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(C) UnBEL! EVER ^ SPEED CO. ^ XTM
Dozens undeniably talented people from those that were now
on SPECCY in our country regularly offer new and
new solutions to improve the situation with a Disk Operating
systems. How to TR-DOS was untenable and there which only
no twists ... Even you do not want to list, but probably
will: IS-DOS, CP / M, NeOS and several other developments have
not more flats consist of their authors. And as much as all
sorts of changes are made in the good old TR-DOS'e ... The root
of the error All of these comrades was that they wanted to get
away as if a little blood - change the software (ROM in
particular) with no change in This hardware itself, or
producing a completely minor improvements in the scheme BETA
DISK INTERFACE based VG93.
As if we are accustomed to what is in front of the entire
planet. It is here, but they have not invented by expanding
computer memory at least to one, at least until the two "feet".
This is our idea to do new graphics modes (PROFI, 512 pixels,
128 colors, and etc.), is what we came up with GENERAL SOUND
and SOUNDRIVE. "Russian HARD is the coolest HARD ", we said,
when the poor bourgeois asked to write software just slow down,
because they have not-Pentagon. But sometimes the opposite
happens ...
For the first time about the MB-02 + I've heard on FUNTOP'98
from Arty and Mac Buster'a. They are still discussing how to
transplant the entire country at this a powerful piece of
metal. Ironically, the last year of the miracle Technology was
not a single mention, even in the same SCENERGY. That is why in
this issue BORN DEAD'a I decided to bring translation of the
advertising text on the MB-02 +, that you, dear readers, read
and think - whether to suffer on the invention their dos'ov
when invented a flexible, powerful and versatile system! Photo
of MB-02 + can be found in today's application in the form.
jpg'a:)
(R) ZS (translation)
8Bit Company + SINTECH
represent
MB-02 +
Revolutionary Step Forward
Dear friend, spektrumist, thank you for interested in our
brand new product: MB-02 +, designed for your ZX
Spectrum-compatible computer. We present you the best in the
world a combination of your computer and the new disk system.
We are very glad that you understand the importance of the
invention, which expand the capabilities of your Spectrum. It
is time combining all spektrumistov-realschikov that seriously
configured to use this wonderful machine. We are confident that
This is the first (and hopefully last) system, which
really is the best for your computer and to the same
the only one that will have the most support. When
With this article we want to introduce you to opportunities
MB-02 +, to talk about hardware and software that are already
available or are at the stage razdabotok. Compare this with any
other interface for the Spectrum and you can not find any
better than MB-02 +. It is made by fans of Spectrum for the
same fans and result - is more than just an interface.
This is a new chance for the Spectrum. Perhaps you've seen
MB-02 + in work on some show. Certainly, it was cool, but
Now look at him more closely:
Key Features
----------------------
- The size of the disc: HD: 1.800Kb / DD: 840Kb
- Data transfer rate: HD: 40-50Kb/sek / DD 25Kb/sek
- Internal memory: EPROM 2Kb (expandable to 64KB)
128KB SRAM (expandable to 512K)
- Timing: real-time clock (RTC)
- Connect up to 4 drives
- Kempston joystick / Amiga mouse port
- 3-channel, bidirectional port (by 18,255)
- Fully compatible with the TAPE interface (great achievement)
- Located entirely in ROM
- Fast DOS-operation
- Up to 256 folders on each drive, each folder can
contain up to 65,279 files!
- Programming system-RESET (complete analog pressing RESET,
does not work on ZX Spectrum +2 A / B)
Description of the software and its
capabilities
-----------------------------
Together with the MB-02 + you will receive a software package
ensure: BS-ROM, BS-DOS and BS-BIOS, developed Busysoft +
some required utilities (currently ready copiers
between BS-DOS, DP-DOS, M-DOS, and of course MS-DOS formats.
- BS-ROM: This classic Spectrum 48Kb ROM, which contains
BASIC and software to work (connection) with a BS-DOS. In ROM
included some additional improvements that allow you to work in
BASIC'e easier and more convenient. You will always use the
MB-02 + with Keyword 48k BASIC, but the possibilities 128Kb
machine (if she certainly you have one)
- BS-DOS: This actually is the operating system to work
discs, with access through the BS-ROM or directly from any
program.
- BS-BIOS: The core of the system, which carries out the
relationship between software and hardware of your machine.
After connecting the MB-02 +, you can enjoy all
functions, which are usually available in any other system +
some additional new features. Concept
system is built on the idea of a complete emulation of the
cassette interface This means that you can work with the disk
_tochno_ as you did with the cassette. This solution is well
that you do not have to change the program (whether Basic or
machine code), and Files can then be much easier to find and
faster to download. How does it work? The bottom line is that
the data is transmitted by two procedures in the ROM addresses
1218 (for the record) and 1366 (for loading). Recourse to these
procedures, responsible for working with tape recorder caught
and proishoit their emulation, but the work occurs with the
disc. The system also remembers the place of the end Download
the latest file (virtual breakpoint cluster tape as a tape
recorder), so a simple command LOAD download the following file
after the last loaded. Of course Alternatively, you can
download any file from disk, asking his name or its catalog
number. The system also recognizes the tape files "No title",
and to copy you can use the same program, and for the tape. But
there are also new, and utilities: one, to copy from tape to
disk is ready. In general, all the above means that the MB-02 +
with BS-DOS are completely compatible with a cassette
interface. MB-02 + allows switch the Spectrum mode 64KB of RAM,
ie, no problem changes in the lower memory 0-16383, there, for
example, you can download the standard ROM and do it, any
changes (To replace the font, for example) and then protect
this area from record, as would any ROM emulation. It is
assumed that future regime will be used to implement the CP / M
and UNIX-based systems.
