Info-IBMPC@WSMR-SIMTEL20.ARMY.MIL ("Info-IBMPC Digest") (07/16/90)
Info-IBMPC Digest Mon, 16 Jul 90 Volume 90 : Issue 107
Today's Editor:
Gregory Hicks - Rota Spain <GHICKS@WSMR-Simtel20.Army.Mil>
Today's Topics:
"Best of USSR Software Show"
16-bit software only version of 80386
ANSI.SYS questions
AT&T PC 6300 Real Time Clock Problem
Conflicting 'prompt' and 'echo off' commands in BAT-file
Grep source wanted
High DOS Blues
parallel ports (2 msgs)
Porting Basic Program from Apple2 to IBM PC
Recent Uploads
Two Winchester Controllers (2 msgs)
unsplitting files (one program)
Upgrading IBM PS2-60 to 386?
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Fri, 22 Jun 90 21:07:21 PDT
From: dbarber@pnet01.cts.com (David C. Barber)
Subject: 16-bit software only version of 80386
Kopczyns asks in Volume 90 Issue 103 about a rumored version of the
80386 chip that is stamped for 16-bit software only.
Yes, such a version exists. The early 80386 chips were discovered to
have a couple bugs, one of them relating to using the 80387
co-processor while in 32-bit mode, another one in the 32-bit arithmetic
(integer) section.
These chips were quite capable of running 16-bit PC and MS-DOS
programs, since DOS only used the original 8086 instruction set, but
could not run 32-bit operating systems like SCO Unix and others.
While Intel was getting the problems fixed, they labeled the "bad"
chips as 16-bit only, and later on they swapped corrected chips for the
"bad" ones and may (I'm not sure on this) released some of the returned
ones also for DOS only systems after testing and labeling them as
16-bit software onlys.
The debugged 80386 DX (i.e. 32-bit) chips with all the bugs out are
stamped with a double sigma on the chip, and will work with all
software.
Hope this answers your question.
*David Barber*
UUCP: {hplabs!hp-sdd ucsd nosc}!crash!pnet01!dbarber
ARPA: crash!pnet01!dbarber@nosc.mil
INET: dbarber@pnet01.cts.com
Disclaimer: "These are only words. Don't make too much out of them."
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 90 10:10 MET
From: "Jim Groeneveld, NIPG TNO." <GROENEVELD%TNO.NL@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU>
Subject: ANSI.SYS questions
Dear John Perry,
The problem with keyboard redefinition with ANSI.SYS is that the total
amount of the redefinitions may only be a limited number of bytes, 192
I believe. I don't know whether the keys to be redefined add to that
number themselves. But if you have a set of definitions (in a file to
be TYPEd to CON, the screen) and you want to reset the keys to their
original values by defining them as themselves, these (re)definitions
add to the total amount even if already redefined keys are redefined
again. The old redefinitions still take space in memory, they are not
removed, though they are not active anymore.
Now, if by the second set of redefinitions the total amount of bytes
used in all redefinitions exceeds the limitation of 192 bytes problems
may arise such as that the new redefinitions may not be active, leaving
the old ones active. I presume this might be the problem you are
encountering.
This also means that it is not possible to define and redefine keys
unlimitedly as desired. In general it is only possible to use a set of
definitions up to the mentioned limit of bytes and have those
definitions active during a whole session without deactivating or
removing them.
I hope this helps you.
Regards - Jim Groeneveld.
P.S. I have a (BASIC) program with which one may easily setup a file
with keyboard assignments/redefinitions. If you are interested, drop me
a line.
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| NIPG TNO <work>: Y. Groeneveld (call name: Jim) <home>| GROENEVELD@TNO.NL |
| Postbus 124 | Wassenaarseweg 56 | Schoolweg 14 | GROENEVELD@HDETNO51 |
| 2300 AC Leiden | 2333 AL Leiden | 8071 BC Nunspeet | TNOSUR::GROENEVELD |
| Nederland (NL) : (+31|0)71-178810 | (+31|0)3412-60413| RULTNO::JIM |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 90 16:06 MET
From: "Jim Groeneveld, NIPG TNO." <GROENEVELD%TNO.NL@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU>
Subject: AT&T PC 6300 REAL TIME CLOCK PROBLEM
Dear Kerry,
Doesn't your real time clock need software to set the internal clock to
the real time clock? With XT's this is normal. One has to use this
software in AUTOEXEC.BAT in order to have the time adjusted. Something
like 'TIMER /S'.
