CPCWiki forum

Hi All,
     I'm hoping to get some quality hardware time in over the Christmas break and was going to make myself a (MegaFlash compatible) Lower ROM board, just to mess about with. Is anyone else interested in having one of these? If so, vote above.
The board will be a simple single EPROM board with on/off switch which allows you to install BASIC 1.1 on a 464 or BASIC 1.0 on a 664/6128. Let me know your thoughts with the poll above and I will see what I can do. The standalone device would also work with the MegaFlash, it just wouldn't plug on top like a module. It will not be flashable or anything fancy, just a simple EPROM. Also: 6128 users would need to put ROM 7 on a MegaFlash or other external ROMBoard, as the Lower ROMBoard disables the internal ROM 7.

Bryce.

I would not know what to put in it, I did put basic 1.1 in my 464 when it was possible to buy the rom.
Basic 1.0 was socketed and they may have stopped selling the rom separately because they had, or intended to, stop using sockets.

That's all there is to put in it. But I just thought I'd ask anyway, because several people were discussing this lately.

Bryce.

I was thinking that one day I night try to control a reprap with a CPC and have the software in rom, replacing the arduino, and maybe printing one layer at a time as I draw the object on the CPC.
It takes many hours to print an object so the CPC should be fast enough.

You don't need to replace ROM 0 to do that though. That software could be in any ROM.

Bryce.

Yes that's right, but I might have the control routines in lower rom like the firmware, and have the drawing program in the upper rom.
I would replace the basic rom so there would be no need for an external rom card or box.

Hi Bryce,

Would this work with a 6128+ so I could turn on machine the system cartridge being inserted?

@Bryce: Great to see that you're going to create finally the Lower ROM-Box I've been waiting for such a device for decades.


Now I can change the character set of my CPC every day!!! Yay!!! Guess a Flash can be used instad of an EPROM, so burning can be done a bit more quick.



EDIT:
I know you will beat the carp out of me now, but... what's about a Lower-Flash-ROM-Box, that can be programmed using the CPC itself? *duck-und-weg*  :-X

So this would mean that I can turn that Spanish 464 I have (with English ROM) back to the way it should be  ;D .

And I'm with TFM/FS, if this could possibly be a flash version...even better.  8)
But please don't go beating up his carp...leave his fish out of it... :D

If it could be flash, is there any possibility of incorporating the ROM 7 for those of us without any ROM device / megaflash.



Cheers,
Shane

I Vote as a module that plugs onto the MegaFlash.

But really I would like to have the 2 options, probably many work.

Any of them, I want it for my collection.

Would it be possible to redesign megaflash to provide 1 lower rom and 31 upper roms?

Quote from: 00WReX on 01:02, 14 December 11
So this would mean that I can turn that Spanish 464 I have (with English ROM) back to the way it should be  ;D .

And I'm with TFM, if this could possibly be a flash version...even better.  8)

Yes you can change it. The character set begins in the lower ROM at address &3800 and ends at &3FFF. So you can have Spanish, French, English character sets and for any other language, just make them. But I like to use once a while a charset that just looks different.

I will go to a c64 meeting and use the c64 charcter set and tell them: "Look I got an c64 emulator on my CPC 464 and it's even faster than the original c64" Hehehehe. (Ok, I change some bytes more in the lower ROM to get the appropriate colors ;-)

Having a lower ROM box will never be boring ;-)

@Beaker: Technically it would work on a CPC Plus, but you would still need a cartridge inserted for the ACID, so it makes less sense on a Plus.

@TFM: You could use a Flash IC instead of an EPROM, but making the device flashable is pretty much impossible, because the CPC wouldn't boot when it's inserted and hasn't yet been flashed. Even a switch to disable it before flashing would cause a crash as soon as you switched to program mode. It would also make an otherwise small cheap expansion very expensive.

@Steve: Yes, but it would mean a complete re-design and the end result would be more or less the same as a MegaFlash plus the new board. So I don't plan on doing this.

Bryce.

Will this be a DIY kit or will you provide the option to purchase one pre built ?

I would like a standalone board with 1MB flash chip shared for 512K RAM and 512K ROM (lower & upper)
:P

Well with only 6 people showing any interest, I may not make any at all. But if I do make some, I would build them completely and supply the EPROM/Flash too, that way I'm sure everyone gets a working device.

@TotO: yeah sure! Should it make coffee too?

Bryce.

No coffee for me, but an AMSDOS patched version for booting |CPM disk from B drive too.

In fact, why doing RAM or ROM board but not both ?
It will cost less for the final user and don't have to plug many boards on the back of the computer.
A 1MB flash IC cost the same price than a 512KB version.

