Post by: Duke on 09:36, 07 May 16
I have hacked together an expansion board for the CPC, letting it connect to your home router/accesspoint via WiFi.
It also features a romboard and sd card for file access.
It's a bit rough at the moment, but the basics do work.
Please check it out at:
http://www.spinpoint.org/2016/05/06/m4-board-retrofun-8-bit-amstrad-cpc-wifi/ (http://www.spinpoint.org/)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqouZCVMMwg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osG5Gw1YX9Y)
Let me know what you think - Any use, or plain madness :) - It was fun doing atleast.
Works on entire CPC range (from 464 to 6128+)
Regards,
Duke
Update!
Prices:
M4 Board with MX4 (IDC) connector price 40 euro
M4 Board with Edge connector price 43.5 euro
Adapter PCB unassembled/assembled (See picture below) 6/7 euro
Centronics to MX4 (IDC) cable, 8 euro (for CPC+ and Schneider CPC6128)
Unregistered shipping cost to most of europe <100g 4 euro
Unregistered shipping cost to most of europe <250g 8 euro
2 boards is possible with <100 gram
About connectors:
Regular CPC has edge connector. CPC+ and Schneider CPC6128 have centronics connector.
Documentation:
Instructions on usage (and a bit of developer information, WIP).
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt)
Need a board, then send me a private message (with your email address), and let me know which connector you need on it.
Leed time is usually about 4-5 weeks after ordering.
Yes still in production, 2021!
Leed time is usually about 4-5 weeks after ordering.
Yes still in production, 2021!
Post by: Joseman on 11:26, 07 May 16
And the SD loading!! with the native run command!!!! what rom make this possible???? the DSK navigation!! OMFG!
not to say the wifi itself!!!, and the rom commands!
Please tell us more! infact ALL the information right now!!! :laugh:
Post by: Duke on 11:58, 07 May 16
Well I didn't tell about it, because I wasn't sure if it was going to be possible (getting rom mapping to work was horror!) or if I would give up on it :)
The rom that makes it possible is one I wrote, it's loaded into the RAM of the MCU and currently mapped as rom7 to replace AMSDOS (more game compatiblity, when loaders disable other roms and re-enable only rom7). It's just a tiny hook of the CAS_ routines and some code to communicate with the M4, of course some RSX commands too.
However it can run as another rom as well (ie. rom6), as it doesn't have any real disc routines yet, that is needed if one wants to access real discs.
Post by: mr_lou on 13:35, 07 May 16
Post by: dcdrac on 13:51, 07 May 16
Post by: dragon on 14:38, 07 May 16
But but but.... where this treasure come from???? and why we didn't know nothing!!!! ;D
Because you not read the chat i put the link here yesterday :)
Post by: Maniac on 14:52, 07 May 16
Post by: Duke on 15:43, 07 May 16
This is without cable, the connectors are pricey, but I could make a version with edge connector on the pcb, so it plugs directly into the CPC (none plus and schneider with centronics).
Post by: Maniac on 16:00, 07 May 16
I haven't done a strict cost calculation, but I think it would be about 40 euro + shipping, so a bit high, but I have to pay 25% vat of the amount.Have you thought about using the MX4 connectors that Toto established? For those that don't have an MX4 a cable can easily be made with edge or d connector.
This is without cable, the connectors are pricey, but I could make a version with edge connector on the pcb, so it plugs directly into the CPC (none plus and schneider with centronics).
Post by: robcfg on 16:02, 07 May 16
Post by: Duke on 16:42, 07 May 16
Post by: dirtybb on 17:08, 07 May 16
@Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624)
Quoted from your page :"If enough are interested, I will run a batch + it’ll motivate me to finish and polish things up."
I'm interested in 1, you can count me in.
Post by: Duke on 18:26, 07 May 16
This is totally crazy :oThanks, if I get a feeling that atleast 10 people are interested, I'll source the components for those and see how it goes.
@Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624)
Quoted from your page :"If enough are interested, I will run a batch + it’ll motivate me to finish and polish things up."
I'm interested in 1, you can count me in.
Post by: dirtybb on 18:57, 07 May 16
Well I didn't tell about it, because I wasn't sure if it was going to be possible (getting rom mapping to work was horror!) or if I would give up on it :)About the sd card, what is the file system ?
The rom that makes it possible is one I wrote, it's loaded into the RAM of the MCU and currently mapped as rom7 to replace AMSDOS (more game compatiblity, when loaders disable other roms and re-enable only rom7). It's just a tiny hook of the CAS_ routines and some code to communicate with the M4, of course some RSX commands too.
However it can run as another rom as well (ie. rom6), as it doesn't have any real disc routines yet, that is needed if one wants to access real discs.
Post by: Duke on 19:00, 07 May 16
Post by: Jungsi on 19:53, 07 May 16
Post by: 1024MAK on 20:48, 07 May 16
Please add me to the list of "I want one!".
Mark
Post by: reidrac on 20:51, 07 May 16
If it works in a 464 without an extra ROM, that's a "killer board" IMHO.
"ARM MCU running at 168MHz" -- hah, oh yes!
Post by: ||C|-|E|| on 21:23, 07 May 16
Post by: SRS on 23:39, 07 May 16
IF it works on a CPC464 (Schneider ;) ) - I'd be interested, too.
Post by: Munchausen on 00:40, 08 May 16
Post by: Duke on 00:52, 08 May 16
Yes it should work on a real CPC464, as it can live completely without the AMSDOS rom. You can of course add it too on the emulated rom board.
However I don't have a CPC464 to test, so I think it would be wisest if the first one I send out, will be to a CPC464 owner, preferably somone who has a MX4 cable/board already.
It'll be free of charge if it doesn't work. I should have parts to make 1 or 2 samples atm.
Post by: anyf33 on 01:09, 08 May 16
Please add me to the list.
And i have also a 464 for testing without m4 cables.
Find me a way to connect it and i take it today !
or with cable on the right can work?
MotherX4 Main Board (http://www.centpourcent.net/store/p1/MotherX4_Main_Board.html)
Post by: Duke on 01:24, 08 May 16
:o Excelent workYes that cable will do, atleast as far as I can tell. The pinout order of M4 board matches the PlayCity board picture I just looked at in the wiki, that is designed for MotherX4.
Please add me to the list.
And i have also a 464 for testing without m4 cables.
Find me a way to connect it and i take it today !
or with cable on the right can work?
MotherX4 Main Board (http://www.centpourcent.net/store/p1/MotherX4_Main_Board.html)
I might do a version, with a Card Edge connector directly on the PCB, so it's direct plugin without cables.
Post by: Audronic on 02:24, 08 May 16
Thanks
Ray
Post by: CraigsBar on 03:54, 08 May 16
Post by: archcosmo on 07:03, 08 May 16
Post by: trocoloco on 07:36, 08 May 16
Post by: anyf33 on 09:19, 08 May 16
Yes that cable will do, atleast as far as I can tell. The pinout order of M4 board matches the PlayCity board picture I just looked at in the wiki, that is designed for MotherX4.Yes but with the edge connector directly on the PCB it will work on 6128 and maybe on 464. What about 6128 plus i also have? Maybe it came as it is and i will buy 2 cables from cent pour cent, one for 6128/464 and one with centronics for 6128 plus.
I might do a version, with a Card Edge connector directly on the PCB, so it's direct plugin without cables.
Post by: Cpcmaniaco on 11:23, 08 May 16
Post by: Joseman on 11:46, 08 May 16
Post by: Gryzor on 12:19, 08 May 16
Post by: MiguelSky on 13:23, 08 May 16
Post by: dcdrac on 17:17, 08 May 16
Post by: CraigsBar on 19:02, 08 May 16
Post by: CPC_Fan on 20:27, 08 May 16
Post by: Duke on 20:37, 08 May 16
I think we need a production run of these.Yes, I'll order components soon to build up enough boards for those interested. It'll take some weeks (china!) for all parts to arrive before I can start assembling boards.
Should give me enough time to fix some remaining issues and features, I hope.
Post by: fgbrain on 20:42, 08 May 16
Is it possible to use wifi card for other uses -like use a wifi printer or connect to my dsl router??
Post by: Duke on 20:44, 08 May 16
I would be interested in one. Would there be any software with it though and an idiots guide on how to use it? I only ask, as unfortunately I never got round to learning how to program/write software on my 46 or 6128 :doh: :-[ :( Also would it be possible to make it MX-4 board compatible at all?I'll document the commands, when they are final for release version. No need to be a programmer to use it. Just check the video, normal basic commands and some RSX commands.
Needed software embedded in to the flash memory of the board. You shouldn't need anything else.
It should work with MX-4 Board. If it'll work with other expansions plugged, I don't know, it might not.
Post by: Duke on 20:49, 08 May 16
This looks very promising! Well done..
Is it possible to use wifi card for other uses -like use a wifi printer or connect to my dsl router??
Thanks.
Technically it could be done, some API would need to be provided to the user via the rom to achieve this. If there's interest for certain functions I'll consider adding them.
Post by: CPC_Fan on 21:12, 08 May 16
I'll document the commands, when they are final for release version. No need to be a programmer to use it. Just check the video, normal basic commands and some RSX commands.
Needed software embedded in to the flash memory of the board. You shouldn't need anything else.
It should work with MX-4 Board. If it'll work with other expansions plugged, I don't know, it might not.
Thanks for the reply Duke. Sounds easy enough for me to use then... lol. What software would I need to flash the memory of the board and how would I flash it there? I have a X-Mem board if that's any help?
Post by: Duke on 21:31, 08 May 16
Thanks for the reply Duke. Sounds easy enough for me to use then... lol. What software would I need to flash the memory of the board and how would I flash it there? I have a X-Mem board if that's any help?
Nothing extra is needed, you just setup the board to connect to your local wifi (router or app) via a basic RSX command or you can copy a config file to your microSD card and insert it to the slot on the board (microSD card is required).
After that you can either upload games/files/roms via the web interface. The M4 board will host a small web server, you just type the netbios name or ip number into your browser.
Of course you can also just put the microSD card into your PC and drag .DSK files etc to it and pop it back into the M4, reboot it... Cat, Run etc..
Edit: to upgrade the board itself, when newer firmwares are released, there's also an upload function for that, or you simply copy it manually to the sd card, reboot and it'll upgrade.
Here's the current config file, it's stored as m4/config.txt:
ssid=dd-wrt
pw=hackaway
name=CPC6128
dhcp=1
ip=0.0.0.0
nm=0.0.0.0
gw=0.0.0.0
dns1=8.8.8.8
dns2=8.8.4.4
Set dhcp = 0 to use manual IP config. The same settings are changed/made when you use the rsx command from basic |netset,"ssid=xxxx, pw=yyyy etc..".
More stuff wil go into this config file, like m4board rom number.
Roms have seperate files, which aren't easily editable (but possible) from PC, they are meant to be uploaded via the web interface, possibly I'll add an RSX command for it aswell.
They will be flashed into the flashram of the Cortex M4 MCU. It has 1 MB flash, so plenty of space. It could easily have 32 roms, may expand it later if desired.
Post by: Morri on 22:09, 08 May 16
Post by: Singaja on 22:34, 08 May 16
Post by: CPC_Fan on 22:39, 08 May 16
Nothing extra is needed, you just setup the board to connect to your local wifi (router or app) via a basic RSX command or you can copy a config file to your microSD card and insert it to the slot on the board (microSD card is required).
After that you can either upload games/files/roms via the web interface. The M4 board will host a small web server, you just type the netbios name or ip number into your browser.
Of course you can also just put the microSD card into your PC and drag .DSK files etc to it and pop it back into the M4, reboot it... Cat, Run etc..
Edit: to upgrade the board itself, when newer firmwares are released, there's also an upload function for that, or you simply copy it manually to the sd card, reboot and it'll upgrade.
Here's the current config file, it's stored as m4/config.txt:
ssid=dd-wrt
pw=hackaway
name=CPC6128
dhcp=1
ip=0.0.0.0
nm=0.0.0.0
gw=0.0.0.0
dns1=8.8.8.8
dns2=8.8.4.4
Set dhcp = 0 to use manual IP config. The same settings are changed/made when you use the rsx command from basic |netset,"ssid=xxxx, pw=yyyy etc..".
More stuff wil go into this config file, like m4board rom number.
Roms have seperate files, which aren't easily editable (but possible) from PC, they are meant to be uploaded via the web interface, possibly I'll add an RSX command for it aswell.
They will be flashed into the flashram of the Cortex M4 MCU. It has 1 MB flash, so plenty of space. It could easily have 32 roms, may expand it later if desired.
Thanks for your comprehensive reply Duke. I am definitely interested now if you decide to go ahead with a production run of the boards.
Post by: CloudStrife on 00:22, 09 May 16
I will take more time to analyze the thing but for the moment just some few thing:
First thing first, i don't really like your routing but, well "artistic" divergence :)
But I am really concerned about the crystal, I think they are far from the MCU (I already had some problem with crystal on other MCU of the STM32F familly).
And I really don't see a lot of decoupling cap around the MCU and the ESP8266, and you said you have component on one side only ?
(And the whole card really missing a "big" cap of ~100µF)
And last thing. The F405VG is cheaper than the 407 (~2$ less) and compatible and a pure drop-in replacement. The two thing missing are just the Ethernet MAC and the Camera interface, both unused for this application.
Post by: Duke on 01:44, 09 May 16
Well... I had a project to connect an STM32 an CPC expansion bus for some usage (but not WiFi), this board can probably do the trick on the hardware side :P (Less work for me ! Nice !)
I will take more time to analyze the thing but for the moment just some few thing:
First thing first, i don't really like your routing but, well "artistic" divergence :)
But I am really concerned about the crystal, I think they are far from the MCU (I already had some problem with crystal on other MCU of the STM32F familly).
And I really don't see a lot of decoupling cap around the MCU and the ESP8266, and you said you have component on one side only ?
(And the whole card really missing a "big" cap of ~100µF)
And last thing. The F405VG is cheaper than the 407 (~2$ less) and compatible and a pure drop-in replacement. The two thing missing are just the Ethernet MAC and the Camera interface, both unused for this application.
Thanks for your feedback.
Actually, revision 2 has most decoupling on the 2nd side, rev.1 was one side only (see pic below).
About the F405VG, the 407VGT where I search is actually cheaper, maybe because it is more used and big quantities are sliced by chinese brokers. But yeah directly from digikey etc its probably cheaper.
Main clock is about as close as it can get to the mcu. Not decided yet if I'll fit the 32k RTC clock for final version, since it could just use ntp.
Post by: villain on 09:43, 09 May 16
Post by: dodogildo on 22:00, 09 May 16
Post by: Executioner on 02:21, 10 May 16
Not decided yet if I'll fit the 32k RTC clock for final version, since it could just use ntp.
What is the 32k RTC? Does it have 32K of static memory attached?
Post by: Grim on 06:05, 10 May 16
Also:
- What's up with this double CPC reset? (As seen in the YT video) Is it temporary or does the final board will do that as-well?
- Could it be possible to configure the integrated ROM-board to use a different mapping range (eg. slots 32-47, 48-63 or whatever, instead of 0-15) in order to play nice with existing ROM-Boards? (esp. the X-MEM)
Post by: pelrun on 06:18, 10 May 16
What is the 32k RTC? Does it have 32K of static memory attached?
32k as in 32767Hz crystal clock.
Post by: Duke on 09:54, 10 May 16
+1The double reset is because when the board is powered (by the cpc), the cortex needs a little bootup time, to read config from microSD, init the ESP8266 etc.
Also:
- What's up with this double CPC reset? (As seen in the YT video) Is it temporary or does the final board will do that as-well?
- Could it be possible to configure the integrated ROM-board to use a different mapping range (eg. slots 32-47, 48-63 or whatever, instead of 0-15) in order to play nice with existing ROM-Boards? (esp. the X-MEM)
Its possible to move the range of the slots, however for first version I just want the basics to work. I have no idea if it will be possible to run it along with other expansions, I do tap into every signal of exp. port, except LPEN and sound AFAIR. and there is also the power consumption issue.
Post by: Duke on 09:59, 10 May 16
What is the 32k RTC? Does it have 32K of static memory attached?
As pelrun said its the 32768 Hz clock for the internal RTC in the Cortex MCU, reason I may not attach this nor the battery backup, is that with internet it could just do ntp time lookup and retrieve the clock from there. I haven't looked into this yet, but I think it should be easy enough.
Post by: Kris on 10:28, 10 May 16
Post by: skywalky on 11:53, 10 May 16
Post by: khaz on 12:16, 10 May 16
[attachimg=1]
for real, I'd be happy with a simple wget implementation. Like this
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Post by: Duke on 13:46, 10 May 16
Right now I am having a problem when testing on CPC6128 PLUS, appearently I cannot put my rom as number 7, replacing AMSDOS.
I am pulling ROMDIS high when sending the rom data and as far as I can understand from:
Arnold V specs - CPCWiki (http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Arnold_V_specs#Enhanced_ROM_cartridge_support)
ROMDIS should still work.
Anyone here with a CPC6128 PLUS and a romboard, that can confirm its possible to replace AMSDOS ?
Nevermind tested with parados_1.2+, and that worked, so its something else then :)
EDIT: Ok, wasn't aware that it had the selection screen init jp vector at 0xC072. Works now.
Post by: Rennert on 18:30, 10 May 16
Post by: ||C|-|E|| on 18:36, 10 May 16
Post by: Prodatron on 18:44, 10 May 16
I am interested in 2 boards as well!
Post by: Prodatron on 19:04, 10 May 16
- is it possible to low level access the SD card (reading and writing sectors directlly)?
- is it possible to access the ESP8266 in a way, that the CPC can send and receive TCP and UDP packages (multiple sockets/connections)? Are there any buffers for incoming and outgoing data on hardware side?
CU,
Prodatron
Post by: Duke on 19:30, 10 May 16
But neither is possible yet. To be honest the source is a big mess at the moment :) for initial release I just want the basic operations to work relieable and on all cpc's.
Maybe I'll release the source at some point or if I fell like it improve and add features myself.
As for buffers, the cpc receive buffer is in the M4 ROM area, the send buffer has to be in RAM.
This is a flow of a simple command from CPC (|netstat no params) to display current status of the WiFi connection.
//////////////////
// On the cpc side
rom_reponse .equ 0xD000
C_NETSTAT .equ 0x4323
; ------------------------- get network status
netstat:
call get_iy_workspace
ld (iy),#2
ld 1(iy),#C_NETSTAT
ld 2(iy),#C_NETSTAT>>8
push iy
pop hl
call send_command
ld hl,#rom_reponse+3
call show_message
ret
; HL contains packet to be send
send_command:
ld bc,#0xFE00 ; data out port
ld d,(hl) ; size
out (c),d
sendloop:
inc hl
ld a,(hl)
out (c),a
dec d
ld a,d
cp #0
jr nz, sendloop
; tell M4 that command has been send
ld bc,#0xFF00
out (c),c
ret
///////////////////
// On the Cortex M4
case C_NETSTAT:
netstat_send_esp(&rcv->data[0]);
switch ( rcv->data[0] )
{
case 0:
rsp->size = 3+sprintf(&rsp->data[0], "Idle.\r\n");
break;
case 1:
rsp->size = 3+sprintf(&rsp->data[0], "Connecting.\r\n");
break;
.... etc
//////////////////////
// on the ESP8266
void m4_ipc_handler(void)
{
volatile unsigned int cmdid;
volatile unsigned int cmdsize;
if ( spiWrite(0) == 0x55 ) // initiate transfer?
{
spiRead(&cmdid, 4);
spiRead(&cmdsize, 4);
spiRead(&m4data, cmdsize);
...etc
responds with:
void netstat(void)
{
m4data[0] = wifi_station_get_connect_status();
if ( m4data[0] == 5 ) // Got IP
{
wifi_get_ip_info(0, &netConfig.ip);
os_memcpy(&m4data[1], &netConfig.ip, 4);
}
spiCommandNoResp(M4CMD_NETSTAT, 5, m4data);
}
So it's quite a pipeline, maybe it can be simplefied somewhat, but basically all commands can be added with enough effort :)
I also have a config area in the rom, where I from the cpc can ask the cortex m4 to write to this area, so this could be used as an outgoing buffer.
Hope it makes sense.
@Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624): Just two questions regarding driver development on CPC side:
- is it possible to low level access the SD card (reading and writing sectors directlly)?
- is it possible to access the ESP8266 in a way, that the CPC can send and receive TCP and UDP packages (multiple sockets/connections)? Are there any buffers for incoming and outgoing data on hardware side?
CU,
Prodatron
Post by: Grim on 22:28, 10 May 16
If several revisions of the M4 firmware are made, is there any way the CPC can detect which version is currently available? (eg. to avoid invoking unavailable commands). Oh, and Hurray! for open-sourcing everything too! (yes, you will open-source everything [calm voice and Jedi hand trick]).
Post by: dxs on 00:38, 11 May 16
I'm also in for one!
Post by: Duke on 03:52, 11 May 16
Two quick remarks. In your sendloop code, you can safely remove the ld a,d:cp #0 and you might want to check the outi instruction too. Also, the I/O address #FFxx is already used by the CPC-Booster (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/CPC_Booster) but this shouldn't be much of a problem imo, since your WiFi card will most likely supersede it anyway :)Thanks - My z80 skills are rusty, not having used it since 1991 :) - For the ports, they may not be final choice yet.
If several revisions of the M4 firmware are made, is there any way the CPC can detect which version is currently available? (eg. to avoid invoking unavailable commands). Oh, and Hurray! for open-sourcing everything too! (yes, you will open-source everything [calm voice and Jedi hand trick]).
It's a good idea to include a version command from the first release atleast and maybe checkupgrade. And I will make no promise about opensourcing it yet 8)
Post by: mr_lou on 08:06, 11 May 16
But every time someone asked about such a device on this forum, the replies were mostly that it couldn't be done.
So in the end I reluctantly settled for HxC devices.
I'd love to have one of these devices plugged into my CPC464 the same way a DDI adapter is connected. I..e. in a box and hanging on the back of the CPC, rather than lying on the table behind the CPC.
If there'll be versions of this device like that, then I'd like one too. But I understand such a version is probably not top priority.
Post by: Duke on 11:18, 11 May 16
I have ordered some right angle pcb edge connectors. I'll have to see them before I am sure if they can be used for the cpc.
The idea was to make a mini pcb (ie. expansion port length x 2 cm) with edge connector for the cpc expansion port in one side and a idc connector in the other side, this could then be either right angle to lay flat with the table or non angled, so it will standup like ie. ddi interface.
This way users can have their own choice, use motherX4 or cable or use the edge connector to idc connector pcb if they have non centronics cpc.
Lets see how it goes.
About the HxC, this device cannot replace it, as it cannot act as FDC controller, so all games that use custom disc loading (most copy protected discs) talking directly to the FDC will not work. A proper cracked version is needed if it can be found and I have tested quite a few cracks that still have direct FDC loading code.
Post by: Dubliner on 11:37, 11 May 16
Post by: mr_lou on 11:48, 11 May 16
@mr_lou (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=96)
I have ordered some right angle pcb edge connectors. I'll have to see them before I am sure if they can be used for the cpc.
The idea was to make a mini pcb (ie. expansion port length x 2 cm) with edge connector for the cpc expansion port in one side and a idc connector in the other side, this could then be either right angle to lay flat with the table or non angled, so it will standup like ie. ddi interface.
This way users can have their own choice, use motherX4 or cable or use the edge connector to idc connector pcb if they have non centronics cpc.
Lets see how it goes.
About the HxC, this device cannot replace it, as it cannot act as FDC controller, so all games that use custom disc loading (most copy protected discs) talking directly to the FDC will not work. A proper cracked version is needed if it can be found and I have tested quite a few cracks that still have direct FDC loading code.
That is awesome Duke!
Please add me to the waiting list of buyers. :)
Post by: tonio8bits on 14:03, 11 May 16
Very interesting board. Would like to have one also.
can you add me to the list please.
Tonio8bits :D
Post by: Duke on 14:24, 11 May 16
I hope i am not too late, but i would love one of these as well. So count me in :)
You are not too late, but be prepared it may be a long process, I don't know how long it will take to assemble all these boards... I am the pick and place machine and manually soldering connectors, correcting shorts on the chips etc. And parts are still many weeks away.
Anyway when I am a little further with things I'll update on the process.
Post by: Kris on 14:29, 11 May 16
You are not too late, but be prepared it may be a long process, I don't know how long it will take to assemble all these boards... I am the pick and place machine and manually soldering connectors, correcting shorts on the chips etc. And parts are still many weeks away.
Anyway when I am a little further with things I'll update on the process.
If possible then propose you card as "DIY kit"; some of us are able to assemble & sold all the component ;)
Post by: Dubliner on 15:44, 11 May 16
You are not too late, but be prepared it may be a long process, I don't know how long it will take to assemble all these boards...
As long as it needs. I am in no hurry at all :)
Post by: Phantomz on 16:00, 11 May 16
I'd be interested in one, if they become available later. :)
Post by: Gryzor on 17:07, 11 May 16
It would be ridiculously great to have a cool IRC client for the Amstrad that works straight from BASIC :D
Would actually be pretty functional in mode 2...
Post by: ||C|-|E|| on 17:31, 11 May 16
Post by: Gryzor on 17:32, 11 May 16
Post by: ||C|-|E|| on 18:17, 11 May 16
Post by: Manu on 20:23, 11 May 16
I'm interested in one board :D
Post by: ronaldo on 20:54, 11 May 16
Post by: Gryzor on 21:35, 11 May 16
Off-Topic:Now that you mention it... I moved to PiRCH at some point, but I did not remember it at all :laugh:
That was the geek choice, actually :)
Post by: Lazy Dude on 23:44, 11 May 16
Yeh I'll be interested in one.
Post by: anyf33 on 00:07, 12 May 16
@mr_lou (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=96)About fdc loading can be byapassed through cpc compactages versions but he dont have all games of course
I have ordered some right angle pcb edge connectors. I'll have to see them before I am sure if they can be used for the cpc.
The idea was to make a mini pcb (ie. expansion port length x 2 cm) with edge connector for the cpc expansion port in one side and a idc connector in the other side, this could then be either right angle to lay flat with the table or non angled, so it will standup like ie. ddi interface.
This way users can have their own choice, use motherX4 or cable or use the edge connector to idc connector pcb if they have non centronics cpc.
Lets see how it goes.
About the HxC, this device cannot replace it, as it cannot act as FDC controller, so all games that use custom disc loading (most copy protected discs) talking directly to the FDC will not work. A proper cracked version is needed if it can be found and I have tested quite a few cracks that still have direct FDC loading code.
Post by: Jomicamp on 02:27, 12 May 16
No doubt that I am also interested in one board Duke! Congratulations!
Post by: Duke on 10:55, 12 May 16
About fdc loading can be byapassed through cpc compactages versions but he dont have all games of courseYes, also back in the day there were many cracks of the same games, some better than other, but I think they are hard to find nowadays.
Edit: Actually there is a good collection here : cpccrackers.free.fr
Just managed to find a version of robocop that didn't use direct fdc loading.
Post by: hsimpson on 16:27, 12 May 16
+1 for me please :) .
Post by: Gryzor on 14:29, 13 May 16
This advancement places the cpc range in the XXI century finally... Connectivity is what better defines a modern computer... This is an important to re-establish its functionality and leave temporary the computer museum...
No doubt that I am also interested in one board Duke! Congratulations!
I don't think requests from non-members can be taken into account man...
Post by: villain on 15:49, 13 May 16
About the HxC, this device cannot replace it, as it cannot act as FDC controller, so all games that use custom disc loading (most copy protected discs) talking directly to the FDC will not work. A proper cracked version is needed if it can be found and I have tested quite a few cracks that still have direct FDC loading code.
Probably a silly question but I don't mind... I'm quite well known for being clueless. :-) Wouldn't it be possible to mount a .dsk on the PC, emulate the FDC also on the PC side and send the "read" data via Wifi to the CPC? Ok, going back to my abacus now. :-)
Post by: Duke on 17:55, 13 May 16
Probably a silly question but I don't mind... I'm quite well known for being clueless. :-) Wouldn't it be possible to mount a .dsk on the PC, emulate the FDC also on the PC side and send the "read" data via Wifi to the CPC? Ok, going back to my abacus now. :-)In theory it's possible to emulate the FDC directly on the M4, not the PC as there is too much latency for that going via wifi.
The problem is that 664's & 6128's already have a FDC on board, so it would be a conflict with the real fdc.
Post by: Duke on 17:58, 13 May 16
Yes I will need a way to get in touch, once the boards start shipping. So Jomicamp (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/amstrad-cpc-wifi/msg126358/#msg126358) please sign up in here or leave a message on my site with your email.
I don't think requests from non-members can be taken into account man...
Post by: Duke on 18:35, 13 May 16
With it you can upload and download files from the M4 board(CPC) from command line on your pc.
Quite handy for crossdevelopment, you can put it into your makefile.
Still needs a bit of work, as I just added header support for ascii files (protext). It can transfer files like DSK images just fine (no header addition/removal needed).
Post by: Eduard on 23:21, 13 May 16
Post by: Tolkin on 01:44, 14 May 16
Will definitly buy one if possible. So please, one Board for me.
Thanks so much for the cool work
Bye
Tolkin
Post by: yannis_uno on 02:11, 14 May 16
Thanks very much! :)
Post by: jomicamp on 04:37, 14 May 16
Now I am registered. Please, Duke count with me for one of those boards!
This will be a must have for the cpc
Regards to all members of the forum
Post by: Duke on 21:33, 14 May 16
However I have one issue left (I think).
That is the init message of my ROM, as sometimes there is loaders in the screen ram (&c000) which will be corrupted by it when they re-init the discrom (amsdos is silent).
Of course when I disable the init message they work, however I would like a method where I can detect if it was a common reset (some var in ram) or just re-init rom, so I would only display the message on cold boot (easy) and reset. Alternative is |m4msgoff or not display the message at all. The later I don't like that as you would like to know if its there or not.
Anyone have an idea for a detection mechanism?
EDIT: I just had an idea, I could checksum a certain part of the "(c)1984 Amstrad Consumer Electronics plc" in screen memory to detect if it was a reset, not ideal. But should work assuming some part is always the same regardless of model/language.
Post by: Etegar on 08:17, 15 May 16
Many thanks for this new CPC's device, Duke.
Post by: Grim on 20:20, 15 May 16
Anyone have an idea for a detection mechanism?Well, you could use the system's TIME value which is zeroed when the Firmware initializes itself. And its value when the Firmware begins to walk through all the ROMs is still somewhat "little". I think it might be better than some sort of checksum, but still is a fuzzy detection mechanism.
The detection routine would be something like this:
Code: [Select]
; Get TIME pointer depending on the Firmware version
ld hl,&B8B4+3 ; v2+
ld de,&B184+3 ; v1
ld a,(&BC1E)
cp 169
jr nz,$+3
ex de,hl
; Check the TIME value
ld a,(hl)
dec l
or (hl)
jr nz,quiet
dec l
ld a,(hl)
cp 2
jr nc,quiet
; TIME < &00000200
; Assume we've been called during system initialization
; Display some fancy boot message here
; ...
quiet
; TIME >= &00000200
; Assume we've been called manually by some program
; Do not print anything to screen
; ...
Post by: Duke on 00:49, 16 May 16
I will try it out.
EDIT:
Tested it. Unfortunately it fails to work with some of the "problem" games, as they appearently re-init more than rom7.
Also at the time of the rom walk the time value is 0, which of course was fine.
Eitherway for now I just check if the COPYRIGHT character is on the screen, line 4, column 2 and it seems to do the job.
Well, you could use the system's TIME value which is zeroed when the Firmware initializes itself. And its value when the Firmware begins to walk through all the ROMs is still somewhat "little". I think it might be better than some sort of checksum, but still is a fuzzy detection mechanism.
The detection routine would be something like this:Code: [Select]; Get TIME pointer depending on the Firmware version
ld hl,&B8B4+3 ; v2+
ld de,&B184+3 ; v1
ld a,(&BC1E)
cp 169
jr nz,$+3
ex de,hl
; Check the TIME value
ld a,(hl)
dec l
or (hl)
jr nz,quiet
dec l
ld a,(hl)
cp 2
jr nc,quiet
; TIME < &00000200
; Assume we've been called during system initialization
; Display some fancy boot message here
; ...
quiet
; TIME >= &00000200
; Assume we've been called manually by some program
; Do not print anything to screen
; ...
Post by: pelrun on 09:19, 16 May 16
Post by: Executioner on 16:39, 16 May 16
Code: [Select]
push hl
ld hl,16
add hl,sp
ld a,(hl)
cp #2e
jr z,ok464
cp #2b
jr nz,nosign
.ok464
inc hl
ld a,(hl)
cp 3
call z,signon
.nosign
Post by: Duke on 23:27, 16 May 16
The code ParaDOS uses to enable/disable the message is:Code: [Select]push hl
ld hl,16
add hl,sp
ld a,(hl)
cp #2e
jr z,ok464
cp #2b
jr nz,nosign
.ok464
inc hl
ld a,(hl)
cp 3
call z,signon
.nosign
Post by: Duke on 15:28, 19 May 16
Although they weren't meant to fit the standard idc header, it was no problem to solder it on. This will be an option if anyone wants it on their board, the price is +3.5 euro though (sorry! they are expensive).
Also it's been decided not to mount the 32k clock and battery mount as I've implemented ntp time lookup over the internet instead, so I see no need for it.
I need a volunteer for testing this board that has a CPC464 and want edge connector. Think I can ship it out after the weekend.
EDIT: added screenshots of current web interface changes.
Post by: robcfg on 15:37, 19 May 16
I'll send you a PM with details.
Cheers,
Rob
Post by: Gryzor on 16:45, 19 May 16
Damn, how luxurious is it to say you don't need the battery because you do NTP lookups :D
Post by: Duke on 18:17, 19 May 16
Can do it too, got a Schneider or two somewhere, though @robcfg (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=4) was quicker :)Thanks, yeah @robcfg (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=4) is getting the one in the picture.
Damn, how luxurious is it to say you don't need the battery because you do NTP lookups :D
I have another board almost ready (maybe one more over the weekend), but only have the card edge connectors right now (schneider is centronics only, isn't it?).
I don't have shrouded idc connectors needed for mx4 / cable yet.
If you want the second board let me know, but if you prefer shrouded idc connector for mx4 / cable wait for that instead. Since robcfg will verify if it's good on cpc464.
Prices are 40 euro for the board + 3.5 euro for card edge connector and 3.5 euro for shipping to most of europe.
Post by: khaz on 23:45, 19 May 16
Post by: Duke on 00:33, 20 May 16
Can it be made MX4 compatible?
Yes it should be, when a male shrouded idc pinheader is mounted. I am awaiting a MX4 board from Toto, so I can verify it.
Card Edge connector mounted is just an extra option if you want to use it with CPC none plus and don't have cable or mx4.
Post by: khaz on 01:11, 20 May 16
Post by: anyf33 on 06:08, 20 May 16
i have a Amstrad CPC464 also and i can test it. PM me for the second board. ;D
Post by: Duke on 10:01, 20 May 16
I need a volunteer for testing this board that has a CPC464 and want edge connector. Think I can ship it out after the weekend.Thanks, if Gryzor doesn't want it, I'll pm you.
i have a Amstrad CPC464 also and i can test it. PM me for the second board. ;D
Post by: Gryzor on 13:25, 20 May 16
Thanks, yeah @robcfg (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=4) is getting the one in the picture.
I have another board almost ready (maybe one more over the weekend), but only have the card edge connectors right now (schneider is centronics only, isn't it?).
I don't have shrouded idc connectors needed for mx4 / cable yet.
If you want the second board let me know, but if you prefer shrouded idc connector for mx4 / cable wait for that instead. Since robcfg will verify if it's good on cpc464.
Prices are 40 euro for the board + 3.5 euro for card edge connector and 3.5 euro for shipping to most of europe.
Ah, I'd prefer the shrouded connector or the mx4 version (just read your previous post) so better it went to someone else. Of course if no one wants it then sure, I'll take it and test it!
Post by: anyf33 on 11:24, 21 May 16
Thanks, if Gryzor doesn't want it, I'll pm you.i will take it :D
a question for everyone please. I have a cpc plus. but with no cartridge. Can this board work without cartridge on plus (first of cource i need adapter) to load basic etc ??
Post by: CraigsBar on 12:14, 21 May 16
i will take it :D
a question for everyone please. I have a cpc plus. but with no cartridge. Can this board work without cartridge on plus (first of cource i need adapter) to load basic etc ??
No, You still need an ASID chip for the plus to work. I have one Plus with the ACID mounted internally (on the back of the cartridge riser) and on that machine it will run wothoug a cartridge so long as I use my X-MEM to provide the FW rom and Basic.
However in General you still need the ACID, so therefore you still need a cartridge. If you don't have one then you realy should see if @Gerald has any of his excellent C4CPC MicroSD based flash carts left, then you can have all the games and multiple system carts available at the touch of a button..
Post by: mr_lou on 13:23, 21 May 16
But, does there exists an edge connector with a 90 degree turn so that the board doesn't stick out that much to the back but rather sticks upwards instead?
Post by: Duke on 13:30, 21 May 16
I have designed an adapter pcb for that. I'll update on that when I receive it.
The M4 pcb is 76,5 mm x 61 mm btw.
I also have a (danish) CPC464.
But, does there exists an edge connector with a 90 degree turn so that the board doesn't stick out that much to the back but rather sticks upwards instead?
Post by: anyf33 on 19:09, 22 May 16
one question, this adapter works for plus?
and the centronics of schneider and plus is the same?
if i buy this i can connect wifi modem? to my plus?
Post by: TotO on 20:02, 22 May 16
Converter Centronics to Card for CPC series, 16,95 € (http://www.spielquader.de/Converter-Centronics-to-Card-for-CPC-series)Yes the Centronics expansion ports are the same on Scheineder CPC and Amstrad PLUS.
one question, this adapter works for plus? and the centronics of schneider and plus is the same?
if i buy this i can connect wifi modem? to my plus?
This adapter is soldout (and expensive). By the way, I don't think that you will require it to use the Wifi board on your computer.
Post by: anyf33 on 23:52, 22 May 16
Post by: TotO on 07:53, 23 May 16
Toto how i can connect without adapter? Also the adapter seems availiable on the site.If you are speaking about an existing board with an edge connector, yes you need an adapter.
I can take a look to my stock. (cost less than 5€ if you already own a centronic to 50 pins ribbon cable...)
Post by: Duke on 09:01, 23 May 16
Here is the preliminary instructions on using the board:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt)
I guess this is release 1.0.0 (unless testers find a major flaw).
There is still plenty of features I will implement later, but for now I have to focus on "real life" work for a bit.
Post by: Audronic on 10:08, 23 May 16
What have you named the Board / Project ??
M4 or something else.
Or perhaps "" The Ultimate ""
Thanks Ray
Post by: Duke on 10:48, 23 May 16
@Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624)
What have you named the Board / Project ??
M4 or something else.
Or perhaps "" The Ultimate ""
Thanks Ray
Post by: Singaja on 14:19, 23 May 16
Very uncreative I just call it M4 board :) -At the time I thought I could use it for something else if the CPC part didn't work out, so guess I am stuck with M4 !
How about a community poll to choose a cool name? This expansion is really a big deal :o
Post by: TotO on 15:15, 23 May 16
Who was not happy this their R4 cartridge? ;D
Post by: Audronic on 15:52, 23 May 16
I really was asking as i was about to make a "" Folder to put the information in "" and i was looking for something more descriptive.
Thats all.
Good Project M4.
With tongue in cheek "" M4 "" sounds like a Freeway or a main road somewhere.
Thanks Ray
Post by: CraigsBar on 17:00, 23 May 16
Post by: Duke on 17:28, 23 May 16
Nah I think it's too late for name change, besides it is printed on the PCB and they are ordered :)
How about a community poll to choose a cool name? This expansion is really a big deal :o
Post by: Duke on 17:42, 23 May 16
Now.. One question. When can we order the boards? I'll take 2 please.I already have you down for 1 board :) - Changed to 2 now.
Summary:
I have ordered components for 58 boards, and there is "orders" for 53. So if I don't ruin too many building them, there is still room for a few orders or maybe some get cold feet.
Once I get components, I'll go down the list in the order people acknowledged they wanted one or two. And ship them out as I progress.
I'll probably put together a "order page" where you can fill in details or something. For now I just keep a list of people in this thread and people who emailed/pm'ed me.
Lastly two boards have been sent out today (robcfg and anyf33) so I can get it tested on CPC464 which I don't have and also CPC6128 regular which I fried last week (but it worked fine on it up to that point :) ), so this need to be confirmed before I send out anymore boards.
Also Toto has kindly send me a MX4 board and cable, so I can test if it works out in that configuration.
There will be option for MX4-Type connector, Edge connector and I made a converter PCB, which lets you plug into the edge connector and have the board at a 90 deg angle (for mr. lou).
Post by: CraigsBar on 17:47, 23 May 16
Post by: TFM on 19:29, 23 May 16
One question: Do you need a PC to run this board? Or can it be used independent of the PC?
And I would buy two of this nice boards too please. Add me to the list. :)
Hi guys,
I have hacked together an expansion board for the CPC, letting it connect to your home router/accesspoint via WiFi.
It also features a romboard and sd card for file access.
It's a bit rough at the moment, but the basics do work.
Please check it out (video included) at:
spinpoint.org – Duke's tech ramblings… (http://www.spinpoint.org/)
Let me know what you think - Any use, or plain madness :) - It was fun doing atleast.
Oh yes I've only tested on CPC6128. And briefly on a CPC6128+ (it works on the plus, but burning rubber fails to launch, probably sortable romconflict).
It should work on 464 and 664 too, but not tested yet.
Regards,
Duke
Post by: Duke on 19:48, 23 May 16
Excellent work! Congratulations!Thanks :)
One question: Do you need a PC to run this board? Or can it be used independent of the PC?
And I would buy two of this nice boards too please. Add me to the list. :)
Long answer:
You only need a CPC & microSD for the plain board to work.
For internet you will obviously need a AP/WiFi router.
For uploading ROMS to the board you will at this point need a PC (webbrowser), but later I will just add a |setrom,"romname",slot (trivial issue). Someone could already modify the "romconfig.bin" and "romslots.bin" from the cpc to enable a new rom.
Short answer:
No PC or external software is needed to run the board.
Post by: TFM on 19:50, 23 May 16
As pelrun said its the 32768 Hz clock for the internal RTC in the Cortex MCU, reason I may not attach this nor the battery backup, is that with internet it could just do ntp time lookup and retrieve the clock from there. I haven't looked into this yet, but I think it should be easy enough.
A real RTC would be great especially if the network connection can not be established. Don't know how much hassle it would be to add it. But if it's doable without a problem if would be nice to have it. :)
Post by: Duke on 19:57, 23 May 16
It's fully possible, but the battery slot I used CR1220 is hella expensive, and the batteries too(+3 euro). However if anyone want to add it, board is ready for it so just solder it on (clock, two caps, 1 resistor and battery slot). I'll add auto detection for it, in the m4 software if desired :)
A real RTC would be great especially if the network connection can not be established. Don't know how much hassle it would be to add it. But if it's doable without a problem if would be nice to have it. :)
Post by: TFM on 20:20, 23 May 16
Thanks :)
Long answer:
You only need a CPC & microSD for the plain board to work.
For internet you will obviously need a AP/WiFi router.
For uploading ROMS to the board you will at this point need a PC (webbrowser), but later I will just add a |setrom,"romname",slot (trivial issue). Someone could already modify the "romconfig.bin" and "romslots.bin" from the cpc to enable a new rom.
Short answer:
No PC or external software is needed to run the board.
Thanks for your long answer. :) If there is a way to update / flash ROMs from the CPC side then please let me know (pm me if you like), so I can add this functionality to my ROManager application which does already support MegaFlash, FlashGordon, Symbiface2 and X-MEM. Would be my pleasure to help. :)
Oh, and regarding I/O ports it would ne neat if the card can use unused ports or ports which are only used by expansions which are not widely spread. You can look it up here:
I/O Port Summary - CPCWiki (http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/I/O_Port_Summary)
Post by: Duke on 20:35, 23 May 16
This is on my todo list to add a simple RSX for it, eitherway as it is now under folder m4 directory there is two files present.
Thanks for your long answer. :) If there is a way to update / flash ROMs from the CPC side then please let me know (pm me if you like), so I can add this functionality to my ROManager application which does already support MegaFlash, FlashGordon, Symbiface2 and X-MEM. Would be my pleasure to help. :)
romconfig.bin
->
int totalRoms; // currently 16, maybe later expanded to 32 or 48
int m4RomNum; // m4 rom
int m4RomEnable;// m4 rom enabled (if disabled other rom at that pos is active, either romboard or basic/amsdos)
unsigned int reserved[5];
then for each 16 roms (later more maybe)
char updateflag; // 0 = no rom present, 1 = rom present, 2= new rom (flash into M4 flashram), 3 = remove/delete current rom
char name[32]; // name to be displayed for rom in web ui.
Then there is m4/romslots.bin
16x16k page contains a rom or 0xFF (if not mapped)
When the board is rebooted this file will be read and flashed into the M4 flashram, according to status in romconfig.bin
Reason for this is the flashram sectors of M4 are 128KB, so to keep it easy a mirror is kept in this file, when only exchanging 16KB at a time.
To quickly access above files, its probably best to use the fopen, fread, fwrite, fclose functions I put in to the embedded M4 rom, those are easily disassembled or wait for DEV documentation.
Post by: TFM on 20:38, 23 May 16
EDIT: 32 ROMs would be IMHO really needed. 48 even a big gain. :)
Post by: Duke on 20:41, 23 May 16
Ah, I got it. You keep the ROMs in a file on the SD card. And as soon as the M4 boots up this file will be flashed temporarily to the Flash on the M4 card.Yep almost, it will not be flashed temporarily but permanently, until there is a change of status in romconfig.bin. Flashram will keep the contents until erased and/or replaced.
Post by: Duke on 20:44, 23 May 16
EDIT: 32 ROMs would be IMHO really needed. 48 even a big gain. :)
Maybe, I haven't seen a whole lot of use for it, but as it is the STM32F407VGT I am using, has 1MB flashram, and currently I use less than 128KB for code, so 768KB left / 16KB = 48 roms possible, but then again a little space for future features is nice, so probably 32 roms is more safe.
Post by: khaz on 21:15, 23 May 16
'Cause we already got the MX4, it might be confusing.
Post by: Duke on 21:18, 23 May 16
M4? Why M, why 4?
'Cause we already got the MX4, it might be confusing.
Post by: Duke on 21:57, 23 May 16
Oh, and regarding I/O ports it would ne neat if the card can use unused ports or ports which are only used by expansions which are not widely spread. You can look it up here:Missed that, yes for release 1.0.0 I picked:
I/O Port Summary - CPCWiki (http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/I/O_Port_Summary)
DATAPORT .equ 0xFE00
ACKPORT .equ 0xFC00
Only used by CPCISA (as far as I can tell), with 4 in existance. I needed the straight ports for arm assembly optimization.
Post by: TFM on 22:16, 23 May 16
Maybe, I haven't seen a whole lot of use for it, but as it is the STM32F407VGT I am using, has 1MB flashram, and currently I use less than 128KB for code, so 768KB left / 16KB = 48 roms possible, but then again a little space for future features is nice, so probably 32 roms is more safe.Yeah, 32 is totally fine. :) :) :) (16 are filled up sooo quick).
DATAPORT .equ 0xFE00Good pick! I guess the four owners of the CPC-ISA will forgive us for this choice! ;) I also looked up my documentation and can confirm that there is only CPC-ISA (DMA port).
ACKPORT .equ 0xFC00
Only used by CPCISA (as far as I can tell), with 4 in existance. I needed the straight ports for arm assembly optimization.
Post by: Maniac on 23:43, 23 May 16
Post by: Singaja on 09:25, 24 May 16
With some rom magic wouldn't it be possible to use dxs's real time clock board for this purpose? Apologies if my question doesn't make sense.
A real RTC would be great especially if the network connection can not be established. Don't know how much hassle it would be to add it. But if it's doable without a problem if would be nice to have it. :)
Post by: khaz on 17:54, 24 May 16
Because the heart of the board is a Cortex M4 mcu ;)
Uh.
You sure you don't want to think about it again?
Post by: TotO on 18:19, 24 May 16
You sure you don't want to think about it again?Call it "Cortex" if you want... ;D
Post by: khaz on 18:26, 24 May 16
Post by: TotO on 18:52, 24 May 16
Post by: khaz on 19:09, 24 May 16
Post by: TotO on 19:29, 24 May 16
X68000:picard2:
Post by: Gryzor on 20:28, 24 May 16
Post by: TFM on 23:15, 24 May 16
With some rom magic wouldn't it be possible to use dxs's real time clock board for this purpose? Apologies if my question doesn't make sense.
Both RTCs are different, but as Duke pointed out before, just add a couple of capacitors and a battery and you got it. Supporting software is another topic.
BTW: Just a question... IMHO it would be great if the M4 board could be bought with RTC installed as option. I wouldn't mind to pay more for it. (That way I could also easily add support for FutureOS I guess). However depends what others think. :)
Post by: dirtybb on 23:26, 24 May 16
Both RTCs are different, but as Duke pointed out before, just add a couple of capacitors and a battery and you got it. Supporting software is another topic.
BTW: Just a question... IMHO it would be great if the M4 board could be bought with RTC installed as option. I wouldn't mind to pay more for it. (That way I could also easily add support for FutureOS I guess). However depends what others think. :)
I Could too. If M4 could be bought with RTC installed, i would.
Post by: Singaja on 12:05, 25 May 16
Post by: Duke on 14:56, 25 May 16
I can confirm the cable works with M4 board.
It also works in the MX4 mainboard, but only properly when fitted with external power supply.
Probably it's best to use external power supply, I had noticed on CPC6128 and CPC6128+ that when pumping up the volume you could hear small sound artifacts when the WiFi transmits, however the problem disappear when using external psu. It also isn't present on CPC664 (guess it uses less power?).
So I definitely recommend using MX4 + external 5V 2A power supply.
Maybe a better PSU for cpc will do the trick too. - That's why I fried my CPC6128 last week, in a quick rush to plug in a bigger power supply that I remembered being 5V (I am idiot!) - it was 12V.
Alternatively use cable / edge connector (on PCB) and be prepared to use some USB psu with mini usb socket fed directly to the board.
RTC
I will consider offering the parts mounted, just be aware it's not supported in current software, so that's something I will need to add.
Generally I was thinking most people have net connection 99% of the time, so ntp lookup should be excellent. Maybe it's not the case all over europe, so I guess it makes sense for traditional battery backup.
Name
To be honest, I don't really care a lot about the name, if it's an issue sure, do a poll and find a new name, I only request it starts with "M4" :) - so board printing etc. still makes sense.
Post by: Audronic on 15:12, 25 May 16
No Leave it as it is.
I Cant "" M4size " that enough.
I Think its "" aM4zing ""
Ray
Post by: TotO on 15:56, 25 May 16
Today I received the very nice MX4 mainboard + cable from Toto (thanks a ton!)Great! 8)
Please, is the final board should be 8x5cm sized to perfectly match with the others? ;D
Post by: Duke on 16:25, 25 May 16
Great! 8)
Please, is the final board should be 8x5cm sized to perfectly match with the others? ;D
M4 is a nice code name. X-CORE should be a nice product name. :-\
I didn't make any changes to the PCB when I ordered 50 more pcs. Learned from past experince, there is good chance I'd screw something up (and I'd have to get new stencils) :) -Although it was tempting to remove some of the debug stuff and clean it up a bit.
So it's still ~ 76,5 mm x 61 mm
Post by: TotO on 16:26, 25 May 16
Post by: CloudStrife on 19:35, 25 May 16
Post by: Duke on 19:51, 25 May 16
(By the I don't remember if I say I want one when we discuss by mail... Even just the PCB unsold we just the GTL2000 and the .hex firmware it's ok for me :P )
I have added you now (with aes encrypted firmware and read out protection :P - nah just kidding), that makes 58.
If anymore orders, you have to rely on someone on the list to not want one anyway or wait until there is 10 more so I can order new batch of pcb etc.
Post by: TFM on 20:53, 25 May 16
RTC
I will consider offering the parts mounted, just be aware it's not supported in current software, so that's something I will need to add.
Generally I was thinking most people have net connection 99% of the time, so ntp lookup should be excellent. Maybe it's not the case all over europe, so I guess it makes sense for traditional battery backup.
Well, I sit in USA, not network at my home (residency of my CPC), so RTC would be nice. In case I find out how to read it I will of course share routines for it. But I guess you will be more quick. :)
Oh, and for buying the M4 board, I guess you will PM us, right?
Post by: mr_lou on 21:11, 25 May 16
Does this mean the CPC IRC channels will finally get more visitors now? 8)
Post by: CraigsBar on 23:28, 25 May 16
Has anyone started working on an IRC client yet? :)Oh i'd love to be back in the CPC irc, oh and how about a newsgroup client lol ;)
Does this mean the CPC IRC channels will finally get more visitors now? 8)
Post by: talrek on 11:57, 26 May 16
Post by: ||C|-|E|| on 12:44, 26 May 16
Post by: TFM on 21:29, 27 May 16
Post by: Grim on 23:42, 27 May 16
With tongue in cheek "" M4 "" sounds like a Freeway or a main road somewhere.To me it sounded more like a reference from the Messier catalogue (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messier_4) or ... to a tank :)
Post by: Audronic on 02:15, 28 May 16
To me it sounded more like a reference from the Messier catalogue (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messier_4) or ... to a tank :)With a smile on the Face---
I just plugged it in and get this on the screen.
Ahhhhem Ray
Post by: gerald on 10:02, 28 May 16
To me it sounded more like a reference from the Messier catalogue (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messier_4) or ... to a tank :)
Post by: Vandalsk on 00:22, 29 May 16
Post by: Scarlettkitten on 02:34, 29 May 16
Post by: Cpcmaniaco on 13:21, 29 May 16
- One for me (MX4 connector)
- One for José Leandro (standard CPC connector)
- One for Ángel (standard CPC connector)
- One for rockersuke (standard CPC connector)
- One for deepfb (standard CPC connector)
- One for Nandove (standard CPC connector)
- One for jltursan (MX4 connector)
So I would need a total of seven boards, if possible.
We are now in a meeting in Madrid, Robcfg is showing us his board, and it works flawlessly! It is great! Everybody wants one here! :-D
We are testing the board on some CPCs, and it works on a CPC 472 with 1.1 Basic :o
Post by: Cpcmaniaco on 13:27, 29 May 16
(https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7050/27226371902_343d0155c5_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HtUgPd)
Post by: Duke on 13:43, 29 May 16
Yes will run another order for more pcb's we've reached 10 more now.
Post by: radu14m on 14:08, 29 May 16
Post by: MiguelSky on 14:25, 29 May 16
Post by: Duke on 15:05, 29 May 16
@Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624): have you made a list?
