop the 128 if the PC-10/20 does well?
Hazy Dave: No. CBM would only drop the C128 if the C128 does poorly. Nothing else would directly affect it
QuestionCan c128 be traded for c128d, ever?
Hazy Dave: There's no official trade-up policy, though I can certainly suggest it to the higher powers.
Questioncan't you type a little faster
Hazy Dave: I can, but Q-LINK can't.
QuestionWhat software companies are now writing for the 128 in 128 mode?
Hazy Dave: Batteries Included, Digital Solutions, Timeworks, Activision (productivity branch, can't recall the name), Berkeley Softworks, Abacus, Progressive Peripherals, CMS Software Systems, Professional Software, EPYX, probably a bunch more I can't think of right now.
QuestionWhat makes you think anyone would by the D128 over the A500. The support for the C128 has been very very bad. Plus the overall price of the A500 will be less the the A500. A500 $600 with disk drive. C128 with less power plus disk drive $500.
Hazy Dave: C128 has great support. There are more titles of any kind except perhaps animation programs that run on the C128. More productivity packages in C128 mode than on the Amiga so far. The Amiga's fault is its newer and harder to write for (you can't just peek and poke on the Amiga). The A500 will be a very good deal, I'm not arguing that. You will, however, pay about twice the price for any Amiga software as C128 software (I KNOW, I've had both machines for over a year). Personally, as long as they're buying Commodore, I'm happy.
QuestionWhat improvement does a 64K video RAM give ? Can it be retrofited into a regular 128 ?
Hazy Dave: ONE MORE TIME… Right off the bat, 64K Video RAM won't do anything for you. That's because programs assume you've only got 16K. What you can do with it is create multiple text and hires graphics screens, and even color 640×200 graphic screens. A stock C128 can be upgraded just by changing the 16K (4416 DRAMS, 120 ns) for 64K parts (4464 DRAMs, 120ns). On most machines these are soldered in, so you'll need a soldering iron and some skill at removing soldered-in chips (18 pin DIP, standard thin package).
QuestionWhy have there been no games for the great c128???
Hazy Dave: Why would you do it. The only real reason for C128 mode games would be to either take advantage of the 128K of RAM or the 80 column screen. Now, you can't get 80 column graphics going all that fast, usually, and they're not needed for games (even Amiga video games generally run in 320×200 mode). And if you make an 80-column only video game, only a subset of C128 owners (those with 80 column monitors) will buy it. So if you can make your program run in 64K, as most video games will, you'll have a market about 7 times larger if you make the game run on the C64 instead of the C128 only. C128 owners can still use it. But the only way you'll see games in C128 mode is if they have to run in C128 mode because they depend on C128 features.
QuestionIs the expansion port on the C-128D in the same place? I'm asking since the taller case would tend to prevent me seeing the cartridges (Partner 128 & Mach 128) and the switches on my expander board.
Hazy Dave: I think it is. The original C128D had the Cartridge Port in the same place (same PC board, after all) but it was raised above the desk, causing all kinds of things to hang uncomfortably out of the port. The newer machine returns to the desk level, so things are properly supported, and I believe just about in the same place.
QuestionWhat was wrong that the FCC didn't like! And can I get one despite the FCC!
Hazy Dave: The original C128D was very, very noisy. Part of the reason was the separate 1571 and C128 circuit boards in the same case (less shielding), part of the reason was that the main circuit board was about 1 1/2" above the table. A bad thing for FCC. The new machine's single circuit board at table level and metal case all are designed to correct these problems. You could probably find an old C128D in Germany or maybe England, but you'd have to either buy a PAL monitor or order an NTSC VIC chip and crystal to use it effectively in the US. You'd also get a weird keyboard.
QuestionWhy not put a 1581 in the 128D instead of a 1571? Will the 128d support the 1581?
Hazy Dave: We actually considered this. The problem is that all C64 and C128 software comes on 5 1/4" disk. So you'd by a machine with a build-in drive, but be forced to buy a second drive to run any software, at least until vendors started selling it on 3 1/2" format. See Apple II G-Wiz for more information on this problem. The C128D does work just fine with the 1581 (folks who've used the '81 never like going back the 1571).
QuestionJeff, Why do I sometimes get the modem activated when there is no term program enabled?
Hazy Dave: The 1670 modem powers up with answer mode set on. The solution is to turn the machine off, send the command ATS0=0 to the modem whenever its reset, or get one of those in-line phone switches from Radio Shack.