Well the MegaFlash was designed to have 32 ROMs = 512K, not because 1MB was cheaper or whatever, but because more than 32 ROMs at one time on a CPC doesn't make sense. As far as RAM and ROM on one board is concerned, I keep them seperate because some people only want one of the two and aren't prepared to pay double for the half that they don't want/need. There are plans however for a MegaFlash RAM Module add-on, so you have both, but still only have one device plugged on to the back of the CPC, but more about that later...

Bryce.

Quote from: Bryce on 15:03, 14 December 11Well the MegaFlash was designed to have 32 ROMs = 512K, not because 1MB was cheaper or whatever, but because more than 32 ROMs at one time on a CPC doesn't make sense.

I know. I said a 1MB chip may be shared for 512K RAM / 512K ROM.

Quote from: Bryce on 15:03, 14 December 11As far as RAM and ROM on one board is concerned, I keep them seperate because some people only want one of the two and aren't prepared to pay double for the half that they don't want/need.

They don't cost the double because using the same memory chip and only one PCB instead of two or tree. May cost 10% to 20% more.

Quote from: Bryce on 15:03, 14 December 11There are plans however for a MegaFlash RAM Module add-on, so you have both, but still only have one device plugged on to the back of the CPC, but more about that later...

Megaflash + Lower ROM + RAM modules ?

Just thinking about the possibility of making my 6128+ machine as universal as possible: if it fits in the Megaflash and overrides the system cartridge, I could have the French 'Downgrade' System Cartridge on your proposed unit as it's something I wouldn't need very often but could be useful to have at the click of a switch (as opposed to an hacked cartridge that I'd probably misplace and spend half the day looking for).

In regards to another hardware project Bryce, did you ever make a batch of the PS2 mouse interface (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/PS2Mouse (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/PS2Mouse)) or was it only a DIY project? I was also thinking if FutureOS can be placed at ROM 0 then the 2 may complement each other :)

@totO: You can't split the IC into ROM and RAM: The MegaFlash uses a Flash IC, that can only be read in complete pages and only has a certain amount of write cycles. If it used a 1MB RAM IC, then it would need a battery backup and would be called a MegaBatteryBackedRAMThingy (doesn't sound as cool) :) The main advantage of the MegaFlash is that it doesn't need a battery. Also, the price wouldn't be doubled because of the price of the Memory IC, rather it would need a much bigger PCB and several more TTL ICs, which is what really drives the price up.

@Beaker: One solution for your universal 6128+ might be another project of mine that I never released. The "ACID Inside" is a small PCB that gets soldered to the back of the riser PCB inside the Plus (The PCB with the Cartridge Socket). Its just a tiny PCB with an ACID on it, but it means that the cartridges don't need to have an ACID, so homemade ACID-less cartridges work and it would also be possible to use the Lower ROM/ MegaFlash solution to swap the Firmware. I only ever built one and never released the schematics, but if anyone is interested I can search them out and put them on the Wiki.
As far as the USB and PS/2 Mouse Adapters are concerned, I think I made about 6 or 7 of them, I probably still have one somewhere if you want one.

Bryce.

Hi Bryce, yes please if you have one of the mice adapters going spare. PM me with the price and I'll transfer the money to you :D

That ACID inside sounds perfect. I assume the machine wouldn't freak out if there are 2 acid chips present, for example if I inserted a normal game cartridge into the slot? Also would I need previous experience of making my own PCB's, or would it be a good starter project to learn how to?

Quote from: Bryce on 09:17, 14 December 11
@TFM: You could use a Flash IC instead of an EPROM, but making the device flashable is pretty much impossible, because the CPC wouldn't boot when it's inserted and hasn't yet been flashed. Even a switch to disable it before flashing would cause a crash as soon as you switched to program mode. It would also make an otherwise small cheap expansion very expensive.

That's right, if using a Flash it will need to contain a working Lower-ROM from the beginning.

But if it already has the regular lower ROM it is no problem to alter it. From the software side it will be no problem to exchange the lower ROM or parts of it.

So you would be easily able to replace the character set or patch the lower ROM just by using the connected CPC and you wouldn't require a PC to do that. You could even do it "in Game".

I know it is probably asked too much, but I like expansions that can be managed by the CPC itself without requiring an other computer. My philosophy in short: It needs a CPC, and it runs on/with the CPC ;-)

Quote from: TotO on 13:31, 14 December 11
I would like a standalone board with 1MB flash chip shared for 512K RAM and 512K ROM (lower & upper)
:P

Well, if you want a serious expansion: 4 MB RAM (compatible to RAM7 and Jareks expansions), should be in S-RAM, D-RAM, not Flash. Further 2 MB ROM (Flash). That's a good start. 0.5 MB is outdated and too small IMO.

