Just email me directly. Building over the holiday weeks. I have quite a backlig to clear but I am trying to release a big update in the next day or so. Lots of testing..
Fyi everyone. Next drop of REX# re-implelemts multi bank for T200 and NEC, as well as the integrated VT100 driver for M100 only. Also, new quick menu keystroke... CNTL-A to start REXMGR. Also, a major bug is addressed. I will have to update the wiki page on VT100, ro describe the extended BASIC commands. I will tackle VT100 for T200 in the new year. Cheers Steve On Saturday, December 19, 2020, Scott McDonnell <mcdonnell.j...@comcast.net> wrote: > Alright, sold. 😊 How do I buy the Rex# from you? > > > > Scott M. > > > > *From: *Stephen Adolph <twospru...@gmail.com> > *Sent: *Saturday, December 19, 2020 7:12 PM > *To: *m...@bitchin100.com > *Subject: *Re: [M100] Model 100 Repair - Keyboard not responding,LCD > missing a column > > > > Scott, > > > > After reading your shopping list of wants, I think a REX is a great > solution, and developing an option ROM is really your best path. > > But you don't need to do a rip and replace on the main rom to get there. > > > > I personally think it is a very bad idea to replace the stock MAIN ROM, > with REX. > > > > It was an aspect of the original REX design, with the thinking that, well, > if you had a huge flash chip what could you do with it? Yes you could > store OPTION ROM software, and yes you could back up the RAM nicely. > > But what about patched MAIN ROMs? > > There are some defects with the original MAIN ROM: > > -- Y2K > > -- miscalculation of PI (I believe) > > > > So it sounds like a neat idea. Why not make REX take over the MAIN ROM? > So I did make that possible however.. > > > > The problem comes when you have an issue with REX, and it is providing the > boot code. If REX malfunctions, you can brick your laptop very easily. > > So then you need to open it up, insert the original ROM, etc. A lot of > pain for not much gain. > > > > Oh, and by the way all versions of REX fix the Y2K display problem. So, > imho, there isn't any real benefit to changing the MAIN ROM, unless having > Pi to only something like 10 digits isn't good enough;). > > > > In REX# and REXCPM, I have removed this "rom replacement" function. > > > > Others may disagree with me. To each their own. > > > > Please see further comments below. > > > > Steve > > > > > > > > On Sat, Dec 19, 2020 at 6:35 PM Scott McDonnell < > mcdonnell.j...@comcast.net> wrote: > > Will do. Just so I understand, the Rex replaces the main rom? The M100 > will boot directly from the Rex? And with the Rex, I can customize my own > applications, autolaunch, etc? This goes into the DVI socket on the bottom? > > > > REX# (and REXCPM and REXclassic) are all OPTION ROM devices. They > generally plug into the option rom socket. > > Generally REX makes available to the laptop selectable option rom > software, and a variety of other functions. > > > > A typical REX install does NOT require removal of the MAIN ROM, nor is it > needed. > > > > I had looked at it before, but the descriptions seem to be written for > people that are already well into the Model 100 and not very clear to a > TRS-80 newbie like me. :) > > > > Yes, my documentation generally assumes a good level of M100 knowledge. I > believe there is enough other documentation out there. > > > > > > What I would like to be able to do: > > Replace the main ROM > > > > OK. Why? Option ROMs are pretty straightforward to develop. M100 has a > good autoboot function built in so you can jump straight into your code. > > There is a well used and well documented set of information on how to make > an option rom. > > > > Custom menu > > > > doable via an option ROM. > > > > My apps not stored in RAM dependent on battery > > Again doable via an option rom. with REX, you can store it in flash, and > easily re-load bug fix versions as you develop. > > If you blow away the main rom you lose all the benefits of having that > library of software routines to call. > > > > Autolauch a program at power on (and preferably be able to exit out to > menu if wanted) > > Again, ideal use case for an option rom. > > > > Ease transfer of files back and forth with a PC (TPDD emulator or > Trashtalk) > > > > TS-DOS is also an option rom. > > > > Thank you to everyone that has replied. > > > > Really it sounds like a REX is ideal. > > > > >
