Re: How to use Microsoft Z-80 Softcard?

[nparker@cie-2.uoregon.edu (Neil Parker)]

In article <31c640cd.11895668@nntp.noc.netcom.com> george.lin@documentum.com
(George Lin) writes:
>I have a Microsoft Z-80 Softcard plugged into a special slot in my
>Apple IIe.  However, there is no manual or software come with the
>card.  Does anyone know how to use it?  Is there any driver software
>needed?  If so, where can I get a copy of the software?  I doubt if
>Microsoft Tech Support people know anything about it.  Any help is
>appreciated!

If it plugs into your IIe's auxiliary slot (rather than one of the seven
regular slots in the back), then it's probably a Microsoft Premium Softcard
IIe.

Apparently, when it's not being used as a Softcard, it doubles as an
80-column card with 64K of memory.  In other words, it makes your IIe a
full 128K machine.  You don't need any special software to activate this
function--anything specifically written for the Apple IIe already knows
how to use it.

But that's not its only function--it also has a Z80 coprocessor for running
the CP/M operating system.  In order to use this function, you *will* need
special software, namely a Premium-Softcard-compatible CP/M boot disk.

I think I read somewhere that the necessary disk goes by the name
"Microsoft CP/M 2.26".  The "2.26" part is essential--earlier versions are
designed for regular-slot Microsoft Softcard, not the auxiliary-slot Premium
Softcard, and won't work on the Premium Softcard.

               - Neil Parker

P.S.  *Don't* look for CP/M boot disks from other Z80 card manufacturers--
most of them *won't* work on the Softcard.  In the old days when CP/M was
still "alive," there were several different, mutually incompatible Z80
cards for the Apple II, each with its own boot disk that wasn't compatible
with anybody else's card.
-- 
Neil Parker, nparker@{cie-2,cie}.uoregon.edu, http://cie-2.uoregon.edu/~nparker

                     "Bad move, Neil!"  -- The Tick