A RAM expansion board from Microstyle which behaves like ROM useful for ROM development. Up to 2 units can be used simultaneously allowing the development or use of up to 4 ROMs.<br>
== Pictures<br> == <br>[[Image:Ramrom.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Image of a Microstyle RAMROM]]
== Manual <br> ==
(with correct formatting and same spelling mistakes)<br><pre>'''32k RAMROM - INSTRUCTIONS''' The 32k RAMROM's main component is its 32k static ram chip which is capable of being loaded with1 or 2 rom programs of up to 16k each. That's the maximum size that the CPC allows. When loaded,the program(s) remain usable, surviving resets, as long as the computer is on. The RAMROM isquite literally a 2 slot romboard that allows the rom programs to be written to it. What it isnot is a memory expansion like the 64k and 256k memory add-ons. However, it is ram and can beused as such by imaginative programmers. Its main function, though, is to simulate roms forwhatever purpose is required - usually for rom development.
In developing the The 32k RAMROM we considered including many features such 's main component is its 32k static ram chip which is capable of being loaded with 1 or 2 rom programs of up to 16k each. That's the maximum size that the CPC allows. When loaded, the program(s) remain usable, surviving resets, as battery backup but decidedagainst them in order long as the computer is on. The RAMROM is quite literally a 2 slot romboard that allows the rom programs to keep be written to it. What it is not is a memory expansion like the price down64k and 256k memory add-ons. However, it is ram and can be used as such by imaginative programmers. Its main function, though, is to simulate roms for whatever purpose is required - usually for rom development.
The 464 and 664 can access up to 7 background roms (slots 1 to 7) and 6128, 15 (slots 1 to15). If 2 or more roms occupy In developing the same slot number then they won't work although nothing will beharmed. To avoid RAMROM we considered including many features such clashes, as battery backup but decided against them in order to keep the RAMROM's slot numbers are flexible, to a degreeprice down.
Facilities are incorporated on the board to load 2 different rom programs which The 464 and 664 can each use adifferent slot access up to 7 background roms (serialslots 1 to 7) or can both use the same slot and 6128, 15 (parallelslots 1 to 15). In If 2 or more roms occupy the latter case same slot number then they cannotboth won't work although nothing will be initialised at harmed. To avoid such clashes, the same timeRAMROM's slot numbers are flexible, of courseto a degree.
'''SWITCHES & LINKS'''Facilities are incorporated on the board to load 2 different rom programs which can each use a different slot (serial) or can both use the same slot (parallel). In the latter case they cannot both be initialised at the same time, of course.
SWITCH ONE - left (write switch):- when set to its left position, the ram can be written to. Whenset right, the ram cannot be written to.=== SWITCHES & LINKS ===
SWITCH TWO ONE - centre left (parallel/serial selectwrite switch):- when set to its left position = serial; set right =parallel. ''Serial'': two of rom slots 3 to 6 are selectable as shown in , the diagrams. Only the fourconfigurations shown are possible. If a link is removed then its associated rom slot ram can neitherbe written to nor read from. It is ok to leave When set right, the links on their pins when not using the RAMROMbut problems (not damage) could occur if an actual rom is occupying the same slot as a linked butunused RAMROM slot. In serial mode the position of switch 3 doesn't matter. ''Parallel'': only 2slots can ram cannot be used - 3 or 6. In this mode the high and low 16Ks of the total 32k can each hold adifferent rom program ''in the same slot''. Switch 3 is used written to switch between the two.
SWITCH THREE TWO - right centre (highparallel/lowserial select):- ''see switch two''. This switch must be set prior to loading aprogram its left position = serial; set right = parallel. Serial: two of rom slots 3 to 6 are selectable as shown in the parallel mode and diagrams. Only the four configurations shown are possible. If a link is removed then used its associated rom slot can neither be written to swap between nor read from. It is ok to leave the programs in links on their pins when not using the RAMROM but problems (not damage) could occur if an actual rom is occupying the same slot as a linked but unused RAMROM slot. In serial mode the position of switch 3 doesn't matter. Parallel: only 2 slots can be used - 3 or 6. In this mode the high half andlow half 16Ks of the total 32kcan each hold a different rom program in the same slot. After switching from hi Switch 3 is used to lo, or vice versa, switch between the computer must be resetto initialise the new programtwo.
'''USING THE RAMROM'''SWITCH THREE - right (high/low):- see switch two. This switch must be set prior to loading a program in the parallel mode and is then used to swap between the programs in the high half and low half of the 32k. After switching from hi to lo, or vice versa, the computer must be reset to initialise the new program.
We are grateful to ROMBO PRODUCTIONS for allowing us to use their loader program which has beenmodified for our needs. It is used to load programs into the === USING THE RAMROM but will be run only once.After that, its machine code remains in memory (not in the RAMROM) surviving resets. Type it inand save it.===
With the computer turned OFF, push We are grateful to ROMBO PRODUCTIONS for allowing us to use their loader program which has been modified for our needs. It is used to load programs into the RAMROM onto the CPC's expansion port but will be run only once. After that, its machine code remains in memory (disc drive port onnot in the 464RAMROM)surviving resets. It doesn't matter if other peripherals are closer to or further away from the computerType it in and save it.
LOADING A ROM PROGRAM: Set With the linkscomputer turned OFF, switch 2 and, if wanting parallel mode, switch 3 accordingto your choices. Run push the typed-in program. Once run, RAMROM onto the BASIC part is deleted but the machinecode remains ready for further uses. Type: CPC'''memory &3fff''' and press return. Enter your selectedslot number with s expansion port (disc drive port on the following command: '''poke &be01,x''' (x = your slot number464). Load your programinto memory area &4000 It doesn't matter if other peripherals are closer to &7fff with: '''load"yourprogor further away from the computer.rom",&4000'''
That's LOADING A ROM PROGRAM: Set the links, switch 2 and, if wanting parallel mode, switch 3 according to your choices. Run the typed-in program ready to be loaded into . Once run, the RAMROMBASIC part is deleted but the machine code remains ready for further uses. Set switch 1 to write Type: memory &3fff and press return. Enter your selected slot number with the following command: poke &be01,x (leftx = your slot number) and type. Load your program into memory area &4000 to &7fff with:'''call load"yourprog.rom",&be00'''4000
The screen will fill very quicklyThat's your program ready to be loaded into the RAMROM. When it has done so, Set switch SWITCH 1 to the right. The Readyprompt will appear after a few seconds and you can then reset the computer by pressing CNTRL,SHIFT and ESC simultaneously. Assuming that your program is written correctly for rom use, it isinitialised and the computer is aware of its presence. To load a second rom, set the links andswitches again but don't alter the existing program's link. Poke the 2nd slot number into &be01,load the 2nd program into &4000 write (left) and type: call &be00.
The screen will fill very quickly. When it has done so, switch SWITCH SUMMARY:- Once 1 to the right. The Ready prompt will appear after a few seconds and you've grasped their usescan then reset the computer by pressing CNTRL, SHIFT and ESC simultaneously. Assuming that your program is written correctly for rom use, it will be easyis initialised and the computer is aware of its presence. SWITCH ONE selects ''write'' To load a second rom, set the links and''switches again but don't writealter the existing program'' (load or don't load)s link. It has no other function. SWITCH TWO selects ''serial'' or ''parallel''mode. Serial = 2 different slot numbers; parallel = 2 programs in Poke the same 2nd slot number. SWITCHTHREE selects into &be01, load the high or low 16k rom bank when in parallel mode only. It is used when loading2nd program into &4000 and also to decide which will be initialisedcall &be00.
SWITCH SUMMARY:- Once you've grasped their uses, it will be easy. SWITCH ONE selects write and don't write (load or don'ABOUT ROM PROGRAMS'''t load). It has no other function. SWITCH TWO selects serial or parallel mode. Serial = 2 different slot numbers; parallel = 2 programs in the same slot number. SWITCH THREE selects the high or low 16k rom bank when in parallel mode only. It is used when loading and also to decide which will be initialised.
Contrary to what is often thought, any old machine code program ''cannot'' be put into a rom and beexpected to run. The CPC has excellent background rom facilities and, in fact, it looks for andinitialises any that are present at every reset but in order for a rom to be recognised and workproperly, its contents must be layed out in a certain way. Only certain parts of the rom must belayed out correctly and it is beyond the scope of these instructions to teach rom programming.=== ABOUT ROM PROGRAMS ===
'''''Contrary to what is often thought, any old machine code program cannot be put into a rom and finallybe expected to run.The CPC has excellent background rom facilities and, in fact, it looks for and initialises any that are present at every reset but in order for a rom to be recognised and work properly, its contents must be layed out in a certain way.Only certain parts of the rom must be layed out correctly and it is beyond the scope of these instructions to teach rom programming.'''''
A BASIC program can be put into a rom as long as a machine code program to download it to whereBASIC programs run is also includedand finally. Several separate programs can be included in one rom, eachaccessible with a BAR command. The RAMROM does not need to be erased in any way before beingoverwritten with new programs. It is probablt that somebody will attempt to use the RAMROM as astandard romboard by piggybacking a rom chip onto the 32k ram chip. Alas, it won't work. The dataand address buses are not connected to the same pins as an eprom would need.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A BASIC program can be put into a rom as long as a machine code program to download it to where BASIC programs run is also included. Several separate programs can be included in one rom, each accessible with a BAR command. The RAMROM does not need to be erased in any way before being overwritten with new programs. It is probablt that somebody will attempt to use the RAMROM as a standard romboard by piggybacking a rom chip onto the 32k ram chip. Alas, it won't work. The data and address buses are not connected to the same pins as an eprom would need.