Yes, and you are on it (no. 18).
Post by: dxs on 15:10, 29 May 16
Maybe would you post the list so that everyone knows he has been taken into account, and what is it's rank ?
Post by: Duke on 15:14, 29 May 16
EDIT:
Orderlist moved to first post:
Amstrad CPC WiFi (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/amstrad-cpc-wifi/)
If anybody want's off the list let me know, or if I missed anyone.
Post by: dxs on 18:02, 29 May 16
Post by: remax on 19:31, 29 May 16
Post by: Poliander on 19:49, 29 May 16
Post by: ronaldo on 21:09, 29 May 16
Post by: HAL 6128 on 22:55, 29 May 16
Post by: Maniac on 01:02, 30 May 16
Post by: ||C|-|E|| on 01:35, 30 May 16
Post by: zhulien on 04:32, 30 May 16
Post by: Duke on 06:41, 30 May 16
I would like 2 of them with MX4 connectors, how do we order?
Post by: Audronic on 07:06, 30 May 16
MX4 Connector Please.
Thanks Ray
Post by: hsimpson on 10:53, 30 May 16
Thanks :)
Post by: Duke on 11:08, 30 May 16
I think I was a bit too generous with space on the pcb - it leaves room for a case though.
Anyway there's 9 of those (I'll keep one myself). If anyone wants one with their board it's 7 euro assembled, and 6 if you solder the connectors on yourself.
Post by: TotO on 11:46, 30 May 16
I should be wrong, but except if I'm blind, I don't see anywhere the final price. ???
Just in case... Is it OK for you to reorder PCB/parts for peoples that are "interrested" but should be disengaged if not OK?
Post by: Cpcmaniaco on 12:08, 30 May 16
Post by: Duke on 12:35, 30 May 16
M4 Board with MX4 connector price 40 euro
M4 Board with Edge connector price 43.5 euro
Adapter PCB unassembled/assembled 6/7 euro
Shipping cost to most of europe <100g 3.5 euro
Shipping cost to most of europe <250g 7 euro
2 boards is possible with <100 gram
Shipping is unregistered but fairly quick, took 3 days to Spain.
Registered shipping is about as much as the board :/
And obviously if anyone on the list do not want a board anyway, please send a message and I'll remove you from the list.
Orderlist is maintained here: Amstrad CPC WiFi (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/amstrad-cpc-wifi/msg127340/#msg127340)
I should be wrong, but except if I'm blind, I don't see anywhere the final price. ???
Just in case... Is it OK for you to reorder PCB/parts for peoples that are "interrested" but should be disengaged if not OK?
Post by: Audronic on 13:26, 30 May 16
Here's the adapter pcb I made for edge connector to mx4 type at a 90 deg angle with classic passthrough.Looks Good
If anyone wants one with their board it's 7 euro assembled, and 6 if you solder the connectors on yourself.
I would like 2 of the adapters completely assembled. Please.
add them to my account.
Thanks Ray
Post by: talrek on 15:30, 30 May 16
Also, is it possible to have i Build-It-Yourself kit ? i like to build thibngs myself, and also it will save you time (and maybe i will receive it sooner ;D)
Post by: Duke on 15:54, 30 May 16
Hi, great i'm on the list, i should have specified i'm interested in a MX4 format.
Also, is it possible to have i Build-It-Yourself kit ? i like to build thibngs myself, and also it will save you time (and maybe i will receive it sooner ;D )
Post by: CPC_Fan on 18:24, 30 May 16
Post by: skywalky on 18:56, 30 May 16
Thank you
Post by: dirtybb on 20:28, 30 May 16
@Duke, same thing, please concider MX4 connector for mine.
Many Thanks.
Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk
Post by: Rennert on 22:14, 30 May 16
Post by: Rennert on 22:16, 30 May 16
Post by: Etegar on 07:58, 31 May 16
Post by: Scarlettkitten on 13:31, 31 May 16
Post by: Vandalsk on 15:44, 31 May 16
Please change my order in MX4 connector too.
Thanks a lot.
Post by: tvandor on 18:56, 31 May 16
Hi Duke,
Tamas here, I am glad that I am on the list! :-)
Please make a board for me with the M4 connector please.
(Since I own a Schneider CPC6128, I am unable to use of the edge adapter.)
Thanks a lot,
Tamas
Post by: Jungsi on 19:14, 31 May 16
Because of CPC6128 please with MX4 for me - thanks!
Post by: Duke on 19:54, 31 May 16
Regular CPC has edge connector. CPC+ and Schneider CPC have centronics connector.
If you have a regular CPC (not plus or schneider) you will need M4 with Edge connector.
Unless you have or buy:
MotherX4 board+cable (from Toto @ MotherX4 Main Board (http://www.centpourcent.net/store/p1/MotherX4_Main_Board.html))
or a "Edge cable for MotherX4" (from Toto @ MotherX4 Main Board (http://www.centpourcent.net/store/p1/MotherX4_Main_Board.html))
or you order adapter PCB (which has 1 MX4 slot and edge connector).
If you have a CPC+ or Schneider with centronics connector, you will need M4 with MX4 connector and:
MotherX4 board+cable (from Toto @ MotherX4 Main Board (http://www.centpourcent.net/store/p1/MotherX4_Main_Board.html))
or a " Centronic cable for MotherX4" (from Toto @ MotherX4 Main Board (http://www.centpourcent.net/store/p1/MotherX4_Main_Board.html))
Duke, i want a M4 Board with Edge connector plus Adapter PCB assembled. Thanks.
Hi, here the same: #3 on the List ;-)
Because of CPC6128 please with MX4 for me - thanks!
Post by: reidrac on 20:00, 31 May 16
Just to avoid any misunderstandings:
Regular CPC has edge connector. CPC+ and Schneider CPC have centronics connector.
If you have a regular CPC (not plus or schneider) you will need Edge connector.
I have a regular Amstrad CPC 464 without add-ons.
Post by: Duke on 20:04, 31 May 16
I have a regular Amstrad CPC 464 without add-ons.
Post by: reidrac on 20:52, 31 May 16
In that case you will need M4 with edge connector, unless you want to buy Edge cable/mx4/adapter pcb.
I was confused by the terminology. Thanks for the clarification!
M4 with edge connector then.
Post by: radu14m on 21:04, 31 May 16
Post by: Jungsi on 21:35, 31 May 16
Hi, here the same: #3 on the List ;-)
Because of CPC6128 please with MX4 for me - thanks!
Then this is the right one (for my CPC6128 with Mother X4): :-)
M4 with MX4 connector
Post by: TFM on 21:39, 31 May 16
Thank you! :)
EDIT: Oh and if this is possible, please add the real RTC to the board, so I can support it with FutureOS.
btw: Would be nice if everybody gets one first, and then after that, everybody get's the 2nd board. So in my case I ordered two, I'm fine with getting one first, and after everybody has one I take the 2nd. So nobody needs to wait too long. :)
Post by: Duke on 21:41, 31 May 16
Then this is the right one (for my CPC6128 with Mother X4): :-)
M4 with MX4 connector
Post by: Duke on 21:47, 31 May 16
Once they start pouring in 1 or 2 boards wont matter much timewise anyway.
btw: Would be nice if everybody gets one first, and then after that, everybody get's the 2nd board. So in my case I ordered two, I'm fine with getting one first, and after everybody has one I take the 2nd. So nobody needs to wait too long. (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/Smileys/SoLoSMiLeYS1/smiley.gif)
Post by: TFM on 21:52, 31 May 16
Post by: Joseman on 22:22, 31 May 16
Post by: archcosmo on 08:11, 01 June 16
I have an MX4 board, so would prefer to connect it to my CPC through that.
thanks
Post by: tvandor on 08:30, 01 June 16
I would like an M4 with MX4 connector then.
Thanks a lot,
Tamas
Post by: AlexD on 10:38, 01 June 16
would it still be possible to get one with MX4 connector ?
Thanks !
Post by: Duke on 13:30, 01 June 16
Hi,
would it still be possible to get one with MX4 connector ?
Thanks !
Post by: Etegar on 06:16, 02 June 16
Many thanks for your explanation.
Post by: MiguelSky on 08:37, 02 June 16
Post by: AlexD on 10:13, 02 June 16
Post by: Lazy Dude on 19:35, 02 June 16
one M4 Board with Edge connector for me please
Post by: Duke on 20:40, 04 June 16
Today I received a Schneider CPC464 I bought over Ebay.
First I would like to correct what I wrote earlier that Schneider CPC uses Centronics connector, appearently this is only for CPC6128 model, but please someone correct if I am wrong.
Atleast this Schnieder CPC464 is regular Card Edge.
The board is V1, with MC0001A code and Gate Array 40007.
It does not work with M4 Board right now.
As far as I managed to find for now, is the timing of the ROMEN (was a sligth bit earlier than _RD before) signal is different to what I have tested on so far, and probably due to the 40007 gate array.
I haven't put on the logic analyser yet, but I am fairly sure this is the problem. I can get M4 board to work by overclocking the cortex M4.
Hopefully I can figure something out, but I don't know yet.
I'll update you when I know more, but at this time be preparred it may not work with GA 40007 cpc's (and you can of course cancel your order).
Post by: yannis_uno on 21:06, 04 June 16
MX4 connector + adapter to my current 1 piece order, if possible, please. Thanks!
Post by: gerald on 21:14, 04 June 16
As far as I managed to find for now, is the timing of the ROMEN (was a sligth bit earlier than _RD before) signal is different to what I have tested on so far, and probably due to the 40007 gate array.I am a bit surprised that ROMEN could be earlier than RDn since ROMEN is a generated from RDn / MREQn / A14 / A15 (according to my in-progress 40010 analysis)
My archived LA trace of both 40010 and 40007 does not show a big difference either : the 40007 seems a bit slower than the 40010 (50ns instead of 30ns)
Curious to see your findings :)
Post by: Duke on 21:54, 04 June 16
You are completely right, I was going by memory (been some months since I had the LA connected to the CPC bus).
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
It's RD that's 30 ns prior to ROMEN on a CPC6128 with 40010 GA.
Still this is what throws my timing off (I think), triggering for ROMEN then executing ARM instructions (check if rom mapped, turn bus direction) if 40007 is 20 ns longer (slower) into the RD
I'll have a look on GA 40007 tomorrow with the LA and re-think if I can do my timings differently.
Regards,
Duke
I am a bit surprised that ROMEN could be earlier than RDn since ROMEN is a generated from RDn / MREQn / A14 / A15 (according to my in-progress 40010 analysis)
My archived LA trace of both 40010 and 40007 does not show a big difference either : the 40007 seems a bit slower than the 40010 (50ns instead of 30ns)
Curious to see your findings :)
Post by: robcfg on 22:04, 04 June 16
I thought that my 464s had dirty contacts, but one is a schneider and the other one a MC0001A.
Gerald, how are you progressing with the 40010?
Post by: Duke on 22:20, 04 June 16
Post by: Duke on 22:26, 04 June 16
Glad I got this CPC anyway then. The problem will be solved.
Interesting, indeed.
I thought that my 464s had dirty contacts, but one is a schneider and the other one a MC0001A.
Gerald, how are you progressing with the 40010?
Post by: gerald on 22:27, 04 June 16
Interesting, indeed.Something like 90% of the netlist done.
I thought that my 464s had dirty contacts, but one is a schneider and the other one a MC0001A.
Gerald, how are you progressing with the 40010?
Next step would be to have working VHDL model
Post by: Duke on 22:39, 04 June 16
a$="subdirectory": |cd,@a$
etc.
Is really annoying...
Post by: SRS on 23:15, 04 June 16
And there should be a file commander/navigator of some kind for basic 1.0 atleast, the :
a$="subdirectory": |cd,@a$
etc.
Is really annoying...
Feel free to use/modify my "$" (basic 1.0) -> run"$ - or another disc directory tool (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/programming/run'$-or-another-disc-directory-tool/msg59670/#msg59670)
or the parallel (in old time) (baisc 1.1) Interesting Type-Ins. (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/programming/interesting-type-ins/msg63972/#msg63972)
Post by: Tai on 00:03, 05 June 16
Is it too late to order this awesomeness? If not, I would like to order two M4 Boards with MX4 connector, pleease!
Post by: Duke on 03:07, 05 June 16
Feel free to use/modify my "$" (basic 1.0) -> run"$ - or another disc directory tool (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/programming/run'$-or-another-disc-directory-tool/msg59670/#msg59670)
or the parallel (in old time) (baisc 1.1) Interesting Type-Ins. (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/programming/interesting-type-ins/msg63972/#msg63972)
Post by: Duke on 03:07, 05 June 16
OMFG! How could I've missed this thread! :picard2:
Is it too late to order this awesomeness? If not, I would like to order two M4 Boards with MX4 connector, pleease!
Post by: Duke on 04:10, 05 June 16
All works on CPC464 GA 40007, CPC 664 GA 40010 and CPC 6128+ with latest changes.
Post by: Tai on 12:45, 05 June 16
You have been added to the list :)
8)
Thank you so much... can't wait ;)
Post by: Dubliner on 18:06, 06 June 16
Post by: Maniac on 18:59, 06 June 16
Looks like everything is back on track.
All works on CPC464 GA 40007, CPC 664 GA 40010 and CPC 6128+ with latest changes.
Sorry if this is covered elsewhere in the thread but will the device support updates for things like this please?
Post by: Duke on 19:19, 06 June 16
Sorry if this is covered elsewhere in the thread but will the device support updates for things like this please?
Yes it will. In the future you can just use |upgrade command.
But for now the boards I shipped contains v1.0.0, if you cannot configure it because:
1) Your cpc does not support overriding rom7
2) Your cpc has GA 40007
You can download M4 firmware v1.0.1 here:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v101.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v101.zip)
Copy it to your microSD from the PC.
Insert it to M4 board and power On (red led will be on for a few seconds while it upgrades)
When done it will reset and it should be ok.
Default ROM mapping in v1.0.0. was 7, but in v1.0.1 it's 6, since I learned not all CPC6128's will allow you to override internal rom 7 (amsdos).
Afterwards you can from the web interface (under Roms) select rom map 7 for M4, which is best compatiblity with games etc. If your CPC runs a reset loop after this, go back into the web interface again and set it to 6 (or 1 to 5). If you set it above 7, basic file I/O commands will not be re-directed to microSD card.
And for those that are shipped and may receive it the coming days, be sure to check out (and refresh):
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt)
It contains basic information for first time use (not quite finished, but enough to get your started hopefully).
Post by: dirtybb on 20:28, 06 June 16
Hi
Got it tonight, tested it, works like a charm :)
Thanks a lot
Post by: Grim on 20:40, 06 June 16
Post by: Maniac on 20:47, 06 June 16
Yes it will. In the future you can just use |upgrade command.That's great Duke! Thanks for the extra info! Just waiting for the board to arrive!
But for now the boards I shipped contains v1.0.0, if you cannot configure it because:
1) Your cpc does not support overriding rom7
2) Your cpc has GA 40007
You can download M4 firmware v1.0.1 here:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v101.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v101.zip)
Copy it to your microSD from the PC.
Insert it to M4 board and power On (red led will be on for a few seconds while it upgrades)
When done it will reset and it should be ok.
Default ROM mapping in v1.0.0. was 7, but in v1.0.1 it's 6, since I learned not all CPC6128's will allow you to override internal rom 7 (amsdos).
Afterwards you can from the web interface (under Roms) select rom map 7 for M4, which is best compatiblity with games etc. If your CPC runs a reset loop after this, go back into the web interface again and set it to 6 (or 1 to 5). If you set it above 7, basic file I/O commands will not be re-directed to microSD card.
And for those that are shipped and may receive it the coming days, be sure to check out (and refresh):
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt)
It contains basic information for first time use (not quite finished, but enough to get your started hopefully).
Post by: Duke on 20:52, 06 June 16
Hi
Got it tonight, tested it, works like a charm :)
Thanks a lot
Post by: dirtybb on 21:05, 06 June 16
Cool that's good to hear. What CPC do you use btw.?
Amstrad CPC 6128
Post by: rcmolina on 23:21, 06 June 16
Hi Duke,
Also wanted 1x M4 board with edge connector for my CPC6128 .
Is it possible or it's too late?
Post by: Duke on 23:54, 06 June 16
You are not too late for second batch, I've added you. But please have patience list is long. Made some progress today, 5 more boards almost ready, but parts are coming in too slow atm. Probably it will change in a couple of days and I have more parts than I can manage to build boards.
Regards,
Duke
Hi Duke,
Also wanted 1x M4 board with edge connector for my CPC6128 .
Is it possible or it's too late?
Post by: reidrac on 22:38, 07 June 16
I can't seem to be able to make CD to work, I always get "Type mismatch" error.
This is a CPC 464 with no expansions.
EDIT:
Still can't make the CD command work. Wireless works perfect, though.
Post by: anyf33 on 00:51, 08 June 16
and finaly works !!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
HINT To other users:dont forget to set an ip from your router. to work . otherwise with http://10.0.0.37 (http://10.0.0.37) will not work!!
Thank you Duke again for your excelent support
Post by: robcfg on 00:55, 08 June 16
A$="name":|CD,@A$
Post by: reidrac on 08:01, 08 June 16
Reidrac, on basic 1.0 the syntax of the CD command is:
A$="name":|CD,@A$
I'll try that, thanks!
EDIT: works perfect! This is an amazing card for the CPC, thanks @Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624) !
Post by: mr_lou on 08:15, 08 June 16
Is there any way a ROM can create KEY DEF's?
If yes, then maybe one could do
KEY DEF 0,"a$="+chr$(34)
KEY DEF 1,"|cd,@a$"+chr$(13)
KEY DEF 2,"|cd,@a$"+chr$(13)+"cat"+chr$(13)
and so forth
to speed up the process.
Post by: reidrac on 08:16, 08 June 16
Noob question.
Is there any way a ROM can create KEY DEF's?
If yes, then maybe one could do
KEY DEF 0,"a$="+chr$(34)
KEY DEF 1,"|cd,@a$"+chr$(13)
KEY DEF 2,"|cd,@a$"+chr$(13)+"cat"+chr$(13)
and so forth
to speed up the process.
Well, is not that bad. Definitely faster than using tape :)
Post by: mr_lou on 08:22, 08 June 16
Well, is not that bad. Definitely faster than using tape :)
True, but if it's not a problem, then why not use the F-keys for various commands like this?
F0 = Set a$
F1 = CD a$
F2 = CD a$ and CAT
F3 = DELETE a$
F4 = RENAME a$ to b$
F9 = Set b$
and so forth.
Post by: Duke on 09:26, 08 June 16
True, but if it's not a problem, then why not use the F-keys for various commands like this?
F0 = Set a$
F1 = CD a$
F2 = CD a$ and CAT
F3 = DELETE a$
F4 = RENAME a$ to b$
F9 = Set b$
and so forth.
Post by: Duke on 22:15, 08 June 16
- Don't forget to try the cpcxfer program, if you want to quickly move files for testing from pc to cpc.
xfer -u <cpc ip> FILE.BIN / 0
( '/' indicating the file should be stored in root, '0' assuming the file has prebuild amsdos header. )
I'll try that, thanks!
EDIT: works perfect! This is an amazing card for the CPC, thanks @Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624) !
Post by: reidrac on 22:18, 08 June 16
Glad to hear you like it :)
- Don't forget to try the cpcxfer program, if you want to quickly move files for testing from pc to cpc.
xfer -u <cpc ip> FILE.BIN / 0
( '/' indicating the file should be stored in root, '0' assuming the file has prebuild amsdos header. )
I can start a simple HTTP server in my laptop and download things too. I love this a lot!
I was wondering if there would be a way of getting a socket interface so we can implement things like telnet on the CPC (just daydreaming).
Post by: radu14m on 22:19, 08 June 16
Post by: Duke on 22:26, 08 June 16
I was wondering if there would be a way of getting a socket interface so we can implement things like telnet on the CPC (just daydreaming).
Post by: Duke on 22:27, 08 June 16
@Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624): you let us know when we should send you the money ? ;)
Post by: SRS on 00:23, 09 June 16
Yes, I will pm each one of you with details, when your board is ready.
I can confirm that. Undusting my 464 tomorrow :)
Post by: Gryzor on 13:28, 09 June 16
Post by: TFM on 18:21, 09 June 16
Now, to get the result data, one will read values out or ROM 7 (or 6, depending on CPC model). This is fine for any application residing in RAM. And since this is kind of memory mapped I/O it's probably super fast. :)
Now my question: Instead of reading data from the ROM, is there a possibility to read it from I/O ports instead?
The reason for asking is that a ROM program can't directly access another ROM without a routine to read, previously put into RAM.
It's not a problem, I'm just curious. :)
Post by: Duke on 18:42, 09 June 16
Currently it is not possible to read data back via I/O ports.
- Not sure if it ever will be, the timing in the ARM handler loop is very tight, a instruction in the wrong place could break it all :)
I see what you mean though, but again a small handler put into ram could do the trick from rom to rom (as you said).
A technical question: Reading the docs it seems like that the M4 hast two ports. Now one sends a command (and maybe data bytes) to one port and then the command is 'ended' by sending a byte to the other port. That's a fine way to do it. :)
Now, to get the result data, one will read values out or ROM 7 (or 6, depending on CPC model). This is fine for any application residing in RAM. And since this is kind of memory mapped I/O it's probably super fast. :)
Now my question: Instead of reading data from the ROM, is there a possibility to read it from I/O ports instead?
The reason for asking is that a ROM program can't directly access another ROM without a routine to read, previously put into RAM.
It's not a problem, I'm just curious. :)
Post by: Duke on 19:24, 09 June 16
I may make it possible to replace M4 rom in a coming upgrade if there's interest for that, this way you could have the receive buffer in your own rom.
Post by: TFM on 20:04, 09 June 16
To be able to 'choose' another ROM would be interesting indeed. Well, I'm really looking forward to use the M4 expansion card. That's IMHO the biggest quantum jump forward in the history of the CPC. :o
Post by: SRS on 22:57, 09 June 16
WORKS !
ha[attachimg=1]
And @EgoTrip (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=337) : Amy works , too :)
Post by: CraigsBar on 23:33, 09 June 16
Post by: Duke on 23:47, 09 June 16
If you map it after amsdos/parados, cas_* hooks will not be active and file I/O will go to disc.
One question.. If the m4 ROM is moved to slot 6 with amsdos (or parados in 7) are the floppies and the sdcard accessible, and if so which drive letter does the SD card use? |S maybe or |M for SD or Mass Storage accordingly? If this works then this will be perfect.
Post by: Maniac on 00:00, 10 June 16
If I connect the M4 board directly to my 6128 plus it all works great.
However it doesn't seem to work with my C4CPC cart plugged in using a custom cart image containing Parados replacing the normal AMSDOS ROM so switched back to original Burnin Rubber cart.
Also doesn't seem to work if plugged in to my MX4 board even if it's the only board connected in slot 1. I just get random graphics or lines on the screen.
As such I can't use my X-Mem with its memory expansion capability.
Is there any way to resolve the above please? Does it need external power when connected anything other than directly? Is it a power consumption issue if I have all the above connected?
Sorry for all the questions, don't to seem like I'm moaning as this is such an awesome board and idea.
Post by: TFM on 00:09, 10 June 16
Post by: Duke on 06:53, 10 June 16
If C4CPC maps amsdos/parados and M4 runs at rom 7 there will be a conflict, so you need to set M4 to ie. rom6. I don't know if that will solve the C4CPC problem, as I haven't got one.
Yes you probably need an external power supply connected to the MotherX4 board, that's what I found when testing it (I used a 5V 2A).
Let me know how it goes when you try with an external PSU.
Mine just arrived yesterday and I need some time to play properly but I have a few questions.
If I connect the M4 board directly to my 6128 plus it all works great.
However it doesn't seem to work with my C4CPC cart plugged in using a custom cart image containing Parados replacing the normal AMSDOS ROM so switched back to original Burnin Rubber cart.
Also doesn't seem to work if plugged in to my MX4 board even if it's the only board connected in slot 1. I just get random graphics or lines on the screen.
As such I can't use my X-Mem with its memory expansion capability.
Is there any way to resolve the above please? Does it need external power when connected anything other than directly? Is it a power consumption issue if I have all the above connected?
Sorry for all the questions, don't to seem like I'm moaning as this is such an awesome board and idea.
Post by: Bryce on 09:17, 10 June 16
Bryce.
Post by: Duke on 09:24, 10 June 16
As far as I know, the MX4 has a diode that's dropping the voltage from 5V to around 4.3V. If the M4 is using a 5V to 3.3V regulator then it probably isn't getting enough voltage to power up.
Bryce.
Post by: Bryce on 09:44, 10 June 16
Ah, thanks for the input, that makes sense. Yes its using a ams1117-3.3V regulator.
A good choice, but unfortunately the ams1117-3.3 has a dropout voltage of 1.1V, so the M4 won't work reliably (if at all) on an MX4.
Bryce.
Post by: Duke on 09:51, 10 June 16
Post by: Maniac on 10:35, 10 June 16
Unless you use external power supply. You can also plug a USB psu directly to the M4 board (just change the jumper).What amp rating does the USB psu have to have please? Will an iPhone charger using a USB cable do the job please?
Sorry one further question; what wifi standards does the board support please? I.e WPA, WPA2 with a pre-shared key. Also can the MAC address be found via the CPC?
Post by: Duke on 10:46, 10 June 16
WPA/WPA2 PSK is fine.
MAC is only displayed in the webinterface.
What amp rating does the USB psu have to have please? Will an iPhone charger using a USB cable do the job please?
Sorry one further question; what wifi standards does the board support please? I.e WPA, WPA2 with a pre-shared key. Also can the MAC address be found via the CPC?
Post by: Bryce on 10:52, 10 June 16
Bryce.
Post by: Duke on 11:01, 10 June 16
Unless you've really messed up big time, I doubt your M4 uses more than 500mA, so any USB charger should work. Current iPhone chargers are 1A.
Bryce.
Post by: Bryce on 11:04, 10 June 16
Bryce.
Post by: TotO on 11:07, 10 June 16
Post by: Duke on 11:14, 10 June 16
Post by: Bryce on 11:21, 10 June 16
Bryce.
Post by: Duke on 11:27, 10 June 16
I did a quick "back of an envelope" calculation (no schematics, just using the picture of the card) and I estimate that the current consumption could have an absolute max peak of about 430mA, but that would mean that the M4 was running full speed with all GPIO on, the WiFi was transmitting at full power (+17dbm is its limit as far as I know) and the SD card was being written to, all at the same time. As this scenario is extremely unlikely, the average current is probably half that.
Bryce.
Post by: SRS on 13:25, 10 June 16
And a noob question: I managed to connect to my wifi, device is getting IP and router shows it is is connected (not under its "name", but as "ESP_833AE7")
BUT i can't connect from my WIN10 PC to it.
Not with http://CPC464 (http://CPC464) and also not with http://198.xxx.xxx.xxxxxx (http://198.xxx.xxx.xxxxxx)
So ... any ideas ? Did someone suceed with similar configuration ?
Post by: Duke on 13:34, 10 June 16
And try a ping to your ip number
Also with 464 w/o mx4 you shouldnt need external power, I bet its the connector that needs cleaning.
EDIT: if you changed the M4 rom from 7 to 6, that could explain the game reset also, since some games needs it at 7.
Post by: ||C|-|E|| on 14:56, 10 June 16
Post by: SRS on 21:48, 10 June 16
Try typing |netstat and see what it says about connection status.
And try a ping to your ip number
Also with 464 w/o mx4 you shouldnt need external power, I bet its the connector that needs cleaning.
EDIT: if you changed the M4 rom from 7 to 6, that could explain the game reset also, since some games needs it at 7.
Netstat says: Got IP xxx.xxx.xx
ping to this IP says: Zielhost nicht erreichbar. (host unreachable)
I didn't change any of the config of M$, it is version 1.0.1 (esp is 1.0.0)
Post by: Duke on 21:55, 10 June 16
Dunno if you used manual ip config, if so maybe try to use DHCP and see how that goes.
|netset,"ssid=..., pw=..., dhcp = 1"
|netstat
got ip x....
C:>ping x...
Btw. when you access / ping the board, your CPC should be on, even if it uses external power.
Netstat says: Got IP xxx.xxx.xx
ping to this IP says: Zielhost nicht erreichbar. (host unreachable)
I didn't change any of the config of M$, it is version 1.0.1 (esp is 1.0.0)
Post by: Duke on 21:59, 10 June 16
If it reports correct time (you may do it twice). It's gotta be a firewall issue of win10
Post by: SRS on 22:13, 10 June 16
Post by: Duke on 22:17, 10 June 16
TIME gives correct time (dhcp=1).
Post by: SRS on 23:04, 10 June 16
Deactivating antivir - not working.
Then went to Router, where the MAC of M4 was hardwired to its IP (so it would get always same ip). Changed that, restarted router - and it worked !
Now in non-admin user with firewall up and still works. This is just very very weired ...
Post by: Duke on 13:39, 11 June 16
V1.0.2
I put a small upgrade online, primarily for users with BASIC 1.0, I changed the |CD command.
If you just type |CD followed by enter/return, you will see a cursor display below the line, now you can use SHIFT + CURSOR keys and COPY key. When done press enter/return again.
I was fed up with the A$="...":|cd,@A$
Will add it to the other commands too later maybe... (|CD was most annoying as you use it all the time).
Use |upgrade or download v1.0.2 here: http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v102.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v102.zip) (unpack to root of microSD and reboot M4)
Post by: Maniac on 16:07, 11 June 16
Directly connected
Original Burnin' Rubber Cart with or without external power:
- Working in ROM 6 and 7
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ] - With ROM 6 requires to press f1 to go to BASIC as normal
C4CPC Cart with or without external power:
- Cart select screen works and selecting game carts loads and works
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ] - Selecting the original cart image just loops round and round boot initialisation in ROM slot 7
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ] - If M4 ROM Config is disabled and M4 rebooted then boots to normal f1/f2 select screen and BASIC can be successfully go in to.
- Move M4 ROM Config to ROM number 6 from 7 f1/f2 screen is displayed but only Burnin Rubber works, selecting f1 just causes it to loop back to f1/f2 screen
- Arnold Diag Cart doesn't report any issues and runs as expected
- Selecting a cart that includes any version of ParaDOS just loops round and round boot initialisation
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ] - On occassion it will display 'Press PLAY then any key' prompt which can be broken out of but M4 ROM isn't initialised
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ] - On occassion it will boot and then go to a black screen and nothing further happens
- If M4 ROM Config is disabled and M4 rebooted then boots to normal BASIC prompt with ParaDOS initialised
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Connected via Mother MX4 board with no external power
- Doesn't work as already established earlier
Connected via Mother MX4 board with external power to M4 only and no other MX4 boards
- Original Burnin' Rubber Cart - results are the same as directly connected
- C4CPC Cart - results are the same as directly connected
Connected via Mother MX4 board with external power to M4 and with or without external power to Mother MX4 with X-Mem MX4 board also attached
- The M4 board appears to have initialised but the system is unusable with graphics corruption regardless of MX4 slot being used or order of the boards
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ] - Even if the Mother MX4 is powered the 2 boards don't work when plugged in together
Post by: Duke on 16:45, 11 June 16
Thanks for the comprehensive tests.
It'll be hard for me to debug since I don't have C4CPC nor XMEM.
When M4 rom is disabled in config, all the running code is exactly the same on the M4 board(ie. you would still be able to use the rom board function) except it doesn't try to map the rom containg M4 z80 part (and thus not driving the datalines).
I'll have a think about your post.
If you have the time, it would be useful if you put a regular rom like maxam at ie. pos 14 on the M4 board (and no other rom at that pos in xmem) and disable the M4 rom itself.
Does it boot and will maxam work?
Post by: Duke on 17:02, 11 June 16
So if you try with XMEM first and we can figure out what's going on then I can read up on the CPC+ cartridge mapping.
Post by: TotO on 17:54, 11 June 16
Post by: dirtybb on 18:00, 11 June 16
If the X-MEM conflict is related to the ROM part, you should try to set the jumper to NO for disabling them.
I tried here but it doesn't work.
When M4 and XMEM both plugged, with XMEM rom jumper set to "No", CPC (6128) reset in loops.
Post by: Duke on 18:11, 11 June 16
I tried here but it doesn't work.
When M4 and XMEM both plugged, with XMEM rom jumper set to "No", CPC (6128) reset in loops.
Post by: 1024MAK on 18:11, 11 June 16
Thank you Duke :D
Alas, I'm busy with real life, so won't have time to test it yet :(
Mark
Post by: gerald on 18:15, 11 June 16
If you have the time, it would be useful if you put a regular rom like maxam at ie. pos 14 on the M4 board (and no other rom at that pos in xmem) and disable the M4 rom itself.The XMEM (like most oster ROM extension), when connected will drive the bus during access to ROM in they slot range.
Does it boot and will maxam work?
ROM access is indicated by ROMEN low and the ROM selection in range 1-6,8-31 (0-6,8-31 in boot mode to override the basic/system ones)
This will happen whatever the content of the ROM is, be it 'empty' or valid.
So when using the M4 with an XMEM the only available slots are slot 7(that you cannot override on a 6128), and slot after 32(not initialised).
The only way to make this work would be :
- remove the ROM device from the xmem so it cannot drive the data bus and create a data contention. The xmem will be act as a RAM extension only.
- or use a MotherX4 like card that chain the ROMEN/ROMDIS so the order of the connector decide the priority of the ROM extension.
About C4CPC and plus ROM mapping :
- after booting, the C4CPC will behave like a regular cartridge, unless you knock at the uC door via strict order reading within the ROM.
- 32 ROM in a cartridge are mapped from upper ROM slot 128 to slot 160, with slot 128 mirrored as lower ROM, slot 129 as upper ROM 0 and slot 130 as upper slot 7 (or 0, if EXT signal is grounded)
- the cartridge will obey the ROMDIS signal for every slot, so you can mask any ROM with an external interface.
A problem may happen if :
- you unintentionally knock at the C4CPC uC door (4 consecutive read in specific upper rom slot), and try to read/execute from a ROM within the cartridge
- the RAMDIS signal you send is too short and the C4CPC is corrupting the data you send. The ROMDIS sould be as long as the ROMEN, which is as long a the MREQn/RDn signal from the Z80 + the combinatorial delay.
Post by: dirtybb on 18:16, 11 June 16
Is this with external power supply connected to either M4 or MX4, or using internal power supply ? (just in case)With external power supply connected to MX4.
Post by: TotO on 18:21, 11 June 16
So you not conflict and got 1MB ROM available. 8)
Post by: Maniac on 18:28, 11 June 16
Ok, we have progress! Thanks to Toto I have now disabled the ROM part of the X-Mem and both devices are now plugged in and working as expected. Initially I had the M4 ROM disabled with ROM slot 15 populated with Maxam and it worked. I then enabled the M4 ROM and it continued to work.
Something odd is happening with my Mother X4 though as slot 1 doesn't always seen to work and I end up with a corrupted screen at start-up. After that I can often move things down by 1 slot so slot 1 is used and all if fine again!
Just out of curiosity, and I acknowledge you said to rule this out for the moment, I put the C4CPC back in but the same reboot loop occurred!
Thanks Duke and Toto for the suggestions. If we can now get the C4CPC to work it would be perfect!
Also just a quick note to say that the ROM upload doesn't work properly in Chrome. Even if you slot a particular ROM slot upload button it always puts it in slot 0! Had to switch to IE11 and it worked as expected.
@Maniac (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=930)
Thanks for the comprehensive tests.
It'll be hard for me to debug since I don't have C4CPC nor XMEM.
When M4 rom is disabled in config, all the running code is exactly the same on the M4 board(ie. you would still be able to use the rom board function) except it doesn't try to map the rom containg M4 z80 part (and thus not driving the datalines).
I'll have a think about your post.
If you have the time, it would be useful if you put a regular rom like maxam at ie. pos 14 on the M4 board (and no other rom at that pos in xmem) and disable the M4 rom itself.
Does it boot and will maxam work?
Post by: Duke on 18:55, 11 June 16
Excellent.
I will look into the chrome issue, I only tested with firefox myself.
I think with C4CPC, as far as I managed to understand with an image it will use roms 0-7, so if you try putting M4 after that it may work (although not ideally, but it would prove it's a rom clash with C4CPC).
@Dirtybb
Not sure what the problem is, since we now have two conflicting tests, what CPC you use for the test? (also a CPC+?)
and @TotO (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=290)
I can easily move the rom range, but all cas_* hooks (for native file I/O) would be overwritten by AMSDOS/PARADOS if not lower, unless there is a method to disable rom 7 in XMEM. Heck I could do an RSX to install the hooks, but something else needs to do the rom walk for roms >7 >15.
Post by: TotO on 19:02, 11 June 16
I can easily move the rom range, but all cas_* hooks (for native file I/O) would be overwritten by AMSDOS/PARADOS if not lower, unless there is a method to disable rom 7 in XMEM.The X-MEM is always disabled when ROM7 is set. (physicaly used for the alternate FW)
But, you should install a ROM into the X-MEM lower range for doing your CAS_* hooks, ... (lost one and won 32)
Post by: dirtybb on 19:07, 11 June 16
CPC 6128 Old
@Dirtybb
Not sure what the problem is, since we now have two conflicting tests, what CPC you use for the test? (also a CPC+?)
Post by: Duke on 19:38, 11 June 16
Thanks for this very useful post (I missed it earlier).
I'll take the things into consideration and probably make some config changes for users of C4CPC and XMEM, if people want to use it all at the same time.
The XMEM (like most oster ROM extension), when connected will drive the bus during access to ROM in they slot range.
ROM access is indicated by ROMEN low and the ROM selection in range 1-6,8-31 (0-6,8-31 in boot mode to override the basic/system ones)
This will happen whatever the content of the ROM is, be it 'empty' or valid.
So when using the M4 with an XMEM the only available slots are slot 7(that you cannot override on a 6128), and slot after 32(not initialised).
The only way to make this work would be :
- remove the ROM device from the xmem so it cannot drive the data bus and create a data contention. The xmem will be act as a RAM extension only.
- or use a MotherX4 like card that chain the ROMEN/ROMDIS so the order of the connector decide the priority of the ROM extension.
About C4CPC and plus ROM mapping :
- after booting, the C4CPC will behave like a regular cartridge, unless you knock at the uC door via strict order reading within the ROM.
- 32 ROM in a cartridge are mapped from upper ROM slot 128 to slot 160, with slot 128 mirrored as lower ROM, slot 129 as upper ROM 0 and slot 130 as upper slot 7 (or 0, if EXT signal is grounded)
- the cartridge will obey the ROMDIS signal for every slot, so you can mask any ROM with an external interface.
A problem may happen if :
- you unintentionally knock at the C4CPC uC door (4 consecutive read in specific upper rom slot), and try to read/execute from a ROM within the cartridge
- the RAMDIS signal you send is too short and the C4CPC is corrupting the data you send. The ROMDIS sould be as long as the ROMEN, which is as long a the MREQn/RDn signal from the Z80 + the combinatorial delay.
Post by: Duke on 19:39, 11 June 16
The X-MEM is always disabled when ROM7 is set. (physicaly used for the alternate FW)
But, you should install a ROM into the X-MEM lower range for doing your CAS_* hooks, ... (lost one and won 32)
Post by: ||C|-|E|| on 01:29, 12 June 16
P.D: I forgot to tell that, when it works, you obviously lose ParaDOS...
Post by: Duke on 19:15, 12 June 16
You have plenty of mass storage on that computer :) and yes M4 will not work together with other dos roms currently.
Update v1.0.3 (beta maybe, I have not put it online for |upgrade yet, I would appreciate if someone other than me, tests it).
- Romboard part now supports 32 roms.
- You can set romboard start position. Ie. set it 32 and all roms starts from 32, ie. romslot 0 becomes 32, romslot 1 33 etc..
- M4Rom can be set to any rom in position 1-127 (effectively it's now a 33 rom slots )
- Possible fix for C4CPC and X-MEM.
Important before upgrading.
Delete your romconfig.bin and romslots.bin from M4 directory. Keep your config.txt though.
Download:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v103.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v103.zip) (unpack both files to root of microSD, as both M4 and ESP needs to be upgraded).
When moving M4rom out of position 1-7 / 1-16 it will no longer be initialized, therefore I made a M4 bootrom, which should be placed at rom7 or lower.
This is if you want to use 32 roms of XMEM and map M4 romboard after it. You should program the XMEM or other romboard with M4 bootrom in pos 1-7, it will look for M4 rom from 1-127 and initialize it + pass commands through to it.
Download:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4boot.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4boot.zip)
Post by: Maniac on 21:31, 12 June 16
One nice feature I'd quite like to see in the web interface would be the ability to enable/disable ROM slots. Would that be possible please?
Post by: SRS on 22:28, 12 June 16
could this board be used as mega-copro ? calculation sprites/grafix/mandelbrot and giving cpc access to the results ? If, how so ?
Post by: Duke on 22:44, 12 June 16
Just give it to me in ARM assembler or C code :)
Now just speculating:
could this board be used as mega-copro ? calculation sprites/grafix/mandelbrot and giving cpc access to the results ? If, how so ?
Post by: Duke on 22:46, 12 June 16
And yes it's possible to add a checkbox enable/disable next to each rom, maybe not on top of the list, but a fairly trivial implementation.
I'll try and test this later but I have limited time today due to real life otherwise will take a look tomorrow after work! Thanks for your continued efforts to make it as compatible as possible.
One nice feature I'd quite like to see in the web interface would be the ability to enable/disable ROM slots. Would that be possible please?
Post by: Duke on 22:57, 12 June 16
To use roms 8-32 or 16-32 (if mapped at range 0-31) as they will not be initialized by the system, which only initializes 0-7 on cpc464 and 0-15 on cpc664/6128.
There is a booster rom which you can add in the initialized roms (0-7 or 0-15), which will initialize roms 16-32.
For roms above area 0-31 I don't know of any software enabling this for normal system initialization (it may exist?).
You would have to write your own code to make use roms 32+.
Normal rom select will obviously work (sending rom number to 0xDF00 and enabling upper rom in the GA with something like 0x7F86).
Post by: Duke on 23:09, 12 June 16
It's fully possible, but at this point only I can add commands to the cortex m4 side, but say you wanted some command to do a specific calculation I could add it.
Just give it to me in ARM assembler or C code :)
Post by: Maniac on 00:43, 13 June 16
Duke, you are a genius!
I've now tested the M4 with both the X-Mem with ROM support enabled and the C4CPC and all works as expected! Works like a dream!
In this config I can easily switch between the SD Card in the M4 and using ParaDOS with floppies/HxC using the |M4ROMOFF command. You just need to be careful with ROM slot numbers like this as they obviously clash but will need more time to work out the best config.
Thank you for sorting this out.
I'm afraid that the ROM slot bug for uploading ROM images still stands though but that's minor!
@||C|-|E|| (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1447)
You have plenty of mass storage on that computer :) and yes M4 will not work together with other dos roms currently.
Update v1.0.3 (beta maybe, I have not put it online for |upgrade yet, I would appreciate if someone other than me, tests it).
- Romboard part now supports 32 roms.
- You can set romboard start position. Ie. set it 32 and all roms starts from 32, ie. romslot 0 becomes 32, romslot 1 33 etc..
- M4Rom can be set to any rom in position 1-127 (effectively it's now a 33 rom slots )
- Possible fix for C4CPC and X-MEM.
Important before upgrading.
Delete your romconfig.bin and romslots.bin from M4 directory. Keep your config.txt though.
Download:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v103.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v103.zip) (unpack both files to root of microSD, as both M4 and ESP needs to be upgraded).
When moving M4rom out of position 1-7 / 1-16 it will no longer be initialized, therefore I made a M4 bootrom, which should be placed at rom7 or lower.
This is if you want to use 32 roms of XMEM and map M4 romboard after it. You should program the XMEM or other romboard with M4 bootrom in pos 1-7, it will look for M4 rom from 1-127 and initialize it + pass commands through to it.
Download:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4boot.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4boot.zip)
Post by: Bryce on 10:40, 13 June 16
If there's really intest for something like this, I figure a ARM code upload function and execute would be the way to go.
I'd be very cautious about how you implement something like this. It would be too easy for the user to brick his device if it's not done properly.
Bryce.
Post by: Duke on 11:14, 13 June 16
That's good news. Thanks a lot for running the tests.
- And yes I haven't looked at the chrome issue yet, so please all use firefox or whatever else for now :)
@Bryce (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=225)
Good point, I didn't think about that. The device itself contains a write protected bootloader (can only be removed via jtag/swd) so it should always be able to recover from microSD. But signals could be affected in a crash.
EDIT: Don't think anything fatal will happen or it probably would have happened to me already...
Post by: Bryce on 13:36, 13 June 16
Bryce.
Post by: TFM on 18:44, 13 June 16
Yes, but the more low level access you give to the end user, the more endless support you're going to have to deal with.
Bryce.
That should be left to the user. Why to take away potential features of a device? That's like to kick the spare wheel out of a car (or the turbo loader in this case). If somebody screws up then it's their problem, and with a protected loader it can't be that bad - just switch it on and off. :)
Post by: Bryce on 22:17, 13 June 16
That should be left to the user. Why to take away potential features of a device? That's like to kick the spare wheel out of a car (or the turbo loader in this case). If somebody screws up then it's their problem, and with a protected loader it can't be that bad - just switch it on and off. :)
It's not that simple. The bootloader will only reload the source code from a correctly named file on a correctly formatted SD card. It's not just a simple turn it off and on. And believe me, the easier you make it possible for a user to break, the more support you need to give. This isn't a "leaving out the spare wheel", it's closer to "Let the owner decide the cylinder timing".
Bryce.
Post by: Duke on 22:55, 13 June 16
There's many other things to be added/fixed/improved before I decide if this goes in anyway.
Post by: TFM on 23:14, 13 June 16
Post by: Bryce on 23:16, 13 June 16
Bryce.
Post by: TFM on 00:06, 14 June 16
Post by: Bryce on 09:54, 14 June 16
Bryce.
Post by: TFM on 17:21, 14 June 16
You can keep Murphy to a minimum by restricting what the user can do.
Bryce.
Hmm... such a restricted system isn't of interest any longer for creative people.
Post by: Bryce on 10:28, 15 June 16
Hmm... such a restricted system isn't of interest any longer for creative people.
I didn't know that you're a proficient ARM Cortex M4 programmer. If that's the case, then you can easily bypass the restrictions with your JTAG Programmer anyway.
Bryce.
Post by: jomicamp on 12:57, 15 June 16
Are you already sending the boards?
I was in the initial list of interested people. How I should pay you the board for you to send it to me? Is there any website (this forum thread expands very fast and I have no time to check every comment sorry...)
Thank you and congratulations for your achievement!
Post by: Duke on 13:19, 15 June 16
Check out page 1 of this thread: Amstrad CPC WiFi (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/amstrad-cpc-wifi/)
There is a link to the list, I think you are ~44 on it.
Once your board is ready I will send you a pm with payment details and ask for your shipping address.
I can see you have not choosen connector, please let me know which you want (it helps the process if I dont have to contact people first asking for that). Options in first post too.
Hi Duke?
Are you already sending the boards?
I was in the initial list of interested people. How I should pay you the board for you to send it to me? Is there any website (this forum thread expands very fast and I have no time to check every comment sorry...)
Thank you and congratulations for your achievement!
Post by: 1024MAK on 14:02, 15 June 16
I didn't know that you're a proficient ARM Cortex M4 programmer. If that's the case, then you can easily bypass the restrictions with your JTAG Programmer anyway.Whoa! :o JTAG is one of the drinking game words :laugh:
Darn, just when I don't have a pint handy >:(
Mark
Post by: Bryce on 14:28, 15 June 16
Whoa! :o JTAG is one of the drinking game words :laugh:
Darn, just when I don't have a pint handy >:(
Mark
I'll drink to that![nb]or to anything in fact :)[/nb]
Bryce.
Post by: TFM on 18:42, 15 June 16
I didn't know that you're a proficient ARM Cortex M4 programmer. If that's the case, then you can easily bypass the restrictions with your JTAG Programmer anyway.
Bryce.
There is a lot you don't know about me. I'm an Atmel programmer too (see CPC Booster f.e.). But I don't have a JTAG programmer.[nb]There is nice software for PC to target all this systems, and if the hardware has an 'update' function, then no need to buy hardware like an expensive JTAG programmer. Have you ever heart of Ponyprog for ATMega16/32? Did you know that you can use the next higher MPU in CPC Booster easily and have double ROM?[/nb]
Post by: Duke on 19:40, 15 June 16
The write protected bootloader I mentioned earlier is my own. It will load and flash the upgrades to Cortex M4 flashram and to the ESP8266 spiflash from microSD (fat32) on powerup.
Personally I use the cpcxfer program I put on github which is much quicker than using jtag or swd and if the wifi crashes you put it on microsd manually (or get a cheap st-link clone).
xfer -u 10.0.0.37 (http://10.0.0.37) M4FIRM.BIN / 0 (upload firmware)
xfer -r 10.0.0.37 (http://10.0.0.37) (reset M4 and reload it)
There is many other uses for this board if someone feels like it and want to explore it, I am limited by the choice of doing romboard emulation and few I/O ports, which requires very precise timing and litterally counting instruction clock cycles, when edges are triggered.
Should it be used as a proper accelerater for the CPC itself, instead of rom emulation, you'd do ram emulation and manipulation. Which I believe is possible in similar way to rom emulation.
I have not protected anything (which would have been super easy) and everything is in plain text so any uses are obviously welcome (on own risk etc). and if someone wants to know how the gpio is configured (which is all you need to know) just pm me.
There is a lot you don't know about me. I'm an Atmel programmer too (see CPC Booster f.e.). But I don't have a JTAG programmer.[nb]There is nice software for PC to target all this systems, and if the hardware has an 'update' function, then no need to buy hardware like an expensive JTAG programmer. Have you ever heart of Ponyprog for ATMega16/32? Did you know that you can use the next higher MPU in CPC Booster easily and have double ROM?[/nb]
Post by: Bryce on 22:46, 15 June 16
There is a lot you don't know about me. I'm an Atmel programmer too (see CPC Booster f.e.). But I don't have a JTAG programmer.[nb]There is nice software for PC to target all this systems, and if the hardware has an 'update' function, then no need to buy hardware like an expensive JTAG programmer. Have you ever heart of Ponyprog for ATMega16/32? Did you know that you can use the next higher MPU in CPC Booster easily and have double ROM?[/nb]
PonyProg is a serial programmer for AVR and PICs, you can't program JTAG devices with it.
Bryce.
Post by: Duke on 23:03, 15 June 16
PonyProg is a serial programmer for AVR and PICs, you can't program JTAG devices with it.
Bryce.
Post by: Bryce on 23:10, 15 June 16
Bryce.
Post by: TFM on 23:25, 15 June 16
PonyProg is a serial programmer for AVR and PICs, you can't program JTAG devices with it.
Bryce.
I mentioned in context to AVR.
Post by: Bryce on 23:41, 15 June 16
Bryce.
Post by: Duke on 00:08, 16 June 16
I have an original Xilinx and a Segger programmer to cover most JTAG jobs. I've seen there's an Arduino based solution too knocking about, but I haven't tried it.
Bryce.
Post by: Bryce on 00:24, 16 June 16
Bryce.
Post by: ||C|-|E|| on 12:54, 17 June 16
Post by: Duke on 14:02, 17 June 16
I assume you M4 ROM after amsdos, I guess to use HXC amsdos need to be present?
If you do a |m4romoff before running the loader, does it work then?
If not can you give me a link to the HXC loader file (maybe I can try it here even without the HXC).
Thanks for the feedback.
Last night I found something curious when the board is plugged. Somehow, it seems to be messing with the HXC loader :) . So, the story is as follows: if you I have the HXC connected and you use its buttons to navigate, access the folders, etc. everything works well, including disc loading. However, if you decide to use the loader from the Amstrad, as soon as you execute RUN"HXC the thing stops working. The computer seems to freeze and sometimes a random pattern appears on the screen. Actually, I was not even able to make a CAT. However, when unplugging the board everything works well. I am using it with the MX4, just in case it is of interest, and the computer is a 6128 Plus with the C4CPC :)
Post by: ||C|-|E|| on 14:18, 17 June 16
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Post by: Duke on 15:33, 18 June 16
I will check up on it later (busy with board assembly). Btw. if you are using m4bootrom, |m4romoff, doesn't really work (or in a sense that amsdos/parados will not work too). This is something I will need to fix too.
Maybe that's the issue you have run into.
--------------
Some progress 8)
Post by: Maniac on 15:53, 18 June 16
Sorry I don't know too much about how the DSK format works other than I know these images work in WinApe.
Post by: Duke on 17:18, 18 June 16
It may not support all formats yet, I tested the most used (plain system & data format single sided) that I could download.
If your .dsk is double sided that may be the issue. I'd appreciete if you email me the .dsk file, then I can take a look when I get time and fix it.
Having tried out the DSK mounting via the M4 I tried to mount an image I made of a ROMDOS D20 format disk. The mount worked and when I listed the directory it also looked good. However when I tried to load or run anything I just got a 'Direct command issued' or similar error back. Is this expected? How do you mount the DSK images? Do you read the format info from them please?
Sorry I don't know too much about how the DSK format works other than I know these images work in WinApe.
Post by: Duke on 04:08, 20 June 16
That is very useful, atleast if you don't have a lowerrom board already.
It means that you can ie. upgrade 464 to Basic 1.1.
It also means I can add a patch to the lower rom so that initializing AMSDOS via firmware would instead initialize M4 rom even if not mounted at pos. 7 (as not all CPC6128's can do this). Giving much better compatiblity.
I wil probably sacrifice rom slot 31 for lower-rom replacement, it's still a wip, I need to see if I can fit code to "enable/disable" it, but hopefully in next firmware upgrade.
Below CPC6128+ with regular CPC6128 lowerrom and Basic, same with the Schneider CPC464.
Post by: Joseman on 01:03, 27 June 16
I received the Board, but when i plug it on the CPC, nothing happens...
[Edit]
just used an external power supply and adjust the data cable, all works now!!!!!
Thanks for this piece of hardware!!
Post by: Duke on 14:36, 27 June 16
And yes to anyone else having received it/receiving it in the coming days, when using Mother X4 (MX4), you must use external power supply.
If using cable/connector directly to the CPC, it will work on the CPC power supply.
Hi @Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624)
I received the Board, but when i plug it on the CPC, nothing happens...
[Edit]
just used an external power supply and adjust the data cable, all works now!!!!!
Thanks for this piece of hardware!!
Post by: Rennert on 10:49, 28 June 16
I have uploaded FutureOS and SymbOS to Roms, but don't work Roms don't recogniced. Other Roms works.
Post by: Duke on 10:58, 28 June 16
The Board works fine ;)
I have uploaded FutureOS and SymbOS to Roms, but don't work Roms don't recogniced. Other Roms works.
