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sm3

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Posts posted by sm3

  2. Posted

    ...

    How is Merlin 128?

     

    I like it. It's menu driven, but the biggest factor for me was the documentation. I found the real manual for it on eBay. I still like to hold real books in my hand and I can't pass up buying the real book/manual for something I use when they are good condition.

     

    I believe you can find the manual for both the 64 and 128 versions online in PDF format.

     

    Actually Merlin 128 will not work in 40 column mode on the 128. It will start loading and then tell you to switch so I have no choice but to use it in 80 column.

     

    I've been wanting to give Turbo Macro Pro a go on the 64. They have a nice cross compiler (TMPx) for the PC that uses the same syntax as the real 64 assembler.

     

    And of course there is http://www.ajordison.co.uk/

  5. Posted

    ...

     

    I bought a couple CoCo SDCs in NOV-2014. These are very nice Drive Replacements.

     

    ...

     

    Hi MarkO, I'm getting CoCo 3 from cloud9tech. Do you know if these SDCs are still available?

     

    I found this website: http://cocosdc.blogspot.com/

     

    but unless I'm missing something, I don't see any mention of where/how to purchase them?

     

    I do believe Cloud9tech is working on a new SuperSD solution, but not sure of the timeframe.

     

    Thanks.

  6. Posted

     

    (I am, however, surprised to read the C128DCR composite output on the RGBI port reported as non-working as mine does -- I never checked, but maybe something was modified in my unit.)

     

     

    I just re-read your post again. Maybe what they were calling composite is actually the RF out. It could be mistaken as that I suppose. The "video" round din connector should actually be s-video or chroma luma audio but of course you can just make a composite video cable from that connector too if you'd like.

  7. Posted

    Yeah, if you plan on using a 128 long-term, I believe it's worth it. I stocked up on several of these "Video DAC" boards and also several of the GBS-8220. I'm betting the 8220 will fail before the former ;)

     

    I updated my post above with the thread on lemon64 where they were sold.

     

    Pretty sure he is building these by hand so that's where the cost increase comes from compared to the kit board.

  9. Posted

    I will be putting my 128D system back together soon, but I no longer have the Commodore 2002 nor Apple monochrome monitors I used to use. I could use the monochrome composite output of the RGBI port and connect to my 20" Dell's composite input but I would rather have color.

     

    Has anyone successfully connected the RGBI port of the 128 to an SVGA monitor? Is there a device for doing so?

     

    These work great for 128 80 column (RGBI) video to VGA. You'll have to purchase a GBS-8220 (from eBay or some other source) and also make your own connector.

     

    http://he-insanity.blogspot.com/2014/03/commodore-128-cga-video-dac-board.html

     

    The builder of these boards sold them initially via (now defunct) commodore128.org site and then on lemon64.com. The design was initially created by someone else.

     

    You can search for "Commodore 128 Video DAC Board Available" on lemon64.

    • Like 1

  10. Posted

    The model 2 doesn't seem bad to me, but I'm no audiophile. You can surely hear the difference in the video above, but playing it on an old TV without a headset or hi-fi, the model 2 is just fine in my opinion.

     

    The emulator Gens on your PC works really well also. Using that along with a USB joystick adapter you can actually use a real Sega controller with it.

     

    http://www.retronicdesign.com/en/

     

    Of course this is only my opinion, I've only had a real model 2 a day or two now ;)

  12. Posted

     

    Thanks but, that'll probably keep me from getting it. I really don't want to search everything out for multiple reasons, one of which is time. I guess that's what I liked so much about Classic99 (TI-99/4A Emulator). It came pre-packaged with the ROMS and enough software to get one going. It was essentially unpack & play.

    And here is where you can download the Model 1 ROM: http://www.classic-computers.org.nz/system-80/s80-roms.zip

     

    See post #4 for further details.

     

    You'll want to rename trs80model1.rom to model1.rom for use in Matthew Reed's emulator. Also in that zip file is esf.rom which can be used to emulate the Exatron Stringy Floppy.

    • Like 1

  14. Posted

    Well, there is another option to get you started. Matthew Reed's emulator (1/III/4) for Windows but then download this emulator: Model III emulator by Matt Hamilton.

     

    You can download it via Ira Goldkang's webiste: http://www.trs-80.com/wordpress/emulators/

     

    This Model III emulator contains a valid model3.rom that works on Matthew Reeds's emulator, along with a TRSDOS 1.3 disk. This should get you started.

     

    I can't really recommend the Matt Hamilton emulator, I've had limited success using it.

     

    I'm afraid you'll have to find an archive of other disk images to use though besides DOS because I'm not aware of *any* TRS-80 emulator that comes with something beyond maybe a DOS disk.

