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Born Dead #09
30 мая 1999 |
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Spite of the day - Commandore and People: A chronicle of the transition to another platform.
Topical
(C) UnBEL! EVER ^ Speed co. ^ XTM
COMMODORE and People: A chronicle of the transition to
another platform
Prologue
--- -
It has been repeatedly City "C" was attacked by incomprehensible
virus makes people almost instantaneously to leave their
Lubin Spectrum and pass on any other platform.
The last major Amiga fever (three years ago) claimed
from our ranks are many active once spektrumistov. And this
terrible disease returns with a bang!
First act
--- -
So, do not foretell disaster. Regular classes at the institute,
people frantically chastises coursework, the other, waiting
their turn, suffer from idleness. And suddenly - a friend!
Newspaper from hands ".... That is truly a publication bringing
together all; cars, apartments, dating, books, home appliances
and COMPUTERS!!
What did not you see the heading OFFICE EQUIPMENT, COMPUTERS,
and COMPUTER PROGRAMS AND GAMES:)
"I have 3''3.5''floppy drive on or sell ..."
"The computer Pentium-231 for 2 rubles sell ..."
"The system unit is not lower than P-200, acquired in exchange
for TV
diagonal of 54 cm and a VCR ... "
But that day, there was absolutely incredible announcement, and
maybe everything would now be different, if it did not
caught my eye UnBEL! EVER'a ...
"I sell computer COMMODORE-128 drive. Price 500 rub ...."
Long time I thought about the problem of C64. They said it was
was once a strong platform and the like as even steeper
SPECCY in the sense that the same 8-bit ... Another said that it
demoscene is very strong and there is something to see. That
arose in my mind morbid thoughts about buying this
unit, the more so because he was with the drive and also not 64,
as much as 128KB!
--- -
Brief historical background:
--- -
C64 is indeed the statements of many competent
people - best 8-bit machine! Created at the dawn of the 80's, he
successfully conquered markets in Europe and just began to
reign throughout area of the United States of America. Model
differed COMMODOR'ov both obemu memory (16,64,128) and in some
other parametram.V particular, existed as NTSC, and PAL models
which facilitated the capture of the market, in contrast to the
Spectrum for example, who was unable to penetrate the U.S.
otchasti because of difficulties in conjugation with the local
TV-set'ami.
When quite a small clock rate - PAL (1.MHz),
NTSC (0.9MHz) - the machine has a 16-color display 320x200, plus
text mode. And despite the miserable megahertz (even
compared with the ZX) game quite well (I can even say excellent)
work - no wonder it was a long time C64 was a platform
on first releases of new game projects and only
then place them quite modest konvesiya under other
"Vosmibitki. And all thanks to the cunning, as it now nazyvyut,
chip-set'u: VIC, SID, and 6502 in the role of the CPU. By the
way, although undoubtedly, the heart was the C64 microprocessor
6502 firms MOTOROLLA, without the "old" Z80, and there has not
been! Its set as the second processor specially designed for
the regime CP / M; as known to all programs, and indeed the
operating system, focused on the processor 8080 and compatible
with them. Do not know as in the C64, a C128D in exactly right
next to 6502 is now Zilog Z80B! That's because apart from the
main processor in the computer were as powerful as the chips VIC
(Hardware output sprites, collisions, scrolling, etc.) and SID
(3 channel audio, hardware filters), even managed to 1MHz
do more than they could catch more "nimble", but more
cheap competitors.
Yes, yes! It is cheaper! The very same C64 was insanely
expensive machine, and thereby shall have it at home could only
be well secured people. A huge number of peripherals and
software applications contributed to the rapid advancement of
the machine in small and medium-sized businesses, although the
legal software cost also a lot of money. How do you, for
example, word processor for $ 49.95 or database for the same $
40-60?? Famous Simulations Silent Service and Gunship and costs
$ 34.95 for each? Yes, of course for them applied a beautiful
box and user manual in 80 and page manual, but ... at the same
time, even the most expensive Toys for Speccy is not more
expensive 10 pounds!
Not only we can reach such prices on the program. Amazed
they are rotting bourgeoisie in those early years. From this
instant flowering hakkerskoy activities and as a consequence -
the soil for development stage and demomaykinga, the benefit
base togdashnego presentation of the musical demonstrations
largely rested on sound, and he was simply delicious!
