tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60396103088103494982024-02-20T14:23:31.964+01:00The AceCOMMOS - Commodore Modern Multitasking Operating System
for Commodore 128, Commodore 64, Commodore 65 & Mega 65MIRKOSOFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15059969246182753008noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039610308810349498.post-294038431408527942016-09-08T21:27:00.005+02:002016-09-08T21:31:11.589+02:00First steps to get work Commodore 65 graphics<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Last weeks </b>I'm <b>experimenting with Commodore 65 graphics</b>, anybody of you who visited The Ace web know that I needed to <b>split Commodore 65</b> and <b>Mega 65.</b></div>
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Mega 65 has not yet finished bitplanes and creating any graphics is near impossible 'cause test cannot to be corrected and correction saved to diskimage...</div>
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<b>I was using MESS emulator of C65</b>, but <b>now </b>I'm using <b>Gábor Lénárt's <a href="https://bintray.com/lgblgblgb/generic/xemu/current_version" target="_blank">XEMU emulator</a> of C65</b> and <b>bit M65</b> - both not yet finished but it's <b>better than MESS</b>. Now it looks like <b>VIC-III can use modes of VDC</b>, not all, but some in <b>more colors</b> and<b> without attribute clash</b>, <b>VIC-II modes are present</b>, only <b>VIC-IIe Real Interlace</b> must to be <b>used in VIC-III configuration</b>, but <b>again more colors, no attribute clash</b>...</div>
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Of course <b>there are also sprites.</b></div>
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That's lot about graphics, and for now will continue:</div>
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I'm<b> watching <a href="http://www.6502.org/users/sjgray/projects/vym-cart/index.html" target="_blank">Steve Gray VYM project</a> </b>- cartridge for C64 or C128 which brings <b>new video and audio device</b> to<b> Commodore 64</b> and <b>128</b>, later <b>VIC20 maybe</b>. It shares not computer RAM and like VDC <b>has own VideoRAM</b> in size <b>up to 192K</b>!</div>
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My <b>experiments with Basic 10.0</b> bringing me to <b>publish Code Writer tool</b>, for now codename <b>Code Writer Basic</b> (Basic for current supporting programming language) which <b>supports Basic 7.0 </b>only and <b>add Basic 10.0 support</b>. Maybe I <b>try to release it separately</b> from The Ace (of course The Ace will have it). I know that <b>PETCAT VICE tool</b> last fix removed prolems with text tokenizing to Basic 10.0 PRG files.</div>
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For now <b>I'm flirting still with Z80 and also C++</b>...</div>
MIRKOSOFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15059969246182753008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039610308810349498.post-84589141243679280622016-04-10T02:57:00.000+02:002016-04-10T02:57:02.845+02:00Website updatedMain The Ace website updated. Look at X80 support.MIRKOSOFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15059969246182753008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039610308810349498.post-83237822372858386202016-04-07T12:17:00.000+02:002016-04-07T12:26:45.541+02:00CP/M cartridge arrived - tests have amazing results!<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, yesterday arrived C64 CP/M Cartridge.</div>
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For me is no so important if is CP/M running, but if is accessible its Z80 CPU.</div>
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First time I turned off SCPU and tested in C64 mode - Z80 works and CP/M 2.2 too. Maybe you think - so, what new, C128 has Z80 and newer CP/M version... if this had to be only one positive result, Z80 and CP/M could had both modes - C128 and C64 too. BTW: CP/M 2.2 and 3.0 are compatible but CP/M 2.2 cannot read CP/M 3.0 disks...</div>
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But now I turned on SCPU, first test failed... I was not surprised, but don't wanted to lost the fight. I switched SCPU to 1MHz and tried again - and - in C64 mode was working Z80 and CP/M too... I was surprised, so in hope I switch to C128 mode and try CPU switch routine with simple Z80 program - amazing - works perfectly, only one thing is in timing, SCPU must to be set to 1MHz. Now I tried to load CP/M 2.2 directly to Basic 2.0 start address to execute CP/M loader in C128 mode - failed what was not surprise.</div>
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What these results giving us?</div>
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- C128 has without SCPU 3 CPUs: MOS 8502, Z80 inside C128, Z80 inside cartridge</div>
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- C128 has with SCPU 2 CPUs: WDC 65816 and Z80 inside cartridge</div>
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- in C64 mode are available without SCPU 2 CPUs: 8502 and Z80 inside cartridge</div>
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- in C64 mode with SCPU are available 2 CPUs: 65816 and Z80 inside cartridge</div>
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What it means?</div>
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C128 can work in both modes with code of these CPU families: X65, 65K and X80 - even C128 without SCPU has 2 Z80 CPUs!</div>
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I add X80 feature finally to The Ace for C128 and C64 computers...</div>
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The Ace</div>
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- output routine is near to finish, I'm handling C65 chargen and screen loaction</div>
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Miro</div>
MIRKOSOFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15059969246182753008noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039610308810349498.post-26325653096096177052016-03-18T23:20:00.002+01:002016-03-18T23:20:38.420+01:00ASCII output and CP/M cartridge<div style="text-align: justify;">