Regards - Jim Groeneveld.
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| NIPG TNO <work>: Y. Groeneveld (call name: Jim) <home>| GROENEVELD@TNO.NL |
| Postbus 124 | Wassenaarseweg 56 | Schoolweg 14 | GROENEVELD@HDETNO51 |
| 2300 AC Leiden | 2333 AL Leiden | 8071 BC Nunspeet | TNOSUR::GROENEVELD |
| Nederland (NL) : (+31|0)71-178810 | (+31|0)3412-60413| RULTNO::JIM |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 90 17:00:34 MET
From: Ben Salemans <U070011%HNYKUN11.BITNET@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU>
Subject: Conflicting 'prompt' and 'echo off' commands in BAT-file
Hi there,
I have developed the following BAT-file (PGUPPGDN.BAT):
*----------------------------*
| prompt $e[0;73;"PgUp";13p |
| prompt $e[0;81;"PgDn";13p |
| set prompt= |
*----------------------------*
After the execution of this PGUPPGDN.BAT-file, the pushing of the PgUp-
or PgDn-key results in the display of the word 'PgUp' or 'PgDn' on the
screen AND the execution of the PgUp- or PgDn-command, which I have
defined in resp. the PgUp- and PgDn-BAT-files. In the appendix to this
mail you'll find the documented version of this BAT-file. As you can
see, I use the DOS-prompt command to define these key-strokes.
Because I did not want to display the contents of the PGUPPGDN.BAT file
while executing, I simply added the usual 'echo off' line at the top of
the file.
*----------------------------*
| echo off |
| prompt $e[0;73;"PgUp";13p |
| prompt $e[0;81;"PgDn";13p |
| set prompt= |
*----------------------------*
But after adding the 'echo off'-line the BAT-file did not execute well!
I would like to know if any of the IBMPC-L-readers recognizes this
problem and knows how to solve it. I have the impression that the
prompt-command feels the urge to display something on the screen. When
this is impossible (by the 'echo off'-line) the command does not work.
[As you may know, it is next to impossible, if not impossible, to send
the <esc> character (chr$(27)) from the command line to ANSI.SYS. When
DOS sees $e in the PROMPT command, it sends ESC to ANSI.SYS. If echo
is OFF, nothing is echoed to the screen, including the ESC character,
so nothing reaches ANSI.SYS... If you want to use ANSI.SYS to
re-program your keyboard, you'll have to leave echo ON until you finish
re-defining your keys. gph]
Bye!
Ben Salemans (u070011@hnykun11)
APPENDIX: PGUPPGDN.BAT with annotations in REM-statements
=========================================================
REM Ben Salemans, 22-VI-1990
REM --Start-of-definition-of-PgUp-Key-by-using-the-prompt-command------->
REM Pushing the PgUp-Key will result in the display of the string "PgUp"
REM on the screen and the execution of PgUp as a command.
REM Nota bene: '73' is the ASCII-code for the PgUp-key; 13p represents
REM a strike on the Enter-key.
prompt $e[0;73;"PgUp";13p
REM <------End-of-definition-of-PgUp-Key---------------------------------
REM =====================================================================
REM --Start-of-definition-of-PgDn-Key-by-using-the-prompt-command------->
REM Pushing the PgDn-Key will result in the display of the string "PgDn"
REM on the screen and the execution of PgDn as a command.
REM Nota bene: '81' is the ASCII-code for the PgDn-key; 13p represents
REM a strike on the Enter-key.
prompt $e[0;81;"PgDn";13p
REM <------End-of-definition-of-PgDn-Key---------------------------------
REM =====================================================================
REM Now we must set the prompt (else there won't be any prompt on the
REM screen)
set prompt=
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 23 Jun 90 22:36:23 EDT
From: Don Mac Phee <GKZ101%URIACC.BITNET@brownvm.brown.edu>
Subject: Grep source wanted
Is there PD source availible for grep and it's derivitives? [Yes,
there is a PD grep. Take a look in the <msdos.filutl> subdirectory and
grab the various flavors. While you're at it, grab
PD1:<MSDOS.FILEDOCS>AAAREAD.ME to see how to get the complete list of
files available here. gph]
Many appreciations in advance.
