Madison Computer Z-Ram User manual

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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
1. Introduction
la. About This Manual ......................... 1
lb. Z-RAM Overview ............................ 1
lc . Product Warranty .......................... 3
Id. Equipment Requirements....................3
le. Service Information.......................3
If. Copyright and Licensing...................4
2. Installation
2a. How to Mount Z-RAM........................ 5
2b. How to Wire Z-RAM......................... 6
2c. Mounting and Wiring Illustrations
....... 10
3. Using Z-RAM
3a. General Information......................12
3b. Expanded Visicalc and WordPro 5 Plus....12
4. Using CP/M
4a. What is CP/M?
.......................... . . 13
4b. Using Your Disk Drives: general hints...13
4c. Testing Your Z-RAM Master Disk .......... 14
4d. Copying Your Z-RAM Master Disk
.......... 16
4e. Creating Default Definitions ............ 17
4f. Formatting CP/M System and Data Disks...24
4g. Quickly Formatting new CP/M Disks ....... 28
4h. CP/M Control Sequences...................28
4i. Status Line Messages
..................... 29
4j . Changing CBM files to CP/M files ........ 30
4k. Using Your Printer with CP/M ............ 30
41. Using the RS 232 Serial Port
............ 32
4m. Summary...................................32
5. Technical Information
4a. Overview
................................. 34
4b. Memory Maps .............................. 34
4c. Z-80 Port Maps..................
......... 37
4d. 6502 Port Maps ........................... 38
4e. Jumper Options ........................... 3 9
4f. Memory Map Program ............. . ........ 39
4g. Memory Upgrade Program .............. ....40
4h. Memory Diagnostic Program ............... 41
4i. Serial Port Wiring Diagram...............41
4j. Summary of Remote Commands
.............. 42
4k. Z-RAM Schematics.............. . .......... 43
6. CP/M Manuals
5a. Introduction to Features
5b. User Guide
5c. ED: A Context Editor
5d. Assembler Guide
5e. Dynamic Debugging Tool
5f. Interface Guide
5g. Alteration Guide

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1. INTRODUCTION
la. About This Manual
This manual is divided into six parts. We suggest that you
read each part all the way through before you attempt to carry
out the instructions. For a quick summary of all the steps
necessary to get CP/M up and running, see section 4m.
Part 1 introduces Z-RAM, describes the equipment you'll
need, and gives information on copyrights, warranties, licensing
and servicing.
Part 2 gives complete instructions for installing and wiring
the Z-RAM hardware in your computer.
Part 3 introduces you to general uses of Z-RAM including
instructions for running expanded Visicalc and WordPro 5 Plus.
Part 4 introduces CP/M software, tells how to copy your master
diskette, explains the Commodore control keys, and gets you
started with CP/M for the first time.
Part 5 offers more technical information about Z-RAM,
Commodore computers, and CP/M. It's not necessary to understand
this section to successfully use CP/M and Z-RAM. We include this
information for the use of programmers and service technicians.
Part 6 is a set of manuals on the CP/M Operating System,
version 2.2, that are provided by Digital Research. Consult
these manuals for specific questions about CP/M.
This manual was written by Stacy Allen. If you have comments
or suggestions on improving the Z-RAM board or this manual,
contact us at Madison Computer, 1825 Monroe Street, Madison WI
53711 USA [phone].
lb .
_ Z-RAM Overview
Z-RAM is an add-on circuit board that fits inside Commodore
Computers. It was designed by Karl Matzke and Paul Schick of
Madison Computer in association with Applied Electronics
Consultants of Madison, Wisconsin.
Z-RAM adds 64K of random access memory (RAM) and includes a
Z-80A microprocessor. Included with Z-RAM is a copy of the CP/M
operating system, version 2.2.
With the addition of CP/M, your Commodore computer will be
able to use many of the applications programs currently on the
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market that require CP/M. WordStar, SuperCalc, and dBase II are
typical examples of software that will now run on the Commodore.
With the addition of the Z-RAM board, Commodore computers
will operate with 96K RAM and use both the 6502 and Z-80
processors. Several modes of operations are possible:
1. With Z-RAM installed, all earlier versions of Commodore
computers (regardless of memory capacity) can function as
normal 32K machines. All current programs will run using
32K of memory and the standard 6502 processor.
2. Z-RAM permits the 6502 to use the full 96K of memory.
3. The Z-80A processor will operate alone in 64K of memory
and will run the industry standard CP/M operating system.
Z-RAM will make it possible to run other operating systems
on the Z-80A in the future.
Z-RAM is supplied as a user installed retrofit or a dealer
installed option for all CBM's. The board is installed inside
the CBM cabinet and uses the computer's own power supply. A
9511A math processor is available as an option to increase the
speed of all mathematical functions by a factor of 10.
Z-RAM Features:
-Expands CBM computers to 96K usable RAM
-Adds Z-80A Microprocessor
-Runs Z-80A and 6502 simultaneously at full speed
-Will operate with currently available CP/M version 2.2
-In memory expansion mode, 32 mappings are available using
blocks as small as 8K.
