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Vortex Memory Expansion BOS versions

Started by robcfg, 12:24, 31 May 10

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robcfg

Hi folks!


Recently I got a Schneider CPC464 with a Vortex memory expansion.


I scanned the memory expansion at 300 dpi (soon at your favourite CPC Wiki ;) ) and dumped the eprom to check the BOS version.


Thing is, it's a 1.0 version, but my dump is not the same as the one here in the CPCWiki. Both have the BOS 1.0 string in them, but the one in the CPCWiki has the last 5kb or so set to 0xFF which sounds quite weird, at least for me.


You can download my dump of the BOS 1.0 rom here, if anybody feels like checking it.


If it's another version of BOS 1.0 or if the original dump is not correct, tell me and I'll upload to the Vortex Memory Expansion page.

Devilmarkus

#1
Well I think both roms are the same.
For unused space in ROM it doesnt matter if it's filled with FF or 00.
Perhaps this depends on how the ROM has been read?

Edit:
Just compared the 2 ROMs.
Indeed they have a quite different structure.
Funny...
When you put your ear on a hot stove, you can smell how stupid you are ...

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robcfg

I have seen that they share some chunks of code but in different locations.


Maybe one is an optimized version of the other but with the same functionality, so both have the same version number.


It's quite funny indeed....


Can these roms be tested in an emulator?

Devilmarkus

Quote from: robcfg on 12:45, 31 May 10
Can these roms be tested in an emulator?

Try them ;)
What are the functions?
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Devilmarkus

Well the ROM itself is readable but because of no emulated vortex hardware it's always returning the same infos.
(tested in JavaCPC, WinCPC and WinAPE)

Both roms show the same info!

Tested with all possible RAM configs...
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robcfg

Tonight I shall then upload the scanned pictures of my vortex expansion and also the zipped rom as "BOS 1.0 (another version)".


It would be nice to know why the two roms are different....  8)

Devilmarkus

#6
You could add your ROM as "variant B"?

I think the internal functions are the same, but perhaps in a different way stored into the roms?
To not confuse the users they didn't change the version no?

Perhaps it has a little bugfix (or the existing ROM on wiki page has this bugfix?)

They first changed the version no. when they made huge changes in the internal functions.... ;)

Well these are only suggestions.

But sounds plausible.

For the users who are confused now:
We are talking about this page:
http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Vortex_Expansions_RAM_card
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CPCIak

#7
I've got the original software bundled with the cpc664 RAM expansion.
Labeled "Vortex CP/M Patchdiskette für CPC664 mit Speichererweiterung".
If anyone's interested just call me.

robcfg

I added the zipped rom file to the vortex memory expansion page, and tonight I'll upload the 300dpi scans of my expansion.


@CPCIak, The disk is pretty interesting, as I thought the vortex memory expansion worked only in the CPC464. You can upload the disk image yourself to the wiki, or send me a pm and I'll arrange it for you.

CPCIak

#9
The Vortex RAM expansions depend on the CPC model: A 646 one doesn't fit into a 464 (according to cpcrulez.fr).
Maybe the software works on both models.
I'll upload the disc to my SD interface next weekend ;-)

BTW: I've got two discs: The content seems to be identical, but the labels differ.

klaus

t-online.derrohallo frage haste die disketten original von vortex f1-x ich könnte eine kopie gebrauchen,gegen unkosten natürlich.also über eine antwort bin ich dankbar.herbachk @t-online

zhulien

Does anyone have a copy of the BASIC ROM for use with this memory expansion?  It was said elsewhere in this forum that the BASIC supports larger programs than the normal one, so it would be interesting to see what the differences are.

GUNHED

http://futureos.de --> Get the revolutionary FutureOS (Update: 2023.11.30)
http://futureos.cpc-live.com/files/LambdaSpeak_RSX_by_TFM.zip --> Get the RSX-ROM for LambdaSpeak :-) (Updated: 2021.12.26)

zhulien

is it patched through the jumpblocks?

SerErris

No the BOS rom provides some RSX banking commands. The BOS rom is doing all the work (including patched jump blocks). That is also the reason why a vortex ram expansion for 664 will not work in 464 and other way around. The firmware roms changed and the jumpblocks also moved some stuff.
Proud owner of 2 Schneider CPC 464, 1 Schneider CPC 6128, GT65 and lots of books
Still learning all the details on how things work.

eto

Does someone have a dump of the BOS ROM 2.0 or maybe 2.1 for a 464?

The one in the WIKI won't boot on my 464. I guess it's either corrupted or for the 664.


GUNHED

Can somebody please enable ROM files to be uploaded?
http://futureos.de --> Get the revolutionary FutureOS (Update: 2023.11.30)
http://futureos.cpc-live.com/files/LambdaSpeak_RSX_by_TFM.zip --> Get the RSX-ROM for LambdaSpeak :-) (Updated: 2021.12.26)

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