With the MB-02 + was possible to produce disk operations and
parallel to perform other operations (in the mode of IM 2 - for
example, play music). In addition, MB-02 + - the only system
allowing Spectrum'u use HD (high density)
disc format. Such a possibility has been
Z80-DMA programmable chip.
Description of iron and its capacity
---------------------------------
What you find inside the MB-02 +:
- WD2797A: Disk Controller
- Z80-DMA: the chip from the family of Z80, which will arrange
for a quick transfer data between ports and memory in any
direction; if you learn how to manage this programmable chip,
the see incredible on its own Speccy! Several
special DMA-demos are attached to the MB-02 +.
- EPROM 2Kb: Contains a program that is executed after
turn on the computer or pressing the RESET. It allows
boot DOS in SRAM, as well as disable the MB-02 + and use
Spectrum in normal mode. This chip is easy
replaced by another volume of 64K, which includes a new
graphics system ZX-OS / 2 Vision (she is now being finalized).
- SRAM 128Kb: Static RAM, which will connect to
lower segment # 0000 - # 3FFF (0-16384, ie, instead of ROM). By
as this memory is loaded DOS (BS-ROM, BS-DOS, BS-BIOS).
The program, which will organize a separate SRAM
RAM-disk is attached to the MB-02 +, so you can
use this memory as another drive. SRAM size depends
only you (128/256/384/512). Generally, the more the better.
- 18255: The device, which organizes 3-channel bi-directional
parallel data port. Using it, you can
connect Kempston joystick, Amiga mice, printers, ADC or
DAC, etc.
- Button NMI: To activate the "NMI-menu, where, for example, can
switch to work with tape and disk.
- Button RESET: resets the Spectrum and the MB-02 +.
- Battery: To save the data in the SRAM (which would not be
reloaded each time the machine), as well as for hours real-time.
Additional accessories are available:
- Real-Time Clock (RTC): For the reference real time.
There are many uses for the RTC (timing, measuring the gap
time), and BS-DOS 400 will write data to RTC in the title
each file (so you can see when the file was created).
- FDD 3,5 "high density: The best drive for MB-02 +;
is the most common format used in the world. We
support the only first-class disk drives! (Mitsumi, Sony,
Teac).
- FDD-cable: To connect 2 drives. If you want to
to use more drives, then we will make you
A special cable.
- Standard power supply: For the MB-02 + and 2-disk drives.
- Adapter for a 4-FDD: Allows more than 2-x drives
- Interface Centronics: To connect a Centronics-compatible
printers (the most common for the Spectrum).
- Expander System Connector: It is required owners +2 A / B.
- Amiga Mouse: Mouse is the most popular for use on
Spectrum'e
In development are:
- MB-SoundFace: Sound card, which will play
MOD-files from the PC / Amiga on your Spectrum'e (requires
MB-02 + and SRAM 512kb).
- MB-Level2: The controller, which will connect the hard drive
and CD-ROM to the MB-02 +.
- MB-Modem: To connect an external modem. With its help you
can share files with friends or connect to
InterNet or BBS.
- MB-VideoFace: Will translate the video into a graphical
format Spectrum'a
As you can see, this is just what you've been waiting all these
years. Just go and buy! This is the best and most promising
iron ever created for the best computer in the universe
Your ZX Spectrum!
Epilogue
-----
Some well-known spektrumisty and coders familiarized themselves
with the MB-02 +, and later became the owners of this unique
interface. Here is their competent opinion:
"MB-02 + is what every Speccy-guy can only
dream of (until he actually gets it). "
Omega
(MB-02 + is what every spektrumist could only dream of!)
"There is no doubt the MB-02 + is the best
system for the ZX Spectrum ever developed "
Jaxon Hollis
(For anyone, MB-02 + is the best system ever created for
ZX-Spectrum)
"Small and large - Super!!!" (Little and Great - Great!)
Triton
"MB-02 + is a disk system for the ZX Spectrum
of the next millenium "
Mr. Johny Renegade
(MB-02 + is a disk system for the ZX Spectrum the next century)
"The disk system that overcame tomorrows product ..."
Sharks
(A disk system that portends tomorrow's software ...)
"MB-02 + is all I ever wanted" (MB-02 + is all that I wanted)
Last Monster
"First I thought it is a dream ... now I got one for my own ...
impossible! "
FBI
(At first I thought that this is a dream .... now I have my own
own MB-02 + ... impossible! "
"Unbelievable" (Super)
Legend
PRICE LIST
---------
- MB-02 + standard version, 128KB SRAM, 2KB EPROM, BS-DOS ...
310 DM
- Expandable Memory 128KB SRAM (256k total )........... 55 DM
- Additional memory SRAM 256KB (384KB total )........... 97 DM
- Expandable Memory 384KB SRAM (512k total ).......... 139 DM
- Real-Time Clock ................................... 39 DM
- Interface Centronics ..................................... 22
DM
- Drive 3.5 "High Density .......................... 65 DM
- Cable for connecting 2 x FDD ............................ 7 DM
- Power supply to MB-02 + and 2-drive ................. 45 DM
All prices in German Marks (DM). Payments in other currencies
can with the additional bank charges. We give six
month warranty on every item sold. Send their
orders, suggestions, questions can be reached at:
SINTECH
Gastfckerstr. 23
70794 Filderstadt
GERMANY
Tel / Fax: 0049 (0) 711-775033
e-mail: sintech@online.de
