Mike as someone who is clearly M100 savvy, what would you suggest I start with? Teeny or TS-DOS?
James On 27 May 2015 at 08:13, James Zeun <[email protected]> wrote: > Mike > > I'll be happy to help Mark how ever I can, I fell back on Linux mainly > because it seems to handle hardware better then XP. I dont know what the > issue is with the COM port and windows. It has to be an IRQ conflict, but > I'll be damned if I know what. I've uninstalled the port, uninstalled the > drivers, reinstalled it all, changed the BIOS settings. As far as Windows > is concerned, the port is working fine. But as soon as I put a call out to > it, the whole system will lock up. > > I'll have a look in to TEENY :) > > Also I'm using a full null modem cable. > > On 27 May 2015 at 06:49, Mike Stein <[email protected]> wrote: > >> Well, if Mark reads this maybe you can solve his minicom problem >> together. >> >> Sounds like you've got an XP configuration issue with that com port, not >> specifically a problem with Hyperterminal; if you feel like spending some >> time on it there's lots of information out there (some of it even useful ;-) >> >> As John mentioned,Teeny uses very little RAM (that's why it's called >> TEENY ;-) but TS-DOS in ROM uses none at all; try TEENY or TS-DOS in RAM to >> get the hang of it and even if by chance you can't get REX working TS-DOS >> in ROM will let you transfer all file types with no RAM overhead (and >> instant access that survives any Reset). >> >> And yes, Mcomm is also an option; note that it requires a 'full' >> null-modem whereas TEENY etc only need a 3-wire cable. >> >> m >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> *From:* [email protected] >> *To:* Model 100 Discussion <[email protected]> >> *Sent:* Tuesday, May 26, 2015 6:13 PM >> *Subject:* Re: [M100] File transfers (was Update on my M100 and REX) >> >> I'll try to answer these questions best I can. >> >> Can I managed 19,200bd? Yes I can, this is using a REAL rs-232 port. I >> built a home computer specifically for backward compatibility with old >> software. It runs windows xp and Ubuntu. I also have a USB -> serial >> adaptor for transferring images files over to my bbc micro. I've found this >> adaptor works really well with the M100. In fact it is the only way I have >> found I can use Windows and my m100 side by sides. For some reason windows >> will not use the onboard serial port, it just locks the system up. I've >> tried all sorts and short of formatting the system and reinstalling >> windows, I can't think of a solution. >> >> I am solely using TELECOM to transfer files, I would like to use other >> software, but because of the computers limited memory. I don't want to go >> filling it up with apps and be unable to use the M100 for writing. This why >> I bought a REX, so I have more space then I could shake a stick at and be >> able to open to potential of the computer. >> >> I hope that answers your questions, if I've missed anything just let me >> know! >> >> James >> >> Sent from my iPad >> >> On 26 May 2015, at 6:01 pm, Mike Stein <[email protected]> wrote: >> >> Hi James, >> >> > At present I'm using a null modem cable, linked to a Linux box running >> minicom. >> >> - Can you run at the maximum 19,200bd? >> - If not, what is the fastest that works for you? >> - Is your Linux box using a 'real' RS232 com port or a USB<>RS232 adapter? >> >> If yours is working properly maybe you can help Mark Wickens; he's also >> using minicom but is only getting reliable transfers at 1200bd or below >> (he's also on your side of the pond). >> >> > Hyper terminal was a nightmare! >> >> Any idea what made it a nightmare? I've used it a fair bit with no >> issues, although TS-DOS with one of the TPDD emulators is more convenient >> since you run it only from the M100 end (once it's installed) and it >> handles all file types. >> >> There's an article on Bitchin100 about using Hyperterminal; I'd be >> interested to know if it can be improved: >> >> http://bitchin100.com/wiki/index.php?title=Text_File_Transfer_using_Hyperterminal >> >> Note that if you're using TELCOM to transfer files (regardless what's at >> the other end) you will only be able to transfer text files or BASIC >> programs in text format (.DO extension). Machine-language .CO files or >> tokenized .BA BASIC files contain control characters that cause havoc with >> the transfer. >> >> There are several dedicated transfer clients for the Model T that talk to >> a real or emulated TPDD drive; the most popular are menu-driven TS-DOS >> (preferably in ROM but also available to run in RAM) and CLI Teeny. >> >> Teeny is essentially a stripped-down version of TS-DOS that lets you >> Load, Save and Kill files to/from/on a TPDD or a TPDD emulator; if you have >> an MS-DOS or compatible Windows system then Teeny can install itself from >> the server. >> >> At the other end the best and most flexible server is John H.'s >> LaddieAlpha (although some of the documentation still refers to its >> predecessor, Laddiecon); if you have a DOS or pre-XP Windows box then there >> is also Desklink. >> >> BTW, one way around running software like Desklink and the Teeny >> installer that requires 'real' MS-DOS to run on a Linux or late Windows box >> is to make an MS-DOS bootable USB drive; unfortunately last time I checked >> USB com port support in DOS is not easy, cheap or reliable so you'd need a >> 'real' com port. >> >> These days file transfer between a ModelT and a PC running DOS, Windows, >> Linux or even OS/X is pretty straightforward, with various options to >> choose