Quote from: Bryce on 15:03, 14 December 11
Well the MegaFlash was designed to have 32 ROMs = 512K, not because 1MB was cheaper or whatever, but because more than 32 ROMs at one time on a CPC doesn't make sense.

That's right of course. However, one day in future I will finish my ROM disc and then it will make sense. But not 2011 though ;-)

Quote from: beaker on 15:34, 14 December 11
In regards to another hardware project Bryce, did you ever make a batch of the PS2 mouse interface (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/PS2Mouse (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/PS2Mouse)) or was it only a DIY project? I was also thinking if FutureOS can be placed at ROM 0 then the 2 may complement each other :)

Good idea!

Is there is any need or opportunity for a community written enhanced/ faster firmware?
If so this might increase the number of people who would want a lower rom board.
What improvements are needed in the firmware?

Quote from: steve on 18:57, 14 December 11
Is there is any need or opportunity for a community written enhanced/ faster firmware?
If so this might increase the number of people who would want a lower rom board.
What improvements are needed in the firmware?

A Lower-RoM box is new, so people don't realize now its potential. You can do anything to the firmware. And we do have it's source code. The limit is your imagination.

Hi Bryce

I'm interested in one too (voted for the expansion module, but the standalone device is cool too) - if nothing else, to try out patched AMSDOS as well  ;)

but could you expand a little on this comment please:
"Also: 6128 users would need to put ROM 7 on a MegaFlash or other external ROMBoard, as the Lower ROMBoard disables the internal ROM 7."

specifically, I've got a switchable AMSDOS/PARADOS 32K EPROM installed in a socket on my 6128 (wrote about installing/programming it in another forum topic) - such a ROM would also be disabled as per the above?

thanks

Quote from: TFM/FS on 18:33, 14 December 11
Well, if you want a serious expansion: 4 MB RAM (compatible to RAM7 and Jareks expansions).
0.5 MB is outdated and too small IMO.

Most CPC programs don't use 128K when available and you said 512K is outdated?  :laugh:

Quote from: TotO on 09:36, 15 December 11
Most CPC programs don't use 128K when available and you said 512K is outdated?  :laugh:

I fully agree. 512K is rarely used to it's full potential, so why bother with more. I would prefer a decent 512K solution (DK compatible), than a non-standard 4MB, that cost more any only has one program that would ever use it.

@Archcosmo: The way these boards work is that they permanently hold ROMDIS High. This disables ALL internal ROMs including any ROM 7 (ParaDOS or AMSDOS) which are inside the CPC. Because of this, you would need to put a valid ROM 7 "Behind" (ie: external = DDI-1 or ROMBoard) the Lower ROM expansion to have a ROM 7 once again. There is no other easy way to replace the lower ROM.

@Beaker: PM sent.

Bryce.

I also voted yes for an addon for Megaflash. It opens new horizons to fully customize your CPC  8)


Hey Bryce, can I get a usbmouse adapter from you?

Hmmm, you're not the first to ask about a mouse adapter recently. I might consider a small batch over Christmas, I'll let you know. What type would you need USB for external or internal build?

Bryce.

Well the internal version seems more elegant, if its not to hard to install..

The internal version needs to be connected to the 9 pins of the joystick port and to 5V and GND. You also need to cut a hole somewhere for the USB port and I'd also recommend adding an on/off switch. If you can handle all of that, it's an easy installation. But the external device is also quite compact, it just needs to be plugged into the joystick port and connected to the 5V supply somehow.

Bryce.

Quote from: Bryce on 13:45, 15 December 11
The internal version needs to be connected to the 9 pins of the joystick port and to 5V and GND. You also need to cut a hole somewhere for the USB port and I'd also recommend adding an on/off switch. If you can handle all of that, it's an easy installation. But the external device is also quite compact, it just needs to be plugged into the joystick port and connected to the 5V supply somehow.

If internal and hack, it's better to remove the CPC ROM and replacing with a custom one?

Sorry, we kind of changed subjects, I was referring to the internal USB Mouse Adapter, not an internal Lower ROM hack. :)

For an internal Lower ROM, yes, just remove and swap the ROM.

Bryce.

Quote from: Bryce on 13:19, 15 December 11
Hmmm, you're not the first to ask about a mouse adapter recently. I might consider a small batch over Christmas...

