Date   : Sat, 16 Apr 1988 01:24:06 GMT
From   : portal!cup.portal.com!dick_a_wotiz@uunet.uu.net
Subject: Fail to install P2DOS on Apple

DHAESE@BANUIA51.BITNET writes:
> Yesterday I tried to install P2DOS. As CP/M image file I used CPM60.COM,
> for the APPLE with Softcard 60K.
> As DOSSTRT address I used DC00h (high memory) and the image location
> (in CPM60.COM) was 1800h. I was able to make a P2DOS.HEX file without
> problems, thereafter I used DDT to load the hex file into CPM60.COM.
> I saved the new CPM60.COM file as P2DOS.COM. So, I installed the new
> CPM image onto a fresh disk.
> I tried to do a coldstart from the new disk and my system went bananas!
> I checked every step again, but I couldn't find any mistake.
> Is anyone out there who can give me a hint ?

I have run across similar problems with the Apple Softcard.  Apparently,
Apple uses a completely non-standard BDOS for the Softcard.  In fact,
there is not a clear split between the BDOS and BIOS as with other
systems.  Because of the way the Apple II handles bank-switched memory,
any changes or replacements to the BDOS and/or BIOS must be customized
for the machine, and almost no standard 'drop-in' replacements will
work.

As an example, there is a special file in the Simtel20 CPM.APPLE
archives for installing ZCPR3 with Softcard CP/M, that does some
non-standard patches to get it to work properly.

Apple did maintain almost all of the BDOS and BIOS call conventions,
so it might be possible to get a replacement BDOS to work.
If anyone does, I'd sure like to hear about it!

Dick Wotiz                            dick@portal.com
                                      ...!{uunet|sun|atari}!portal!dick

Apple did maintail