Re: I need help with Asimov

[rubywand@swbell.net]

Vince Scoglietti writes ...
> 
> Hello folks,
>   I've been a longtime Apple II user and I was suprised when I stumbled
> across many sites dedicated to the Apple II.  I've recently pulled my
> ol' IIGS out of the closet and hooked it back up to try some of the
> stuff found on Ground, Caltech, Asimov.....Anyway, I've gotten Asimov
> to my IIGS and unshrunk it, and I've formatted a bunch of 5.25's in
> DOS 3.3.
>
>   I downloaded the Zaxxon disk image, un gzipped it on my PC, and sent
> it to my IIGS over a modem connection.  Here's where the problem
> occurred:  The disk image was received as an ASCII text file ($0040,
> or something like that, hexidecimal), and when Asimov wrote it to the
> newly formatted DOS 3.3 floppy, it seemed to erase the disk directory,
> so that GS/OS (System 6 with the DOS 3.3 FST installed) didn't
> recognize it, and when I booted the disk, all the drive did was whir
> with the red light on.  Anyone know what the problem is? ....
>

     The disk image over-wrote your DOS 3.3 formatted diskette because 
that's what disk images do. A disk image _is_ the disk, not just a 
collection of files. There is no need to format diskettes you plan to use 
as image targets.

     Your copy of Zaxxon is copiable, but, it is not entirely 
deprotected. Games like Zaxxon, Ultima V, and several others 
incorporate a boot which requires the 5.25" Boot Zero code from the disk 
controller to somewhat resemble that found on the Disk ][ controller 
card. If it does not, the boot process hits a snag and bombs.

     The IIgs 5.25" disk controller code 'works like' the old Disk ][ 
code; but, it is different. You could stick your Zaxxon into Drive One 
of some other Apple II, do a cold start, and the game would, probably, 
boot fine-- not on a IIgs.

     There is a way around the problem. You boot a DOS 3.3 diskette which 
places enough of the old ROM code into main memory to serve as a Stage 
Zero boot. BLOADing the code and putting it into RAM can be handled 
by the diskette's HELLO program.

     HELLO prompts you to insert your Zaxxon, Ultima V, or whatever 
diskette and press a key. When the key is pressed, the program CALLs the 
BLOADed code and you get an old Disk ][ Stage Zero boot. Viola!, your 
game starts without a hitch. There should be no problem in uploading the 
program to Ground's AOL Games War and Strategy folder as OLD2BOOT.SHK 
later on today.  


Rubywand