Post by: dirtybb on 11:08, 28 June 16
Make sure there is no amsdos header on the roms before uploading (should be 16384 bytes in size). They should work, but been a while since I tried them.
If one is present, is there a way by software to easily remove the AMSDOS Header of a ROM ?
Post by: Duke on 11:13, 28 June 16
If one is present, is there a way by software to easily remove the AMSDOS Header of a ROM ?
Post by: Rennert on 14:25, 28 June 16
SymBOS A was uploaded on Rom6, this is for M4 board.
now all works ;)
Post by: skywalky on 15:23, 28 June 16
Post by: CraigsBar on 18:23, 28 June 16
Post by: Duke on 18:42, 28 June 16
Post by: CraigsBar on 22:37, 28 June 16
Cool, that'll be a first - hope it's justcpc 128k compatible :)It is compatible, And it is F'KING awesome. Oh My God this board is amazing
On the Just CPC, No external power needed for the M4, No floppy drive installed and it works straight away. I love it :)
Thank you for making this awesomeness a reality :)
Craig
Post by: CraigsBar on 23:13, 28 June 16
It is compatible, And it is F'KING awesome. Oh My God this board is amazing(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160628/ebd5764e20c5ddf8cfdd97564412b46e.jpg)
On the Just CPC, No external power needed for the M4, No floppy drive installed and it works straight away. I love it :)
Thank you for making this awesomeness a reality :)
Craig
Post by: CraigsBar on 13:42, 29 June 16
Irc client
Ftp client
Ssh client
Text mode web browser
I guess they should be possible. Less likely are the ones listed below
Graphical browser
Ssh server
Email client (SSL might be pushing it)
anyone fancy volunteering to create these? In amsdos, futureos or symbos these would be amazing.
Post by: Duke on 14:35, 29 June 16
Of the below only webbrowser is possible right now, I am still to add functions so that you can make your own connection (it'll come...).
@Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624) how many boards have been made and shipped? It would be amazing to see some SD card based software to run on this board. My initial suggestions are below!
Irc client
Ftp client
Ssh client
Text mode web browser
I guess they should be possible. Less likely are the ones listed below
Graphical browser
Ssh server
Email client (SSL might be pushing it)
anyone fancy volunteering to create these? In amsdos, futureos or symbos these would be amazing.
Post by: SOS on 15:51, 29 June 16
people can keep track of the progress, in the first post here: Amstrad CPC WiFi (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/amstrad-cpc-wifi/)What about a live webcam of your factory, to see the progress of the work? ;D :laugh:
Post by: Bryce on 16:11, 29 June 16
:D
Bryce.
Post by: Duke on 16:36, 29 June 16
What about a live webcam of your factory, to see the progress of the work? ;D :laugh:
Post by: CraigsBar on 18:26, 29 June 16
You'd be bored to death, that's how slow it goes... :)*that* I don't believe. A card that sprang from nothing to a fully working WiFi and microsd solution in one step, with further promises to come is awesome. |httpget is a brilliant feature BTW, I love it.
Craig
Post by: SRS on 23:46, 29 June 16
Post by: CraigsBar on 00:32, 30 June 16
I am sure I read somewhere that the M4 board supported Lower Rom replacement too. Ad if so then this would allow FW 3.15 to be installed.
Is this true or did I dream it?
If I did not dream it, then how do I activate this feature. If not then could it be a feature request to add the Lower Rom to the functionality?
Craig
Post by: dirtybb on 00:33, 30 June 16
S, community: where are the websites with free HTTPGET pictures, programs, sounds, demos - directly to cpc ... :D
Hi,
Perhaps @hERMOL (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=45) from CPC Rulez can help for that.
He did a great software using TotO's Minibooster, called RULEZ!CHARGE
Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk
Post by: Executioner on 03:12, 30 June 16
It seems this board is fast becoming the de-facto standard for CPC internet support and some other things like FAT filesystem/DSK support. I have one major concern. Perhaps it's just my misunderstanding, but all the commands seem to return results immediately, including HTTPGET (which is impossible). The ROM simply sends the command then reads the data. Obviously, the data isn't available straight away, and there's no code in the ROM to wait for a response, so how do you force the Z80 to stop and wait. Could it get stuck waiting forever? Are interrupts available while it's waiting? Is the CPC internal RAM refresh still happening as it should be?
Post by: Duke on 07:37, 30 June 16
How it works is that once a byte is written to port 0xFC00, the M4 will issue a BUSRQ and effectively the z80 will be "stopped" while the M4 processes the command.
Once processed and responses are written, control is let back to the z80.
It could get stuck, if the M4 code crashes (which it shouldn't of course!).
Most responses should be so fast that it's hardly noticeable, but of course doing realtime effects and downloading / doing sd I/O etc, could result in glitches.
If it turns out to be a problem in some way, it could be re-designed to pull a port on the z80 while waiting for it to be processed. Reason for the BUSRQ, is that it cannot maintain romboard emulation while the MCU is doing heavier tasks, so the wait code would then need to be placed in RAM.
As it is though I think it works pretty good atleast for all the basic operations it does now.
Hi Duke,
It seems this board is fast becoming the de-facto standard for CPC internet support and some other things like FAT filesystem/DSK support. I have one major concern. Perhaps it's just my misunderstanding, but all the commands seem to return results immediately, including HTTPGET (which is impossible). The ROM simply sends the command then reads the data. Obviously, the data isn't available straight away, and there's no code in the ROM to wait for a response, so how do you force the Z80 to stop and wait. Could it get stuck waiting forever? Are interrupts available while it's waiting? Is the CPC internal RAM refresh still happening as it should be?
Post by: Duke on 07:40, 30 June 16
OK So I do have one question.....
I am sure I read somewhere that the M4 board supported Lower Rom replacement too. Ad if so then this would allow FW 3.15 to be installed.
Is this true or did I dream it?
If I did not dream it, then how do I activate this feature. If not then could it be a feature request to add the Lower Rom to the functionality?
Craig
Post by: Audronic on 07:44, 30 June 16
Do you have a link to an "Idiots Guide" for the M4 and the amstrad CPC Please.
I have seen the Video. Brilliant.
Thanks Ray
Post by: Duke on 08:27, 30 June 16
There is this, that explains the commands/basics:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt)
If anything unclear just ask :)
Post by: Audronic on 08:39, 30 June 16
Thanks.
I had not seen that before.
Ray
Post by: CraigsBar on 10:43, 30 June 16
You read right, but it's not ready yet. Next upgrade :) - I am not sure what FW 3.15 does, but I think it's designed for XMEM?It's a lower ROM replacement with many added features. It's not just for the xmem, but works with any method or replacing the lower ROM. I have it burned into a plus cart, on a single lower ROM board and in my xmem.
Post by: Executioner on 14:49, 30 June 16
How it works is that once a byte is written to port 0xFC00, the M4 will issue a BUSRQ and effectively the z80 will be "stopped" while the M4 processes the command.
Well, a HTTPGET for example could easily take seconds to execute. If the BUSRQ is held for that time the Z80 won't be able to do anything else at all? Does this also affect the Gate Array access to the bus for display data?
Post by: Duke on 15:08, 30 June 16
Well, a HTTPGET for example could easily take seconds to execute. If the BUSRQ is held for that time the Z80 won't be able to do anything else at all? Does this also affect the Gate Array access to the bus for display data?
Post by: Executioner on 15:20, 30 June 16
Post by: dvallet on 15:26, 30 June 16
i-m interested in one mx4 board with edge connector for cpc 6128 standard.
how add me to the list
Post by: Duke on 15:32, 30 June 16
It constantly has to monitor the CPC bus and be ready to respond with very preciese timing.
There is of course workaround to this method. As placing a pull function (read a port and expect a certain value) in ram to see if the M4 is done with its work. As long as external roms aren't used during that period.
But as you said it probably isn't a huge problem atleast not as long as the tasks are downloading/reading/writing data.
If it was to be used as an accellerator for the CPC, I think best method, would be to do CPC RAM emulation on the M4, then you could provide some nasty fast blitter like routines etc :)
I think the Gate Array has direct overriding access to the first 64K of RAM and will exclude the Z80 and anything else external from using it. The CRTC should generate it's signals so long as it has a clock input, so the display should be safe. I didn't realise the M4 actually needed to be active for the ROM to be available to the Z80 (single core being used for other stuff?) as there's very little extra logic on the board itself, meaning even if the M4 board could do it's own thing without stopping the Z80, you'd need another ROM board if you're running stuff from ROM. Just how fast is the M4, and would there be any way to interleave the network/SD and Z80 ROM access? I'm not sure it's a huge problem as like uPD765 floppy access you can't really do anything else at the time on the CPC.
Post by: Duke on 15:34, 30 June 16
hello
i-m interested in one mx4 board with edge connector for cpc 6128 standard.
how add me to the list
Post by: TotO on 15:40, 30 June 16
If it was to be used as an accellerator for the CPC, I think best method, would be to do CPC RAM emulation on the M4, then you could provide some nasty fast blitter like routines etc :)The question is not new and always the same: When the CPC is no more a CPC?
Taking control over the Z80 with a MCU (your ARM, Arduino, ...) allow everything. The CPC is finally a simple terminal to input and display. ;)
Post by: Duke on 15:42, 30 June 16
The question is not new and always the same: When the CPC is no more a CPC?
Taking control over the Z80 with a MCU (your ARM, Arduino, ...) allow everything. The CPC is finally a simple terminal to input and display. ;)
Post by: TotO on 15:53, 30 June 16
I completely agree. I prefer the CPC to be the CPC and have some easy methods to external data :)By the way, a blitter is from my point of view the more logical improvement into a "CPC 2" design.
The strange choice made by Amstrad for the PLUS range of computer was dicted by the GX4000 requirements.
Post by: TFM on 18:20, 30 June 16
If it was to be used as an accellerator for the CPC, I think best method, would be to do CPC RAM emulation on the M4, then you could provide some nasty fast blitter like routines etc :)
Well, since the CRTC can only access the first internal 64 KB of RAM it would limit additional features.
Post by: TotO on 18:22, 30 June 16
Well, since the CRTC can only access the first internal 64 KB of RAM it would limit additional features.I don't know any 8-bit system with 64K VRAM. ;D
Post by: gerald on 19:36, 30 June 16
That's correct. Afaik. gate array and CTRC are unaffected by the BUSRQ, but you probably know this better than me.BUSRQ will just make the Z80 to release the BUS : ADDR/DATA/IORQn/RDn/WRn/M1n will be floating (there is a probability that these signal goes high by themselves thanks to the TTL input their are connected to, but this is not granted)
The video processing (CRTC/GA) is fully autonomous, and do not rely on the Z80 at all, but if you do not drive at least the MREQn/IORQn signal high when the bus is granted, you risk some random access to the RAM due to floating signal.
Post by: Duke on 20:52, 30 June 16
Post by: TFM on 21:02, 30 June 16
I don't know any 8-bit system with 64K VRAM. ;D
Me neither, the PcW got 128 KB. ;)
Post by: dcdrac on 23:30, 30 June 16
Post by: Duke on 23:48, 30 June 16
|netset,"ssid=routerssid, pw=routerpassword, dhcp=1, dns1=8.8.8.8, dns2=8.8.4.4, name=CPC"
(replace routerssid and routerpassword with the ones for your wifi).
Then write:
|netstat
Hopefully you get an IP or an error code.
Detailed instructions on netset command here: http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt)
plugged into 6128 fired up card came on now I need an Dummys Guide to getting wireless working with a CPC
Post by: dcdrac on 23:26, 01 July 16
Post by: robcfg on 23:51, 01 July 16
For example, if your wifi's name is WLAN_DRAC and the password CPCwikiRules, the command should be typed like this:
|netset,"ssid=WLAN_DRAC, pw=CPCwikiRules, dhcp=1, dns1=8.8.8.8, dns2=8.8.4.4, name=CPC"
Post by: mr_lou on 09:00, 02 July 16
Nop, you have to type it exactly like that and replace routerssid and routerpassword with your routers's ssid and password.
For example, if your wifi's name is WLAN_DRAC and the password CPCwikiRules, the command should be typed like this:
|netset,"ssid=WLAN_DRAC, pw=CPCwikiRules, dhcp=1, dns1=8.8.8.8, dns2=8.8.4.4, name=CPC"
And, if using a CPC464, put the string into a variable first.
a$="ssid=WLAN_DRAC, pw=CPCwikiRules, dhcp=1, dns1=8.8.8.8, dns2=8.8.4.4, name=CPC"
|netset,@a$
Post by: robcfg on 14:40, 02 July 16
Post by: Kris on 19:54, 02 July 16
Really nice piece of hardware, thank you Duke !
Post by: Duke on 23:28, 02 July 16
57 boards assembled & ready (3 people needs to tell me what connector they need before 100% ready). 3 boards failed (on the shelf after too many hours of fault searching).
Now out of v2.0 pcb's and adapters. V2.1 boards been shipped from China (new batch of 50 pcb's, now blue and with removal of some unused pull ups and unused spi flash, same size, same stencil) should arrive mid next week along with 10 pcs new adapter pcb (bit more compact this time).
Estimated two more weekends to complete the remaning boards (31). Then I will be back to fix up the reported issues and some new featuers of the M4 rom.
Check the updated list in first post of this thread Amstrad CPC WiFi (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/amstrad-cpc-wifi/) to see what position you have vs ready boards.
Post by: radu14m on 15:43, 03 July 16
can"t wait :)
let us know where and when to send you some money :)
Post by: dcdrac on 16:01, 03 July 16
unknown status 255
Post by: Duke on 18:38, 03 July 16
got netstat
unknown status 255
Post by: CraigsBar on 19:40, 03 July 16
got netstatMy 2 do that too if for any reason they drop the network connection (seems to happen if in use chrome to manage the ROMs etc, Firefox and safari work better) but a simple restart of the CPC/M4 fixes the problems.
unknown status 255
Post by: CraigsBar on 02:38, 04 July 16
10 CLS
20 locate 5,5:|time:goto 20
OK it's really simple, but does turn the CPC into an NTP synced clock ;)
No seriously, one for the real coder's.... How about a program that can be launched from the SD card, that will program the ROM slots on the m4 board directly from the CPC... @Duke is this possible? Maybe by sending the file to the same URL as the web interface? Or can it be programmed directly?
Post by: Duke on 08:40, 04 July 16
romconfig.bin
int totalRoms; //32
int m4RomNum;
int m4RomEnable;
int romRangeStart; // start mapping roms from
unsigned int reserved[4];
and 32 x
char updateflag; // 0 = not present (disabled), 1 = present, 2 = new rom (will change to 1 after reboot), 3 = delete rom (will change to 0 after reboot).
char name[32]; // name displayed in webinterface
OK. Has anyone started to write software for this board yet? Below is my first effort!
10 CLS
20 locate 5,5:|time:goto 20
OK it's really simple, but does turn the CPC into an NTP synced clock ;)
No seriously, one for the real coder's.... How about a program that can be launched from the SD card, that will program the ROM slots on the m4 board directly from the CPC... @Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624) is this possible? Maybe by sending the file to the same URL as the web interface? Or can it be programmed directly?
Post by: Bryce on 11:09, 04 July 16
OK. Has anyone started to write software for this board yet? Below is my first effort!
10 CLS
20 locate 5,5:|time:goto 20
OK it's really simple, but does turn the CPC into an NTP synced clock ;)
No seriously, one for the real coder's.... How about a program that can be launched from the SD card, that will program the ROM slots on the m4 board directly from the CPC... @Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624) is this possible? Maybe by sending the file to the same URL as the web interface? Or can it be programmed directly?
Can you document that code with some "REMs" so that we can understand what's happening? :D
Bryce.
Post by: CraigsBar on 11:33, 04 July 16
Can you document that code with some "REMs" so that we can understand what's happening? :DTeeheehee ;)
Bryce.
Post by: Audronic on 11:38, 04 July 16
Was wondering how you access the 3" floppy that was |A.
I have had a look at the rsx's .
Or have i missed something ??
Thanks Ray
Post by: Duke on 12:51, 04 July 16
If you want to use your floppy drives, type |m4romoff. It will last until you power off/on the CPC.
@Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624)
Was wondering how you access the 3" floppy that was |A.
I have had a look at the rsx's .
Or have i missed something ??
Thanks Ray
Post by: madram on 13:39, 04 July 16
It kind of defeat the idea of "wiki board", nonetheless I've two questions:
* Can a Ethernet version be built?
* If not, can the WIFI be deactivated alltogether?
If either an answer is 'yes', I would like to order 2 of these cards (MX4).
Oh, and how does the M4 play with other RomBoard (e.g. X-MEM)?
Viva el Denmark.
Post by: Bryce on 13:46, 04 July 16
Bryce.
Post by: Duke on 13:58, 04 July 16
If you don't set up the wifi (ie. no config.txt in m4 directory), it'll be inactive.
For now WiFi is required to upload roms to the board, unless someone makes a tool to do it from the CPC or I add a RSX command for it.
Ethernet version would require a new board/software, be more expensive and a lot more work for me to assemble, so I wont be making one :)
It can work with X-MEM, atleast some have tested it, it's possible to move the rom-range above 31 if you want both rom boards active, or disable romboard part of Xmem.
Let me know if still want them, then I'll add you to the list.
Congratulation for this board, what a neat design, and results look really great!
It kind of defeat the idea of "wiki board", nonetheless I've two questions:
* Can a Ethernet version be built?
* If not, can the WIFI be deactivated alltogether?
If either an answer is 'yes', I would like to order 2 of these cards (MX4).
Oh, and how does the M4 play with other RomBoard (e.g. X-MEM)?
Viva el Denmark.
Post by: Duke on 14:02, 04 July 16
You could manually disable the Wifi by putting a switch on the VCC pin of the ESP8266MOD (bottom pin furthest from the Antenna).
Bryce.
Post by: madram on 14:13, 04 July 16
Thank you very much.
Post by: Gryzor on 16:14, 05 July 16
@Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624) how many boards have been made and shipped? It would be amazing to see some SD card based software to run on this board. My initial suggestions are below!
Ssh client
I can only dream of the day when I'll be managing the wiki from my CPC... mind blowing.
For example, if your wifi's name is WLAN_DRAC and the password CPCwikiRules, the command should be typed like this:
Best. WiFi. Password.
Post by: robcfg on 16:34, 05 July 16
Post by: hsimpson on 21:05, 06 July 16
Shipment arrived safely. Tests I will be doing over the weekend (lack of time).
Thanks a lot :)
Post by: mr_lou on 21:29, 06 July 16
Post by: Duke on 04:42, 08 July 16
You can now replace lowerrom, meaning you can upgrade ie. CPC464 to Basic 1.1.
Download firmware v1.0.4:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v104.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v104.zip)
See screenshot below for usage (simply Enable lower-rom and pick a slot for it, where you upload the rom to).
Edit: A little temporary workaround if you experince browser crashing while uploading/removing roms. Go to Control first, press CPC Pause. Then go to Roms and upload/change things. When finished go back to Control and press M4 reset. And don't use Chrome yet.
Post by: CraigsBar on 13:54, 08 July 16
All I need now is a Standalone memory expansion for the JustCPC and it will be amzinf, Anyone fancy making a MX4 connected 512k expansion?
Craig
Post by: Duke on 14:09, 08 July 16
XMEM should be fine for 512k expansion no?
Yippee, Yes I tested this and it works, My M4 now has FW3.15 and the fw 3.15 expansion Rom, both installed and working perfectly.
All I need now is a Standalone memory expansion for the JustCPC and it will be amzinf, Anyone fancy making a MX4 connected 512k expansion?
Craig
Post by: CraigsBar on 15:17, 08 July 16
Post by: Munchausen on 15:45, 08 July 16
Yeah, but I want to move that to another CPC now that I have a lower romboard in the M4 ;)
You can get an XS-MEM (I think that's the right name, might be Y-MEM). It's an X-MEM but without the ROM. Ask @TotO (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=290) , he made one for me a year or two ago. Price is a bit less than a full X-MEM IIRC
Post by: CraigsBar on 15:46, 08 July 16
Post by: TFM on 20:07, 08 July 16
You can get an XS-MEM (I think that's the right name, might be Y-MEM). It's an X-MEM but without the ROM. Ask @TotO (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=290) , he made one for me a year or two ago. Price is a bit less than a full X-MEM IIRC
No, a Y-MEM is the same like an X-MEM, but the ROMs are 32-63 (instead of 00-31) and the 512 KB RAM will be addressed using port &7Exx (instead of &7Fxx).
But one question form my side: How can I upload a ROM from the CPC side into the M4? (I would like to add that functionality to the ROManager).
A second question: Is there an "official" way of detecting if an M4 is connected to the CPC?
Post by: Rennert on 21:34, 08 July 16
i´ve see it, but don´t found anymore.
Post by: Duke on 21:50, 08 July 16
To parse just a block of a file you need to use FA_READ|FA_WRITE for fopen flags, then you can fseek into the file and just overwrite a block.
#define FA_READ 0x01
#define FA_WRITE 0x02
#define FA_CREATE_NEW 0x04
Then modify (read/overwrite) m4/romconfig.bin and set the corresponding updateflag to 2 (new rom).
Structure of romconfig.bin:
int totalRoms; // 32
int m4RomNum; // M4 rom to map rom number 0-255
int m4RomEnable; // M4 rom enabled
int romRangeStart; // start mapping roms from
int lowerEnable; // lower rom replacement enabled
int lowerSlot; // which slot maps lowerrom (0-31)
unsigned int reserved[2]; // set to zero for now
then for each rom:
typedef struct
{
char updateflag; // 0 = no rom present (or disabled), 1 = rom present (enabled), 2 = New rom will be flashed into M4 internal flash, 3 = remove rom
char name[32]; // name of rom to be displayed in webinterface
} _romConfig[32];
I guess to check for M4 would be to issue one of the commands, ie. version command and check for a response or scan the roms for the rom name "M4 Board".
But one question form my side: How can I upload a ROM from the CPC side into the M4? (I would like to add that functionality to the ROManager).
A second question: Is there an "official" way of detecting if an M4 is connected to the CPC?
Post by: dirtybb on 21:52, 08 July 16
where can i download the FW 3.16?
i´ve see it, but don´t found anymore.
You will find it here :
GitHub - realmml/FW3.1x: A series of patches over the original Amstrad CPC (https://github.com/realmml/FW3.1x)
Post by: Duke on 21:59, 08 July 16
Post by: TFM on 23:24, 08 July 16
Post by: CraigsBar on 02:22, 09 July 16
I have put Parados 1.2 in the physical Rom 7 in the JustCPC board.
Put M4Rom in Slot 7 fro the menu
Set Slot 7 as Lower Rom and put FW3.1x there
so SLot 7 now has 3 roms.. Lower, Parados 1.2 and m4 rom
OK. Boot the board, fw3.1x and m4 roms are both loaded - Only one rom of the 32 is used :)
issue |m4romoff
fw3.1x and Parados1.2 are loaded - Again only 1 rom used from the 32 :)
this is awesome, perfect, fantastic!!
@Prodatron (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13) @TFM (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=179) , any chance of a version of Symbos/FutureOS that can boot from the m4 board and run entirely from the SDcard A: thus not using any more ROMs?
Thanks
Craig
Post by: Phantomz on 18:51, 09 July 16
I just checked that the board powered up and worked.
I did notice that the multiface two button didn't reset the machine when I tried it, doesn't it work when M4 Board is plugged it? I don't think my reset button is broken!
I only tried the board with a real multiface two on a normal cpc 6128 with the M4 Board with Adapter.
Post by: Duke on 19:37, 09 July 16
Download from here:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v105.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v105.zip)
3 new RSX commands:
|ROMUP - Use this to upload roms from basic/cpc, ie. |ROMUP,"UTOPIA.ROM",15 will upload utopia to slot 15.
|ROMSET - Used to enable/disable roms (by default roms are enabled when uploaded). To disable rom slot 15, type |ROMSET,15,0. To re-enable it |ROMSET,15,1
|ROMUPD - This command will update rom changes live without a reboot needed. Ie. if you disable a rom and want it to take effect without reboot, use |ROMUPD afterwards.
2 new commands for devs:
C_FSIZE and C_FTELL, see updated http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt) (press ctrl+R to get latest) for details.
1 new file access mode (&80 = real fatfs mode)
@TFM (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=179) and any other devs interested, here is a an example of the |ROMUP rsx I made, which shows how to upload a rom. This code is running from M4 rom, so some switching will need to be added, to/from another rom or ram:
#10902802 - Pastie (http://pastie.org/10902802)
@CraigsBar (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=482)
Neat little discovery, and yes, M4 rom does not actually take a slot, so perfectly fine way of doing it (toggling between two rom7's).
@Phantomz (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1308)
I don't have a multiface, so not sure, but if the reset button is a regular reset (not some NMI related MF2 stuff) it definately should work, I would check connectors, replug etc.
Post by: CraigsBar on 01:38, 10 July 16
New update v1.0.5 (beta):
Download from here:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v105.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v105.zip)
3 new RSX commands:
|ROMUP - Use this to upload roms from basic/cpc, ie. |ROMUP,"UTOPIA.ROM",15 will upload utopia to slot 15.
|ROMSET - Used to enable/disable roms (by default roms are enabled when uploaded). To disable rom slot 15, type |ROMSET,15,0. To re-enable it |ROMSET,15,1
|ROMUPD - This command will update rom changes live without a reboot needed. Ie. if you disable a rom and want it to take effect without reboot, use |ROMUPD afterwards.
2 new commands for devs:
C_FSIZE and C_FTELL, see updated http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt) (press ctrl+R to get latest) for details.
1 new file access mode (&80 = real fatfs mode)
@TFM (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=179) and any other devs interested, here is a an example of the |ROMUP rsx I made, which shows how to upload a rom. This code is running from M4 rom, so some switching will need to be added, to/from another rom or ram:
#10902802 - Pastie (http://pastie.org/10902802)
@CraigsBar (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=482)
Neat little discovery, and yes, M4 rom does not actually take a slot, so perfectly fine way of doing it (toggling between two rom7's).
@Phantomz (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1308)
I don't have a multiface, so not sure, but if the reset button is a regular reset (not some NMI related MF2 stuff) it definately should work, I would check connectors, replug etc.
Upgraded with this version. All sees to have gone well, Although can I just confirm |version reports M4 on version 1.0.5 and ESP still 1.04, or did my ESP not update successfully?
Post by: Duke on 08:30, 10 July 16
Post by: CraigsBar on 11:17, 10 July 16
Yes, ESP firmware wasn't changed in this version... Will bump it next time :)
That makes sence then :) Oh, ANd the Web GUI still reflects 1.0.3
Post by: CraigsBar on 12:48, 10 July 16
Oops, and perhaps a slight bug report.....
That makes sence then :) Oh, ANd the Web GUI still reflects 1.0.3
|upgrade and |httpget now seem to hang the CPC.
Post by: Duke on 12:52, 10 July 16
Just checked |httpget and |upgrade here and it works fine.... What's your netstat saying?
Oops, and perhaps a slight bug report.....
|upgrade and |httpget now seem to hang the CPC.
Post by: CraigsBar on 13:25, 10 July 16
Thanks, glad someone is keeping an eye with the updates :) -will get the version numbers sorted in next update.
Just checked |httpget and |upgrade here and it works fine.... What's your netstat saying?
Netstat was fine.... I have now extracted the files from the zip again, and re-applied them. both commands work fine now.
It must have been a dodgy Extraction or updatge first time.
:)
Post by: Munchausen on 02:54, 11 July 16
No, a Y-MEM is the same like an X-MEM, but the ROMs are 32-63 (instead of 00-31) and the 512 KB RAM will be addressed using port &7Exx (instead of &7Fxx).
Aha, that's right. So it's an XS-MEM then. I can't remember if the RAM is also addressed at &7Fxx in the XS-MEM though. Either way, TotO can supply several different configurations.
Post by: Kris on 10:33, 11 July 16
Post by: Duke on 10:55, 11 July 16
dirtybb discovered a couple of bugs in v1.0.5 regarding the |romup command, appearently it only works with roms that have AMSDOS header (it was meant to work with headerless too).
And also |romup with roms from inside a .dsk image failed.
I'll have to fix these bugs for next release, but for now be aware of them :)
I just updated my card and everything is OK up to now; thank you for this update ;)
Post by: CraigsBar on 21:19, 11 July 16
Post by: ronaldo on 22:38, 11 July 16
However, I had a problem: any attempt to copy a ROM or the firmware through the webserver makes It hang. Also, trying to change M4rom from the slot 6 does not work as the M4 reset command seems to make it forget everything.
Could it be a bad firmware upgrade when I tried to do it through web? Any other possibility? How should I proceed? FW is now 1.0.3
Post by: Duke on 23:42, 11 July 16
Let me know if that works or not. Also do please use firefox browser.
When done, go back to Control and press M4 reset.
Roms you upload via the browser, should not have AMSDOS header. (cut away the first 128 bytes with a hexeditor if present... filesize should be 16384 bytes).
Oh and one more thing, which is very important. When upgrading from 1.0.0, 1.0.1 and 1.0.2 to higher version. Go under m4 directory and delete files romconfig.bin and romslots.bin
The files changed after v1.0.3 to 32 slots.
So if you put the microSD card in a PC and unpack the newer firmware to root directory, then go under M4 directory and delete romconfig.bin and romslots.bin at the same time.
Available firmwares:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v101.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v101.zip)
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v102.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v102.zip)
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v103.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v103.zip)
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v104.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v104.zip)
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v105.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v105.zip)
I think after v1.0.2 (or maybe 1.0.3), the webinterface got a little quirky, so for now if you cannot live with the use of CPC Pause, before uploading roms, until I have fixed it.
It may be better to downgrade to 1.0.2 (/1.0.3).
Firmware upgrading/downgrading should be perfectly safe. I have put a write protected bootloader on each M4 board, which will read the upgrades from microSD, and check their CRC32 before flashing. In theory something could go wrong during flashing, but then you could just run the upgrade process again.
@Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624), I've received today both M4 boards and have tested one with my CPC464. It worked connected through a powered MX4 board, commands reply and it connects to WiFi. Web server is accessible and works and time and netstat commands work well.
However, I had a problem: any attempt to copy a ROM or the firmware through the webserver makes It hang. Also, trying to change M4rom from the slot 6 does not work as the M4 reset command seems to make it forget everything.
Could it be a bad firmware upgrade when I tried to do it through web? Any other possibility? How should I proceed? FW is now 1.0.3
Post by: Duke on 04:19, 12 July 16
Get it from here (or use |upgrade command):
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v106.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v106.zip)
Fixes:
- Web interface stable again (No CPC Pause needed).
- Can upload ROMS from webui with or without AMSDOS header.
- Can upload ROMS from basic via |ROMUP with or without AMSDOS header.
- Some bug that prevented |ROMUPD to always take immediate effect.
Post by: ronaldo on 12:23, 12 July 16
A question about all this, Is it necessary to have a microSD to send content through web interface? I am using your card without inserting an SD card. Does it require a card to save sent files before proceeding?
Post by: Duke on 13:00, 12 July 16
Thanks for all the details, @Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624). I was doing all as you said, except pausing CPC previous to sending ROMs or new firmware. I tried it again pausing CPC before sending anything, with same results.
A question about all this, Is it necessary to have a microSD to send content through web interface? I am using your card without inserting an SD card. Does it require a card to save sent files before proceeding?
Post by: CraigsBar on 02:29, 13 July 16
Today I had to type in "bigprint" from aa57, and my Amstrad kit is at a funny angle compared to the desk... So i found a great solution.
1: install protext on my Amiga 1200 that has a pcmcia WiFi card.
2: type the program into protext on the Amiga and save it as 'bigprint.bas' in program mode.
3: send the file to the CPC via the m4 board and the Amiga web browser.
4: load it into protext ROM on the CPC (ROM loaded into the m4)
5: check for, and correct any typos, save the file
6: run it!
So there you go, the m4 is a retro version of apple's airdrop technology, and I love it!
Post by: CraigsBar on 02:35, 13 July 16
Sorry about this, but can I add some features to a wishlist?
1. Option in the web GUI to download a file from the m4 to the web client. I guess thus would need a file browser of the m4 SD card being published on the web GUI.
2. An option in the GUI to execute a single line command in basic on boot, so a specific file could be loaded from the SD card, or the screen mode changed, or the colours changed etc...
Post by: Duke on 08:36, 13 July 16
1) was planned, but I didn't get around to it. Sometime it will display the files of the sd card in the webinterface.
For now a little trick if you need a file you know the filename of, you can type the following in a browser: http://cpcip/sd/filename (http://cpcip/sd/filename).. ie. http://192.168.1.10/sd/games/gryzor.dsk (http://192.168.1.10/sd/games/gryzor.dsk)
2) will require some lowerrom patch, not sure how to do that, it would indeed be cool with some kind of autoexec.bas
M4 board wishlist...
Sorry about this, but can I add some features to a wishlist?
1. Option in the web GUI to download a file from the m4 to the web client. I guess thus would need a file browser of the m4 SD card being published on the web GUI.
2. An option in the GUI to execute a single line command in basic on boot, so a specific file could be loaded from the SD card, or the screen mode changed, or the colours changed etc...
Post by: CraigsBar on 09:25, 13 July 16
Sure.Ahh. Excellent, must upgrade to 1.0.6 tonight.
1) was planned, but I didn't get around to it. Sometime it will display the files of the sd card in the webinterface.
For now a little trick if you need a file you know the filename of, you can type the following in a browser: http://cpcip/sd/filename (http://cpcip/sd/filename).. ie. http://192.168.1.10/sd/games/gryzor.dsk (http://192.168.1.10/sd/games/gryzor.dsk)
2) will require some lowerrom patch, not sure how to do that, it would indeed be cool with some kind of autoexec.bas
Post by: Bryce on 10:33, 13 July 16
OK... Interesting uses of the m4 board. Episode 1.....
Today I had to type in "bigprint" from aa57, and my Amstrad kit is at a funny angle compared to the desk... So i found a great solution.
1: install protext on my Amiga 1200 that has a pcmcia WiFi card.
2: type the program into protext on the Amiga and save it as 'bigprint.bas' in program mode.
3: send the file to the CPC via the m4 board and the Amiga web browser.
4: load it into protext ROM on the CPC (ROM loaded into the m4)
5: check for, and correct any typos, save the file
6: run it!
So there you go, the m4 is a retro version of apple's airdrop technology, and I love it!
Or you could just pack that A1200 away and make space to place you CPC properly centred on the desk. :)
Bryce.
Post by: ronaldo on 10:38, 13 July 16
The next issue I'm having is with lower rom replacement. I'm using a 464 and tried to replace lower rom with OS6128ES and FW3.16 and both of them crash. Also tried to put BASIC 1.1 in ROM slot 0 and it fails in a quite odd fashion (after ROM messages appearing, everything scrolls up infinitelly :o ). Any idea on this?
After reading your Dev API description, I missed some way of directly addressing the network. I think that sending and receiving data through and from network ports will be required for advanced features. How could we help you develop the firmware?
EDIT: Firmware 3.15 with BASIC 1.1 works :)
Post by: CraigsBar on 10:59, 13 July 16
Or you could just pack that A1200 away and make space to place you CPC properly centred on the desk. :)Well yes, that is an option. But until the m4 has an irc client I still use the a1200 for that... Oh and it has a much nicer keyboard to type lengthy DATA statements on.
Bryce.
Post by: Duke on 11:24, 13 July 16
Yes, netapi is not available yet. It's one of the higher priorities. Once I am done with the remaining boards, I'll have better time to work on those things. Not much you can do to help atm., but thanks anyway :)
@Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624) ,
After reading your Dev API description, I missed some way of directly addressing the network. I think that sending and receiving data through and from network ports will be required for advanced features. How could we help you develop the firmware?
EDIT: Firmware 3.15 with BASIC 1.1 works :)
Post by: CraigsBar on 15:30, 13 July 16
EDIT: Firmware 3.15 with BASIC 1.1 works :)
So does fw 3.16 on mine :)
Perhaps the amsdos header was messing with it.
Post by: dirtybb on 15:51, 13 July 16
RomBooster seems to reboot in loop the cpc (put in pos 15).
Does anybody else tried ?
On the other hand, I can confirm that FW316 used as lower ROM initializes 16 to 31.
Post by: CraigsBar on 16:32, 13 July 16
Hi,I have not used the booster ROM since FW 3.1x included 0 to 31 initialisation anyway ;)
RomBooster seems to reboot in loop the cpc (put in pos 15).
Does anybody else tried ?
On the other hand, I can confirm that FW316 used as lower ROM initializes 15 to 31.
Post by: dirtybb on 17:38, 13 July 16
I have not used the booster ROM since FW 3.1x included 0 to 31 initialisation anyway ;)
You could try to install Rom booster to see if you reproduce the same problem ?
Post by: CraigsBar on 17:48, 13 July 16
Post by: CraigsBar on 21:16, 13 July 16
Sure can. I need to upgrade the board to 1.0.6 first tho ;)It works for me.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160713/02775822b20d9823b6bac61fd32ff41b.jpg)
Post by: dirtybb on 22:18, 13 July 16
It works for me.Can u try disabling low Rom replacement ?
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160713/02775822b20d9823b6bac61fd32ff41b.jpg)
Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk
Post by: CraigsBar on 22:57, 13 July 16
Post by: dirtybb on 15:00, 14 July 16
That was with low ROM replacement disabled. I did not want fw 3.16 messing with the booster.Thank you very much.
Following your feedback, i've made a total reset of the rom conf, now Rom booster works well.
Will try to find out what rom installed was in conflit with.
Post by: CraigsBar on 15:22, 14 July 16
Thank you very much.Glad to help.
Following your feedback, i've made a total reset of the rom conf, now Rom booster works well.
Will try to find out what rom installed was in conflit with.
Post by: MiguelSky on 02:35, 15 July 16
Just open it in a hex editor and remove the first 128 bytes. But maybe there is a tool somewhere already?There is a good old utility to do this: Hideur Makeur Aminet - dev/cross/HideurMakeur.lha (http://aminet.net/package/dev/cross/HideurMakeur)
I started to use mine yesterday and it is working perfectly!! Great job, Duke :)
Post by: mr_lou on 08:27, 15 July 16
Post by: archcosmo on 10:15, 15 July 16
I was asking him via email about a week back about my own order from a couple of months ago that's been delayed until after he returns from holidays.
cheers
Does anyone know if @TotO (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=290) is on vacation? It's been a while now since I ordered cables, but haven't received any packages and he's not replying e-mail either.
Post by: CPC_Fan on 18:49, 15 July 16
Post by: Scarlettkitten on 19:35, 15 July 16
Post by: MiguelSky on 22:00, 15 July 16
There is a good old utility to do this: Hideur Makeur Aminet - dev/cross/HideurMakeur.lha (http://aminet.net/package/dev/cross/HideurMakeur)I haven't noticed that in the quote it wasn't said what Hideur Makeur does: it removes the AMSDOS header from files.
Post by: Duke on 22:44, 15 July 16
I haven't noticed that in the quote it wasn't said what Hideur Makeur does: it removes the AMSDOS header from files.
Post by: CraigsBar on 22:54, 15 July 16
With latest firmware update (1.0.6), it should not matter if there is a amsdos header or not, it should be autodetected.Yep, it seems to work. I have deliberately used header and headerless ROMs. Both work fine.
Post by: Vandalsk on 01:01, 16 July 16
Thanks a lot for this great Hardware.
Post by: MiguelSky on 13:03, 16 July 16
Yep, it seems to work. I have deliberately used header and headerless ROMs. Both work fine.Great!!
Post by: CraigsBar on 04:35, 17 July 16
Post by: Duke on 20:27, 20 July 16
* Fix issue with cas_in_char soft EOF. Ie. now remember the 80's music disc works without problems, maybe other related stuff will be fixed too(?).
* cas_in_char buffered for fast(er) performance. - Was dead slow before, need to buffer cas_out_char next.
* Fix |ROMUP to work from .dsk images too (thanks dirtybb).
* Fix issue with catart so it no longer goes into to infinite loop when cat/dir. - Still doesn't display catart 100% as it should... maybe sometime!
Download:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v107.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v107b.zip)
Post by: CraigsBar on 00:49, 21 July 16
Small update v1.0.7 beta with some small but important fixes. This is very beta and only M4 part is updated (ESP and web UI will still report v1.0.6). Any new issues arise, please leave feedback, thanks !
* Fix issue with cas_in_char soft EOF. Ie. now remember the 80's music disc works without problems, maybe other related stuff will be fixed too(?).
* cas_in_char buffered for fast(er) performance. - Was dead slow before, need to buffer cas_out_char next.
* Fix |ROMUP to work from .dsk images too (thanks dirtybb).
* Fix issue with catart so it no longer goes into to infinite loop when cat/dir. - Still doesn't display catart 100% as it should... maybe sometime!
Download:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v107b.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v107b.zip)
OK Unfortunately this does not work for me:(
|version still reports 1.06 and Remeber the 80's is still not playing ball (well tunes actually)
Post by: Duke on 08:14, 21 July 16
Please re-download and try again, after upgrade |version will report M4 v1.0.7 and ESP v1.0.6. Thanks.
OK Unfortunately this does not work for me:(
|version still reports 1.06 and Remeber the 80's is still not playing ball (well tunes actually)
Post by: CraigsBar on 13:56, 21 July 16
Edit: perfect. Working now. I see what you mean about the catart ;) still no infinite loop is much better.
Now if only |httpget worked from one m4 board to another.
|httpget,"192.168.1.7/SD/dsk/rem_80s.dsk"
hangs and does nothing. But it works on a Mac with the same URL.
Post by: Duke on 21:48, 21 July 16
EDIT: Just took a quick look. I don't translate the IP (ASCII ip to ip number), so that's why it doesn't work, will fix it next time, fairly trivial issue (string parsing...) .
Post by: CraigsBar on 23:42, 21 July 16
hmm yeah that should have worked, will look into it when I get more time.Great! This is an awesome product, with amazing service. Worth every cent and greatly appreciated customer support. Many thanks.
EDIT: Just took a quick look. I don't translate the IP (ASCII ip to ip number), so that's why it doesn't work, will fix it next time, fairly trivial issue (string parsing...) .
Post by: Duke on 03:07, 22 July 16
Great! This is an awesome product, with amazing service. Worth every cent and greatly appreciated customer support. Many thanks.
Thanks!
Fixed the IP address issue, so you can now download from another CPC (or source with ip number instead of hostname).
Latest version 1.0.7 (release) available via |upgrade command or here: http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v107.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v107.zip)
M4 and ESP versions must show v1.0.7 after upgrading.
Post by: mr_lou on 12:34, 22 July 16
Tried connecting it to my CPC464 briefly, but looks like it isn't working. No message in boot. CAT command says "Press play then any key".
No light in the blue led. Tried connecting USB for power and switched the jumper, but still no light.
Did something go wrong during shipment, or am I doing something completely wrong here?
Post by: TotO on 12:44, 22 July 16
Post by: mr_lou on 12:53, 22 July 16
Is the expansion connector was cleaned?
Yes. :)
Should have mentioned that.
Post by: TotO on 12:54, 22 July 16
Post by: mr_lou on 13:01, 22 July 16
Post by: CloudStrife on 13:33, 22 July 16
Post by: mr_lou on 13:54, 22 July 16
But still nothing when connected to CPC.
So, either bad cable or bad CPC. I assume TotO tested the cable, so... bad CPC.
Will try with another CPC next weekend.
Post by: Bryce on 13:58, 22 July 16
Here: Amstrad CPC WiFi (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/amstrad-cpc-wifi/msg128273/#msg128273)
Bryce.
Post by: Duke on 14:44, 22 July 16
Alright, I get light in the LEDs too when using USB from PC. (Just used power-supply before, which may be dead?).Try not using a PSU, and set JUMPER to EXT. plug it directly into the CPC464 using the edge cable from Toto.
But still nothing when connected to CPC.
So, either bad cable or bad CPC. I assume TotO tested the cable, so... bad CPC.
Will try with another CPC next weekend.
Does blue light come on?
If blue light goes on, clean the expansion port x 10 (IPA) :) - It's so far always been the problem when there was one
If the blue light does not come on when jumper is at EXT and connected to the CPC464, it sounds like something has gone wrong with board, although I do run some longer tests on each board before shipping. Then send it back so I can fix it or send you a new one.
Post by: mr_lou on 15:05, 22 July 16
Try not using a PSU, and set JUMPER to EXT. plug it directly into the CPC464 using the edge cable from Toto.
Does blue light come on?
If blue light goes on, clean the expansion port x 10 (IPA) :) - It's so far always been the problem when there was one
If the blue light does not come on when jumper is at EXT and connected to the CPC464, it sounds like something has gone wrong with board, although I do run some longer tests on each board before shipping. Then send it back so I can fix it or send you a new one.
Not using a PSU, and having jumper at EXT was the first approach. No LEDs comes on. I suspected shipping might have done something to it.
But using USB wire while jumper is a USB does light up a few LEDs, so now I'm guessing the board works and my expansion port is to blame.
So then I tried PSU + jumper at EXT, but no LEDs still.
TotO also sent a cable for my CPCplus, so I can try that one, but won't have time before next weekend.
I do also have another CPC464 somewhere that I might try earlier.... actually I do have a few minutes right about now, so lemme see if I can find it. :)
Post by: Duke on 15:11, 22 July 16
The odd part is that the blue LED is connected to 3.3V on the board, so as soon as the power goes through the voltage regulator it will go on. The voltage regulator is working since it can go on when you use USB power supply.
So what's left, a dodgy connection on VCC from the CPC or the jumper solder point, if there was a short the CPC wouldn't turn on.
Just to be 100% sure, when you connect the cable from Toto, and plug in the board is the reset button + leds etc facing upwards when laying on the table?
Not using a PSU, and having jumper at EXT was the first approach. No LEDs comes on. I suspected shipping might have done something to it.
But using USB wire while jumper is a USB does light up a few LEDs, so now I'm guessing the board works and my expansion port is to blame.
So then I tried PSU + jumper at EXT, but no LEDs still.
TotO also sent a cable for my CPCplus, so I can try that one, but won't have time before next weekend.
I do also have another CPC464 somewhere that I might try earlier.... actually I do have a few minutes right about now, so lemme see if I can find it. :)
Post by: mr_lou on 15:30, 22 July 16
Too damn embarrassing to tell what I was doing wrong....
Everything seems to work. But here's a hint:
Plug it into the right port... :-[
/me goes to sit in the corner for the next week.
Post by: Duke on 15:32, 22 July 16
Post by: CraigsBar on 17:36, 22 July 16
This was already discussed earlier in the thread. Due to the lower <5V supply on the MX4, the Wifi card will only work when it gets power from the USB socket.Well I have to say neither of mine have usb power ;) one in the just CPC and one on the mx4 on the plus.
Here: Amstrad CPC WiFi (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/amstrad-cpc-wifi/msg128273/#msg128273)
Bryce.
Post by: Kris on 18:15, 22 July 16
Last update done and OK ;)
Post by: dirtybb on 21:22, 22 July 16
Ahem.... I don't suppose there's any way I can just erase your memory and rewind time for everyone a bit?
Too damn embarrassing to tell what I was doing wrong....
Everything seems to work. But here's a hint:
Plug it into the right port... :-[
/me goes to sit in the corner for the next week.
Perhaps you can ask men in black ? [emoji16]
Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk
Post by: CraigsBar on 22:07, 22 July 16
Quite odd. But I am away for the weekend now, so will not be playing with it again until Monday night.
Post by: Duke on 11:37, 24 July 16
I'll review it later.
Hmmm, OK. 1.0.7 on both cards and I still cannot copy directly between them both. No error as such, sometimes it locks up both host and client m4 boards, sometime copying completes but with 0 bytes, no file is created.
Quite odd. But I am away for the weekend now, so will not be playing with it again until Monday night.
Post by: mr_lou on 18:12, 24 July 16
Yeah you are right :/ - When I was testing it, I had v1.0.6 on the board I was downloading from, but when I try now with both boards on v1.0.7 I have same issue, so some new bug must have crept in.
I'll review it later.
....you didn't plug any of them into the wrong port, did ya?
coz... sometimes that happens... I've heard....
Post by: CraigsBar on 00:12, 25 July 16
Yeah you are right :/ - When I was testing it, I had v1.0.6 on the board I was downloading from, but when I try now with both boards on v1.0.7 I have same issue, so some new bug must have crept in.Ahh, good to know I am not totally stupid :) I am just home from a really busy weekend, and I am very tired.
I'll review it later.
Post by: tecnoxarxa on 19:38, 25 July 16
thanks!
Post by: Duke on 19:51, 25 July 16
I need two and two m4 main board with edge connector.
thanks!
Post by: Duke on 20:15, 25 July 16
Responses from @tonio8bits (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=499) @Manu (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=816) @dvallet (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1598) @zhulien (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=58) on pm's, apprecieted, M4 boards seeking owners :) - Since email notifications on the forum isn't working anymore, maybe there's a chance you will see this. Check your pm's, thanks.
Inventory status if above pick up their boards and tecnoxarxa takes 4 pcs:
5 boards left (but missing chips, eta. 3-4 weeks)
1 adapter board
2 edge connectors (maybe 0 if two of the "awaiting connector" boards pick edge).
Total made so far 99 pcs.
From then on, any new batch will have to have atleast 10 pre-orders.
Post by: mr_lou on 20:24, 25 July 16
I seriously doubt it of course. Just sayin'. :)
(It'll have to be fully assembled though, coz I have absolutely no skills whatsoever in that department).
Post by: Duke on 20:38, 25 July 16
If any left when I get the chips for the last 5, I'll let you know.
If you have any trouble getting rid of the last few, I'll take one more. :)
I seriously doubt it of course. Just sayin'. :)
(It'll have to be fully assembled though, coz I have absolutely no skills whatsoever in that department).
Post by: Duke on 23:56, 25 July 16
* Fix (I hope, works here!) downloading between M4 boards using IP number... Note all files stored on sd card are accessible via http, when prefixing sd path in the url.
From a pc you can use ie. wget http://192.168.1.10/sd/myfile.bas (http://192.168.1.10/sd/myfile.bas), the same if you have another M4 board, then |httpget,"192.168.1.10/sd/myfile.bas" (192.168.1.10 being the ip number of the CPC you want to download from).
* Small fix to |dir cmd, so Rhino's cool Perfect Pix program can load and save files. To fully use Perfect Pix with M4 board, you should extract the files from the DSK image and put them into a sub directory, so you have save ability too.
Post by: Kris on 09:43, 26 July 16
Post by: CraigsBar on 09:52, 26 July 16
v1.0.8 beta, with just two tiny fixes. Download here : http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v108b.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v108b.zip)Hi Duke, if this is the same as the alpha you sent me yesterday, then it seems to still fail :( perhaps someone else could confirm?
* Fix (I hope, works here!) downloading between M4 boards using IP number... Note all files stored on sd card are accessible via http, when prefixing sd path in the url.
From a pc you can use ie. wget http://192.168.1.10/sd/myfile.bas (http://192.168.1.10/sd/myfile.bas), the same if you have another M4 board, then |httpget,"192.168.1.10/sd/myfile.bas" (192.168.1.10 being the ip number of the CPC you want to download from).
* Small fix to |dir cmd, so Rhino's cool Perfect Pix program can load and save files. To fully use Perfect Pix with M4 board, you should extract the files from the DSK image and put them into a sub directory, so you have save ability too.
It is one step closer now however in that it appears that a tiny 1k file with the right filename is now created, no data transfers tho.
Never mind I can remove the SD cards and copy the files onto them with my Mac.
Craig
Post by: Duke on 10:08, 26 July 16
Hi Duke, if this is the same as the alpha you sent me yesterday, then it seems to still fail :( perhaps someone else could confirm?
It is one step closer now however in that it appears that a tiny 1k file with the right filename is now created, no data transfers tho.
Never mind I can remove the SD cards and copy the files onto them with my Mac.
Craig
Yes, the ESPFIRM is the same as the alpha you got (only M4 part got updated with the |dir fix).
On my setup CPC6128+ with M4 ip http://10.0.0.38 (http://10.0.0.38) and CPC6128 with M4 ip http://10.0.0.37 (http://10.0.0.37), I do from the CPC6128+.
|httpget,"10.0.0.37/sd/xcontra.dsk"
And it transfers the file just fine. Both boards run latest beta. File (xcontra.dsk) is present in the root directory of the CPC6128 sd card.
Post by: CraigsBar on 10:52, 26 July 16
Post by: Duke on 10:58, 26 July 16
Hmmm. OK, is the path case sensitive? I'll try again.Yes the /sd/ should be lower case.
Post by: DerSchatten on 19:04, 26 July 16
I have tested my M4 Board today the first time, and the CPC does not accept the netset command.
When i write the Command:
|netset,"ssid=WIFI2, pw=1234Start1234Start1234Start, dhcp=1, dns1=192.168.0.1, dns2=0.0.0.0, name=CPC464" then Comes only a "Type mismatch" back.
It is a CPC464.
what am I doing wrong?
by the way, the "PW", is this the Password from the Router himself or the WiFi-Connection Password? is not the same with me
And can use the M4 Board a AES encryption ?
thanks!
Post by: Duke on 19:10, 26 July 16
Please help.
I have tested my M4 Board today the first time, and the CPC does not accept the netset command.
When i write the Command:
|netset,"ssid=WIFI2, pw=1234Start1234Start1234Start, dhcp=1, dns1=192.168.0.1, dns2=0.0.0.0, name=CPC464" then Comes only a "Type mismatch" back.
It is a CPC464.
what am I doing wrong?
by the way, the "PW", is this the Password from the Router himself or the WiFi-Connection Password? is not the same with me
And can use the M4 Board a AES encryption ?
thanks!
Because its a CPC464, it probably has basic 1.0, there you cannot pass RSX parameters directly (do yourself a favor and put basic 1.1 and fw3.16 on it once you get m4 up running).
The PW is the password for the WiFi connection. And yes AES encryption is fine.
Do it like this:
a$="ssid=WIFI2, pw=1234Start1234Start1234Start, dhcp=1, dns1=192.168.0.1, dns2=0.0.0.0, name=CPC464"
|netset,@a$
Afterwards type:
|netstat
To see if it went OK.
Post by: DerSchatten on 19:33, 26 July 16
Post by: remax on 20:04, 26 July 16
Thank you very much Duke, that's a very impressive piece of hardware...
Gonna be hard to use all the power of it :D
Now a question : i use a usb cable straight from the USB port of my desktop PC to power the card. It works well (in fact the card works also without additionnal powering when i have nothing else plugged than the M4Board and a Mother4).
I have a phone charger : DC5V, 1000mA. Would it work without frying everything ?
Post by: Duke on 20:30, 26 July 16
Just a few words to say i've received mine and it works perfectly so far!
Thank you very much Duke, that's a very impressive piece of hardware...
Gonna be hard to use all the power of it :D
Now a question : i use a usb cable straight from the USB port of my desktop PC to power the card. It works well (in fact the card works also without additionnal powering when i have nothing else plugged than the M4Board and a Mother4).
I have a phone charger : DC5V, 1000mA. Would it work without frying everything ?
Good to hear, thanks.
Yes you can safely use your phone charger.
Post by: Bruce101 on 23:21, 26 July 16
Im a new member on the CPCWiki.
I have an Amstrad CPC since 1986, actually I still have my original CPC 464 in good conditions (was my first computer), and a CPC 6128 too.
Im a retro fun.
Greetings to all.
Post by: Duke on 23:25, 26 July 16
You came to the right place (cpcwiki.eu) :)
Hi to all!!!
Im a new member on the CPCWiki.
I have an Amstrad CPC since 1986, actually I still have my original CPC 464 in good conditions (was my first computer), and a CPC 6128 too.
Im a retro fun.
Greetings to all.
Post by: Bruce101 on 23:35, 26 July 16
Im happy...
:)
Post by: DerSchatten on 01:02, 27 July 16
Post by: Duke on 01:16, 27 July 16
how does that work with the dsk files? Can the mount?You simply write:
|cd,"filename.dsk"
cat
run"whatever
Or in case of basic 1.0 :
a$="filename.dsk"
|cd,@a$
cat
run"whatever
Documentation of commands here:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt)
Post by: Bruce101 on 17:09, 27 July 16
Thanks.
Post by: CPC_Fan on 18:08, 27 July 16
Any idea where I am going wrong? It's getting very frustrating and annoying, as I thought that it would be a lot easier to set up the board.
My set up is as follows: CPC 6128, 3.5" second disc drive powered via the cpc's 5 volt supply and Mother x4 board with x-mem, multiface 2 clone board and cpc WiFi card. The Mother x 4 board is powered separately with it's own 5 volt 2.5 amp supply. I am running firmware 3.15 in the x-mem.
I do get a blue led staying on, indicating that the board is getting power ok.
My ssid is VM515624-2G if that's any help. I haven't got a clue what my dns server is or where to find out that information? My main pc is connected to my router via Wi-Fi if that makes any difference?
Post by: Duke on 18:57, 27 July 16
If it says unknown command the M4 board is not initialized.
To rule out a couple of things for starters.
Use the MX4 cable directly plugged into the M4, set the jumper to EXT. Don't connect any external power supply.
Since yours is quite long time ago, I am not sure which firmware is on it, so I suggest you download latest firmware, here:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v107.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v107.zip)
Unpack the files to the root of the microSD card from your PC, insert it to M4 and power up the CPC6128.
You should see the RED led come on (below the blue one) for some seconds, then blue led on WiFi module comes on and some seconds later, it goes off a long with the RED led.
CPC should reset and you should see the message M4 Board V2 displayed.
If you do not see this message, sending netset command etc will not work.
Let me know how this goes, then we can take it from there.
For DNS servers you can just use google dns, which is "dns1=8.8.8.8, dns2=8.8.4.4"
And most likely the M4 board is in conflict with XMEM, this can be solved either by disabling rom board on XMEM or changing the ROM range on M4 once you get it setup.
Post by: Duke on 19:11, 27 July 16
The card runs with a 5V USB charger, but, is enought a power supply with 2A, or need up to 3A?The card should run without any charger at all, unless you use MX4 motherboard, in that case a 5V 500mA should be enough.
Thanks.
Post by: Bruce101 on 19:31, 27 July 16
Is possible to buy 2 cards with Edge connector???
Or is too late???
Thanks.
Post by: Duke on 19:33, 27 July 16
Ok Duke :) .If you can wait 3-5 weeks, its OK, I am out of edge connectors now too, but I can order some more.
Is possible to buy 2 cards with Edge connector???
Or is too late???
Thanks.
Post by: Bruce101 on 19:47, 27 July 16
I can wait, no problem, you can insert 2 cards with Edge connector for me into the orderlist. ;)
Can you tell me when the cards are ready? and how I pay, (bank transfer, paypal, etc, and final amount, please)
Thanks for all.
Post by: CPC_Fan on 20:27, 27 July 16
@CPC_Fan (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/profile/?u=1127)
If it says unknown command the M4 board is not initialized.
To rule out a couple of things for starters.
Use the MX4 cable directly plugged into the M4, set the jumper to EXT. Don't connect any external power supply.
Since yours is quite long time ago, I am not sure which firmware is on it, so I suggest you download latest firmware, here:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v107.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v107.zip)
Unpack the files to the root of the microSD card from your PC, insert it to M4 and power up the CPC6128.
You should see the RED led come on (below the blue one) for some seconds, then blue led on WiFi module comes on and some seconds later, it goes off a long with the RED led.
CPC should reset and you should see the message M4 Board V2 displayed.
If you do not see this message, sending netset command etc will not work.
Let me know how this goes, then we can take it from there.
For DNS servers you can just use google dns, which is "dns1=8.8.8.8, dns2=8.8.4.4"
And most likely the M4 board is in conflict with XMEM, this can be solved either by disabling rom board on XMEM or changing the ROM range on M4 once you get it setup.
Thanks for your reply and help Duke. Sorry I didn't mean to come across or sound rude to you. I followed your instructions and I now get the M4 Board V2 sign on message.
So how do I change the ROM range on the M4, so that it doesn't conflict with my X-Mem? Or would it be easier to turn the ROM board function off on the M4?
Also is it possible at all to print directly from my 6128 to my Wi-Fi connected printer, which is on the same network, using Protext? If so, how?
Post by: CPC_Fan on 20:39, 27 July 16
Post by: Duke on 20:41, 27 July 16
Perfect Duke!
I can wait, no problem, you can insert 2 cards with Edge connector for me into the orderlist. ;)
Can you tell me when the cards are ready? and how I pay, (bank transfer, paypal, etc, and final amount, please)
Thanks for all.
Will do, please do me a favour and send me a private message with your email address, so I can notify you when the boards are ready, along with payment details.
Post by: Duke on 20:48, 27 July 16
You can also move the rom range of M4 Board via the webinterface (type in the IP number to firefox/internet explorer that you get when typing |netstat) under ROMS.
Then you set starting range to 32 (after xmem).
However you also need to move the M4 rom out that range (unless you can map rom7 on your CPC6128).
For that to work you need to upload a proxy rom to XMEM too (which will find the M4 rom out of the 0-31 range).
You can find that rom here: http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4boot.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4boot.zip)
It's not really upto date, but will work for the basics ( I don't think anyone uses it, so I haven't updated it).
As I do not think there is any software enabling use of 64 roms, it just easier to disable XMEM rom part and upload the roms you use to M4 via the webinterface.
There is no way to use your printer via wifi unfortunately.
And lastly you didn't come across as rude, so no worries :)
Thanks for your reply and help Duke. Sorry I didn't mean to come across or sound rude to you. I followed your instructions and I now get the M4 Board V2 sign on message.
So how do I change the ROM range on the M4, so that it doesn't conflict with my X-Mem? Or would it be easier to turn the ROM board function off on the M4?
Also is it possible at all to print directly from my 6128 to my Wi-Fi connected printer, which is on the same network, using Protext? If so, how?
Post by: DerSchatten on 21:33, 27 July 16
When i flash it to Slot 0 (Version v1.2.0, v1.2.1 or v1.2.3) and Reset the System, then the CPC starts with the
BASIC 1.1
Ready
but after that the Screen scrolls indefinitely and the System hangs.
Post by: Duke on 21:36, 27 July 16
Either use the original lowerrom from a 664/6128 or use the moded fw3.16 firmware by Syx And Toto (it'll boot your cpc in mode 2 and display some nice info + init all 32 roms).
For fw316 lowerrom replacement, look here:
GitHub - realmml/FW3.1x: A series of patches over the original Amstrad CPC (https://github.com/realmml/FW3.1x)
Duke, i have a little Problem with the BASIC 1.1 ROM.
When i flash it to Slot 0 (Version v1.2.0, v1.2.1 or v1.2.3) and Reset the System, then the CPC starts with the
BASIC 1.1
Ready
but after that the Screen scrolls indefinitely and the System hangs.
Post by: DerSchatten on 21:48, 27 July 16
what's the difference between FW316UK16.ROM and FW316UK32.ROM ?
Is this the ROM-Socket what i use?
Can the CPC464 use all 32 ROM Slots? I heave hear ther can only use 16 Slots. Or is this only a Limitation from the ROM-Box (X-MEM, MegaFlash NG)
What is the File FW316EXP.ROM ?
Post by: CPC_Fan on 21:51, 27 July 16
The easist is to disable ROM board function of XMEM, I think there is a jumper to do that. Other users of both please jump in with details how you arranged it.
You can also move the rom range of M4 Board via the webinterface (type in the IP number to firefox/internet explorer that you get when typing |netstat) under ROMS.
Then you set starting range to 32 (after xmem).
However you also need to move the M4 rom out that range (unless you can map rom7 on your CPC6128).
For that to work you need to upload a proxy rom to XMEM too (which will find the M4 rom out of the 0-31 range).
You can find that rom here: http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4boot.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4boot.zip)
It's not really upto date, but will work for the basics ( I don't think anyone uses it, so I haven't updated it).
As I do not think there is any software enabling use of 64 roms, it just easier to disable XMEM rom part and upload the roms you use to M4 via the webinterface.
There is no way to use your printer via wifi unfortunately.
And lastly you didn't come across as rude, so no worries :)
Thanks for the information Duke. Hmm seems like a bit of a waste of my X-Mem to disable the ROM board function part of it, but if it's easier to do that rather than turn the ROM board function part off on the M4 Board, then that's what I will have to do.
Shame that I cannot print directly from 6128 via the WiFi part of the M4 Board. Can it be done if someone could write the software to do it, or is it just not possible?
Is the M4 Board compatible with ParaDos by the way? I only ask, as I have a swichable dual Amsdos/ParaDos ROM in my 6128 and when I switch it to ParaDos, I cannot call ParaDos up using the |drive command/rsx.
Post by: Duke on 21:52, 27 July 16
I haven't tried the FW316EXP.ROM, but I think it's an upper rom with rom manager, which probably is no use for M4 board.
thanks!
what's the difference between FW316UK16.ROM and FW316UK32.ROM ?
Is this the ROM-Socket what i use?
Can the CPC464 use all 32 ROM Slots? I heave hear ther can only use 16 Slots. Or is this only a Limitation from the ROM-Box (X-MEM, MegaFlash NG)
What is the File FW316EXP.ROM ?
Post by: Duke on 21:58, 27 July 16
Thanks for the information Duke. Hmm seems like a bit of a waste of my X-Mem to disable the ROM board function part of it, but if it's easier to do that rather than turn the ROM board function part off on the M4 Board, then that's what I will have to do.
Shame that I cannot print directly from 6128 via the WiFi part of the M4 Board. Can it be done if someone could write the software to do it, or is it just not possible?
Is the M4 Board compatible with ParaDos by the way? I only ask, as I have a swichable dual Amsdos/ParaDos ROM in my 6128 and when I switch it to ParaDos, I cannot call ParaDos up using the |drive command/rsx.
If you moved M4 rom board out of range you would loose 32 roms that are not easy accessible (of course programmers could easy use them). If you disable rom board function of XMEM you loose 32 roms, so imho. it doesn't really matter which you disable/move.
To use parados or amsdos, type |m4romoff, it will last until you turn power off/on the CPC.
EDIT: About WiFi printer, technically of course its possible, but I have no idea about the work involved, probably there is not a generic method, hence the need for printer drivers on PC, which I think would amount to too much work, and with the wifi setup you can transfer your protext files in a split second to pc and print them out.
Post by: CPC_Fan on 22:44, 27 July 16
With regards to WiFi printing. Yeah I kind of guessed that software would have to be written for it. Don't worry I don't expect you to do it :) I'm just grateful that you designed and built the M4 Board in the first place :D How do I use the WiFi set up to transfer any Protext files to my PC and print them out by the way?
Post by: Duke on 23:18, 27 July 16
With regards to WiFi printing. Yeah I kind of guessed that software would have to be written for it. Don't worry I don't expect you to do it :) I'm just grateful that you designed and built the M4 Board in the first place :D How do I use the WiFi set up to transfer any Protext files to my PC and print them out by the way?
The simple method is:
On your PC, open firefox/internet explorer and type http://cpc-ipno/sd/nameofprotextfile (http://cpc-ipno/sd/nameofprotextfile)
In this case when you open it in notepad or whatever on PC you need to cut off the amsdos header (first 128 bytes).
The other method is to use the small cpcxfer program I wrote, it can automatically remove the header. But it's a command line tool, so maybe not so straight forward for everyone.
Eitherway if you download cpcxfer (or just xfer.exe, grab the exe from here GitHub - M4Duke/cpcxfer: Cmd line tool to transfer files to and from M4 board (https://github.com/M4Duke/cpcxfer) ).
Then open a dos box and type:
xfer -d cpcipaddr protextfile / 1
It will download the file to your pc and remove the header, and you should be able to load up the file in ie. notepad.
You can just as easily upload it again with changes... these are current parameters:
xfer -u ipaddr file path opt - Upload file, opt 0: no header add, 1: add ascii header
xfer -d ipaddr file path opt - Download file, opt 0: leave header, 1: remove header
xfer -r ipaddr - Reboot M4
Post by: Maniac on 23:20, 27 July 16
When I want to use the floppy drive or HxC I run a |M4ROMOFF command and after the reset all of the XMEM ROMS load and I can use |DRIVE from ParaDOS and load stuff from floppy or HxC as per normal.
Hope that helps.
Post by: DerSchatten on 23:28, 27 July 16
The M4 board responds no longer with the message M4 Board V2.0 when i Switch on.
what can I do?
And the RESET-Switch only reset the M4 Board, not the CPC.
Post by: Duke on 08:30, 28 July 16
Duke, i have a big Problem...
The M4 board responds no longer with the message M4 Board V2.0 when i Switch on.
what can I do?
And the RESET-Switch only reset the M4 Board, not the CPC.
Post by: SOS on 14:27, 28 July 16
please, could you extend your documentation for the result-data of the Cortex-Commands,
e.g. i receive for command 0x4306:
1. Record:
Hex: 13 06 43 3e 6d 34 20 20 20 20 .....
Ascii: ..C>m4
2. Record:
Hex: 13 06 43 52 20 20 20 20 20 20 .............
Ascii: ..CR .ASM 1K
3. Record:
Hex: 03 04 43 FF 41 48 54 5a ........
Ascii: ..C.AHTZE~4.DSK 190K
What are the leading 3 Bytes mean?
Thanks
Post by: Duke on 15:10, 28 July 16
Hi Duke,
please, could you extend your documentation for the result-data of the Cortex-Commands,
e.g. i receive for command 0x4306:
1. Record:
Hex: 13 06 43 3e 6d 34 20 20 20 20 .....
Ascii: ..C>m4
2. Record:
Hex: 13 06 43 52 20 20 20 20 20 20 .............
Ascii: ..CR .ASM 1K
3. Record:
Hex: 03 04 43 FF 41 48 54 5a ........
Ascii: ..C.AHTZE~4.DSK 190K
What are the leading 3 Bytes mean?
Thanks
Post by: remax on 16:17, 28 July 16
I have a config where putting M4 rom in slot 7 doesn't work.
Does someone in the same situation has a working config ?
I can manage to have FW316 active but then i lose the |netstat, |dir and else...
EDIT : doh, i forgot that under FW316, | is | and not ù... :picard:
So it works.
Post by: DerSchatten on 18:05, 28 July 16
Replug it and clean edge connector again.
Does not help. The X-MEM works correct.
scrap?
Post by: CloudStrife on 18:13, 28 July 16
Post by: Duke on 18:23, 28 July 16
If it doesn't help when you connect it alone with cable and jumper on EXT and no microSD, then sounds like something has gone wrong with the board, and you will need to send it back to me so I can fix it or send a new one.
Does not help. The X-MEM works correct.
scrap?
Post by: Tai on 18:23, 28 July 16
Kudos to Duke for this amazing piece of hardware & software!
Post by: DerSchatten on 18:32, 28 July 16
The 3 LED light when turn on, but no more.
I have no external power supply, otherwise I would have also been tested.
Is the USB Plug only a power connector or can this connect also to the PC for Debugging?
Post by: Duke on 18:35, 28 July 16
reset button on the multiface ii and reset controlled by the albireo doesn't work with the M4...
I see, will check up on that later.
Post by: Duke on 18:37, 28 July 16
The USB is connected to the M4 aswell, but I dont run any software utilizing it.
with or without SD-Card makes no difference.
The 3 LED light when turn on, but no more.
I have no external power supply, otherwise I would have also been tested.
Is the USB Plug only a power connector or can this connect also to the PC for Debugging?
Post by: remax on 18:55, 28 July 16
I see, will check up on that later.
Same for the reset button on the mother4X
Post by: Duke on 18:56, 28 July 16
Same for the reset button on the mother4X
Ok good, then I can test it myself thanks.
Post by: DerSchatten on 23:16, 28 July 16
So with jumper on EXT and no powersupply, the blue led does not turn on and stay on when you power up the CPC?
The USB is connected to the M4 aswell, but I dont run any software utilizing it.
EXT and no Powersupply -> Blue LED light permanent. Red goes short on and off.
Post by: dcdrac on 17:07, 29 July 16
Post by: Duke on 18:08, 29 July 16
ok had time to try again on netstat got no ap found I assume that means no active point, I have WPS turned off on my router if I turn that back on I guess that will push the connection.
It means it didn't find your wifi router / access point. So that means either your SSID is wrong or there is no signal where the CPC is located?
Post by: dcdrac on 19:30, 29 July 16
Post by: anyf33 on 20:03, 29 July 16
Another question i think is general can i replace the basic rom with this board?
Also i believe that you sould have all the updates in one page with the link on the documentation
P.s. |uprade dont work
The board have 1.0.3
Post by: Duke on 20:45, 29 July 16
I shall try the 5 gigahertz one tomorrow only tried the 2 gighertz ssid.
The ESP8266 is 2.4 GHz, so it must be the 2.4 GHz network you connect to.
The SSID should be the same as what you see in windows when showing wireless networks or on your cellphone, eq. NETGEAR, and its case sensitive.
Post by: Duke on 20:58, 29 July 16
Yes you can replace Basic. Be aware that replacing basic involves replacing both lowerrom and upper rom 0.
Also you should be on at least firmware v.1.0.4.
I have put a change log in the documentation:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt) (press ctrl+r to make sure you are seeing latest version).
And yep I should add the links to each firmware version in the doc, will do it in next revision, or maybe a helpful soul would create a page on the wiki with all the right stuff ;)
Lastly |upgrade most certainly works (I use it on every board I ship), if it doesn't work either your wifi setup is wrong or your dns servers aren't setup properly, I suggest to use google dns (or opendns).
For google dns, set "dns1=8.8.8.8, dns2=8.8.4.4"
For opendns, set "dns1=208.67.222.222, dns2=208.67.220.220"
To use your ISP's dns, point the dns1 to your router IP, ie.
"dns1=192.168.1.1"
Here is the list of firmwares for download (unpack to root of microSD card and reboot CPC with M4):
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v101.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v101.zip)
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v102.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v102.zip)
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v103.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v103.zip)
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v104.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v104.zip)
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v105.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v105.zip)
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v106.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v106.zip)
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v107.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v107.zip)
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v108b.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v108b.zip)
Hello again i tried this board on a 464 finally. It works well. But i cannot use the tape have build in. The |tape dont work the |disc have the same result. If i remove the board the tape work ok.
Another question i think is general can i replace the basic rom with this board?
Also i believe that you sould have all the updates in one page with the link on the documentation
P.s. |uprade dont work
The board have 1.0.3
Post by: remax on 21:00, 30 July 16
Post by: remax on 23:04, 30 July 16
Post by: Duke on 00:05, 31 July 16
Here it is : M4 Board - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/M4_Board)
Perfect! Thanks a lot @remax (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=314), much appreciated!
Post by: madram on 02:32, 31 July 16
Almost worked out of the box, except:
- connection was lost ~1min after |netset (with |netstat hanging). No idea why.
- hard reset do not reset anywore!
Also, |B works, but AMSDOS commands afterward still access the SD-CARD. How is that?
BTW, is M4ROM vs Parados conflict resolved (each in its own ROM, M4ROM falling back to Parados for floppy access)?
If not, how are we meant to copy from floppy/HxC to M4's SD-Card ?
Thanks a lot, keep up the great work!
Post by: Duke on 02:58, 31 July 16
Hard reset as the switch on the board, does not reset ?
You can upload roms, enable/disable them from cpc via the |romup, |romset & |romupd, documented here: http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt)
For structure of romslots.bin and romconfig.bin, see this post Amstrad CPC WiFi (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/amstrad-cpc-wifi/msg129930/#msg129930)
Currently M4 does not support real discs, if you want to use real discs (amsdos or parados), type |m4romoff.
Something is in the works for reading&writing real discs to/from microSD via M4 rom.
It's also possible to map M4 rom after AMSDOS / Parados and write a program to do, this way M4 rom wont hook the cas_ functions, but rom functions would still be available.
Cards well received! These are neat little things.
Almost worked out of the box, except:Are romconfig.bin / romslots.bin described somewhere? I'd like to shift ROMs from my CPC.
- connection was lost ~1min after |netset (with |netstat hanging). No idea why.
- hard reset do not reset anywore!
Also, |B works, but AMSDOS commands afterward still access the SD-CARD. How is that?
BTW, is M4ROM vs Parados conflict resolved (each in its own ROM, M4ROM falling back to Parados for floppy access)?
If not, how are we meant to copy from floppy/HxC to M4's SD-Card ?
Thanks a lot, keep up the great work!
Post by: SOS on 11:25, 31 July 16
Same here on a CPC6128, but sometimes(!) when i press the reset-button for a longer time, the CPC was reset.
- hard reset do not reset anywore!
Post by: Duke on 16:56, 31 July 16
Download from here:
M4 Board - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/M4_Board) (if my wiki upload failed, then you can also get it from here: http://spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v108.zip (http://spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v108.zip)) or use |upgrade
* Fix IP addresses for httpget (again).
* Fix |dir bug.
* Fix hardreset.
* Added C_GETPATH command (requested).
* Added ability to load your own build of M4ROM from root of microSD, should be named M4ROM.BIN
I will make the source code for M4ROM available shortly, so if anyone wants to help fix bugs, add improvements, or simply make their own version this is now possible.
Using cpcxfer program you can test a build of the M4ROM in seconds, by issuing simple commands:
xfer -u <cpcip> M4ROM.BIN / 0
xfer -r <cpcip>
When M4ROM.BIN is present in root of microSD this version will be active instead of the built-in M4ROM that I supply with each upgrade.
Rom is compiled using the assembler from sdcc (sdasz80), so cross compiling is needed unless source is converted to another format.
Post by: Duke on 17:08, 31 July 16
GitHub - M4Duke/m4rom: M4 Board, z80 rom part (https://github.com/M4Duke/m4rom)
If anyone wants write permission, send me a pm.
EDIT: I changed the boot message in uploaded source to "M4 Board V2.1" it should be "2.0" of course, but if you assemble it and upload you can see if it works or not.
Toolchain can be obtained here: https://sourceforge.net/projects/sdcc/files/ (https://sourceforge.net/projects/sdcc/files/)
Let me know if any issues compiling it. The makefile assumes hex2bin to be in same directory.
Post by: MiguelSky on 15:20, 01 August 16
http://www.amstrad.es/cpcgamescd/NVG_CPCLoader_Games_Collection.zip (http://www.amstrad.es/cpcgamescd/NVG_CPCLoader_Games_Collection.zip)
Patching for not working games is welcome ;)
Post by: SOS on 14:05, 02 August 16
I've just made a CPCLoader collection with all the games of NVG extracted to folders similar to the one I made to use with BonnyDOS.You created the file with "CPC Loader 3" can i download this version?
From the homepage CPC Loader (http://cpcloader.trak.dk/) i can only download old versions.
Post by: Laurence Morgan on 19:47, 02 August 16
I've got some basic soldering skills (entirely self taught at EE though) and pretty good at programming, so it is something I could do on my own, but my biggest problem is I'm not really sure how to go about starting a project like this. :laugh:
edit: Or if you're accepting feature requests (and I'm sure you're probably sick of hearing questions like this! lol) would you be willing to expose BASIC commands for forming TCP/IP connections and sending packets down them? Then it would be trivial for me to write a telnet client in Locomotive BASIC.
Post by: Duke on 01:02, 03 August 16
As for reprogramming M4 board to do other things sure it shouldn't be too hard, it's all bare metal that I am using, but there is other stuff out there such as rtos for cortex m4.
Every I/O pin on the M4 board to the cpc is labelled and a jtag or st-link can be connected to the top header and there's even serial connections for both cortex and xtensa, for easy debug printf.
You will also have to do some work on the ESP8266 to use the wifi and send data back and forth it's connected to the M4 via SPI1 / HSPI.
Feature requests are fine, but I am not promising anything :)
TCP/UDP packets via IPC commands are planned, but I need some renewed energy before I start on this.
This project looks amazing. Very tempting to buy one, but what I'm really after is some way to connect to a Raspberry Pi. Sorry to hijack your thread, but how easy would it be for me to take your hardware (or any schematics if you're happen to release them and build my own expansion board) and write my own libraries for connecting to a telnet server?
I've got some basic soldering skills (entirely self taught at EE though) and pretty good at programming, so it is something I could do on my own, but my biggest problem is I'm not really sure how to go about starting a project like this. :laugh:
edit: Or if you're accepting feature requests (and I'm sure you're probably sick of hearing questions like this! lol) would you be willing to expose BASIC commands for forming TCP/IP connections and sending packets down them? Then it would be trivial for me to write a telnet client in Locomotive BASIC.
Post by: MiguelSky on 02:01, 03 August 16
You created the file with "CPC Loader 3" can i download this version?Hahaha, sorry. It's not available yet. That's the frontend in really near new CPCGamesCD release!!
From the homepage CPC Loader (http://cpcloader.trak.dk/) i can only download old versions.
Post by: radu14m on 21:05, 03 August 16
Thanks Duke !!!
Post by: Takis Kalatzis on 22:06, 03 August 16
Card received, hoping to test it next weekend!
Thanks, Duke!
Post by: DaDMaN on 15:33, 04 August 16
Thanks,
DaD.
Post by: Duke on 16:26, 04 August 16
Hi! How (or where) can I order this board?
Thanks,
DaD.
Just send me a private message :) with your email address and let me know what connector you want (edge or MX4).
Post by: DaDMaN on 16:53, 04 August 16
Just send me a private message :) with your email address and let me know what connector you want (edge or MX4).
DONE ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Post by: SOS on 17:45, 04 August 16
When i make "cat"the cat is corrupted (length = ERR) and the path is set to "m".
Post by: Duke on 20:18, 04 August 16
When i have a good-filled SD-Card, and make a |CD,"M5" the system means that the path doesnt exist (it's ok).
When i make "cat"the cat is corrupted (length = ERR) and the path is set to "m".
Ok thanks, will see if I can recreate it.
@DaDMaN (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=126) , not received your pm. Don't use the email option, it doesn't work at the moment.
Post by: SOS on 14:08, 05 August 16
i can't reproduce it (i mean, it occurs after a reset), but can you please check your code?
Thanks & Bye
SOS
Post by: Duke on 15:35, 05 August 16
Hi Duke (it's not possible to write a PM with an attached image?!),
i can't reproduce it (i mean, it occurs after a reset), but can you please check your code?
Thanks & Bye
SOS
Yep I'll check, it looks odd.
Btw. regarding reset.
When using hard reset aka pulling low bus reset (as MX4 does) this will not reset current path, this is of course useful so you don't have to re-navigate.
However using the M4 reset button, it will reset the board completely, thus resetting the path to root.
Post by: DaDMaN on 15:37, 05 August 16
Just send me a private message :) with your email address and let me know what connector you want (edge or MX4).
Done! (again) :P
Please @Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624) confirm that my message arrived.
DaD.
Post by: jomicamp on 23:41, 05 August 16
Now it is time for developers explore all its possibilities...
Post by: Duke on 15:53, 07 August 16
V1.0.9 BETA. Get it here: http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v109b.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v109b.zip)
Started adding a bit of NET API, for now only TCP/IP functions (client), max. 8 connections. Probably full of bugs :)
Functions added so far:
C_NETSOCKET equ &4331
C_NETCONNECT equ &4332
C_NETCLOSE equ &4333
C_NETSEND equ &4334
C_NETRECV equ &4335
C_NETHOSTIP equ &4336
Here is a small telnet client demo I was able to make with these:
[youtube]v_E7iINGBFE[/youtube]
Download the sample telnet client source code below.
This is a total hack, with hardcoded IP/port and you cannot use del key.
I have not read any RFC's regarding telnet, so just a quick and dirty implementation (works with my router, maybe not much else).
For anyone wanting to make a proper telnet client, feel free to use this as you wish:
GitHub - M4Duke/telnet: Example telnet client for M4board (https://github.com/M4Duke/telnet)
I haven't documented the new functions yet, but hopefully the above source will provide enough info for now.
Post by: Gryzor on 14:16, 08 August 16
It'd be good, I think, if you could also add the changelog to it. I can do it myself, of course, if you could provide me with a complete log that would save me from going through so many posts here :)
Post by: Duke on 14:32, 08 August 16
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt)
If you have time please add it :) - Otherwise I will do it later(tm), I am not too familar with editing the wiki, Remax made the initial page.
Thanks for adding the wiki page!
It'd be good, I think, if you could also add the changelog to it. I can do it myself, of course, if you could provide me with a complete log that would save me from going through so many posts here :)
Post by: Gryzor on 15:04, 08 August 16
Post by: Duke on 15:45, 08 August 16
Post by: Executioner on 01:17, 10 August 16
Started adding a bit of NET API, for now only TCP/IP functions (client), max. 8 connections. Probably full of bugs :)
Functions added so far:
C_NETSOCKET equ &4331
C_NETCONNECT equ &4332
C_NETCLOSE equ &4333
C_NETSEND equ &4334
C_NETRECV equ &4335
C_NETHOSTIP equ &4336
Excellent, but I assume these all stop the Z80 while receiving, sending, connecting etc which is all ok until your network gets slow.
Post by: Duke on 07:29, 10 August 16
Excellent, but I assume these all stop the Z80 while receiving, sending, connecting etc which is all ok until your network gets slow.Yes for each packet. Recv is only blocking when there's data in the buffer (so it'll only take the time it takes to move the data). I guess I could make send non-blocking too, ie. adding some kind of pull function to check if data was delivered.
Let's see if anyone uses them at all :)
Post by: Executioner on 23:38, 10 August 16
Yes for each packet. Recv is only blocking when there's data in the buffer (so it'll only take the time it takes to move the data).
How much time does it take to move a packet? (and how big is a packet max?)
Quote
I guess I could make send non-blocking too, ie. adding some kind of pull function to check if data was delivered.
If both the send and receive functions (and connect) were non-blocking or at least always executed in less than 300us then interrupts could be enabled allowing for such things as palette/mode changes while accessing the network. That is probably not necessary for most applications, but would be nice. Failing that, having 20ms max to connect/send/receive would allow frame based interrupts to occur so we could for example play music. I know that the standard FDC doesn't allow all that anyway unless you use special small sectors, but it would be nice for networking, and you probably wouldn't want your entire CPC to stop permanently because you had a flaky telnet connection for example.
Post by: Duke on 02:35, 11 August 16
How much time does it take to move a packet? (and how big is a packet max?)Without having done actual benchmarks, max packet would be around 1500 and should take roughly 3-5 ms to move from esp to m4 with overhead af various things (z80 signaling & response handling).
If both the send and receive functions (and connect) were non-blocking or at least always executed in less than 300us then interrupts could be enabled allowing for such things as palette/mode changes while accessing the network. That is probably not necessary for most applications, but would be nice. Failing that, having 20ms max to connect/send/receive would allow frame based interrupts to occur so we could for example play music. I know that the standard FDC doesn't allow all that anyway unless you use special small sectors, but it would be nice for networking, and you probably wouldn't want your entire CPC to stop permanently because you had a flaky telnet connection for example.Yeah I see what you are saying, I may have to refine the work flow a bit and probably make connect and send non blocking too. Thanks for the input.
Post by: reidrac on 11:51, 11 August 16
I wouldn't mind paying for a 3D print in an online service; the M4 board is awesome and I don't like the idea of it breaking because the PCB is exposed.
Post by: SOS on 12:06, 11 August 16
May be a little bit off-topic, does anyone have the skills to design an enclosure for the M4?Could I extend the question?
I wouldn't mind paying for a 3D print in an online service; the M4 board is awesome and I don't like the idea of it breaking because the PCB is exposed.
An enclosure for the other boards are needed to :D like F-MEM, X-MASS, MotherX4.
Personally, I would not care if the enclosure is 3D-printed or made of acrylic or other material ( as long as it would not be extremely - expensive )
Post by: Duke on 12:41, 11 August 16
The print does seem to be OK though. Be aware that the rather large surface does tend to warp, so print with a brim etc (I have not manged to get a perfect print!).
This version is for MX4 connector, it will need some adjustment for edge connector.
If any sketchup pro's out there, please fix my messed up polys (see red arrows).
Then I can do a Edge connector version too and a test print to make sure it fits, if anyone wants to print out their own.
Lastly the reset button wont be accessible and the leds not visible (maybe a 'tunnel' could be made to those?).
Attached is the .skp file.
Post by: myrsky on 02:08, 12 August 16
i have one of this m4 boards and looks good... but on my 464 makes nothing =(
Card is connected to the floppy disc slot with a 2gb sd formated in FAT, after turned on the 464 makes 2 resets, the rom stay the same of 464 and "cat" command gives me "press play then any key:" response.
Im lost... any ideas?
Thank you!
Post by: CraigsBar on 02:41, 12 August 16
Hi everyone...What setting is the power jumper set to? And have you cleaned the edge connector recently?
i have one of this m4 boards and looks good... but on my 464 makes nothing =(
Card is connected to the floppy disc slot with a 2gb sd formated in FAT, after turned on the 464 makes 2 resets, the rom stay the same of 464 and "cat" command gives me "press play then any key:" response.
Im lost... any ideas?
Thank you!
Post by: myrsky on 05:54, 12 August 16
thx.
Post by: Duke on 07:24, 12 August 16
The first version did not work with Gate Array 40007, I think.
Jumper is set to EXT, the card receive power, leds are turned on an reset button works... the edge conector is cleaned with isopropyl alcohol.
thx.
Post by: robcfg on 11:00, 12 August 16
Post by: elanstra on 11:12, 12 August 16
Post by: DerSchatten on 19:27, 12 August 16
What is the correct ROM Configuration to start BASIC V1.1 on a CPC464.
My XMEM is configured according Attachment and it works fine when i Change the ROM boot/noboot-Switch.
for m4 board I have tried the following Setting:
Rom slot 0 ... BASIC V1.1 (CPC664)
Rom slot 31 ... Lower ROM FW316UK32
Romboard start 0
Lower-rom Enabled YES
Lower-rom Slot 31
The CPC starts with FW 3.16-EN
BASIC 1.1
READY
But no Cursor.
perhaps missing the FW316EXP.ROM ?
On the XMEM, it is on Slot 01.
Post by: Duke on 19:39, 12 August 16
Please help...
What is the correct ROM Configuration to start BASIC V1.1 on a CPC464.
My XMEM is configured according Attachment and it works fine when i Change the ROM boot/noboot-Switch.
for m4 board I have tried the following Setting:
Rom slot 0 ... BASIC V1.1 (CPC664)
Rom slot 31 ... Lower ROM FW316UK32
Romboard start 0
Lower-rom Enabled YES
Lower-rom Slot 31
The CPC starts with FW 3.16-EN
BASIC 1.1
READY
But no Cursor.
perhaps missing the FW316EXP.ROM ?
On the XMEM, it is on Slot 01.
Post by: DerSchatten on 19:55, 12 August 16
WEB and ROMAN with the same configuration in attach.
Romboard start is 0, not 1
Post by: myrsky on 20:02, 12 August 16
thank you ill try to clean it deeper
@duke
I dont know my gatearray version and dont know what fw i have, any tutorial for update the M4?
Thanks.
Post by: Duke on 20:06, 12 August 16
@robcfg (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=4) and elantraYeah clean the connector an extra time, even if you think it's clean.
thank you ill try to clean it deeper
@duke
I dont know my gatearray version and dont know what fw i have, any tutorial for update the M4?
Thanks.
Look under firmware here:
M4 Board - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/M4_Board)
Simply download v1.0.8 and unpack it to the root of your microSD card from the PC, insert to M4 and power up the CPC.
Post by: Duke on 20:27, 12 August 16
XMEM is connected with the same connector at the same time, yes, but disabled with the "READ ROM NO/YES Jumper"
WEB and ROMAN with the same configuration in attach.
Romboard start is 0, not 1
Ok, if start is 0 it should work, just in case try removing the XMEM. And I don't know ROMAN, but it probably wont do any good for M4 board (dont know if will do any harm either...).
Post by: DerSchatten on 20:56, 12 August 16
Flash FW3.15-EN and BASIC 1.1
The same. Ready... and hangs.
Post by: Duke on 21:19, 12 August 16
XMEM disconnected, SD-Card formated and i save the new IP-Configuration on SD-Card.Just re-tested here with v1.0.8.
Flash FW3.15-EN and BASIC 1.1
The same. Ready... and hangs.
It seems you need to use basic 1.1 rom from 6128 not 664 (with 664 basic 1.1 I got no cursor too).
I use FW3.16UK32
Post by: Duke on 21:23, 12 August 16
Post by: DerSchatten on 21:31, 12 August 16
Very Thanks! :D
Post by: Prodatron on 14:10, 13 August 16
Started adding a bit of NET API, for now only TCP/IP functions (client), max. 8 connections. Probably full of bugs :)
Functions added so far:
C_NETSOCKET equ &4331
C_NETCONNECT equ &4332
C_NETCLOSE equ &4333
C_NETSEND equ &4334
C_NETRECV equ &4335
C_NETHOSTIP equ &4336
Duke, thanks a lot for adding these commands, seems to be exactly what is missing for Z80 based network applications!
I have a few questions:
- are there any buffers for incoming/outgoing data? If yes, would it be possible to add a command for reading the buffer status?
- regarding the receive command; maybe I didn't get it correctly, but what happens if you request more data than which has been received? Will it wait forever?
- what's about a status command in general? "Connection status", "new data received"...
- and of course it would be nice if there would be a listen command as well :) (for implementing server apps)
To complete this UDP support would be nice, too, but since you already implemented DNS lookup on your side anyway, and DHCP is already done at the beginning I don't see so much sense in UDP support for the beginning.
Post by: Prodatron on 16:25, 13 August 16
Download the sample telnet client source code below.
This is a total hack, with hardcoded IP/port and you cannot use del key.
I have not read any RFC's regarding telnet, so just a quick and dirty implementation (works with my router, maybe not much else).
For anyone wanting to make a proper telnet client, feel free to use this as you wish:
GitHub - M4Duke/telnet: Example telnet client for M4board (https://github.com/M4Duke/telnet)
We tried the Telnet client today on Octoates CPC (currently on the EVoke Demoparty) and it is crashing unfortunately. Maybe we didn't assemble it correctly. Could you provide the BIN as well? (we also replaced the domain with another one, "telehack.com", same result)
Post by: Duke on 17:23, 13 August 16
There is a buffer for incoming data, which you "empty" using the recv command, you cannot receive more than in the buffer (which currently is only 2KB per socket, I may allocate some more space later). Actually I am considering mapping another rom for receive buffers.
Duke, thanks a lot for adding these commands, seems to be exactly what is missing for Z80 based network applications!
I have a few questions:
- are there any buffers for incoming/outgoing data? If yes, would it be possible to add a command for reading the buffer status?
- regarding the receive command; maybe I didn't get it correctly, but what happens if you request more data than which has been received? Will it wait forever?
- what's about a status command in general? "Connection status", "new data received"...
- and of course it would be nice if there would be a listen command as well :) (for implementing server apps)
To complete this UDP support would be nice, too, but since you already implemented DNS lookup on your side anyway, and DHCP is already done at the beginning I don't see so much sense in UDP support for the beginning.
Recv is non blocking, meaning it will not wait, if there is no data in the buffer, it returns 0 in received data size and if you request more than there is you only get what there is which again is written to received data size (response buf[3+1..2]). Later I will make send and connect non blocking too.
As for the telnet example, its just compiled with Maxam 1.5 and source loaded via Protext v1.25, the domain name, is not used (it's commented out, but was to illustrate how to use the dns lookup). You should edit the IP number (30,0,0,10 -> "10.0.0.30" to whatever you wish to connect to, or enable the domain name lookup.
line 274..
csocket: db &0
db 30,0,0,10 ; ip addr http://10.0.0.30 (http://10.0.0.30) <-- change here
dw 23 ; port number
Post by: anyf33 on 00:05, 14 August 16
V1.0.9 BETA. Get it here: http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v109b.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v109b.zip)hello again Duke.
Started adding a bit of NET API, for now only TCP/IP functions (client), max. 8 connections. Probably full of bugs :)
Functions added so far:
C_NETSOCKET equ &4331
C_NETCONNECT equ &4332
C_NETCLOSE equ &4333
C_NETSEND equ &4334
C_NETRECV equ &4335
C_NETHOSTIP equ &4336
Here is a small telnet client demo I was able to make with these:
[youtube]v_E7iINGBFE[/youtube]
Download the sample telnet client source code below.
This is a total hack, with hardcoded IP/port and you cannot use del key.
I have not read any RFC's regarding telnet, so just a quick and dirty implementation (works with my router, maybe not much else).
For anyone wanting to make a proper telnet client, feel free to use this as you wish:
GitHub - M4Duke/telnet: Example telnet client for M4board (https://github.com/M4Duke/telnet)
I haven't documented the new functions yet, but hopefully the above source will provide enough info for now.
my amstrad's works fine with your board. but how can i use telnet client on my CPC? Thank you.
Post by: Duke on 02:49, 14 August 16
hello again Duke.The telnet client is not very usable right now, it was mostly meant as a proof of concept and example for other developers.
my amstrad's works fine with your board. but how can i use telnet client on my CPC? Thank you.
I hope someone will pick up on it and write a better version, with a bit of gui, proper dealing with the negotiation protocol, input field for server hostname or ip address, port no, handle keyboard control keys, delete key etc :)
For my short sample you will have to assemble it like I do in the video, but first edit the IP number in line 275 to reflect the IP number you want to telnet to.
Post by: myrsky on 03:01, 14 August 16
After a deeper cleaning of the 464 connector with isopropyl alcohol, eraser and M4 fw update WORKS!
Now my problem is loading games, trying to load bruce lee i use the following RUN"BRUCEL~2.DSK" after hit enter CPC shows "File is already open", thats happend with all games, i think/need to enter to the .DSK but using the command |cd,"xxx.DSK" CPC shows "Type mismatch"
Any ideas? Thanks.
PS: I hope my explanation is understandable =)
Post by: Duke on 03:07, 14 August 16
Yes the problem is you are using Basic 1.0, with Basic 1.0 you cannot pass parameters directly to RSX commands, so instead you have to do.
a$="BRUCEL~2.DSK"
|CD,@a$
Or just type |CD and press enter, then write or use shift+cursor keys+copy to get the dsk name, followed by enter.
After you have done that, type cat and run the correct file as it was a normal disc.
However the best solution is to upload lower rom from CPC6128 and basic rom from CPC6128 or the alternative FW3.16 (look a few posts back to see how thats done).
This way your CPC464 will be upgraded to Basic 1.1 and you can pass parameters to RSX commands, ie. |CD,"BRUCEL~2.DSK".
Lastly, dont forget to map M4 rom as number 7 now you are using CPC464, this will provide best compatiblity with games.
Hi again...
After a deeper cleaning of the 464 connector with isopropyl alcohol, eraser and M4 fw update WORKS!
Now my problem is loading games, trying to load bruce lee i use the following RUN"BRUCEL~2.DSK" after hit enter CPC shows "File is already open", thats happend with all games, i think/need to enter to the .DSK but using the command |cd,"xxx.DSK" CPC shows "Type mismatch"
Any ideas? Thanks.
PS: I hope my explanation is understandable =)
Post by: myrsky on 03:53, 14 August 16
Game loaded with success with this commands, thank you!
I was reading the post about update 464 to basic 1.1 but i dont know how to manage all this files and M4 rom slots.
Post by: rcmolina on 10:46, 14 August 16
Any roadmap to get a file browser in rom, or anyone knows an utility to put in the sdcard to navigate, similar for instance to fb64 inn sdiec (C64)
-
Rafael
Post by: Duke on 18:47, 14 August 16
@rcmolina (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1783) : There is no quick browser/launcher yet for the m4 fatfs filesystem. If nobody else makes one, I may do it sometime, would be a nice weekend project.
Post by: MiguelSky on 20:49, 14 August 16
Post by: Duke on 20:52, 14 August 16
Post by: myrsky on 21:34, 14 August 16
Configuration is only wireless? I dont have any wifi network here to test now.
Post by: Duke on 07:30, 15 August 16
@Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624)Some parts are (lowerrom and mappings). You could manually edit the romslots/romconfig files though.
Configuration is only wireless? I dont have any wifi network here to test now.
I have attached predefined romslots.bin and romconfig.bin, if you copy these two files into m4 directory (from root) via pc and start up the cpc you will have basic 1.1 and fw316 in lowerrom, besides M4 rom is set to 7 (so not suitable for some regular CPC6128's).
If you get tired of them, simply delete the files again from m4 directory.
Post by: Prodatron on 15:53, 15 August 16
Later I will make send and connect non blocking too.TBH I can't find any "blocking" code in the Telnet source code. "sendcmd" returns directly after sending all data to the M4, and after each sendcmd you are reading the results immediately.
(I sent you an email with several questions regarding the network API some minutes ago as well :) )
Post by: Duke on 16:44, 15 August 16
TBH I can't find any "blocking" code in the Telnet source code. "sendcmd" returns directly after sending all data to the M4, and after each sendcmd you are reading the results immediately.
(I sent you an email with several questions regarding the network API some minutes ago as well :) )
Not received, the email via forum doesn't work for the time being... I'll pm you my email address.
Post by: Prodatron on 17:44, 15 August 16
Post by: myrsky on 00:23, 16 August 16
Some parts are (lowerrom and mappings). You could manually edit the romslots/romconfig files though.
I have attached predefined romslots.bin and romconfig.bin, if you copy these two files into m4 directory (from root) via pc and start up the cpc you will have basic 1.1 and fw316 in lowerrom, besides M4 rom is set to 7 (so not suitable for some regular CPC6128's).
If you get tired of them, simply delete the files again from m4 directory.
Ill try it this night in some spare time but thanks for all =)
Edit:
Tested but 464 enter on a infinite loop of resets most of the time, the only times i could put a game the sound was corrupt.
Post by: DaDMaN on 12:22, 17 August 16
The board arrived yesterday. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :D :D :D :D :D
Thanks for your hard work and your effort.
Cheers,
DaDMaN.
Post by: TFM on 21:57, 18 August 16
Duke, I have a suggestion/request for |DIR command: it's a bit annoying when you list a directory and there is a lot of files/folders into it as there is no way to abort the listing. BonnyDOS' |CAT command let you push spacebar everytime you want to freeze the listing: if you press space bar again, listing continues; if you push Return, listing aborts.
X-DDOS allows ESC to be pressed to stop listing. 2nd ESC stops listing. Any other key continues listing. IMHO favorable ;-)
Post by: MiguelSky on 22:55, 18 August 16
Post by: Duke on 19:12, 20 August 16
V1.0.9b2 - Downloadable here: http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v109b2.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v109b2.zip)
Changes:
* Added ESC check to cat/|dir.
* All NETAPI made non-blocking (refer to new telnet sample for details, GitHub - M4Duke/telnet: Example telnet client for M4board (https://github.com/M4Duke/telnet)).
* Lots of bugfixes in NETAPI.
Number of sockets decreased to 4 and receive buffers for each socket increased to 4KB (but keep transfer at once to 2KB due to response buffer).
Source code for M4rom was updated too: GitHub - M4Duke/m4rom: M4 Board, z80 rom part (https://github.com/M4Duke/m4rom) with new socket status array.
Post by: myrsky on 00:39, 22 August 16
Just a question, where can i download FW3.xx for a spanish layout keymap and cpc 6128 basic 1.1?
Thanks.
Post by: CraigsBar on 01:46, 22 August 16
Post by: Duke on 20:01, 22 August 16
This is with CPC6128+ and M4 rom mapped as rom7, thanks for the good work @MiguelSky (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=14).
All this needs is a quick navigator to get rid of the |cd, |dir navigation, maybe a quick scan for executable files and display full length directory names. Something I'd like to make if noone else is in the process 8)
I've just made a CPCLoader collection with all the games of NVG extracted to folders similar to the one I made to use with BonnyDOS.
http://www.amstrad.es/cpcgamescd/NVG_CPCLoader_Games_Collection.zip (http://www.amstrad.es/cpcgamescd/NVG_CPCLoader_Games_Collection.zip)
Patching for not working games is welcome ;)
Post by: CraigsBar on 20:28, 22 August 16
It would be so sweet to be able to launch symbos with a run"sym on the a drive with microsd speeds. ;)
Post by: MiguelSky on 20:56, 22 August 16
this collection is amazing, almost everything works that I tried (proper cracks!).Well, most of the work is by Nich Campbell (ftp NVG) and TroelsK (CPCLoader), I only put together the work of both of them.
This is with CPC6128+ and M4 rom mapped as rom7, thanks for the good work @MiguelSky (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=14).
Quote
All this needs is a quick navigator to get rid of the |cd, |dir navigation, maybe a quick scan for executable files and display full length directory names. Something I'd like to make if noone else is in the process 8)Yes! That sounds great!
Post by: Duke on 21:09, 22 August 16
Well, most of the work is by Nich Campbell (ftp NVG) and TroelsK (CPCLoader), I only put together the work of both of them.Ahh, I was looking for a long time for cracked games as most downloads were original dumps (mainly I found http://cngsoft.no-ip.org (http://cngsoft.no-ip.org) and CPCCRACKERS - DOWNLOADS (http://cpccrackers.free.fr/Downloads) with good cracks). Nice to have one huge collection.
Yes! That sounds great!
Post by: rcmolina on 21:36, 23 August 16
All this needs is a quick navigator to get rid of the |cd, |dir navigation, maybe a quick scan for executable files and display full length directory names. Something I'd like to make if noone else is in the process 8)
A dream comes true! :P
Post by: rcmolina on 11:36, 24 August 16
Have you think about that?
Post by: Duke on 13:28, 24 August 16
What about your fat browser creature name ? :olol no, let's see if I get started at all :) I feel very rusty when it comes to CPC UI programming...
Have you think about that?
Post by: zhulien on 20:56, 24 August 16
Post by: Duke on 20:58, 24 August 16
hi Duke, got my Wifi cards today, so excited... but 4am so have to sleep for work... do you recommend i use it in place of XMem or in addition to?
Post by: Prodatron on 21:28, 24 August 16
I love seeing posts from @Prodatron (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13) in this thread, hopefully this means a version of SymbOS that can be launched from the m4 micro SD card a: with WiFi might be coming. Please please please ;)You can already boot the "raw" version of SymbOS with the M4 from SD card in about 2 seconds :)
It would be so sweet to be able to launch symbos with a run"sym on the a drive with microsd speeds. ;)
During the last days/weeks Duke already added a lot of very useful API stuff to the M4 firmware. This will enable full SymbOS support very soon - both SD card access and networking. At least I am currently working on it and hope to have it finish somewhen in september.
Post by: CraigsBar on 21:33, 24 August 16
You can already boot the "raw" version of SymbOS with the M4 from SD card in about 2 seconds :)Great news! Guess what I am playing with tonight ;)
During the last days/weeks Duke already added a lot of very useful API stuff to the M4 firmware. This will enable full SymbOS support very soon - both SD card access and networking. At least I am currently working on it and hope to have it finish somewhen in september.
Post by: myrsky on 23:01, 24 August 16
GitHub - realmml/FW3.1x: A series of patches over the original Amstrad CPC (https://github.com/realmml/FW3.1x)
Thank you!
@all
These basic roms are correct for m4? ROM List - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/ROM_List#BASIC_ROMs)
Post by: CraigsBar on 14:38, 25 August 16
Great news! Guess what I am playing with tonight ;)And indeed it does. I love the fact that it reconnects the floppy drives after boot. So in theory, we could have symbos booted from the raw dsk image on the m4 SD card, and once running have the conf file on the SD card and retain access to the floppies. Wow. I cannot wait.
Post by: Duke on 17:19, 25 August 16
These basic roms are correct for m4? ROM List - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/ROM_List#BASIC_ROMs)
Yes they are fine, but you may need to match them tough, if ie. using basic 1.1 from CPC664 you need to use lowerrom for CPC664 aswell.
Incase of fw316 you need CPC6128 basic.
Post by: Prodatron on 17:41, 25 August 16
And indeed it does. I love the fact that it reconnects the floppy drives after boot. So in theory, we could have symbos booted from the raw dsk image on the m4 SD card, and once running have the conf file on the SD card and retain access to the floppies. Wow. I cannot wait.Yes, I can't wait for this as well! :)
Post by: CraigsBar on 17:57, 25 August 16
Yes, I can't wait for this as well! :)Not this week then. ;) CPC and m4 will be an awesome symbos platform.
Post by: myrsky on 22:59, 25 August 16
Yes they are fine, but you may need to match them tough, if ie. using basic 1.1 from CPC664 you need to use lowerrom for CPC664 aswell.
Incase of fw316 you need CPC6128 basic.
Yes i was talking about the 6128 one, thank you!
Post by: ukmarkh on 02:01, 27 August 16
Post by: Duke on 02:11, 27 August 16
Does this mean we will all be able to play CPC games, multiplayer in the future?Yes, it's up to the devs of future games of course. It should be fully possible with the 2nd beta api, at the cost of a couple of rasterlines per frame.
For info how to use the api check the telnet source example and documentation here: http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt)
Without actual host api (might come, might not..). A game server would be needed rather than p2p connections.
Reason it's still beta, is that I need some feedback if any issues or something needs to be changed.
Post by: Octoate on 11:41, 27 August 16
during the Evoke I played around with the networking and had trouble connection to my WiFi network via the Netstat command. The WiFi name contains spaces e.g. "ABC Cdefg 1" and I wasn't able to set it up - however, using the config file on the SD card worked fine. The firmware was version 1.0.8. Is this a known issue?
And another question... working in a network with more than 400 people, some people think that it is funny to reset the CPC during playing or working with it ;-). A simple password protection for the webinterface would be really nice :D.
Post by: Duke on 13:44, 27 August 16
Hi Duke,Hi Octoate,
during the Evoke I played around with the networking and had trouble connection to my WiFi network via the Netstat command. The WiFi name contains spaces e.g. "ABC Cdefg 1" and I wasn't able to set it up - however, using the config file on the SD card worked fine. The firmware was version 1.0.8. Is this a known issue?
And another question... working in a network with more than 400 people, some people think that it is funny to reset the CPC during playing or working with it ;-). A simple password protection for the webinterface would be really nice :D .
It's the first I have heard of it, but will check it out soon thanks :) And good point about the password for web UI, I'll see what can be done about it.
Post by: Edoz(MSX) on 20:55, 27 August 16
Does this mean we will all be able to play CPC games, multiplayer in the future?
If there is a network driver ready for the SymbOS network daemon then there already some network applications and (small games) which should work on the CPC :D
Snake network Multiplayer game for SymbOS 3 | MSX Resource Center (https://www.msx.org/downloads/snake-network-multiplayer-game-for-symbos-3-0)
Battleship network game for SymbOS 3 | MSX Resource Center (https://www.msx.org/downloads/battleship-network-game-for-symbos-3)
SymBUS remote simple managment for SymbOS 3 | MSX Resource Center (https://www.msx.org/downloads/symbus-remote-simple-managment-for-symbos-3)
Network Chat (Client) Program for SymbOS running Network Daemon | MSX Resource (https://www.msx.org/downloads/network-chat-client-program-symbos-running-network-daemon)
small movie for the chat client:
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLbEt-yjWDE[/youtube] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLbEt-yjWDE)
and fun with battle-ship
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3arrALdYcU[/youtube] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3arrALdYcU)
It will be cool to have the CPC with network! That will link the MSX and CPC together ! as the CPC and MSX are Z80 brothers :D
[EDIT: Please use the YouTube button to embed your videos]
Post by: KaosOverride on 10:22, 28 August 16
My idea is to make some kind of BSD sockets lib for SDCC (CPCtelera, etc) because I have a port in mind. But I need UDP. No hurry!!!
Post by: Duke on 11:42, 28 August 16
Got the cards!! When I have some free time I will test them. Is there any roadmap for UDP?
My idea is to make some kind of BSD sockets lib for SDCC (CPCtelera, etc) because I have a port in mind. But I need UDP. No hurry!!!
Good. Not yet, once TCP implementation is confirmed OK, I can add UDP and hopefully later host functions.
Post by: Prodatron on 02:40, 29 August 16
[attachimg=1]
Thanks so much to Duke for this very generic network API and your fast replys and useful modifications! Unfortunately I am not home during the next days, but hopefully there is more progress on the XzentriX 8bit retro meeting next weekend! :)
Post by: myrsky on 04:35, 29 August 16
I have access to a wifi network so i trying to configure the M4 for FW316ES and CPC6128 basic 1.1 through the web interface but the RSX commands to setup the wifi network doesnt work with basic 1.0. What can i do?
I was using a program called ROMAN to manage rom slots but on a CPC464 cant import any file... so no more ideas.
Post by: Duke on 07:57, 29 August 16
HiYou can use all the M4 RSX commands on a CPC464 with basic 1.0, instead of passing arguments directly you need to use a variable.
I have access to a wifi network so i trying to configure the M4 for FW316ES and CPC6128 basic 1.1 through the web interface but the RSX commands to setup the wifi network doesnt work with basic 1.0. What can i do?
I was using a program called ROMAN to manage rom slots but on a CPC464 cant import any file... so no more ideas.
Ie. for setting up the network:
A$="name=CPC464, ssid=NETGEAR, pw=12345678, dhcp=1, dns1=8.8.8.8, dns2=8.8.4.4"
|NETSET,@A$
(edit the ssid and pw to match your router or access point).
Afterwards check the netconnection using:
|NETSTAT
As for managing roms from the CPC itself, you need to use |ROMUP, |ROMSET & |ROMUPD (refer to manual: http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt)).
Unfortunately you need the webinterface to set up the lowerrom.
@Prodatron (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13): Great work! - Hope there isn't too many bugs in my API, we shall see :)
Post by: Edoz(MSX) on 11:32, 29 August 16
Finished the driver and need to do a lot of tests now.
[attachimg=1]
Thanks so much to Duke for this very generic network API and your fast replys and useful modifications! Unfortunately I am not home during the next days, but hopefully there is more progress on the XzentriX 8bit retro meeting next weekend! :)
Wow! What impressive is this!! I don't own a CPC computer but i really like to see this screenshot!!! :D :D
Post by: Prodatron on 15:14, 29 August 16
My idea is to make some kind of BSD sockets lib for SDCC (CPCtelera, etc) because I have a port in mind.The multiplayer tank network game for the SpectraNet?? :P
I am currently using UDP only for DHCP and DNS lookup, and as this is done by the M4 anyway I am currently not missing it, but I can imagine that it is useful for future projects as well. Hope to finish the TCP function tests this weekend.
Post by: CraigsBar on 16:47, 29 August 16
The multiplayer tank network game for the SpectraNet?? [emoji14]:) just a thought I had last night.... Does the raw version of symbos also boot on a xmass? Sorry for going off topic here.
I am currently using UDP only for DHCP and DNS lookup, and as this is done by the M4 anyway I am currently not missing it, but I can imagine that it is useful for future projects as well. Hope to finish the TCP function tests this weekend.
Back on topic again, with symbos booting so quickly from the m4 SD card are there any advantages to the ROM version any more? Once this network and m4 storage version is release I think we will have a new king for symbos hardware. So long symbiface2, your time has gone!
Post by: Joseman on 17:52, 29 August 16
So long symbiface2, your time has gone!
M4 lacks ps/2 mouse port!!
Post by: CraigsBar on 17:54, 29 August 16
Post by: myrsky on 18:34, 29 August 16
You can use all the M4 RSX commands on a CPC464 with basic 1.0, instead of passing arguments directly you need to use a variable.
Ie. for setting up the network:
A$="name=CPC464, ssid=NETGEAR, pw=12345678, dhcp=1, dns1=8.8.8.8, dns2=8.8.4.4"
|NETSET,@A$
(edit the ssid and pw to match your router or access point).
Afterwards check the netconnection using:
|NETSTAT
As for managing roms from the CPC itself, you need to use |ROMUP, |ROMSET & |ROMUPD (refer to manual: http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt)).
Unfortunately you need the webinterface to set up the lowerrom.
@Prodatron (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13): Great work! - Hope there isn't too many bugs in my API, we shall see :)
Sorry i was aware of a$ but not for all commands... this makes things easier, im a fucking nerd with CPC interfaces.
Thanks Duke.
Post by: TFM on 18:46, 29 August 16
And another question... working in a network with more than 400 people, some people think that it is funny to reset the CPC during playing or working with it ...
That is a good point. I know that the M4 needs to reset the CPC at startup, but in general it should not be able to reset the CPC for any other software or especially somebody from a network.
(Forget passwords, people love to hack em).
Post by: Edoz(MSX) on 22:59, 29 August 16
:) just a thought I had last night.... Does the raw version of symbos also boot on a xmass? Sorry for going off topic here.
Back on topic again, with symbos booting so quickly from the m4 SD card are there any advantages to the ROM version any more? Once this network and m4 storage version is release I think we will have a new king for symbos hardware. So long symbiface2, your time has gone!
This is how the MSX works. You boot SymbOS from a storage device. As the MSX have a lot of different storage devices you have to load the storage drivers first before loading SymbOS. Anyway I love this new Wifi interface! Is the device I/O based? And in that case the hardware could be compatible for the MSX as well ;)
Post by: myrsky on 05:48, 30 August 16
More news about my adventures with M4, after a correct wireless setup i put (using the web interface) BASIC 1.1 from 6128 on slot 1 and fw316es32 on slot 31 as you suggested to the user dershatten in the attached picture... the files used are the following, FW316 from here GitHub - realmml/FW3.1x: A series of patches over the original Amstrad CPC (https://github.com/realmml/FW3.1x) and cpc6128 basic 1.1 from here Locomotive BASIC - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Locomotive_BASIC)
My result is a garbage boot screen or a infinite reset loop.
Post by: Duke on 07:08, 30 August 16
Is the device I/O based? And in that case the hardware could be compatible for the MSX as well ;)Partially, commands are send via ports, but responses are put into a memory mapped rom area (M4 ram).
@myrsky (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1856) : Try attaching a zipped version of your romslots.bin & romconfig.bin. However the version I attached earlier should have worked just fine (it did on my 464).
Just noticed you say inifinite reset loop, perhaps try to clean connector again.
Also another suggestion, try to use lowerrom from CPC664 and upperrom from CPC664 to see if that works. (OS.rom is lower, Basic.rom is upper)
Post by: Duke on 10:33, 30 August 16
Besides some small changes to netapi (will document later...)
Added one super cool feature - I think atleast 8)
Upon bootup / reset, it will now look for AUTOEXEC.BAS in root directory and if found, launch it first thing.
Example AUTOEXEC.BAS, to set your own custom colours
10 INK 0,0
20 INK 1,26
30 BORDER 0
save"autoexec.bas"
Please test and let me know if any issues or undesired sideffects (it's a bit of a wacky hack...)
Post by: CraigsBar on 11:38, 30 August 16
Another little v1.0.9 beta : http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v109b6.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v109b6.zip)I am so definitely gonna be playing with this tonight.
Besides some small changes to netapi (will document later...)
Added one super cool feature - I think atleast 8)
Upon bootup / reset, it will now look for AUTOEXEC.BAS in root directory and if found, launch it first thing.
Example AUTOEXEC.BAS, to set your own custom colours
10 INK 0,0
20 INK 1,26
30 BORDER 0
save"autoexec.bas"
Please test and let me know if any issues or undesired sideffects (it's a bit of a wacky hack...)
Post by: CraigsBar on 21:32, 30 August 16
I am so definitely gonna be playing with this tonight.
@Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624), this a f'king amazing.
I have placed the SymbOS roms in slots 15, 29, 30 & 31
I used the 6 lines of basic below and it presents a 5 second dialog to not boot Symbos and if the prompt is not actioned it boots symbos from Rom! I love it.
10 AFTER 250 GOSUB 50
20 LOCATE 1,7: PRINT "Press [CONTROL] to cancel SymbOS Boot"
30 IF INKEY (23) <> 128 THEN 30
40 sym$="N": GOTO 50
50 IF sym$="N" THEN GOTO 60 ELSE MODE 1:|SYM
60 LOCATE 1,7: PRINT" ":LOCATE 1,7:END
bravo duke, this is great. ;D
Post by: myrsky on 22:52, 30 August 16
Partially, commands are send via ports, but responses are put into a memory mapped rom area (M4 ram).
@myrsky (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1856) : Try attaching a zipped version of your romslots.bin & romconfig.bin. However the version I attached earlier should have worked just fine (it did on my 464).
Just noticed you say inifinite reset loop, perhaps try to clean connector again.
Also another suggestion, try to use lowerrom from CPC664 and upperrom from CPC664 to see if that works. (OS.rom is lower, Basic.rom is upper)
Booting from scratch 464 never made automatic reboots, these screen garbage and reboots come after wireless config. This is the last config i did...
PS: When i make wifi transfers to the 464, i hear interference in the internal speaker, thats only like curiosity nothing important.
Post by: Duke on 23:04, 30 August 16
Booting from scratch 464 never made automatic reboots, these screen garbage and reboots come after wireless config. This is the last config i did...What powersupply are you using? - Perhaps you should try to add a USB power supply directly to the M4 board and change jumper then interference will go away.
PS: When i make wifi transfers to the 464, i hear interference in the internal speaker, thats only like curiosity nothing important.
I only had "automatic" reboots when edge connector needed cleaning, but could be a power draw in your case if its only with wifi enabled... You could try to delete or rename the config.txt in m4 folder and reboot again without WiFi enabled to see if it changes anything.
Post by: myrsky on 00:09, 31 August 16
I use a 5V 2A powersupply but with your M4 config on page 65 of this thread is not stable with same "automatic" reboots with WiFi disabled.
Post by: zhulien on 00:38, 31 August 16
Post by: KaosOverride on 01:35, 31 August 16
The multiplayer tank network game for the SpectraNet?? :P
Yes!! Until UDP I will focus in the graphics engine. I have to port the full project from Z88dk to SDCC, from the Z88dk's SP1 tile and sprite lib maybe making a kind of wrapper to the cpctlera functions, and many more. I have to make a CPC.h to replace Spectrum.h, and the BSDsockets lib to make the fewer changes to the original game. :-X So there is not hurry for the UDP.
The tank server/engine is impresive. with few changes we can make some kind of CallOfDuty 2D deathmatch. With more straight maps and changing from rotational control to directional, the sprites for human soldiers, not tanks, reciclyng the fuel icon with grenades....
The client is just a loop that sends movement commands from keypress and draws sprites and sets the tilemap from UDP messages. Messages of create/destroy or relocation of the sprites, scoreboard, and the map tile section every time you change of map sector. Is just a player!!! all the IA is managed at the server...
And with a good hardware abstraction socket lib, if there is more hardware (ethernet, other wifis) the game just needs to change the lib and work with new hardware.
Post by: Duke on 08:06, 31 August 16
Hi Duke. I am wondering with the web interface... where is it served from? Could a wwwroot be served from a wwwroot folder on the sdcard if one exists?It's served from the flash on the ESP module, but you should be able to just place files on sd card and write http://name/sd/ (http://name/sd/) (or ip) then it will read from root of sd card, just prefix all links with /sd.
Post by: KaosOverride on 12:05, 31 August 16
If the /sd full access is configured as an option to deny http://host/sd (http://host/sd) and a file at m4/setup.txt for basic auth, then you are done.
Will be funny to edit html with tasword at wwwroot and serve it to the world... LOL
Post by: Prodatron on 17:56, 31 August 16
If http://host/ (http://host/) reads from sd/wwwroot and http://host/setup (http://host/setup) opens de setup panels then you have the CPC web server done xD
If the /sd full access is configured as an option to deny http://host/sd (http://host/sd) and a file at m4/setup.txt for basic auth, then you are done.
Will be funny to edit html with tasword at wwwroot and serve it to the world... LOL
In this case it's more an M4 Cortex webserver than a CPC web server ;)
Interesting topic anyway. If Duke will add server/passive TCP mode in the future it has to be changed, as the CPC itself may want to listen at port 80.
Post by: Bryce on 09:28, 01 September 16
Bryce.
Post by: KaosOverride on 10:16, 01 September 16
Post by: TotO on 10:27, 01 September 16
Post by: Bryce on 11:09, 01 September 16
Using SymbOS Cluster Server or FutureOS NetWarp :P :P
Ampache perhaps?
Bryce.
Post by: Gryzor on 16:17, 01 September 16
Post by: CraigsBar on 16:19, 01 September 16
Guys, it's already running on one, haven't you noticed the stability improvements?;) with 512mb extension I guess
Post by: KaosOverride on 16:39, 01 September 16
Now is time to fill in the gaps and make null returning funcs usable.
The only docs are the M4info.txt and the telnet example? Looks like I can go on with that. And the read buffer is accessed by turning on the M4 ROM at &C000 and go to the offset pointed at M4info.txt. Well, ok :D
Post by: Duke on 17:43, 01 September 16
Very good! I have now an empty sockets lib and the example "open connection and say OK" code is ready under SDCC.There has been some more changes, that I haven't documented yet and I also found bugs(!). The socket status can now contain 3 if remote closed connection, so you can check before recv() instead of looking for 0xFE return from recv().
Now is time to fill in the gaps and make null returning funcs usable.
The only docs are the M4info.txt and the telnet example? Looks like I can go on with that. And the read buffer is accessed by turning on the M4 ROM at &C000 and go to the offset pointed at M4info.txt. Well, ok :D
Over the weekend I will try to iron out the bug(s) and also the socket status structure will be changed.
Post by: TFM on 19:12, 01 September 16
Using SymbOS Cluster Server or FutureOS NetWarp :P :P
Well, I hope more for a solution based on native OS, so everybody can use it. However since the M4 provides ROMs it's not a problem to also use SymbOS as platform. But it would be so nice to just enter one RSX command and everything is starting up. :)
Post by: Duke on 23:09, 01 September 16
Anyway its a small TCP echo server, running on PC and a client on the CPC, so you simply can send messages to the PC and it will echo them back.
Only useful for testing, no practical use :)
GitHub - M4Duke/tcpecho: TCP echo server for PC and client for CPC M4 board (https://github.com/M4Duke/tcpecho)
If anyone wants to try it out, you can download the binary directly via M4 to your cpc:
|httpget,"spinpoint.org/cpc/TCPECHO.BIN"
and
run"TCPECHO.BIN"
Launch the tcpserv.exe on your PC (get it from github repo above).
Type PC IP number on CPC and start chatting with yourself :o
Post by: KaosOverride on 17:10, 02 September 16
Now I' refreshing the very very little asm I now and hope to write the "talking engine" from C with asm inserts for SDCC.
Taking a look at the tank game, or I rewrite the full tile/sprite directly to cpctelera primitives or I make the port of SP1 lib nobody has done over many years, but that is another history apart from this tcpip.
Maybe I take other of the examples from de spectranet TcpIp sources like the irc client :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Post by: Duke on 17:44, 02 September 16
Maybe I take other of the examples from de spectranet TcpIp sources like the irc client :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:That would be very cool :)
Post by: Duke on 17:26, 03 September 16
Now added host (passive) functions, bind, listen, accept.
[youtube]cPNONrogPaM[/youtube]
The newly created sockinfo structure in rom that works as read only hardware registers have changed.
The table is read by, taking the addr of 0xFF06, which points to the structure:
; 5 socket status structures (0 is used for gethostbyname*, 1-4 returned by socket function) of 16 bytes
; structure layout
; status 1 - current status 0=idle, 1=connect in progress, 2=send in progress, 3=remote closed connectoion, 4=wait incoming (accept), 240-255 = error code
; lastcmd 1 - last command updating sock status 0=none, 1=send, 2=dnslookup, 3=connect, 4=accept, 5=recv, 6=error handler
; received 2 - data received in internal buffer (ready to get with C_NETRECV)
; ip_addr 4 - ip addr of connected client in passive mode
; port 2 - port of the same..
; reserved 6 - not used yet (alignment!).
; *for socket 0, gethostbyname, status will be set to 5 when in progress and back to 0, when done.
I made a tcp echo server for running on the cpc as example (as seen in video above) to show how it works. Get the source code on the github repo:
GitHub - M4Duke/tcpecho: TCP echo server for PC and client for CPC M4 board (https://github.com/M4Duke/tcpecho)
M4 rom code was updated too:
GitHub - M4Duke/m4rom: M4 Board, z80 rom part (https://github.com/M4Duke/m4rom)
Aswell as: http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt) (ctrl+r to refresh!)
Let me know if any bugs, questions etc.
Post by: KaosOverride on 17:48, 03 September 16
LoL, Great work. Now I have more homework :laugh:
Just some problems to translate maxam to gas for sdcc, with my limited asm, but fun.
Thinking of uploading to github so people can give me some advice
Post by: Prodatron on 18:13, 03 September 16
Today on the XzentriX retro party I was able to get the first stuff running:
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
I tried to download the M4INFO.TXT from Dukes website with WGET in SymbOS, and it mostly worked, but there is at least one bug left. Anyway it already looks very nice :)
Post by: CraigsBar on 18:26, 03 September 16
Post by: Prodatron on 18:39, 03 September 16
Post by: Duke on 14:04, 04 September 16
Fixed an issue with larger transfers.
Updated http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt) a bit too under "Developer information"
If noone reports any bugs, this will be the release candidate for v1.0.9 and I can take a long break ;)
Post by: anyf33 on 17:15, 04 September 16
you can add a directory for example FIRMWARE and access via ftp
and add as a sign to the end of every message in cpcwiki
also another way is to add a link to a folder on a dropbox acount (also in your sign) .
you can have a sign like CPCWIFI www.spinpoint.org/cpc (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc) for the m4info.txt
thank you
Post by: Duke on 17:41, 04 September 16
hello DUKE is possible to have all the firmwares in one directory?Hi anyf33,
you can add a directory for example FIRMWARE and access via ftp
and add as a sign to the end of every message in cpcwiki
also another way is to add a link to a folder on a dropbox acount (also in your sign) .
you can have a sign like CPCWIFI http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc) for the m4info.txt
thank you
Sure but they are all here: M4 Board - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/M4_Board)
Except the betas (Latest beta I link in m4info.txt), I don't think there is any reason to keep the beta's?
- They are only temporary until tested and final version released.
Post by: Duke on 21:06, 04 September 16
This is for CPC6128 users who cannot not set M4 rom to 7, which breaks compatiblity with many games, that re-initialize amsdos (rom 7).
With this lowerrom you must set M4 rom to 6, then enable lowerrom and upload this to whatever lower rom slot you choose (ie. 31).
When games (loaders) call init rom 7, rom 6 (m4) will be initialized instead.
If there's interest I may make the patch a little more intelligent so that M4 rom could be at any pos.
Post by: Edoz(MSX) on 23:40, 04 September 16
It would be cool to chat with you in the future!
[youtube]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QLbEt-yjWDE[/youtube]
Post by: tvandor on 00:30, 05 September 16
Just wanted to let you know that I finally received Tot0's Mother4x and the adapter cable
for Schneider CPC.
Unfortunately I was not able to test the board with the Mother4x itself as it needs a power adapter
and I do not have one.
Anybody who uses the Wifi board wih the Motherx4, could you please let me know what kind of
power adapter I need? Thanks a lot! (I do not want to experment and risk wrecking my hardware...)
I was able to test the board directly with my CPC using the adapter cable!
It worked like charm! Thanks for doing this, it is really neat board! :-)
What I discovered so far:
-I was able to upgrade the firmware via the net interface without problem.
(Just one remark, would it be hard to display all the version information?
like M4 v1.0.9.b8 ? Currently it just displays v1.0.9 so I have no way of checking
if the upgrade went ok in between the same major version.)
-Rom upload via the website does not seem to work correctly, it seems to upload the rom only to slot 0.
- |ROMUP command works fine :-)
- Webinterface lists "ROM" for every rom I uploaded.
- I tested the modified lower rom you posted. Uploaded it to slot 31, the "Rom number" in the web interface set to 6, then I checked the "lower rom" checkbox. The system booted up just fine, I did not detect any difference, although I did not check it with games.I noticed one problem however. With this setup, whenever I turn off the cpc and turn it on again, I am getting a black screen and the system won't boot.I need to turn off the m4 board too, then turn on everything back again, so the system would boot. Unchecking the lower rom check box does not help.But if I remove the uploaded rom from slot 31, then I am able to turn off and on the CPC normally. (Without turning off the M4 board)
- I uploaded Symbos 2.1 roms onto the board and I also copied the contents of the system and app disks into the root folder ot the SD card. After booting symbos, I was unable to load anyhting. I am getting the following error:
"Error while loading:
A disk error occurred during the loading process (error code 26)"
Anybody tried/had success with Symbos?
I do not have any RAM board (yet), just the Wifi board and the CPC.
Symbos probably needs proper driver for the Wifi board to work....?
Anyway, sorry for the long post, I will let you know if I find anything else of
interest!
Tamas
Post by: CraigsBar on 02:43, 05 September 16
Hi Duke,Depending on what else is plugged into the mother4x you might not need the extra power connected at all. Mine runs just fine with m4, albireo, rtc and xmem all at the same time. If I swap any if them for my playcity or minibooster then I need to add the 5v.
Just wanted to let you know that I finally received Tot0's Mother4x and the adapter cable
for Schneider CPC.
Unfortunately I was not able to test the board with the Mother4x itself as it needs a power adapter
and I do not have one.
Anybody who uses the Wifi board wih the Motherx4, could you please let me know what kind of
power adapter I need? Thanks a lot! (I do not want to experment and risk wrecking my hardware...)
I was able to test the board directly with my CPC using the adapter cable!
It worked like charm! Thanks for doing this, it is really neat board! :-)
What I discovered so far:
-I was able to upgrade the firmware via the net interface without problem.
(Just one remark, would it be hard to display all the version information?
like M4 v1.0.9.b8 ? Currently it just displays v1.0.9 so I have no way of checking
if the upgrade went ok in between the same major version.)
-Rom upload via the website does not seem to work correctly, it seems to upload the rom only to slot 0.
- |ROMUP command works fine :-)
- Webinterface lists "ROM" for every rom I uploaded.
- I tested the modified lower rom you posted. Uploaded it to slot 31, the "Rom number" in the web interface set to 6, then I checked the "lower rom" checkbox. The system booted up just fine, I did not detect any difference, although I did not check it with games.I noticed one problem however. With this setup, whenever I turn off the cpc and turn it on again, I am getting a black screen and the system won't boot.I need to turn off the m4 board too, then turn on everything back again, so the system would boot. Unchecking the lower rom check box does not help.But if I remove the uploaded rom from slot 31, then I am able to turn off and on the CPC normally. (Without turning off the M4 board)
- I uploaded Symbos 2.1 roms onto the board and I also copied the contents of the system and app disks into the root folder ot the SD card. After booting symbos, I was unable to load anyhting. I am getting the following error:
"Error while loading:
A disk error occurred during the loading process (error code 26)"
Anybody tried/had success with Symbos?
I do not have any RAM board (yet), just the Wifi board and the CPC.
Symbos probably needs proper driver for the Wifi board to work....?
Anyway, sorry for the long post, I will let you know if I find anything else of
interest!
Tamas
Oh and symbos has no m4 storage driver yet, but @Prodatron is working on it.
Post by: anyf33 on 03:23, 05 September 16
when i downgrade to 0.8 firmware i have no problem with web interface and roms.
please check it!
now i can test it because i break a pin in my connector.
so i can not test the last beta filmware
p.s. can i sent it back to replace the adapter?
Post by: Duke on 06:05, 05 September 16
That looks great. Hope to see this running on CPC sometime :)
@tvandor (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1502)
Thanks for the feedback.
About upgrading via webinterface. It's not ideal because it needs two files and you can only upload 1 file at a time (it needs a change or removal!).
Best is if you want to try out the beta firmware's, to unpack the zip file to root of microSD and reboot M4.
And if you just want to use latest non beta, use |upgrade from basic.
About webinterface uploading to slot 0. This is a problem with Chrome browser, please use Firefox or Internet Explorer, then it will be fine.
"ROM" is default name used by |ROMUP as I did not add a name parameter to it.
I did not experince the problem when rebooting using this lowerrom. Perhaps you did not upgrade with both files with the firmware you are using?
(ESPFIRM.BIN and M4FIRM). And make sure "Enable lowerrom" is ticked and the right slot selected.
You will not see any difference, only more games will work now.
As for powersupply you can just connect a USB powersupply directly to M4 board even when inserted the MX4, just move the Jumper to EXT.
The PSU must be 5V DC (0.5A, 1A, 2A all good).
@anyf33 (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1636)
You sure about the slot 0 problem not being that you used chrome? - I had no problems uploading roms in latest beta's.
Send me a photo of your broken connector/pin. It's quite a bit of work to desolder the entire connector, maybe the pin could be fixed.
Post by: tvandor on 13:47, 05 September 16
Thanks, for your response. Currently I have the m4 wifi board only, I plan to add a x-mem RAM/ROM card for extra RAM.
If there is a M4 board with mouse support that Symbos can recognize, I would buy one of that as well. :-)
(Using the joystick for Symbos feels I am using GEOS on the C64 :-))
Ok, so I will try to use the Motherx4 with the wifi board with no extra power.
Actually I have already tried this but it was not working: the display was grey with a black border.
But I will test this again. (Maybe I made some mistake.)
>Oh and symbos has no m4 storage driver yet, but @Prodatron (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13) is working on it.
This is really great news! Can't wait! :-)
@Duke
Thank you for your tips.
I had tried the firmware upgrade only via the web interface.
I will do the upgrade the proper way and try to use that lowerrom file
again. (And see what happens! :-) )
Post by: CraigsBar on 14:37, 05 September 16
@CraigsBar (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=482)
Thanks, for your response. Currently I have the m4 wifi board only, I plan to add a x-mem RAM/ROM card for extra RAM.
If there is a M4 board with mouse support that Symbos can recognize, I would buy one of that as well. :-)
(Using the joystick for Symbos feels I am using GEOS on the C64 :-))
<snip>
In theory the albireo board will bring full USB, serial and microsd card support to the CPC. I really want support for the USB HID (mouse) on this card to be brought to SymbOS. This way with an m4, xmem and albireo you would have all the functionality of the fabled symbiface 2 in nice neat mother4x format, and a slot free.
Post by: Joseman on 16:30, 05 September 16
I can only give a lot of likes to @Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624) for this incredible M4 (hardware & software), @Prodatron (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13) for make drivers to it and symbos, and @Edoz(MSX) (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1188) for the multiplayer games!!.
this months i can't test anything of this because of work.
But I can tell you guys that this is incredible, and if you don't realize, you're making the best things for our Amstrad that i saw in a lot of time. thankyou!
P.S. About mouse, can any do the symbiface2 mouse part in a standalone board for MX4? symbos will work instantly, and trust me, it work flawless!
Post by: CraigsBar on 17:54, 05 September 16
Hi
<snip>
P.S. About mouse, can any do the symbiface2 mouse part in a standalone board for MX4? symbos will work instantly, and trust me, it work flawless!
I have asked this before, but no seemed to be the answer. Hopefully the Albireo mouse will be the answer eh @Prodatron ;)
Post by: MiguelSky on 20:13, 05 September 16
Post by: CraigsBar on 20:54, 05 September 16
@Joseman (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=135) , perhaps USB Mouse adaptor by Bryce is the thing you need USB Mouse Batch. (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/usb-mouse-batch/)I have 2.... But joymouse is not the way to go after having an analog proportional one.
Post by: Prodatron on 23:08, 05 September 16
Right now I finished the "realtime" signal strength display. It's just a little gimmick but it's really funny to see this on a CPC :D :D Thanks so much to Duke for adding this value so that I was able to put it into the status window of the network driver:
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
So great to have this new hardware for the CPC!
Post by: robcfg on 23:44, 05 September 16
Looking forward to chat with you on my CPC 8)
Post by: TFM on 03:01, 06 September 16
... About mouse, can any do the symbiface2 mouse part in a standalone board for MX4? symbos will work instantly, and trust me, it work flawless!
Off-Topic:There are more easy ways to have a proportional mouse (means not to waste a slot of the MX4), for example this one:
Atari-ST mouse adapter - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Atari-ST_mouse_adapter)
Marconi - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Marconi)
Or a bit harder to get:
Kempston Mouse - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Kempston_Mouse)
CPC-Mousepack 2.0 - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/CPC-Mousepack_2.0)
Atari-ST mouse adapter - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Atari-ST_mouse_adapter)
Marconi - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Marconi)
Or a bit harder to get:
Kempston Mouse - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Kempston_Mouse)
CPC-Mousepack 2.0 - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/CPC-Mousepack_2.0)
Post by: CraigsBar on 09:15, 06 September 16
How can it be proportional... It still uses the joystick port.There are more easy ways to have a proportional mouse (means not to waste a slot of the MX4), for example this one:
Atari-ST mouse adapter - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Atari-ST_mouse_adapter)
Marconi - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Marconi)
Or a bit harder to get:
Kempston Mouse - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Kempston_Mouse)
CPC-Mousepack 2.0 - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/CPC-Mousepack_2.0)
Post by: TotO on 09:17, 06 September 16
Post by: CraigsBar on 11:30, 06 September 16
The MultiPlay can handle two proportional Amiga mouse. (PS/2, USB and ST with adapter)And like the albireo is waiting for a symbos driver. I don't mind, as I have both devices, but as the Amiga dies not support scrollwheels it might be better to use the albireo and it's USB socket.
Post by: dxs on 15:19, 06 September 16
It would also be awesome if one could check the SD card contents and upload / download files or directories from a PC. Much like the "Files" page of the M4 server, but more like a FTP client ;) Or at least being able to upload a whole directory with subdirectories would be nice! Being able to browse the sd card content from Chrome or whatever would work just as great.
Btw for people who may not have noticed it (I just did...) you can download a file to your PC using the xfer tool obviously, but also by typing for example "http://yourcpcIP/sd/M4/config.txt" (http://yourcpcIP/sd/M4/config.txt");; in your browser.
Maybe (as many people will prefer to connect the microsd to their pc), an easier solution would be enabling access to the sd card files via the M4 board usb port? Don't know if that's possible...
I can't believe how great this board is!!
Post by: Duke on 16:26, 06 September 16
About uploading/downloading multiple files, it would be really nice, hopefully someone will help with that, I think some kind of javascript code in the webpage would make it all alot easier. Ie. something like github has a really nice drag files to upload. The crude server has http post implemented.
If anyone good with javascript or whatever and want to help out with it, let me know. You can already test the web code, by putting in a directory on the microsd card and just refer to it with /sd prefix, like you did to download files. I would add whatever server side (cgi) functions needed :)
@Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624) , maybe if you find some time could you make and upload other language (FR I'm mainly interested in but I'm sure ES will get some attention too) versions of your modded lower ROM for game compatibility?
It would also be awesome if one could check the SD card contents and upload / download files or directories from a PC. Much like the "Files" page of the M4 server, but more like a FTP client ;) Or at least being able to upload a whole directory with subdirectories would be nice! Being able to browse the sd card content from Chrome or whatever would work just as great.
Btw for people who may not have noticed it (I just did...) you can download a file to your PC using the xfer tool obviously, but also by typing for example "http://yourcpcIP/sd/M4/config.txt" (http://yourcpcIP/sd/M4/config.txt");;;; in your browser.
Maybe (as many people will prefer to connect the microsd to their pc), an easier solution would be enabling access to the sd card files via the M4 board usb port? Don't know if that's possible...
I can't believe how great this board is!!
Post by: TFM on 20:12, 06 September 16
How can it be proportional... It still uses the joystick port.
Off-Topic:Ok and the joystick port has 7 input lines. So that's seven bits. Usually only four bits get used, so you can provide proportional values from 0 to 15. The articles in the Wiki explain that in detail. :)
But back to topic: How does the M4 and the symbos deamon work? Does the M4 connect directly to a wireless router? Or does it need the PC for that?
Post by: CraigsBar on 20:21, 06 September 16
Post by: TFM on 20:41, 06 September 16
M4 connects directly to the router, and thus the internet.
That's extremely wonderful! So the PC is NOT NEEDED any longer! ;D
Post by: Duke on 22:24, 06 September 16
It never was, as it always connected directly to the router/AP. PC is only needed to access the webinterface for settings :)
That's extremely wonderful! So the PC is NOT NEEDED any longer! ;D
- Most is available through RSX commands.
Post by: robcfg on 23:21, 06 September 16
Post by: Joseman on 23:45, 06 September 16
@Joseman (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=135) , perhaps USB Mouse adaptor by Bryce is the thing you need USB Mouse Batch. (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/usb-mouse-batch/)
Hi Miguel
I know this adaptor, but i'm not into mouse-joystick-port solutions...
I "love" the symbiface 2 ps-2 mouse function and the mx4 board of the ps2 part has to be tiny and cool!
Post by: tvandor on 23:53, 06 September 16
Just wanted to let you know that everything works now: Wifi Board with Motherx4 and the lowerrom setup as well.
Probably had some contact issues, I re-attached eveything more firmly than before and now everything works. :-)
Thanks for you and @TotO (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=290) to make this happen!
I have only one problem to report: when I try to rease a file, I receive an
"AMSDOS not initialized" I simply used: |ERA,"<flename>" format.
I am not sure why is this.
Tamas
Post by: Duke on 00:38, 07 September 16
I don't know where that message comes from "AMSDOS not initialized". I seem to remember that I had that message in an early m4rom version.
Can you please check with |version that you are actually on 1.0.8 or 1.0.9 ?
Also what other roms do you installed (and what lowerrom?)?
|era doesn't complain here.
Hi @Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/profile/?u=1624),
Just wanted to let you know that everything works now: Wifi Board with Motherx4 and the lowerrom setup as well.
Probably had some contact issues, I re-attached eveything more firmly than before and now everything works. :-)
Thanks for you and @TotO (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=290) to make this happen!
I have only one problem to report: when I try to rease a file, I receive an
"AMSDOS not initialized" I simply used: |ERA,"<flename>" format.
I am not sure why is this.
Tamas
Post by: dxs on 15:27, 07 September 16
Post by: tvandor on 21:00, 07 September 16
Well, I got the solution and this is interesting.
(Well, for me at least, the rookie. :-) )
So I probably got that message because I uploaded the rom "Utopia" to the M4 board
on slot 1.
I like this rom because it has a |help command that lists installed rom and
|help, x where I can list the rxs commands for a specific rom.
But this rom also has an |era command too and it seems that since it was
in a lower slot than the M4 rom it superseeded the |era command.
I removed Utopia from slot 1 and uploaded it to slot 9
and,|era started working. :-)
Is it safe using the m4 and utopia rom this way?
Thanks,
Tamas
>Good! >I don't know where that message comes from "AMSDOS not initialized". I seem to remember that I had that message in an early m4rom version.>Can you please check with |version that you are actually on 1.0.8 or 1.0.9 ?>Also what other roms do you installed (and what lowerrom?)?>|era doesn't complain here.
Post by: Prodatron on 23:34, 07 September 16
After adding some more missing M4-specific stuff to the Network Daemon I tried EdoZ SymbOS-messenger for the first time, and it worked great!
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
A CPC+M4Board in Germany chatting with a PC in The Netherlands (EdoZ was too lazy to start his MSX, so he used his PC-Client of the SymbOS-Messenger ;) ).
The messenger has never been tested on a CPC before (e.g. the 16 colour smiley in the upper right edge isn't optimized for 4 colours yet), but as it's a SymbOS application written by EdoZ with the Unify/Quigs (ex-SymStudio) IDE by Trebmint using the Network Daemon it was working at once without any problems. Now as soon as the M4-driver for the network daemon is fully working we already have a bunch of existing network apps and even games for the CPC! :)
Thanks so much again to Duke for this great CPC new hardware! I was dreaming about this since 10 years :P And thanks so much for EdoZ and Trebmint for the apps and the network support in Quigs! :)
Post by: SRS on 00:05, 08 September 16
Post by: Prodatron on 00:55, 08 September 16
This was my first time visiting a BBS (Telnet based, HispaMSX BBS) with a CPC - now via the Internet:
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Do you know the ASCII STAR WARS Movie for Telnet (e.g. telnet://towel.blinkenlights.nl)? I think it's quite popular:
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
There is still a bug - the system is crashing after a while when dealing with larger package sizes. Hope it can be fixed soon.
Post by: SOS on 08:03, 08 September 16
All this needs is a quick navigator to get rid of the |cd, |dir navigation, maybe a quick scan for executable files and display full length directory names. Something I'd like to make if noone else is in the process 8)Will come , but this will take time (Until the end of the year?).
Btw. I 'm still looking for someone to make a background image for a launcher.
Btw.2 : And a beta tester for the M4-File Commander (take some time too), ACMEDOS-Version is released as a public beta:
Yet Another Norton-Commander Clone (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/applications/yet-another-norton-commander-clone/)
Post by: Duke on 08:23, 08 September 16
@tvander: Makes sense, as you found it is the order of the roms. Now m4 will catch |era command, which is fine.
@prodatron: Looks stunning, can't wait :)
@SOS (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=941): Great! Just what is needed for mass-storage.
Post by: Bryce on 09:56, 08 September 16
Bryce.
Post by: dxs on 18:05, 08 September 16
With this modded firmware Amsdos is no longer called, and it worked with all games I tried, which previously failed. It assumes the M4 ROM is at the standard number 6 position.
** All credit goes to Duke who made the english version. I just checked how he made it and reproduced the work. FYI space is borrowed in the firmware by placing code instead of the *** PROGRAM LOAD FAILED *** message. **
Post by: Duke on 18:11, 08 September 16
** All credit goes to Duke who made the english version. I just checked how he made it and reproduced the work. Please do not repost on the wiki or somewhere else as Duke requested this mod to be well tried before spreading it. FYI space is borrowed in the firmware by placing code instead of the *** PROGRAM LOAD FAILED *** message. **Thanks dxs, almost forgot about it :) Btw. instead of *** PROGRAM LOAD FAILED **, it will print "FAIL".
Post by: dxs on 18:18, 08 September 16
Post by: TFM on 18:46, 09 September 16
Post by: mr_lou on 18:49, 09 September 16
Extremely cool Prodatron. However, keep in mind that having conversations with yourself may land you in the mad house! :)
Yay! Visitors!
Post by: Prodatron on 00:08, 10 September 16
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
TBH it was the most easy mass storage device driver I ever wrote for SymbOS thanks to Dukes API! :) There are still some issues, and we have to figure out now if it's M4 related or my mistake. Anyway again some progress...
Post by: Joseman on 00:27, 10 September 16
Today I finished the first version of the M4Board SD card driver for SymbOS:
Speechless as always with your great work...
Wifi support and sd support on symbos... what more can i say?
Post by: Edoz(MSX) on 00:33, 10 September 16
Post by: Joseman on 00:39, 10 September 16
Hope to play SymbOS network games soon with You! At least there already two SymbOS network games ready now to play!!!
and the other 50 people that automatically starts since today (well when this version of symbos gets released!), can't we play with you??
Post by: CraigsBar on 03:47, 10 September 16
Post by: Ygdrazil on 11:24, 10 September 16
Agreed this is indeed a major achievement :o
Regards,
Ygdrazil
I cannot wait for this. With my 4g router my CPC really will be mobile internet capable ;)
Post by: KaosOverride on 13:57, 10 September 16
Some problems with git... I have created a new repository and when trying to upload it says bla bla bla want to upload older files bla bla and then it deletes my local files :o and no backup....
Fortunatelly because of the new API and my disaster now I can code in a cleaner way as I was thinking of the old code "what a dirty way of calling that function...." :P
Hope to bring good news!!
Post by: Duke on 14:46, 10 September 16
Now to restart from zero the whole socks lib :picard:
Some problems with git... I have created a new repository and when trying to upload it says bla bla bla want to upload older files bla bla and then it deletes my local files :o and no backup....
Fortunatelly because of the new API and my disaster now I can code in a cleaner way as I was thinking of the old code "what a dirty way of calling that function...." :P
Hope to bring good news!!
Ouch, that was nasty. Btw. if you look at my examples, please use tcpecho examples as the telnet one is outdated now (I haven't bothered updating it to the recent changes).
Good luck :)
Post by: KaosOverride on 20:59, 10 September 16
I'm separating the lib from the logic part in C and the hardware talking part in asm. Now is more cleaner than I had earlier at the lost code.
My goal is go make a C lib that will let us compile simple *nix net code with the fewer changes possible. And also as compatible as can be with, for example, spectranet examples so we can have many work done for future developments.
The ZX spectrum has a simple net filesystem sharing. As you have filesystem inplemented at your rom, maybe in the future can be expanded to use A/C drive at the microsd and D, E and F as net shares. All the code of the server at Linux or Windows is done. Also a Z80 server can be done.
WebSVN - Spectranet - Rev 576 - /trunk/tnfs/ (http://spectrum.alioth.net/svn/listing.php?repname=Spectranet&path=%2Ftrunk%2Ftnfs%2F#path_trunk_tnfs_)
But... it needs UDP... For the future :)
Post by: Duke on 02:38, 11 September 16
I'm separating the lib from the logic part in C and the hardware talking part in asm. Now is more cleaner than I had earlier at the lost code.
My goal is go make a C lib that will let us compile simple *nix net code with the fewer changes possible. And also as compatible as can be with, for example, spectranet examples so we can have many work done for future developments.
The ZX spectrum has a simple net filesystem sharing. As you have filesystem inplemented at your rom, maybe in the future can be expanded to use A/C drive at the microsd and D, E and F as net shares. All the code of the server at Linux or Windows is done. Also a Z80 server can be done.
WebSVN - Spectranet - Rev 576 - /trunk/tnfs/ (http://spectrum.alioth.net/svn/listing.php?repname=Spectranet&path=%2Ftrunk%2Ftnfs%2F#path_trunk_tnfs_)
But... it needs UDP... For the future :)
Sounds like a very good idea. - I'll take a look at the spectranet when I find some time, I wasn't aware of spectranet stuff before you mentioned it the other day.
Post by: Prodatron on 02:18, 13 September 16
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFMxevy7daI[/youtube]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFMxevy7daI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFMxevy7daI)
TBH I should convert some new videos and graphics after 10 year :)
Reading from the M4Boards' SD card is about 25% faster than reading from the SYMBiFACE II and compatible devices (CPC-IDE, X-MASS) due to the fact, that you can use LDI:LDI:LDI:... instead of INI:INC B:INI:INC B:INI:INC B:... etc. thanks to the memory mapped buffer of the M4Board. For writing there is no difference, it is port based like the SF2. But in most cases reading speed is more important anyway.
I have to fix two little issues before releasing an M4Board version of SymbOS hopefully this week. Bugfree Network support may take a little bit longer. Thanks a lot to Duke again! :)
CU,
Prodatron
Post by: SOS on 09:47, 13 September 16
New Command 0x4316: Get the Long-Filename/Dirname, needed 8+3 Filename as the parameter.
For Command 0x4306 optional parameter (or as a new command): Get the Long-Direntries, maybe the filesize (in Bytes?) separated in the first 4 Bytes of the response?! (maybe the same separation on the original "4306"-Command?!)
Post by: HAL 6128 on 11:42, 13 September 16
Post by: Duke on 12:02, 13 September 16
OffTopic(? ;) ) Feature request:How about C_READDIR2, to directly retrieve long file and dir names, or you want the 8.3 ones too?
New Command 0x4316: Get the Long-Filename/Dirname, needed 8+3 Filename as the parameter.
For Command 0x4306 optional parameter (or as a new command): Get the Long-Direntries, maybe the filesize (in Bytes?) separated in the first 4 Bytes of the response?! (maybe the same separation on the original "4306"-Command?!)
Post by: SOS on 12:14, 13 September 16
How about C_READDIR2, to directly retrieve long file and dir names, or you want the 8.3 ones too?Thanks Duke,
If every CPC are 512KB machines with a 20MHZ Z80-CPU I will say, "Yes I do not need the old 8.3-Crap".
I don't know exactly if I can handle so much data on a 64KB 4MHZ Amstrad in a good way.
So I need at the moment the old 8.3 modus too.
The second requested command is at the moment my "Plan A" - one statusline with the long File/Dirname.
And after all (all is released) I will check "Plan B" (directory with long names).
The additional question for the separate length is a handling technic. It will be more concrete defined, how long is a file, e. g. Response
Now: "Blade22.bin 22KB"
Maybe:defs 4 ; 4 Bytes Filelength
defm "Blade22.bin"
(the separate length is interesting for me, to finish the |UDIR (the "now-Version" works too but it's a little bit "fiddly") , btw. |GETPATH is already finished ;) )
Post by: Duke on 12:27, 13 September 16
Post by: Prodatron on 16:25, 13 September 16
@Prodatron (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13): very cool. The movie seems to work faster than before or is it because of the size? How did you do the movie? What is the tool do you use (SymStudio)?Yes, in general it's faster, as I wrote in my previous post: Using LDI instead of INI:INC B increases the transfer speed from 6 microseconds/byte to 5 microseconds/byte - that's already measurable.
EdoZ told me, that the current version of SymStudio (it's now called Quigs, it was called Unify some time ago) doesn't include the video converter.
Here is still the old version available, which can be used for this:
SymStudio 0.95 | The Amstrad CPC news portal (http://www.octoate.de/wp/2007/04/25/symstudio-095/)
If you have any problems, just send me a PN :)
Post by: Duke on 17:35, 13 September 16
If you have not upgraded to any v1.0.9 beta, you can use |upgrade command.
Otherwise, you must download it from here and unpack the files to the root of your microSD card.
M4 Board - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/M4_Board#Firmware)
Do not keep v1.0.9 beta in your M4.
Post by: CraigsBar on 17:50, 13 September 16
Firmware V1.0.9 final released.Will upgrade my 2 tonight.
If you have not upgraded to any v1.0.9 beta, you can use |upgrade command.
Otherwise, you must download it from here and unpack the files to the root of your microSD card.
M4 Board - CPCWiki (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/M4_Board#Firmware)
Do not keep v1.0.9 beta in your M4.
Post by: Prodatron on 01:39, 14 September 16
Anyway some more things have been fixed, and here you see, how you can download the CPCWiki.eu mainpage with your Amstrad CPC + M4:
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7CsIOq1_qY[/youtube]
I did a domain lookup with NSLOOKUP just for testing before downloading the startpage with WGET and displaying it with the TYPE command.
There are still some nasty bugs which I want to fix until releasing a new Beta version, but such a release especially for the M4 version should happen very soon.
CU,
Prodatron
Post by: Maniac on 01:56, 14 September 16
I changed to a directory that didn't exist because of a typo. Although an error was shown saying no such directory if I ran a 'cat' command rather than showing the root directory as expected it showed an empty one which I had to then |cd,".." to get back.
One other thing that doesn't seem to work for me anymore is mounting DSK files. I can CD to an image and it lists the directory as expected but when I try to run any files inside the image my 6128 Plus just reboots. This first started with 1.0.6 but seemed to get fixed in 1.0.7 but broke again since 1.0.8 and still doesn't work in 1.0.9. All of these upgrades have been undertaken via the |upgrade command - should I redo the install/upgrade via the SD card to see if it's an update fault?
Post by: CraigsBar on 02:08, 14 September 16
Updated to v1.0.9 tonight and found an interesting bug by accident.OK first bug (invalid directory) recreated here.
I changed to a directory that didn't exist because of a typo. Although an error was shown saying no such directory if I ran a 'cat' command rather than showing the root directory as expected it showed an empty one which I had to then |cd,".." to get back.
One other thing that doesn't seem to work for me anymore is mounting DSK files. I can CD to an image and it lists the directory as expected but when I try to run any files inside the image my 6128 Plus just reboots. This first started with 1.0.6 but seemed to get fixed in 1.0.7 but broke again since 1.0.8 and still doesn't work in 1.0.9. All of these upgrades have been undertaken via the |upgrade command - should I redo the install/upgrade via the SD card to see if it's an update fault?
However second one, DSK files and running the embedded files within them works fine for me.
Craig.
Post by: rcmolina on 07:01, 14 September 16
Updated to v1.0.9 tonight and found an interesting bug by accident.
I changed to a directory that didn't exist because of a typo. Although an error was shown saying no such directory if I ran a 'cat' command rather than showing the root directory as expected it showed an empty one which I had to then |cd,".." to get back.
My testing experience on this: no new bug in version 1.09, it'a previous fault from the very beginning. I observed that changing to dsks working in one SD card didn't work in another (format another SD and put just your faulty file to test it, it works!, i.e. you can cd and run). My final conclusion on this was that you have to take care to not fill the SD with more stuff than 512 MB, to avoid the problem start again.
Post by: rcmolina on 07:09, 14 September 16
Updated to v1.0.9 tonight and found an interesting bug by accident.
I changed to a directory that didn't exist because of a typo. Although an error was shown saying no such directory if I ran a 'cat' command rather than showing the root directory as expected it showed an empty one which I had to then |cd,".." to get back.
[continues] Yes also observed ... that surpassing the problematic size (¿may be a variable size problem?) strange things are posiible like trying to change to incomplete dirs (error typing blanks and such type of things). So my personal feeling, everything is connected :o [size=78%] [/size]
Post by: Duke on 07:33, 14 September 16
Updated to v1.0.9 tonight and found an interesting bug by accident.
I changed to a directory that didn't exist because of a typo. Although an error was shown saying no such directory if I ran a 'cat' command rather than showing the root directory as expected it showed an empty one which I had to then |cd,".." to get back.
One other thing that doesn't seem to work for me anymore is mounting DSK files. I can CD to an image and it lists the directory as expected but when I try to run any files inside the image my 6128 Plus just reboots. This first started with 1.0.6 but seemed to get fixed in 1.0.7 but broke again since 1.0.8 and still doesn't work in 1.0.9. All of these upgrades have been undertaken via the |upgrade command - should I redo the install/upgrade via the SD card to see if it's an update fault?
The directory bug I can re-create. Will fix it asap.
But I don't have any problems with the DSK images (standard single sided). I am using a cpc6128 plus too, what is your romconfig ?
Post by: Duke on 07:45, 14 September 16
My testing experience on this: no new bug in version 1.09, it'a previous fault from the very beginning. I observed that changing to dsks working in one SD card didn't work in another (format another SD and put just your faulty file to test it, it works!, i.e. you can cd and run). My final conclusion on this was that you have to take care to not fill the SD with more stuff than 512 MB, to avoid the problem start again.
I haven't had any such issues, I guess if there was a corruption in the FAT on the given microsd, that would explain it. There shouldn't be any size limitation around 512MB.
Let me know if it happens again and maybe run a chkdsk on PC to check if there is any errors on the microSD.
Post by: Edoz(MSX) on 09:40, 14 September 16
After finishing the SD card support I went back to the network part and added some additional stuff: As the M4 can of course only handle one command at the same time, I had to take care, that inside the SymbOS multitasking environment I don't fire a second command until another one isn't finished. So SD card access and network access shouldn't disturb each other. This is fixed now. Currently it is solved more or less in a rude way (locking interrupts), but I hope I can have a better solution later by using semaphores.
Anyway some more things have been fixed, and here you see, how you can download the CPCWiki.eu mainpage with your Amstrad CPC + M4:
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7CsIOq1_qY[/youtube]
WGET with SymbOS CPC using the M4Board:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7CsIOq1_qY (https://youtu.be/_7CsIOq1_qY)
I did a domain lookup with NSLOOKUP just for testing before downloading the startpage with WGET and displaying it with the TYPE command.
There are still some nasty bugs which I want to fix until releasing a new Beta version, but such a release especially for the M4 version should happen very soon.
CU,
Prodatron
Wow! CPC is connecting to the CPC website! That is crazy :P :P :P :P :P :P Cool 8)
Post by: tvandor on 10:57, 14 September 16
I know this is slightly off topic, hope this is not a problem.
I am experiencing stability issues with my Schneider CPC 6128.
Mostly these are in the form of freezes, lockups: e.g. when I turn it on, and M4 boots,
and I run CAT on my root folder, sooner or later the CPC will corrupt the screen
(often just slightly), usually after 2-4 cat commands. Games that are loadable,
sometimes load, sometimes does not. (This time, screen corruption is heavier)
I have to try a few times then they load.
When I tried the |upgrade command yesterday to upgrade from 1.0.9 beta the CPC
just froze.
Does anyone had the same experience?
I would say that I suspect that my CPC that is faulty and not the M4 board.
Do you know guys anyone who would take on CPC repair?
I am afraid my soldiering skills limited to making cables
and I do not have the necessary knowledge to take on a task like this.
(I usually make things worse when I try :-) )
Any help would be very much appreciated.
Tamas
Post by: robcfg on 11:17, 14 September 16
In the cas eof an edge connector, I'd clean it thorougly. Then I'd try to power the M4 board externally.
Any other expansions you have connected?
Post by: Gryzor on 12:02, 14 September 16
Anyway some more things have been fixed, and here you see, how you can download the CPCWiki.eu mainpage with your Amstrad CPC + M4:
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7CsIOq1_qY[/youtube]
I did a domain lookup with NSLOOKUP just for testing before downloading the startpage with WGET and displaying it with the TYPE command.
There are still some nasty bugs which I want to fix until releasing a new Beta version, but such a release especially for the M4 version should happen very soon.
CU,
Prodatron
Whoa. So that was that DOS attack thing yesterday.
Post by: Duke on 12:21, 14 September 16
Like robcfg said, try to clean your connector more. These are typical symptoms of a dodgy connection.
You cannot upgrade to v1.0.9 via |upgrade command when you have v1.0.9beta, you must download the zip and unpack to root of microsd.
However the hanging, would normally only happen if you haven't setup the network.
You have any roms in the board ?
Post by: HAL 6128 on 12:27, 14 September 16
Whoa. So that was that DOS attack thing yesterday.Firewalls should update and extend their wording from now to AMSDOS attack. :laugh:
Post by: tvandor on 13:56, 14 September 16
Hi,
I have centronics. (Schneider CPC6128)
I am using the M4 board with the Motherx4 board with internal power.
(My power is coming via a custom power pack I bought on ebay, so
I would not need to use the green monitor I have. :-) )
I do not use any other expansion.
I had some problems when I tried to set this up first,
gray screen with black border, but then I reattached the
connectors more firmly so it started to work.
Do you think I need to clean the centronics port too???
For the motherx4 I got two plastic small latch like thing(?)
that I think I should have attached to the expansion
connector on the motherx4, but I was not able to find out
how I am supposed to attach it to the connector.
(I can take a picture of those, because I might be wrong.
I did not receive any instructions unfortunately.)
The m4 board seemed to sit on tightly on the Motherx4
without them...
Anyway, I will test the M4 board without the Motherx4
again and powered via the usb and see if it works well without it.
I will examine the centronics connector on the cpc as well.
I am not sure, does it need cleaning?
Anyway, thanks a lot for your response.
@duke
Yes, I did in the end upgraded via the SD card. It was successful.
(The version number is 1.0.9 and the bin files disappeared from the
root folder so I would say it went well.)
Yes, I have some roms, Symbos 2.1, Protext and utopia.
My network setup is okay, I think, I am able to load the control webpage of the
board without problem.
Tamas
Do you have an edge connector or a centronics one?
In the cas eof an edge connector, I'd clean it thorougly. Then I'd try to power the M4 board externally.
Any other expansions you have connected?
Post by: Duke on 14:32, 14 September 16
Using MX4 with M4 and no external powersupply is likely the root to your problems.
Post by: Maniac on 14:56, 14 September 16
The directory bug I can re-create. Will fix it asap.Interestingly this afternoon I've pulled out the SD card and reinserted it and all seems to be working fine! The card showed no other signs of not working and everything else was functional!
But I don't have any problems with the DSK images (standard single sided). I am using a cpc6128 plus too, what is your romconfig ?
Post by: tvandor on 23:33, 14 September 16
Hi @Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624),
Yes, it seems that I need to power the Motherx4 itself.
I did a test, the m4 board alone, worked perfectly with or without usb power.
But it did not work with the Motherx4, even if the M4 board was powered with
usb power. Need to find a power supply for the Motherx4, it will probably work
with that. I will let you know.
Thank you,
Tamas
If you dont use other expansion, then yes plug cable directly into M4 (no need to use usb power).
Using MX4 with M4 and no external powersupply is likely the root to your problems.
Post by: myrsky on 23:35, 14 September 16
Hi,
I know this is slightly off topic, hope this is not a problem.
I am experiencing stability issues with my Schneider CPC 6128.
Mostly these are in the form of freezes, lockups: e.g. when I turn it on, and M4 boots,
and I run CAT on my root folder, sooner or later the CPC will corrupt the screen
(often just slightly), usually after 2-4 cat commands. Games that are loadable,
sometimes load, sometimes does not. (This time, screen corruption is heavier)
I have to try a few times then they load.
When I tried the |upgrade command yesterday to upgrade from 1.0.9 beta the CPC
just froze.
Does anyone had the same experience?
I would say that I suspect that my CPC that is faulty and not the M4 board.
Do you know guys anyone who would take on CPC repair?
I am afraid my soldiering skills limited to making cables
and I do not have the necessary knowledge to take on a task like this.
(I usually make things worse when I try :-) )
Any help would be very much appreciated.
Tamas
I have a closer symptoms on my CPC 464 adding some ramdom loop reboots with no solution at the moment, thats dont help sorry but if find a solution will be very welcome, good luck.
Post by: Duke on 23:37, 14 September 16
No idea what went wrong there, hopefully it wont happen again :)
But it did not work with the Motherx4, even if the M4 board was powered with
usb power.
Did you change the jumper from EXT to USB when powering via USB ?
Post by: tvandor on 00:39, 15 September 16
@duke
Yes, I did change the jumper every time I change the type of power (ext or usb)
I am fairly sure that I did that...
But to be 200% sure, I can do the another test tomorrow with the Motherx4, testing both power modes, jumper
set accordingly. :-)
Another thing I noticed: file upload does not seem to work with internet explorer (windows 10 version)
CPC freezes. Firefox works just fine.
@Maniac (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=930)
No idea what went wrong there, hopefully it wont happen again :)
Did you change the jumper from EXT to USB when powering via USB ?
Post by: Duke on 00:46, 15 September 16
I pm'ed you sometime ago, not heard back. I am sure we can resolve your issue.
@tvandor (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1502)
Ok. And thanks for the info about IE. in win 10 (did you try Edge too?). You should all use firefox anyway, its better :)
-Nah I may need to address the browser issue next time around.
Post by: myrsky on 00:59, 15 September 16
For some reason i dont receive notifications of new private messages, now is solved, my apologies.
Post by: tvandor on 11:43, 15 September 16
@Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624)
Yeah, I will test Edge and chrome too.
(and vivaldi: my fav browser nowadays)
Let me know if I can help you with additional testing.
@myrsky (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1856)
I pm'ed you sometime ago, not heard back. I am sure we can resolve your issue.
@tvandor (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1502)
Ok. And thanks for the info about IE. in win 10 (did you try Edge too?). You should all use firefox anyway, its better :)
-Nah I may need to address the browser issue next time around.
Post by: zhulien on 17:14, 15 September 16
Post by: Duke on 17:33, 15 September 16
Hi Duke and Zaxon... or... has anyone gotten an M4 wifi card with microsdcard working togethrr with a Zaxon 6128 floppy emulator with usb stick?
To use the floppy drive you will need to switch M4 rom off, via |m4romoff. Hope that helps.
Post by: zhulien on 20:23, 15 September 16
Actually the biggest puzzle is how to get things onto the M4 board without having to resort to much to a PC, or too much with PC Utilities. Most of my things are on 3" disc, but the 3" A drive is inaccessible with M4 Wifi. Even as a fake B drive? Ram drive seems to disappear with M4 also, and both A and C seem to go to the microsd card for some reason. That was why i hoped the Zaxon floppy B emulator would work with the M4 Wifi card, because it seemed to be that B always complained that drive was missing...
The thing that is really weird... I can retrieve files over the net from the CPC, but no matter what I do, using the browser to send ROMS to the CPC crashes the CPC 100% of the time.
Still trying to work it out :D
Post by: Duke on 22:34, 15 September 16
M4 replaces AMSDOS, thus no access to disc drives via amsdos firmware commands. Maybe with symbOS you could transfer between floppy disk and sd, once the version with m4 driver is released.
I haven't got around adding the disc functions I wanted yet, there's just been too much other stuff. TFM has kindly provided me with raw disc I/O functions, so it'll come some day.
Lastly you could mount M4 rom after AMSDOS and code a small app to copy stuff from floppy to sd.
As for browser, use firefox. Ie. chrome will ignore my slot paramters so all uploads end in rom 0 (overwriting basic and therefore crashing!).
Post by: Duke on 02:59, 16 September 16
First change M4 rom slot to be after AMSDOS, ie. pos 8.
Then download below M4ROM.BIN and put it in root of your microSD card.
Now boot up. Amsdos will catch all file I/O functions as normal, cat/dir/save/load etc goes to floppy.
With the new rom there's two new commands:
|fcp,"filename.ext","pathsdcard" - Floppy copy to copy ie. disc.bas from to microsd root, use |fcp,"disc.bas","/"
|sdir,"args" - Same as |dir, just it isnt caught by amsdos, so you can catalog files on microsd. Ie. |sdir,"/demos/*.*"
Once done with transferring your files, change M4 rom slot back to 6 or 7.
See picture for example aswell.
Post by: zhulien on 08:52, 16 September 16
Yes utopia should be after M4 rom or it'll catch the RSX for |era
I will try utopia in 6 and M4 in 5 and see what I get, utopia's |load and |medit are useful for now.
Lastly you could mount M4 rom after AMSDOS and code a small app to copy stuff from floppy to sd.
I did try M4 rom at position 8 and it just crashed my machine (6128plus). Luckily the Wifi board still worked so i could just set it back to 6 or 7. The way the current ROM is coded overwriding A and C it seems it is just as compatible in slot 6 or 7. I do wonder why override C though and not let that go to the RAM Disc because then the RAM Disc would at least survive the reset between switching M4 on and off. Pitty the RAM Disc wasn't aliased as |M though also as that would have been better than |C - for when we have another dozen drives in future...
As for browser, use firefox. Ie. chrome will ignore my slot paramters so all uploads end in rom 0 (overwriting basic and therefore crashing!).
Interesting Chrome behaviour... thanks. Actually i didn't think they are faults of the M4 board, more I don't think the CPC community is used to making their things work together because in the past we never had such cool hardware. The same for downloads - what is the point of zipping everything when we download a DSK file that is ZIPped it doesn't really help CPC owners trying to fetch stuff... I guess soon i will need to put an unZIPper that works with M4 onto ROM.
Regarding slots 32-63... in the webserver, i set the starting ROM to 32 and that is it? I am guessing just the slot numbers don't renumber and in my head I add 32 to each?
As Richard who created X-MEM said, it is a pitty to waste his 32 ROM slots. Maybe we need to modify CPC startup to scan all 64 ROMs now instead of 32 only. The 2 boards work really well together otherwise...
Needed: 1. X-Mem RAM Disc aliased to |M and working when M4 ROM is enabled. 2. CPC to scan 64 ROMs on startup if possible. 3. And from the ROMan 2.0 author Syx? Being able to see files on the SD Card of a M4 board. 4. Zaxon's USB drive B board to work in parallel with M4 card - seems to be some type of ROM conflict, not a hardware one. 5. people to share RAM in a con-conflicting way, and Mouse, and Sound Card... these I believe will come, if adopted though is another thing... can only hope.
Post by: anyf33 on 10:02, 16 September 16
After finishing the SD card support I went back to the network part and added some additional stuff: As the M4 can of course only handle one command at the same time, I had to take care, that inside the SymbOS multitasking environment I don't fire a second command until another one isn't finished. So SD card access and network access shouldn't disturb each other. This is fixed now. Currently it is solved more or less in a rude way (locking interrupts), but I hope I can have a better solution later by using semaphores.
Anyway some more things have been fixed, and here you see, how you can download the CPCWiki.eu mainpage with your Amstrad CPC + M4:
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7CsIOq1_qY[/youtube]
I did a domain lookup with NSLOOKUP just for testing before downloading the startpage with WGET and displaying it with the TYPE command.
There are still some nasty bugs which I want to fix until releasing a new Beta version, but such a release especially for the M4 version should happen very soon.
CU,
Prodatron
I think that SYMBOS with M4 support could be comercial (asking a small amount 5-10 to have m4 support). It could be a good hint for Podatron to continue support for M4. Of cource i dont know what is podatron opinion.
Also i have a question for Symbos : how memory do why need ? 128k or more?
Post by: Duke on 10:11, 16 September 16
I do wonder why override C though and not let that go to the RAM Disc because then the RAM Disc would at least survive the reset between switching M4 on and off. Pitty the RAM Disc wasn't aliased as |M though also as that would have been better than |C - for when we have another dozen drives in future...
In a CPC with no AMSDOS rom (slot 7). When booted the lowerrom setup all the firmware calls including the calls at &BC65-&BCA4 (Cassette functions).
So when you do file I/O those functions are called by the system (load/save/cat/run...) these functions will access the casette.
When AMSDOS is present. The CPC initializes as before, scans and inits roms 15-0 (CPC6128) when it comes to AMSDOS rom and jumps to its init function, it will overwrite the Casette functions.
All file I/O gets re-directed to AMSDOS rom. Notice the scan order is 15, 14, 13.. etc.
M4 rom does exactly the same as AMSDOS, if you place it lower than AMSDOS rom, it will replace the Cassette functions.
I don't know how the RAMDISC works, but if it supports basic file I/O, likely it does the same, hooking those functions and doing re-directions to AMSDOS.
Lastly you can put M4 rom in slot 8 or other place, it doesn't crash on my 6128+. Maybe you should erase your romslots.bin and romconfig.bin, if you had accidents with ie. chrome. Or you have other roms installed that doesn't like it.
And using slot 7 is vital to remain compatible with as many games as possible, because a lot do de-init all roms to save memory and then re-init rom 7 to have disc access. This is another problem you would have with using all 64 slots, you'd be using much of the ram for rom work areas and variables.
Post by: Duke on 10:26, 16 September 16
When you type |tape, the CAS_* functions will be overwritten so it directs back to the original tape functions, if you do |disc, amsdos is present, it will catch it and overwrite the CAS_* functions so they direct to disc. If I remove the |disc rsx from M4 and add |M4 (re-overting cas_* again), this could be an easy method to switch between disc and sd.
Post by: CraigsBar on 11:29, 16 September 16
Post by: CraigsBar on 12:27, 16 September 16
I will try utopia in 6 and M4 in 5 and see what I get, utopia's |load and |medit are useful for now.Multiple mouse solutions exist already. My favourite is the albireo, which provides microsd card storage as well as a USB controller. I hope that this is the next card @Prodatron supports in Symbos, at least a mouse on the USB socket ;) the serial port and microsd would be interesting but far from urgent... Is there really a need for multiple hard drives in symbos?
I did try M4 rom at position 8 and it just crashed my machine (6128plus). Luckily the Wifi board still worked so i could just set it back to 6 or 7. The way the current ROM is coded overwriding A and C it seems it is just as compatible in slot 6 or 7. I do wonder why override C though and not let that go to the RAM Disc because then the RAM Disc would at least survive the reset between switching M4 on and off. Pitty the RAM Disc wasn't aliased as |M though also as that would have been better than |C - for when we have another dozen drives in future...
Interesting Chrome behaviour... thanks. Actually i didn't think they are faults of the M4 board, more I don't think the CPC community is used to making their things work together because in the past we never had such cool hardware. The same for downloads - what is the point of zipping everything when we download a DSK file that is ZIPped it doesn't really help CPC owners trying to fetch stuff... I guess soon i will need to put an unZIPper that works with M4 onto ROM.
Regarding slots 32-63... in the webserver, i set the starting ROM to 32 and that is it? I am guessing just the slot numbers don't renumber and in my head I add 32 to each?
As Richard who created X-MEM said, it is a pitty to waste his 32 ROM slots. Maybe we need to modify CPC startup to scan all 64 ROMs now instead of 32 only. The 2 boards work really well together otherwise...
Needed: 1. X-Mem RAM Disc aliased to |M and working when M4 ROM is enabled. 2. CPC to scan 64 ROMs on startup if possible. 3. And from the ROMan 2.0 author Syx? Being able to see files on the SD Card of a M4 board. 4. Zaxon's USB drive B board to work in parallel with M4 card - seems to be some type of ROM conflict, not a hardware one. 5. people to share RAM in a con-conflicting way, and Mouse, and Sound Card... these I believe will come, if adopted though is another thing... can only hope.
Craig
Post by: zhulien on 13:11, 16 September 16
Note. Patch roms could be custom by people creating one based on the hardware they have. Sort of like the install option of xmem. Then someone with amsdos ramdis zaxondisc and m4 can have all 4 working together with a configured default device.
If we extend the drivemanager rom to have a capability function... eg. Retuns if the device supports folders trackdisc sectors formatting etc then we can query them and future software can adjust... we can make a 512kb megarom readonly disc if nothing better to do... just take a folder of files you want on roms and click a build and burn function... well... anything can be done almost i mean...
When i get mcp running with ram management that will be nice... but i think disc management is best with custom user built roms for greatest compatability outside the user chosen default device/drive.
Now that make an interesting project idea... driver standard for cpc... diver types thst can be in 1 or more roms or coexist but are standarised based on their purpose... i might start that project with memory being the first candidate and perhaps drives next or in parallel... and mice and audio... that is more elegant than me taking over the system with mcp... let mcp just honour the users configured drivers...
Post by: Livingstone on 13:21, 18 September 16
Post by: Duke on 14:16, 18 September 16
I think I'm late, I wish again to see another list to sign up. :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(I do still build them. Now I just buy small quantities of components to not end up with a waste pile.
Anyone in need just send me a private message, with your email address and what connector type you want.
Post by: Prodatron on 21:35, 18 September 16
I think that SYMBOS with M4 support could be comercial (asking a small amount 5-10 to have m4 support). It could be a good hint for Podatron to continue support for M4. Of cource i dont know what is podatron opinion.Thanks for the nice offer, but I don't want to make SymbOS commercial. M4 support is nearly finished - the SD card of the M4 was running during the whole weekend during a Retro computing exhibition 100% stable - so there will be a release soon.
Also i have a question for Symbos : how memory do why need ? 128k or more?SymbOS requires 128K as a minimum, in this case you have about 32K free for applications. That's not that much if you want to have the full multitasking experience. So a memory expansion is recommended (e.g. the X-MEM).
Post by: Prodatron on 21:41, 18 September 16
I can confirm that symbos does indeed allow access to the floppy drives, so when prodatron releases the m4 storage/WiFi version I see no reason why copying won't work.Yes, you have full floppy access in SymbOS when using the M4 as well, so you can transfer all data between Amsdos discs and the FAT32 SD card of the M4Board.
My favourite is the albireo, which provides microsd card storage as well as a USB controller. I hope that this is the next card @Prodatron (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13) supports in Symbos, at least a mouse on the USB socketThere is no choice at the moment, an Albireo USB mouse driver is really required, if you replaced the SYMBiFACE II with the M4Board, X-MEM etc...
Post by: CraigsBar on 01:13, 19 September 16
Yes, you have full floppy access in SymbOS when using the M4 as well, so you can transfer all data between Amsdos discs and the FAT32 SD card of the M4Board.I have replaced my symbiface with an m4 etc... So I really hope to see an albireo mouse driver soon ;)
There is no choice at the moment, an Albireo USB mouse driver is really required, if you replaced the SYMBiFACE II with the M4Board, X-MEM etc...
I wonder if I should sell my 2 symbifaces with the lower ROM boards? Anyone interested. BTW, one needs a battery replaced.
Post by: SOS on 07:59, 23 September 16
I have copy some files/directories from my PC to the SD-Card, example:
"Computing with the Amstrad 1988" (Directory)
"Misc Group Demos" (Directory)
"Odiesoft Games - Reaktor (1988)" (File)
The "CAT" on my Amstrad shows me:
"COMPUT~1"
"Misc Group Demos"
"ODIESO~1"
I am suprised of "Misc Group Demos" - why the Amstrad don't display "MISC G~1"?
Post by: Duke on 10:13, 23 September 16
Technical question:
I have copy some files/directories from my PC to the SD-Card, example:
"Computing with the Amstrad 1988" (Directory)
"Misc Group Demos" (Directory)
"Odiesoft Games - Reaktor (1988)" (File)
The "CAT" on my Amstrad shows me:
"COMPUT~1"
"Misc Group Demos"
"ODIESO~1"
I am suprised of "Misc Group Demos" - why the Amstrad don't display "MISC G~1"?
Taken straight from the manual :)
"File system
===========
Filenames will be displayed in 8.3 format for compatiblity. Directories will display in full name if less than 17 characters. If longer short directory names will be used. When displaying a directory/catalog, directories will have a > character infront of the directory name."
Post by: SOS on 10:21, 23 September 16
Taken straight from the manual :)
Oh mann :picard: :picard: :picard: :picard:
So I must drink a very BIG cup of coffee (or need eye-glasses)
Thanks Duke!!!
Post by: TFM on 23:07, 23 September 16
Post by: CraigsBar on 00:21, 24 September 16
The really worrying thing is that that particular case was open for 6 months before it came to me.... And I solved it in 2 seconds...
Gotta love being Level 2 support.
;)
Post by: Duke on 01:10, 25 September 16
M4 Board firmware v110 beta 1: http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b1.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b1.zip)
* Long due fix, for using Chrome to upload roms
* |cd,"not existing directory" fixed.
* Fix issues with |httpget and |httpmem, when using parameters like ?param=yo
* C_FSTAT command now uses current path (from |cd) when none given.
Post by: TFM on 01:11, 25 September 16
Post by: Kris on 10:44, 25 September 16
Post by: Duke on 11:20, 25 September 16
For those of you waiting for the next batch of M4, a bit of bad news.
I received the MCU chips I was waiting for friday (everything else is ready). Unfortunately the supplier (i****) send me a batch of STM8 chips instead of the STM32F407.
I have another batch on its way, but may be 1-2 weeks before it's here, hopefully the right ones this time around.
Sorry for the delay, it is out of my hands right now.
Edit: Just ordered another batch with DHL shipping to speed it up. Probably will be here next week. (Sick of china mail waiting !)
Post by: 00WReX on 12:01, 25 September 16
These things happen.
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: MissionComplete on 12:29, 25 September 16
Post by: Edoz(MSX) on 22:49, 26 September 16
The cool part is now that i can continue my work on the IRC client for MSX and CPC ... :D
Because the CPC has this nice hardware now!!!
Today i did some tests and was lucky to have a very short chat with FiXato on #openmsx
My MSX:
(http://msx.pics/images/2016/09/26/firsttest.MSXbmp.png)
My PC:
(http://msx.pics/images/2016/09/26/firsttestc0a54.png)
I will make it better and hope to release it in the future so everyone can use it! At least i can share you the first real test!
Post by: Prodatron on 23:50, 26 September 16
Post by: mr_lou on 08:48, 27 September 16
That's gonna mark a huge milestone in CPC geekness.
Also, hopefully it'll bring more CPC people together chatting.
Post by: Takis Kalatzis on 10:25, 27 September 16
Also, is it possible to copy a file (using ICOPYF command) from inside a .dsk file to the root directory of the SD? I did not have any luck with it, getting a "Not supported" message, so the workaround was to load the file (it was just basic), get to the root directory and save it.
Post by: Duke on 13:57, 27 September 16
Is there any way of displaying the current directory? If I remember correctly, neither cat or IDIR commands show this information. I think an IPWD command would be really useful.There is a command to get the current path (C_GETPATH) but there is no RSX using it, its a good idea to list the active path within the cat/|DIR (will add it next time around).
Also, is it possible to copy a file (using ICOPYF command) from inside a .dsk file to the root directory of the SD? I did not have any luck with it, getting a "Not supported" message, so the workaround was to load the file (it was just basic), get to the root directory and save it.
And yes the |COPYF doesn't work within .DSK images. Tbh. there is so many features I could add, but at the end of the day how many will actually use them.
Anyway noted.
Also the M4ROM source is available at github (M4Duke (Duke) · GitHub (https://github.com/M4Duke/)), so anyone could add custom commands, if they are good to the general users I can include them in the release build aswell. - Ie. @SOS (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=941) just made a couple of functions, I'll likely add for next build, but otherwise you can put your own M4ROM.BIN file in root and it will be used instead of the built-in version.
Post by: Prodatron on 17:39, 27 September 16
I was able to watch ASCII Star Wars with Telnet for a longer time until the first shooting scenes. Then the whole system did a reset, but that was already a great progress.
At the same time EdoZ finished another alpha version of his IRC client SymIRC. I tried it with the new driver on the CPC and it was running stable for more than one hour. We had a nice chat with Trebmint and EdoZ, I wonder if it was the first time, when a CPC was connected to IRC with an own client? While having the IRC connection open I was able to download files with WGET simultaneously. That was my first real test with having multiple connection opened at the same time on the CPC!
(http://www.symbos.org/files/symirc-1.jpg)
(http://www.symbos.org/files/symirc-0.jpg)
(http://www.symbos.org/files/symirc-2.jpg)
The SymIRC is currently not filtering all server messages, which shouldn't be displayed in the chat window. EdoZ is now working on removing all unnecessary stuff which is currently slowing down the output.
I have to speak to Duke for some details again, but will do a preview release anyway as soon as possible.
Post by: mr_lou on 17:51, 27 September 16
Great work guys!
Post by: Duke on 18:02, 27 September 16
Good work @Prodatron (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13) and @Edoz(MSX) (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1188)
Post by: TFM on 19:50, 27 September 16
Looks great ! And glad to hear multiple connections is working too :)
Good work @Prodatron (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13) and @Edoz(MSX) (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1188)
Indeed great job done! And in a short amount of time! Keep the good work going. :) :) :)
Post by: Jungsi on 19:51, 27 September 16
Question:
I'am a little bit confused with all the information in this thread how to use the M4 together with X-MEM.
Is there a short description or can someone explain it to me step by step - which ROM belongs to which slot? :-)
I'am using a CPC6128 (german)
Post by: Duke on 20:09, 27 September 16
Question:
I'am a little bit confused with all the information in this thread how to use the M4 together with X-MEM.
Is there a short description or can someone explain it to me step by step - which ROM belongs to which slot? :-)
I'am using a CPC6128 (german)
The simple method is to disable the romboard function of XMEM and use the 32 (33) romslots of M4 board. There is a jumper below the CPLD on the XMEM, which you can set to NO.
Otherwise:
If you wish to use 64 roms, you will need to go into the webinterface of M4 board and set romslot start position to 32, so that M4 roms will be mapped after XMEM roms.
This will give some issues with the position of the M4 rom and replacing AMSDOS unless you got a CPC6128 which can replace rom 7.
EDIT: I could make a lowerrom replacement for CPC6128 that will ie. use romslot 127 for M4 ROM, if there's interest.
Post by: Takis Kalatzis on 09:06, 01 October 16
I didn't want to start from scratch, so I modified a very nice little program (Disk menu by Joe Halstead) in order to support directory navigation.
I am posting the .BAS code and the converted ASCII file (.TXT) in the hope that other members of the community will find it useful.
Some instructions for use :
- save it in the root folder of the SD card, use cursor keys for navigation
- Space Bar gets inside directories or selects a file for Load,Run. Cancel lets you select another file
- "O" key gets out of a directory
- Since the original program used CAT command and this has not been modified, it probably will not work well with cards having hundreds of files.
Post by: remax on 11:42, 01 October 16
Post by: dragon on 12:02, 01 October 16
http://www.retrocomputers.online/2016/08/20/more-photos-of-viewdata-on-the-amstrad-cpc/ (http://www.retrocomputers.online/2016/08/20/more-photos-of-viewdata-on-the-amstrad-cpc/)
http://www.retrocomputers.online/2013/11/18/lets-take-a-look-at-viewdata/ (http://www.retrocomputers.online/2013/11/18/lets-take-a-look-at-viewdata/)
(Using the m4 offcourse).
Another ignorant cuestión, maybe is posible make the cpc can load the teletext Pages online?.
Example:
http://www.rtve.es/television/teletexto/ (http://www.rtve.es/television/teletexto/)
I refer to teletext exclusively, not the entire web Page of course.
Post by: anyf33 on 23:25, 01 October 16
After the M4 introduction of directories and .dsk files, I decided I needed a disk navigation program to avoid all the typing for changing directories.
I didn't want to start from scratch, so I modified a very nice little program (Disk menu by Joe Halstead) in order to support directory navigation.
I am posting the .BAS code and the converted ASCII file (.TXT) in the hope that other members of the community will find it useful.
Some instructions for use :
- save it in the root folder of the SD card, use cursor keys for navigation
- Space Bar gets inside directories or selects a file for Load,Run. Cancel lets you select another file
- "O" key gets out of a directory
- Since the original program used CAT command and this has not been modified, it probably will not work well with cards having hundreds of files.
Very good i use it renamed as autoexec.bas , so it is starting when i open my cpc!
one only question how can i exit?
The only trick i found is to load a .s file that gives me "line too long" to exit!
thank you for the .bas file
Post by: Takis Kalatzis on 23:43, 01 October 16
Very good i use it renamed as autoexec.bas , so it is starting when i open my cpc!
one only question how can i exit?
The only trick i found is to load a .s file that gives me "line too long" to exit!
thank you for the .bas file
Have you tried pressing ESC key twice? It is a general exiting mechanism from basic programs.
Post by: Duke on 23:48, 01 October 16
Post by: anyf33 on 23:52, 01 October 16
:o it works . I feel so noob! :doh: but i remerber that there is a way to prevent this. 29 years passed and i dont remember more :laugh:
Have you tried pressing ESC key twice? It is a general exiting mechanism from basic programs.
Post by: TFM on 03:32, 02 October 16
Post by: remax on 12:43, 02 October 16
Attached is a slightly modified lowerrom for cpc6128.
This is for CPC6128 users who cannot not set M4 rom to 7, which breaks compatiblity with many games, that re-initialize amsdos (rom 7).
With this lowerrom you must set M4 rom to 6, then enable lowerrom and upload this to whatever lower rom slot you choose (ie. 31).
When games (loaders) call init rom 7, rom 6 (m4) will be initialized instead.
If there's interest I may make the patch a little more intelligent so that M4 rom could be at any pos.
Thanks, I guess there is no way it'll work at the same time of FW3.16 ?
Post by: Duke on 16:06, 02 October 16
Thanks, I guess there is no way it'll work at the same time of FW3.16 ?
No, as both are lowerroms, however the small patch I did, could be done similarily on fw3.16.
Post by: remax on 16:40, 02 October 16
No, as both are lowerroms, however the small patch I did, could be done similarily on fw3.16.
Ok thanks, i'll hope it will be done eventually :)
Can someone point me to a game that have the problem this patch solve, to make sure everything is working as it should ?
Post by: zhulien on 23:04, 02 October 16
Post by: Duke on 01:42, 03 October 16
Hi duke. Any chance you could allow remappimg the roms of m4 to 64 to 95 (allowing 96 roms with xmem and ymem)? I am wanting to experiment with a romdrive concept but also dont want to lose the roms on any of the boards... would seem a pitty to. You could argue why have a romdrive if we have sdcard. .. well... its there.You can already map at 64 (or any other pos you want). Just set the starting pos in the webinterface.
Post by: zhulien on 05:49, 03 October 16
Post by: SOS on 11:27, 03 October 16
e.g.
When I do:
|cd,"/m4
|cd,"equinox.dsk"
the |CD,"/"doesnt go to root, only makes a |cd,".."
Could you change this, that |CD,"/" goes to root, when i have prevouisly choosen a dsk?
Post by: Duke on 14:39, 03 October 16
Post by: Joseman on 16:33, 03 October 16
Noted, will change it when I get a chance, thanks.
Thanks to you for this great piece of hardware!!
Post by: remax on 23:28, 03 October 16
You can already map at 64 (or any other pos you want). Just set the starting pos in the webinterface.
Am I the only one that can't do that with V9 ?
I tried with firefox (starting pos : 32) and chrome, but it stayed at slot1,2,3...
i remember it worked in some of the previous version...
(test : same with v10beta)
Post by: Duke on 07:12, 04 October 16
Am I the only one that can't do that with V9 ?
I tried with firefox (starting pos : 32) and chrome, but it stayed at slot1,2,3...
i remember it worked in some of the previous version...
(test : same with v10beta)
The slot numbers will display the same in the web interface, physically they will change though.
Post by: 00WReX on 12:43, 04 October 16
My two boards arrived safely today. Thank you.
I quickly tried one on a 464 and noticed something cool that may have been mentioned in this long thread, but the latest 'M4 Board Instructions' does not mention it.
The Instructions mention...
Quote
Notice on CPC's with Basic 1.0 (CPC464), RSX commands work in a different way, you can't pass the parameters directly to the rsx.
You will have to do it via a variable.
Ie. change into a sub directory called "DISCS". Type: A$="DISCS":|cd,@A$
On basic 1.1 it would be: |cd,"DISCS".
This fine works, but I found something that also works with .dsk files.
Type |CD press enter.
at this point is waits for a response.
put in the .dsk files e.g. <filename.dsk>
and then the dsk is now opened.
A cat will display the contents.
It may be old news, but I could not find it. Probably does not hurt to repeat it anyway :)
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: Duke on 15:55, 04 October 16
Hi Duke,
My two boards arrived safely today. Thank you.
I quickly tried one on a 464 and noticed something cool that may have been mentioned in this long thread, but the latest 'M4 Board Instructions' does not mention it.
The Instructions mention...
This fine works, but I found something that also works with .dsk files.
Type |CD press enter.
at this point is waits for a response.
put in the .dsk files e.g. <filename.dsk>
and then the dsk is now opened.
A cat will display the contents.
It may be old news, but I could not find it. Probably does not hurt to repeat it anyway :)
Cheers,
Shane
Good to hear.
Yes, you can use cursor + copy keys too if you type |cd and enter, however since you can now replace lowerrom too with M4, its redundant (just upgrade the 464 to basic 1.1). It may be removed again, to free space for other things in the rom.
Post by: remax on 21:37, 04 October 16
The slot numbers will display the same in the web interface, physically they will change though.
Ok it works well, i just tested it thanks to the |help command of XMEM.
Now there is one remaining problem, i don't know if you're the one that can help me :
I have M4board starting at slot 32, with the M4 relay rom on slot 6 of the XMEM.
It works well, the M4 board is started at launch at the same time that the XMEM...
... but, if i upload a application in slot 33 (i tried with protext and discology 6), i have the rom recognized by |help, with the RSXs described, but a "Unknown command" happen if i try to use a RSX (|p for protext, |d6 for discology6).
I guess i need something to relay the command to the upper slots (ie >31), as i guess FW315 only activate 32 roms, but i don't now what is needed, and neither if it even exists !
EDIT : everything works if i start the M4 board at, say, slot 26... so it's really a slot >31 thing !
Post by: Duke on 22:04, 04 October 16
Post by: remax on 23:11, 04 October 16
What is funny is that |help,33 works perfectly and lists the rsx. So |help already scans slots >31.
Last request (don't know if it's feasible) : is it possible to keep the RAM Drive of the XMEM with the M4 Board activated, it would help greatly the transfers...
Post by: Duke on 00:02, 05 October 16
Last request (don't know if it's feasible) : is it possible to keep the RAM Drive of the XMEM with the M4 Board activated, it would help greatly the transfers...
I just got an XMEM recently (thanks Toto!). I don't know how the RAM drive works. I guess you need fw316, how do you access it ? -do you need some upper rom also? Thanks. Will look into it, once I see how it works.
Post by: CraigsBar on 02:34, 05 October 16
I just got an XMEM recently (thanks Toto!). I don't know how the RAM drive works. I guess you need fw316, how do you access it ? -do you need some upper rom also? Thanks. Will look into it, once I see how it works.The ram drive feature has been removed from 3.16, 3.15 has it but it clashed with the xmass so was removed.
Post by: Prodatron on 01:45, 06 October 16
(http://www.symbos.org/files/symirc-3.jpg)
(http://www.symbos.org/files/symirc-4.jpg)
(http://www.symbos.org/files/symirc-5.jpg)
I can't wait to add USB mouse support for the Albireo!
Post by: ||C|-|E|| on 01:49, 06 October 16
Post by: CraigsBar on 02:29, 06 October 16
syMIRC written by EdoZ using the Quigs IDE by Trebmint is getting better an better. Beside filtering all the unnecessary server messages during login and chat session it now has multiple channel support as well. We had some nice chats in the #CPC channel this evening with a CPC6128 + M4Board, an MSX + Denyonet and some "normal" PCs :):) :) :) I can't wait to join you online from a CPC :) :) :)
(http://www.symbos.org/files/symirc-3.jpg)
(http://www.symbos.org/files/symirc-4.jpg)
(http://www.symbos.org/files/symirc-5.jpg)
I can't wait to add USB mouse support for the Albireo!
Post by: 00WReX on 04:47, 09 October 16
Just wondering if anyone has tested the M4 on a 'Cost Down' MC0099A mainboard CPC464 ??
The one with the 100pin SMD Gate Array (combines the old Gate Array, CRTC, and some FDC/DRAM/RESET logic in one chip).
http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Mainboard_Versions#CPC464_version_4_.28cost-down.29 (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Mainboard_Versions#CPC464_version_4_.28cost-down.29)
I have been using the M4 fine with an older 464, and tested pretty much everything with it and all good.
But my 464 with the 'Cost Down' mainboard just cyclic reboots.
I have thoroughly cleaned the edge connector contacts.
I have moved the M4 ROM between positions 6 & 7.
I removed the SD card altogether.
During the cyclic reboot the M4 ROM name is never displayed.
I can still communicate with the M4 via the web browser (config file on SD card from other CPC setup).
Testing a normal ROM board on this CPC is fine so assuming the connector contacts are all OK.
The 'Cost Down' 6128 also has the same 100 pin SMD chip (40226) so interesting if anyone has tested an M4 with one of those as well.
http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Mainboard_Versions#CPC6128_version_3_.28cost-down.29 (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Mainboard_Versions#CPC6128_version_3_.28cost-down.29)
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: Duke on 08:12, 09 October 16
You are probably the first to try this I guess.
Try to disable M4 rom (and dont have any other roms enabled). I am curious if the CPC464 cost down will start up without entering reset loop?
Regards,
Duke
Hi All,
Just wondering if anyone has tested the M4 on a 'Cost Down' MC0099A mainboard CPC464 ??
The one with the 100pin SMD Gate Array (combines the old Gate Array, CRTC, and some FDC/DRAM/RESET logic in one chip).
http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Mainboard_Versions#CPC464_version_4_.28cost-down.29 (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Mainboard_Versions#CPC464_version_4_.28cost-down.29)
I have been using the M4 fine with an older 464, and tested pretty much everything with it and all good.
But my 464 with the 'Cost Down' mainboard just cyclic reboots.
I have thoroughly cleaned the edge connector contacts.
I have moved the M4 ROM between positions 6 & 7.
I removed the SD card altogether.
During the cyclic reboot the M4 ROM name is never displayed.
I can still communicate with the M4 via the web browser (config file on SD card from other CPC setup).
Testing a normal ROM board on this CPC is fine so assuming the connector contacts are all OK.
The 'Cost Down' 6128 also has the same 100 pin SMD chip (40226) so interesting if anyone has tested an M4 with one of those as well.
http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Mainboard_Versions#CPC6128_version_3_.28cost-down.29 (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Mainboard_Versions#CPC6128_version_3_.28cost-down.29)
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: dragon on 14:52, 09 October 16
Hi 00WReX,
You are probably the first to try this I guess.
Try to disable M4 rom (and dont have any other roms enabled). I am curious if the CPC464 cost down will start up without entering reset loop?
Regards,
Duke
Hi duke my 6128 is a costdown, i can help to test this when my board arrived to solve It.
I think i can asume he not work on It.
Post by: dragon on 02:36, 10 October 16
The question is not new and always the same: When the CPC is no more a CPC?Taking control over the Z80 with a MCU (your ARM, Arduino, ...) allow everything. The CPC is finally a simple terminal to input and display.;)
Reading the thread when Reading your post remember me on thing.
You have described how superfx chip works in snes. Fx do all the job, and he only send to snes vídeo memory what snes draw in screen.
If you asking a player when is playing Doom or super Mario world 2. If a snes is not a snes anymore. I dobut they respond no. They probably tell sfx is a great chip and desmotrate the power of snes.Because snes is designed to allowed these type of chips. And is a part of the system.
Only remember the history
PD: i not know what happend with the font is write o.k. lol.
Edit: Fixed - Bryce.
Post by: Audronic on 03:45, 10 October 16
quote author=TotO link=topic=11977.msg129559#msg129559 date=1467290448]The question is not new and always the same: When the CPC is no more a CPC?Taking control over the Z80 with a MCU (your ARM, Arduino, ...) allow everything. The CPC is finally a simple terminal to input and display. ;)
Reading the thread when Reading your post remember me on thing.
You have described how superfx chip works in snes. Fx do all the job, and he only send to snes vídeo memory what snes draw in screen.
If you asking a player when is playing Doom or super Mario world 2. If a snes is not a snes anymore. I dobut they respond no. They probably tell sfx is a great chip and desmotrate the power of snes.Because snes is designed to allowed these type of chips. And is a part of the system.
Only remember the history
PD: i not know what happend with the font is write o.k. lol.Quote
The Font is a bit small ?
Ray
Post by: Duke on 08:31, 10 October 16
Due to a new flashchip on the wifi-board, do not use firmware versions lower than v1.0.9. If done by accident, use v1.0.9 or higher to restore it.
http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/M4_Board (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/M4_Board)
Post by: 00WReX on 09:35, 10 October 16
Hi 00WReX,
You are probably the first to try this I guess.
Try to disable M4 rom (and dont have any other roms enabled). I am curious if the CPC464 cost down will start up without entering reset loop?
Regards,
Duke
Hi Duke / All,
Sorry...False alarm.
I can confirm the M4 does work with the CPC464 MC0099A cost down board (100 pin custom ASIC).
I decided to give the expansion contacts another clean and guess what...all good.
The expansion contacts looked spotless and like they had never been used even before I cleaned them the first time.
In comparison a 6128 I got out to test with the M4, visually the contacts looked terrible and dirty, but a quick clean and all was good.
It just goes to show you, those edge connector contacts can be a real pain.
Clean, clean and clean again and if it still fails, clean them a few more times ???
I did end up using a form of microscrub on them (old telephone exchange contact cleaner that I have had for years...does wonders but I use it sparingly although it is not really abrasive, just a firm like bristle).
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: Audronic on 09:53, 10 October 16
Hi Shane
I did end up using a form of microscrub on them (old telephone exchange contact cleaner that I have had for years...does wonders but I use it sparingly although it is not really abrasive, just a firm like bristle).
Cheers,
Shane
is it the same as this, ( From my OLD PMG Toolkit )
Ray
Post by: 00WReX on 09:55, 10 October 16
Post by: Bryce on 09:57, 10 October 16
Bryce.
Post by: Audronic on 10:09, 10 October 16
Would that be suitable for cleaning Floppy drive heads ??
I have some 5 1/4" drives that its hard to reach.
I like the Long reach of the chop stick
Ray
Post by: Bryce on 10:32, 10 October 16
Bryce.
Post by: TotO on 11:43, 10 October 16
Reading the thread when Reading your post remember me on thing.I have not said that is bad to do it, but asking again "when we can considerate the CPC to be no more a CPC"...
If you asking a player when is playing Doom or super Mario world 2. If a snes is not a snes anymore. I dobut they respond no. They probably tell sfx is a great chip and desmotrate the power of snes.Because snes is designed to allowed these type of chips. And is a part of the system.
Generally the answer is: "While the Z80 does the job and the expansion doesn't hack the system, it is OK."
The SuperFX example is interresting because the chip is embedded into each games cartridges and transparent for the players.
It render 3D polygons and advanced 2D effects into a frame buffer and blit the result into the SNES video memory.
I think that was a clever way to speed up the PLUS display instead of using sprites... (see it like a co-processor)
Post by: dragon on 15:47, 10 October 16
You can make a very useful little "scrubber" by wrapping a piece of Velcro (Klettverschluss), the "hook" side, around a stick (Mine is made from a Chopstick). It's soft enough not to do any damage to contacts.
Bryce.
In this lands not only in cpc , to anthing related with pcb edge contacts as consoles cartridges etc etc... The people always uses one of these .
http://www.milan.es/en/default.aspx?ACCIO=PORTALENC&NIVELL=6579D32CB08575F9FCF4AE36493CC854995DB4A2CB1DA743033701EFA893603B36FEABA697FAFE4F52C1C67EA780C1E0
I have not said that is bad to do it, but asking again "when we can considerate the CPC to be no more a CPC"...
Generally the answer is: "While the Z80 does the job and the expansion doesn't hack the system, it is OK."
The SuperFX example is interresting because the chip is embedded into each games cartridges and transparent for the players.
It render 3D polygons and advanced 2D effects into a frame buffer and blit the result into the SNES video memory.
I think that was a clever way to speed up the PLUS display instead of using sprites... (see it like a co-processor)
But better with socket to upgrade it to plus plus :D one time every decade.
Post by: Bryce on 15:52, 10 October 16
Bryce.
Post by: 00WReX on 23:29, 10 October 16
I don't like making feature requests...but I will. :D
It may have already been asked or on the to-do list.
Are you able to add an RSX to list installed ROMs.
Something like the |help in utopia.
Maybe |ROMS
I know the ROMs can be seen from the Web Browser, but straight from the CPC is very handy too.
Thanks.
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: rpalmer on 23:34, 10 October 16
If Utopia has the function you request, why implement it again in something else?
rpalmer
Post by: 00WReX on 00:03, 11 October 16
I totally agree with you.
The reason I asked is that Utopia is known to conflict with certain other ROMs and I removed Utopia from my list because of this.
It also needs to be after the AMSDOS / M4 ROM otherwise it's RSXs will be selected first.
But also, I figured it would be nicer (and possibly not too much work) to have the RSX implemented on the device with the M4 ROM.
Other ROM RSXs are already implemented on the M4 ROM and I also like the idea of minimising the ROM count (to avoid any conficts etc).
Honestly, I mostly wanted Utopia on the board just for this function.
Just a thought anyway.
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: MissionComplete on 00:15, 11 October 16
Post by: Duke on 00:16, 11 October 16
Sure I can add it sometime. For now you could put maxam in the romboard, it has |HELP too to list roms and |help,romnum to list RSX commands.
@MissionComplete (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1711)
Good to hear :)
Post by: Duke on 00:35, 11 October 16
M4 Firmware v1.1.0 beta 2:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b2.zip
Net stability fixes, recommended for SymbOS v3.0.
Also added some RSX functions written by SOS (please document them).
Post by: Bryce on 10:28, 11 October 16
Hi rpalmer,
I totally agree with you.
The reason I asked is that Utopia is known to conflict with certain other ROMs and I removed Utopia from my list because of this.
It also needs to be after the AMSDOS / M4 ROM otherwise it's RSXs will be selected first.
But also, I figured it would be nicer (and possibly not too much work) to have the RSX implemented on the device with the M4 ROM.
Other ROM RSXs are already implemented on the M4 ROM and I also like the idea of minimising the ROM count (to avoid any conficts etc).
Honestly, I mostly wanted Utopia on the board just for this function.
Just a thought anyway.
Cheers,
Shane
Maxam also offers this feature and causes less problems with other ROMs than Utopia, it's also a pretty handy ROM to have installed.
Bryce.
Post by: CraigsBar on 10:36, 11 October 16
Hi Duke,FW 3.1x has this built in, and it works with the m4 beautifully.
I don't like making feature requests...but I will. :D
It may have already been asked or on the to-do list.
Are you able to add an RSX to list installed ROMs.
Something like the |help in utopia.
Maybe |ROMS
I know the ROMs can be seen from the Web Browser, but straight from the CPC is very handy too.
Thanks.
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: TotO on 10:42, 11 October 16
FW 3.1x has this built in, and it works with the m4 beautifully.Exactly... Using |HELP too.
Post by: 00WReX on 12:38, 11 October 16
FW 3.1x has this built in, and it works with the m4 beautifully.
Actually, I should have known this...in fact I did know this :picard: as I've had been running the Customer Firmware on a 6128 right from the start....
I even tried it on the M4 over the weekend, but because I have been testing and connecting across different CPC, have not settled on anything just yet.
Hmm, that's what happens after being off the Amstrads for a fair while. I should not have strayed :(
It's been so long, I still have BonnyDOS running on an X-mass on the CPC with the CFW.
Personally, I still think it would be neat as part of the M4 ROM to have a way of listing the ROMS.
Especially because it has a RSX's to add ROMs and disable ROMs, maybe sorta makes sense to also be able to list them.
But yes, I had forgotten about the other options (outside of Utopia)...so thanks for the refresher :)
Cheers guys.
Shane
Post by: anyf33 on 02:12, 12 October 16
Hi All,
Just wondering if anyone has tested the M4 on a 'Cost Down' MC0099A mainboard CPC464 ??
The one with the 100pin SMD Gate Array (combines the old Gate Array, CRTC, and some FDC/DRAM/RESET logic in one chip).
http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Mainboard_Versions#CPC464_version_4_.28cost-down.29 (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Mainboard_Versions#CPC464_version_4_.28cost-down.29)
I have been using the M4 fine with an older 464, and tested pretty much everything with it and all good.
But my 464 with the 'Cost Down' mainboard just cyclic reboots.
I have thoroughly cleaned the edge connector contacts.
I have moved the M4 ROM between positions 6 & 7.
I removed the SD card altogether.
During the cyclic reboot the M4 ROM name is never displayed.
I can still communicate with the M4 via the web browser (config file on SD card from other CPC setup).
Testing a normal ROM board on this CPC is fine so assuming the connector contacts are all OK.
The 'Cost Down' 6128 also has the same 100 pin SMD chip (40226) so interesting if anyone has tested an M4 with one of those as well.
http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Mainboard_Versions#CPC6128_version_3_.28cost-down.29 (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Mainboard_Versions#CPC6128_version_3_.28cost-down.29)
Cheers,
Shane
Hello again I have the cost down 6128 and it works fine! (the m4). After of course many many cleaning days! And i think the best rubber is the blue/red rubber. using the blue part! i was laughing when my friend (profesional electronic) told me . but it was right
Post by: Joseman on 13:29, 13 October 16
Today the m4 board is unable to work with the wifi part
|netstat tells that is connected
but |httpget hangs the cpc and symbos 3.0 don't work with symirc anymore
if i type the ip on my pc firefox, instead of the configuration page it displays "404 - not found"
what can be happening?
Post by: Duke on 13:43, 13 October 16
Does it display an IP number when you type |netstat ?
What firmware do you have on it?
Hi @Duke_ (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1632)
Today the m4 board is unable to work with the wifi part
|netstat tells that is connected
but |httpget hangs the cpc and symbos 3.0 don't work with symirc anymore
if i type the ip on my pc firefox, instead of the configuration page it displays "404 - not found"
what can be happening?
Post by: Duke on 13:57, 13 October 16
M4 firmware v1.1.0b3 - http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b3.zip
Should fix issues with corrupt file download and more when using symbOS 3.0 preview.
Post by: MissionComplete on 16:39, 13 October 16
Hi @Duke_ (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1632)
Today the m4 board is unable to work with the wifi part
|netstat tells that is connected
but |httpget hangs the cpc and symbos 3.0 don't work with symirc anymore
if i type the ip on my pc firefox, instead of the configuration page it displays "404 - not found"
what can be happening?
Si estás utilizando una IP fija, puede que la hayas puesto fuera del rango de tu red o puede que ya esté siendo utilizada esa IP. Yo puse sin darme cuenta ip=192.168.1.19, cuando debía haber puesto ip=192.168.0.19. Al hacer netstat, la M4 decía estar conectada con la IP que yo le había asignado, pero no lo estaba. De hecho, era imposible, porque también le había dado mal la puerta de enlace. Me volví loco hasta que me di cuenta.
Is it possible that you have assigned a static IP out of rank of your WLAN? In that case, netstat shows the wrong IP that you have assigned, but there is no connection.
Post by: Duke on 16:55, 13 October 16
Post by: Edoz(MSX) on 17:10, 13 October 16
Si estás utilizando una IP fija, puede que la hayas puesto fuera del rango de tu red o puede que ya esté siendo utilizada esa IP. Yo puse sin darme cuenta ip=192.168.1.19, cuando debía haber puesto ip=192.168.0.19. Al hacer netstat, la M4 decía estar conectada con la IP que yo le había asignado, pero no lo estaba. De hecho, era imposible, porque también le había dado mal la puerta de enlace. Me volví loco hasta que me di cuenta.
Is it possible that you have assigned a static IP out of rank of your WLAN? In that case, netstat shows the wrong IP that you have assigned, but there is no connection.
It could also that your gateway address is wrong or your DNS lookup. In SymbOS i always use nslookup www.cpcwiki.eu or so to see if you get the good IP.. and if so .. you know that your gateway is doing routing correctly ...
Post by: Prodatron on 20:47, 13 October 16
Btw. if anyone feels like trying:
M4 firmware v1.1.0b3 - http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b3.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b3.zip)
Should fix issues with corrupt file download and more when using symbOS 3.0 preview.
Wow, what a great day! First the USB mouse driver issues have been solved, and now the M4Board network seems to be 100% stable as well! My first tests where all successful, thanks a lot, Duke!
Post by: remax on 21:35, 13 October 16
But everything i try does nothjng : there isn't the M4board message on startup. The blue light is on, the wifi light blink rapidly on then off definitively. The reset does nothing to the cpc but lights the red light...
Any idea ?
Post by: Duke on 22:16, 13 October 16
If not, try to put the latest upgrade in root of microSD card and see if it does go through the update process (red light on, then wifi light on, then both lights off).
And did you try without microSD inserted, incase something got screwed in the fs?
My M4 Board seems to be dead... i tryed many things, pluged directly, on motherx4 with usb powering...
But everything i try does nothjng : there isn't the M4board message on startup. The blue light is on, the wifi light blink rapidly on then off definitively. The reset does nothing to the cpc but lights the red light...
Any idea ?
Post by: remax on 22:30, 13 October 16
Can you ping the board from a PC ? -when the CPC is turned on. If so I think connector?
If not, try to put the latest upgrade in root of microSD card and see if it does go through the update process (red light on, then wifi light on, then both lights off).
And did you try without microSD inserted, incase something got screwed in the fs?
I did try to remove the SD card and launch, to reformat the SD card and launch, to ping the board... nothing worked...
I'm gonna try the update...
At least the SD Card port works, as i noticed that the m4 folder has been recreated and the update process worked... (well i think)...
Post by: Duke on 22:37, 13 October 16
At least the SD Card port works, as i noticed that the m4 folder has been recreated and the update process worked... (well i think)...
Guess it still isn't recognized by the CPC then? - If so please send it back and I'll fix it or send you a new one.
Post by: remax on 22:43, 13 October 16
Guess it still isn't recognized by the CPC then? - If so please send it back and I'll fix it or send you a new one.
Yeah no sign of life sadly...
Post by: Joseman on 23:36, 13 October 16
yes, you all were right
the router didn't work well this morning, but the CPC stills displayed "connected" and "got ip 192.168.0.220", symbos believed to be "connect" too, but none of them were connect ;D
Yes, i'd the ip static 192.168.0.220, hence netstat and symbos were convinced on being online...
this night i've reconfigured the router and set dhcp on m4, all started to work again!!!
Thanyou all again!
Post by: 00WReX on 13:28, 14 October 16
I did try to remove the SD card and launch, to reformat the SD card and launch, to ping the board... nothing worked...
I'm gonna try the update...
At least the SD Card port works, as i noticed that the m4 folder has been recreated and the update process worked... (well i think)...