TYPE-IN LOADER PROGRAM (the Os are zeroes and not letter Os)<br>
=== TYPE-IN LOADER PROGRAM (the Os are zeroes and not letter Os) ===<pre>10 FOR a=&BE00 TO &BE1F
20 READ b$
30 POKE a,VAL("&"+b$)
220 DATA ED,B0,06,10,1B,7A,B3,20
230 DATA FB,10,F9,C1,CD,18,B9,C9
</pre>
<pre>
------------- ------------- -------------
SWITCHES:- | 1 | | 2 | | 3 |
------------- ------------- -------------
READ/WRITE PARL/SERIAL BANK SELECT
------------- ------------- -------------
SWITCHES:- | 1 | | 2 | | 3 |
------------- ------------- -------------
READ/WRITE PARL/SERIAL BANK SELECT
o o o o o o o o
|6 5| 5| |6
o o o o o o o o
LINKS:- 3| |4 3| |4
o o o o o o o o
o o o o o o o o |6 5| 5| |6o o o o o o o o LINKS:- (SLOT NUMBERS) 3| | 4 3| | 6 5 4o o o o o o o o 5 6
(SLOT NUMBERS) 3 4 3 6 5 4 5 6</pre>
===ROM LAYOUT AS EXPECTED BY THE CPC===<pre>C000 Rom type ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rom type (0 = foreground; 1 = background)C001 Mark number ) for use of the programmer butC002 Version number ) they aren't essential to theC003 Modification number ) rom's operationsC004 COMMAND NAME TABLE address (low byte address)C005 COMMAND NAME TABLE address (high byte address)C006/7/8 Jump to INITIALISE ROM routine start address )C009/A/B Jump to 1st command's program start address ) JUMP TABLEC00C/D/E Jump to 2nd command's program start address )</pre> etc. etc. etc.
ROM LAYOUT AS EXPECTED BY THE When the CPCis turned on or reset, it enters the rom at C006/7/8 and runs the INITIALISING ROUTINE that is jumped to from that address. Accessing roms is done via bar (|) commands either at the keyboard or within BASIC programs and each command is listed in the COMMAND NAME TABLE. C004/5 (low byte first) point to the start address of the COMMAND NAME TABLE which can be anywhere in the rom. The last character of each command name must have bit 7 set to 1 and the table must be ended with a 0. When the computer encounters a bar (|) command it searches the command name table for a match. If found, it uses the JUMP TABLE to run the associated program. NAMES and JUMPS must therefore be in the same order. A name must be included at the start of the table for the INITIALISING ROUTINE. Sorry I can't explain in depth but, once grasped, it is easy to understand.
C000 Rom type - ''Rom type (0 = foreground; 1 = background)''C001 Mark number ) ''for use of the programmer but''C002 Version number ) ''they aren't essential to the''C003 Modification number ) ''rom's operations''C004 COMMAND NAME TABLE address (low byte address)C005 COMMAND NAME TABLE address (high byte address)C006/7/8 Jump to INITIALISE ROM routine start address )C009/A/B Jump to 1st command's program start address ) ''JUMP TABLE''C00C/D/E Jump to 2nd command's program start address )etc. etc. etc.---
When the CPC is turned on or resetMicroStyle 28 BELMONT AVENUE, it enters the rom at C006/7/8 and runs theINITIALISING ROUTINE that is jumped to from that address. Accessing roms is done via bar (|)commands either at the keyboard or within BASIC programs and each command is listed in theCOMMAND NAME TABLE. C004/5 (low byte first) point to the start address of the COMMAND NAMETABLE which can be anywhere in the rom. The last character of each command name must have bit7 set to 1 and the table must be ended with a 0. When the computer encounters a bar (|)command it searches the command name table for a match. If foundLOW MOOR, it uses the JUMP TABLE torun the associated program. NAMES and JUMPS must therefore be in the same order. A name mustbe included at the start of the table for the INITIALISING ROUTINE. Sorry I can't explain indepth butBRADFORD, once grasped, it is easy to understand.BD12 OPA Telephone: 0274-602180
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'''''MicroStyle''''' 28 BELMONT AVENUE, LOW MOOR, BRADFORD, BD12 OPA''Telephone'': 0274-602180== Manual ==
[[Media:Ramrom.txt|Microstyle RAMROM manual as text file]]
== Pictures ==
<Gallery>
Image:MicroStyle_RAM-ROM_PCB_Top.jpg|PCB Top
Image:MicroStyle_RAM-ROM_PCB_Bottom.jpg|PCB Bottom
</Gallery>
</pre><br>[[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:Manual]]