Well, first sorry for firing up the offtopic even more. But if you consider making another batch of them, then I would take one too. I would slightly prefer the external version, but it doesn't really matter. Just PM me if you have one for me :-)

My try to go back to topic again... Yes the lower ROM. Isn't it the beginning of everything CPC? You switch the machine on and the thrusty Z80 starts it's duty at address &0000 - that's in the lower ROM ;-)

Quote from: Bryce on 13:45, 15 December 11
The internal version needs to be connected to the 9 pins of the joystick port and to 5V and GND. You also need to cut a hole somewhere for the USB port and I'd also recommend adding an on/off switch. If you can handle all of that, it's an easy installation. But the external device is also quite compact, it just needs to be plugged into the joystick port and connected to the 5V supply somehow.

Bryce.

I would also be interested in a an external mouse adapter...sounds like another use for the PSP 5v power supply  ;)

Chers,
Shane

Here, I am another man interested in a an external mouse adapter...

Like all of your CPC hardware things.

I'm an owner of a SymbiFace, then maybe standalone device for me... but  ??? another crazy idea...(sorry mates): if majority choose module that plugs onto the MegaFlash there will be the possibility to plug MegaFlash+SymbiFace at the same time? Are both compatibles? I think one RomBoard cancel the other... Or could I use 64 roms, sum of the two romboards? OK, OK last is a silly question...

Now I am in doubt... but I want the winner device, Bryce, put me on the list...

[and sorry the little OffTopic: another boards request: CPC-SID & if finally IDE/8255 doesn't work -people in Spain are checking it- an IDE interface for people that haven't got symbiface. Possibility to use newOS: Bonny, Symb, Future... to more people. Maybe one day my symbiface could break :-(   But all of this in a future, now is time for USBmouse... ]

bgbrain said: <<It opens new horizons to fully customize your CPC >> Yezzzz!!! , I think so!!!! I want it. In XXI century CPC owners are users, not Amstrad or Locomotive. I don't want that companies on my CPC system startup.

Rockyriver: Yes, right. Two ROM boards will not provide more ROMs. One will take over the other one. The SF2 contains 512 KB expanson ROM - right as the MegaFlash. They use different types of memory, but provide ROM numbers from 0-31 both. If you don't have a MegaFlash, you would need the stand alone version.

A reasigning ROM position design similar that the Ramcard uses could be fine for the multiple ROM board, being the one for the lower one fixed.

Quote from: MiguelSky on 03:02, 17 December 11
A reasigning ROM position design similar that the Ramcard uses could be fine for the multiple ROM board, being the one for the lower one fixed.

That's not enough, I assume you still need additional logic ICs in addition. It all depends on the original hardware-design of the used ROM-expander.
MegaFlash for example was inteded to be reliable, 512 KB and cheap. It would be possible to add functionality, but it would cost more money. And CPC users usually (most of them I assume) are not used to spend much money for hardware. Actually a pity  ;)

BTW: As far as I know, the SF2 deactivates similar cards. But I did only one test (time reasons in my last holiday). So don't consider running a second ROM card in parallel. I may be wrong here. Tests would be needed. But the SF2 production has ended 5 years ago or so. We can consider it historic now. And I'm sad about that, as like for all not any longe produced CPC hardware expansions.

However, what you say is right and should be considered.  :)

The RAMCard address decoding was made from the start to have these switches. The MegaFlash would need a complete re-design for this. It would need at least two more ICs, which would make it bigger (I like small expansions) and more expensive. And I consider it totally pointless, how many people really have all 32 ROMs installed at any one time? None? Thought so.

Bryce.

Then, a standalone lower ROM solution or a mod for MegaFlash could be the appropiate.

Ok, I like small boards too (at least smaller than CPC  ;D ).
The "standalone" version could be as little as http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/FO-DOS (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/FO-DOS) ??
Or much smaller like japanese electronic things... Would I connect with SF2 ?

Quote from: RockRiver on 01:06, 20 December 11
Ok, I like small boards too (at least smaller than CPC  ;D ).
The "standalone" version could be as little as http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/FO-DOS (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/FO-DOS) ??
Or much smaller like japanese electronic things... Would I connect with SF2 ?

Huge that FartDOS, much bigger than the Mega Flash.

BTW: Do you guys know where the MegaFlash has its name from? Can you imagine the flash you get from soldering 96 hours in a row *hehehehe*

I don't even have a megaflash card... :(

Quote from: MacDeath on 12:12, 20 December 11
I don't even have a megaflash card... :(

I don't have any sort of ROM card...thats why I placed an order for a MegaFlash & the USB mouse adapter...and will be ordering a lower ROM replacement board as well...treating myself for Christmas  :D  thanks to Santa Bryce.


EDIT: Well I do have a DDI so I suppose I do technically have a ROM board  :laugh:  ...would an SSA also count ???

