Re: How to use Microsoft Z-80 Softcard?

[tomk@pro-nsdapple.cts.com (Tom Kelly)]

In <4q5n9l$p6h@pith.uoregon.edu>
nparker@cie-2.uoregon.edu (Neil Parker) writes:

>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
>
I have the disks for BOTH the Micro Soft Premium Soft Card and the Micro Soft
Soft Card.
If anyone needs them, send me E-Mail for info on getting them.
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