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Vortex Expansion RAM card

2012-09-18T19:30:26Z

Alphacentauris: /* Technical (very incomplete) */

== Description ==

RAM expansions card from [[Vortex Computersysteme|Vortex]], mounted between CPC464 mainboard and CPU/Gate Array. It won't fit on CPC664, CPC6128, or CPC+ boards. The card is not compatible with the standard [[dk'tronics]]-sytle [[Standard Memory Expansions]].

Sold in different sizes of RAM as '''SP 64''', '''SP 128''', '''SP 256''', '''SP 320''' and '''SP 512'''. Resulting in a maximum RAM size of 576K (64K internal, plus 512K external). The smaller SP64-SP320 versions can be upgraded to SP512 by mounting additional RAM chips in the spare sockets. There is also a cut-down version, '''SP 64/M''', which contains only 64K RAM, no BOS ROM, and which isn't upgradable.

The expansion was available directly from Vortex (germany) and also from [[Screens Microcomputers]] (uk).

Usable under [[BASIC]] and [[CP/M]]:

=== BASIC ===

BOS (Banked Operating System) RSX drivers are included on EPROM (mapped to ROM bank 6). Providing following features under BASIC:
* Banked BASIC programs (using |GOTO, |GOSUB, |RETURN commands, for example: |GOTO,bank,line)
* Pseudo Floppy (unlike a RAMDISK, this "floppy" can be accessed only via special RSX commands)
* Debugger (aka Z80 Monitor) activated via |MON (v1.0) or |XM (v2.1)
* Printer Spooler
* Plus some extras like |FAST and |SLOW
Note: Some of the RSX commands are always available, some only after typing |BOS.

=== CP/M ===

PATCH.COM is included on cassette. After copying the file from cassette to disk, it can be used to upgrade normal CP/M to support the expansion RAM. Providing following CP/M features:
* 62K TPA
* RAMDISK (unlike the BASIC Pseudo Floppy, this acts like a regular disk drive)
* Printer Spooler
Note: There is a bug/problem with COPY.COM no longer working after installing PATCH.COM. A bugfix is listed in the appendix of the manual.

== Pictures ==

<gallery caption="The Vortex Expansion RAM card">
Image:sp512top.jpg|Vortex Expansion RAM (top)
Image:Sp512bot.jpg|Vortex Expansion RAM (bottom)
Image:cpc464bf.jpg|CPC 464 before put the Expansion RAM card
Image:cpc464af.jpg|CPC 464 after put the Expansion RAM card
Image:Vortex_PCB_Top.jpg|Vortex Expansion (Top, scanned)
Image:Vortex_PCB_Bottom.jpg|Vortex Expansion (Bottom, scanned)
File:Vortex Memory Expansion Advert (CPC Schneider International, issue 8-1985, page 15).jpg|Advert (CPCI 8-1985)
</gallery>

== Installation ==

See [[Installing Vortex Expansion RAM]].

== Technical (very incomplete) ==

* This section describes how you can access the RAM of the SP512.
* The exact decoding (e.g. complete or partial) of I/O port addresses is not confirmed at this time.
* The port addresses given are recommended and are those used by B.O.S..

I/O port &FBBD:
Bit Function
7 Unknown
6 Unknown (Discology utility uses it - does it choose RAM in 32K blocks instead of 64K blocks??)
5 Ramcard - Ram disabled : When 1, allow mapping byte in 7Fxx to access BANK selected by byte 2..0 (Paging ok 32K). When 0, 7Fxx has not effect (note DK'Tronic 64K for CPC 464 may work in this case).
4 When 1, disable all internal and external RAM. Reserved for future use
3 Ram expansion - Rom disable when 1
2..0 Used to choose the 64K block of the SP512 to select

I/O port &7F00:
Bit Function
7 Set to 1
6 1 = make RAM visible in range &8000-&FFFF, 0 = make RAM visible in range &0000-&7FFF
5 Set to 1 to activate SP512. If bit 5 of &FBBD is 1 will select SP512 ram, otherwise select RAM of CPC464.
3 1 = Upper ROM disable, 0 = Upper ROM enable
2 1 = Lower ROM disable, 0 = lower ROM enable
1,0 Screen mode

* When bit 5 is 0, then bit 6 is ignored.
* When reading, ROM has priority over the RAM.

