Re: SATURN 32K RAM BOARD

[mjmahon@aol.com (Michael J. Mahon)]

In article <fbb3caaf.0303211746.fe84c22@posting.google.com>,
gabe123@freeshell.org (Max Smart) writes:

>> >I installed the card but i dont know how to use it.  I tried peeking
>> >and poking at those memory locations but nothing happened and
>> >sometimes it freezes and i have to reset.  Also, what does the swithc
>> >on the back of the card do?
>> 
>> In general, "you" _don't_ use it--it is used by system software and
>> a few applications to provide additional capabilities and additional
>> space.
>> 
>> For example, if you boot a DOS 3.3 System Master, it will automatically
>> load whichever BASIC is not on the main board into the first 16KB
>> bank of the card.  If you have a ][+, Applesoft is on the main board
>> ROMs, so this will give you Integer BASIC.  (This may or may not
>> be of much interest to you.)
>> 
>> You can also now use ProDOS version 1.x, which makes good use
>> of the first 16KB bank.  Pascal requires thr first 16KB bank (and was
>> the original reason for the "Language Card"s existence).
>> 
>> If you use some disk copy programs, they will find the extra memory
>> and use it to reduce the number of disk swaps.
>> 
>> It is unlikely that you would use Appleworks on a ][+ (there are some
>> extension packages that support it), but if you do, you will find that
>> your "desktop" is 16KB richer because of the _second_ 16KB bank
>> (ProDOS uses the first).  (Assuming that Appleworks has a memory
>> manager module that can use >16KB slot 0 cards--ISTR that it does.)
>> 
>> There are some "DOS relocators" which will load DOS 3.3 into the
>> first 16KB bank, giving you somewhat more memory for Applesoft
>> or other programs.
>> 
>> The card is not directly usable from Applesoft, but it is a useful
>> addition to a ][+, since much later software (particularly ProDOS)
>> requires it to run.
>> 
>> -michael
>> 
>> Check out amazing quality 8-bit Apple sound on my
>
>
>Thanks.  I have a prodos boot disk from my apple ][c.  How can i run
>prodos on the ][+.  I also can't put the card in slot 0 because i have
>a rom card in there.  Also, should the switch be in the up or down
>posistion?

First, I don't remember what the switch on the Saturn 32KB card does.
Hopefully, someone here will know.

Second, you don't need a ROM card if you have a RAM card--the
RAM card provides Integer BASIC functionality when a DOS 3.3
System Master disk is booted (and ProDOS is not compatible
with Integer BASIC).

Remove the ROM card and replace it with the RAM card, appropriately
changing the DRAM chip that you plug the 16-pin DIP jumper into
so that it is clear of slot 1.  (Usually, this is the DRAM chip closest
to the power supply and closest to the rear of the machine.)

If the version of ProDOS that you have is not too recent (v2.x requires
a 65C02), then you should be able to boot it on the ][+.  I'm assuming
that you have a 5.25" disk controller card and a disk drive attached
to it.  ;-)

-michael

Check out amazing quality 8-bit Apple sound on my
Home page:  http://members.aol.com/MJMahon/