It will be a lot smaller that the FODOS card. and I think I'll make it with a generic through connector so that you can connect a MegaFlash, SF2 or whatever.

@MacDeath: I still have parts for one or two MegaFlashes, so you can still have one if you want one.

Bryce.

Quote from: Bryce on 15:13, 21 December 11
It will be a lot smaller that the FODOS card. and I think I'll make it with a generic through connector so that you can connect a MegaFlash, SF2 or whatever.

@MacDeath: I still have parts for one or two MegaFlashes, so you can still have one if you want one.

Bryce.

The through connector is a good and important idea. (I couldn't live without it :D ).

Quote from: Bryce on 15:13, 21 December 11I'll make it with a generic through connector so that you can connect a MegaFlash, SF2 or whatever.

Great!!!! then, man. Thanks another time for your ideas.

I started thinking about the LowerOS card and I hope to have time to create some software for it during the holidays :-)

There is a cool thing on the Arduino, it is called the "shields".

are those Amstrad extension peripheral designed so you can "shield" them ?

It's like a sandwich, the more you put the better... :D

Because they are custom designed for the CPC, they don't need a "shield", they can be directly connected.

Bryce.

shields would be extra function, extra hardware and so on...

This makes racks useless... I guess.

Well you could have CPC specific interface shields, such as an Arduino <-> CPC Expansion Slot shield or an Arduino <-> CPC Printer Port shield. They wouldn't be difficult to design.

Bryce.

Bringing up a slightly old post.


Bryce, I know you got tied up with the USB adapters over Christmas & the New Year, but was wondering if this project was still a possibilty, or have you decided to scrap it ?


I personally am still very interested.


Don't get me wrong, I'm not being pushy, just interested if this was still on the cards.


Cheers,
Shane.

Hi 00WReX,
       as you say, it got slightly sidelined due to the mouse project (I'm still building them!) and I also don't have loads of time at the moment as I have quite a bit of travel due to work. When I get back I will at least release a layout and build a prototype, but I doubt there is enough interest for a full batch. As well as that, I would really like to get a RAM expansion built, so that has kind of taken priority at the moment.

But it's not forgotten, just "on-hold"

Bryce.

Thanks for the update Bruce, that's great news.
I'm also interested in a RAM expansion...so it's all good news.  :D

Cheers,
Shane

Quote from: 00WReX on 09:56, 24 January 12
Thanks for the update Bruce, that's great news.
I'm also interested in a RAM expansion...so it's all good news.  :D

Cheers,
Shane

"Bruce" the Australian version of Bryce :D

Bryce.

Hahaha...bloody autocorrect.
Typing on my phone at the moment...

Bryce...Bruce...could have been a lot worse really  :D

Cheers,
Shane

I can not resist  ;D ;D ;D
[attachimg=1]

This guy seems to have increased blood pressure. I suggest 3 hours of meditation[nb]What's that? Well, look at an Amiga :P [/nb]

Any news / ideas about the LowerROM-Box?

(Hey, I'm just curious and got not idea what to do with my time  :laugh: )

Having a week of sitting around in Hotels, Airports and in Airplanes has its advantages. For one, you get to do some stuff that you can't get the time to do at home. So I managed to actually put together a layout for a LowerROM board. Here it is:

[attach=2]

Before you say, "Wait a minute, that looks more complicated than the one in the Magazine" or whatever. It is, I've made some changes. This version has a 64K ROM which stores 2 versions of matching Firmware/Basic, so that you can use the one device to have BASIC 1.1 on a 464 or BASIC 1.0 on a 6128, or whatever two you prefer to have. The PCB is exactly the same width as the MegaFlash and about 55mm deep (about 2/3 the size of a MegaFlash). It has a jumper to select which version you want, another to disable the board (ie: use the Firmware/BASIC inside the CPC) and a small Reset button. It needs to be plugged between the CPC and the MegaFlash (sorry to those who have already installed the MegaFlash in  a box), but it also works without a MegaFlash attached.

It would cost about €35 to build plus postage. So if those who said they want one in the original poll still want one, then send me a PM and I'll see if it's worth making a batch of them.

I also looked at the possibility of making it writable from the CPC like the MegaFlash, but this doesn't make sense at all. It would be bigger, more complicated and more expensive than a MegaFlash and it's not like there are loads of alternative versions you'd want to keep swapping.

Bryce.