Don Mac Phee | Gkz101@Uriacc.Uri.Edu | A pessimist is never disappointed.
AAA Software | "It's not my fault!!" | An optimist is never surprised.
====================================================================
'There are two types of computer professionals: (Worst to best.)
Those that are impressed with Lotus.... And those that aren't.'
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 22 Jun 90 18:24:18 MEZ
From: Hans Gruenberger <GRUENBER@dulfaw1a.bitnet>
Subject: High DOS Blues
HELP!
I am trying to use expanded memory on an IBM PS/2-80 with 4 MB and
8414/A adapter and 110 MB ESDI hard disk and Token Ring adapter and an
additional memory expansion card...All those adapters mess up the high
DOS area and it is almost impossible to find contiguous memory for the
page frame - and it is also almost impossible to find RAM where to
"highload" some device drivers.
What am I doing wrong? (No, I can not accept "using an IBM PC" as valid
answer.) Using the wrong memory manager? We have tried 386MAX and QEMM,
maybe there are newer versions which can use a smaller page frame...
Wrong configuration of adapter RAM and ROM? We have spent hours with
pushing RAM and ROM areas around between C800 and DFFF, without result.
Is there a tool for finding out whats going on in high DOS (short of
using debug, of course)? Is there a tool which allows a more flexible
allocation of ROM and RAM areas? The tools on the IBM reference disks
are rather rigid...
If some of you have had similar experiences or can even give some hints
on how to overcome this mess, please send a short note to my user
account GRUENBER AT DULFAW1A (this is BITNET). I would appreciate this
very much ... and I also must apologize for cross-postings (should they
occur), but I'd like to reach as many PC gurus as possible.
+-------------------------------------- FFFFFF AAA WW ---- Ulm
| Hans Gruenberger, FAW Ulm FF AA A WW WW
| Helmholtzstr. 16, D-7900 Ulm FFFFF AAAAA WW W WW |
| FRG, +49 731-501-522 FF AA A WW WW WW |
| Bitnet: GRUENBER@DULFAW1A FF AA A WWWWWWW |
+------------------------------------------------------------+
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 22 Jun 90 16:52:00 EST
From: Rick Beebe <BEEBE%YALEMED.BITNET@VM1.NoDak.EDU>
Subject: parallel ports
>>>I have to write a program which reads input from a standard parallel port.
>>>I don't know if that's possible, I know that BIOS and DOS support only
>>>writing through the parallel ports.
>
>>As a general rule, parallel ports are output only. In fact, I probably would
>
>If a parallel port is output only, how do I read the status of a device?
>(like a printer).
Touche'
I still don't know how to do what the original requester wanted, but
here's what
I do have. According to the docs that I have:
Pin 1 OUT: Strobe
Pin 2 through 9 are data lines: OUT only
Pin 10 IN: Acknowledge
Pin 11 IN: Busy
Pin 12 IN: Paper out
Pin 13 IN: Select printer
Pin 14 OUT: Auto feed (device to automatically form feed at paper end)
Pin 15 IN: Error
Pin 16 OUT: Initialize printer
Pin 17 IN: Select input (device ready for input)
Pin 18-25: Ground
IBM made no provisions for parallel input until the introduction of the
PS/2. On PS/2's, the diagram is the same except that the data lines are
IN/OUT. Now, my guess would be that manufacturers *other* than IBM
probably implemented bidirectional printer ports early on (it may just
be an undocumented "feature" in IBMs as well).
Printer data goes out (and comes in?) through port 0x387. Ports 0x379
and 0x37A are used to read the status lines (i.e., they're the input
ports, 0x387 is the output port).
The above comes from Thom Hogan's "The Programmer's PC Sourcebook."
Another interesting tidbit comes from IBM's AT Technical Reference
manual. Under the section on the serial/parallel adapter it says:
Data Latch (Hex X78, X7C)
Writing to this address causes data to be stored in the printer's data
buffer. Reading this address sends the contents of the printer's data
buffer to the system microprocessor.
No, I don't really understand what it means, either.