from; unfortunately many folks still have trouble getting it to work >> well. Have you read the relevant articles on Bitchin100? >> >> http://bitchin100.com/wiki/index.php?title=Model_T_File_Transfer >> >> Good luck; sorry to hear about your frustration with REX. >> >> m >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> *From:* James Zeun <[email protected]> >> *To:* Model 100 Discussion <[email protected]> >> *Sent:* Tuesday, May 26, 2015 9:34 AM >> *Subject:* Re: [M100] Update on my M100 and REX >> >> I don't think you ever ran any utilities to rebuild your REX did you? >> Nope, you might have to talk me through that, but i'm more then willing >> to give it a shot! >> >> >> Never used TS-DOS, TPDD? Tandy Portable Disk Drive? I actually have one >> and i have a cable for it, I just dont know if it works as I dont have any >> software for it and have never used one before. A friend just donated it to >> me. >> >> At present I'm using a null modem cable, linked to a Linux box running >> minicom. It's been the only fool proof way of getting data off and on the >> machine so far. Hyper terminal was a nightmare! I keep seeing people >> mention Teeny and I've been meaning to look in to it. See my original plan >> was to get the REX, get lots of space for programs and then download them >> and start learning out to use them. But I've sort of got hung up on the REX >> part haha >> >> >> Cheers >> James >> >> On 26 May 2015 at 13:15, Stephen Adolph <[email protected]> wrote: >> >>> I could send you that software if you wanted to try it. >>> You would need a working TPDD device, like laddiealpha running on a PC, >>> plus a serial cable. I'm guessing you have the serial cable sorted out but >>> have you ever run TS-DOS or Teeny on the M100, and connected to a "remote >>> TPDD" on your PC? >>> Steve >>> >>> On Tue, May 26, 2015 at 8:07 AM, Stephen Adolph <[email protected]> >>> wrote: >>> >>>> James, just checked the hundred or so email here. >>>> I don't think you ever ran any utilities to rebuild your REX did you? >>>> In some cases I send out software that retests and rebuilds REX, but if >>>> you never did that then it should be still "as shipped". >>>> steve >>>> >>>> On Tue, May 26, 2015 at 7:59 AM, James Zeun <[email protected]> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> I just looked back, here is the link. This guys board looks just like >>>>> mine, except I have more ram fitted >>>>> >>>>> http://www.mvcsys.de/doc/remem_install.html >>>>> >>>>> On 26 May 2015 at 12:52, James Zeun <[email protected]> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Hi Steve >>>>>> >>>>>> Under other circumstances, say if we lived in the same country, I >>>>>> would post you the machine and the REX to you, no questions asked. But >>>>>> given the distance and the age of the M100, I dont think it would be good >>>>>> for the computer or my nerves. As I would be having kittens, wondering if >>>>>> it was going to get lost in the post. Plus there is the matter of >>>>>> shipping, >>>>>> I can see posting the M100 would be expensive. >>>>>> >>>>>> This is a totally new platform to me, while I know what a binary is, >>>>>> I've not really encountered HEX files before. Aside from HEX archives on >>>>>> the Macintosh Plus. My understanding of ROMs and checksums is not shall >>>>>> we >>>>>> say that good, in fact it's down right rubbish! The closest I've come to >>>>>> playing with ROMS is on a BBC Micro computer and even then i was only >>>>>> fitting them. So I think it is fair to say your knowledge on this subject >>>>>> surpassed mine in leaps and bounds. Which is probably why your building >>>>>> the >>>>>> REX and I'm not :-P >>>>>> >>>>>> I am very happy to post you the REX, as I would like to know what the >>>>>> heck is going on myself. Is my machine faulty? is the REX faulty? Are all >>>>>> European M100's built like mine? Could the REX not working in my machine, >>>>>> be an indication of an inherit incompatibility between US and EU models? >>>>>> Am >>>>>> I going to struggle with other expansion modules? >>>>>> One way or the other its all a process of learning more about these >>>>>> little machines. I've done a little research on EU M100's and found >>>>>> another guy here in the UK who has a machine like mine. I think I sent >>>>>> you >>>>>> a link / picture of it a while back. So we at least know mine isn't a one >>>>>> off. The guy in question was trying to fit something to his machine but >>>>>> discovered his mobo didn't match up with the US machines. >>>>>> >>>>>> The REX is installed like it is shown in the wiki page, with the two >>>>>> lines on the PCB lining up with the gaps in the plastic surround. I wont >>>>>> deny getting stung with the extra charges really wasn't great, since then >>>>>> it's sort of felt like everything that could go wrong HAS. It's been a >>>>>> struggle to keep up my enthusiasm but I do like using this little >>>>>> computer, >>>>>> it's leagues better then the Amstrad NC100 and other machines of that >>>>>> ilk. >>>>>> >>>>>> If you want to email me your address, I will sort out sending you the >>>>>> REX, is there any point me posting you the new ROM as well? >>>>>> >>>>>> Cheers >>>>>> James >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 26 May 2015 at 12:00, Stephen Adolph <[email protected]> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> James, >>>>>>> Sorry, I thought you would understand that the 32k file is a binary >>>>>>> file, and the file you extracted from your now modified laptop would be >>>>>>> hex >>>>>>> ascii. >>>>>>> And yes, the goal is for you to be able to verify that you got what >>>>>>> you asked for, and that involves confirming that your installed ROM >>>>>>> matches >>>>>>> the binary that I sent. Does that clarify? >>>>>>> There are lots of things online to help you out. >>>>>>> I used winhex to convert your file from hex ascii to binary, then >>>>>>> compute the hash 16. Your extracted ROM has a checksum of A8AF - as >>>>>>> expected. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> So, as I said in the off list thread, I can't do anything further. >>>>>>> You have hardware that I have never seen, which could be defective for >>>>>>> all >>>>>>> I know. It also could be a broken REX. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> If you want you can send REX to me on your dime and I can test it >>>>>>> out. If it is "no fault found" then I suppose you would want a refund >>>>>>> which I am fine with but you will need to contact Ken and understand >>>>>>> what >>>>>>> he is willing to do. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I am assuming that REX is correctly installed. Did you check that? >>>>>>> Please go to to the wiki to understand how to install REX. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> If you'd rather avoid shipping costs I'm happy to refund my portion >>>>>>> of this now. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> In the past I have had people send me their machines to debug, which >>>>>>> generally is a learning opportunity. But since you are in the UK and >>>>>>> already unhappy about the money you have spent, I'm not interested in >>>>>>> pursuing this option as there are no guarantees that anything can be >>>>>>> made >>>>>>> to work for you. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> If I had more of these different UK machine data points, I would be >>>>>>> comfortable with saying that REX does NOT WORK in a UK machine. But, >>>>>>> with >>>>>>> a data point of ONE unit, I don't think it is correct to make that >>>>>>> statement. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> ..Steve >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Tue, May 26, 2015 at 5:32 AM, James Zeun <[email protected]> >>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Hey guys! >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> So since posting in April that I was having trouble getting REX to >>>>>>>> work, there's been a little progress, but not a lot. Stephen kindly >>>>>>>> supplied me with a ROM file that was compatible with the REX and using >>>>>>>> a >>>>>>>> company Kurt had told me about. I had a new System ROM burnt for my >>>>>>>> machine. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> The ROM arrived last week and after installing it, the REX still >>>>>>>> doesn't respond to the CALL63012 command. When I input that command, >>>>>>>> the >>>>>>>> machine locks up and only by pressing the RESET can I get it back. This >>>>>>>> also has the side effect of wiping clean the computers memory, which I >>>>>>>> thought was interesting, because pressing the RESET shouldn't do that. >>>>>>>> Only >>>>>>>> a hard reset zaps your ram (unless I'm mistaken?). >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Stephen asked me if i could do a system dump and compare results >>>>>>>> with (I believe) the original file he sent me. However I'm not entirely >>>>>>>> clear on the method he wants me to use, e.g Am I comparing the file >>>>>>>> sizes >>>>>>>> of each file or something more involved like comparing the contents? >>>>>>>> The >>>>>>>> latter of which I wouldn't have a clue about. The system dump I made >>>>>>>> over >>>>>>>> the weekend curiously comes to 64kb, while the image file Stephen sent >>>>>>>> me >>>>>>>> weights in at 32kb. I'm a little confused why the dumped file is twice >>>>>>>> the >>>>>>>> size, surely it should be the same size as the file Stephen sent me. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> File size aside, everything else about the ROM seems to work, >>>>>>>> except I'm still having issue with the REX. So either the fault is >>>>>>>> with the >>>>>>>> module or my M100, or there is something else about the EU M100 that >>>>>>>> makes >>>>>>>> it incompatible with REX. As its been established the motherboard and >>>>>>>> the >>>>>>>> system rom of my machine differ from US machines. The only part of that >>>>>>>> which bothers me, is compatibility. It just seems like bad business >>>>>>>> sense >>>>>>>> to make US and EU machines so radically different. that they can't >>>>>>>> share >>>>>>>> addon modules. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Well thats the slog so far, big thanks to those people who have >>>>>>>> helped me on this. It sucks big time that it didn't worked out the >>>>>>>> box, but >>>>>>>> at least we know that EU M100's are funny buggers...well mine is at >>>>>>>> least! >>>>>>>> lol >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> <http://www.buyicnow.com/it.php?i=72> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> My retro tech blog and general ramblings >>>>>> http://bytemyvdu.wordpress.com/ >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> My retro tech blog and general ramblings >>>>> http://bytemyvdu.wordpress.com/ >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>> >> >> >> -- >> My retro tech blog and general ramblings >> http://bytemyvdu.wordpress.com/ >> >> > > > -- > My retro tech blog and general ramblings > http://bytemyvdu.wordpress.com/ > -- My retro tech blog and general ramblings http://bytemyvdu.wordpress.com/