-Software emulates a Hazeltine 1500 to facilitate
installation of CP/M software. Versions emulating other
terminals can be provided on request.
-Serial port is standard. Software is included to run
printers with standard RS-232 interface. PET to RS-232
cable available as option.
-Includes expansion port for addition of future boards.
-Easily installed inside of computer
-Needs no external electrical connections
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-Installed by user or dealer in CBM 4000 or 8000 computers
-9511A math processor available as option
lc. Product Warranty
Madison Computer warrants to the original owner that this
product shall be free of defects resulting from faulty
manufacture of the product or its components for a period of
ninety (90) days from the date of purchase.
Madison Computer makes no other express or implied
warranties of any sort, including, but not limited to warranties
of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The
dealer and user agree that no representations of any sort beyond
those included in the manual have been relied on in any case by
the user in purchasing this product.
Madison Computer's sole obligation under this warranty is
limited to the repair or replacement of a defective product, and
Madison Computer shall not, in any event, be liable for any
incidental or consequential damages of any kind resulting from
use or possession of this product. •
Id. Equipment Requirements
To use Z-RAM, you will need one of the following Commodore
computers:
-8032
-4016 or 4032
-3000 Series (Europe)
The CP/M operating system can only be used on 32K machines.
Z-RAM will not operate with the new SuperPet or the VIC 20. We
do not recommend its use on the older 8K PETs (2000 series) .
le. Service Information
If during the first 90 days you have any problems with Z-RAM
resulting from defects due to manufacture, you are entitled to
free repair or replacement of the product.
If your Z-RAM needs servicing, return it with proof of
purchase to the computer dealer where you purchased it. If that
is not possible, you may return it to Madison Computer. Wrap the
product very carefully for shipping. We will not be responsible
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for any damages in shipping.
Include a description of the problems you are having and a
sales slip for proof of purchase. Send the package, postpaid,
to: Madison Computer, 1825 Monroe Street, Madison WI 53711
USA.
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If. Copyright and Licensing Information
All of the software that accompanies Z-RAM is copyrighted
and all rights are reserved. CP/M is copyrighted by Digital
Research of Pacific Grove, California. All other software is
copyrighted by Madison Computer, a division of Microprocessor
Systems, Inc. of Madison, Wisconsin.
The distribution and sale of this product are intended only
for the use of the original purchaser on a single computer
system. Copying, duplicating, selling, or otherwise distributing
this product is a violation of the law.
This manual is copyrighted and all rights are reserved. This
document may not, in whole or in part, be copied or reproduced
without the prior written consent of Madison Computer.
To insure that you receive continuing support for your CP/M
operating system, you must fill out, sign, and return the
Digital Research end user agreement contained in this manual.
Z-RAM is a trademark of Madison Computer
Commodore is a registered trademark of Commodore Business
Machines, Inc.
CP/M is a registered trademark of Digital Research, Inc.
Z-80 is a registered trademark of Zilog, Inc.
Silicon Office is a registered trademark of Bristol Software
WordCraft is a registered trademark of Commodore Business
Machines, Inc.
Master is a registered trademark of Canadian Microcomputer
Distributors
VisiCalc is a registered trademark of VisiCorp.
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2. Z-RAM INSTALLATION
Your Commodore dealer will be happy to assist you in the
installation of your new Z-RAM add-on board. The task is not
difficult, however, and if you'd like to install it yourself it
will probably take about 20 minutes. The only tools you'll need
are a screwdriver, a small pocketknife and perhaps a small
adjustable wrench. It's a good idea to read these instructions
all the way through before starting the installation.
2a. How to Mount Z-RAM
First, you should examine your shipping box to make sure
you've received all the parts you need to install and use Z-RAM.
Find and indentify the following:
a) one Z-RAM circuit board
b) four plastic spacers (one inch long cylinders)
c) four short mpunting screws
d) one 5 1/4" diskette contained in this manual
Now that you're certain you have all the necessary parts,
you can install and wire your Z-RAM. Follow these steps
carefully and in order:
1. Unplug your computer's power cord.
2. Open the top of the computer. It's hinged on the back and
you can lift it from the front, under the keyboard. The entire
top, including keyboard and monitor, will lift up. To do this
you may have to remove two screws that hold the top down.
They're located just under the overhanging white lip of the top,
near the front on the right and left sides. See Illustration 1.
3. When you lift the top, be careful not to open it too far.
It's possible to bang the back of the monitor on your tabletop.
You'll need to prop the top open. Place a solid object about 6"
high behind the computer under the back of the monitor. We've
found that a closed plastic case for 5 1/4" diskettes works
fine. See Illustration 2.
4. Your Z-RAM package includes a set of four spacers. The
plastic ones are small six-sided cylinders about one inch long
with a hole through the center.
Examine the underside of the top of your open computer. You
will see a cut out hole about 7" square that allows you to look
into the case containing your monitor's picture tube. Near the
edges of this cutout you'll see four nuts or bolt heads. These
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