Hmmm, I think one of my M4's has just done the same thing as remax's board.
I was using it fine, then switched it to another CPC. Switched it back and no M4 ROM.
I checked my connections and tried again, same thing.
All LEDs on the board flash like normal, but no M4 ROM.
I tried my other M4 on the same computer with the same connector and all fine.
So back to the other one again, I tried to access it via the webserver (SD / config file was already setup) but no connection to the webserver.
I had already upgraded to FW v1.1.0 beta 3 so I place the v1.0.9 files on the root of the SD and booted it.
You can see the LED's stay on just like expected with a FW upgrade, but once finished the CPC just sits there at the normal BASIC prompt.
I tried no SD card... just boots like a normal CPC (same as when the SD card is in).
I tried another SD (although the original reads fine in the PC and other M4).
It creates the m4 directory with the ROM files correctly.
I'm out of idea's. Is there any way I can perform a disaster recovery and get the M4 ROM back.
I'm assuming without the M4 ROM the webserver will not work as it will not get an IP.
So it appears to me that everything on the board is working (going by the LED's) it's just that somehow the M4 ROM has gone missing.
Also due to the fact when I plugged in a new / blank sd card it created the m4 directory with the ROM files.
My setup is simply a 464 with the M4 straight into it via a short ribbon cable / edge connector setup.
I have an MX4 board but that is setup on a 6128 and I have not even tried the M4 on that yet.
:(
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: robcfg on 13:39, 14 October 16
When I was testing one of the first boards, I put it in ten or twelve different CPCs and it's still working fine.
Try cleaning the contacts on your CPC and on the board itself.
Post by: Duke on 13:41, 14 October 16
I am starting to wonder if its my fix in v1.09-> for new flashchips on the ESP board that's giving problems with the old ones, although I use the new firmware myself on the old board.
Can you try to put firmware v1.0.8 on the microSD ?
Also even if the M4 rom isn't present you should still be able to ping the IP of the ESP if you have a netconfig stored on the microSD.
Hmmm, I think one of my M4's has just done the same thing as remax's board.
I was using it fine, then switched it to another CPC. Switched it back and no M4 ROM.
I checked my connections and tried again, same thing.
All LEDs on the board flash like normal, but no M4 ROM.
I tried my other M4 on the same computer with the same connector and all fine.
So back to the other one again, I tried to access it via the webserver (SD / config file was already setup) but no connection to the webserver.
I had already upgraded to FW v1.1.0 beta 3 so I place the v1.0.9 files on the root of the SD and booted it.
You can see the LED's stay on just like expected with a FW upgrade, but once finished the CPC just sits there at the normal BASIC prompt.
I tried no SD card... just boots like a normal CPC (same as when the SD card is in).
I tried another SD (although the original reads fine in the PC and other M4).
It creates the m4 directory with the ROM files correctly.
I'm out of idea's. Is there any way I can perform a disaster recovery and get the M4 ROM back.
I'm assuming without the M4 ROM the webserver will not work as it will not get an IP.
So it appears to me that everything on the board is working (going by the LED's) it's just that somehow the M4 ROM has gone missing.
Also due to the fact when I plugged in a new / blank sd card it created the m4 directory with the ROM files.
My setup is simply a 464 with the M4 straight into it via a short ribbon cable / edge connector setup.
I have an MX4 board but that is setup on a 6128 and I have not even tried the M4 on that yet.
:(
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: 00WReX on 13:45, 14 October 16
That's weird.
When I was testing one of the first boards, I put it in ten or twelve different CPCs and it's still working fine.
Try cleaning the contacts on your CPC and on the board itself.
Yes, I thought it was weird too.
But it definitely appears to have a issue.
And because I have another M4 to test, that appears to have confirmed it.
I used the good M4 with the same connector on the same CPC. and I can consistently unplug the good one and put it back in and it works perfectly. The other one looks to do all the right things with the LED's but the CPC simply boots normally with no M4 ROM message.
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: Bryce on 13:47, 14 October 16
Bryce.
Post by: Duke on 13:56, 14 October 16
The other one looks to do all the right things with the LED's but the CPC simply boots normally with no M4 ROM message.
It's to me an indicator that the ESP8266 board is not responding to the M4 commands on startup, thus it will not continue to romboard emulation.
Post by: 00WReX on 14:07, 14 October 16
I just placed the FW 1.0.8 files on the root of the SD and booted.
All LED's lit for a few moments like normal with an upgrade but once they went out, nothing.
The CPC sits there at it's normal prompt. I then rebooted but the same result.
Also tried to ping the IP from my PC but no response.
Just to be sure I was correct with my ping, I plugged the good M4 back and pinged from my PC again...got responses.
Also, just to note: The FW files are gone from the SD card (like normal) after it 'Appears to perform the upgrade'...so that probably confirms it has done it.
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: Duke on 14:32, 14 October 16
Also, just to note: The FW files are gone from the SD card (like normal) after it 'Appears to perform the upgrade'...so that probably confirms it has done it.
Ok thanks for trying. Here's another one, if you care to try it please: http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/special2.zip It will erase the entire ESP flash, incase some corrupt user config is present in the flash.
EDIT: Done.
Post by: 00WReX on 14:38, 14 October 16
Ok thanks for trying. Here's another one, if you care to try it please: http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/special.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/special.zip) It will erase the entire ESP flash, incase some corrupt user config is present in the flash.
Thanks Duke,
I just tried that. The LED's stayed on for quite a while this time, but still no different once finished.
The card did not reboot.
When I manually rebooted it, it was still the same result.
Do I need to now, upgrade to a normal firmware...say 1.0.9 ??
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: 00WReX on 14:40, 14 October 16
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: Duke on 14:41, 14 October 16
Post by: 00WReX on 14:48, 14 October 16
Sorry, it should be better now, special2.zip in edit, please :)
Sorry Duke, same result.
And still getting 'host unreachable' with a ping.
Do I need to do a normal FW upgrade now or would that have covered it ?
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: Duke on 14:50, 14 October 16
Sorry Duke, same result.
And still getting 'host unreachable' with a ping.
Cheers,
Shane
Ok too bad, seems like the ESP is dead, anyway I'll try to add some diagnostics to the upgrade process tonight/tomorrow, so we can give it one more try before sending it back.
Post by: 00WReX on 14:51, 14 October 16
Ok too bad, seems like the ESP is dead, anyway I'll try to add some diagnosis to the upgrade process tonight/tomorrow, so we can give it one my try before sending it back.
OK, no problem.
Thanks for the support.
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: remax on 15:14, 14 October 16
The symptoms 00WReX describes match exactly the one i encountered.
Post by: Duke on 15:23, 14 October 16
If you want, i can wait before i send you the card back...
The symptoms 00WReX describes match exactly the one i encountered.
Yes please do thanks. I plan to do a special build that will test some things and save a report on the microSD.
Post by: dragon on 15:30, 14 October 16
It almost sounds like the boards could have died from static discharge, but I would have expected the parts to be more robust than that.
Bryce.
These are the dangers of boards witouth case. It can be affect any other board in any time . Really the best solution are 3D printed cases for all boards not only m4.
In my house not, buy in my sister house many times when i touch a thing a static discharge assault me. scaffold guilty.
I not have cpcs in her house of course XD.
Post by: Edoz(MSX) on 15:34, 14 October 16
Thankyou all guys!!
yes, you all were right
the router didn't work well this morning, but the CPC stills displayed "connected" and "got ip 192.168.0.220", symbos believed to be "connect" too, but none of them were connect ;D
Yes, i'd the ip static 192.168.0.220, hence netstat and symbos were convinced on being online...
this night i've reconfigured the router and set dhcp on m4, all started to work again!!!
Thanyou all again!
I think SymbOS was correct when saying that it was online! If you use static ip and you have a link than you are online. It does not say that your gateway or dns is correct. Probably you can do network stuff in the same broadcast domain. If your DNS is not able to resolve or the gateway is not allowing you to do then problems are there but in fact you are online. That's the reason that I use nslookup. Then you go outside your broadcasting domain to see if it works at well. For example if you use symbus , which is a tool you start in symbos you can connect to your CPC by using a PC with telnet or use putty. In this case if you are in the same vlan you don't use your dns or gateway. With symbus you can telnet to your CPC and can do some kind of remote control.
Post by: HAL 6128 on 15:46, 14 October 16
Post by: Prodatron on 15:52, 14 October 16
I think SymbOS was correct when saying that it was online! If you use static ip and you have a link than you are online. It does not say that your gateway or dns is correct. Probably you can do network stuff in the same broadcast domain. If your DNS is not able to resolve or the gateway is not allowing you to do then problems are there but in fact you are online.Currently the Network Daemon is only checking if there is an M4Board present and the strength of the Wifi signal. If both is fine it shows "online". I didn't add any support for IP settings etc., currently the Network Daemon assumes that the M4Board has been configured and connected correctly already in Amsdos. I will add network settings in a later version.
For example if you use symbus , which is a tool you start in symbos you can connect to your CPC by using a PC with telnet or use putty. In this case if you are in the same vlan you don't use your dns or gateway. With symbus you can telnet to your CPC and can do some kind of remote control.Ops, forget to include SymBUS (maybe somebody remembers NetBus (https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/NetBus)?) into the package. This is really a funny tool written by EdoZ :) Will add it in the new package.
Post by: Duke on 18:28, 14 October 16
Please try this one:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4diag.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4diag.zip)
It will take a bit longer than before.
Afterwards there should be a report.txt in the root of microSD
Please let me know the results.
Also it should bring your romboard/mass storage back alive.
Thank you.
Post by: 00WReX on 01:29, 15 October 16
@00WReX (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=518) @remax (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=314)
Please try this one:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4diag.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4diag.zip)
It will take a bit longer than before.
Afterwards there should be a report.txt in the root of microSD
Please let me know the results.
Also it should bring your romboard/mass storage back alive.
Thank you.
WoooHooo, yes. Brilliant. It's back in action. ;D :D :D ;)
Thanks once again for the excellent support and fast too.
Here is the contents of the result.txt file from the SD card.
Quote
ESP Flash SR: 0x00 0x02
ESP Flash ID: 0x00E04016
ESP Upgrade CRC match!
ESP Flash Readback CRC: 0xE969B0B2 vs 0xE969B0B2
Checking ESP command
ESP version 00010100 OK
Done!
Cheers & Thanks,
Shane
Post by: Audronic on 01:32, 15 October 16
@00WReX (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=518)
Hi ShaneThe Contact Cleaner, I remember one of our Supervisors saying " These contain SILICON so use them to clean, and then Chemically clean the contacts "
is it the same as this, ( From my OLD PMG Toolkit )
Ray
Now that came from a Long way back in whats left of my brain ???
So perhaps there is a clean contact with a "Silicon" covering on the contacts ?
I Use CRC 226 (" Instant Tech" ) on a cotton bud as the final clean.
I hope that this helps.
Ray
Post by: 00WReX on 03:23, 15 October 16
There is a before & after shot of this as the game requires 128K.
I just tried it on a 'Cost Down' CPC 464 with an unmodified dk'tronics 64K expansion and the M4 in the back of that.
Works like a charm...
Cheers,
Shane
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ] [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Post by: Duke on 03:53, 15 October 16
Cool, glad it worked, I didn't expect it to - seems a chip erase command did the job.
Hope it works for @remax (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=314) too.
Post by: 00WReX on 06:11, 15 October 16
@00WReX (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=518)
Cool, glad it worked, I didn't expect it to - seems a chip erase command did the job.
Hope it works for @remax (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=314) too.
Thanks again Duke. That just surprised me when you said you was not expecting it to work.
Only because you mentioned that it should bring it alive...I was confident at that point :D
I have done more testing with the recovered board and all functions are good.
ROMs functioning including lower ROM replacement, webserver fine, file & ROM uploads good...etc
Just as an extra bit of info / confirmation about the board that failed.
It may be relevant for any investigation you may be doing in the background.
At the time the board failed, I was not performing any SD writes or firmware updates or webserver uploads etc. I was simply moving the M4 between CPC's.
And yes, hopefully remax's board responds the same as mine.
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: Duke on 10:07, 15 October 16
Thanks again Duke. That just surprised me when you said you was not expecting it to work.
Only because you mentioned that it should bring it alive...I was confident at that point :D
I meant the M4 part would work with that version (romboard/sd) not the WiFi part, but I could see in your report that the ESP responded fine after the big chip erase and reprogramming.
Post by: remax on 10:58, 15 October 16
Hope it works for @remax (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=314) too.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQo1HIcSVtg[/youtube]
(http://www.forumtfc.net/uploads/emoticons/default_yaisse.gif)
And the report :
Code: [Select]
ESP Flash SR: 0x00 0x02
ESP Flash ID: 0x00E04016
ESP Upgrade CRC match!
ESP Flash Readback CRC: 0xE969B0B2 vs 0xE969B0B2
Checking ESP command
ESP version 00010100 OK
Done!
Now i will be able to test the new SymbOS :)
Post by: 00WReX on 01:07, 16 October 16
I have a observation to report.
If I load the function keys I have noticed that when performing a cat or |DIR on a large listing, if you press ESC
even just once to pause the listing the Function keys are wiped, back to just their numeric function.
e.g.
key 0,"cat"+chr$(13)
if you do this on a large directory listing and press 'ESC' either once or twice the function key you just set will be lost.
I have loaded up all F keys 0 to 9 and it wipes the lot.
Pausing a BASIC listing using 'ESC' does not wipe the F Keys.
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: Duke on 12:35, 16 October 16
if you do this on a large directory listing and press 'ESC' either once or twice the function key you just set will be lost.Probably because I call &BB03, KM_RESET, will see if I can do without in next build :)
Post by: Duke on 17:00, 16 October 16
Changes:
- Added C_GETNETWORK command.
- Added status byte after response string to C_NETSTAT
- Fix |cd,"/" to go to root if inside a DSK image.
- Fix SD hotswapping.
- Remove KM_RESET from cat/dir when pressing ESC, to continue listing one must use space now.
- Display current path when using cat/dir.
- Increased AMSDOS readspeed (using bigger buffer).
- Faster network speed when using netapi.
- |Netstat command now displays all IP info, if connected to AP.
Sorry for all these beta's ;)
The purpose is to catch any (new) bugs before going to final release. So if you want to play it safe, stick with the non beta releases.
Post by: dxs on 19:51, 16 October 16
Thank you for your wonderful support!
Do you know what happened to the users experimenting trouble lately, and if so has this condition been adressed in the last beta ?
A happy M4 user 😀
Post by: Duke on 20:09, 16 October 16
Do you know what happened to the users experimenting trouble lately, and if so has this condition been adressed in the last beta ?Not exactly. The SDK libraries of ExpressIF (ESP8266) does store some settings in the spi flash and it seems those got corrupted somehow and needed a chip erase. Maybe a crash at the wrong time or ESD, don't know.
Post by: 00WReX on 09:21, 17 October 16
I'm giving the new beta 4 a go.
All seems good except for the ESC to pause seems a bit hit & miss for me.
- Remove KM_RESET from cat/dir when pressing ESC, to continue listing one must use space now.
Press ESC once it will pause, or completely break, or do nothing...
Only just had a quick look, but wondering if anyone else can confirm.
This is on a big directory I'm testing, the NVG /Games/Arcade directory to be precise.
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: 00WReX on 09:45, 17 October 16
Hi Duke,
Are you able to add an RSX to list installed ROMs.
Something like the |help in utopia.
Maybe |ROMS
I know the ROMs can be seen from the Web Browser, but straight from the CPC is very handy too.
Thanks.
Cheers,
Shane
FW 3.1x has this built in, and it works with the m4 beautifully.
Exactly... Using |HELP too.
Another thing I have noticed and hoping someone can confirm.
I have set up the M4 on a 6128 with the Custom Firmware 3.16 and it's expansion ROM.
I have noticed that |help,6 to list the M4 RSX's (this 6128 won't allow M4 to be in slot 7) it does not show all the RSX's.
It stops at |version.
Obviously the |help of the CFW overrides the Maxam |help....but when I use Maxam without the CFW, it does display all the M4 ROM RSX's.
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: dragon on 15:07, 17 October 16
M4 Firmware v1.1.0 beta #4 - Download it here http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b4.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b4.zip)
Changes:See more details in http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt) (also with documentation of SOS new RSX commands, thanks!)
- Added C_GETNETWORK command.
- Added status byte after response string to C_NETSTAT
- Fix |cd,"/" to go to root if inside a DSK image.
- Fix SD hotswapping.
- Remove KM_RESET from cat/dir when pressing ESC, to continue listing one must use space now.
- Display current path when using cat/dir.
- Increased AMSDOS readspeed (using bigger buffer).
- Faster network speed when using netapi.
- |Netstat command now displays all IP info, if connected to AP.
Sorry for all these beta's ;)
The purpose is to catch any (new) bugs before going to final release. So if you want to play it safe, stick with the non beta releases.
Ahhh, waiting is hard :D .
Just five seconds after i write it. My father throw me a packet. When i see It fly i almost had a heart atack.
Fortunly. I recieve It o.k. i know the wifi is trasmitted by Air, but i not need recieve the board flying XD.
Murphys law.
Post by: Prodatron on 15:31, 17 October 16
i know the wifi is trasmitted by Air, but i not need recieve the board flying XD.:laugh: :laugh:
Post by: remax on 19:44, 17 October 16
Press ESC once it will pause, or completely break, ordo nothing...
nearly the same
Post by: dragon on 19:58, 17 October 16
first my cpc cost down not work(thats normal i not used the expansion port in decades, so i need dismount it and clean the connector XD). it boot as m4 board not exist.
So o try it in the plus.
Mi first problem was as my pasword was generated by a program years ago and i have a " in my password . :doh: (I using all lenght of the password possible string.) So i can't use |netset to put he parameters.
Y try put it in the config.txt using the pc. But anyway i not have luck.
|netstat shows ap not found. And my router log not show the cpc try authenticate.
I made copy & paste from router. So i don't know the problem. but my ssid is the maximum possible leght to. (numbers and letters mixed generated by a program).
I only view the wifi light of the anntene on when plus is booting.
Changed the password mean change the pasword to all mobille,tablet, sony consoles,pc portatil. ???
Ah, and curiosity my cartridges (512k) simply not boot with the card connected cpc only shows vertical bars.
Post by: Prodatron on 20:07, 17 October 16
|netset,"... Pw=123"+chr%(34)+"abc...."
?
Instead of % thr dollar sign (currently with my mobile)
Post by: dragon on 20:19, 17 October 16
Did you try
|netset,"... Pw=123"+chr%(34)+"abc...."
?
Instead of % thr dollar sign (currently with my mobile)
No, but i go to try it. The board works,i try the crapy ssid "pruebas", and pw="12345678" And cpc connected and show me ip and signal 0xd6.
Now i need make my normal ssid and password work :) .
Edit, i can connect with my original password 63 characters and ssid=pruebas, so i think the problem is maybe in the lenght of ssid?. 32 characters mixed numbers and low letters.
Post by: Prodatron on 20:42, 17 October 16
Post by: dragon on 21:24, 17 October 16
I think it depend of the router firmware, some use 31 max and it filled the 32 with 0. And others as the i have uses 32 max without fill the last digit.
Anyway all others devices of my network not have problems to connect with my ssid. So maybe the devices firmware came prepared to the two posibility.
Post by: dirtybb on 20:20, 18 October 16
@00WReX (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=518) @remax (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=314)
Please try this one:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4diag.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4diag.zip)
It will take a bit longer than before.
Afterwards there should be a report.txt in the root of microSD
Please let me know the results.
Also it should bring your romboard/mass storage back alive.
Thank you.
Just to let you know that i had exaclty the same problem as @00WReX (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=518) & @remax (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=314)
Apllying this fixed it :)
Thanks @Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624) for the great support :)
Post by: Duke on 20:30, 18 October 16
Just to let you know that i had exaclty the same problem as @00WReX (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=518) & @remax (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=314)
Apllying this fixed it :)
Thanks @Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624) for the great support :)
Can you remember what happened before it stopped working? Which firmware were you using before ?
Post by: dirtybb on 21:52, 18 October 16
Please find attached the report.txt if it could help.
Post by: Duke on 22:01, 18 October 16
v1.0.9 final i think, but not sure.Ok thanks, noted.
Please find attached the report.txt if it could help.
Post by: Audronic on 03:14, 19 October 16
Could somebody post the Rom list that you use on your Machine and the ? Slot ? Position using the M4 and X-Mem Please.
Thanks Ray
Post by: 00WReX on 03:59, 19 October 16
Hi All
Could somebody post the Rom list that you use on your Machine and the ? Slot ? Position using the M4 and X-Mem Please.
Thanks Ray
Hi Ray,
The M4 default ROM position is slot 6 (Both the 6128's I have tested the M4 on did not allow overriding ROM 7).
With the X-Mem, there is a
If doing Lower ROM replacement with the M4, then ROM slot 31 has been reserved for the OS part of the ROM (16k). ROM 0 would have the BASIC part of the ROM (16k).
Cheers,
Shane
Edit: I said 'switch', but I meant 'jumper' for the ROM disable on the X-Mem.
http://www.centpourcent.net/uploads/2/2/9/8/22986686/xmem_get-started.pdf (http://www.centpourcent.net/uploads/2/2/9/8/22986686/xmem_get-started.pdf)
Post by: Audronic on 04:21, 19 October 16
Ok Thanks.
I have not tried my M4 yet just trying to get my head around it.
Ray
Post by: dragon on 16:15, 19 October 16
Duke, can you help me?. My (512k) cartridges not appear to work with m4. I not sure if is my fault. Or simply a time problem with c4cpc.
C4cpc take little time load the cartridge.
I observed boot with m4 cpc only show vertical bars.
But when booting without sd card inserted in m4 it boot.
Post by: Duke on 18:18, 19 October 16
well appers delete las character of ssid dont affect to my mobile he connet same wtf.How are these roms mapped in C4CPC, I mean what physical ROM positions do they occupy?
Duke, can you help me?. My (512k) cartridges not appear to work with m4. I not sure if is my fault. Or simply a time problem with c4cpc.
C4cpc take little time load the cartridge.
I observed boot with m4 cpc only show vertical bars.
But when booting without sd card inserted in m4 it boot.
And what is your setting of M4 board (romboard start position, M4 rom position, Lowerrom position) ?
- M4 will issue ROMDIS, which C4CPC obeys (afair. gerald said that), so it may be disabling some of your roms if there is overlaps.
Post by: dragon on 18:38, 19 October 16
How are these roms mapped in C4CPC, I mean what physical ROM positions do they occupy?
And what is your setting of M4 board (romboard start position, M4 rom position, Lowerrom position) ?
- M4 will issue ROMDIS, which C4CPC obeys (afair. gerald said that), so it may be disabling some of your roms if there is overlaps.
Cartridge roms are from &80-&9F(31 roms).
My settings are default you send me. m4 rom is set to rom 6 as default, i try in rom 7 and effect is the same. I not have put lower rom substitute with m4.
My cartridges not works as you put normal rom in the cpc. I simply rehuse the |game alternatives and made it jump to the requerired rom/direction.
So the os not know the roms are there until they was called manually.
Amsdos have little modification of remap burning rubber jumps, but nothing more. The only conflict i can think is you scanned the roms in area &80-&9f and crash in someway. The roms are adapted and not are suitable to be detected in normal way.
In the other version with parados is the same.
In theory when you disable amdos rom or parados, It can't be called because depend of burning rubber command, but thats all.
I mean i simply exchange |spiel for |hxc and then jump to &88 rom for example.
Post by: Duke on 19:32, 19 October 16
Cartridge roms are from &80-&9F(31 roms).Hmm, M4 doesn't drive any signals IF it hasnt a rom mapped at a given position (it can map any position 0-255).
My settings are default you send me. m4 rom is set to rom 6 as default, i try in rom 7 and effect is the same. I not have put lower rom substitute with m4.
My cartridges not works as you put normal rom in the cpc. I simply rehuse the |game alternatives and made it jump to the requerired rom/direction.
So the os not know the roms are there until they was called manually.
Amsdos have little modification of remap burning rubber jumps, but nothing more. The only conflict i can think is you scanned the roms in area &80-&9f and crash in someway. The roms are adapted and not are suitable to be detected in normal way.
In the other version with parados is the same.
In theory when you disable amdos rom or parados, It can't be called because depend of burning rubber command, but thats all.
I mean i simply exchange |spiel for |hxc and then jump to &88 rom for example.
Without SD card it works? (M4 is rom 6 and no other roms is loaded and wifi is disabled) and with SD card it fails, so do you have any other roms mapped in M4 romboard?
If you don't have any other roms mapped and M4 is set to rom 6 (saved to sd card config) there shouldn't be a difference, except power consumption would be higher (especially if wifi is enabled too).
In the web interface you could try to disable M4 rom (with sd card inserted) and see if it changes anything and even delete the netconfig (thereby disabling wifi and the extended power consumption).
Post by: dragon on 19:44, 19 October 16
I put in c4cpc the compilation game cartridge of 512k
Then i boot it with m4 attached.
The result is equal to my cartridge, With m4 with sd card it show the vertical bars, and without the sd card the cartridge works perfect.!
There is no other roms attached, only the plus with m4 and c4cpc
I have a power supply with 5A in 5v line son not problem to this.
I go to test another cartridge sizes.
desactivate rom in web browser not make diference.
Post by: Duke on 19:50, 19 October 16
@dragon (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=251), try reading these two posts:
I am not sure, but I think it only works with external power to M4 or MX4.
http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/amstrad-cpc-wifi/300/
http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/amstrad-cpc-wifi/msg128444/#msg128444
I made now an experimet duke.
I put in c4cpc the compilation game cartridge of 512k
Then i boot it with m4 attached.
The result is equal to my cartridge, With m4 with sd card it show the vertical bars, and without the sd card the cartridge works perfect.!
There is no other roms attached, only the plus with m4 and c4cpc
I have a power supply with 5A in 5v line son not problem to this.
I go to test another cartridge sizes.
desactivate rom in web browser not make diference.
Post by: dragon on 20:10, 19 October 16
Ok, I don't have a C4CPC so can't test, but I seem to remember someone in this thread had it working just fine with C4CPC after I issued the ROMDIS signal, unfortunately it's too much to scroll through, but maybe someone else can jump in with their experinces here.
O.k done these experiments with my c4cpc and m4
Burnin rubber and so original rooms ->boots perfect. 128k
Kun fu master cpr made with the old no$scart 256k=Vertical lines red/orange bars. works without sd
game compilation and my cartridge. 512k=vertical lines blue.Works without sd.
I put later two pictures of the bars.
Post by: gerald on 21:08, 19 October 16
well appers delete las character of ssid dont affect to my mobile he connet same wtf.When a CPR is greater than 180kB, it's loading is done in two step.
Duke, can you help me?. My (512k) cartridges not appear to work with m4. I not sure if is my fault. Or simply a time problem with c4cpc.
C4cpc take little time load the cartridge.
I observed boot with m4 cpc only show vertical bars.
But when booting without sd card inserted in m4 it boot.
The 1st step is loading the ROM with the boot loader, which is what you see when you start without SD.
Then the bootloader ask the C4CPC to load the cartridge.
The only pupose of this is to have a visual feedback when loading big cartridge.
Now if you have a lower ROM enabled, the bootloader will be prevented from executing, and therefore the CPR will not be loaded.
Post by: HAL 6128 on 22:40, 19 October 16
Post by: dragon on 23:11, 19 October 16
When a CPR is greater than 180kB, it's loading is done in two step.
The 1st step is loading the ROM with the boot loader, which is what you see when you start without SD.
Then the bootloader ask the C4CPC to load the cartridge.
The only pupose of this is to have a visual feedback when loading big cartridge.
Now if you have a lower ROM enabled, the bootloader will be prevented from executing, and therefore the CPR will not be loaded.
Well if m4 need enable lower rom at boot to work then there is no solution, i can always boot without sd card and put It with cpc on. :picard2:
Anyway i can try the external power
Post by: Duke on 00:27, 20 October 16
@Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624) : just a short and general question. A 5V power supply attached on the M4 doesn't feed a MX4 board, doesn't it?
Yeah it doesn't reverse the power to MX4 from M4 (when jumper is set a USB).
@dragon (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=251): Try deleting your romconfig.bin and romslots.bin files from M4 directory, maybe you have something in those by accident. Normally M4 wont enable lower rom replacement unless its enabled in web interface.
Post by: dragon on 01:01, 20 October 16
Post by: gerald on 08:13, 20 October 16
I think i have try delete It today, But i try tomorrow.These veritical bars are a side effect of the method used to make the CPC wait for the C4CPC to initialise.
Basically, the Z80 will only read RST0 from the cartridge port until the cartridge is loaded. This continuously push 0x0001 to RAM. The bar you see are all these 0x0001.
If you see these bar :
- that mean that the Z80 tried to run from the cartridge
- it did it for quite some cycle (long enough to fill the 64k of RAM with 0x0001)
- the C4CPC is never ready / has never loaded a file (bootloader or CPR)
- OR the z80 is now executing some code which is not located in cartridge slot.
Post by: Duke on 10:13, 20 October 16
I guess C4CPC is already in process of loading that larger cart at this point, and it can't detect the reset? - So I guess to overcome this problem, either M4 should somehow reset C4CPC or keep the z80 in reset state from power-on until its done with the file checking stuff or detect C4CPC is in the works and not pull reset if the case.
These veritical bars are a side effect of the method used to make the CPC wait for the C4CPC to initialise.
Basically, the Z80 will only read RST0 from the cartridge port until the cartridge is loaded. This continuously push 0x0001 to RAM. The bar you see are all these 0x0001.
If you see these bar :
- that mean that the Z80 tried to run from the cartridge
- it did it for quite some cycle (long enough to fill the 64k of RAM with 0x0001)
- the C4CPC is never ready / has never loaded a file (bootloader or CPR)
- OR the z80 is now executing some code which is not located in cartridge slot.
Post by: dragon on 11:00, 20 October 16
Vertical lines are show. Web server can't benn accesed or is accesed slow. From my pc.
But if with 5A c4cpc+computer+m4 can't work lol.
Post by: Duke on 12:15, 20 October 16
Anyway, first i try today the power part to discard It. If i remember o.k. when thePlease try this one http://spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b5.zip, now it keeps the cpc in reset state right after the bootloader until m4 has read configs from microSD and romboard is ready, maybe it will make it work, maybe it doesnt change anything :)
Vertical lines are show. Web server can't benn accesed or is accesed slow. From my pc.
But if with 5A c4cpc+computer+m4 can't work lol.
Post by: 00WReX on 12:46, 20 October 16
Nice. :)
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: dragon on 15:05, 20 October 16
Please try this one http://spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b5.zip (http://spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b5.zip), now it keeps the cpc in reset state right after the bootloader until m4 has read configs from microSD and romboard is ready, maybe it will make it work, maybe it doesnt change anything :)
It works!!!!!. As default the m4 rom is rom 6, i can type |c4cpc without desactivate m4 rom and i execute c4cpc :) :) :) :) :) :) .
Also call burning rubber directly appears to work without desactuvate m4.
I need test it with my other parados cartridge(i have to fix the lenght fix thanks winape), but it appears fixed !!!.
So the only limitation if is your use a cartridge >180k, then you can't swap the lower rom with m4.
The boot appear much more beautiful that early. Now loading.... fom c4cpc boot loader is show in screen.
Damm c4cpc not accept send parameters if not, Can be possible making a autobot that execute remotely the cartridge you want u_u
Post by: gerald on 19:11, 20 October 16
I guess C4CPC is already in process of loading that larger cart at this point, and it can't detect the reset? - So I guess to overcome this problem, either M4 should somehow reset C4CPC or keep the z80 in reset state from power-on until its done with the file checking stuff or detect C4CPC is in the works and not pull reset if the case.By default, C4CPC ignore CPC reset as the only reset it sees is the ACID reset, which is not exactly the board reset.
However it looks like the CPC get suck when the bootloader is used and a reset is issued. I'll have a look at this.
Please try this one http://spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b5.zip (http://spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b5.zip), now it keeps the cpc in reset state right after the bootloader until m4 has read configs from microSD and romboard is readyThats the cleaner way to do the initial start ;)
Post by: gerald on 21:15, 20 October 16
Damm c4cpc not accept send parameters if not, Can be possible making a autobot that execute remotely the cartridge you want u_uNo sure I understand what you need. Any example ?
Post by: dragon on 21:38, 20 October 16
No sure I understand what you need. Any example ?
A Its only a generic idea. Not for me really, for the people show the computer in exhibitions.
As c4cpc can execute from os. Imagine you have with m4 and autoexec.bas
The autoexec.bas call c4pc and tells it load game.cpr from sd card of c4cpc, then in theory you can select a cartridge to be loaded and started from mobile without touch phisically the cpc simly change the autoexec.bas.
But its only one idea i came up at that time. :) .I no tell you implement it.
Post by: Duke on 22:00, 20 October 16
Just to be clear, with latest m4 firmware, does everything work as it should with C4CPC and M4 connected at the same time, or is there still some issue left?
Thanks.
Post by: dragon on 22:13, 20 October 16
@dragon (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=251)
Just to be clear, with latest m4 firmware, does everything work as it should with C4CPC and M4 connected at the same time, or is there still some issue left?
Thanks.
It appear works. If find and issue i tell you
Just one curiosity. i try lower rom to see what happend.. And the first time It boot whit lower rom changed, later in reboots It boot but corrupt.
Post by: Duke on 23:42, 20 October 16
Thanks for all the testing. I am glad we managed to sort the issue.
It appear works. If find and issue i tell you
Just one curiosity. i try lower rom to see what happend.. And the first time It boot whit lower rom changed, later in reboots It boot but corrupt.
EDIT: I realize thats probably not how it works.
Post by: dragon on 11:05, 21 October 16
Thanks for all the testing. I am glad we managed to sort the issue.About the lower-rom replacement, if C4CPC maps that region, as I understand it to display loading status then there is an obvious conflict, which would be the same as having two romboards mapping lower rom at the same time.
EDIT: I realize thats probably not how it works.
If i understand o.k from the other gerald post, when you enable lower rom. It takes preferente from cartridge ROM.gerald Mount cpcrloader in low rom range &000-&3fff.
So m4 lower rom override It. And that is because It not work.
But <180k cprloader is not needed. So there is no solution.
Anyway i like try all things until i know itn not work jeje.
Post by: 00WReX on 12:04, 21 October 16
Just wondering if you were able to replicate the issue I observed after the beta4 update.
All seems good except for the ESC to pause seems a bit hit & miss for me.
- Remove KM_RESET from cat/dir when pressing ESC, to continue listing one must use space now.
Press ESC once it will pause, or completely break, or do nothing...
The 'does nothing' is not so common but completely 'breaking' when ESC is only pressed once is very common, almost every time for me.
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: Duke on 15:03, 21 October 16
Hi Duke,
Just wondering if you were able to replicate the issue I observed after the beta4 update.
All seems good except for the ESC to pause seems a bit hit & miss for me.I seem to get one of three scenarios...
- Remove KM_RESET from cat/dir when pressing ESC, to continue listing one must use space now.
Press ESC once it will pause, or completely break, or do nothing...
The 'does nothing' is not so common but completely 'breaking' when ESC is only pressed once is very common, almost every time for me.
Cheers,
Shane
Yes I managed to replicate it, first when I gave it a quick test it was fine, but now I can see the issues. Will fix it in next beta :)
Post by: dxs on 00:14, 23 October 16
load "noexist.bas"
throws a "File already open" instead of a "Not found" message. Not a big deal but maybe is this an easy fix.
Otherwise does someone know how to use floppies using "ùm4romoff"? When using this rsx, a cat gets me the Press play then any key, ie there's no amsdos inline. Obviously there's something I don't know?
Post by: Duke on 00:59, 23 October 16
Btw, trying to load or run a non existing file, ieYeah it only throws this generic error message.
load "noexist.bas"
throws a "File already open" instead of a "Not found" message. Not a big deal but maybe is this an easy fix.
I'll look into generating proper amsdos error codes. Is there a list somewhere?
Otherwise does someone know how to use floppies using "ùm4romoff"? When using this rsx, a cat gets me the Press play then any key, ie there's no amsdos inline. Obviously there's something I don't know?It should work like that, atleast it does for me. Unless you use the patched lowerrom. Then you need to disable lowerrom as it would redirect amsdos to rom 6, which doesnt exist.
If I had the impression people were using the lowerrom I would add some more intelligent features to it, like having M4 rom at any position etc.
Post by: dxs on 01:20, 23 October 16
Post by: Duke on 09:03, 23 October 16
Yes I realized the fact that this was due to modded lower rom just after while showering :-)You could upload AMSDOS to ROM6 and still have M4 at slot 6, so when using |m4romoff, the modified lowerrom points to amsdos again.
Post by: Takis Kalatzis on 13:23, 28 October 16
You could upload AMSDOS to ROM6 and still have M4 at slot 6, so when using |m4romoff, the modified lowerrom points to amsdos again.
Hi @Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624),
Could you explain the above a little more? I have M4 at slot 6 and using your version of the lower rom, so by ising Im4romoff I do not get the 3' back in use. I do not understand the "You could upload AMSDOS to ROM6" part.
Also, some questions about your version of the lower rom
1. I did not even try to put m4 rom on slot 7 in my CPC6128. Should I try this before using your lower rom? Would it give better compatibility with the games?
2. My understanding is that lower rom is practically the Firmware. So I have read in other threads about FW 3.15 or 3.16. How does your lower rom compare with it?
Thanks in advance!
Post by: Duke on 14:03, 28 October 16
Could you explain the above a little more? I have M4 at slot 6 and using your version of the lower rom, so by ising Im4romoff I do not get the 3' back in use. I do not understand the "You could upload AMSDOS to ROM6" part.If using my modified lowerrom, rom7 gets re-routed to rom6. So even if |m4romoff, it still gets routed to rom6, if there is nothing in rom6, there will be no disc drive available, unless you upload AMSDOS rom to rom6. Notice this is ONLY if using the modified lowerrom.
Quote
Also, some questions about your version of the lower romYes by all means, if your CPC6128 does support overriding rom7 (weak rom or whatever the reason), no need to use the lowerrom. I think compatiblity if using lowerrom or replacing rom7 is very close, not sure. haven't tested that much tbh.
1. I did not even try to put m4 rom on slot 7 in my CPC6128. Should I try this before using your lower rom? Would it give better compatibility with the games?
Quote
2. My understanding is that lower rom is practically the Firmware. So I have read in other threads about FW 3.15 or 3.16. How does your lower rom compare with it?It doesn't compare with FW3.x, as it only does one patch, to re-direct rom7 initialization to rom6 for higher game compatiblity, that's all.
Post by: Takis Kalatzis on 14:48, 28 October 16
Post by: Duke on 15:35, 28 October 16
So, what you mean is to replace m4 rom in slot 6 with AMSDOS rom? And when I would want to use m4 board again, I would put m4 rom back?It should be possible to have both there at the same time, when M4 is active it will be used, if you disable it via M4ROMOFF, the underlying rom uploaded to slot 6 would be active.
Post by: Maniac on 13:22, 29 October 16
When I switched on my 6128 plus this morning I was greeted with this:
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
The screen gradually fills up with those lines from the bottom. It was working just fine with Beta 3 of v1.1 of the firmware. As I had this issue I updated to Beta 5 and the problem persists. If I disabled the M4 ROM from the web interface the machine boots to the Ready prompt as expected. If I move the M4 ROM to slot 6 the same thing happens I'm afraid.
I've tried this with both my C4CPC cart and the original system cart and it does the same thing so doesn't seem to be any other component I'm afraid. Should I use the wipe and reflash tool from earlier in this thread to get things back please?
In the process of trying to troubleshoot this I also seem to have broken my Mother X4! If I have that connected to the expansion port with anything plugged in this happens:
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
If I plug both my XMEM or M4 board directly in to the expansion port they both work independently so I know it's not the expansion port. I've tried all of the slots on the Mother X4 and they all do the same with one of the mentioned boards or both inserted in to any slot! :(
Any help is greatly appreciated!
Post by: Maniac on 16:58, 29 October 16
When I switched on my 6128 plus this morning I was greeted with this:
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
The screen gradually fills up with those lines from the bottom. It was working just fine with Beta 3 of v1.1 of the firmware. As I had this issue I updated to Beta 5 and the problem persists. If I disabled the M4 ROM from the web interface the machine boots to the Ready prompt as expected. If I move the M4 ROM to slot 6 the same thing happens I'm afraid.
I've tried this with both my C4CPC cart and the original system cart and it does the same thing so doesn't seem to be any other component I'm afraid. Should I use the wipe and reflash tool from earlier in this thread to get things back please?
In the process of trying to troubleshoot this I also seem to have broken my Mother X4! If I have that connected to the expansion port with anything plugged in this happens:
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
If I plug both my XMEM or M4 board directly in to the expansion port they both work independently so I know it's not the expansion port. I've tried all of the slots on the Mother X4 and they all do the same with one of the mentioned boards or both inserted in to any slot! :(
Any help is greatly appreciated!
Ok, so walking away and reseating everything has progressed things to working again to an extent. The boards are now both plugged in via the Mother X4 and the 6128 plus is booting but the M4 isn't being recognised at the moment. It looks like there's a bit of play/wobble back and forth on the boards when they sit in the Mother X4 and I'm not sure if that's causing a bad connection somewhere.
Next step is to downgrade I think to the last stable version of the M4 firmware and see if things come back to life there. The web interface is up and response to an M4 reset but is having not influence on the 6128 plus and the same applies to CPC reset.
Will update with progress.
Post by: Duke on 17:08, 29 October 16
I use the same combo of CPC6128+ and MX4 with M4 and XMEM (romboard jumper disabled).
Post by: Laurence Morgan on 17:09, 29 October 16
Post by: Maniac on 17:18, 29 October 16
Next step is to downgrade I think to the last stable version of the M4 firmware and see if things come back to life there. The web interface is up and response to an M4 reset but is having not influence on the 6128 plus and the same applies to CPC reset.
Will update with progress.
Now back to the situation with the original screenshot where the screen is filling up from the bottom. This is with v1.0.9 now.
Should I use the wipe and update referred to earlier please to restore full functionality?
Post by: Duke on 17:19, 29 October 16
Are these still available for sale?Yes, just send me a pm with which connector type you need (and your email, so I can get in touch when its ready).
It may take a couple of weeks before it's ready though.
Post by: Duke on 17:20, 29 October 16
Now back to the situation with the original screenshot where the screen is filling up from the bottom. This is with v1.0.9 now.
Should I use the wipe and update referred to earlier please to restore full functionality?
It wont hurt to try, but it sounds like it works fine alone in the MX4 and with cable, so not sure anything is wrong with it.
EDIT: It may be an idea to delete the config files under M4, if anything in those are screwed up.
Post by: Maniac on 17:37, 29 October 16
It wont hurt to try, but it sounds like it works fine alone in the MX4 and with cable, so not sure anything is wrong with it.
EDIT: It may be an idea to delete the config files under M4, if anything in those are screwed up.
I'm afraid I already deleted the config files as I remember you saying about that before but it didn't achieve anything I'm afraid.
Unfortunately even with it directly connected via a cable it was doing the same thing (although I've trouble remembering now as I've tried so many things today!) until I disabled the M4 ROM. It was working just fine until today and I've not changed anything before today. I'll give the wipe and reupdate a go and report back.
Thanks for your help as always.
Post by: Maniac on 17:59, 29 October 16
Well after a day of chasing my tail I think I've finally found the problem.
All hardware is now working as expected.
The root of the issue ended up being a zero bytes autoexec.bas file that must have been created when I last started SymbOS. Once I deleted this it all works! :picard:
Post by: Duke on 18:32, 29 October 16
Well after a day of chasing my tail I think I've finally found the problem.
All hardware is now working as expected.
The root of the issue ended up being a zero bytes autoexec.bas file that must have been created when I last started SymbOS. Once I deleted this it all works! :picard:
Damn, sorry to hear that, but could have been worse of course :) - Will check it out for the next update and make a check.
Post by: Maniac on 00:16, 30 October 16
Damn, sorry to hear that, but could have been worse of course :) - Will check it out for the next update and make a check.No worries, it's one of those things and didn't occur to me at first that it might be a problem as not used to this on the Amstrad!
I guess that SymbOS created it when I ran it as I didn't but guess it could have been in one of the zip files for it that I copied to the SD card!
Thanks for all of your help.
Post by: SOS on 02:50, 30 October 16
possible to change this behaviour?
|cd,"#unsorted"
|cd,"discmag"
works like expected
|cd,"#unsorted/discmag"
works like expected
another test:
|cd,"m4"
|cd,"edenbl~1.dsk"
works like expected
|cd,"m4/edenbl~1.dsk"
brings an error
Thanks & Bye
Post by: rcmolina on 07:19, 30 October 16
Is easy to implement some kind of wildcard or auto-completion to facilitate command line operations: change directory, etc ?
Thanks! :D
Post by: Joseman on 10:09, 30 October 16
Post by: Duke on 11:30, 30 October 16
@rcmolina (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1783) & @Joseman (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=135)
Not sure if it's easy :) - Please give me som examples of what you'd like.
|dir command already takes wildcards, but typically there would be multiple matches for a wildcard search, how would |cd deal with that?
Lastly, anyone has a link or list to all AMSDOS error codes?
Post by: Joseman on 11:39, 30 October 16
@SOS (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=941) noted !
@rcmolina (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1783) & @Joseman (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=135)
Not sure if it's easy :) - Please give me som examples of what you'd like.
|dir command already takes wildcards, but typically there would be multiple matches for a wildcard search, how would |cd deal with that?
Lastly, anyone has a link or list to all AMSDOS error codes?
Hi Duke
If there is a directory called "Marauder"
You type Mar and then press the tab key, the interpreter understand that you want type Marauder and complete it...
If there is "Marauder" and "Maze", and you type "ma", push tab 1 time puts "marauder" press tab another time puts "Maze"
Post by: Duke on 11:47, 30 October 16
Post by: 00WReX on 11:52, 30 October 16
The AmsDOS error codes are in the 6128 users manual, Chapter 7.
http://www.cpcwiki.eu/manuals/AmstradCPC6128-hypertext-en-Sinewalker.pdf (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/manuals/AmstradCPC6128-hypertext-en-Sinewalker.pdf)
Here is a quick screen grab of the page.
[attachimg=1]
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: rcmolina on 12:04, 30 October 16
Is this OK for you? I don't know if someone also finds it useful. I don't Know which can be this preferred char, not commonly used to avoid overlapping when using in a real name., may be bang !?
The question is "first one" to be really useful, may be it need to be sorted. So if 3 dirs exist cpc1 cpc21 cpc2 cpc22345678 , and you type
|cd,"cpc2!" -> changes to cpc2
!cd,"cpc22! -> changes to cpc22345678
If you think this is stupid or unesuful, simply forget it. :D
Post by: SOS on 14:05, 30 October 16
The question is "first one" to be really useful, may be it need to be sorted. So if 3 dirs exist cpc1 cpc21 cpc2 cpc22345678 , and you typeWhat about the ms-dos-wildcard * ?
|cd,"cpc2!" -> changes to cpc2
!cd,"cpc22! -> changes to cpc22345678
|cd,"cpc2*" -> changes to cpc2
!cd,"cpc22* -> changes to cpc22345678
Post by: rcmolina on 14:28, 30 October 16
What about the ms-dos-wildcard * ?
|cd,"cpc2*" -> changes to cpc2
!cd,"cpc22* -> changes to cpc22345678
The perfect option, no doubt The most intuitive one. :doh:
Post by: Laurence Morgan on 14:46, 30 October 16
Yes, just send me a pm with which connector type you need (and your email, so I can get in touch when its ready).
It may take a couple of weeks before it's ready though.
awesome. thank you
Post by: Prodatron on 14:51, 30 October 16
Hi Duke
If there is a directory called "Marauder"
You type Mar and then press the tab key, the interpreter understand that you want type Marauder and complete it...
If there is "Marauder" and "Maze", and you type "ma", push tab 1 time puts "marauder" press tab another time puts "Maze"
This is how TAB-autocomplete works in the SymbOS SymShell (in this case even with the M4):
https://youtu.be/bB6X7V6fVyE?t=1m (https://youtu.be/bB6X7V6fVyE?t=1m)
For Amsdos you could use the |CD command without a parameter:
First type |CD + [return],
then type MA and then choose MARAUDER or MAZE with [tab] and press [return] again.
That's just an idea how it could be implemented in Amsdos.
Post by: Prodatron on 14:54, 30 October 16
The root of the issue ended up being a zero bytes autoexec.bas file that must have been created when I last started SymbOS. Once I deleted this it all works! :picard:SymbOS shouldn't touch a file like "autoexec.bas". Do you think it destroyed this file?
Post by: Maniac on 15:34, 30 October 16
SymbOS shouldn't touch a file like "autoexec.bas". Do you think it destroyed this file?I didn't create one or the equivalent .bak file so I think it must have come from one of the SymbOS zip files I extracted to the SD card if the OS doesn't create one.
This is a pure guess as I've not checked the zip files if I'm honest so sorry if this is wrong.
Post by: Duke on 15:48, 30 October 16
M4 Firmware V1.1.0 Beta 6 - Download http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b6.zip
- New ESC key fix cat/dir, hope its OK this time @00WReX (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=518)
- Started adding proper amsdos error codes(not finished). Ie. file not found will be displayed correctly now.
- |cd,"path with wildcards", ie |cd,"games/al?en*" . Will only work on last path and not with DSK files
- |cd,"somepath/somefile.dsk" . cd into dsk files in remote path.
- Skip autoexec.bas if 0 bytes (@Maniac!). However it's your own responsiblity file contents are valid, otherwise, crash !
- Some other stuff I forgot about.
Post by: Duke on 15:54, 30 October 16
This is how TAB-autocomplete works in the SymbOS SymShell (in this case even with the M4):How about C_REBOOTRUN,"path/file" cmd ? :)
https://youtu.be/bB6X7V6fVyE?t=1m (https://youtu.be/bB6X7V6fVyE?t=1m)
For Amsdos you could use the |CD command without a parameter:
First type |CD + [return],
then type MA and then choose MARAUDER or MAZE with [tab] and press [return] again.
That's just an idea how it could be implemented in Amsdos.
This way you could use all the nice features of SymbOS to download, unpack, navigate and even run a amsdos file easily. With a little SymbOS command (ie. run.exe)
Post by: rcmolina on 17:05, 30 October 16
Here is another small update:
M4 Firmware V1.1.0 Beta 6 - Download http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b6.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b6.zip)
Thanks for your help. You are my hero!! :P
Post by: 00WReX on 07:12, 31 October 16
The ESC to pause function seems better and from a quick check functions as it is supposed to (1x ESC to pause with SPACE to resume).
The only issue I have noticed is that on a large listing, if you pause multiple times and resume each time or in fact completely break after a few pauses, then a list of breaks will appear on the screen ( *Break* ).
e.g.
I paused a 'cat' listing multiple times and resumed it with space.
At the end of the listing I received this.
Quote
Ready
*Break*
*Break*
*Break*
*Break*
*Break*
*Break*
*Break*
*Break*
*Break*
Cheers,
Shane
Just checked out the wildcard on |CD feature, that is really handy and works well. ;)
- |cd,"path with wildcards", ie |cd,"games/al?en*" . Will only work on last path and not with DSK files
Post by: rpalmer on 13:51, 31 October 16
Consider the following:
|cd,"path*"
if the current path location has sub-directories:
path1
path2
path3
which sub-directory do you follow?
Any attempt to change path with an item which is a file within the path is also an error.
For example:
|cd,"./thispath/myfile.txt/file.bin"
where myfile.txt is a file and not a directory.
it is also an error if the last item is a file.
rpalmer
Post by: 00WReX on 14:16, 31 October 16
But after testing, I have found it really useful because I am lazy.
If you type a wildcard that has many matches, it simply picks the first match.
e.g. In my /games/arcade directory there is a game called 'ARKANIUM' as well as a few versions of 'ARKANOID'.
So a |cd,"ark* will go to the ARKANIUM folder as it is the first match.
And because I am lazy, I like that I can type |cd,"brian* instead of |cd,"Brian Bloodaxe"
And the second item you mentioned produces an 'Unknown Directory' error, as expected.
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: 00WReX on 15:06, 31 October 16
The directory path only shows the short name if a wildcard is used.
example:
Using the full name, the path also shows the full name...
|cd,"Activator"
Cat
Drive A:/games/arcade/Activator
but if I use the wildcard, only the short name is displayed...
|cd,"Activ*"
Cat
Drive A:/games/arcade/ACTIVA"1
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: Maniac on 16:16, 31 October 16
If you type a wildcard that has many matches, it simply picks the first match.If I remember correctly this is how the C64 works with filenames and wildcards. Certainly the case with some of the system carts I've used in the past and worked very well - just not how a PC does it!
Post by: Munchausen on 02:23, 04 November 16
If I remember correctly this is how the C64 works with filenames and wildcards. Certainly the case with some of the system carts I've used in the past and worked very well - just not how a PC does it!
linux/unix/bsd/mac os default shells all do it that way. Maybe it's just windows that doesn't (though I haven't tried it there)...
Post by: gm03 on 09:36, 04 November 16
Post by: Duke on 10:09, 04 November 16
Hi, how to buy this m4 board ? thxPM sent. For others just send me PM with your email address, lead time is some weeks as I only buy small quantities of components these days.
Post by: Duke on 14:56, 06 November 16
V1.1.0 - Beta 7. - Download http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b7.zip
Many under the hood fixes to cas* functions (thanks @SOS (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=941) for bug reporting!), to mention some:
- CAS_IN_CHAR behavoiur to match AMSDOS
- CAS_OUT_DIRECT now supports header manipulation on CAS_OUT_CLOSE.
- CAS_OUT_CHAR now internally buffered and behaviour very close to AMSDOS (not using workbuf, not sure if there's a point?).
- CAS_CATALOG now spits out correctly formatted data to workbuf aswell.
- CAT/DIR displays ASCII art correctly (from DSK images, ok I tested two!)
- And the ever lasting ESC dir issue, tested it properly this time (Thanks again @00WReX (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=518) for feedback).
Please report if anything stops working, it is some rather crucial changes.
I have done a lot of testing this time, but can easily have missed something.
In particular programs that load and save data, should work much better now.
Ie. I can run OCP Art Studio from a sub directory on the microSD and load/save/cat files. It's a good idea to run such things from a sub folder as the amount of entries can be too much for some programs (the max. amount the 2k buffer can hold is 146 entries, but thats a lot more than a standard disc).
Post by: HAL 6128 on 22:37, 06 November 16
Post by: Duke on 02:43, 07 November 16
Thanks for it. But somehow the game "Defence" from Shining doesn't start anymore. It hangs during loading screen before the speech will start.Thanks for the feedback.
Can you try upgrading again, I updated the download shortly after with another fix ::) - Defence for M4 boots here atleast.
