Hardware - About the SCORPION-256 & COMPACT-128 computers.

         *  ЖЕЛЕЗО  *           
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так, сегодня  речь  пойдет  о
двух  видах  компьютеров.   А
именно: о  "SCORPION   ZS-256
tURBO" и о "COmPACt 128".       
                                
     * SCORPIONS HARDWARE *     
                                
       "Куй железо пока горячо."
             (Народная мудрость)
                                
очу немного рассказать вам об
аппаратной  части  компьютера
"SCORPION ZS-256".  The main thing
the advantage of this computer is
its "SHADOW SERVICE mONITOR".
Not available on any other Spectrum
such a convenient operating mode.
True, the combination suffers a little
timability with a branded model. Oh
how to deal with this and how to go about it
our conversation.   All problems
incompatibility, as expected
expect due to port decryption
#7FFD (32765). Like you probably
already know, in the branded spectrum -
This port does not have full
decryption and therefore the command OUt
253, RAmPAGE safely
will switch the page. Scorpion
as a result of such fraud
will be very offended by you, and then
will refuse to work. And it's all about
that in Scorpion it deciphers-
Xia port #7FFD. ENTIRELY! TO
also if in register 'B'
is the number #1F, then it is possible
situation,when it doesn't even work
"RESEt"!!                       
   Such problems do not concern
only owners of Scorpions,
but also owners of other cars with
expanded memory. Such as
Atm-Turbo, ANGStREm, KAY-256.
"Happy"computer users
yutera "pROFI" boast of their
"Super compatibility button
(ON/OFF)"and extol with might and main
your computer. Although they can
understand, after all, the day was wasted -
gi... So rejoice, Happy
real owners of SCORPIONs.
All your problems are in the past
because... Because such a button can be
(and need to) do this too
computer.    Everything is simple up to
brilliant.                    
   For this at least
working board required
Scorpion, pair of microcircuits,
soldering iron, computer circuit, and
of coursethe button itself. As
which can be used conventionally
ny microphone type RESEt.  All
the operation takes no more
one and a half hours.  With installation
of this button you will have
all programs work
using for switching
pages #FD port. Although there is everything
some nuances. You don't have
programs will work
using RSt #8. Although personally
I only know one like this
program - boot Trubinova.  C
the buttons work StS, INSULt,
DEACtIVATORS 128, DIZZY DOWN
RAPIDS, etc.   Besides
installation of this button is
does not affect work
SerVice monitor. By the way this
button is optional
hacker's tool, because  with her
with help you can deceive defenses,
built on zero eighth
pages.  Personally I did this
finalization back in January, and beforethese
so far no disruptions in work
there was no computer visible.
Therefore, if you decide on this
step, then all you need to do is
write to me. By the way, on Scorpion
very easy to hang different
improvements.  And there's no need to dig
on the board, everything is soldered to
system connector. For example, at
I have four toggle switches connected
and two buttons.  All this does
work more convenient. For example,
you need to step away for a while
from the computer, and the pause mode is in
not provided for in the program.  B
in that case I switch everything
one toggle switch and all the work
the processor stops.  Or
it is necessary to check the functionality
the ability of any firmware
ROM.  Write it to zero
page, pull the toggle switch - and
instead of ROM yours will work
program.                      
   But there are still some
problems.  At least them
two.   Firstly, on some
boards does not work digitized
music. Secondly, it is impossible instead
standard 48th BASIC
flash some other
version.  This happens because
what's in Scorpion48ROM
processing procedure recorded
port #1FFD. Therefore, when working
with other firmware it is necessary
rearrange chipsROM,
because  it is not always possible to replace
ROMzero page.          
   But despite these shortcomings,
Scorpion ZS-256 turbois
by far the most
easy to use Spectrum
compatible computer.        
   Now I’ll tell you very briefly
about special software
under this wonderful computer
yuter. Some programs are just
impossible to adapt to others
Spectrum-compatible models
computers. For example, the program
"mAGOS".   Probably already many
owners of Scorpy tried it
at work. For those who still
knows nothing about this program
meh, then I'll briefly talk about it. 
   The program "mAGOS" allows
Scorpy users have
computer memoryat the same time
several programs and quickly
switch from one to another.
Moreover, program execution
continues from there
the moment at which you
interrupted.  Moreover, in memory they can
there are programs running in
different operating systems:
tR-DOS and iS-DOS. Particularly convenient
use "mAGOS" when writing
Research Institute of Programs.    In memory
can be present at the same time
assembler, monitor-debugger and
directly the person being tested
program.   So what are the spheres for
use of this program
more than enough.       
   Now from soft' again
Let's return to hard. In my opinion 256
kilobyte RAM is quite enough.
After all, in all other models
computers where it is used
memory expansion over 128kb.
additional memory is used
mainly when copying
disks, yes in specialized
programs. The overwhelming majority
which comprise
texteditors, databases
data, but an insignificant amount
games that actually work and
on128th machines, but with periodic
chemical data subloads.    
   So, let's draw the line.  If
you need a computer for
comfortable work, then better
cars than SCORPION ZS-256 tURBO
you won't find it.   With installation
buttons #1FFD-OFF problems
compatibility will stop you
worry.    Well, if you
are going to use a computer
ter for working with texts or
for accounting purposes, then
I don't think it matters which one
models SPECtRUm you to buy.
Of course, there are "pROFI" and "ATM"
special editors, allowing
those that have 80 characters per line,
but why is this necessary?!!  Most
the optimal mode is 40
characters, and this mode
supports both "tLW"and "iS-EDITOR", and "ZX-WORD".           
   After reading all of the above
the reader may have an opinion
in bias. However this is not
yes.  I didn't set it as my goal
exceed the merits of one
model in front of another.  I just
told me about the computer
"SCORPION ZS-256 tURBO". If you
are a computer user
tera of any other brand -
write about its features, and
we will be happy to publish
your letter.    All letters
send to the editor's address
or bring it in person.            
  P.S.: If you are interested
compatibility button or you want
learn more about others
modifications, and also if you
you know how to do something
digitized music played -
write to me at:           
                                
