S. Zonov, St. Petersburg
Our company is constantly engaged
research and development, to
which is an extension of your computer Scorpion (and
whenever possible, and all
Spectrum-compatible family
computers), and eliminating those
disadvantages because of which could be heard criticism from
users, though, mostly other computers (Pentagon, Profi).
Time flies very fast and
life dictates new requirements for
our good old Spectrum'u. First of all, it is
on improving the graphics performance computer speed, memory
size. On the other hand, due to various reasons
Today, most manufactured
Our computers are sold with
controller Kempston-mouse and
IBM keyboards, as they
are easy to use, besides
conventional ZX Spectrum keyboard
is no longer available. Many
bought and HDD
(SMUC). Therefore, the end of 1997 will be the emergence of new
Boards Scorpion, with the working title Scorpion-2000 (it's not
mania greatness, and why it was chosen
such name - will become clear
enumeration of the technical characteristics). On this board
will be set those controllers, which today have become popular
and under who have already written a lot of software.
This controller IBM Keyboard and IBM mouse, which works on
interface Kempston-mouse, and most importantly - the controller
HDD + IBM slot. From my own experience I can say that who ever
worked with our HDD in TR-DOS, but about IS DOS and say
nothing, as Often they forget about
that the PC has more
and drive, and recalls
Indeed, only when it is necessary to rewrite
program from someone else or for someone else. The installation
of these devices on the main board will free up space on the
system connector for connecting new devices, HardWare, as
already commercially available, for example, General Sound, and
planned to release. But most importantly - the cost of such
fees will be much lower than today's cost
all of these devices,
if you buy them separately. When
The technical characteristics
This fee will be much higher and
will increasingly meet the requirements of today. Namely:
I. RAM from 256K to 2048
KB (as a 30 pin Simm modules).
II. Volume ROM 512KB (IC 27040).
III. Graphics:
1 - Standard ZX Spectrum.
2 - 640 * 200, 16 colors, the apparatus
inverse of the vertical scroller
Kali for speed
in text mode.
IV. Clock Speed 5.3 / 7
MHz switching as hardware,
and software.
V. Additional features
(Most interesting):
1. Ability to turn off
all the extra ports and snooze your PC standard ZX Spectrum.
When you disable the port is also included and standard ROM.
2. The same thing, but it also fully emulated
temporal parameters of scans and
Interrupt computer Pentagon, as the main
computer used demostroitelyami.
3. Since the circuitry
payment is made at the present
technical level with the use of programmable logic
matrices (PLM) company Altera, and the scheme itself is
"stored" in the system ROM, it becomes possible
modify the computer's circuitry, and very dramatically, by
simple replacement ROM or switching banks ROM.
The latter allows
be on the same board several
variants of the computers that differ, for example, different
versions of the frequency sweep - One for conventional TV
and CGA monitors, one for VGA
or EGA monitors. Field for an embodiment of different ideas over
sufficient.
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All is well, tell the user the Scorpion, but what am I to do
with the computer that I bought, having spent on it a lot of
money? Therefore, in anticipation of these are fair questions,
I want to reassure the owners in advance any scorpions. When
you create a new computer model, it was decided that all users
of old computers should have the opportunity to refine your PC
to your new. It was always when there are new fees Scorpion, so
will this time. Moreover,
this time the possibility of improvements to the old model of
the Scorpion new features will be even
before production starts a new motherboard. To this end,
Now, our company develops
and ready for serial production cost under the working title:
GMX
(Grafic_Memory_eXtension device
for Scorpion 256)
This board performs all the functions on the expansion and
modification of old boards Scorpio 256 to level of the new
board Scorpion-2000 the characteristics of graphics,
RAM, ROM, additional
Opportunities for compatibility with
ZX Spectrum and the Pentagon, downloading and modification
schemes, etc. In short, with any model of Scorpio, as
proprietary, and "left", you can easily modify it to your new
computer by connecting
Boards GMX.
I want to briefly tell about the technical performance of
the device.
1. Memory expansion, as already
was said to 2Mb (hence
is the name of the new motherboard).
Among the various, both existing and potential options for
the choice fell on one option, which carried a
Profi. Ie done so that
just 256KB address as well,
As it was, through the usual skorpionovsky standard, and all
that higher - standard Profi - Port
0DFFDh. Since Profi maximum memory - 1MB, then we can
work with the whole memory from 0
up to 1MB standard Profi. Just physically, it will be other
memory pages.
