Re: Returning to Apple ][+ & need basic help

[rubywand@aol.com (RUBYWAND)]

In article <4k7581$lho@nnrp1.news.primenet.com>, donnlee@primenet.com
(Snowboard Freak) writes:

>....
>How do I reboot the ][+ without using the power switch?  Is there a
>CTRL-OPENAPPLE-RESET like the //e?
>

    The standard II+ "auto-start ROM" does not permit forcing a reboot
from, say, the middle of a game. You can enter PR#6 from the BASIC prompt;
but, getting back to BASIC is often not possible.

    This is a very annoying deficit. Turning the machine OFF/ON stresses
system components; and, in any case, one may wish to stop program
execution without doing a reboot.

    It could be that Apple wished to impair II+ capabilities as a program
cracking machine. The outcome was a series of 'special' $F8 PROMS by
various enterprising II users.

    Since the II+ Reset is hardwired, no program can block execution of a
Reset sequence. If you place a half-second check for key-press routine in
the sequence, then, for example, a Reset followed immediately by a "B" can
force a reboot. Reset-(minus) can force entry to the monitor, Reset-M can
execute a Memory Move (e.g. to capture code in the Text Screen area) and
enter the monitor, etc..  

    A popular special $F8 PROM is named "Senior PROM". We 'rolled our own'
and added an extension to routines located in PROM on a card in Slot
7--you can, remember, use 2K of memory space at $C800-$CFFF.

    In fact, by making the auto-start ROM so user-unfriendly, Apple ended
up spawning modifications which turned its II+ into the world's finest
program-cracker. Some game-makers added ROM checks to their protection
schemes; but, these are easily circumvented by making special $F8 PROMs
switchable with the standard ROM.

    If you'd like to add forced booting and other neat features to your
II+, look for one of the special $F8 PROMs or 'burn' one of your own. (You
can use the space taken up by casette R/W for your custom code.)   
   


>I got a copy of ProTerm, but it says I need a 65C02 to run it.  What's
>the next best term program I can use on my ][+?
>....

    A very good II+/IIe/IIgs modem program is Modem MGR. MM can work with
40/80 column displays, supports popular protocols (including z-modem), and
works with virtually all serial cards as well as the IIgs serial port.

    For $49.95 you get the program diskettes (DOS 3.3 and ProDOS) and
first rate documentation in a fat loose leaf binder. Last time I checked
MGR Software's number was 714-993-0294.






Rubywand