Screenshots I published not 'cause SinCore needs true ASCII output, I see that standard Commodore Kernal routine BSOUT changes codes of characters at output. I used it 'cause is common for all 4 computers - C128, C64, C65, M65. I know that I want have core Kernal independent, but if is anything common it's acceptable.</div>
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I'm awaiting CP/M cartridge to attempt use of its Z80 also when is SCPU turned on. About this is written on OS webpage.</div>
MIRKOSOFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15059969246182753008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039610308810349498.post-39963337468653907042016-03-13T04:24:00.001+01:002016-03-13T04:24:11.749+01:00New build - Power-On message with bootsequence<br />This night I finished power-on message with bootsequence.<br />
Here's late night or early morning, later maybe this evening I'll publish screenshots.<br />
Working on: C128, C128 mode 64, C64, C64DTV, M65, not working M65 mode 64.<br />
Miro MIRKOSOFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15059969246182753008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039610308810349498.post-23734206729152637482016-03-11T17:22:00.000+01:002016-03-11T17:23:45.838+01:00New boot sequence for all machines together will be finished this weekend<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, I finished boot sequence problems and I need only optimize code, then start first boot sequence to Editor. This weekend I do it and publish screenshots. Build will be not published 'cause it's really for SinCore made and for user at this time no usable.</div>
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When it will be at least usable I'll publish build.</div>
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Miro</div>
MIRKOSOFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15059969246182753008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039610308810349498.post-34953050060173040322016-02-28T18:53:00.000+01:002016-02-28T18:53:00.145+01:00Bootsequence near finishNew builds in The Ace core are made.<br />
At now I can recognize each model (in case of M65 really thanks to Paul Gardner-Stephen) at start process and load videochips defaults then output power on message. It's only text based for core. When will be universal whole core I go on C128 features to make them common as is possible.<br />
Screenshots I'll publish soon.MIRKOSOFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15059969246182753008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039610308810349498.post-20140959235014772212016-02-15T23:23:00.002+01:002016-02-15T23:23:27.707+01:00Look at few updates on <a href="http://www.theace.sk/" target="_blank">website</a>MIRKOSOFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15059969246182753008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039610308810349498.post-27123149849961493702016-02-10T15:11:00.000+01:002016-02-10T15:11:52.445+01:00Build 1602.010 @1119.1<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi all fans of The Ace OS. Since I<b> merged all versions together</b>, I began to <b>apply it to SinCore</b>. As first, <b>SinCore is Single Core</b> for <b>all three Commodore computers </b>- 128, 64, 65 and Mega 65.</div>
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I want to create it <b>transparent</b> that <b>for all </b>will be possible to <b>run single core</b>. I try as is possible to make it <b>Kernal independent</b>. SinCore is written in <b>X65 RISC architecture</b> (RISC meaning only standard opcodes). So, <b>new work began</b> and all <b>code used in The Ace 128</b> and its <b>SinCore 128</b> will be <b>after modification applied</b>. SinCore will have <b>included Extension</b> for <b>machine specific code.</b></div>
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<b>News</b> and changes<b> I'll publish here</b>.</div>
MIRKOSOFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15059969246182753008noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039610308810349498.post-57148180862600040712015-10-31T17:53:00.000+01:002015-10-31T17:53:00.995+01:00News, changesSo, yesterday I updated main web about The Ace and <a href="http://www.theace.sk/" target="_blank">look at</a> - there are so many changes that I'll be very happy for each comment what - you - Commodore users mean.MIRKOSOFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15059969246182753008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039610308810349498.post-51590996340864318162015-02-09T10:35:00.001+01:002015-02-09T10:35:01.411+01:00Today evening; I'll get CRT monitor for control computer by LightpenLike time was going I was searching for CRT monitor for using lightpen to control computer. This evening I'll get one and try it, later I'll publish any lightpen demo and my dream will be more real...MIRKOSOFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15059969246182753008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039610308810349498.post-9267150208429824952015-01-22T23:22:00.002+01:002015-01-22T23:22:50.720+01:00BOOTER 1.0.3 ReleaseBOOTER was released at CSDb at January, 22, 2015<br />
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Or download: <a href="http://www.mirkosoft.sk/booter.rar">BOOTER 1.0.3</a>MIRKOSOFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15059969246182753008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039610308810349498.post-465094692422140522015-01-21T19:32:00.000+01:002015-01-21T19:32:29.118+01:00Drawer needs new PC tools, BOOTER can be higher level meaning BIOS - what have to be next?<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, finally I finished booter with perfect result and this result couldn't to be complete without Robert Willie (aka Hydrophilic). Drawer is finished generally few days before and it needs to create new PC tools to use its possibilities - Font Editor and Icon Editor (can be named icon&sprite editor). I want to shift BOOTER to new level - BIOS. Old BIOS version published in 2010 was not BIOS, only booter and info tool named BIOS. New BIOS version can user allow to manage disks, display, keyboard and bit RAM using... of course inside is BOOTER. BIOS is not only for The Ace, it can use every Commodore 128 user, PC tools will work this time in not yet published The Ace and I want to add there few programs to use it without The Ace so it means will be generally released for all.</div>
