City #18 09 июля 1999

Железо

Iron - Hemnogo about GMX (end).

--------------------------------------------------
                 PLANET SHELEZYAKA
--------------------------------------------------
 (C) A. Apollo


                  A little bit about GMX


                    end


              Select a scheme computer:

              ----------------------

    Chip Flex, installed on board GMX,
allows the device to work with different "schemes"
(File schemes), thus simulating various schemes
'Real' computers without resorting to
additional hardware for programming.
Faylshema itself is stored in your Flash GMX, rather
there can be stored up to six options for schemes
conventionally denoted by numbers from 1 to 7, excluding
3.

    Each file pattern is associated a certain
hardware configuration, installed at
loading scheme, and in addition the corresponding
program. For GMX V5.0 firmware file schema
distributed as follows:

    1. Start a file-scheme. With this circuit board
GMX loaded after power-up, usually
immediately after this happens restart
any other scheme

    2. Working (or "base") file-scheme. Scheme
for the main board of the GMX and
program launch of the Shadow Monitor (version
GMX).

    4. File-circuit, which converts into a full analog GMX
Computer Pentagon-128.

    5. File-circuit, which converts into a full analog GMX
Computer Composit.

    6. File-circuit loads the test board GMX.

    7. Backup file scheme (for version 5.0
similar to number 2).

    Select a scheme from which the board operates in GMX
given time by pressing the
corresponding number key. Number of file-scheme
recorded in the memory of GMX and subsequent
"Reset" the computer (the button RESET)
restored (except for test GMX - Room
6).

    Pressing ENTER causes the boot
current scheme.

    I must say that almost everything promised in
many promotional articles found
implemented (for example mode 640 * 200 pixels can be
just look by choosing a scheme-6 (test)).

    But the regime is 320 * 200, each point of its color,
remained unrealized.

    In the Pentagon - it works as a
ordinary neturbirovannom Pentagon with TR-DOS
5.03. Clicking on the MAGIC does not cause the Shadow Monitor
and flushed ordinary @-file. Are all
demos and programs, all of multicolor and curbs
effects - both on ordinary Pentagon. All
temporal characteristics fully comply
The Pentagon now! All additional ports
blocked. Except for one thing ...

    PORT XX00 (global port facilities) remains
available for recording in any mode. It was he
remembers the mode of the computer (option scheme
parameters of the temporal characteristics). When recording in 
the his computer freezes or starts to get up

something obscene.

    Of those programs that I ran, I did not
went to play "tag", although a simple Pentagon
it is normal.

    Naturally, the program on the hard drive mode
Pentagon - not available.

    About Composite can not say anything. I do not
chased, and I do not know why he did need one?

    Now about the test fee - in this mode
tested everything. All ports, parameters,
bus, memory, etc. The list of tests is a whole
page, a description of all the tests for about seven
pages. Testing program is built on
MENU principle and provides an opportunity to make
testing of individual devices, and all
devices in series. When an error is detected
program issues a message and how
typically fixate on the failed plot.

    I have all the tests passed without any failures
the full program.

    But back to the basic configuration of your computer.
Fully preserved all the usual features
Scorpio ZS-256-Turbo with ProfPZU 27040. Normal
works with the hard drive and a clock CMOS, with
controller IBMKey and Kempstom mouse. In IsDos'e
normally creates a RAM-disk to 896Kb (with
use of a driver for Profi-1024).

    Unfortunately, due to lack of program mode
Extended graphics 640 * 200 pixels can be seen
only in test mode. At the same time on the screen
displays 25 lines of 80 characters per line,
filled with the word "SCORPION" (in 10 words
line). The size of the screen while the vertical - as
usual, and horizontal - in full screen
TV.

    In the Shadow Monitor new functions
(Via the point of "GMX" menu, HM):

    - You can choose INT (skorpionovsky or
Pentagon);

    - You can change the configuration or GMX
Scorpion-256 (GMX or Shadow) without resetting
computer;

    - Can be downloaded by selecting the appropriate item
menu scheme Pentagon or Composit (at the same time
the computer will reset and come into the Pentagon or the menu
Composite).

    Unfortunately, in the mode Scorpion (and GMX) ceased
go to program Digital Studio (version for Covox),
which previously worked perfectly on Scorpio (including
from the hard drive). In the Pentagon it goes, but
Naturally, only the disc - the hard drive in this
mode is not available.

    I think if pozapuskat more programs
sure to light and other neiduschie program.

    Below I've listed (without detailed analysis) ports
Boards GMX:

    xxFE - port border.

    xxFF - Port Attributes screen (read only).

    7FFD - port configurations.

    1FFD - Expansion port.

    7EFD - port mode GMX.

    DFFD - Expansion port memory (Profi).

    78FD - Port 2 of the first window (# 8000 - # BFFF) for
with RAM.

    7AFD - Port scroller ml.bayt (8 bits).

    7CFD - Port scroller st.bayt (6 bits).

    xx00 - global port installations (available
ALWAYS!)

    Now we will focus on the technical shortcomings.

    1. Fee General Sound card with GMX not
work.

    2. Lack of horizontal sync signal is not
allows you to connect CGA-Monitor.

    For me, the most significant was the second
disadvantage. Because I mainly work with
texts and use the TV instead of monitor
does not intend to, then no matter how navorochena fee GMX
I was forced to abandon using it (until
figured out how to zasinhronizirovat from her monitor).

    But not everything is hopeless, because Board GMX
allows without any difficulty to produce
complete reprogramming of Flash ROM and, thus,
replace options schemes (I hope they will).


            Download new version:

            ------------------------

    All that is needed to replace
Flash-Memory - is to apply for board connector X7 GMX
programming voltage is +12 V power on
computer and pressing the DELETE, go to the GMX
Loader Set Up, insert a floppy with GMX Flash ROM
(Floppy disk with the current version is attached to the board) 
in the selected drive (key SPACE) and click on

key "P".

    Initially, the test will be performed on-disk data.
If everything is in order, then the program goes to
second stage - the actual programming Flash
memory chips. Upon successful completion of the operation
the corresponding message.

    If in the process of reprogramming
there are any failures, the operation can be
repeat.

    Errors that occur when recording data can not
damage to the bootloader. It is located in the hardware
protected area of ​​memory.


              Replacement loader:

              --------------------

    If the floppy disk with the software GMX
contains a newer version of the loader, then, with
trying to reprogram the ROM will be issued
Post about it.

    For re-boot, but
supply voltage of +12 V is required to establish
jumper X8 (in other cases it is NEVER
should be!).

    Error while writing bootloader entails
complete loss of health boards GMX, that
can only be corrected at the service center at
special equipment.

    At this point I probably will finish.