Hi mate,
A quick question please.
Will you be supplying the 64k ROM programmed with ROM's of our choosing (for those people that don't have programmers) ?
If yes then count me in please.
Also, will you provide the option to supply a connector cable to link this to the MegaFlash ?
Cheers,
Shane

That price includes a pre-programmed EPROM and a cable to the MegaFlash (the cable is permanently connected on the board). Your original MegaFlash cable connects the CPC to the LowerROM. If you don't own a MegaFlash, I might be able to supply that cable too, I'll have to check whether I can get some more connectors again.

Bryce.

Sounds good to me  ;)

Cheers,
Shane

For me, it's OK.

Hi togehter, on Flynn's Website (WinCPC) there is a modified ROM (OS6128).
If you switch it on a emulator "512kB" information appears and a different font is implemented.
Could this ROM work on the Lower-Rom-Board?
Does anybody know what's about the 512kB information or another gadgets?
Is anybody in contact with flynn?
http://www.wincpc.ch/index.php?topic=projects-wincpc-download (http://www.wincpc.ch/index.php?topic=projects-wincpc-download)

Hi Bryce,

I am in if there's the possibility of a Plus version to work with the ACID Inside modification (when I finally get around to it)?

I am thinking no, but what are the chances if it's even possible to have the original 464 and 6128 firmware/basic AND Amstrad Plus (EN) with ParaDOS (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/imgs/b/be/English_System_%2B_Parados.rar) select between the three, or would it be something like the Amstrad Plus (EN) with ParaDOS (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/imgs/b/be/English_System_%2B_Parados.rar) and the Amstrad Plus (FR) 'Downgrade' with classic CPC v3 OS (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/imgs/7/7a/Basic_%28F%29_%28White_Label%29.zip) rom (was there an English version?) images on it?

Thanks in advance,

Beaker

@HAL6128: Flynns version will work, but it wont magically give you 512K :D

@Beaker: With an AcidInside it should work, but I haven't tried it out.

Bryce.

First I'm sorry for getting OFFtopic a while...

@HAL: Just get in contact with Flynn, he'll answer you (maybe it takes a bit, he has to care a lot about his grown family).

BTW: Since you use WinCPC, I attach an Update for you...

Back to topic!

@Bryce: I hope your voyage back from Japan worked out well. Now I'm looking forward to get some new "updates" from you about the Lower ROM Box. I'm still fond of this project :-)))

Ooh, WinCPC update...this emu is my personal favourite...light weight and handles pretty much everything I throw at it.
Thanks for posting.

Cheers,
Shane

@TFM: As you see above, I actually did something :) The layout is just about finished, although I might try to reduce it's size further, or maybe go to a PLCC EPROM (the little square type used on the MegaFlash) to get the size down. Other than that, I'm just waiting to see how many people really want one. So far I have got 2 people. Two people is NOT a batch :D I would need at least 20 confirmed people interested before I would consider making it.

Bryce.

Hi Bryce,  I've missed out on this thread and whilst I usually say "I'll have one" to anything you make, I'm lacking info on what it is you are making.  Of what use would it be to me (and others) to use on our combinations of CPC 464, 6128, 6128+ machines?  Maybe that'll help me to do my usual chant  ;D

Well generally the board (as seen above) is connected to the Expansion port of either a 464, 664 or 6128. It allows you to replace the entire ROM0 (including the Lower ROM where the Firmware is located) externally without making any internal changes to the CPC. The ROM0 on the MegaFlash only replaces the upper part of ROM0, but with this new board you can replace both upper and lower sections of ROM0 allowing you to use BASIC 1.0 on a 6128 or BASIC 1.1 on a 464 because the correct Firmware is loaded with the matching BASIC. It will work with the MegaFlash or as a stand-alone device. It should also work on a Plus, but I haven't tested this yet.
The board will have both BASIC 1.0 and BASIC 1.1 (and matching firmware) installed, so the one board can be used on both machines if you own both.

Bryce.

You can also play around with the text, just for fun...have a bootup screen looking like the one attached.
Files also attached so you can throw them into an emulator to look at them...the distributor codes have
been changed (except Amstrad & Schneider).

You could also for example put the Spanish ROM onto it and get the Ñ / ñ key function...I actually
intend on doing this for a Spanish keyboard 464 I have that at some point has had an English ROM fitted.

Depending on your abilities, you have the possibility to change the whole firmware and test it on a real CPC...

Also the classic 6128 actually came with 3 different versions of BASIC. 1.20, 1.21, & 1.23.

http://www.grimware.org/doku.php/documentations/repository (http://www.grimware.org/doku.php/documentations/repository)

So for example, if you have a version 1.20 CPC6128, you can put 1.23 on it...

But to play around yourself, you would need an EPROM programmer...
I suspect that may be the stumbling block for some, I will need to get one myself also.

Cheers,
Shane

Quote from: Bryce on 11:25, 06 February 12
@TFM: As you see above, I actually did something :) The layout is just about finished, although I might try to reduce it's size further, or maybe go to a PLCC EPROM (the little square type used on the MegaFlash) to get the size down. Other than that, I'm just waiting to see how many people really want one. So far I have got 2 people. Two people is NOT a batch :D I would need at least 20 confirmed people interested before I would consider making it.

Bryce.

Hi Bryce, I decided to leave it to you to talk about the kind of memory you use, since it's you developing the board. However, you can count on me for software, in case there is need :-)

If you could tell the "rough" pricing for one unit this would surely help people to decide. I take two of them anyway :-)))

Quote from: ynot.zer0 on 11:43, 06 February 12
Hi Bryce, I've missed out on this thread and whilst I usually say "I'll have one" to anything you make, I'm lacking info on what it is you are making. Of what use would it be to me (and others) to use on our combinations of CPC 464, 6128, 6128+ machines? Maybe that'll help me to do my usual chant  ;D

No offense friend, but just read this thread :)

Quote from: TFM/FS on 21:56, 06 February 12
No offense friend, but just read this thread :)

Obviously you need to follow your own advice! :D I gave the exact price in my post on page 5 where I attached the picture of the layout.

Bryce.

I'll have one!

Quote from: Bryce on 22:19, 06 February 12
Obviously you need to follow your own advice! :D I gave the exact price in my post on page 5 where I attached the picture of the layout.

Bryce.

You edited you post ;-) Haha!

Quote from: Bryce on 11:25, 06 February 12
So far I have got 2 people. Two people is NOT a batch :D I would need at least 20 confirmed people interested before I would consider making it.

Actually we have 7 + 15 people (look upper end of page).

I voted to use it as a plug-in to my MegaFlash, but after realizing this

Quote
But to play around yourself, you would need an EPROM programmer...

it's not really useful for me  >:(

@TFM, do you have a change list for that wincpc version? I really love that emu, a shame Flynn doesn't update it any more...

Quote from: TFM/FS on 00:32, 07 February 12
You edited you post ;-) Haha!

Nope, it's been there all the time.

From negative experiences from the past, I can assure you that 15 + 7 votes in a poll do not equate to 22 orders.

@fgbrain: You only need an EPROM burner if you want to change the contents of the EPROM. If you only want BASIC 1.0 and 1.1 to use on you CPCs, then that's on it when you get it.

Bryce.

Quote from: Gryzor on 08:49, 07 February 12
@TFM, do you have a change list for that wincpc version? I really love that emu, a shame Flynn doesn't update it any more...

- No update list. But look at the debugging window  ;)
- Just contact him and motivate him for updates  :)

Quote from: Bryce on 09:19, 07 February 12
@fgbrain: You only need an EPROM burner if you want to change the contents of the EPROM. If you only want BASIC 1.0 and 1.1 to use on you CPCs, then that's on it when you get it.

Well, there seems to be a need to be able to program it from the CPC side. I also don't want to buy an EPROM burner just to be able to program the LowerROM. Can't you use a similar construction like for the MegaFlash? So the CPC can program it? Or did I miss the point here?

hi bryce
you can count mme in as always  ;D

Quote from: TFM/FS on 19:15, 07 February 12

Well, there seems to be a need to be able to program it from the CPC side. I also don't want to buy an EPROM burner just to be able to program the LowerROM. Can't you use a similar construction like for the MegaFlash? So the CPC can program it? Or did I miss the point here?

Don't you read your E-Mails? I investigated making it writable from the CPC. It would end up being bigger, more complicated and more expensive than the MegaFlash, which would definitely be too expensive for the functionality it offers. A suitable EPROM programmer can be bought for €16: http://www.ebay.de/itm/PIC-EPROM-Programmer-Prog-rammierer-27C25-6-27c512-A03-/200537495240?pt=Elektroger%C3%A4te&hash=item2eb0f756c8 (http://www.ebay.de/itm/PIC-EPROM-Programmer-Prog-rammierer-27C25-6-27c512-A03-/200537495240?pt=Elektroger%C3%A4te&hash=item2eb0f756c8)

Bryce.

You did write me once that you think about integrating a Flash memory. That's all. I got no second email about this topic.

I sent it on the 2nd of Feb I think.

Bryce.

Hi Bryce !


Count me on it too... the low ROM bank is the last of my 464 to resist my MegaFlash !
How much will it cost ?

If I can get 20 orders it would cost €35.

Bryce.

