Commodore 128 User manual

( :: COMMODORE
IntroductoryGuide
==================== (:. comm o dore ==

Introducing the
Commodore
m~e
Personal Computer
© Commodore Electronics ,Ltd.1985.All rights reserved.

Initially the 1901 dual monitor will not be available. However,
two alternative monitors are available in the U.K.These are
the 1900M - an 80 / 40 column monochrome monitor -
and the 1900C - an 80 / 40 column colour monitor. And at a
later date
the 1902 - an 80 / 40 column high resolution
colour monitor.
Copyright © 1985 by Commodore Electronics Limited
All rights reserved
This manual contains copyrighted and proprietary information. No part of
this publication may be reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical ,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission
of Commodore Electronics Limited.
Commodore BASIC 7.0
Copyright © 1985 by Commodore Electronics Limited; all rights reserved
Copyright © 1977 by Microsoft Corporation; all rights reserved CP/ M® Plus
Version 3.0
Copyright © 1983 by Digital Research Inc. All rights reserved
Copyright © 1982 Digital Research Inc.
CP1M is a re gi ster ed trademark of D igi tal Research In c.

CONTENTS
THE COMMODORE 128 PERSONAL COMPUTER
.. ..... .. .... .. . .. 1
About The Commodore 128 Manuals
............................. 1
THE THREE C128 OPERATING MODES . . .. ...... ........ ..... ... . 2
C128 MODE ........................... . ...... ... .. ..... ..... . 2
C64 MODE ................................................... 2
CP/M MODE ..... . .. . . ........ .... . .... .. ..... ..... .. . .. ...... 3
40 AND 80 COLUMN DISPLAYS ................................ 3
UNPACKING THE
COMMODORE 128 PERSONAL COMPUTER . ... . 4
A LOOK AT THE COMMODORE 128 ............................. 5
KEYBOARD NOTES .
................ . .. . ...... . . . . . . ........ ... . 6
DOCUMENTATION AND DiSKS ....... . . ... ..... . ... ........ ..... 8
Introductory Guide ............... ....... . ..... ... .. ...... .... .. 8
System Guide
....... . ..... .. .. ........ .. . .. ...... .. ........... 8
The
CP / M Systems Disk ... ... .. ... ................ . ........... 8
SETTING UP THE EQUIPMENT
.................................. 8
Connecting a composite monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Connecting
an RGBI monitor ... . . . .. . .... ..... . . ............... 10
Connecting a dual monitor . .
... .. ...... . .. . .. . .............. . .. 10
Connecting a Television Set . .. ... . .......... . .... . . . ... ..... .. . 11
Connecting to a Serial So cket .................................. 11
SWITCHING ON . . .. .. ... ..... . ................. . . . ......... . . . 12
TROUBLE-SHOOTING CHART
...... . ......... .. . . . . . ...... ..... 14
PERIPHERALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. 16
Disk Drives
............... .. . . . .. . . . . .... .. ...... . ... ... ... . . 17
Printer
........... . ...... . . .. . . . . . . .. . . .. .. ... ... . .. ..... ... . . 17
Modem
............ . .. . . . . . ........... . . ... ................ . . 17
Datassette
Re corder ............ . .... ... ..... . ............. ... 18
Joysticks/Mouse
... . ...... . ......... . . . .. . .. . . ...... . ..... ... 18
Chaining D
is k Drives and Printers . . .... . . . .. . .. . ... .... ...... . .. 19
Checking the Connections . .
.... . ............ ....... ....... .... 19
THE THREE OPERATING MODES .
.... . . .... .. ... .. . ....... ..... 20
C128 MODE
................................................. 21
To Enter C128 Mode Wh en Switching On The Computer .. .... ... 21
Switching Between 40 And 80 Columns in C128 Mode ... ... .. . . 22
The Fun ction Keys ............ .. . . . .... ..... . .. .. .. ... ...... 23
Leaving C128 Mode .
.. ... . .. ... . ...... . ....... .... ... . .... . . 23
C64 MODE ... .... . . .. . . . .... . . .. ..... . .. ............. .... . .. 24
Leaving C64 Mode
.... . . . .... . ............ . ......... .... .... 25
CP / M MODE ..... ......... . . . .... . ... . ..... .... . . . . ... ... .. . . 25
To
Ent er CP / M Mode Wh en Switching On The Computer .... .... 25
Ent eri ng CP / M Mode Fr om C128 Mode .... ........ .. . ......... 27
Sw itching Between 40 And 80 Columns In CP / M Mode . .... .. .. . 27
Leaving CP / M Mode ...... .. . . ... . .. .. .. .. ........ .. ... .. .. . 27
MODE SWITCHING CHART .. . . . ...... . ....... ...... ......... . 28