For example, you can download any program for Profi,
uses memory to 1MB, and
However, painless to use Shadow Service Monitor. Graduation
capacity: 256KB, 512KB, 1MB, 1256Kb, 2MB - Simm-standard
modules. And you can install on
one unit volume of 256k (get memory Scorpio) to 2
modules 1Mb - Shared Memory
get 2Mb. At higher volume
We specifically did not have laid out the fact that, firstly,
it is becoming expensive, and secondly, did little who need,
and pay something in the or less have all
and, thirdly, by using
Z80 CPU is very big memory can not be used
effectively. Why has been chosen
namely Standard Profi? Reply
is simple: why invent new
standards, if you already have computers with extended memory
and no technical limitations on using the same port for its
addressing. In addition, the chosen standard addressing
immediately same program run on the Profi,
calculated on the extended memory. Again, the appearance of any
new standard for memory expansion requires at least
time for the emergence of programs
for him to get used to it
users. In this embodiment, it is not required. Except
this is used and additional addressing modes of the upper
memory, which can significantly raise the performance
when working with it. This is especially
relevant to the work of the Shadow
Service Monitor (from the ROM!) And programs in its use
(remember the "hard drive"). TM is experiencing considerable
difficulties because of the limitations opportunity to address
the extended memory through one window in the address space
processor. Similar problems
Experiencing all the programs, so
or otherwise actively using
extended memory for "transfer" of fragments from one
bank to another.
2. Graphic screen 640 * 200
(208), plus hardware scroller
Number of colors - as in
normal ZX Spectrum. At each
bytes of graphics - one byte of attributes. In order to image
was stained, it is imperative the presence of 2 Simm-s,
ie at least 512K. Addressing the graphical display begins with
the 4000h, which almost completely linear, ie the first 80
bytes - the first line of the screen, The following 80 bytes -
the next, and etc. Attributes screen is stored in
one of the extended memory pages. Addressing them is exactly the
same.
The main purpose of the enhanced graphics - a standard text
screen 80 * 25 characters (Symbol is a size 8 by 8 pixels)
needed to work with text editors and mailers. To accelerate
text mode uses hardware scrolling
up and down. To shift the image vertically to any number of
pixels is only necessary write two bytes
ports "scroller", which specify the starting address in the
field video RAM for display output. All other possible
for the enhanced graphics
regarded as secondary, because nothing good
when using the Z80 to handle such graphics, in our
view, to create did not succeed. I assume that many will not
agree with this statement. Time show, but even if this is our
approach is wrong, then later
due to the possibility of changing
scheme by changing the firmware
ROM, you can enter additional graphics modes, giving an
increase in the number of colors, expanding the color palette
etc.
Why the choice fell on
graphic screen, rather than pure text. The reason is that
text mode (with hardware
decoder) considerably
difficult to implement, ideally
decoder must be loaded, and this further complicates the
design. Nevertheless, because you can dramatically change the
circuitry without changing the hardware (Formerly would have
sounded like delirium), it is quite possible that by
the existing scheme will be added
completely different, with the other
graphic characteristics.
The emergence of such a scheme depends
on you, or rather, your
programs that will take existing hardware
funds. Once again I want to note
that even a serious and fundamental changes in the scheme only
require replacement of the firmware ROM.
3. Professional ROM 040
(512 KB)
When developing software for current versions we have
already encountered restriction on the amount of ROM and RAM
(256Kb). Therefore, further development of embedded software
security will come only with
Support Extender GMX. It is planned to remake the Shadow
Monitor to work in the mode 640 * 200, Russify do
further expansion of the built
service capabilities of the shadow
monitor, primarily aimed at improving service
functions when working with HDD, support for various operating
systems (as part of the file organization), as well as support
to work with the HAYES-compatible modem. All this requires
considerable space in the ROM.
In addition, the ROM, as
mentioned, is stored and the scheme
Boards GMX. And done well,
that the TM can be drastically changed the scheme by
downloading a of several possible options. Also do not forget
about that a large amount of ROM has the best ratio price /
volume. With regard to ProfPZU for conventional boards, they are
will change only if
be detected any
errors in their work or add features fit
existing hardware limitations. Today released version number
4.1.
4. Improved compatibility with
ZX Spectrum and the Pentagon
To do this, click Shadow monitor introduces an additional
The menu bar Standart Spectrum.
This disables all of the additional ports and at the same time
includes standard ROM ZX
Spectrum 128 'TRDOS. Besides, introduced the possibility of
temporary installation options 128 Pentagon-. In going into
these regimes PC into a absolutely standard ZX Spectrum or the
Pentagon, while completely "forgets" about its advanced
features. Exit this mode, of course,
only the reset button. Introduction
such a regime is long overdue and
continues to remain relevant
and today, as
Some programmers are resistant to
his desire to write programs
the way it wants them. Well, in
this case, "if the mountain does not go
to Mohammed, then Mohammed will go to
Mount ...". The main thing is to use
was for all.
