Discussion - interview with the author of hardware improvements from Kharkov - Getmanets Vladimir Mikhailovich.

Faultless #03
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  ║Section: Discussion;                     ║
  ║Article:Interview;                      ║
  ║Music:Dreamer;                       ║
  ║Text: Getmants Vladimir Mikhailovich.   ║
  ╚═══════════════════ ═══════════════════╝

 There are many questions in the mail of our magazine,
  addressed to the Kharkov developer
  hardware for SPECCY - V.M.G. We decided
  forward these questions to him personally at
  in the form of an interview.

 - If possible, tell us more details
       about myself.  How did your acquaintance happen?
       Comfort with "ZX Spectrum"?

 V.M.G.: - I became interested in computers from childhood
  years when the word "computer" already existed
  vovalo, but the computers and literature themselves
  there was almost no mention of them. I remember, with great difficulty,
  home took out several books on programming
  education and learned them almost by heart.
  Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics
  Kharkov State University, worked
  programmer in one of the “boxes”, in the same place
  mastered the basics of circuit design.
  Then he started teaching
  activities and temporarily left the company
  pewter affairs. Return to them again me
  caused the appearance of SPECCY. Elemental
  the base of this computer is made of the simplest de-
  hoists of domestic production itself
  was asking for improvements.
   Then in Kharkov they were knownonly
  models "Spectrum 48K" with separate
  memory fields. In these machines, microcircuits
  565RU5 were only half used.
  Therefore, my first development (it seems
  it was 1990) concerned substitution
  unused part of RAM instead of ROM.
  Now I would simplify this scheme times
  two, but then he was very proud of his work
  that one. Then from some Polish sources-
  we managed to find out the principle of the device
  "Spectrum 128K" and get a primitive
  musical co-process connection diagram
  sora. This is where it began for Kharkov residents
  era of 128 cars. The first toys on 128K,
  I remember they loaded it from a tape recorder and from 48 ROM.

 - How can I get the complete list
         your developments?

 V.M.G.: -I will send it to any reader who-
  who will send a letter with a blank envelope
  inside at the address: 310022, Kharkov-22,
  PO Box 10899, Getman Vladimir Mikhailovi-
  ch. Some circuits have printed
  boards, but I have not assembled devices yet
  I'm sending.

 - One of the readers complains that
         he assembled the device according to yours
         diagram from "Spectrophone" No. 17,
         but it doesn't work.

 V.M.G.: -Before releasing the diagram, I
  I'm testing it at maximum
  number of machines. Moreover, if the circuit with
  showed over timenot 100% working
  property, then it is withdrawn from circulation.
  This, in particular, happened with the releases
  No. 3 and 5 (512K and TURBO in cars with
  separate memory fields).
   As for specifically “spectropho-
  new" circuits, then expanding the RAM to 512K
  computers with a shared memory field -
  fully working circuit, tested
  on hundreds of machines. The pseudo-ROM circuit contains
  there is a non-fatal glitch that is easy
  works around it programmatically (I didn't fix it
  to keep the circuit simple).
   All misunderstandings are most likely you-
  are called the mismatch of notations on
  diagram of all computers in different cities.
  By the way, I use the author’s (plotter-
  noah) Pentagon diagram, where the Z80 addresses
  For some reason they are designated as A1...A16.