QuestionWhy did it take so long for the 128D to come out in the US? Its been in the Euro pean market for some time.
Hazy Dave: I think some of it was marketing issues. Additionally, the C128D as is in Europe was much more expensive to make than the C128/1571 combination, and it wouldn't pass FCC Class B certification. The newer C128D solves these problems, though its still a marketing decision to decide to sell the C128D in the US, which is what determines the priority given to developing the new model.
Questionwhata is better about the d than the reg ular,besids the built in drive?
Hazy Dave: 64K video RAM, detached keyboard, internal power supply. The monitor sits on top.
QuestionWhen you upgrade the 128's memory is the memory in the 64 mode also increased?
Hazy Dave: The memory upgrade is for 8563 video memory. The C64 can access this, though there's no reason. This memory isn't normally accessable by the processor, so in general the upgrade doesn't affect C64 mode at all.
QuestionWhen will the Amiga 500 be available?
Hazy Dave: I think they're planning to start shipping in June. Developers currently have units.
QuestionCan we buy it in Europe and bring it back to the States?
Hazy Dave: You can, but you'll have a PAL VIC chip and crystal, plus a European keyboard and character ROM. No big deal, you can probably get the VIC chip and character ROM from CBM service or maybe Jameco and the crystal just about anywhere. You probably can't get a US keyboard, but the keyboard and character ROM shouldn't be a big problem.
QuestionWill commodore be coming out with any more modems?
Hazy Dave: I don't know of anything planned beyond the 1680.
QuestionWhere can i get an sx-64?
Hazy Dave: They're not made anymore, though you might find one in a closeout store or very big computer store. I've seen them for very good prices in the back of magazines like Compute!
QuestionHow bout a 64D?
Hazy Dave: No such thing.
QuestionWhat's new in CP/M mode? Anything?
Hazy Dave: The only change to CP/M system software will be some form of upgrade to support the 1581 drive. This comes with the 1581, at least its currently planned. The 1581 supports disk partitions, so you can have one disk with both CP/M and Commodore format on it.
Questionwhat was wrong with the 1541C(latch)?? is the 64C 100% 64 compat?
Hazy Dave: I don't know of the 1541 problem. I've heard of some kind of problem with later 1541s, though I'm not actually sure these were production units. The circuit board used in the C64C is still the same circuit board used in the later C64s. There have been several revisions of the C64 circuit board so far, most of which improve reliability and lower cost (well, it did come out at
QuestionJEFF: How come the 1670 'breaks down' so much? I know 5 people who have had 3 1670's in the past 6 months. They refuse to buy another modem/
Hazy Dave: Jeff might know something about returns, but I've had my 1670 since about 3 months before they were released, and have had no toubles. In fact, it outlasted the hayes I had on my Amiga. The reason modems MAY die more often than other computer devices is lightning. An electrical storm here killed my $250.00 Hayes SmartModem while leaving the 1670 alone. What make it even stranger is that in my setup, the phone line goes from the wall though the 1670 into the Hayes (which is now a 1680).
CommentDave, Fred's file is here as "ROM UPDATE", u/l by wjt3.
Hazy Dave: I was hoping it was, thanks!
QuestionHas anybody at Commodore considered sub- stituting a V20 or maybe a V30 for the Z80 in the C128 and offering both CP/M and CP/M 86 for it. I believe quite a bit of software came out for CP/M 86, especially in Europe.
Hazy Dave: Actually, we had thought about that, or possibly even CP/M and MS-DOS. The problem is that the V20 isn't Z-80 compatible, only 8080 compatible. That would mean a complete rewrite of CP/M for the C128 and a loss of much compatibility with the CP/M world, most of which requires a Z-80 these days. It would, of course, also require a new circuit design, but the V20 is better behaved than the Z-80 about many things, so that wouldn't be so bad.
QuestionWill the Okidata 20 work with GEOSpaint on a C64 without additional equipment?
Hazy Dave: You'll need an OKI personality module. I know they make one for the Okimate 10, but I'm not sure about the 20. The OKI printers all need personality modules, no matter which machine they run on. And you'd have to check to see if GEOS supports the OKI printers, I think it does, but I'm not sure.