Post by: 00WReX on 07:53, 07 November 16
Quote
- And the ever lasting ESC dir issue, tested it properly this time
Seems to be perfect now ;)
No other issues noticed so far and yes, 'Defence' is working fine for me too.
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: HAL 6128 on 21:53, 10 November 16
Hi, Defence is starting (sometimes) but not perfect. I mean the speech intro after the loading screen is somehow interrupted (some delays), sometimes is freezes completely.
If I arrive to the main screen and I want to choose a level and start the game it freezes. Strange?!
Downgrading to version 110b5 work perfectly again. I assume it has something to do with the way how the speech data is stored or loaded, or the way you changed CAS_IN_CHAR??
Post by: Duke on 07:47, 11 November 16
Hi, Defence is starting (sometimes) but not perfect. I mean the speech intro after the loading screen is somehow interrupted (some delays), sometimes is freezes completely.
If I arrive to the main screen and I want to choose a level and start the game it freezes. Strange?!
Downgrading to version 110b5 work perfectly again. I assume it has something to do with the way how the speech data is stored or loaded, or the way you changed CAS_IN_CHAR??
Yes very strange indeed. I have now tested both Defence V1.0.0 and V1.0.2 several times on CPC6128+ with M4 as rom6 and rom7, it works perfectly each time, including reading my save.
What CPC + config are you using? -Then I'll try that, thanks.
Post by: HAL 6128 on 09:54, 11 November 16
it's a regular CPC 6128 (don't know the exact version yet) connected with a MotherX4, X-MEM (ROM deactivated) and the X4 Board.
ROM configuration:
FW3.16 in slot 1
M4 in slot 6
Orgams slot 10-12
SymbOS slot 14,29,30,31
Cheers,
HAL6128
Post by: dragon on 12:34, 11 November 16
I observed that European tv broadcasters used all the same software. Each Page of teletext in the web is simply a .npg each Page have a www+number Page asocciated.
If cpc can load images from web, these are the best becase in origin they are 8bit type.
Post by: Duke on 18:03, 11 November 16
One thing. Is possible made the cpc load .png images from the web?It's possible to download them, but would need to unpack & decode and re-encode to CPC screen format. If they are too heavy I cannot have them in the limited M4 memory, unless it could be done on the fly somehow.
Post by: dragon on 19:15, 11 November 16
@HAL 6128 (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=365) Thanks, will try to replicate that setup some time this weekend.
It's possible to download them, but would need to unpack & decode and re-encode to CPC screen format. If they are too heavy I cannot have them in the limited M4 memory, unless it could be done on the fly somehow.
mmm, the teletext images are around 8kb with big graphics most time < that this. Not sure if its heavy for m4 or not. I can only asume the rest of the www world > that these.
Post by: Prodatron on 21:13, 15 November 16
Since I implemented the deflate algorythm in UNZIP for SymbOS SymShell one big step is already done for loading and viewing PNG images on the Amstrad.
Source codes here:
http://www.symbos.de/appinfo.htm?00008
Good thing about PNG is, that most features are "optional", not "critical", so maybe it's not too hard to develop a PNG viewer (they already did JPEG viewers for the MSX, which is probably quite harder).
Post by: dragon on 21:30, 15 November 16
http://www.rtve.es/television/teletexto/ (http://www.rtve.es/television/teletexto/)
Looking source code of the web de direction is:
http://www.rtve.es/tve/teletexto/100/100_0001.htm (http://www.rtve.es/tve/teletexto/100/100_0001.htm)
That is in reality: witouth html code around.
http://www.rtve.es/tve/teletexto/100/100_0001.png (http://www.rtve.es/tve/teletexto/100/100_0001.png)
101 for example is : http://www.rtve.es/tve/teletexto/100/101_0001.png (http://www.rtve.es/tve/teletexto/100/101_0001.png)
or 100/b is http://www.rtve.es/tve/teletexto/100/100_0002.png (http://www.rtve.es/tve/teletexto/100/100_0002.png)
And all other pages equal very easy to index all :)
And another channel better languaje for you, same software
http://teletext.orf.at/
http://teletext.orf.at/100/100_0001.png
:)
Post by: Prodatron on 23:13, 15 November 16
The main question is, if people would like to use this or not :D
Post by: dragon on 02:55, 16 November 16
http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/File:ImperialMahjong.png
Msx have advantage to pictures with the 256 colours. O Don,t know he can load jpegs lol.
Post by: Prodatron on 21:17, 16 November 16
Msx have advantage to pictures with the 256 colours. O Don,t know he can load jpegs lol.IIRC they are even using the highcolour mode of the MSX2+/TurboR for displaying JPEGs (19268 colours!).
Post by: WildW on 08:50, 17 November 16
Sorry if this has been asked before (this is a really long thread) - does anyone have any tips for improving compatibility? I've tried various DSK files (many that I've been using with emulators for ages) and lots of them have failed to work correctly on a real CPC. Mostly I've been able to eventually find alternate versions that do work, but some games just refuse to work. I can't find a working Laser Squad at all! :( Mostly games that fail to work just freeze up halfway through loading and never get further. Others finish with some fancy screen corruption.
I have a 464, which I can believe may be some of the issue. As recommended I've moved the M4 rom to sit in slot 7 instead of the default 6. Anyone have any other bright ideas?
Post by: Duke on 11:49, 17 November 16
Got my M4 board this week, very nice indeed :DIf set at rom 7 (and of course 128KB ram ideally) you are at best compatiblity, if some games don't work that should work, I am interetested to see them. Ie. your games with screen corruption, maybe a bug in my code that can be fixed.
Sorry if this has been asked before (this is a really long thread) - does anyone have any tips for improving compatibility? I've tried various DSK files (many that I've been using with emulators for ages) and lots of them have failed to work correctly on a real CPC. Mostly I've been able to eventually find alternate versions that do work, but some games just refuse to work. I can't find a working Laser Squad at all! :( Mostly games that fail to work just freeze up halfway through loading and never get further. Others finish with some fancy screen corruption.
I have a 464, which I can believe may be some of the issue. As recommended I've moved the M4 rom to sit in slot 7 instead of the default 6. Anyone have any other bright ideas?
Otherwise, you have to ensure the dsk's use regular filesystem and not raw FDC commands.
@MiguelSky (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=14) has compiled a CD of cracked games, that work very well with M4. Here:
http://www.amstrad.es/cpcgamescd/NVG_CPCLoader_Games_Collection.zip (http://www.amstrad.es/cpcgamescd/NVG_CPCLoader_Games_Collection.zip)
Other good sources:
http://cpccrackers.free.fr/Downloads/ (http://cpccrackers.free.fr/Downloads/)
http://cngsoft.no-ip.org/cpc_lzx.htm (http://cngsoft.no-ip.org/cpc_lzx.htm)
and of course:
http://www.cpc-power.com (http://www.cpc-power.com) (go after cracked version if possible).
As for lasersquad the only proper cracked version I found was for 128KB ram
Post by: KaosOverride on 14:07, 17 November 16
Post by: HAL 6128 on 14:50, 17 November 16
Post by: KaosOverride on 15:17, 17 November 16
Post by: WildW on 15:32, 17 November 16
As for lasersquad the only proper cracked version I found was for 128KB ram
I definitely had a version I used to run on my 664 as a kid.
Thanks for the links to better sources, I will give those places a try. Meanwhile I will collect any dsk I find that fails for me and share them - I know some of them at least should not be 128k only.
Post by: Prodatron on 16:59, 17 November 16
IMHO it would be a great thing, if developers of new games like "Imperial Mahjong" or "Pinball Dreams" could provide AMSDOS friendly versions of their software in the future (like Shining did with "Defence")! Would be really cool to start them on the M4 or with AcmeDOS directly from SD/IDE! An own loader feels cool, but since we have the M4 and IDE with AcmeDOS it would be much more user friendly to use the native DOS routines.
Sure that as a SymbOS app, it uses SymbOS API, not AMSDOS/CAS.Yes, that's true indeed :)
Post by: dragon on 17:51, 17 November 16
Got my M4 board this week, very nice indeed :D
Sorry if this has been asked before (this is a really long thread) - does anyone have any tips for improving compatibility? I've tried various DSK files (many that I've been using with emulators for ages) and lots of them have failed to work correctly on a real CPC. Mostly I've been able to eventually find alternate versions that do work, but some games just refuse to work. I can't find a working Laser Squad at all! :( Mostly games that fail to work just freeze up halfway through loading and never get further. Others finish with some fancy screen corruption.
I have a 464, which I can believe may be some of the issue. As recommended I've moved the M4 rom to sit in slot 7 instead of the default 6. Anyone have any other bright ideas?
Laser squad have her own subrutine to read from the disk, i know it because time ago i ported it to cartridge.
To load it from m4, you need made a new routine in the place of the cartridge loader that load the levels from m4. That i not sure if is possible as laser squad kill firmware in ram and uses all 64k.
At the finish i dismantle a litte the game and i load spectrum russian maps in the amstrad, but they majority need sprite rework, and i not know the spectrum so i drop it :D .
In the way tryng modify the game i made incredible effets as the bad guy autoinmole in the fisrt turn and other strange things when modifiy the number of the players/database weapon ammo.
These are my findings in these time. Very very chaotic notes :) . As i write things with not sense when i try things in the emulator only to remember it a few minutes.
And level of spectrum running in amstrad. "return to moon base"
Post by: Duke on 19:53, 17 November 16
To load it from m4, you need made a new routine in the place of the cartridge loader that load the levels from m4. That i not sure if is possible as laser squad kill firmware in ram and uses all 64k.
If one could replace the "read sector" function with below, it could load from .dsk image. It takes about &90 bytes with my clumsy code ;) - that does not rely on any firmware functions.
Code: [Select]
; M4 board
; DSK read sector example
; Duke 2016
org &4000
nolist
DATAPORT equ &FE00
ACKPORT equ &FC00
C_READSECTOR equ &430B
start: di
ld bc,&7F85 ; GA select upper rom, and mode 1
out (c),c
ld a,(m4_rom_num)
cp &FF
call z,find_m4_rom ; find rom (only first run)
cp &FF
call nz,read_sec
ld bc,&7F8D ; GA deselect upper rom, and mode 1
out (c),c
ei
ret
read_sec: ld bc,DATAPORT ; data out port
out (c),c
ld a,&0B
out (c),a ; command lo
ld a,&43
out (c),a ; command hi
; parameters hardcoded for now
ld a,0 ; track 0
out (c),a ;
ld a,&c1 ; sector 0
out (c),a ;
ld a,0 ; drive 0
out (c),a ;
ld bc,ACKPORT
out (c),c ; tell M4 that command has been send
ld a,(m4_rom_num)
ld bc,&DF00
out (c),a ; select M4 rom
ld hl,&FF02 ; get response buffer address
ld e,(hl)
inc hl
ld d,(hl)
ex de,hl
ld de,sector_buf
ld bc,#512
ldir
ret
;
; Find M4 ROM location
;
find_m4_rom:
ld iy,m4_rom_name ; rom identification line
ld d,127 ; start looking for from (counting downwards)
romloop: push de
ld bc,&DF00
out (c),d ; select rom
ld a,(&C000)
cp 1
jr nz, not_this_rom
; get rsxcommand_table
ld a,(&C004)
ld l,a
ld a,(&C005)
ld h,a
push iy
pop de
cmp_loop:
ld a,(de)
xor (hl) ; hl points at rom name
jr nz, not_this_rom
ld a,(de)
inc hl
inc de
and &80
jr z,cmp_loop
; rom found, store the rom number
pop de ; rom number
ld a,d
ld (m4_rom_num),a
ret
not_this_rom:
pop de
dec d
jr nz,romloop
ld a,255 ; not found!
ret
m4_rom_name: db "M4 BOAR",&C4 ; D | &80
m4_rom_num: db &FF
sector_buf: ds 512
Post by: dragon on 20:26, 17 November 16
If one could replace the "read sector" function with below, it could load from .dsk image. It takes about &90 bytes with my clumsy code ;) - that does not rely on any firmware functions.Code: [Select]; M4 board
; DSK read sector example
; Duke 2016
org &4000
nolist
DATAPORT equ &FE00
ACKPORT equ &FC00
C_READSECTOR equ &430B
start: di
ld bc,&7F85 ; GA select upper rom, and mode 1
out (c),c
ld a,(m4_rom_num)
cp &FF
call z,find_m4_rom ; find rom (only first run)
cp &FF
call nz,read_sec
ld bc,&7F8D ; GA deselect upper rom, and mode 1
out (c),c
ei
ret
read_sec: ld bc,DATAPORT ; data out port
out (c),c
ld a,&0B
out (c),a ; command lo
ld a,&43
out (c),a ; command hi
; parameters hardcoded for now
ld a,0 ; track 0
out (c),a ;
ld a,&c1 ; sector 0
out (c),a ;
ld a,0 ; drive 0
out (c),a ;
ld bc,ACKPORT
out (c),c ; tell M4 that command has been send
ld a,(m4_rom_num)
ld bc,&DF00
out (c),a ; select M4 rom
ld hl,&FF02 ; get response buffer address
ld e,(hl)
inc hl
ld d,(hl)
ex de,hl
ld de,sector_buf
ld bc,#512
ldir
ret
;
; Find M4 ROM location
;
find_m4_rom:
ld iy,m4_rom_name ; rom identification line
ld d,127 ; start looking for from (counting downwards)
romloop: push de
ld bc,&DF00
out (c),d ; select rom
ld a,(&C000)
cp 1
jr nz, not_this_rom
; get rsxcommand_table
ld a,(&C004)
ld l,a
ld a,(&C005)
ld h,a
push iy
pop de
cmp_loop:
ld a,(de)
xor (hl) ; hl points at rom name
jr nz, not_this_rom
ld a,(de)
inc hl
inc de
and &80
jr z,cmp_loop
; rom found, store the rom number
pop de ; rom number
ld a,d
ld (m4_rom_num),a
ret
not_this_rom:
pop de
dec d
jr nz,romloop
ld a,255 ; not found!
ret
m4_rom_name: db "M4 BOAR",&C4 ; D | &80
m4_rom_num: db &FF
sector_buf: ds 512
jeje, honestly i not know how works the subrutine disk of the game and where is located the read function. My aproach in these day was ¿Are you the subrutine that made i can't play the game?. I kill you ->>> And change it with mine :) (after i interrogated it what memory ranges load in each level :).
The subrutine is located in &52d2, i made call to the rom where it find the asm in the rar. Then i simply look the level the user select in memory (&02f4) . And load the rom designated from cartridge.
Then i can add the levels of expansion disk adding more entry.
You can take a look if you want at asm.
Post by: Duke on 21:05, 17 November 16
iVery nice, I guess with your work, the easist method would be to find the track/sector offsets for the disk image and make similar loader, reading the level from 0x2f4 and point to the right track, sector.
jeje, honestly i not know how works the subrutine disk of the game and where is located the read function. My aproach in these day was ¿Are you the subrutine that made i can't play the game?. I kill you ->>> And change it with mine :) (after i interrogated it what memory ranges load in each level :) .
The subrutine is located in &52d2, i made call to the rom where it find the asm in the rar. Then i simply look the level the user select in memory (&02f4) . And load the rom designated from cartridge.
Then i can add the levels of expansion disk adding more entry.
You can take a look if you want at asm.
Maybe I will take a look just for fun, though I shouldn't, got so much other stuff I should do :)
Post by: dragon on 12:58, 18 November 16
Always you can made a.bin for each level from memory after the call. And load your .Bin from the sd :)
Ah another thing, game permit load/save. But i ignore It in the cartridge, because you can't save in rom. :)
anyway I will try. take a look at disc subrutine.
Post by: dragon on 22:16, 18 November 16
If one could replace the "read sector" function with below, it could load from .dsk image. It takes about &90 bytes with my clumsy code ;) - that does not rely on any firmware functions.Code: [Select]; M4 board
; DSK read sector example
; Duke 2016
org &4000
nolist
DATAPORT equ &FE00
ACKPORT equ &FC00
C_READSECTOR equ &430B
start: di
ld bc,&7F85 ; GA select upper rom, and mode 1
out (c),c
ld a,(m4_rom_num)
cp &FF
call z,find_m4_rom ; find rom (only first run)
cp &FF
call nz,read_sec
ld bc,&7F8D ; GA deselect upper rom, and mode 1
out (c),c
ei
ret
read_sec: ld bc,DATAPORT ; data out port
out (c),c
ld a,&0B
out (c),a ; command lo
ld a,&43
out (c),a ; command hi
; parameters hardcoded for now
ld a,0 ; track 0
out (c),a ;
ld a,&c1 ; sector 0
out (c),a ;
ld a,0 ; drive 0
out (c),a ;
ld bc,ACKPORT
out (c),c ; tell M4 that command has been send
ld a,(m4_rom_num)
ld bc,&DF00
out (c),a ; select M4 rom
ld hl,&FF02 ; get response buffer address
ld e,(hl)
inc hl
ld d,(hl)
ex de,hl
ld de,sector_buf
ld bc,#512
ldir
ret
;
; Find M4 ROM location
;
find_m4_rom:
ld iy,m4_rom_name ; rom identification line
ld d,127 ; start looking for from (counting downwards)
romloop: push de
ld bc,&DF00
out (c),d ; select rom
ld a,(&C000)
cp 1
jr nz, not_this_rom
; get rsxcommand_table
ld a,(&C004)
ld l,a
ld a,(&C005)
ld h,a
push iy
pop de
cmp_loop:
ld a,(de)
xor (hl) ; hl points at rom name
jr nz, not_this_rom
ld a,(de)
inc hl
inc de
and &80
jr z,cmp_loop
; rom found, store the rom number
pop de ; rom number
ld a,d
ld (m4_rom_num),a
ret
not_this_rom:
pop de
dec d
jr nz,romloop
ld a,255 ; not found!
ret
m4_rom_name: db "M4 BOAR",&C4 ; D | &80
m4_rom_num: db &FF
sector_buf: ds 512
I dont't know exatly how he works. i lost one call dependant of three unknown variables in memory appear set outside the subrutine. and what he does in the bucle
But he appears the read sector are located in &58c9.but it create the commands reading from disk :D .
I made a level 1 tracing until first loop commented in english.
Post by: Duke on 02:15, 19 November 16
But he appears the read sector are located in &58c9.but it create the commands reading from disk :D .Good work, looks like a bit of nightmare to get through all that code.
I made a level 1 tracing until first loop commented in english.
Post by: dragon on 13:32, 19 November 16
Anyway the call in &58ce is very strange, is never used, depend from &57fd in memory.
edit:i know what he do 0=read from disk 1=save to disk :) .
O.k resumely, left apart interrputs cheking and that thigs of the fdd this is how laser squad read the levels on disk:
You press a number (1-6) we apart 4 now, is load saved game, for the rest.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
subrutine recieve number equivalent to the number pressed. (level 1 example)
Initial_cylinder=(number_pressed*6)+2=08
Finish_cylinder=initial_cylinder+5=0D
Then we park the head of the fdd in the initial_cylinder (08)
We read the id, and after cheking we have in the correct cylinder with Initial_cylinder
we have this predifined array
Read_sector_table=46,00,00,00,00,00,49,2a,ff :
command_read_sector,status,cylinder,head,sector_number,sector_size,track_lenght_,lenght_gap_3,data_lenght. [0-9]
now we have another array, the result of read id:
Id_table=statusregister0,statusregister1,statusregister2,cylinder,head,sector_number,sector_size. [0-6]
Now, we take:
Read_sector_table[3]=id_table[3]
Read_sector_table[4]=id_table[4]
Read_sector_table[5]=((id_table[5] and f0)+1)
Read_sector_table[6]=id_table[6]
Read_sector_table[7]=Read_sector_table[5]+07
Rest of parameter Read_sector_table default.
And we send read sector :) we begining store it in &6367 after read sector we add +1000 this.
When initial_cylinder=Finish_cylinder we go out, if not. initial_cylinder=initial_cylinder+1 and we repeat procedure.
Now we need a program do these with sector routine from duke (save/load is another history to look).
Post by: Duke on 20:49, 03 December 16
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b8.zip
Many changes to match AMSDOS behaviour, like seperate in/out headers, using 2k buffer for cas_out_char too and more.
(ie. now amsdos cas_in/out_char "fast copy" is possible with header manipulation, see example: https://github.com/M4Duke/M4examples/blob/master/fastcopy.s)
Hopefully all will gain better compatiblity, if I haven't introduced new bugs :)
Also I recommend anyone that cannot replace AMSDOS (rom 7) to use my modified lower rom (here: http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/M4_Board).
Set M4 rom to pos to 6. Upload your original AMSDOS (or parados) rom to slot 6 (yes both 6!).
This way you will have more himem as you wont have two DOS' at the same time and better compatiblity.
If you want to use AMSDOS (floppy disk, HXC etc), just type |M4ROMOFF.
@dragon (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=251): I will re-visit that game soon, when I get a bit more time :)
Post by: Joseman on 21:14, 03 December 16
I was going to post an extrange error with an amsoft game "alm. Graf Spee", but i saw the b8 update, and now it works!.
Anyway i'm going to relate the extrange error:
with b7, if i don't load the modified lower rom, the game runs well. but if i use the modified lower rom, the game doesn't work, when the ship is about to be displayed on the map, the game enters and endless loop and don't work.
With b8 and the lower rom, it works.
by the way, is possible to have a spanish lower rom modified? :-[
UPDATE1:
Another extrange behaviour, another game from Amsoft (i think all in basic), Sultan's Maze (spanish version), without M4 it works, with M4 it throws an error in line 210, "improper argument", this line has the symbol command in it... what can be this extrange error?
Post by: Duke on 00:19, 04 December 16
by the way, is possible to have a spanish lower rom modified? :-[
I patched the Spanish lower rom aswell. You can get it here: http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/M4_Board#Various_files
UPDATE1:
Another extrange behaviour, another game from Amsoft (i think all in basic), Sultan's Maze (spanish version), without M4 it works, with M4 it throws an error in line 210, "improper argument", this line has the symbol command in it... what can be this extrange error?
Can you give me a link to the dsk/files in question so I can check it out?
Thanks for the feedback.
Post by: Joseman on 00:33, 04 December 16
here is the link for the game:
http://s000.tinyupload.com/index.php?file_id=67162882071074664148
Post by: Duke on 00:39, 04 December 16
Don't suppose anyone has a link for German cpc6128 lowerrom?
I have one called 6128w, but no idea what country that is, the extra characters don't look german atleast...
Post by: Joseman on 00:43, 04 December 16
Here another game with the same problem with the symbol command...
http://www.cpc-power.com/index.php?page=detail&onglet=dumps&num=2034
Post by: SOS on 01:04, 04 December 16
Don't suppose anyone has a link for German cpc6128 lowerrom?There are no German-Lowerrom exists.
I have one called 6128w, but no idea what country that is, the extra characters don't look german atleast...
So the German-CPC's uses the english ROM.
Post by: Duke on 01:40, 04 December 16
@Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624)Ok, quick fix for now, delete your autoexec.bas file and they should work fine.
Here another game with the same problem with the symbol command...
http://www.cpc-power.com/index.php?page=detail&onglet=dumps&num=2034 (http://www.cpc-power.com/index.php?page=detail&onglet=dumps&num=2034)
Will investigate further...
Post by: Joseman on 19:16, 07 December 16
Today I'm installing a M4 board that i bought you some months ago...
The board itself works, read the microsd, load games...
but if i try to upgrade the board, it just stays with the red light on and nothing happens...
if i reset the board happens the same, i just need to remove the microsd and erase the firmware files... then the board works again!!
the strange thing is that "m4firm.bin" gets erased by the M4, but "ESPFIRM.BIN" stays there and until its removed the m4 won't start...
what can be happening?
Post by: Duke on 20:03, 07 December 16
Not sure, try using this upgrade http://www.spinpoint.org/m4diag.zip
It should make report.txt in the root. Maybe the ESP8266 just needs full chip erase or if something wrong, hopefully it will be in the report file.
Post by: Joseman on 22:04, 07 December 16
Hi @Joseman (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=135)
Not sure, try using this upgrade http://www.spinpoint.org/m4diag.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/m4diag.zip)
It should make report.txt in the root. Maybe the ESP8266 just needs full chip erase or if something wrong, hopefully it will be in the report file.
Hi @Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624) , already tried this, the same scenario, the m4 lights the red led and keeps going this way, report.txt is blank
More strange is: i have 3- M4 bought in the same order... 2 of then acts the same... the third i didn't try...
Post by: Duke on 07:55, 08 December 16
Hi @Duke (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1624) , already tried this, the same scenario, the m4 lights the red led and keeps going this way, report.txt is blankIn that case, try reformatting the microSD. Also be patient when running m4diag it takes a lot longer than usual. Do you power it via USB ?
More strange is: i have 3- M4 bought in the same order... 2 of then acts the same... the third i didn't try...
Whats reported when you do |version?
Post by: Joseman on 16:34, 08 December 16
In that case, try reformatting the microSD. Also be patient when running m4diag it takes a lot longer than usual. Do you power it via USB ?
Whats reported when you do |version?
Yes, i tried several microSD and several formats, allways the same...
Yes, I power it via USB
I let the M4 about 20 minutes, but nothing...
Perhaps the problem is that it needs the upgrades one by one?
i know that the upgrade is not done because in that M4 the wildcards doesn't works...
Post by: Duke on 18:37, 08 December 16
Perhaps the problem is that it needs the upgrades one by one?If more recent version of M4 (with newer ESP-12F modules) you should only use v1.0.9 upwards. Wildcards are implemented on the M4 MCU side, and it seems it upgrades if it erases the M4FIRM.BIN file, but please check with |version. Another failure could be bad CRC of the firmware file, in which case it would not be flashed, but I'd expect the unzip to complain about that.
i know that the upgrade is not done because in that M4 the wildcards doesn't works...
Please try this method for upgrading to ie. latest beta, remove the M4 from the CPC insert the microSD with both firmware files in root, and connect USB only.
If this still fails, I will try to do another diagnostics firmware for you, to determine the problem - most strange thing is you have 2 boards doing it and both ESP's have been flashed using this method by me. Otherwise I would think I had made a dodgy board.
Post by: rcmolina on 09:36, 09 December 16
Has probado el comando |UPGRADE?
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt
----
@Joseman (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=135) Do you use an empty sd card for updating?
Did you test |UPGRADE command?
Post by: Joseman on 19:50, 09 December 16
At the moment can't do any testing, when i have spare time will try your advices!!
Post by: Duke on 18:47, 10 December 16
Download http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b9.zip
Changes:
More cas* function fixes.
Fix AUTOEXEC.BAS, now works with certain basic games that failed before (basic should be fully initialized now!).
Fix multiple network connections (ie. use SymbOS to chat on IRC and wget stuff at the same time).
Implemented |LS command. Works same as |DIR, except depending on your screen mode it will show files and folders in long names.
|cd will accept long filenames too.
If no serious errors reported this will be release version v1.1.0 aswell. Feedback appreciated.
Post by: Prodatron on 21:30, 10 December 16
A few minutes ago I had Telnet, syMIRC and some WGET downloads running at the same time (three open connections). Really cool to see this on my little Amstrad CPC! :)
I also like the new |LS command!
Post by: 00WReX on 06:13, 11 December 16
Thanks, if I get a feeling that at least 10 people are interested, I'll source the components for those and see how it goes.
Ahh, post number 12 of this thread (first page)...
So I guess you were not expecting 10 times that amount (probably more) back then :D
Thanks for the continued support and awesome Firmware updates :)
Cheers,
Shane
Post by: Duke on 10:21, 11 December 16
Ahh, post number 12 of this thread (first page)...
So I guess you were not expecting 10 times that amount (probably more) back then :D
Thanks for the continued support and awesome Firmware updates :)
Thanks.
Yes I was pleasantly surprised to learn that so many still use the real hardware and not only emulators :)
Originally I thought maybe a few developers would be interested as it offers a very easy solution to transfer code from PC to CPC (upload over WiFi in 1-2 secs. directly from your makefile).
- Just crossing 150 pcs... So of course I feel obligated to fix bugs and improve usage, there is still so much unused potential if I get the feel to add more. For now the goal is just that the promised features work well and think we are getting there.
Thanks to Prodatron's hard work with SymbOS and M4 implementation, things like copying files from/to real discs, write dsk images, unzipping files etc are now possible and saves me doing these implementations, that I had intended down the line :)
Post by: Joseman on 14:37, 11 December 16
Just let you know that this actualization works on the 3 M4!!!!!
I think that the right procedure was format the microsd -> insert the microsd on the m4 and let it do the m4 folder -> extract de microsd -> copy on pc the 2 files --> insert the microsd back on the M4--> it works!!!
I believe that if i put the 2 files WITHOUT let the m4 do the m4 folder before, then it just won't update (1 hour waiting), but i think that this problem not always happens... it seems a nasty bug that only happens sometimes...
Post by: remax on 18:50, 11 December 16
M4 firmware v1.1.0 beta 9
Download http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b9.zip (http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b9.zip)
Changes:
More cas* function fixes.
Fix AUTOEXEC.BAS, now works with certain basic games that failed before (basic should be fully initialized now!).
Fix multiple network connections (ie. use SymbOS to chat on IRC and wget stuff at the same time).
Implemented |LS command. Works same as |DIR, except depending on your screen mode it will show files and folders in long names.
|cd will accept long filenames too.
If no serious errors reported this will be release version v1.1.0 aswell. Feedback appreciated.
Can you implement versionning for beta files too ?
For some reason, the |ls command is not added, but i don't know if it's a flashing problem or something else...
Post by: Duke on 19:21, 11 December 16
Noted, will see to add a build number aswell. But yes it must be some other problem latest zip linked above supports |ls cmd.
Can you implement versionning for beta files too ?
For some reason, the |ls command is not added, but i don't know if it's a flashing problem or something else...
Post by: wilco2009 on 00:37, 13 December 16
Can you still get an M4 card?
I am amazed about the possibilities, and I would like to buy one. Some Spanish colleagues are also interested in this card.
Post by: Duke on 07:03, 13 December 16
Can you still get an M4 card?Yes it is still possible.
I am amazed about the possibilities, and I would like to buy one. Some Spanish colleagues are also interested in this card.
Right now it seems the last batch of PCB's coming from China were lost in the mail (after waiting 3 weeks for customs processing!).
So there's a bit of a delay now unfortunately, as I don't think I will receive new pcb's until after xmas.
Send me a PM with what you need (connector type).
Post by: Joseman on 10:42, 14 December 16
I know that this questions was answer before, but... i'm too lazy to search :P
How many amperes use the M4 Board?
Thankyou!!
Post by: Duke on 12:33, 14 December 16
How many amperes use the M4 Board?
Less than 500mA, so any USB power supply from 500mA up is fine.
Post by: jomicamp on 13:44, 14 December 16
I own an M4 board since June but, honestly, I have not give him too many use since because of the problems to open certain DSK images and the impossibility to install SymbOS in my hardware. Right now, I just read that the new firmware increases the number of DSKs that can be opened and I will make the corresponding update these days...
In addition, yesterday I received the MX4 board and an X-MEM board and I will like to put them to work together with the M4 board. The thing is, where within this vast thread I could find the right info to start with this task (I mean what will be the best configuration to make them compatible?, the best ROM config?, etc). Can somebody help me and put links to the pages within this thread where these aspects were discussed or I will have to go through 109 pages of posts to find it? :o
Thank you in advance mates! ;)
Best regards
Post by: reidrac on 15:58, 14 December 16
Dear colleagues,
I own an M4 board since June but, honestly, I have not give him too many use since because of the problems to open certain DSK images and the impossibility to install SymbOS in my hardware. Right now, I just read that the new firmware increases the number of DSKs that can be opened and I will make the corresponding update these days...
In addition, yesterday I received the MX4 board and an X-MEM board and I will like to put them to work together with the M4 board. The thing is, where within this vast thread I could find the right info to start with this task (I mean what will be the best configuration to make them compatible?, the best ROM config?, etc). Can somebody help me and put links to the pages within this thread where these aspects were discussed or I will have to go through 109 pages of posts to find it? :o
Thank you in advance mates! ;)
Best regards
This could be helpful: http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/M4_Board
Post by: dragon on 16:05, 14 December 16
I have to try it, yesterday i recieve to the x-mem and the x4 board :)
Post by: Joseman on 16:08, 14 December 16
I think i read m4 board need be power externally when use It with other boards.
I have to try it, yesterday i recieve to the x-mem and the x4 board :)
Yes, you will need to power the m4 with the mini-usb connector. (setting the jumper to "usb")
I think that if you power the x4 board, then there is no need to power the m4 with the mini-usb...
Post by: dragon on 16:40, 14 December 16
Yes, you will need to power the m4 with the mini-usb connector. (setting the jumper to "usb")
I think that if you power the x4 board, then there is no need to power the m4 with the mini-usb...
Is not posible Toto o Duke can made little cable that extracting power from the computer power supply To the x4 board or m4 board.?.
Having a 5a power supply.Don't make sense to me have to plug another power supply :(
Post by: Duke on 17:22, 14 December 16
That being said it may operate a bit out of spec, some have reported no issues powering it directly from the MX4 board, for me it works with MX4 when using external PSU connected to MX4. I can't remember my voltage readings, but it was a little higher with the external PSU.
In the next batch of M4's (whenever I receive the pcbs...) will probably be fitted with an AP2114-3.3V regulator instead, that should solve the issue.
If it works as expected, one could replace the AMS1117 and two caps. Or better solution use my adapter board (if one has that) and plug MX4 after M4.
@jomicamp (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1758) what CPC model you plan to use for it, then I can better advise on the configuration.
Post by: remax on 19:06, 14 December 16
Dear colleagues,
I own an M4 board since June but, honestly, I have not give him too many use since because of the problems to open certain DSK images and the impossibility to install SymbOS in my hardware. Right now, I just read that the new firmware increases the number of DSKs that can be opened and I will make the corresponding update these days...
In addition, yesterday I received the MX4 board and an X-MEM board and I will like to put them to work together with the M4 board. The thing is, where within this vast thread I could find the right info to start with this task (I mean what will be the best configuration to make them compatible?, the best ROM config?, etc). Can somebody help me and put links to the pages within this thread where these aspects were discussed or I will have to go through 109 pages of posts to find it? :o
Thank you in advance mates! ;)
Best regards
I wonder the same... I killed my working config in order to use the modified lower rom (for increased compatibility) but i have a lot of problems finding an optimal configuration for having both XMEM+CPCFW15+M4 Board with modified lower rom...
Post by: jomicamp on 19:12, 14 December 16
The problem is there is a voltage drop on the MotherX4 board, dropping the voltage in some cases below what the AMS1117-3.3V regulator on the M4 needs to operate correctly.
That being said it may operate a bit out of spec, some have reported no issues powering it directly from the MX4 board, for me it works with MX4 when using external PSU connected to MX4. I can't remember my voltage readings, but it was a little higher with the external PSU.
In the next batch of M4's (whenever I receive the pcbs...) will probably be fitted with an AP2114-3.3V regulator instead, that should solve the issue.
If it works as expected, one could replace the AMS1117 and two caps. Or better solution use my adapter board (if one has that) and plug MX4 after M4.
@jomicamp (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1758) what CPC model you plan to use for it, then I can better advise on the configuration.
I intend to use it in a CPC 6128 with spanish ROM
Thank you in advance!
Post by: Duke on 19:25, 14 December 16
I intend to use it in a CPC 6128 with spanish ROM
Thank you in advance!
Ok in that case I would disable rom board function of X-MEM (put the jumper on NO).
And set up M4 as the picture shown here:
http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/File:M4config6128.jpg (http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/File:M4config6128.jpg)
-->
http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/M4_Board (http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/M4_Board#Various) under Varius files
Meaning set M4 to rom6. Enable lowerrom replacement and upload the modified spanish lowerrom from above link. Put original AMSDOS rom in slot 6.
That config works fine for me.
@remax (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=314)
What is CPCFW15 ? - if its another lowerrom replacement, it will not work together and you should disable XMEM romboard unless you have a CPC where you can replace rom 7. If you can replace rom, you can set M4 rom board to start at pos 32 after XMEM and set M4 rom itself directly to rom7.
Post by: remax on 19:29, 14 December 16
Ok in that case I would disable rom board function of X-MEM (put the jumper on NO).
And set up M4 as the picture shown here:
http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/M4_Board#Various (http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/M4_Board#Various) files
Meaning set M4 to rom6. Enable lowerrom replacement and upload the spanish lowerrom. Put original AMSDOS rom in slot 6.
That config works fine for me.
@remax (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=314)
What is CPCFW15 ? - if its another lowerrom replacement, it will not work together and you should disable XMEM romboard unless you have a CPC where you can replace rom 7. If you can replace rom, you can set M4 rom board to start at pos 32 after XMEM and set M4 rom itself directly to rom7.
I forgot the 3, i meant FW 3.15. Well it works without disabling the XMEM romboard even with rom 6 for the relay. (that was my initial config). But i can't have the modified lower rom then...
Post by: Duke on 19:31, 14 December 16
I forgot the 3, i meant FW 3.15. Well it works without disabling the XMEM romboard even with rom 6 for the relay. (that was my initial config). But i can't have the modified lower rom then...
Ah yeah the relay rom is no use anymore, I will remove it (very outdated, I would have to make a new one for newer firmwares, if desired)
But yes, you would be using two lowerrom's if you use both the modified one and fw3.15
Post by: remax on 19:32, 14 December 16
Ah yeah the relay rom is no use anymore, I will remove it (very outdated, I would have to make a new one for newer firmwares, if desired)
But yes, you would be using two lowerrom's if you use both the modified one and fw3.15
Well it works well, but i might be the reason why i didn't see the added command (|LS) with the update.
So i would be interessed in a new version :)
Post by: Duke on 19:37, 14 December 16
Yes all new commands would be missing since v1.0.1 (or whenever I made it) + some may have different offsets.
Well it works well, but i might be the reason why i didn't see the added command (|LS) with the update.
So i would be interessed in a new version :)
Tbh. the lower rom replacemant makes a lot more sense, I could make a version that would use say slot 39 or something instead of rom 6. In that case if you wish to use both romboards you could put the lower rom to XMEM and remap M4 board to be after it.
If you don't need 64 roms, I suggest disable XMEM romboard for now and use above config for best compatiblity.
Post by: remax on 19:42, 14 December 16
Tbh. the lower rom replacemant makes a lot more sense, I could make a version that would use say slot 39 or something instead of rom 6. In that case if you wish to use both romboards you could put the lower rom to XMEM and remap M4 board to be after it.
I would lose FW3.15 no ?
I tried to do without it (using autoexec.bas to set the mode and color and to remap the ù to |, but i miss functions like |HELP, the utopia equivalent being not as powerful).
Post by: Duke on 19:43, 14 December 16
You would lose FW3.15 yes, cant have both lower roms at the same time :/
I would lose FW3.15 no ?
I tried to do without it (using autoexec.bas to set the mode and color and to remap the ù to |, but i miss functions like |HELP, the utopia equivalent being not as powerful).
Post by: SOS on 08:47, 15 December 16
> |mkdir,"a b c"
> Ready
> |era,"a b c"
> A B C not found
> Ready
> |cd,"a b c"
> Ready
Please, could you fix that?
(Thanks)
Post by: Duke on 10:57, 15 December 16
Latest Firmware:
> |mkdir,"a b c"
> Ready
> |era,"a b c"
> A B C not found
> Ready
> |cd,"a b c"
> Ready
Please, could you fix that?
(Thanks)
Thanks for the bug report.
I will fix it, but probably not until after christmas (got a week of vacation coming up!).
Post by: jomicamp on 13:49, 15 December 16
Ok in that case I would disable rom board function of X-MEM (put the jumper on NO).
And set up M4 as the picture shown here:
http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/File:M4config6128.jpg (http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/File:M4config6128.jpg)
-->
http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/M4_Board (http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/M4_Board#Various) under Varius files
Meaning set M4 to rom6. Enable lowerrom replacement and upload the modified spanish lowerrom from above link. Put original AMSDOS rom in slot 6.
That config works fine for me.
Hi duke,
How is "enable lowerrom replacement and upload the modified spanish lowerrom from the above link" specifically made? I know I can find the lowerrom file in the cpcwiki page for the M4. I also know that I should set the M4 to slot 6 (in which I should upload the original AMSDOS for the case of exit). But in which ROM slot I should load the lowerrom replacement? or where should I place it to make it work?
Another question is: In which connector of the MX4 should I plug the M4 and the X-MEM for better compatibility? or there is no difference on that?
Thank you for your time and help!
Post by: Bryce on 14:07, 15 December 16
Another question is: In which connector of the MX4 should I plug the M4 and the X-MEM for better compatibility? or there is no difference on that?
The MX4 slots are all in parallel, the position of cards is irrelevant.
Bryce.
Post by: Duke on 14:40, 15 December 16
How is "enable lowerrom replacement and upload the modified spanish lowerrom from the above link" specifically made? I know I can find the lowerrom file in the cpcwiki page for the M4. I also know that I should set the M4 to slot 6 (in which I should upload the original AMSDOS for the case of exit). But in which ROM slot I should load the lowerrom replacement? or where should I place it to make it work?In the example picture it is uploaded to slot 0, Enable lowerrom ticked and lowerrom slot set to 0. But you can use any slot you want.
Ie. if you pick slot 30, upload the modified lowerrom to that slot, and pick lowerrom slot 30.
Post by: jomicamp on 18:18, 15 December 16
In the example picture it is uploaded to slot 0, Enable lowerrom ticked and lowerrom slot set to 0. But you can use any slot you want.
Ie. if you pick slot 30, upload the modified lowerrom to that slot, and pick lowerrom slot 30.
Ok, now I understood, I apologize. I did not check the image properly... sorry for that!
Post by: Joseman on 22:44, 17 December 16
Here again the annoying guy with bugs report :P
a extrange bug again...
this time with the conversational adventure "Don quijote", source: cpc-power -> CNGsoft version (i tried the abraxas version too)
just in the first screen
if you type "ver" the game should say "como dices?" (what you said?)
but, with the m4, instead, it says "no" and change the color of the letters!!
in another place if you say "dormir" (sleep) the game should say "el tiempo pasa" (time goes by)
again with m4 it says "el b bruto....." (makes no sense)
really strange no?
Post by: DerSchatten on 23:35, 17 December 16
Post by: SOS on 10:42, 18 December 16
how can i upgrade the ESP-Firmware ?copy both files "ESPFIRM.BIN" and the correspondent "M4FIRM.BIN" to the SD-Card-Root.
You can do that via your PC or with the Web-Frontend you can copy the files to the CPC.
After that make a M4-Reset (Web-Frontend or Reset-Button on the M4). Wait a short time, the booting takes a Little bit longer.
Post by: dragon on 16:41, 24 December 16
The problem is there is a voltage drop on the MotherX4 board, dropping the voltage in some cases below what the AMS1117-3.3V regulator on the M4 needs to operate correctly.
That being said it may operate a bit out of spec, some have reported no issues powering it directly from the MX4 board, for me it works with MX4 when using external PSU connected to MX4. I can't remember my voltage readings, but it was a little higher with the external PSU.
In the next batch of M4's (whenever I receive the pcbs...) will probably be fitted with an AP2114-3.3V regulator instead, that should solve the issue.
If it works as expected, one could replace the AMS1117 and two caps. Or better solution use my adapter board (if one has that) and plug MX4 after M4.
@jomicamp (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1758) what CPC model you plan to use for it, then I can better advise on the configuration.
I put all in the plus. x-mem,x-mass,m4. With my hyper 5A power supply. And it appear work, at least |time shows the time :) anyway i need try all stuff,upgrade, symbos etc. etc.
Post by: SOS on 18:00, 27 December 16
I'm using the latest Firmware.
(The Firmware "ESPFIRM.BIN" 06.11.16 13:27 & "M4FIRM.BIN" 05.12.16 21:19 is without that error.)
Big thanks!!
Post by: Duke on 22:44, 27 December 16
I'll try to check that game when I get a bit more time, sounds really odd.
@SOS (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=941)
Noted. Will fix soon.
Post by: SOS on 23:36, 27 December 16
Post by: rpalmer on 04:04, 28 December 16
I dont have a CPC wifi, but i cannot understand where the confusion lies.
The |CD command on a file should not work and is a little bit surprised that it should have thrown up an error.
It is possible that the |CD command may have matched against one of the directories and hence the |CAT showed its contents.
rpalmer
Post by: SOS on 08:25, 28 December 16
but i cannot understand where the confusion lies.The behavior of the code is changed.
The |CD command on a file should not work and is a little bit surprised that it should have thrown up an error.
It is possible that the |CD command may have matched against one of the directories and hence the |CAT showed its contents.
With an older beta it works, that you can |CD to a Directory and the path is printed above the Content, you make |CD to an other Directory, and the other part is printed too (OK).
Now you make a |CD against a DSK-File and after that a "cat", so you can see the Directory of the DSK-File (and can start a BAS,BIN,... file from the DSK) (Great function!!!, OK in both beta's).
The Problem is, that the M4-CPU from the WIFI thinks, that is the original path, where the DSK-FIle is put. In the 06.11.16-Beta, the M4-CPU says that the actual path is the DSK-File.
So with the last beta the path is equal: "Directory with the DSK-File" = "Directory of the DSK-File", which is wrong and big problems begin, when you write Software for the M4-DOS....
Post by: jomicamp on 22:54, 29 December 16
I configure the ROM slots as you said and I updated the firmware and installed the patched lower ROM.
I have a couple more of doubts now:
1. By default the A drive is the SD card at the M4. How may access the internal drive then (for instance if I want to save a file or a BASIC program to the floppy)? I tried to do change to drive B but it is not working.
2. I wrote a BASIC program and given that I was not able to save it to the floppy, I tried to save it in a DSK file within the M4 as SAVE"filename.bas". I got the message ready but when you do cat the file is not in the DSK, Is it possible to save files like this to the M4?
Thanks a lot and sorry if these doubts are too simple..
Regards
Post by: Duke on 00:13, 30 December 16
1. By default the A drive is the SD card at the M4. How may access the internal drive then (for instance if I want to save a file or a BASIC program to the floppy)? I tried to do change to drive B but it is not working.Type |m4romoff and disc drive is enabled and sd card disabled. If you want to copy stuff between floppy and microSD, use the excellent symbOS, symCommander.
Quote from: jomicamp
2. I wrote a BASIC program and given that I was not able to save it to the floppy, I tried to save it in a DSK file within the M4 as SAVE"filename.bas". I got the message ready but when you do cat the file is not in the DSK, Is it possible to save files like this to the M4?You can save directly to sd card, I haven't implemented file write support inside DSK images yet, just save directly to sd card.
Post by: jomicamp on 00:31, 30 December 16
Type |m4romoff and disc drive is enabled and sd card disabled. If you want to copy stuff between floppy and microSD, use the excellent symbOS, symCommander.You can save directly to sd card, I haven't implemented file write support inside DSK images yet, just save directly to sd card.
Thanks for the Info. ;D
I am waiting for a cable from TotO to connect the M4 to the MX4 with the X-MEM. Then I will install SymbOS and try what you say...
So I can save the files in the SD card always that I am out of a DSK file, right?
Regards
Post by: Duke on 09:04, 30 December 16
So I can save the files in the SD card always that I am out of a DSK file, right?Yes.
Post by: Audronic on 10:38, 30 December 16
Is it possible to allow access to Drive B (a Floppy drive) without having to Exit the rom ?
Thanks Ray
Post by: Duke on 11:49, 30 December 16
Is it possible to allow access to Drive B (a Floppy drive) without having to Exit the rom ?It's possible, but not convenient.
M4 rom was designed to completely replace amsdos, so it would have best possible compatiblity with existing software and usable even on CPC without FDC (464).
However I have thought of an easy method I could allow for sdcard/floppy disc access at the same time if the user chooses to run two DOS (both M4 and AMSDOS). So may add that sometime around.
Anyway in current versions, you can do this. Change M4 rom position to be after AMSDOS, ie. slot 8.
All basic commands now go to disc drives A & B.
If you want to copy files to SD card, use |FCP command. To dir SD card, use |LS, and you can also use |CD etc...
I would recommend using SymbOS M4 version instead, much easier and better!
Post by: HAL 6128 on 11:57, 30 December 16
Hi Duke,
just a question: would it possible to add some kind of path variable / environment (somedays)? Like in MS-DOS (path=...)?
HAL6128
Post by: Duke on 12:00, 30 December 16
just a question: would it possible to add some kind of path variable / environment (somedays)? Like in MS-DOS (path=...)?It's a good idea, it would be possible yes, if I can find the time implement it sometime.
Post by: Audronic on 00:10, 31 December 16
It's possible, but not convenient.Hi Duke
M4 rom was designed to completely replace amsdos, so it would have best possible compatiblity with existing software and usable even on CPC without FDC (464).
However I have thought of an easy method I could allow for sdcard/floppy disc access at the same time if the user chooses to run two DOS (both M4 and AMSDOS). So may add that sometime around.
Thanks
Ray
Post by: SOS on 03:30, 01 January 17
Anyway in current versions, you can do this. Change M4 rom position to be after AMSDOS, ie. slot 8.Ok, when I do so, I can not start any Game from the SD-Card?!
All basic commands now go to disc drives A & B.
If you want to copy files to SD card, use |FCP command. To dir SD card, use |LS, and you can also use |CD etc...
So what is the advantage to set the M4-DOS on ROM 8?
(and Forget: Happy new year!!! :) )
Post by: Duke on 14:22, 01 January 17
Ok, when I do so, I can not start any Game from the SD-Card?!True, the point was only to enable both floppy drives, so you could copy files to sd card via |FCP command.
So what is the advantage to set the M4-DOS on ROM 8?
Better solution soon I expect.
Happy new year all.
Post by: Duke on 19:29, 01 January 17
A few screenshots of a new edge connector version of M4, with a 90 deg. angle available.
It's possible to solder an edge pcb on the backside and make it passthrough like old skool devices (I don't offer them though).
Only available on new orders (all existing orders are now prepared, except I am missing WiFi module for the last 5, which should arrive soonish!).
Also MX4 version now is updated with another voltage regulator, meaning it will work without external PSU in MX4 (unless of course the power draw is too big for your PSU).
Post by: merlinkv on 23:00, 04 January 17
It's possible to order one board with MX4 connector? ... I'm really very interested.
Thanks in advance.
Post by: Duke on 23:13, 04 January 17
Hello Duke,
It's possible to order one board with MX4 connector? ... I'm really very interested.
Thanks in advance.
Yes it is, pm sent. Status is a couple of weeks before I can ship new ones (got most in stock, just missing wifi modules atm.).
Post by: merlinkv on 23:19, 04 January 17
PM answered. :)
Post by: Duke on 00:20, 05 January 17
Here is another beta firmware for M4 Board, please note this is experimental and mostly recommended for people who want to help me, by providing feedback.
This new beta focus on integration with AMSDOS, so you can use floppy discs and microSD at the same time.
You should ideally have AMSDOS or PARADOS as rom 7 (default) and put M4 in slot 6 or below. To use floppy discs, you should not use my modified lower rom (an alternative will come later).
At boot up everything is the same, if you wish to read your floppy discs, type:
|DISC
And all AMSDOS commands go to floppy drive, like |A, |B, |dir, cat, load, save etc.
To switch back to M4/microSD, type
|SD
If used without AMSDOS or with my patched lowerrom for CPC6128 everything should be the same as before, with some minor improvements.
Issues to be dealt with:
|TAPE, this will only work if you have AMSDOS (664/6128..) and type |DISC first
New Lowerrom mod to force initialization of both M4 rom when AMSDOS is.
Probably more...
Download:
http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/M4FIRM_v110b10.zip
Feedback / bug reports appreciated.
Lastly, anyone know if AMSDOS only exists in version 0.5 and 0.7 ? Is it 0.5 for DDI and 664 too?
Post by: dragon on 04:12, 05 January 17
Is posible made aspecial lower rom that when booting from m4 made a copy of a cartridge to the m4 sd card and nothing more?.
I was thinking about if it is possible dumped the White cartridges carts of trade in post that are made from the amstrad csd demostración box that not are dumped, i have a few of It.
Without open the cartridge., Solder/unsolder the eeprom with the risk of Broken the cartridge.
Or best made a |dumpcartridge :).
Post by: Duke on 10:21, 05 January 17
I have no idea what those carts are. Is it the actual CSD software you want dumped, or were the carts used for something else?
Maybe it contains it's own lowerrom already? I guess I could put something together, but you would need to be sure that lowerrom of M4 is used and I don't know anything about plus carts, so some code to deal with that aspect would be needed too.
Post by: KaosOverride on 11:30, 05 January 17
Plus cartridge is mapped at rom pages 128 and above, just mirrors the 128, 129 and 131 (not exactly sure) as lowerrom, basic and amsdos. if you have your own lower rom, basic and M4rom at the M4 rombanks and get the READY prompt just try to save the upper rom pages. I did long time ago a DSK for dumping in basic the lowerrom from system cart (To get spanish and french key layout). Can be modded to dump the rest of blocks... It's a modified version of ROM dumper example at Marco Vieth's CPCEMU 1.5 basic utils for real CPCs.
Code: [Select]
100 REM ROMGET (v2.0)
110 REM 3.9.1994
120 REM
130 MODE 1: CLEAR: DEFINT a-z
140 PRINT"ROMGET v2.0":PRINT"Run on a CPC to save the ROMs as files.": PRINT
150 PRINT"Insert disk with >= 50K free space": PRINT"and press a key ..."
160 CALL &BB18
170 adr=&A000: sh=adr+2: dh=adr+5: k=adr+15
180 h!=HIMEM: MEMORY &1FFF
190 FOR i=adr TO adr+&12: READ a$: POKE i,VAL("&"+a$): NEXT
200 POKE sh,0: POKE dh,&20: POKE k,&FC: CALL adr
210 POKE sh,&C0: POKE dh,&60: CALL adr
220 PRINT"Saving lower&upper-ROM (CPCXXXX.ROM) ..."
230 SAVE"!CPCXXXX.ROM",b,&2000,&8000
240 POKE k,7: CALL adr
250 IF PEEK(&6000)<>1 THEN PRINT"No AMSDOS-ROM found.": GOTO 280
260 PRINT"Saving AMSDOS-ROM (CPCADOS.ROM) ..."
270 SAVE"!CPCADOS.ROM",b,&6000,&4000
280 PRINT"Trying to find some other ROMs ..."
290 FOR i=1 TO 251:PRINT HEX$(i);
300 IF i=7 THEN 360
310 POKE k,i:CALL adr
320 IF PEEK(&6000)=&80 THEN 360
330 PRINT" ROM found -- ";
340 PRINT"Saving MYROM";HEX$(i,2);".ROM ..."
350 SAVE"!MYROM"+HEX$(i,2)+".ROM",b,&6000,&4000:PRINT
360 PRINT CHR$(13);:NEXT
370 PRINT:PRINT"bye."
380 MEMORY h!: END
390 DATA 21,00,C0,11,00,20,01,00,40,DF,0D,A0,C9,10,A0,00,ED,B0,C9
Post