(http://alistairsserver.no-ip.org/public/spectrum/flash/finished.jpg)

I know there is now abaible (thanks Bryce) an EPROM option (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/lowerrom-swapper/) but I'm still thinking about on Flash option... mulish, yeahhh
See that at Wos (http://www.worldofspectrum.org/forums/showthread.php?p=577173#post577173) for speccy cousins from Guesser


And mates, see please Guesser FLASH rom project web (http://alistairsserver.no-ip.org/public/spectrum/flash/). I think it's very well option, don't you?


Ok Bryce said that Flash Lower ROM board will be little expensive but seems that Guesser design will be economic... he present a Flash Writer software direct on spectrum computer. Maybe would be a Flash option of Bryce's Lower ROM board? Yeeeees I'm obstinate.
(http://alistairsserver.no-ip.org/public/spectrum/flash/manual/tool.gif)

I want that for modded lower ROM version. I want, you know, mod my CPCs booting message. Not for Amstrad's standard zero low ROMs.
Finally if cannot be possible, I  will contact Bryce to buy the EPROM option. But in my opinion more tedious to me buy an EPROM burnner, etc...

Hi Rockriver,
      the reason why a flashable version for the CPC would be more expensive was because of the amount of adress-decoding required and the fact that I wanted the device to be external with no special connections like the Spectrum in the picture. Also, there was very little interest in the board, so I didn't want to spend months working on something that only a handful of people were interested in and the Spectrum has many LowerROMs available with bugfixes, additional drivers etc. There's not many available for the CPC, so having just two permanently written versions (464 and 6128) more or less covered everything.

Bryce.

Sorry Bryce!!! Thanks for the hundredth answer. Finally understood. I am hard headed.
Going to buy an Eprom burner then.

No problem. By the way, the 27C512 and most other EPROMs only work down to -40°C, so you will only be able to use it during the summer months in Antartica :D

In case you are interested in my version of the LowerROM board, I don't actually have any left at the moment. But I'm collecting names, so if I get another 5 or 6 people interested, I'll build another small batch of them.

Bryce.

Quote from: Bryce on 10:26, 11 May 12
...summer months in Antartica :D

Gods save Buthan winter...
Here working happy with USBmouse adapter for CPC (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/usb-mouse-batch/) by Bryce
Thanks man for your CPC hardware research and work. Regards from southern South

With the availability of the LowerROM board, people will (hopefully) now start to patch the OS and so we will have more than only the 464 and 6128 version.

We already have the following:

- The Mister X and TFM patched OS, couple of nice patches and gimmicks.

- The FutureOS autoboot lower ROM, but not even I do use it (often).

So it's time to create some new stuff!
And if you don't know what: Exchange your character set fist ;-)



Oh, btw: How much LowerROM have been sold up to now? :-X

I only ordered 15 boards, at the time only 8 people said they definitely wanted one. So I could only order some prototype boards. Those 15 are gone.

Getting back to the Spectrum device: The difference between the Spectrum and the CPC is that the CPC Firmware is actually very well written. The Spectrum was full of bugs, so people started working on improvements years ago and have been producing tweaked versions with all sorts of improvements and additional commands. Everyone was (mostly) happy with the CPC Firmware, so there was very little tweaking done. The Spectrum also has some free space left in the ROM, so there's space for new stuff like IDE commands and so on, but the CPC ROM is more or less fully packed.

Bryce.

EEEP! Was looking at this picture and wondering what the hell CPC revision it was for a good 2 mins 30 seconds before the penny dropped duh!  :laugh: 

Quote from: RockRiver on 01:09, 11 May 12
(http://alistairsserver.no-ip.org/public/spectrum/flash/finished.jpg)

I was always jealous about the tweaks and the new ROMs for the Speccy, until I realised it was need that pushed them to produce them.


However, in my mind there's still room for improvement - wouldn't it superb if there was a fusion of the Amstrad-made stuff and QuickCMD for instance?


PS Winter is coming...

Quote from: Gryzor on 17:58, 13 May 12
PS Winter is coming...

Settle down! Summer has properly started yet!

Bryce.

No, you don't get it!

Hmm, I still don't get it. There's obviously a gap in my "Nerdy Film Knowledge" :(

Bryce.

Quote from: Bryce on 09:42, 14 May 12
Hmm, I still don't get it. There's obviously a gap in my "Nerdy Film Knowledge" :(

Bryce.

Then you're not nerdy enough.


The Official Website for the HBO Series Game of Thrones | Season 2 (http://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/index.html)

Seems so. I don't know Game of Thrones :(

Bryce.

You're missing out. Fantastic series. Every tuesday morning I wake up humming the intro music (opening credits, btw, are probably the best ever seen in a tv series). That's because we watch in on Monday nights - ohhhh that's today :)