EPROMs are an easy way to expand your CPC, but they may not seems very straight forward to a mice. Over the next few articles I will attempt to explain both hardware and software aspects of EPROMs, and how the two cose together. I will include example pieces of circuits and programing, that I have used, including how to put DOSCOPY, and other programs (even BASIC), onto EPROMs. INPUT During the course of the series I would welcome any input, requests, or advice if you think I have got something wrong, or could do it a better way. Everything I write (about EPROMs) comes from what I have learnt or discovered by experience, so please don't ask me to recommend a book on the subject because I don't know any! Z80 machine language, on the other hand, is covered by a multitude of books. A visit to your local library should contain general Z80 books, and possibly CPC specific ones. Failing that WACCI has a book library that is available to members, and contains all the books I have got! BEFORE YOU START... There are some things you night need to help you to follow this series. Listed in the order that I think of then, they are as follows: - A CPC of some description - it Bust be working too! I have a CPC6128, but I will flag any CPC464 differences that I an aware of. I can only assume the Plus's are similar to a 6128, but I am not certain, so beware if you have a Plus!
- At least a basic knowledge of Z80 machine code. I will explain what my programs are doing, but I won't start explaining what the Accumulator, or other registers (HINT!), are.
- An assembler for any machine code programs. I use LERM for writing and MAXAM for debugging, but there are many others. Use the one you are familiar with, it shouldn't latter as long it compiles, but if you have assembler problems and you are not using LERM or MAXAM I may not be able to help.
- The Printout Fimware Guide. This is an absolute mine of infomation following the demise of the original Amstrad guide. It is available from WACCI and comes with a disc of examples and utilities, including an assembler. This is the one book I refer to most, and should really be considered as essential for any serious machine code programming.
- A ROM Board. I realise that ROM boards are expensive, when bought new, so I intend this guide to contain sufficient information to help you build your own (assuming you are proficient with a soldering iron etc.). Hew ROM boards, with 8 or 16 slots, can be bought from COMSOFT (formerly CAMPURSOFT)
- An EPROM programmer. Not an everyday item I agree, but when it comes to blowing your latest effort, onto an EPROM, they are essential. However, if you need it, I am willing to do the programming for you if you provide the EPROMs and postage.
- Some EPROMs if you do write any programs. There are many kinds of EPROMs, so I will discuss them as part of this series.
- An interest, of some sort, in CPC hardware and programming. EPROMs, how they work and how to program them, will be pretty boring if you are interested only in games and getting your name into the high-score table!
- Tea / Coffee. Tea breaks are very important and I LIKE tea!
If you want to contact me..... My address is Ian Neill
Warwickshire CV33 9SE
WHAT'S NEXT? Next issue I will start with the hardware aspects of EPROMs. I will talk about the different kinds of EPROMs, how they function, and the mechanisms behind programing then. I will also explain how they are interfaced to the CPC. IAN, WACCI#100
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