Re: //gs info needed...

[dempson@actrix.gen.nz (David Empson)]

In article <307a96$2m2@search01.news.aol.com>,
GregDunn <gregdunn@aol.com> wrote:
> Hi.  I'm a long-time ][ hacker, first-time //gs caller.
> 
> I bought a //gs motherboard (ROM 01) for $25 last weekend; I have 5.25"
> disks, kbd, pwr supply, etc.  and am slowly crawling up the learning curve
> from my old ][.

Are you using a IIe keyboard or an Apple Desktop Bus keyboard?

If you want to do very much with it, you'll also need a mouse and a
memory expansion card, at least 1 megabyte, preferably 2 or more.  A 4
megabyte RAM card (the official maximum) costs up to US$130.  The
maximum size supported by the IIgs is 8 megabytes, but there are
DMA compatibility problems with cards larger than 4 megs, and 4 megs
is the most common size.

You will _definitely_ need a 3.5" drive.  The IIgs cannot be used as
anything more than a fancy IIe if you only have a 5.25" drive.  (The
native operating system barely fits on a 3.5" disk, let alone a 5.25"
disk.)

ProDOS-8 and DOS 3.3 will work fine with just a 5.25" drive.

> I have successfully booted the gs from an old DOS disk using a b/w
> composite monitor for display, so everything seems to be in working order.
>  I need two things:  (1) info on what non-Apple RGB monitors can also be
> used (IBM CGA?  multi-sync?);

The IIgs uses an analog RGB monitor, so CGA and EGA monitors are out.

It has a scan frequency of 15 kHz, which is too low for most modern
monitors.  I think the standard Amiga monitor will work, and any
multisync monitor which can go as low as 15 kHz could be adapted.

If you aren't using an Apple IIgs monitor, you'll need to jury-rig a
cable.  I can probably help with this, if you have information on the
pinout expected by the monitor.

> (2) how to get //gs software from my Mac (which is connected to the
> world) to the gs (which has NO software on it right now).  Serial port? 

Yes, a serial port is probably the best route, provided you have a
communications program and a 3.5" drive.  The IIgs system software is
supplied on 3.5" disks and requires at least 1 MB of RAM to run.

If you have any comms programs on the II+, you may be able to use them
(if necessary, put the serial card into the IIgs, because old programs
are unlikely to work with the IIgs serial ports).


I don't suppose you got a manual with the motherboard, so you won't
know about the following special key combinations:

Ctrl-Apple-Reset     Do a cold reboot  (same as a IIe)

Ctrl-Option-Reset    Reboot via a menu which lets you enter the
                     Control Panel or restore default settings

Ctrl-Apple-Option-Reset   Start the self-test

Ctrl-Apple-Escape    Bring up the Classic Desk Accessories menu,
                     giving you access to the Control Panel without
                     having to reboot.  There is also an "Alternate
                     Display Mode" desk accessory which allows the use
                     of text page 2 (very rarely needed) and other
                     classic desk accessories may be installed by booting
                     GS/OS (the native operating system).

Ctrl-Apple-Delete    Flush the keyboard buffer (if you have it enabled).


If you are using an old IIe keyboard, the solid Apple is "Option", and
the open Apple is "Apple" or "Command".

The Control Panel is menu driven and is pretty straightforward.  Ask
here if you have any questions about it.  Most of the settings can be
changed on the fly, except for the following:

- Display frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz) must be selected via the Ctrl-Option-
  Reset menu, and can only be changed by rebooting.  This will also restore
  all default Control Panel settings.

- System Speed (Fast or Normal).  Changing this may not have an immediate
  effect, especially if you're in BASIC or the monitor and waiting for a
  keypress.  It will take effect next time you hit Ctrl-Reset, or the next
  time you call up the desk accessories menu while not waiting for a key.

- Slots: any changes to slots (internal function or "your card") will only
  take effect on the next boot (e.g. Ctrl-Apple-Reset).  The startup slot
  is obviously only going to affect next reboot.

- Printer and modem port settings will not affect the port until it is
  next initialized (e.g. PR#1 or PR#2, either manually or under program
  control).

- If no RAM disk was previously configured, setting the RAM disk size will
  take effect on the next reboot.  Subsequent changes to the RAM disk size
  will be ignored at reboot time, unless you turn the machine off and on
  again, or start a self-test, then reboot.

You should always set the RAM disk "minimum" and "maximum" sizes to
the same value.  A lot of software (including GS/OS) has problems if
you have them set to different values.

You won't be able to set up a RAM disk until you get a memory
expansion card.


That about covers it for now....  :-)
-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz
Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand