ZXpand-Commander
Re: ZXpand-Commander
I don't know how evolution works, but if you're talking about firmware updates then hmm, I think that ZXpand does that already - the firmware for the ZXpand can flash itself, but as commander is just a normal P file then all you need to do is copy it to your SD card. Are you concerned because the source files are there in the archive too? They're only present in case anyone wants to add a feature - the P file is all most people will actually need.
Have I understood correctly?
C
Have I understood correctly?
C
Re: ZXpand-Commander
Hmm. I see. Does it mean there is something more to flash, beside of the Firmware?sirmorris wrote:I don't know how evolution works, but if you're talking about firmware updates then hmm, I think that ZXpand does that already
And this particular thing cannot be "re-flashed" from the level of ZX81?
(Sorry, You realize I know crap about hardware ).
IN NIHILUM REVERTERIS - a big text-adventure game for ZX81: http://tiny.pl/g2m6m
"MONOCHROME" issue 5 - (Spring 2014) free paper/PDF magazine about ZX81: http://tiny.pl/q2m44
ZX81 COMPETITIONS 2007/2009: http://zx81.republika.pl/
"MONOCHROME" issue 5 - (Spring 2014) free paper/PDF magazine about ZX81: http://tiny.pl/q2m44
ZX81 COMPETITIONS 2007/2009: http://zx81.republika.pl/
Re: ZXpand-Commander
The only thing that ZXpand can update is the firmware for the controller chip on the interface. This is done by placing a file on the SD card. The interface also contains an EPROM which holds the 'operating system' program - this can't be updated unless you have access to EPROM programmer hardware. The chip needs to be removed from the board, erased, then programmed with new code.
The string printed at machine reset 'ZXPAND X.Y' indicates which version of the controller firmware you have. Doing the SD card flsh will update this. The EPROM also has a version number, but this can only be displayed from BASIC:
PRINT PEEK 7679 / 10
I hope that helps, Yerz!
The string printed at machine reset 'ZXPAND X.Y' indicates which version of the controller firmware you have. Doing the SD card flsh will update this. The EPROM also has a version number, but this can only be displayed from BASIC:
PRINT PEEK 7679 / 10
I hope that helps, Yerz!
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Re: ZXpand-Commander
What SirMorris is saying, is that ZXpand has two main parts (not including the 32k RAM):
1) a small independent micro-controller (a small computer on a chip) which has it's own FLASH "ROM" memory to control it, all in the same physical chip, it is this chip which interfaces between the Z80 CPU and the SD card,
and
2) a EPROM that has the code in it to add the commands and functions executed by the ZX81's Z80 CPU so that a user can control ZXpand from BASIC
Mark
1) a small independent micro-controller (a small computer on a chip) which has it's own FLASH "ROM" memory to control it, all in the same physical chip, it is this chip which interfaces between the Z80 CPU and the SD card,
and
2) a EPROM that has the code in it to add the commands and functions executed by the ZX81's Z80 CPU so that a user can control ZXpand from BASIC
Mark
ZX81 Variations
ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
ZX81 Video Transistor Buffer Amp
Standby alert
There are four lights!
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
ZX81 Video Transistor Buffer Amp
Standby alert
There are four lights!
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
Re: ZXpand-Commander
Ah, thx guys.
So I have no access to EPROM programmer. So that's what I meant.
OK, just asking anyway.
So I have no access to EPROM programmer. So that's what I meant.
OK, just asking anyway.
IN NIHILUM REVERTERIS - a big text-adventure game for ZX81: http://tiny.pl/g2m6m
"MONOCHROME" issue 5 - (Spring 2014) free paper/PDF magazine about ZX81: http://tiny.pl/q2m44
ZX81 COMPETITIONS 2007/2009: http://zx81.republika.pl/
"MONOCHROME" issue 5 - (Spring 2014) free paper/PDF magazine about ZX81: http://tiny.pl/q2m44
ZX81 COMPETITIONS 2007/2009: http://zx81.republika.pl/
Re: ZXpand-Commander
Dammit, I should have listened more closely in 'explaining things better' class..!
Re: ZXpand-Commander
No dude, this is my crap English appearing in its full majesty.
Anyway, returning to the main topic - on Eva it is still dangerous. I can re-flash both - baseconf and ROM but if it goes dead while re-flashing...... Hehe.
They made accessible some small "emergency prog" and seems like it solves the possible "unpredictable" problems, that's another thing.
Anyway - I don't suppose it would be possible to make the existing ZXpand fully "flashable" (haha) from the ZX81 level.
Maybe in some next version.
Anyway, returning to the main topic - on Eva it is still dangerous. I can re-flash both - baseconf and ROM but if it goes dead while re-flashing...... Hehe.
They made accessible some small "emergency prog" and seems like it solves the possible "unpredictable" problems, that's another thing.
Anyway - I don't suppose it would be possible to make the existing ZXpand fully "flashable" (haha) from the ZX81 level.
Maybe in some next version.
IN NIHILUM REVERTERIS - a big text-adventure game for ZX81: http://tiny.pl/g2m6m
"MONOCHROME" issue 5 - (Spring 2014) free paper/PDF magazine about ZX81: http://tiny.pl/q2m44
ZX81 COMPETITIONS 2007/2009: http://zx81.republika.pl/
"MONOCHROME" issue 5 - (Spring 2014) free paper/PDF magazine about ZX81: http://tiny.pl/q2m44
ZX81 COMPETITIONS 2007/2009: http://zx81.republika.pl/
Re: ZXpand-Commander
Actually it is.. Both Siggi and I have fully flashable boards. You need a new memory decoder chip though.
If you need a new EPROM I can sort you out, but I thought you already had an up-to-date (ish) ROM.
C
If you need a new EPROM I can sort you out, but I thought you already had an up-to-date (ish) ROM.
C
Re: ZXpand-Commander
Yes yes, I have. And I don't complain at all.
So who knows - maybe in Germany, if we'd be going next year, heheh.
OK, thx!
So who knows - maybe in Germany, if we'd be going next year, heheh.
OK, thx!
IN NIHILUM REVERTERIS - a big text-adventure game for ZX81: http://tiny.pl/g2m6m
"MONOCHROME" issue 5 - (Spring 2014) free paper/PDF magazine about ZX81: http://tiny.pl/q2m44
ZX81 COMPETITIONS 2007/2009: http://zx81.republika.pl/
"MONOCHROME" issue 5 - (Spring 2014) free paper/PDF magazine about ZX81: http://tiny.pl/q2m44
ZX81 COMPETITIONS 2007/2009: http://zx81.republika.pl/
Re: ZXpand-Commander
I have been using COMMANDER 1.8 with ZXPAND 2.3 and it locks up when trying to create a DIR (shift+K). I type the name hit ENTER and "freeze frame".
Problem with SDHC 16GB card?
Problem with SDHC 16GB card?
5-TS1000,UK ZX81<-Sheelagh, US ZX81, 2-TS1500/KDLX , 3-TS2040 printer, 2-TS2020 cassette decks, ZXPAND+AY, ZeddyNET, ZXBlast, UDG, ZX8CCB, AERCO, BUILDS/REPAIRS ZX Spectrum, ZX80 Minstrel, ZXMAX48 v1 v2, 2-TS-2068, ROM, 16kRAM