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Re: MFX mass-storage add-on

Posted: 19 Aug 2022 15:47
by stephen_usher
All sounds good.

Hopefully I'll get one before Cyber Legends (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cyber-le ... 1267680627) in Hythe, Southampton on the 24th September so I can take it along. If not they'll just have to make do with the CFX. :D

Re: MFX mass-storage add-on

Posted: 19 Aug 2022 18:36
by Dave
Hi Steve,

that shouldn't be a problem, I'll be in touch soon

- lucky "winner" number 2 has been contacted now too :-)

regards
Dave

Re: MFX mass-storage add-on

Posted: 01 Sep 2022 11:49
by gunrock
I have received "the call". :!:

Now I just have to decide which of my three machines receives the upgrade! First world problems, eh?

Re: MFX mass-storage add-on

Posted: 01 Sep 2022 12:04
by gunrock
Quick question, what's the best way to detect the NFX programatically?

Read than the serial number or look for some output on some of the new ports? What's a safe way of detecting it (safe as in, "don't cause memory corruption or instability on a non-NFX equipped system").

Re: MFX mass-storage add-on

Posted: 01 Sep 2022 14:07
by stephen_usher
The MFX has arrived safely.

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SOOOO much tape and bubble wrap. :-)

Re: MFX mass-storage add-on

Posted: 01 Sep 2022 19:22
by stephen_usher
Installed and it works. The only issue that the NMOS CPU doesn't reset reliably.

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P.S. I was just misunderstanding how reset works on the MFX. It's all fine!

Now a picture in CP/M 80 column mode. Very nice:

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Re: MFX mass-storage add-on

Posted: 01 Sep 2022 20:25
by Martin A
gunrock wrote: 01 Sep 2022 12:04 Quick question, what's the best way to detect the NFX programatically?

Read than the serial number or look for some output on some of the new ports? What's a safe way of detecting it (safe as in, "don't cause memory corruption or instability on a non-NFX equipped system").
The network interface in on port 144 upwards (#90+) so INP(144) not being 120 identifies the network part is fitted.

The FPGA video controller is on port 58 (#3A) so again INP(58) not being 120 identifies the FPGA.

NB You can "tweak" the video settings from basic, OUT 58,217 will select retro mode without a reset, OUT 58,241 set the defaut 40 column view.

Re: MFX mass-storage add-on

Posted: 01 Sep 2022 20:55
by stephen_usher
It's all very impressive so far:

Bug report: USER RUN doesn't seem to want to work, returning to BASIC with "undefined". Actually, 'USER DIR "*.RUN"' gives "No file" for some reason but any other extension works fine.

With respect to the prototype end plate, it works well, though I had to drill the screw holes out to 3.5mm, matching the original, so as to give enough "wriggle room" for all three screws to line up. It's a bit fiddly getting it on but it's good once it's there.

Re: MFX mass-storage add-on

Posted: 01 Sep 2022 21:03
by Dave
I assume that you are using SDX BASIC mode with the default drive? i.e., you have not previously done a USER DRIVE change?

In that case, you’ll be looking at drive B. (The file names are case sensitive)

What does a CP/M DIR on drive B show? Any .RUN files?

Re: MFX mass-storage add-on

Posted: 01 Sep 2022 21:09
by stephen_usher
CP/M says booting from B: and A: mapped to B:

There are lots of .RUN files, including NEMO.RUN, which is what I tried to run.