QuestionCan I use 245K chips in the 128 wiring pin 1 of the rams to multiplexer
Hazy Dave: You mean 256K chips, but no, you can't. Because of the tight timing constraints of the C128, any memory upgrade would have to go in 64K banks. The new C128D uses 4 64Kx4 chips in it to make its full 128K. Any 256K machine would need 8 64Kx4 (or 16 more 64Kx1, but that starts getting into other problems). And of course, a new MMU capable of banking the 256K.
QuestionI am wondering why commodore invested in 128-d if companies won't write programs now for the c128
Hazy Dave: As I mentioned, there are plenty of companies writing software for the C128. If you can't under stand why they aren't writing games, then you probably don't understand the C128 very well.
QuestionI'm using a 1571 disk drive. However I am having trouble using double sided disks. When I format the 2nd side, side 1 is lost. Am I doing something wrong. or do I have a probled with the drives.
Hazy Dave: It sounds like you're very confused. If you weren't, you wouldn't have know which side you are writing to. That's because the 1571 writes to both side simultaneously. That's why its called a DOUBLE SIDED DRIVE. The 1541 is a SINGLE SIDED DRIVE, and it writes to only one side of the disk unless you flip the disk over, which really isn't a good idea, because flipping the disk over will wear it out very quickly in most cases.
CommentComment: I have 3 questions in the queue that you've pretty much answered in answering other people's similar questions. Feel free to skip over them. I've got to go now and wanted to say "THANKS !"
QuestionHow much memmory can the c128 hold?
Hazy Dave: 128K RAM, 64K Video RAM, 48K system ROM, 32K internal function ROM, and 32K external function ROM
QuestionAccording to page 11 of Aprils Update you will be with us April 13th. And…….. along with answering our 128 questions you will be telling us about the Amiga 2000. 🙂
Hazy Dave: Yes, that's true. I've been working on the A2000 since November.
QuestionHave they come out with a c128 version of Geos in 128 mode?
Hazy Dave: I don't think its out yet. At CES, Berkeley showed an early version of an 80 column, C128 mode GEOS, so its definately in the works.
QuestionAfter years of planning the dual-disk drive into the c-128, why was the 1572 cancelled before it's release??
Hazy Dave: The 1572 was planned for a total of less than a month or so. A total of six prototypes were built up, with 1571 software kludged to make it look like it was running as a 1572. That's it. All there ever was. Period. End of tale.
QuestionI'm a CQS center. Will schematics for ram expansions be available for repair?
Hazy Dave: We have them, but I'm not sure if service ever sent any out or not. Though there's really not that much you could repair, the darn thing's only got 1 chip other than the DRAMS, and a handful of resistors and capacitors.
QuestionIs the built in drive number on the 128 8 or did you all think of something tricky ?
Hazy Dave: No, its drive 8. Doing tricky things would be nice, but it would also insure that at least some software out there would bypass that trick and refuse to work.
QuestionWill there be a dual 1581?
Hazy Dave: No. No dual drives, says Commodore. Not my decision, or in any way related to me. None of our machines have "dual" drives.
Questionwill the 1581 be copatable with the Amig
Hazy Dave: An Amiga can read 1581 disks, no problem. I doubt the 1581, or much of anything else, for that matter, can read an Amiga disk. The reason is that just about every machine in the world except for the Amiga uses a disk controller with hardware that turns MFM encoded data from the disk (or GCR as the case may be) into real data. The Amiga's disk controller reads the raw MFM encoded data into the Amiga's memory, and its decoded essentially under program control (with the Blitter though, so its fast). Thus, the Amiga can probably decode most any format with a clever enough program, but most disk controllers don't allow you to NOT decode what they read in.
QuestionDave, just to stir things up before I go have you heard about the 2 meg 3.5 disc format? Would that be a 1591? G'nite!
Hazy Dave: I've heard of a few new techniques that could probably get you at least two meg on a 3.5 inch disk. Things like RLL and ERLL encoding and higher density surfaces may make floppies get really interesting in the next few years.
QuestionWhat is the baud rate of the 1680 modem?
Hazy Dave: 300/1200, like the 1670. The 1680 is RS-232 compatible, for Amiga or PClone, and it implements more hayes commands than the 1670. Well, it looks like I've run out of questions. Amazing, it only slightly after two. I've got a few hours to get some work done before I have to get some sleep so I can make it to work by 10 or so tomorrow. 'Nite, all, thanks for coming. Next month we get to talk about Amiga 2000 stuff too. Yea.