Hi,
The bootstrapping works nice, albeit a bit slow. The Initial Program Loader figures out what computer you are using a sends a numerical code to the Backpack. It uses the number as an index into the boot sector table to know which bootstrap program to use. You can change these settings in the CLI so you can load TS-DOS for the M100, or Teeny, etc. The developer just came up with a smaller bootstrap that will load in the .CO version of TS-DOS directly which should work better for machines with less RAM. We’ll test it out a bit more and then add it to GitHub. Jeff From: M100 <m100-boun...@lists.bitchin100.com> On Behalf Of Kevin Becker Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2021 4:23 PM To: m...@bitchin100.com Subject: Re: [M100] Sneak peak and small first offering of the new 'Backpack Drive' I got a chance to play with my Backpack Drive today for a little bit. So far I'm really happy with it. It's seems to work great and be pretty easy to use. I was only testing on a device with a REX, so I already have TS-DOS but I'm really thinking with the built-in bootstrapping, it will be nice for one of my other systems with no REX. I haven't tested that yet though. On Sun, 2021-07-04 at 07:44 -0500, Jeffrey Birt wrote: Hi all, A friend and fellow list member has developed a SD card storage solution for the M100, T102, WP-2 NECs, etc. He sent me one a few months ago and I loved it so much I encouraged him to offer them up for sale. It is a small device, about 25mmx40mmx75mm with the case on. It runs from a single AA battery with a 1025 coin cell to run the RTC (the RTC allows for time/date stamping file). It works like a TPPD2 but ignores calls to change partitions. All TS-DOS commands are supported including directory navigation. It also has an extensive CLI interface which makes it easy to do things like set the time/date, update firmware, etc. Hi Everyone. We have a small number of the mini TPDD 'Backpack' drives ready for a new home. The documentation has been poured over by four of us, but I am sure there are still a few rough edges. Much thanks go out to @48kRAM and @Fezzler for helping to improve the documentation and being beta testers. There is a Git Hub page up now: https://github.com/Jeff-Birt/Backpack which has lots of images too. I have offered to handle distribution as I am already set up to do so. This first small batch is completely assembled, and it comes with a 3D printed enclosure. You will need an AA battery and a smallish SD card, i.e. 4GB, 8GB, etc. There are images of the enclosure colors at the link above. The main colors are white, grey, and ‘old computer beige’ I did print a case in black and one in a pearlescent color that is kind of interesting. The price is $60. If you want to use it with a WP2 you need a DB25F<->DB9F adapter, The developer of the 'Backpack' found a small number of NOS Belkin adapters on eBay and is selling them at his cost, $5 in case someone needs one. He also laid up a small PCB so folks can build their own if they want. The links to the PCB files will be available shortly. Shipping in the USA is $5.50 for one unit, about $7.00 with the adapter by first class mail. By Priority Mail it will be $9 for a Small Flat Rate box. For international orders I’ll need to your address to get shipping rates. To make thing easier email me directly with your email address, shipping address, color of case and if you want an adapter for the WP2. I'll send out a PayPal invoice. Keep in mind we have a small number in this first batch let’s give everyone a chance to get one. A second small batch of hand assembled boards will be available in the near future. Jeff Birt (Hey Birt!)
