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[[Image:Dktronics vision 1.jpg|thumb|343px|right|256K Silicon Disc and 256K expansion (used as plain RAM , without the additional ROM cartridge here)]] The '''Memory Expansions by Expansion''' and '''Silicon Disc''' from [[Dk'tronics]]are both RAM expansions. The Silicon Disc additionally comes with a ROM which contains RAM-Disc functions.
== Description ==
=== Memory Expansions === [[Dk'tronics]] produced 2 different memory expansionsMemory Expansions, a 64K and a 256K which were compatible with all (non Plus) CPCs.
The expansions meant that CP/M Plus and CP/M 2.2 (with the use of a utility supplied) could both access a 'massive' 61K TPA.
These were intended to be used as RAM disc, made in 64K and 256K versions, too. == Technical == For general info on I/O Ports, see:* [[Standard Memory Expansions]]. === Internal 64KB in 6128 and External 64KB RAM === This uses 1 bank, the bank is mirrored through the entire 512KB range.e.g. c4,c5,c6,c7 access the same ram as cc,cd,ce,cf. In terms of decoding the RAM selection byte: 11xxxsss x = ignoreds = selection (0-7) === External 64KB Silicon Disk === The additional bar commands exact decoding is not known. Testing is needed to confirm. === 256KB RAM === This uses 4 banks (effectively 0-3 on 464 and 1-3 on 6128). It appears the 256KB RAM detects the 6128, possibly using /EXP but this is to be confirmed, so that it doesn't conflict with the 'extra 64KB' (i.e. c4-c7) RAM of the 6128. The decoding looks like this: 110bbsss b = bank (bank 0 is ignored on 6128 so that internal RAM is visible, 1,2,3 are from the 256KB RAM).s = selection (0-7) On 6128 you get 256KB RAM + internal 64KB base RAM === 256KB Silicon Disk === This uses 4 banks (effectively 4-7), the banks are not mirrored. The RAM doesn't conflict with the internal RAM of the 6128 OR the 256KB RAM. The decoding looks like this: 111bbsss b = banks = selection (0-7) On 6128 you get 256KB RAM + 64KB internal extra RAM+ 64KB internal base RAM === Bank Numbers === * 64K Expansion and 64K Silicon Disk use only one 64K bank (bank 0)* 256K Expansion uses four 64K banks (bank 0..3)* 256K Silicon Disc uses four 64K banks (bank 4..7) The 256K Expansion and 256K Silicon Disc can be used together, resulting in 512K RAM in eight banks (bank 0..7). Plus, the 64K internal RAM is used (so total RAM is 576K). === Memory Expansion vs Silicon Disc === Both are basically the same hardware, both contain RAM, use same I/O ports, and both are not battery-backed.* The Memory Expansions are intended as general purpose RAM, and software is included on cassette or disc.* The Silicon Discs are intended as RAM Disc, software is included on ROM. The 256K version uses special bank numbers (see above). === Versions === * The 64K versions (of both Memory Expansion and Silicon Disk) weremade only for CPC 464/664. On CPC 6128 they would be useless (replacing the 2nd internal 64K by external 64K). --- Although, reportedly 64K versions DO exist for 6128 (apparently mapping the 64K to a location where it doesn't overlap the internal RAM. Details are unknown?)* The 256K versions (of both Memory Expansion and Silicon Disk) were made in separate versions for 464/664 and 6128 (they should be compatible at software side, possibly they do differ only cosmetically...?)* All 64K/256K Memory Expansions, and the 64K Silicon Disc consist of a single cartridge. The 256K Silicon Disc is a special case: It consists of two cartridges shipped together (one contains the ROM, the other contains the RAM). == Pictures == [[Image:2 - 64Ks - 04 .jpg|thumb|right|150px|Normal and SMD version]][[Image:2 - 64Ks - 04 .jpg|thumb|left|150px|Normal and SMD version]]<center><br>There are too many different versions to list all photos on this page. See the photo gallery: <big><big>[[Dk'tronics Memory Expansion Gallery]]</big></big></center><br style="clear:both;"> == RSX Commands (Memory Expansion) == Bank Switch Software (with RSX commands) is included on tape or disc.The Bank Switch Software RSX commands are:
* |Bank, n - Map a 16K bank directly into memory space (where n is the bank No.)
* |Poke, n, s, v - Write to a byte in the expansion RAM
A further command which was considered to be only for 'advanced' users was also described later in the handbook:
== Other Versions CPM ==
Dk'tronics also made Bank Switch software comes with NEWCPM.COM CP/M program which installs a 61K TPA CPM2.2 which uses the "Dk'Tronics RAM.See [[Dk'tronics Silicon DiscDkTronics_CPM]]" RAM Disc. '''Not sure if/how it differs from the "Dk'tronics memory expansion" ?'''
== Manuals ==
* [[Media:Dkt64k.pdf|DK'Tronics 64Kb RAM Expansions DKtronics Manual]] (pdf){{EN}}* [[Media:256K RAM Expansions DKtronics Manual.pdf|DK'Tronics 256Kb RAM Expansions DKtronics Manual]] (pdf){{EN}}* [[Media:256K RAM Expansions DKtronics (Spanish) Manual.pdf|DK'Tronics 64K and 256Kb RAM Expansions DKtronics (Spanish) Manual]] (pdf){{ES}}* [[Media:Upgrade DKTronics_Silicon_Disk_Manual.pdf|DK'Tronics 64K-and 256K DkSilicon Disc Manual]] (pdf) {{EN}}* [[Media:DK'tronics Tronics Peripheral - TAU 29 pg 04Technical Manual (Edition 1).jpgpdf|Upgrade a 64K expansion to a 256K expansionDK'Tronics Peripheral - (Edition 1) Technical Manual]] - from the Australian Mag (pdf) {{EN}}* [[Media: TAU 29 pag 04DK'tronics Manuel de Utilisation de la RAM d'Extension.pdf|DK'Tronics Manuel de Utilisation de la RAM d'Extension]] (pdf) {{FR}}
== Download ==
* [[Media:Dk'tronics 256k Bank Switch (disc).zip|DkDK'tronics Tronics 256k Bank Switch (disc).zip]] (DSK for Emulators) * [[Media:Dk'Tronics Bank Switch Software (tape).zip|DkDK'Tronics Bank Switch Software (tape).zip]] (CDT for Emulators)* [[Media:SilDsc11.rom|DK'Tronics Silicon Disc 1.1 ROM]] * [[Media:Dk'tronicsSiliconDiscRomImage.zip|DK'Tronics Silicon Disc 1.3 ROM]] * [[Media:SD212.ROM|Dk'tronics Silicon Disc 2.12 ROM]]* [[Media:SiliconDisc64.zip|DK'Tronics 64Kb Silicon Disc 0.3 ROM]]
