Re: Need help with Micro$oft Softcard

[Roy and/or Janet Miller <millers@inetnebr.com>]

sirarlias@webtv.net wrote:

> Hello all.
>
> Today I found a Microsoft softcard dated 1981 at a computer thrift shop.
> I assume this is a Z80 card for running CP/M software, correct?

Right, at 2 mhz (half the speed of most Z-80 stand alone machines, slower
still when you realize that it has to share memory with the 6502).

>
>
> Anyway, does the card activate only when CP/M software is present?

As I recall, you boot from a M$ supplied disk that is read by your Disk II,
but loads CP/M, if you don't have that software, I assume the card isn't
"turned on" I think I have some documentation here, I'll try to find it,
unless, of course, someone else finds the info you need sooner.

> I'm
> asking because the red LED on top of the card doesn't light up when I
> turn on my IIe. Also, what is the correct settings for the DIP switches?
> (They're all off). And...I'm not done yet...which slot is best for this
> card?

I think the //e documentation recommends slot 7 for coprocessors.

Roy

> (I have it in an enhanced IIe with an 80-column/64k card, a Super
> Serial in slot 1, a DiskII controller in slot 6, and an Alaska Copy Card
> in slot 7.
>
> Now if I can find some software to test it out with....
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> -RPM