In the role of the operating system in the C64 as in ZX serves
local version of the language BASIC. Even the standard
implementation, written in ROM - quite advanced, although there
were additional Advanced options BASIC'ov (SIMON'S BASIC,
etc.). In the model 128 uses a new version of BASIC, which is
important and fundamental to many difference - at the top of
the screen after start there is an inscription:
(C) MICROSOFT CORP. 1977
Editor-in standard BASIC'e screen, the team must
fully gain from the keyboard (no tokens). In this sense,
very interesting implementation of the cursor keys, which in
the presence full-screen editor come to the fore. So, because of
limited keyboard was only two cursor keys -
"Right" and "down". Keys "left" and "up" were obtained by
Clicking on the above two retention SHIFT'a cursor +!
I wonder how long the founders have studied the cursor being
wanted Keys and why "right" and "down" have priority? :)
As the media was used as a magnetic
tape (standard cassette, but only special
tape recorders) and floppy disks. Moreover, the latest was
following interesting situation. The firm produced COMMODORE
computers of different series: VIC, PET, C64/128, PET-II, etc.
However, the drives to use the same for all models!
Just drive is not simply a peripheral piece of metal,
but the whole microcomputer device, with its ROM, RAM, and ...
processor! By connecting to kompyuteru through, for example,
serial connector, the drive got the team, fully engaged in their
implementation and then passed back to the computer only ready
data.
For example, some kaie specifications drive 1571:
Weight 3.5 kg.
Microprocessor 6502A
Interface 65C22A
ROM 23256 (32 k bytes)
RAM 4016 (8 k bytes)
MFM Controller WD1770
Clock frequency of 1 MHz (1541 mode)
2 MHz (1571 mode)
Data Transfer:
Seq. Port 350 bytes / second (read and write)
Quick posed.port 4000 bytes / second (read)
400 bytes / second (write - limited by
verify after write)
Models 1541, 1571, 1581, the most frequently used
directly with the C64/128, could work with both MFM (maximum
frequency modulation) and with the GCR (group coded recording)
discs, the latter option was adopted as a standard. So
, the discs recorded on these drives are getting so
is unreadable to the infamous IBM PC, as well as standard discs
on AMIGA. By the way, as disk capacity and speed of access to
According to the terms of spektrumista ostavlyut desired. Thus,
volume of a standard floppy drive when using the 1541 total
174Kb! The size of the sector as well as in TR-DOS is 256
bytes, but here number of sectors and tracks on the disc tin
single consideration ... Tracks standard 35 (1541 was one-sided
drive), and the sector they were located as follows:
Track
1 to 17 - 21 sectors per track
from 18 to 24 - 19 sectors per track
from 25 to 30 - 18 sectors per track
31 to 35 - 17 sectors per track
Why this was done is anyone's guess, but
As far as I know, they even FAT was not at the beginning
drive and somewhere in the middle! Now, read speed
was truly amazing - slightly faster than
SPECCY shipping software with a tape recorder. Therefore, wide
widely diverse device (eg 1541
Flash! for $ 69.00!) which, being connected to the drive or
computer (in EXTENSION PORT), accelerate the download process.
Basis This device was a new PZU'shka, which obviously
was reworked version DOS'a.
C128 and C128D, as 128'ye Spectrum model differed from the C64
to compatibility issues. In addition, they had other drives,
which again is strongly influenced by multi-loader'y. What can
I say, if kommodorschiki learned on their drives to "count"
effects (on the CPU and memory available in the drive) and then
through the serial port to transfer the calculated data itself
computer, while the main processor decide which is
other tasks. Thus emerges the necessary
configuration for the normal contemplation of demos: C64 + 1541
disk drive. Well that's about as Speccy Pentagon 128 .... A
C128 is not root and how it does not become a standard (in the
same demomaykinge) because of the unreasonably high prices.
With the advent of emulators, C64 (which even now are far from
perfection) on other platforms, the question arose of
transferring software. AMIGA on how it was easier, because
there are drives read, but on the PC with its "blunt" the
controller had to invent all sorts of wisdom. There were
various schemes for connection with PC and C64 nullmodem'nyh
aid of cables. However, the most elegant solution was the
connection of the original data storage device directly to the
PC. That is, all these tape recorders, drives connects directly
to LPT port and directly to them read / write data. The
solution is really very beautiful but there has not been
without problems ... For example, you can easily connect only
drives the model 1541, and later model 1571, which had twice
the capacity, to work normally refuses to: (
Another type of carrier had cartridges that are inserted into
EXTENSION PORT. At Carthage released games, Advanced
version of programming languages, debuggers, monitors (!!!). Or
as you, for example, print cartridge, which is located inside
clock real time with its own memory and batteries in case
nuclear war. Wanted, plugged it into the car, wanted
disabled. And watch some go ... Well, soft, naturally, a special
was that it was using. In addition, there
A special console model CBM C64GS, which served as
game console, and only those most cartridges fed. K
Incidentally, a similar situation was with the machines ATARI.