     

    NOTE:

     

    I should add, if you do a search in Google you'll find a suitable Model 1 ROM to use (an older version) with Matthew Reed's emulator. If I'm not mistaken, it was on a site dedicated to the "System 80".

     

    I have not found a downloadble Model 4/4P ROM though. I was able to download the ROMs from my real Model 4 and 4P and transfer them to my PC using the FreHD hard disk emulator.

    • Like 1

  15. Posted

    Quite a while ago I had asked about the Atari 800XL power supply. A seller was recommended, Best Electronics CA I believe. I didn't buy the adapter at that time, but I would like to do so in the next few days.

     

    Just want to double-check if this vendor is still okay to deal with. Also, do I just call up and give my debit card over the phone, or do I have to order on the site? I went to the page, and was a little confused as to what the exact ordering mechanism is (I thought I read somewhere that you have to order by email, which I would rather not do, I don't think I would want to email my number). Thank you again.

     

    Yes, he is still there and recommended. Best bet might be to email him with your question or you can call as well. For email, make sure you have a subject line that contains the word Atari or it will go to the spam folder.

     

    The website is confusing, but if you email and ask your question, you'll get a response. He takes PayPal as payment as well.

     

    http://www.best-electronics-ca.com/

     

    [email protected]

  16. Posted

    I use and can recommend Matthew Reed's Model 1/III/4 emulator for Windows: http://www.trs-80emulators.com/

     

    The downside with his emulator is that you will have to find your own ROMs for it as none are provided (obviously for legal reasons) and disk images.

     

    I copied the ROMs from my real Model 1/4/4P to use in the emulator. He can help you with that if you have a real computer to use.

     

    For a Model III you can use either a real Model III ROM or the ROM from a Model 4.

     

    The support Matthew provides for his tools and emulator is top notch! The TRSTool for Windows lets you view a disassembled (Z80 assembly output) CMD file from a disk image just by clicking on it. Also, it will automatically update a disk image for Y2K+ dates if it encounters a disk image that hasn't been updated for that.

    • Like 1

  17. Posted

    Some later games have region locks and even when the ROM is on a flash cart, those locks will still be in effect. If you plan on playing a lot of US games, you are best off using a US system.

     

    Yeah, probably a safe bet. I don't plan on playing every game in the catalog, was just looking for alternate channels for hardware.

  18. Posted

    My interest is piqued. I do not need one for a computer but one for multiple drives (1581 and 1541-II.) I have just been using an AT power supply with a cable to connect to the 3.5" drive power connectors -- it works but is rather unwieldly.

     

    They cost a bit, but it's probably the last power supply you'll need. Plus he stands by his products. The supplies I have are over 5 amps. That's more than the original 128 US power supply provided. I'm not sure what the ratings are for the ones that power multiple devices at once.

  19. Posted

    Thanks for the link, I haven't seen that page yet. I purchased some real cartridges before I realized there was something like the EverDrive/SD card solution. I'm not sure I'll ever have to purchase another real cartridge with that :)

     

    I do like playing the games on the real hardware though just like using my Atari 800 with the 810 etc... Just something about using the real hardware!

     

    The TV I use for the Genesis is mono only so I don't really care to be honest about the better audio.

  20. Posted

    I was originally looking at one of those "Sega" branded devices with the built-in cartridges or the Retron. I finally picked up a new old stock Genesis model 2.

     

    Is there really a benefit to getting a model 1 over the model 2? Can you tell by looking at a model 1 if it's the TMSS version that I guess you don't want? I've also read that you want the one with the "High Definition Graphics" label because of the superior audio, but not really sure what else it offers over a 2.

     

    Thanks.

  22. Posted

    eBay has listings for the MegaDrive imported from Japan. I know Japan uses NTSC but can a US region game work in them? I've read about different cartridge shapes for different countries. I've ordered an EverDrive MD so I believe I can use any regions game on them, but of course the cartridge shell coming with it is normal US type.

     

    Thanks.

  25. Posted

    I'm afraid the CompuServe Information Service has been shutdown for years now as far as I'm aware.

     

    You could try a modem and local BBS perhaps to get a similar experience. There is always the option of connecting to a BBS using a device such as the Lantronix UDS10. I think the Atarimax SIO2PC and APE software allow you to do the same thing (use your PC to connect to the internet/BBS).

     

    In the Commodore 64 world there was a similar service called "Quantum Link or Q-Link". Someone has actually reverse engineered the system and reproduced it in software so it's actually possible to experience what that was like. You can host a Qlink Reloaded service yourself as well I believe.

     

    Here is the Qlink Reloaded URL: http://orrtech.us/qlink/

     

    Sorry for the Commodore related items here ;)

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