All,

The latest version of the Ser-USB Driver is now available.  Although this
was intended to be a maintenance release, a number of new features have been
added, not the least of which being a completely new driver for FAT volumes!

The download locations have been sent out to all registered users.  Updated
user manuals are here:

Native Driver User Manual:
http://www.memorylanecomputing.com/index_htm_files/serusb_manual.pdf

FAT Driver User Manual:
http://www.memorylanecomputing.com/index_htm_files/serusb_fdriver.pdf

Here is the change list:

* New alternative Ser-USB FAT Driver allows the Ser-USB to be used with
FAT12, FAT16 and FAT32 volumes.

* Ser-USB Native Driver includes hooks to allow the FAT Driver to work
alongside it.

* USBWizTerm detects either Native or FAT Ser-USB drivers and works
correctly with either (or both) loaded.

* Trap #2/3 I/O Servicers are now run able to run entirely with private
stack space on versions of the OS that support it (SMSQ, Minerva).

* Broken MOUNT command fixed.

* Fixed bug in ROM driver that tried to change the baud rate back to 9600
after setting it to 4800 on standard QLs.

* The ROM driver will now do an automatic QM_GO if it is started with a
configuration to use a standard QL.

* Equivalent of a QM_GO can be invoked from machine code with a special long
function code argument to qm_do_async_op.

* New QM_STOP command in the installable Queue Manager switches to
synchronous I/O and forces all Queue Manager services to shut down.

* Equivalent of a QM_STOP can be invoked from machine code with a special
long function code argument to qm_do_async_op.

* New functions in the Driver S*BASIC Extensions to read drive and partition
information:

  DRIVE_MAP(d) : Return the address of the drive's map
  DRIVE_NAME$(d) : Return the name of the drive
  DRIVE_PTCOUNT(d) : Return count of partitions on drive
  DRIVE_PTSTART(d,n) : Return start LBA of partition on drive
  DRIVE_PTNAME$(d,n) : Return name of partition on drive

* Default number of buffers increased from 64 to 128 in the light of
real-world user experience with the driver

* Partition Manager no longer requires the Driver S*BASIC Extensions or
Toolkit II to be loaded

IMPORTANT: If you are updating a ROM driver, the ECF of the bootstrap
partition on the supplied SD card MUST also be upgraded.

See the section "The ECF Updater Utility" in the updated user guide for
details of how to do this.

Upgrade options for existing Ser-USB users:

If you want your ROM upgraded to 1.04, please return it to the address
below, along with your details. Re-programming and return postage is free of
charge.

OR

If you have an EPROM Eraser/Programmer then burn one of the supplied images
yourself. Ser-USB ROM Cartridges have used a variety of 27128 chips, mostly
by ST or Fujitsu; these should be supported by most EPROM programmers out
there. (We use a Batronix BX-32 which works perfectly).

OR

Purchase a replacement EPROM chip which you can fit into the cartridge
yourself.  Price: £5 plus P&P. (This option has the advantage that you don't
have to send your cartridge back).

OR

Upgrade to a brand new QL ROM Card fitted with a 32K ROM containing the
Ser-USB Native and FAT Drivers, switch selectable. Price: £15 plus P&P.
(More info about the ROM Card can be found here:
http://www.memorylanecomputing.com/serusbrom.htm)

Options to purchase the latter two options via PayPal will soon be added to
the shop page.

If you have any questions about upgrading to 1.04 please get in touch.

Best regards,



Adrian Ives

Memory Lane Computing Ltd
10 Hillcrest
Shortlanesend
Truro
Cornwall
TR4 9DS
United Kingdom

Registered in England & Wales, No: 7074678



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