Path: utzoo!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!wuarchive!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!samsung!uunet!microsoft!kentsu From: kentsu@microsoft.UUCP (Kent SULLIVAN) Newsgroups: comp.sys.cbm Subject: Re: SwiftLink 232 + other carts Message-ID: <71099@microsoft.UUCP> Date: 6 Mar 91 21:38:10 GMT References: <9103050059.AA15734@cwns9.INS.CWRU.Edu> <1991Mar5.135550.5053@news.nd.edu> Organization: Microsoft Corp., Redmond WA Lines: 55 In article <1991Mar5.135550.5053@news.nd.edu>, treesh@vangogh.helios.nd.edu writes: > I have get reciently pruchased the SwiftLink232 cartridge with cable. I have > not yet installed it into my system because I have a few questions about it > frist, primarly, can I use it in conjunction with other cardridge devices > at the same time? Yes, with some restrictions. Unlike many cartridges for the C-64/128 which have onboard ROMs and may force the computer into a particular mode, the SwiftLink (and SID stereo cart) are fairly transparent--they just take over a few addresses in I/O memory which can be accessed for I/O. The only thing you have to watch out for is another cartridge-type device which wants to use the same locations in I/O memory. > I have C128 computer, and I would like to know if I can put the Swithlink > in there along with an REU at the same time? The way I plan to do this is to > take a 44 pin ribbon cable (4 inches in lenght) and snap on two 44 pin > edge connectors onto it, and fit the REU and the Swithlink cartridges onto > the cable at the same time. I presume that the Swithlink is switchable I/O > page mapping so as not to cause conflicts witht the REU. Yes. The REU uses memory in the $DF00 page. The SwiftLink's default I/O page is $DE00, so there is no conflict. Using a ribbon cable as a cart port extender is not usually a good idea (the ribbon cable is poorly shielded), and is especially bad with most REUs because they are often even more sensitive than the typical cartridge. The SL's address can be moved by changing an onboard jumper. This is only necessary when using something like a BusCard II IEEE interface (which "lives" at $DE00 and can't be moved). A much better idea is a commercial cart port expander. The Aprospand is a popular choice, but it does leave the REU sticking up in the air (the Aprospand has four vertical ports). I have just ordered a nifty expander that should allow one cart to stick up and one to lay flat--perfect for the SL/REU combo. I will post the results after I receive the unit and try it. > Can anyone tell me if the REU is switchable, or does it even take up I/O > page space at all? The REU is not switchable. I think's it's silly that the almost all cart port devices come hard-wired for one address, especially those which just have to map registers into memory and don't have onboard ROMs. A little forethought... > Also, If Kent Slulivan should be reading this message, please e-mail me > reguarding the procedures I need to take as a programmer to get my hand on > some tehcnical information used to try to get my BBS software to take > advantage of this fine device. Assuming that you purchased the unit from CMD, give them a call. They can provide all the necessary info. If you purchased it from Dr. Evil, drop me a line. Kent Sullivan Microsoft Corporation The opinions expressed in this article are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer.