Date   : Sun, 13 Jun 2004 11:53:18 +0100
From   : jgh@... (Jonathan Graham Harston)
Subject: Re: Solid state storage for the beeb

John Kortink <kortink@...> wrote:
> On Sat, 12 Jun 2004 19:12:51 +0100, Sprow <info@...> wrote:
> >   John Kortink <kortink@...> wrote:
> >> Currently I'm tapping 4 bits of port A of the user VIA,
> >> but I'm moving everything to a ROM socket.
 
Good idea. I have a mouse plugged into my user port.
 
> Well, I'd rather assume all ports are in use (floppy needed
> as a source for files, the user port for 65Link, 1 MHz bus for
> whatever, Tube for 2nd processor). Except perhaps the printer
 
All my external connectors usually have something plugged in. Of course,
you can daisy-chain the 1MHz bus.
 
I'd've prefered access via FRED (the 1MHz bus), but using a ROM socket for
access looks ok. The only problem that ROM-based code has to jump down to
low memory to look around the side of the current ROM to the page with the
memory card in it.
 
Can you publish the hardware API, then it will be simple for people like
Sprow and me to integrate a driver into our software.
 
> > The only downside for me would be getting the MMC out to transfer to my
> > PC but for
> > BBC B -> long lead to cheap MMC socket in 'the ashtray'
> > Master -> use a cartridge holder (possible mechanical constraints)
> Hmmm, yes, there's something to be said for having the MMC
> card outside, but there's more merit in having it inside.
> I can perhaps provide an extra connector to take the MMC
> signals outside (using a cable).
 
I'd recommend putting a bit of thought into ensuring the interface will
fit onto the end of a Master cartridge. (Where did I put those cards I've
just bought from Sprow?)
 
Oh yes, almost forgot:  I'll have a couple when they're available.
 
-- 
J.G.Harston - jgh@...                - mdfs.net
Badly formed email is deleted unseen as spam - S:Re:s