== Manual ==

* [[Media:Vortex SP 512 Kb (BOS 1.0) Manual.pdf|Vortex SP 512 Kb (BOS 1.0) Manual]] (pdf) {{DE}} (August 1985)
* [[Media:Vortex BOS 2.0 Manual.pdf|Vortex BOS 2.0 Manual]] (pdf) {{DE}} (10.11.1986)
* [[Media:Vortex RAM Expansions SP64-SP512 User Handbook (English) (Screens Microcomputer Distribution Ltd).pdf]] (pdf) {{EN}} (Oct 1985)
* [[Media:--File-Vortex_Ext_SPM_-_Memory_mapping_(DEU).pdf--|Memory mapping]](pdf){{DE}}
* [[Media:--File-Vortex_Ext_SPM_-_Principe_of_operation_and_control_%28ENG%29.pdf--|Principe of operation and control]](pdf){{EN}}
* [[Media:--File-Vortex_Ext_SPM_-_Principe_d%27utilisation_des_cartes_d%27extension_RAM_%28FRA%29.pdf--|Principe d'utilisation des cartes d'extension RAM]](pdf){{FR}}

== Software ==

* BOS (Vortex Banked Operating System) (RSX commands on built-in EPROM, mapped to ROM bank 6) (under BASIC, the RAM is used as program/data region, BASIC programs can |GOTO and |GOSUB to expansion banks)
* Driver Cassette (includes PATCH.COM for upgrading CP/M to support the expansion RAM) (62K TPA, plus RAMDISK and printer SPOOLer)
* Further patches - the manual contains additional patches for some BASIC and CP/M programs
* [[Discology]]
* [[RCPM]] (RAM CP/M, 1989-1990 by [[Guenter Radestock|Günter Radestock]]) (RCPM is an alternative to the PATCH.COM from Vortex)
* [[G-Paint]] 2.0 (by Günter Radestock)

== Downloads ==

* [[Media:Bos10.zip]] - BOS v1.0 ROM-image
* [[Media:BOS10ALT.ZIP]] - BOS v1.0 ROM-image (Alternative version)
* [[Media:Bos21.zip]] - BOS v2.1 ROM-image
* [[media:vramid.zip|Vortex RAM ID ROM]] - RAM ID ROM Image

== Weblinks ==

* [http://www.vortex.de Vortex/ICP-Homepage]
* [http://www.cpctech.org.uk/docs/sp512.html Vortex SP512 RAM Card]

[[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:Manual]][[Category:Memory expansions]][[Category:Expansion ROM]]

Vortex Expansion RAM card

2012-09-03T21:10:12Z

Alphacentauris: /* Manual */

== Description ==

RAM expansions card from [[Vortex Computersysteme|Vortex]], mounted between CPC464 mainboard and CPU/Gate Array. It won't fit on CPC664, CPC6128, or CPC+ boards. The card is not compatible with the standard [[dk'tronics]]-sytle [[Standard Memory Expansions]].

Sold in different sizes of RAM as '''SP 64''', '''SP 128''', '''SP 256''', '''SP 320''' and '''SP 512'''. Resulting in a maximum RAM size of 576K (64K internal, plus 512K external). The smaller SP64-SP320 versions can be upgraded to SP512 by mounting additional RAM chips in the spare sockets. There is also a cut-down version, '''SP 64/M''', which contains only 64K RAM, no BOS ROM, and which isn't upgradable.

The expansion was available directly from Vortex (germany) and also from [[Screens Microcomputers]] (uk).

Usable under [[BASIC]] and [[CP/M]]:

=== BASIC ===

BOS (Banked Operating System) RSX drivers are included on EPROM (mapped to ROM bank 6). Providing following features under BASIC:
* Banked BASIC programs (using |GOTO, |GOSUB, |RETURN commands, for example: |GOTO,bank,line)
* Pseudo Floppy (unlike a RAMDISK, this "floppy" can be accessed only via special RSX commands)
* Debugger (aka Z80 Monitor) activated via |MON (v1.0) or |XM (v2.1)
* Printer Spooler
* Plus some extras like |FAST and |SLOW
Note: Some of the RSX commands are always available, some only after typing |BOS.

=== CP/M ===

PATCH.COM is included on cassette. After copying the file from cassette to disk, it can be used to upgrade normal CP/M to support the expansion RAM. Providing following CP/M features:
* 62K TPA
* RAMDISK (unlike the BASIC Pseudo Floppy, this acts like a regular disk drive)
* Printer Spooler
Note: There is a bug/problem with COPY.COM no longer working after installing PATCH.COM. A bugfix is listed in the appendix of the manual.

== Pictures ==

<gallery caption="The Vortex Expansion RAM card">
Image:sp512top.jpg|Vortex Expansion RAM (top)
Image:Sp512bot.jpg|Vortex Expansion RAM (bottom)
Image:cpc464bf.jpg|CPC 464 before put the Expansion RAM card
Image:cpc464af.jpg|CPC 464 after put the Expansion RAM card
Image:Vortex_PCB_Top.jpg|Vortex Expansion (Top, scanned)
Image:Vortex_PCB_Bottom.jpg|Vortex Expansion (Bottom, scanned)
File:Vortex Memory Expansion Advert (CPC Schneider International, issue 8-1985, page 15).jpg|Advert (CPCI 8-1985)
</gallery>

== Installation ==

See [[Installing Vortex Expansion RAM]].

== Technical (very incomplete) ==

* This section describes how you can access the RAM of the SP512.
* The exact decoding (e.g. complete or partial) of I/O port addresses is not confirmed at this time.
* The port addresses given are recommended and are those used by B.O.S..

I/O port &FBBD:
Bit Function
7 Unknown
6 Unknown (Discology utility uses it - does it choose RAM in 32K blocks instead of 64K blocks??)
5 When 1, bits 2..0 define which 64k block of SP512 RAM to select. When 0, chooses internal 64K RAM of CPC464.
4 Unknown
3 Unknown
2..0 Used to choose the 64K block of the SP512 to select

I/O port &7F00:
Bit Function
7 Set to 1
6 1 = make RAM visible in range &8000-&FFFF, 0 = make RAM visible in range &0000-&7FFF
5 Set to 1 to activate SP512. If bit 5 of &FBBD is 1 will select SP512 ram, otherwise select RAM of CPC464.
3 1 = Upper ROM disable, 0 = Upper ROM enable
2 1 = Lower ROM disable, 0 = lower ROM enable
1,0 Screen mode

* When bit 5 is 0, then bit 6 is ignored.
* When reading, ROM has priority over the RAM.

== Manual ==

* [[Media:Vortex SP 512 Kb (BOS 1.0) Manual.pdf|Vortex SP 512 Kb (BOS 1.0) Manual]] (pdf) {{DE}} (August 1985)
* [[Media:Vortex BOS 2.0 Manual.pdf|Vortex BOS 2.0 Manual]] (pdf) {{DE}} (10.11.1986)
* [[Media:Vortex RAM Expansions SP64-SP512 User Handbook (English) (Screens Microcomputer Distribution Ltd).pdf]] (pdf) {{EN}} (Oct 1985)
* [[Media:--File-Vortex_Ext_SPM_-_Memory_mapping_(DEU).pdf--|Memory mapping]](pdf){{DE}}
* [[Media:--File-Vortex_Ext_SPM_-_Principe_of_operation_and_control_%28ENG%29.pdf--|Principe of operation and control]](pdf){{EN}}
* [[Media:--File-Vortex_Ext_SPM_-_Principe_d%27utilisation_des_cartes_d%27extension_RAM_%28FRA%29.pdf--|Principe d'utilisation des cartes d'extension RAM]](pdf){{FR}}

== Software ==

* BOS (Vortex Banked Operating System) (RSX commands on built-in EPROM, mapped to ROM bank 6) (under BASIC, the RAM is used as program/data region, BASIC programs can |GOTO and |GOSUB to expansion banks)
* Driver Cassette (includes PATCH.COM for upgrading CP/M to support the expansion RAM) (62K TPA, plus RAMDISK and printer SPOOLer)
* Further patches - the manual contains additional patches for some BASIC and CP/M programs
* [[Discology]]
* [[RCPM]] (RAM CP/M, 1989-1990 by [[Guenter Radestock|Günter Radestock]]) (RCPM is an alternative to the PATCH.COM from Vortex)
* [[G-Paint]] 2.0 (by Günter Radestock)

