Open Letters #01
20 июня 1999 |
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Reply to the letter number 56.
![Reply to the letter number 56.
Reply to the letter number 56.](http://zxpress.ru/screens/1/669.png)
360032 02.07.99 Hello, Nemo! I have a few questions / suggestions. Letter can be published in "open letters ". 1. Why on KAY-1024 does not work license "UFO-2, Vyacheslav Mednonogova? Is that - vestige of protection from scorpions? (If I understand correctly from the published in the open letters from the letter of 06/13/1999 Surgut 27.08.1998 - UFO-2 "Scorpion'ah does not work by definition). 2. Why KAY'yu test firmware Profi (?) In the third quarter of the ROM? Intend Are you in the future its something replaced? 3. It is said to KAY'e was Wed / M - both or was there? And with what it eat? (And eat right?) 4. 3 slots on the motherboard KAY'ya very little - for example, I have them blocked controllers, hard drive, TR-DOS, IBM-KEYBOARD, and hunting connect and XTR-modem and perhaps, GS / own development. Are there any plans to develop a bus expander Nemo-bus? 5.Pochemu would KAY'ya RAM-based Rare 1Mbit'nyh chips, not to replace on SIMMs, because of this decision implies solid pluses for only one drawback: (+) Could free up system board under an additional (-ones) slots; (+) Easy to expand memory up to 4Mb (Calculations for Simm 30 pin) in the future, for which would require only 2 bits of port Addressing more memory; (+) No longer a headache in the event of a failure of memory: faulty - replaced; (+) Supply of these cards could be complete 256 kb Simm'ami (or even without them), and the necessary memory is put to the user; (-) Need to complete rerouting board. 6. Once installed on the hard drive KAY, In my opinion, there is an urgent need to include in the system nonvolatile clock. By what standard (and there are at my data, nemeryannom) - everything well, only needs the driver in the IS-DOS. 7. A long-standing development "Cache" (See annex). Storage boot in such memory frees up space on your disks from boot'ov. In addition, startup programs Cache of the nearly instantaneous from any program at any time (by pressing a button). Well, the SIS in the Cache and can not speak - Dream Hacker. Slightly refined the scheme can be made to work in Cache mode PsevdoPZU and obscures certain areas ROM, which would use other version of TR-DOS, SOS, BiOS, finally, etc. without spoiling the main RAM. Ie would have received almost analog FLASH ROM. Release of this controller under KAY would lead to the further development of the IS-DOS, which would be totally independent from ROM, as well as the undoubted convenience for programmers and users alike. (Personally, I after the transition to a Profi KAY was very uncomfortable without CACHE). P.S. I know of your dislike to every IBM'schine, obveshivanii Spectrum'a sorts bells and whistles that you care about the survival of Sp, its economic characteristics, and circuitry - is secondary, that "the best - enemy of the good ", but still before say categorically "no" on Proposition 5.7, consider them. Perhaps you will find a rational core. APPENDIX. A little bit about Sashe: author - V.M.G. (Ukraine) first record - 1994 The logic is: By pressing a button formed NMI /, the system is replaced by non-volatile ROM RAM (2 ... 64 kb) and forwards to Address # 66 (on the NMI /) is not in ROM, and in the shadow RAM. Soft: There are several programs that support Cache, a variety of loaders, debuggers, there are even Demo, placing a Cache players under Covox (for more clean sound). Programming: device available for reading from 2 Ports: rd # 7B - shadowing ROM (to include Cache) (Writing, reading); rd # FB - disable Cache. PROBLEMS: Random Reading from # 7B port program, not knowing of the existence of Cache, will turn off ROM and hang (Behaves, for example, XLC v 3.5, and possible program for ZX-LPRINT III), but This drawback is easily eliminated (required Override Cache (software included on rd # 7B)) C Regards, N. P.P.S. Please give, in some newspaper in Belarus has been printed, and when your art "technology - this is war." Like to read. 10.07.99 Hello, N! 1. The letter contains your address. This coincidence or it too can be published in "Open letters"? In the file "about" Directory Letter "shell" Open letters " expressly stated that publishing the address to direct specification. For example: "The letter can be published in" Open letters "together with the address." Or: "Cleared to publish my address. "This is direct instruction. Otherwise address can not publish. 2. This is a question for VA Mednonogovu. "UFO-2" created quite a long time and, apparently, Fame did not bother to test the program on KAY'e. Then they were not widespread and is almost unknown. How I know, the incompatibility of the directly related to the mechanism of protection against copying (piracy). Generally speaking, any defense of such a kind of very greatly reduces software compatibility. Of course, as a result, users suffer. In this no guilt nor mine, nor of Fame Mednogorova. The reason for the Pirates and the non-observance of copyrights. 3. She went to "inherited" from firm "Skim" (Stashkov Alexander) in 1993 year. Planned to make on the basis of the firmware "Profi" shadow businesses by KAY-128. B KAY-256 entry into this area LOCKED hardware - that the public was not involved in amateur. B KAY'e 1024-m access this bank ROM is possible, because shadow businesses lost meaning and its former value. Why do I need shadow businesses? This program is for theft Western game software, which comes to Russia in abundance under the Spectrum-128 in the early 90's. Now shadow businesses have meaning almost does not matter. Therefore, to ensure standardization of the shadow is no longer relevant. Now if the software and creates, in Russia. Why give to the lamers hand tool for theft? To software, which is so little, it became even less? To steal something in the Spectrum 'is almost nothing, everything and so steal. Shadow security has ceased to be a professional, because on theft is now not make any money. To create programs that require other software tools, another software environment. That's why moving ISDOS, because this environment is not for theft, and to create programs. Purely ideological shadow businesses is possible, but it must perform (in aggregate) a completely different problem: namely, to complement and enhance effectiveness of the software environment in the regime Writing programs. And this essentially different concept of shadow software, is fundamentally different from the conventional stereotype of "shadow businesses." Unfortunately, this thought was too long to fit in much too short gyrus "Programmers" (or rather: encoders). In general, conceptually, shadow businesses should (again in Ideally!) meet the following requirements: 1) a comprehensive, mutually reinforcing and effective work under OS'yu, ie ISDOS'om, 2) access to all available resources in the architecture (if it does not contradict ISDOS'u), 3) low efficiency shadow businesses in the mode of cracking. Then it will be really professional shadow businesses programmer, not the kingpin (professional thief). Now really creates a shadow businesses by KAY-1024, but will Does this work is completed - is unknown. Topics more unknown whether the shadow businesses meet the above requirements, as formulation of the problem requires extraordinary and, again, a professional approach, rather than high-end coding. 4. Wed / M. Turn on the lexicographic Search and find the letters (05.txt) extensive comments on the matter. Concisely: 1) CP / M - is serial-by-character input / output in console mode at 80 characters. Therefore: a) the schedule can be forgotten, and b) not corresponds to TV-standard (standard teletext). 2) This is a professional system of the early 80's. Actually USER-Wednesday absent. Interface - a command line. To take full advantage requires regular and systematic professional support (eg for money) and the availability of professional tasks from the user (again, PROFESSIONAL, ie work regularly for money). If such problems do not, then the system loses sense - too navorochena. 3) CP / M can be seen as naked, "0" second level kernel OS'i. When you try to finish the remaining levels of the nucleus receive system, opportunistic ISDOS'u. And most importantly, Custom. Example Add-Ins - program POWER. 4) To maintain the two systems is meaningless. ISDOS more efficient. And she supported it. 5) Systems Wed / M on KAY'yah - as, indeed, on the other Spectrum'ah - never was, although it can run. The bottom line that work on it is not received, although, in fact, the code itself is working perfectly. She nobody supports. You can try it themselves, namuchaetes and throw - even though, Again, I repeat, program, as such, will work. 5. O Simm'ah. Together, let us weigh pros and cons. First, discuss your + / - then I have something to add later. So: (A) A relieved if the additional place? You often see Simm-panel under the ONE Simm? I have personally seen a couple of times. Although MS-ers destroyed (recycled (:-))) HUNDREDS. Nouveaux riches navezli them so much that the work will last for years if not for decades. This means that to find a commercial