LOADING AND RUNNING SOFTWARE ..... . . .. .................. 29
DiSK
...................... . .. . .. . ..... . . . ................. . . 29
Inserting a Disk Into The Disk Drive
.. . ....... .... ... . .. ...... . 31
Formatting a Disk .. . .................. . ....... . ... . .. . .... . . 32
Saving And Loading Your Own Programs ............ . .. . .... . . 32
CARTRIDGE .......... . .. .... . . .. . ....... . ................... 34
CASSETTE
.. . .. . . . . .. . ....... ... .. .. . . . . ... . . ...... . . ...... . 35
Loading And Running CP / M Software ................... . .. ... .. 36

THE COMMODORE 128 PERSONAL COMPUTER
The Commodore 128 Personal Computer is packed with a host of novel
and exciting features that make it one of the best performing, most
versatile microcomputers available at any price. Among the many
impressive features of the Commodore 128 are:
• 128K of memory, expandable to 256K or 512K
by using optional
RAM expansion modules
• 40 and/or 80 column full color display
• Professional typewriter keyboard with full numeric keypad
• Built-in advanced Basic 7.0 computing language
• Full
CP / M Plus Version 3.0 operation
• Complete compatibility with Commodore
64 hardware and
software
• Access to over 6000 existing software programs
Not the least of the Commodore 128's virtues
is the fact that it is produced
by Commodore, the maker of more microcomputers than any other
company
in the world. As as with all Commodore products, the C128 gives
you high performance without high price.
About The Commodore 128 Manuals
There are two books packed with the Commodore 128 computer:
• INTRODUCING THE COMMODORE 128 PERSONAL
COMPUTER-
This is the book you are reading. It gives you all the information you
need to know to load prepackaged (commercial) software programs
• THE COMMODORE 128 SYSTEM GUIDE-This is a larger book. It
describes the Commodore 128's capabilities in detail. You will want to
consult this book if you are
an experienced BASIC programmer, or if you
are interested
in learning how to program in BASIC.
COMMODORE strongly advise you to read the instructions
in this manual
before setting
up or switching on any of the Commodore 128 Personal
Computer equipment.

THE THREE C128 OPERATING MODES
The Commodore 128 is, in fact,three computers in one, offering three
operating modes:
• C128 Mode
• C64 Mode
•
CP/M Mode
The function and use of each of these three modes is summarized below.
C128 MODE
In C128 Mode the Commodore 128 Personal Computer provides 128K of
RAM (Random Access Memory). This supplies all the memory needed to
run sophisticated applications and integrated software such as JANE. The
random access memory can easily
be expanded to 256K or 512K using
optional
RAM expansion modules, further increasing the range of software
you can run
on the C128.
C128 Mode also incorporates a powerful extended Commodore BASIC
language known as BASIC
7.0. This language offers over 140 commands,
statements and functions thus providing quick and easy ways to perform
complex and time-consuming programming tasks such as graphics,
animation, sound and music. C128 Mode also offers both 40 and 80
column output and a 92-key keyboard which features a numeric keypad,
Escape, Tab, Alpha Lock and Help keys.
This mode also has a built-in machine language monitor, allowing you
to
create and debug your own machine language programs.
The powerful capabilities of this mode are complemented
by the family of
new peripheral devices from Commodore, including the
1571 fast disk
drive and the
1901 dual monitor which offers both 40 and 80 column
displays. The standard Commodore peripherals can also
be used with this
mode.
C64 MODE
In C64 Mode the Commodore 128 offers all the capabilities of the highly
successful Commodore 64,thus allowing you
to take full advantage of the
wide range of Commodore
64 software already available.
2

In this mode the C12S has full compatability with standard Commodore 64
peripherals including user port and serial devices, cassette recorder,
joysticks, composite video monitors and
TV output.
C64 Mode provides the BASIC 2.0 language,
40 column output and access
to 64K
RAM . The keyboard provides all the functions available on a
Commodore
64 computer. All the Commodore 64 graphics, color and
sound capabilities are present and are used in exactly the same way as
they are
on the Commodore 64 .
CP/M MODE
In CP I M Mode, an on board ZSO microprocessor gives all the capabilities
of Digital Research's CP IM Version 3.0, plus a number of new features
added by Commodore. The Commodore
12S 's CP 1M package, called
CP 1M Plus, provides 12SK bytes of RAM, 40 and SO column output,
access to the full keyboard including the numeric keypad and special keys,
programmable function keys, and access to the standard peripherals
as
well as to the 1571 ,the new fast serial disk drive.There are thousands of
applications available for
CP / M 3.0 and for other earlier versions of CP / M,
such as CP 1M 2.0 or CP 1M 2.2.These can all be run in CP 1M Mode. For
example, the already available and proven Perfect Series of software
(Perfect Writer, Perfect Calc and Perfect Filer).
40 AND 80 COLUMN DISPLAYS
Two of the C12S's modes (C12S and
CP 1 M) allow you to use both 40 and
SO column displays. The type of display you require governs the type of
monitor you use.
To access the 40 column display, use a composite monitor, e.g. the
1701
or 1702 monitor, a TV set or the 1901 40 / S0 column dual composite/RGBI
monitor. To access the
SO column display, use an RGBI monitor or the
1901 dual monitor. The 1901 dual monitor allows you to switch between 40
and
SO column displays. This can also be achieved by connecting a
composite monitor or
TV set to the C128 as well as an RGBI monitor.
Note that the
1901 dual monitor must be set to separated chromalluma for
40 column display. For the SO column display on that monitor, the video
switch must
be set to RGBI and the RGBI switch must be set to POS
DIGITAL. Full instructions for these settings are given in the 1901 user
manual.
3