== Downloads ==

* [[Media:Bos10.zip]] - BOS v1.0 ROM-image
* [[Media:BOS10ALT.ZIP]] - BOS v1.0 ROM-image (Alternative version)
* [[Media:Bos21.zip]] - BOS v2.1 ROM-image
* [[media:vramid.zip|Vortex RAM ID ROM]] - RAM ID ROM Image

== Weblinks ==

* [http://www.vortex.de Vortex/ICP-Homepage]
* [http://www.cpctech.org.uk/docs/sp512.html Vortex SP512 RAM Card]

[[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:Manual]][[Category:Memory expansions]][[Category:Expansion ROM]]

Vortex Expansion RAM card

2012-09-03T21:08:05Z

Alphacentauris: /* Manual */

== Description ==

RAM expansions card from [[Vortex Computersysteme|Vortex]], mounted between CPC464 mainboard and CPU/Gate Array. It won't fit on CPC664, CPC6128, or CPC+ boards. The card is not compatible with the standard [[dk'tronics]]-sytle [[Standard Memory Expansions]].

Sold in different sizes of RAM as '''SP 64''', '''SP 128''', '''SP 256''', '''SP 320''' and '''SP 512'''. Resulting in a maximum RAM size of 576K (64K internal, plus 512K external). The smaller SP64-SP320 versions can be upgraded to SP512 by mounting additional RAM chips in the spare sockets. There is also a cut-down version, '''SP 64/M''', which contains only 64K RAM, no BOS ROM, and which isn't upgradable.

The expansion was available directly from Vortex (germany) and also from [[Screens Microcomputers]] (uk).

Usable under [[BASIC]] and [[CP/M]]:

=== BASIC ===

BOS (Banked Operating System) RSX drivers are included on EPROM (mapped to ROM bank 6). Providing following features under BASIC:
* Banked BASIC programs (using |GOTO, |GOSUB, |RETURN commands, for example: |GOTO,bank,line)
* Pseudo Floppy (unlike a RAMDISK, this "floppy" can be accessed only via special RSX commands)
* Debugger (aka Z80 Monitor) activated via |MON (v1.0) or |XM (v2.1)
* Printer Spooler
* Plus some extras like |FAST and |SLOW
Note: Some of the RSX commands are always available, some only after typing |BOS.

=== CP/M ===

PATCH.COM is included on cassette. After copying the file from cassette to disk, it can be used to upgrade normal CP/M to support the expansion RAM. Providing following CP/M features:
* 62K TPA
* RAMDISK (unlike the BASIC Pseudo Floppy, this acts like a regular disk drive)
* Printer Spooler
Note: There is a bug/problem with COPY.COM no longer working after installing PATCH.COM. A bugfix is listed in the appendix of the manual.

== Pictures ==

<gallery caption="The Vortex Expansion RAM card">
Image:sp512top.jpg|Vortex Expansion RAM (top)
Image:Sp512bot.jpg|Vortex Expansion RAM (bottom)
Image:cpc464bf.jpg|CPC 464 before put the Expansion RAM card
Image:cpc464af.jpg|CPC 464 after put the Expansion RAM card
Image:Vortex_PCB_Top.jpg|Vortex Expansion (Top, scanned)
Image:Vortex_PCB_Bottom.jpg|Vortex Expansion (Bottom, scanned)
File:Vortex Memory Expansion Advert (CPC Schneider International, issue 8-1985, page 15).jpg|Advert (CPCI 8-1985)
</gallery>

== Installation ==

See [[Installing Vortex Expansion RAM]].

== Technical (very incomplete) ==

* This section describes how you can access the RAM of the SP512.
* The exact decoding (e.g. complete or partial) of I/O port addresses is not confirmed at this time.
* The port addresses given are recommended and are those used by B.O.S..

