prindle@NADC.ARPA (09/09/87)
From: prindle@NADC.ARPA (Frank Prindle) For copy protected programs (like print shop), the 1571 drive must be in 1541 mode! To ensure this, do not (*do not*) power up the 128 and enter GO 64 to get it into 64 mode. Instead, power it up (or push the reset button) while holding down the C= (commodore logo) key. Keep holding the key until the blue C64 screen appears. This will keep the 128 from sending fast serial commands to the drive and the drive will stay in 1541 mode. Using the GO 64 results in the drive already having switched to the 1571 mode due to the autoboot attempt during power on or reset. Much copy protection relies on the drive RAM being set up exactly like a 1541. Sincerely, Frank Prindle Prindle@NADC.arpa
sbrunnoc@hawk.CS.ULowell.Edu (Sean Brunnock) (09/10/87)
The 1571 is NOT 100% compatible with the 1541 even when it is in
1541 mode. This has been documented in RUN magazine. I believe that
Activision programs written for the C64 cannot be loaded on the 1571.
I can personally attest that Gemstone Warrior for the C64 does not
load on the 1571.
S. Brunnock
fred@cbmvax.UUCP (Fred Bowen) (09/11/87)
In article <1662@ulowell.cs.ulowell.edu>, sbrunnoc@hawk.CS.ULowell.Edu writes: > The 1571 is NOT 100% compatible with the 1541 even when it is in > 1541 mode. This has been documented in RUN magazine. I believe that > Activision programs written for the C64 cannot be loaded on the 1571. It is DOS command compatible, of course, but some copy-protect schemes are not compatible. Some changes to the ROM (extending the data density tables, for example, to cover tracks >35) and the hardware (data separator) were actually done to *improve* reliability for many programs (GEOS, etc.). Unfortunately not everything was improved by this. Please note that "extra tracks" are "out of spec" to begin with- kinda like using un-implemented opcodes, really. Also, while 1541's can seemingly improve load reliablility by adjusting the motor spindle speed via a pot, the 1571's do not have this adjustment (another improvement- no belt). The best you can do send the 1571 a 'go 1541 mode' command of the form OPEN 1,8,15,"U0>M0": CLOSE 1. Also, some protect schemes actually diddle with the 6510 port- if you are using a C128, enter 64 mode by holding down the C= key at powerup or reset AND put the CAP LOCK key DOWN. That makes things as C64-like as possible. Finally, some mods made to the 6526 CIA changed timing ever so slightly, adversely affecting some copy-protect schemes (such as Digital Solution's stuff). In just about every case, you see, it is the copy-protection stuff that falls outside our specs that cause the real problem. -- -- Fred Bowen uucp: {ihnp4|rutgers|caip}!cbmvax!fred arpa: beats me tele: 215 431-9100 Commodore Electronics, Ltd., 1200 Wilson Drive, West Chester, PA, 19380
rickc@pogo.TEK.COM (Rick Clements) (09/21/87)
Most of the discussion has been on the differences between the 1541 and 1571. I am wondering about the differences between the 128 and 64. I have a program (Koala Paint) that will not load on my 128 & 1541. I borrowed a cartage version, it will not load either. Both work on my 64. Both versions start to load then die. It is not changing the clock speed because the VIC chip is not getting lost. Any ideas? I would like to patch the disk so it will work on either machine. Thanks in advance.
lishka@uwslh.UUCP (Christopher Lishka) (09/23/87)
I am not sure why the cartridge won't work with the 128, but I have noticed
one other funny problem. If one sticks a Fastload cartridge in the back of
a 128, the machine automatically comes into 64 mode (without any help). To
get the bugger to power up as a 128, you must have the cartridge removed.
Strange...but logical. Anyone know why this is so? Does the Fastload
cartridge have some sort of circuitry in it to make sure that this happens,
or is this the default option for cartridges in the back of a 128?
-Chris
--
Chris Lishka /lishka@uwslh.uucp
Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene <-lishka%uwslh.uucp@rsch.wisc.edu
\{seismo, harvard,topaz,...}!uwvax!uwslh!lishkathfisher@watmath.UUCP (09/24/87)
In article <267@uwslh.UUCP> lishka@uwslh.UUCP (Christopher Lishka) writes: > >I am not sure why the cartridge won't work with the 128, but I have noticed >one other funny problem. If one sticks a Fastload cartridge in the back of >a 128, the machine automatically comes into 64 mode (without any help). To >get the bugger to power up as a 128, you must have the cartridge removed. >Strange...but logical. Anyone know why this is so? Does the Fastload >cartridge have some sort of circuitry in it to make sure that this happens, >or is this the default option for cartridges in the back of a 128? > > -Chris >-- >Chris Lishka /lishka@uwslh.uucp >Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene <-lishka%uwslh.uucp@rsch.wisc.edu > \{seismo, harvard,topaz,...}!uwvax!uwslh!lishka All auto-start cartridges for the C64 contain 5 bytes of Auto-start code starting at location $8004 (at least as I can remember). These 5 bytes are checked by the computer at power-on. When you plug a C64 cartridge into a C128, the 128 recognizes these bytes as being the 64 startup. The 128 mode auto-start uses a slightly different sequence of characters to indicate that they are 128 mode cartridges. (for those of you who are curious, I believe that the 64 startup code contains the string 'CBM80'. Its been a while since I've used it so I could be wrong, and I'm not sure what the 128 uses.) Terry Fisher ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- This space left open for you to include your favourite disclaimer: thfisher@watmath Vic20,C64,C128,Amiga: What next?
daveh@cbmvax.UUCP (Dave Haynie) (09/29/87)
in article <2384@cbmvax.UUCP>, fred@cbmvax.UUCP (Fred Bowen) says: > > Now, regarding things like fast-load cartridges, they cause the 128 to > automagically go into 64 mode because they are 64-type cartridges. This is a > good thing- they would not run in 128 mode most likely anyhow. At powerup, > the 128 (well, Z80 specifically) sniffs the cartridge port and, upon smelling > a c64 type cartridge ('cause they diddle with /game and /exrom lines), goes > directly to 64 mode. More compatability. Taa-daa. As a side note for all you C128 fans out there... The fact that the C= key bops you into C64 mode started out as nothing more than a fix for some C64 type cartridges that didn't identify themselves as C64 cartridges right away. A few of these suckers diddle /game and /exrom on and off; if they happened to diddle off at the wrong time, the cartridge might not be seen and C128 mode would ensue. In some cases this would crash the C128. So the C= is checked right away to force the C128 into giving these cartridges what they want -- a C64. Some of the "ghost" or "phantom" cartridges that appear and disappear in the C64s memory map are in this class. -- Dave Haynie Commodore-Amiga Usenet: {ihnp4|caip|rutgers}!cbmvax!daveh "The A2000 Guy" PLINK : D-DAVE H BIX : hazy "God, I wish I was sailing again" -Jimmy Buffett