UNPACKING THE COMMODORE 128 PERSONAL
COMPUTER
The Commodore 128 Personal Computer is supplied in one box which
contains the Commodore 128 Personal Computer itself, its power supply,
an RF lead, two manuals (this Introductory Guide and the Systems Guide)
and the
CP / M Systems Disk.
Remove the Commodore 128 Personal Computer carefully from the box
and place it on a flat, hard, horizontal surface. Check the contents of the
box
to ensure that nothing is missing or damaged. If the box or any of the
contents are damaged or any of the parts are missing, contact your
supplier immediately. Save the boxes
in case you need to return the
equipment for servicing.
4

A LOOK AT THE COMMODORE 128
Physically the Commodore 128 resembles a typewriter keyboard. The
illustrations below show the location of the switches, sockets and ports by
which the C128
is turned on and off and connected to the other pieces of
equipment
in the system, e.g. disk drive, monitor.
CONTROL PORTS 1 & 2
~~ -~-- RESET SWITCH
1_ .. 1IIIm",- 4- -POWER SOCKET
.----------=~- RF SOCKET
RGBI SOCKET
1.---4- USER PORT
L- _______ "::!I',.....L VIDEO SOCKET
1.-_:::-_ = ______ SERIAL SOCKET
L- ____________ CASSETTE PORT
L- _______________ EXPANSION PORT
5

KEYBOARD NOTES
On the C128 keyboard some keys function in all three modes of the
computer. Other keys can only be used
in a particular mode or modes. The
diagram below shows the different areas of the keyboard. Keys
in the
shaded areas (the Main Keyboard and the Function Keys) work only
in
C64 Mode.They correspond to the keys on the Commodore 64 and
function
in C64 Mode exactly as the keys on a Commodore 64 do. In C128
Mode and
CP / M Mode all the keys function. Note that if akey is pressed
and that key does not function
in the C12S's current mode, that key is
ignored.
The Numeric Keypad and
the two sets
of Special
Function Keys are
operative only
in C128
Mode and
CP / M Mode.
The Enter key on the
Numeric Keypad functions
in the same way as the
Return key
on the Main
Keyboard.
The 40/
S0 key is used to
select the required screen
display. When this key
is in
its raised position 40
column display
is selected,
in its depressed position
80 column display is
selected. It is changed
from its raised to
depressed position, and
vice versa, by pressing
it
once.
C-64 MODE
6

In C128 Mode the Function Keys are assigned special functions, e.g.
pressing the
F3 key causes the directory of the disk currently in the disk
drive to be displayed. The uses of the Function Keys
in C128 Mode are
given
in Chapter 2 Section 5 of the System Guide.
7

DOCUMENTATION AND DISKS
Brief descriptions the documentation and disks supplied with the
Commodore 128 are given here.
Introductory Guide
The Introductory Guide (this manual) is a basic guide describing the
equipment, how to set it
up and connect it It also describes the three
modes available
on the Commodore 128 Personal Computer and gives
instructions
on how to access and use them.
System Guide
The System Guide provides you with all the information you need to create
and run your own programs
in all three of the Commodore 128's modes. It
describes the Commodore 128 in detail and is designed to help you make
full use of its advanced capabilities.
The CP/M Systems Disk
This disk contains the CP IM operating system software together with an
extensive HELP utility program. This software is loaded into the computer's
memory when
CP I M software is to be run or any other operations are to
be carried out under that operating system.
SETTING UP THE EQUIPMENT
The minimum system for using the Commodore 128 Personal Computer is
the C128 itself, a suitable monitor or TV set and a 1541 or 1571 disk drive.
If you intend to use C64 Mode with cassette based software only, the disk
drive can
be replaced by a cassette unit
Following the instructions on the label on the C128 mains power lead,
connect a plug
to that lead if one is not already fitted. The other end of that
lead
is plugged into the Power Socket on the side of the C128.
8

If you are using a monitor it is supplied with a suitable lead for connecting
it to the computer and a user manual giving instructions for connecting the
monitor
to the computer.
Connecting a composite monitor
A composite monitor, such as
the Commodore 1702, provides
a 40 column color display. Plug
the lead into the Video Socket
on the rear of the computer.
9

Connecting an RGBI monitor
An RGBI monitor provides an 80
column color or monochrome
display.A special 80 column
monitor is used because the
picture
on most TV sets and
composite monitors does not
have the sharpness or resolution
needed to handle an 80 column
display. Plug the
RGBI monitor
into the 9 pin RGBI Socket
on
the rear of the computer and
tighten the two screws
on the
plug
to secure it.
Connecting a dual monitor
A dual monitor, such as the
Commodore
1901 , provides both
40 and 80 column displays.
It is
supplied with two cables one of
which
is plugged into the Video
Socket and the other into the
RGBI Socket. Both of these
sockets are
on the rear of the
computer. When you have
inserted the D plug into the
RGBI Socket, tighten the screws
on that plug
to secure it.
Note that you can connect a composite monitor and an RGBI monitor to
the Commodore 128 at the same time.This allows you to switch between
40 and 80 column displays.
10

Connecting a Television Set
If you are using a TV set, use
the
RF lead supplied with the
C128. One end of that lead has
an aerial plug on it. Insert that
plug into the aerial socket of
your
TV set and the other end
into the
RF Socket on the rear of
the computer.
11
Connecting to a Serial Socket
Both the 1541 and 1571 disk
drives are supplied with a serial .
lead which has a five pin
DIN
plug on each end. One end of
this lead is inserted into the
serial socket
on the rear of the
disk drive
as described in the
user manual for the disk drive.
The other end
is inserted into
the Serial Socket
on the rear of
the C128.

SWITCHING ON
Plug the monitor, C128 and disk drive into the mains power supply.
When you switch
on your C128 for the first time, use C128 Mode to test
that all the equipment works correctly.
If you are using a TV set, a composite monitor, e.g.the 1701 , or a 1901
dual monitor, ensure that the 40/80 key is in the 40 column position (not
depressed).
If this key is depressed, press it once to release it to its raised
position.
If you are using a 1901 dual monitor, set it to separated
chroma/luma.This
is described in the 1901 user manual.
If you are using an RGBI monitor, ensure that the 40/ 80 key is in the 80
column position (depressed). If this key is in its raised position, press it
once to depress it.
Switch on the monitor as
described in the monitor user
manual. The C128
is switched
on by setting the On /Off Switch
on the side of the computer to
the ON position.
The Power Indicator Light is then illuminated and the following messages
are displayed:
12

The READY. message then
appears with the cursor, the
fl ashing square block, below
this. The computer
is now in
C128 Mode. The disk drive can
then be switched
on as
described in the user manual for
that piece of equipment.
If there is no picture, adjust the monitor display according to the
instructions given in the user manual for that monitor. If you are using a TV
set, it must be tuned to the frequency of the C128. If you then cannot
obtain a picture or the correct messages are not displayed, switch the
computer off and then
on again. If the computer still fails to work correctly,
consult your dealer.
The Trouble Shooti
ng Chart shown on the fo ll owing pages lists some of the
more common problems and tells you how to correct them.
WARNING
NEVER block the ventilation slots
on the top of the computer.
Doing
so causes overheating which may result in system failure.
NEVER place fluids
on or near the computer. Liquid spilled into
the computer causes
it to fail.
13

TROUBLE-SHOOTING CHART
Symptom
Indicator light not 'ON'
No picture (Monitor)
No picture (TV)
Random pattern on screen
with cartridge
in place
Cause
computer not turned ON
Power supply not plugged
into computer
Power supply not plugged
into mains power supply
Bad fuse
in power supply
Monitor not connected
40 /80 column setting
incorrect
Incorrect connection
Cable
to TV not
plugged
in
Computer and/ or TV set
for wrong channel
40 /80 key setting
incorrect
Cartridge not properly
inserted
14
Remedy
Make sure power switch is
in ON position
Check power socket for loose
or disconnected power cable.
Unplug from mains supply
firsti
Check connection with mains
power supply
Replace fuse. Unplug firsti
Check monitor connections
Check 40/80 column switch
on computer and/ or monitor
Check computer connection
to
TV
Check output cable
connection
to TV
Re-tune
TV
Turn off computer. Set 40 /80
key
to UP position for TV
Turn power OFF and reinsert
cartridge