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So, what to do? PC tools can make little break of The Ace development, but development without them will be harder, much harder and old tools are for new Drawer unusable. BIOS can make using of C128 easier for everybody.</div>
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Help me to decide and post any comments or suggestions.</div>
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Miro</div>
MIRKOSOFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15059969246182753008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039610308810349498.post-53431500332568541822015-01-04T08:40:00.000+01:002015-01-04T08:41:02.568+01:00Friday, January 4th 1985<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's here... Commodore 128 30th anniversary - before 30 years was Commodore 128 introduced as a new step of Commodore...</div>
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And it's every time best computer made!</div>
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Commodore 128 PC with 8502 processor 128 kB of RAM and ROM cartridge port</div>
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Commodore 128 was the worlds first mass market multi-processor computer</div>
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It also have two video subsystems, one of which allows to connect it to TV</div>
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I know that I catched not this anniversary with The Ace release, but year 2015 will be year of first release...</div>
MIRKOSOFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15059969246182753008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039610308810349498.post-54632310767301112712014-12-11T22:53:00.000+01:002014-12-11T22:54:50.687+01:00Flirting with "Touch and type"<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was very interested to control The Ace with Lightpen...</div>
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like "Touch and get control over all". Sadly I must to say that I did all possible to make it real also on LCD display, my HP2025 which has balanced reactions to Lightpen Demo, but working, now looks like impossible. I knew that LCD is not CRT and these two devices have different method to displaying picture. For now I'm balancing at Q which is for me important if work on this feature or throw it to scrap...</div>
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So, I'm asking you: Have yet users for displaying C128 desktops CRT or LCD monitors? Is count of CRT so high to work around "Touch and go"?</div>
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Really I'm finished Drawer for IDEA, now I'm beginning to create Font Editor which allows to edit standard Commodore fonts for VIC (8×8 pixels), VDC (8×8 up to 8×16 pixels) - this means fixed width and proportional fonts of maximal width or height 16 pixels, each character can have different width, but height is used for whole font. Of course in case of proportional fonts it can have more than 256 characters, really so many how much allows RAM. Balancing only on one thing - use first byte of each character to information about character width and if width of any character get over 8 pixels use 2 bytes wide each character or to save space leave at begin of font information area how to locate character in output...</div>
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So, if you mean that it's useful comment these two Qs.</div>
MIRKOSOFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15059969246182753008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039610308810349498.post-59725597706954959502014-12-02T08:04:00.002+01:002014-12-02T08:04:30.293+01:00<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now is December.</div>
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I'm near finish with Renderer, I can to adjust tools, but really I have full hands of work.</div>
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All of you can see that in present are touch devices in trend, so I tried to do with this on Commodore 128 using lightpen. We all know that modern displays - LCDs are not working with lightpens, only old CRT monitors, but I found one which allows this also and it's LCD. I tried to test lightpen in case of VIC screen and it works, I want to try it also with VDC screen, but now I'm satisfied with results. It's HP 2025 LCD with inputs CVBS, S-Video, VGA, DVI-I and DVI-D...</div>
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In my head are more projects and have problem to make any priority, in words better to say:</div>
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I don't know what to do first...</div>
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Please forgive me that The Ace is not only one project, I do all possible in free time 'cause real life is here and many tasks are important for real living...</div>
MIRKOSOFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15059969246182753008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039610308810349498.post-10661743788896994392014-11-11T17:59:00.001+01:002014-11-11T17:59:31.020+01:00After users feedback I decided finally to new look. It means release later, but in my eyes better.<br />
Now I started Renderer for new UI and in few days I'll begin working on tools to easier work with new ui.<br />
They'll be published.MIRKOSOFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15059969246182753008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6039610308810349498.post-81648858994817524792014-10-20T17:42:00.002+02:002014-10-20T17:42:37.298+02:00The Ace website updated, work began!First report will be that I finalized and published new webpage of The Ace and now work real began!<br />
For more info visit <a href="http://www.theace.sk/">www.theace.sk</a><br />
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MiroMIRKOSOFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15059969246182753008noreply@blogger.com0