quantity of Simm-panels is not succeed. So, it is impossible to use them in production. Thus, the panel under two Simm'a. Calculate footprint: Simm-panel 41C100 (X2 pcs.) (8 pcs.) Size mm 15.0x96.5 47.5x45.0 +2.5 Mm 17.5x99 50.0x47.5 Area, cm2 17.33 23.75 Now we associate a square: 23.75/17.33 = 1.37. We have the advantage of only 37% area. Moreover, IC can 41S1000 (but not Necessary) to place tighter, then the gain (By area) was only 15%! So there win or not? On closer inspection, study reveals that it is no more than an optical illusion. Another thing that can be get 2 MB of memory, but on this later ... (+2) Rashireniem up to 4 MB. Why? Question is "How" is secondary. The idea that any added chip / mode / technical parameter / architectural expansion / etc. etc. justified by the very possibility of "vdelyvaniya in computer WRONG. Consider it a non-trivial statement for example, 4 MB of memory. What will the user's own feelings okromya slope? But by and large account - nothing. Only one load this memory with the drive would take 1.5 min / disc * (4 MB/0.72 MB / disk) = 8-10 min. The same number of unloading. And then, continuous file TRDOS'e not may be a 4 MB. Hence it is somehow bound (structured) set of files: otherwise (ie otherwise) why they need all together in computer? TRDOS Not able to work with such structures - and thus engage, ie, as something meaningful, it is wise to use 4 MB FAILED. Need an operating SYSTEM. Now on. Have "packages" to 5 disks (4 MB / 0.72 MB / CD = 5 pcs.) Probably not very convenient for purely practical reasons. And this means necessary Winchester. Total result. Really take advantage of 4 MB of memory is possible only in case the presence of both OS'i and Winchester. Most also interesting that when they are available (ie OS'i as well as the hard drive) pay Performance in RAM memory (ie, those most 4 MB of RAM) is virtually absent. Or in other words, 4 MB do not have any sense. At the same screw those megabytes can be any number. So why do we need these 4 MB? In RS'ke From the technical point (the feasibility and RS'ke often highly questionable), it is justified. Due CONVEYOR sampling teams and increasing the discharge TIRES (up to 8 bytes or more at a time, ie a single cycle read / write processor). In Spectrum'e nothing this is not because It is not necessary. CPU Z80 - this eight-bit processor (ie, single-byte) with a directly addressable 64 Kbit memory. Architecture Spectrum'a and RS Different. Mechanical transfer rules'ov RS-ka in the Spectrum leads to sux'am. In KAY'e not sold 1 MB of memory, and ELECTRONIC DRIVE, ie 1 MB itself itself has no meaning. You can certainly make four electronic drives, but is it necessary? TRDOS because TRDOS'om and remain. (3) In fact, headache is not disappears and appears. Explain why. (Incidentally, both the manufacturer and have user. Ie On the one hand it leads to an increase in prices, on the other hand to operational inconvenience). Practical experience in producing 1 MB's car indicates that the absolute reliability 41S1000. Ie has not been a single case of failure IC 41S1000. Broken 41S1000 identified Only in one instance - the car is seriously Burned out. This usually happens because of carelessness and negligence of users. And if there is a broken 41S1000, how RULE, smashed and the CPU and ROM, as well as Part IC TTL logic. Ie ICs, which are well soldered. In other words, all soldering still needed. If you are installing Simm'ov RELIABILITY From below, in comparison with foil lids 41S1000. Ie machine will often go failure. Simm - is mechanical, the contact connection. Simm - it is quite large vertical size of the board, with ssotvetstvuyuschim break out moment and additional challenges for transportation. In addition, a contingent of users Spectrum'a is that Simm-connector will be crossed only just razdolbaj from the joints. Extreme in this situation will, of course, the manufacturer. Consequence - the corresponding price. And then, where you saw SIMMs? This rare-earth shit. They do not have enough self RS-Schnick. They burn in the RS, as ICs operate in more rigid mode. There is less cycle time, more switching, the higher the temperature of the crystals and, consequently, reliability below. Find in Peter SIMMs cheaper than 50 rubles. problematic. They should be just look for - and because it is also MONEY worth it. Well, what is all this necessary? To play 'B' computer? (That's "B", and not "AT"). (4) The machine shall be equipped with in such a way as to protect the efficiency in native mode. In KAY'e, for example, is not available AY8910. To listen to music or AY-connect