   162612 Vologda region,  
 Cherepovets, Lyubetskaya st., building 15,
 kv.33. Sbrodov Anatoly.Now the word is given to me
great friend Igor Kiselev.
He will tell you about the computer
models "COmPACt-128". So to him
word:                          
   Hello, we are talking today
will be about the computer "COmPACt 128"
Leningrad production, to
to my deepest regret
more detailed information about it
I don’t have any manufacturers (and so
I would like!), well, here’s mine
look at this computer today
there is one of the most compatible
models of class ZX SPECtRUm, although
and is made according to a scheme with a common
memory field, for example, personally
Only 1 (one!) does not suit me
toy, I don’t even remember it
names, well, you can also go here
shove the sad fact that in
SHOCK'eanti-
synchronous movement of strips
on the border and screen (in the 1st
parts SHOCK of course). One day
I went to the store to buy bread
came across a board "COmPACt-256"
byquite a reasonable price, and it is necessary
I would say I would buy it... But I don’t
got attached to my faithful one,
old SPECCY-128, if to be before
to be frank, then I have
worth "COmPACt-128", well, in general
I bought bread and went home, and
a year and a half later I found out that
this is nothing more than a new model
SCORPION.  And that's not the point at all
Tom, Sergei Zonov knows about this
model or not, but completely in
friend... However, I digress, and
so COmPACt-128:                
                                
Main memory 128 kB
Of which OS ROM 32 kb
Plus DOS ROM 16 kb
CP clock frequency 3.5 MHz
Central processor Z-80
No video processor
Sound processor AYЗ8910
Processor NGMD KR1818VG93
General memory field
 There is an interface like
CENtRONICS forconnections
tera, control is carried out by
251th port (had to install
LPRINT-III I didn’t want the driver
write). Undoubted dignity
this computer - availability
enhanced RGB output, as well as
presence of interface KEmPStONC
correct addressing. Port 255
(#FF) is missing, but all
programs work almost irreplaceably
This is a sad fact.         
   Well, in conclusion I want to say -
Please note that the board has a system
connector (unfortunately all signals
taken directly from the processor and
so don't hang on to it
too much). If you need something
if it’s not clear - write to the address
editions marked: "Kiselev
Igor", or directly to me at:
                                
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     162626 Vologda region,    
        g. Cherepovets-26,        
        requested.       
   Igor Nikolaevich Kiselev.  
                                
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   You can send your schematics
solutions, and indeed everything you need
comes to mind(explosive
and toxic substances are not
send!).                    
                   See you!
                                
                           Bye!