Re: Uploading System 6 via a PC?

[Carl Knoblock <cknoblo@oasis.novia.net>]

Richard Nurse <> wrote:
> I've just become the proud owner of a IIGS (they're pretty hard to come by
> here in the UK), but unfortunately it only came with a Prodos 8 boot disk
> (also containing UnShrinkit 2.0) , and a disk containing Proterm 2.1 
> Naturally, I'd like to get System 5 or 6, but what are my best options?
> Unfortunately, I don't have a Mac (though I can get occasional access to
> one), but I can XModem stuff between my PC and the IIGS. Is there a binscii
> decoder for the PC ( I've got Nulib, so I can unshrink .SHK files). I
> realise that I could send the binscii files to the IIGS and then un-binscii
> + unshrink them there, but I wouldn't have enough disk space for both the
> binscii'd file and the extracted files (I've only one 800k drive and not
> enough memory for a large RAM disk). 
> I can use ADT to copy disk images from the PC via cable to the Apple's
> 5.25" drive - is there anything similar that copies prodos images from the
> PC to 800k 3.5" disks?
> What are S16 file types - presumably System 5 / 6 system files? (they don't
> seem to run under prodos).

> Finally, on the subject of memory, my RAM card contains 512K (just the top
> half filled). What are my options for expansion?  I assume that filling the
> bottom half with 41256's will make 1 Meg? If so, what should the J1/J2
> jumpers be set to? Does the RAM all need to be the same speed (the top half
> is 150ns).

With only one floppy drive and limited memory, you aren't going to do much
with GSOS. That's probably why it only came with ProDOS 8. To get serious
with that machine, you need at least a 4 meg card, with 8 being avalable
if you want it. Also, for GSOS, a hard drive is a pretty good idea,
especially for system 6.  Alltech has the Focus hardcard with some nice
sized and priced drives. Or you can go SCSI with an Apple High Speed (used
only) or RamFast SCSI card (Sequential.) One argument in favor of SCSI is
the Iomega Zip.

Yes, S16 files are 16 bit programs, which will not run with P8. Once you
get the hardware upgraded a bit, transferring from the PC shouldn't be a
serious problem. Of course, you could also get a modem for the GS.

-- 
Carl G. Knoblock                     Metro Apple Computer Hobbyists
cknoblo@oasis.novia.net              Member: The Dead Computer Society
cknoblo@delphi.com                   KFest 97 July 30 - August 3, 1997