printer, you must buy more. For Sale same board without RAM-memory is dubious exercise. It's like selling price with the stated in the specifications without RS232 interface -12 V and a standard connector. How does it said, I hope, suggest not. (-5) As to re-route it really is. Moreover, under existing sales it will affect the price. Now we have some disadvantages. (-6) Sealing PMI - a single process. So, it's cheap. When you install Simm'ov need extra: 1) find a PC with a shit Simm'ami; 2) vypayat SIMMs; 3) find themselves SIMMs (and they are different) 4) install / package the sale / distribution These 4 points will also have to include in the tsenu.I is not a fact, chtoSimm'y more common than the 41S1000. Do not forget that it is a commercial quantity. 6. Hours are really needed. However, enthusiastic with the purchase of IDE-interface is not observed. Therefore, the clock is now set to be premature. Members OS'i afraid and do not know it enjoy. Therefore, to make some sharp movements in the IDE-interface will much too expensive. 7. Such utroystvo has long been available under KAY. It was necessary to create a RAM-drive. Another thing is that feasibility of its production is highly questionable. This lotion under TRDOS, takes one SYSTEMIC place (slot) on the bus. As for ISDOS'a, then to him from this FLASH itself is neither hot nor cold. Uses no, harm, too. 8. Slots on the bus. Indeed, the little slots. You can certainly do, and 4 slot. But this is a temporary, compromise measure, because the problem of extensions it does not solve. Where there are few 3-slot, there will be little and 4. More than 3 to 4 slots can not be put for constructive layout considerations, and on full load on the line CPU. LVL is designed for installation into the housing from the PC "Corvette." This is the basis of a constructive solution to the board. If fee "comes out" of the case, then KAY-1024 remain without housing. Now about load on the line CPU. Buffering by footprint is equivalent to the fees roughly the area occupied by one slot. It's not just a buffer but the buffer management scheme. Now the tire is 0.52 sq.dm. board (or 0.52/3.25 = 16% the total area of the board). When installing more one slot bus may have buffered. Then the total area occupied by under the bus to rise to 27%. This is a very a lot. Here, everywhere we are talking about the redistribution of the area rather than on increasing its area. The design of a herringbone unreliable. In RS-ke tried to make this extension way, but quickly "ate" claims. If the board articulated in two places, then they need to be a mechanical fastener. Ie the first joint - this is a herringbone / board itself, the second joint herringbone / expansion card. And on the connector, which installed itself herringbone break out moment increases about 4-5 times. Weight equipment, "Christmas tree" on the periphery of the 3 devices by more than 3 times higher than the average mass payment rashireniem. Plus arm force applied more times in half. (This refers to the distance from the slot, which installed the "Christmas Tree" to the center of gravity equipment, "Christmas tree"). Motherboard connector board is not designed for such loads. A means to be defeated and will crash when the slightest touch. Mechanical same Mount virtually impossible for constructional reasons. Needless to say, "Christmas Tree" requires buffering. And not only along the lines of data / address, but also along the lines of control. This means that the standard of Nemo-bus can be FORGET. Timing diagrams (with iremenami delays with respect to CLC) significantly change. Therefore, the reference to PASSPORT CPU Data will be invalid. Ie Bus will not specified in part time diagrams. And this is no material standard with all its consequences: the complication of designing the periphery and increasing its probability glyuchnosti. Increased risk for release (production) periphery. A risk - This is the price. It may well be that "Old" device (a Nemo-bus) would refuse to work in the new bus, and vice versa. This again PRICE. How would say the unforgettable Bell (founder of the Bell-telephony "):" You can do anything even transfer a person on the wire. It's unclear just how much it will take and who will be a paid '. great technologies Ford is also known for his aphorisms. When asked the customer if he could (The customer) to buy a car is not black Colors, Ford replied: "You can buy a car any color if the color is - black. Standart in technology - is the law. If he fails, then there instant hit on the money. And regardless of who it violates: producer or consumer. What are the possible solutions of the expansion? Point out concisely: - Re-expansion device between the bus Nemo-bus and Centronics'om. In fact, not everything that is stuck in Bus system does require system resources. Device installed in the bus, essentially receives permanent residence in your computer. For many peripheral devices which is absurd. Example: programmer. This is not a system utroystvo. Placed on BUS him absolutely nothing. The list of peripheral devices Require considerable system resources, it is easy to continue. Actually this was written back in 1994, ie Five years ago, in "Radio amateur" (Minsk) in the N 11 for 1994, p.7. I quote (myself five years ago): "... The hardware is only implemented "Spectrum-architecture, and specific problems of specific groups of users can be dealt with peripheral devices, easy to add that given sufficient attention. The concept of "SYSTEM CHANNEL" determine the form of three-dimensional system bus slot layout. Possible periphery is divided into two CLASS: a) FAST - is installed on system bus in the form of slots inside the case, and b) Slow - Connect through plume as a standalone unit volume outside the body (through bi-directional parallel port). It would do without buffering tires and make it more predictable and simple. "So what? Clearer because you will not tell. Think it is up to anyone here? Far, far from it. WHO and now there. Probably to the average user it comes up as a duck on the seventh day. (In this case - on the seventh year). There is a good anecdote about Americans engaged in genocide. Once blednolitsye caught red-native to Name Sharp Falcon and imprisoned him in prison. But Sharp Sokol was not simple. Already On the third day he found freedom, seeing that there is no fourth wall. Anecdote is relevant to Centronics'u. Of course there are objective reasons. For example, discredit STANDARD Centronics such well-known radio-larechnikom as Mr. Zonov. Taking advantage of the naivety and gullibility of the masses, He sold CONCEPT Centronics'a, creating convincing dummy that interface. Not only is there not all the lines Centronics'a, there is still no standard connector. It would be better to call it, that is, not Scorp'e Cenyronics'om and Printer interface having a attitude toward Centronics'u. Bosons do a master work on concepts. When the lips are opened Zonova of them spewing feces, which then clogs the brains of users. Coming up drain is the corresponding reaction, and users pay him the money. He it pisses in the eye, and they all God's dew ... Both were sold to such concepts as "TURBO", "PRO", "RS-232", "INT with Five zeros "," Centronics ". At this currently are on sale the concept of "High Tech" in the form of green "gadgets", prilyapannoy Alter'oy. As a result, users believe that these are things such buggy, curves and inconvenient. But in reality Indeed, it is not in the reel - just a rascal sitting in the cockpit. Members also in its aggregate and in the aggregate of such concepts come to the conclusion that this is a SPECTRUM Squalid, curves, and buggy. All would be nothing but a crap Zonov the general manger. How would say Ivan the Terrible, "more than the feces stinks." Ie shit where eating. Does, so to speak, under the themselves. In fact, for it is no loss, solid profits: the higher the faecal He "promptly inserted" in Spectrum, the faster a it will come running to buy PC to the main circulation of capital out there. The scheme is simple as the three penny. In order to really do something in Spectrum'e, ie working, comfortable and bug-free device, you must have been brainwashed by feces. And it is very expensive. AND meets strong resistance. Since to admit to himself that he cheated, User psychologically difficult. For 18-20-year-olds are strong and painful blow to his vanity. Not every is effective and capable of such. Therefore, the following method of solving the problem of extensions are: - Brainwashing; - Combination of devices on a single board, expansion cards, ie, Multicard. Now about the article in Belarus. I understand that you got, through negligence, not the disc. Why do you need it? Many knowledge increaseth sorrow. To customers Indeed, there is no need to read it. In the most complete form, in author's edition, Article published in "ZX-Format", number I do not remember, was it three or four years ago, hence, it is estimated NN 4, 4 1 / 2, 5. (More specifically, the number 5, 1996). That As published in the journal "Your Computer "(Annex to the magazine" Radio amateur "), then this publication in Minsk interesting unless editing. (C) Nemo
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