But COMMODORE not spared the fate of all 8-bit machines -
official Death! New machines are not made, the market collapses,
manufacturers of software tied to the issue of new
programs ... - Progress is not standing still, and 8-bit
becoming history. However, because the greatest human
potential, which remained on the platform, and yes again, a
number of interesting technical solutions are present in the
car on it most rapid color bloomed demomacking. Many well-known
modern demo-team started their activity on
C64. And so far, none of the prestigious world-wide party
do without a spectral variety of compo on C64.
In the demos on the C64 has much to learn and for us! Although,
after watching some of the most famous and classic works, there
can be the feeling of deep resentment and frustration that
arises from any, for the first time looked a TECHNOLOGICAL
DEATH on AMIGA. Again, a number of effects that before this
could be considered Spectrum proudly, are stolen (at least
the level of ideas). However, all is not stolen, it remains
something that us! :)
In addition to direct emulation of the C64, there
programs to listen to music in the format. SID Such
opportunity vnederena even in the latest version of the famous
on the PC Cubic Player.
--- -
.... But all this UnBEL! EVER naturally did not know when
exactly a week later went to buy myself C128D for 400 Russian
rubles.
Act II
--- -
The need to purchase instantly dropped when UnBEL! EVER
familiarized with the list of rolling in his possession
economy. In First it was my C128D in a metal casing cream
with built-in disk drive (1571 compatible) and "detachable"
keyboard. To the unit accompanied by a cloud of strings, two
cartridges, 40 discs, a joystick, a few books on non-English
languages lotion to speed loading'a. Just to to drag it all up
home, it took a lot of effort ....
Peasant, prodavschy C128D, appeared in the past engaged in the
delivery from Moscow to Samara computer classes on the basis of
a completely different computers. He was well versed in the
models, names, companies, prices, etc. Well, what can I say, if
the guy even knew What is Amiga!!! He also confirmed the
presence in the "C" Spectrum brand, and even took to help find
their former hosts. In parallel, recognizing manic UnBEL!
EVER'a in issues of old computers, the man offered to buy him
completely insane, pure Japanese computer PANASONIC JR-200
an amusing rubber keyboard and a cassette in
bargain. The weight of this machine (which is the size of a
Delta-P) allows its use as a tool for grievous
bodily harm, and eating this fruit of Japanese
technological thinking like a plug-in the form of character
127 volt network. In short, UnBEL! EVER from this devaysa
refused and went home from the (m) uchat bought C128D.
At first everything was fine, but problems began to appear
later. First find out that you need another drive (namely 1541),
to "transfer" a new software taken by Inet (built-in
C128D drive, nor how he could not be used for this). Then
found that the sound is "very quiet" not only when connected
through the antenna input of TV, but also for other variants
connection. But like all apofigey - ALK was unable to connect
C128D to a standard monitor ELECTRONICS 1932 WTC 202. Devil
knows that there is a bourgeoisie out of the size sockets
called RGBI, but that is not our RGB's for sure. Shorter than
one problem ...
But, thanks to Inet'u and assistance ARTY / DR and MAC BUSTER'a,
UnBEL! EVER so much enlightened in the C64, which
can now freely download simple user'ov of "C"
arguments about this car.
Act III
--- -
The above problems have forced UnBEL! EVER'a submit to the
local newspaper "from hand to hand" ad on purchases
drive and C64. Well, as you know, make sure that your
advertisement published the best means of purchasing new
issue of the newspaper. Unfortunately, the ads in the new issue
was not (not managed to pass in the kit), but there is another
equally impressive:
"Computer Coomodore-AMIGA 2000, used, hard disk 45Mb, RAM, 2Mb,
2 3.5-inch floppy drive, a 5.25-inch floppy drive, whether
board IBM PC XT, stereo, H / H and B / W output, keyboard,
mouse, diskette, B / W monitor "Electronics" or without, for
1.1 TR I sell ".
The proposal, of course, more than attractive, even given the
fact that when re-reading the ads you see that it does not
A1200, but only A2000. But so much iron in such
little money .... However, the C128D has already bought, and
find "Thing" absolutely nowhere, but you can not miss this
chance! UnBEL! EVER finds a nice way out, right from
Institute, he calls MMCM'u dictates his phone and convinces
having to buy an Amiga.