 - Are they preparing (and what?) more
           improvements for SPECCY?
 V.M.G.: -The work is almost completed
  (runs on other cars, written
  software) over complex
  revision of "THE LAST CHANGE OF SPECCY" -
  the result of many years of searching and exchange of information
  formation in the area optimal for art-
  architecture "ZX Spectrum" changes it
  graphics.
   A special feature of the modification is the reserve
  establishing the possibility of its phased installation
  injuries. Let me explain. At the FIRST stage there is enough
  exactly solder (on top of those in the kit)
  PC) minimumrequired number
  microcircuits. In this case, we get 2 additional
  graphic modes: each precise
  in your own color, 16 colors, resolution
  256x192 (24K) or 256x96 (12K). So that these
  regimes were suitable not only for considering
  of statistical pictures, the same
  microcircuits perform 2 more important functions -
  tions "Unraveling" addresses - write down, for example -
  For example, in the register L x-coordinate, in H - y and
  place a dot on the screen at (HL).
  Using ROM address space
  for new screens.
   Now, firstly, it doesn’t hang uselessly -
  but, as before, and, secondly, there is no need to use
  be called by the page register when filling out
  nii of the second screen.
   At the SECOND stage you can connect
  TURBO mode (7...28 MHz, depending on
  quality of your Z80).When moving to new
  according to the graphics, the mode initializes itself.
  Real computer speed
  you know, the increase will not be that significant -
  but...
   Therefore, at the THIRD stage, instead of the second
  swarm pages into the area #8000..#BFFF under-
  pages of independent (for example-
  measures of static) RAM.T.c. up to 90% of the time
  not a processor is spent on fetching instructions,
  then the program written to this area
  will run in TURBO mode at 2 and
  more times faster.
   In the old pages (all remain) it is convenient
  but store the transferred data.
   It should be clarified here that the user
  the body is free to decide whichstages of pre-
  boots and in what order should he do it. From-
  the absence of any part of the improvement, in particular
  first, it is easily determined programmatically, and,
  secondly, it will only lead to distortion
  colors or to “slow down” the program
  we. Moreover!  Can be assembled separately
  circuit for fast RAM or straightening ad-
  res (two microcircuits, “PROFI” has four)
  and do not create new graphics modes.
   At the FOURTH stage you can: finalize
  video output scheme up to 256 colors, set-
  turn up the palette register, add multicolor
  lore (attribute) modes of increased
  permission, do direct, mi-
  Nuya TR-DOS, access to 1818 VG93, etc.
  Some of this package of schemes assumes
  can be published in the magazine "FAULTLESS",
  the rest can be ordered from me.

 - Will this modification be compatible?
         with a video processor, actively discussed
         expected on the pages "ONLINE".How
         do you relate to this discussion?

 V.M.G.: -I’ll start with the second question. Much-
  summer presence on the market of ideas taught
  I am calm about everyone's rights
  the user has his own views.
  Some want to have an improvement, even with a mini-
  small software, but sub-
  keyed by no more than two wires.
  Others are ready (and eager) to flip on
  computer board is all upside down. For 3
  decisivefactor-minimum price.Four-
  you are ready to pay any money, but
  Max.  software.etc. and
  etc. It's as natural as that
  some prefer blondes, others prefer
  burning brunettes. Worse, what many think
  and try to prove to others "scientifically
  point of view" that their preferences are
  the only true ones. This only leads
  verbal skirmish with transition to personal
  ity.In order to participate in the dis-
  discussions at a level no higher than “but I like-
  it’s like this!”, a minimum level is needed
  professionalism. For example, don't boast
  because you don't know how to decipher
  abbreviation "PDP", and look at the nearest
  best reference book or don’t be shy to ask
  ask other guys about it.
   To the very idea of connecting a video process
  litter from "Dendy" I take it calmly. Dora-
  Botka "Last change" not only does not conflict
  fusses with this idea, but I would also allow
  remove from the discussion questions about "confused-
  "of SPECCY addresses, low productivity
  Z80, about graphics compatibility.
  Another thing is that you can put forward a meeting-
  new idea (and more than one): for example, insert
  in "Dendy" "empty cartridge", connected
  to SPECCY. If you want, load the game from the drive
  ry (the end of the era of cartridge sales?), ho-
  scratch - write idiots or toys.
   In general, is it worth fighting with rivals?
  nobody on his territory? Maybe he’ll stay
  vimdendiku dendikovo, and efforts are concentrated
  Are we focusing on 3D animation that is inaccessible to him?
  I have certain experience in the field of
  field of creating a 3D video processor, but -
  this board is the size of "Leningrad". Ak-
  Is it real or has the train left? I wanted
  would like to know the opinion of your readers
  magazine on this issue.

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