UniDOS, the new multi-device AMSDOS replacement

[OffseT]

Even if I could own all existing hardware devices, I wouldn't have time to create a DOS node for any single existing one.
That's the reason why UniDOS is an opened DOS where anyone can create a new DOS node to support any new device.

I already created DOS nodes for most common devices, which can be used as a reference for new ones.
So, if you need support for a specific device, just do it!

On my side, I also have to focus on UniDOS itself, many features are still to be added to the core ROM.
No new DOS nodes from my side are planned at the moment.

[zhulien]

@GUNHED I am happy to share my DOSNODE code so far if you want it as a starting point - some bits are a challenge, but... it is more an understanding of how it works than it actually being difficult.  I think the most difficult bit might be how to match the code you have currently for the Dobbertin into the right DOSNODE APIs in the best way.  The DOSNODE APIs are pretty reasonable though.  There is also other DOSNODE full source available from the UniDOS official site.

I'm wondering... rather than use a very old legacy 20mb HDD (is it an MFM one?) wouldn't someone be better to make a new microcontroller circuit that might be compatible but... maps to a hardfile on an SDCARD or similar?  I think you suggested in the M4 card before - but that is up to @Duke.  I believe the Symbiface 3 does something like this right?

[GUNHED]

Well, I'm very busy with my own OS. However if somebody already made a DOS-NODE I can help with all stuff like: Read DIRectory, read/write file, erase/rename file and so on. Also I can help with technical things.

Speaking of technical things: It's very easy, basically you only need to read/write a sector. And all you need to do is to tell the controller which sector, cylinder, head you want to use. That's it. 

The idea of UniDOS is great, but it won't work if it's not supporting all mass storage devices imho. Because then we end up to need different DOS again. So I hope that one day some cool coder will also do a DOS-Node for the HD20 hard-disc. BTW: It was and still is the most often sold mass storage device for CPC (regarding storage space bigger than a floppy disc).
(One of the reasons for me to make FutureOS was to have everything in one OS - to eliminate the need to switch between DOS/OS all the time).

[Prodatron]

The idea of UniDOS is great, but it won't work if it's not supporting all mass storage devices

UniDOS supports most of the actual mass storage devices.
It probably works much better than something that almost only supports storage devices from the 80s.

[eto]

So I hope that one day some cool coder will also do a DOS-Node for the HD20 hard-disc.

It probably has to be someone who owns a HD20 and is interested to use it with UniDOS. 

[zhulien]

what is the current price of a HD20 secondhand if someone has one?

[eto]

what is the current price of a HD20 secondhand if someone has one?

I have some saved searches on Ebay with daily notifications since early 2020. I can't remember that a single one was offered. 

But that is no surprise. It's a wonder if such an old hard drive is still working and honestly I would not put any relevant data on it.

[GUNHED]

what is the current price of a HD20 secondhand if someone has one?

Well, users owning such a device will probably not sell it, because it's a real gem.
However, now there is support of the HD20 with Symbiface III. So if you own an SF3 then you can already use the HD20. More information in the SF3 creators group at slackbot.

Support of the HD20 in UniDOS would push the idea of supporting any kind of mass storage.

[Prodatron]

Can you present this SF3 support on the XzX and show the important (CP/M?) software, which is supporting the HD20? Would be interesting.

[GUNHED]

Can you present this SF3 support on the XzX and show the important (CP/M?) software, which is supporting the HD20? Would be interesting.

Everybody can go to the slack group of the SF3 / RSF3 and there join the HD20 emu group.
There you can get an firmware update (see thread) and the HD20 image.

After installing the image on USB:/HD20/ and installing X-DDOS as (active DOS) ROM you can use commands like !CPM,4 (5, 6, 7) to start different CP/M versions. The software is all right there, as long as you know you CP/M basics like user numbers. Also the Z system is on this image - the Unix for the CP/M Plus (CPC in this case).

The HD20 emulation team can be joined here:
https://app.slack.com/client/TCVGGRXPH/C03M0GS1BJS

[Prodatron]

Looking forward to your presentation!

[eto]

I would also love to see what you can do with it and what all the software is, that supports the HD20. Never saw it, never heard of it and I am lacking the imagination, what all that could be. 

A presentation with real examples, maybe a short video, would be awesome.

[GUNHED]

Looking forward to your presentation!

Thanks for being supportive - the HD20 emulation deserves it! 

[GUNHED]

I would also love to see what you can do with it and what all the software is, that supports the HD20. Never saw it, never heard of it and I am lacking the imagination, what all that could be.

A presentation with real examples, maybe a short video, would be awesome.

Yes, a video would be nice. We got quite some experts regarding CPC videos in this forum. Personally I don't own such professional equipment though.

And...
https://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Dobbertin_Harddisc#Software_using_the_Dobbertin_Harddrive

[Prodatron]

Never saw it, never heard of it and I am lacking the imagination, what all that could be.

Here the same.

A presentation with real examples, maybe a short video, would be awesome.

I will do a video next weekend when TFM is doing his HD20 presentation on the XzentriX.

Personally I don't own such professional equipment though.

It's called "smartphone".