MMCM'a in principle and did not have to convince ... The same
evening experienced expert committee composed of former "first
amizhnika city "MARKET SOFT'a, MMCM'a and MONSTER'a popped to
the owner this miracle. Upon returning a verdict was (mostly
under influence MARKET'a): SUX! Amiga itself a huge (well,
properly, it as 2000!), worse than the A500, the sound of the
fig, the old and kickstart general ... Shorter decided to go
again and try to run her classic demos, and if they want to
work, then buy the whole thing with giblets, skinuvschis
double; MMCM + MONSTER. However, the second campaign did not
take place! Decided that the owner must "Divide and fall in
price more ...
UnBEL! EVER meanwhile, continued modest efforts to find the
drive in the "C". Rose to their feet people involved
computers at the dawn of civilization, solder and bribed
witnesses to the events of bygone days, the archives and dug
combed the markets / flea markets of the city, but it's useless.
The only thing that managed to learn from competent sources, so
this is what drives these in the city were at one time, as well
as are the C64 and their hapless user'y. And so once again
UnBEL! EVER buys a fatal newspaper from hand to hand "....
Act of the fourth
--- -
"Computer" Commander of the A500 ", in otl.sostoyanii, 512kb
memory, color display, disk drive, complete ukompl. "mouse",
keyboard,
on the real cost of the buyer sell "
"In the real cost of the buyer," it certainly sounds tempting! K
Besides the experienced eye already on the text messages can
determine nesvedushim how is the seller.
The traditional scheme worked perfectly! Again UnBEL! EVER
Tolls MMCM'u, explains the essence and disktuet phone. Serega
dials a "client", but no specific information
except as "the real price the buyer" can not be achieved. And
the price assigned to 400 rubles - an amount equal to that in
two weeks previously UnBEL! EVER give for C128D !!!!! Arrow
seller was scored on the next day ... Of course, A500 - this is
somewhat simpler than the A2000, but the price is dramatically
less, and in view of it are suitable. Again, if Serega she did
not like, then agreement with the>> RRA>>, a month or Amiga will
MMCM'om resold in possession ALIEN FACTORY.
But the next day was marked by the appearance in the city
"with" fresh Minsk releases - AWAKEN and PUSSY. This required
personal presence UnBEL! EVER'a in the State Uneversete, well,
there close to MMCM'a may have newfound "amizhnika!
Why not go and look for a miracle, "I did not take long in the
hands of Amigo! ". MMCM has indeed become" amizhnikom, but
ghostly A500 was in fact nothing more than ... CDTV - Multimedia
version of the A500 +!
It was interesting to others - it was not like a computer!
Rather MMCM won a tuner or a Vidic. So
may look only CDTV - black desktop case with
CD-Rom drive (!) And the luminescent screen on which the clock
ticks. Where to the side, not in the cases are the same black
mouse, keyboard and floppy drive. On top of the housing hoisted
color, but the same black monitor (!), but as apofigey entire
composition - remote control, which is derived
mouse / joystick, numeric buttons, and more-something which
needed to household items. This was more than a computer! But
Serge had for all of this is to give more than intended in the
beginning, not 400, all of 1000. At least he got for the money
this is a good CD player ... maximum ... Future
show! :)
But the most killer in the CDTV is that it can live in a
stand-bye as a modern TV and the signal from the D / V switch
on and loaded. She determines that the drive is now in her
inserted, and if it's music CD, then without another word begins
playback. But the most striking thing is that to computers
You can connect external video signal (eg from
VCR) and press CD / TV button on the A / V switch;
want to look AMIGA demo, and want a movie on Vidic.
And all this on one screen!!
Act of the fifth
--- -
Subsequent events razivayutsya a spiral .... RRA, which
Naturally, no one sells nothing (CDTV = RULEZ), sharply at
all offended and said that as soon as possible buys
themselves A600.
Came by chance to visit MMCM'u Axster (ex-Dj Dens) ofigevaet
from what he saw, and a week later buys the very A2000
which was rejected by the two acts above.
Ads are triggered data UnBEL! EVER'om through MAXSOFT'a in
FIDO: responds to a person with very real 2. And this
not somewhere in Uryupinsk, and we in the "C". On the next
This week two will be his old master seized and, depending
on whether it repaired or not, will settle at home or at the
MAXSOFT'a either have UnBEL! EVER'a. OPPA! We did at SPECTRUM'y
moved ... This means that a great COMMODOR'naya fever
completed. Hopefully, this is so, but who knows!
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