Rick Beebe (203) 785-4566
***** ***** ***** * * Biomedical Computing Unit
* * * ** * Yale University School of Medicine
* * *** * * * 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06514
* * * * **
* * * * * BEEBE@YALEMED.BITNET
beebe%biomed.decnet@venus.ycc.yale.edu
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 23 Jun 90 12:24:00 +0100
From: Gerhardt Vogt <VOGT%EMBL.BITNET@VM1.NoDak.EDU>
Subject: parallel ports
Thanks to all who answered my original question. Using parallel ports
for I/O seems to be rarely used and people don't know much about it. In
the meantime I found an article in the german journal ct 6/88 which
helped me to understand what's possible.
1. My reason to use the parallel port instead of the serial is, that I
want to transfer pictures from a electron microscope to a PC and that
each picture is about 1MByte. Even with 115kBaud a serial link is to
slow.
2. There is a chip 8255 available for parallel communication. It can be
programmed for either input or output. I thought this chip is built
into parallel cards for PC's which is not true. To make it cheaper(?)
something different is in PC's. In principle it's possible to use it
for input, but you have to use the handshake lines which are normally
used to tell the computer, if the printer is ready etc. Laplink, for
example, uses 4 of the 8 datalines to send to 4 status lines on the
other side. Each byte which has to be sent is sent in two parts with 4
bits each. If you do some soldering, it's principally possible to use
all eight data-lines, but ...
3. I decided to use a self built parallel port with a 8255 chip. It's
easy to use and to program and I hope I can transfer with about
100kByte per second which seams to be feasible after the first few
tests.
If anybody is interested in details, let me know.
Thanks again
Gerhard
VOGT@EMBL.BITNET
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 22 Jun 90 15:08:08 EDT
From: kit@cbnewsc.att.com (Shailesh Bhobe)
Subject: PORTING BASIC PROGRAM FROM APPLE2 TO IBM PC
Keywords: PORT BASIC IBM APPLE
I have a few programs that were written by someone in BASIC to run on
APPLE2. They now have to be ported to IBM (under DOS). Can someone
please help me withe the following:
I. Are there any GOOD books on porting BASIC programs from APPLE to IBM PC ?
II. Also how does one convert source code files on APPLE2 to IBM PC format ?
Help sincerely appreciated.
Shailesh Bhobe
Email : att!golfer!smb
Voice : (708) 510-6997
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 22 Jun 1990 16:35 MDT
From: Keith Petersen <w8sdz@WSMR-SIMTEL20.ARMY.MIL>
Subject: recent upload
John, your QGRAFX.ARC is in SIMTEL20 directory PD1:<MSDOS.QBASIC>.
The address for posting your upload announcement is
INFO-IBMPC@WSMR-SIMTEL20.ARMY.MIL.
--Keith
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 22 Jun 90 11:20:43 MDT
From: Gregory Hicks <GHICKS%WSMR-SIMTEL20.ARMY.MIL@VM1.NoDak.EDU>
Subject: Two Winchester Controllers
>... I tried to do this, but the Plus Hardcard was not recognized.
> I have two Seagate 40 meg drives, but when I put the Plus
> card in, it was not operating...
[From Florence Ginsburg <N95%cuynvm.bitnet@graf.poly.edu>...]
I think the controller for the two Seagates (one card) and the
controller on the Plus Hardcard are vying for the same INTerrupt.
Allowable choices are IRQ2 and IRQ5. Try setting one on IRQ2 and the
other on IRQ5...
Both devices SHOULD work well together.
Best,
Gregory Hicks
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 22 Jun 90 14:16:30 MDT
From: Gregory Hicks <GHICKS%WSMR-SIMTEL20.ARMY.MIL@VM1.NoDak.EDU>
Subject: Two Winchester Controllers
You'll have to look at your installation manual. There should be a
section describing 'jumpers' that have to be installed/changed.
Other than that, Can't help...
Regards,
Gregory Hicks
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 22 Jun 90 16:19:25 EDT
From: "A. M. (Tony) Cichan" <TONY%YORKVM2.bitnet@ugw.utcs.utoronto.ca>
Subject: Upgrading IBM PS2-60 to 386?
Has anyone heard of or seen an upgrade kit that will convert an IBM PS2
model 60, which has a 80286 microprocessor chip, to an 80386 (sx or
dx)?
---------------=========================----------------
A. M. (Tony) Cichan TONY@YORKVM2.BITNET (416)736-5147
Department of Facilities Planning and Management
York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
------------------------------
End of Info-IBMPC Digest V90 #107
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