I/O port &FBBD:
Bit Function
7 Unknown
6 Unknown (Discology utility uses it - does it choose RAM in 32K blocks instead of 64K blocks??)
5 When 1, bits 2..0 define which 64k block of SP512 RAM to select. When 0, chooses internal 64K RAM of CPC464.
4 Unknown
3 Unknown
2..0 Used to choose the 64K block of the SP512 to select

I/O port &7F00:
Bit Function
7 Set to 1
6 1 = make RAM visible in range &8000-&FFFF, 0 = make RAM visible in range &0000-&7FFF
5 Set to 1 to activate SP512. If bit 5 of &FBBD is 1 will select SP512 ram, otherwise select RAM of CPC464.
3 1 = Upper ROM disable, 0 = Upper ROM enable
2 1 = Lower ROM disable, 0 = lower ROM enable
1,0 Screen mode

* When bit 5 is 0, then bit 6 is ignored.
* When reading, ROM has priority over the RAM.

== Manual ==

* [[Media:Vortex SP 512 Kb (BOS 1.0) Manual.pdf|Vortex SP 512 Kb (BOS 1.0) Manual]] (pdf) {{DE}} (August 1985)
* [[Media:Vortex BOS 2.0 Manual.pdf|Vortex BOS 2.0 Manual]] (pdf) {{DE}} (10.11.1986)
* [[Media:Vortex RAM Expansions SP64-SP512 User Handbook (English) (Screens Microcomputer Distribution Ltd).pdf]] (pdf) {{EN}} (Oct 1985)
* [[Media:--File-Vortex_Ext_SPM_-_Principe_of_operation_and_control_%28ENG%29.pdf--|Principe of operation and control]](pdf){{EN}}
* [[Media:--File-Vortex_Ext_SPM_-_Principe_d%27utilisation_des_cartes_d%27extension_RAM_%28FRA%29.pdf--|Principe d'utilisation des cartes d'extension RAM]](pdf){{FR}}

== Software ==

* BOS (Vortex Banked Operating System) (RSX commands on built-in EPROM, mapped to ROM bank 6) (under BASIC, the RAM is used as program/data region, BASIC programs can |GOTO and |GOSUB to expansion banks)
* Driver Cassette (includes PATCH.COM for upgrading CP/M to support the expansion RAM) (62K TPA, plus RAMDISK and printer SPOOLer)
* Further patches - the manual contains additional patches for some BASIC and CP/M programs
* [[Discology]]
* [[RCPM]] (RAM CP/M, 1989-1990 by [[Guenter Radestock|Günter Radestock]]) (RCPM is an alternative to the PATCH.COM from Vortex)
* [[G-Paint]] 2.0 (by Günter Radestock)

== Downloads ==

* [[Media:Bos10.zip]] - BOS v1.0 ROM-image
* [[Media:BOS10ALT.ZIP]] - BOS v1.0 ROM-image (Alternative version)
* [[Media:Bos21.zip]] - BOS v2.1 ROM-image
* [[media:vramid.zip|Vortex RAM ID ROM]] - RAM ID ROM Image

== Weblinks ==

* [http://www.vortex.de Vortex/ICP-Homepage]
* [http://www.cpctech.org.uk/docs/sp512.html Vortex SP512 RAM Card]

[[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:Manual]][[Category:Memory expansions]][[Category:Expansion ROM]]

File:--File-Vortex Ext SPM - Principe d'utilisation des cartes d'extension RAM (FRA).pdf--

2012-09-03T20:53:26Z

Alphacentauris: Technicals documents for programming vortex memory extension in french.

Technicals documents for programming vortex memory extension in french.

File:--File-Vortex Ext SPM - Principe of operation and control (ENG).pdf--

2012-09-03T20:52:07Z

Alphacentauris: Technicals documents for programming vortex memory extension, in english.

Technicals documents for programming vortex memory extension, in english.

File:--File-Vortex Ext SPM - Memory mapping (DEU).pdf--

2012-09-03T20:50:29Z

Alphacentauris: Technical document in deush : memory mapping when CPC 464 operate in standard mode, BOS mode (vortex basic extension), and CPM 2.2 62K, in deush.

Technical document in deush : memory mapping when CPC 464 operate in standard mode, BOS mode (vortex basic extension), and CPM 2.2 62K, in deush.