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Topics - Steve Gray

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PET hardware / Using C64/VIC keyboard on PET

« on: January 29, 2013, 12:15 PM »

Hi,
There was discussion on VCF about PET's (in particular the 'SK' variety) with missing keyboards. I've come up with a simple solution that might be useful to some people. I have modified the PET's EDIT ROM keyboard decoding table to allow a C64/VIC keyboard to be used. It actually just plugs directly into the PET keyboard connector on the motherboard! For PET-SK machines you will need to make an adapter cable, or modify the keyboard connector. Then you just need to burn a new EPROM. You can find out more information, and download EDIT ROMs on my page here:
http://www.6502.org/users/sjgray/projects/petkeyboard/index.html
Steve

PET hardware / PET Labels Page

« on: May 20, 2011, 11:29 PM »

Hi,
I am compiling info on the various labels and bezels on Commodore PET/CBM machines. I have put together a web page. Please check it out and let me know what you think. If you have a machine that is not listed, or have a better photo of an existing label, please send me a picture and I will update the page. Thanks!
http://www.6502.org/users/sjgray/computer/petlabels/index.html
Steve

PET software / 8296D 40/80 column ROM

« on: February 20, 2009, 06:32 AM »

Wasn't sure if this should be in the hardware or software section since this is FIRMWARE related ;-)

Anyway, I have an 8296D machine which of course is 80 columns. I know you can convert it to 40 columns by changing the hardware. And I know there is a program to fool the 80 column machines into being 40 columns. However, was thinking of a ROM solution.

If I understand correctly, all the screen init and printing routines are in the "editor" ROM at $E000. If I burn a new double-size ROM I could have both the 40-column and 80-column editor selectable with a simple switch. Then all I have to do is edit the CRT controller register init values in the 40-column half the same way the software solution does it. This same solution should apply to any 8000 series machine...

Anyone try this, or have any thoughts?

Steve

PET hardware / (Moved) Moving the PET/CBM II forums

« on: January 29, 2009, 03:02 PM »

Quote from: airship on January 27, 2009, 03:12 AM

As for PET, I never owned one (though I DID have an Ohio Scientific Challenger 1P, which was essentially a PET clone). The small amount of interest I have in them is strictly historical.

The OSI's were NOT PET clones... not even close, unless you call a machine with a 6502 and Microsoft BASIC a "clone". Then that would also make the Apple a PET clone too... When I was in high school looking to buy my first computer (circa 1981) I did lots of research and I compared all the machines at the time. I actually chose the OSI C4P computer because it beat the poor PET hands down spec-wise AND price-wise. Anyway, OSI was even worse at marketing than Commodore so they didn't last long. My next computer was the C64 and then the CBM-II B128 machine which was the "PET" I really wanted ;-)

Steve

Herdware / IEEE interface in 128 mode?

« on: April 18, 2007, 01:31 AM »

Hi,

Was there ever an IEEE interface for the 128 that worked in 128 mode?
I have a BUSCARD II and a RTC LINK II. I'm pretty sure the buscard only worked in 64 mode, but I have no manual for the RTC...

Steve

Software / CBMXfer

« on: March 23, 2007, 05:32 AM »

Hi,

I have taken the old release of GUI4CBM4WIN (v0.4; the VB6 version) and have spun off a separate program called CBMXfer. I hope I'm not stepping on anyone's toes here, but I don't have VB.NET (and I find it too hard to use). So, as to not confuse things by having both a VB6 release and a VB.NET release I'm renaming mine to CBMXfer. A much easier name to remember ;-)

Also, I've added support for IEEE drives using CBMLINK, and manipulating disk images using the C1541 program from VICE. I've added the ability to copy files to/from inside D64 images, and view CBM BASIC PRG files (auto detects all versions). I hope everyone likes it. I have released the first BETA release of CBMXfer and you can download it from my website at:

http://ca.geocities.com/sjgray@rogers.com/CBM/cbmxfer.html

If you can help by testing it that would be great. Of course, suggestions, and feedback is welcome!

I am currently adding a few new features, such as viewing character ROMS and SEQ files. I'm also considering adding an ML disassembler.
Steve