5. Turbirovanie with acceleration factor 1.8-1.9
The board GMX integrated circuit
Turbirovanie with increasing speed of 1.8-1.9 times in
program performance of RAM. When
work with the ROM speed increases at exactly 2 times. Switching
Turbo / Standard - like now: the software and hardware. On
customized versions will be supplied with a clock speed 14MGts,
but the cost they will be higher due to the use of more
expensive chips and a faster processor. Likely to be possible
to replace the simple board GMX more powerful. At least we'll
try to do so.
6. Embodiment
As structurally executed
This extender. This fee
size 80 * 110 mm, is inserted into the socket for the Z80 in
every model of Scorpio. Better (more reliable) if instead of
the panels you solder a standard connector. In addition, the 10
points of the old board soldered loop through
which for a fee through GMX 10kontaktny connector serves /
removed the following signals:
1-R - red
2-G - Green
3-B - Blue
4-I - intensity
May-Sync - Synchronization
6-Magic - Magic Button
7-RDR / - read ROM
8-CSR / - appeal to the RAM
9 - +5 v
10 - Earth
7. Economic indicators
Approximate cost
GMX board with 512K - $ 35-40 (Price
manufacturer). For comparison:
Today the cost of the old board turbirovanie Scorpion - $ 10
Installation ProfPZU040 - $ 20. Then
there are additional opportunities accrue to the user for
$ 5-10. If you want a little more
save - vypayayte more than half of IC with the main board.
8. Timing the start of series
production and sales
As always, it is difficult to give
concrete terms, since one then make excuses for
that does not fit into them.
As such, it was with the controller HDD, which was developed
and prepared for more than two years. But
nevertheless, still working on
These have been successfully completed, and the number of users
of HDD for the summer In 1997 exceeded one thousand.
To date, fee GMX
at the stage of PCB layout, so we hope that the mass production
and Sales will begin in autumn 1997. Well, time will tell how
we are to accurately predict.
9. Using GMX on other models Spectrum-compatible
computers
We plan along with documentation on the GMX supply
Complete all the information about
how to finalize a new computer
to ensure that it can be included GMX. In fact, from
any Spectrum - compatible
computer using
GMX card required: support
Music coprocessor support controller TRDOS, support keyboard
port, recorder, joystick, printer, and even some
inconsequential detail. All this is almost any Spectrume, and
somehow You can use it.
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Take this opportunity to briefly introduce readers ZX-REVIEW
with our work for the last
year, and also briefly describe
new peripherals,
commercially manufactured and sold, including the mail.
All this year our main
efforts were directed at supporting and developing the
controller HDD and IBM-periphery (SMUC-controller). This
includes the completion ProfPZU up new opportunities, and
processing of large volume of applications and games
programs to ensure
the ability to download and work
these programs on the HDD. Now
You can say that almost
All software
through us - and this is
More than two hundred games and system disks - can work with
HDD.
New features include, for example, auto computer from any
user-defined partition or disk that in practice, proved to be
very convenient, especially when working with
IS-DOS.
To ensure efficiency HDD large amount - more than 528Mb, and
faster the HDD has finally been finalized mode from the HDD to
standard LBA. In a nutshell: in
This mode of addressing data
HDD is not on the usual coordinates (cylinder / head / sector)
and the absolute sector number.
Transformation and selection of the right
sector to make themselves hard
disc. In this mode to work with
HDD accelerated to 1.5-2 times!
However, some older models
HDD do not support this mode.
Our firm is actively cooperating with various groups of
programmers who write for the ZX Spectrum. As a result of such
cooperation, there are various software applications that
support the HDD. Here include a variety of copiers
and loaders to quickly
work with different sections
and discs to the HDD. Imagine
when you have at hand a hundred or
more disks and you need to quickly and
effectively work with them. Find the file, copy it
to another drive, rename,
take a sample of all directories
or some of the discs, etc. No
convenient and effective program
to do this would be difficult. In addition, it should be noted
that all These programs are written in "the future" - there is
the possibility of board support GMX, and namely - the use of
graphical display and memory up to 2 MB RAM.
Another promising possibility SMUC controller is able to
connect various low-cost cards from IBM
PC. These primarily include fees HAYES-compatible modem. All
the complexity is only in a writing program
support for such modems. Over the past year the situation is
much changed for the better. Appeared
program, made by different authors, allowing you to connect to
SMUC internal modems, no matter how
Strangely enough, running at speeds
14,400 and even 33,600. It now remains to write another e-mail
program (for receiving, parsing, write and send e-mail), and
then will be open way to access the e-mail system and you never
know - the Internet.
Among the new and interesting
Hard-devices that are beginning to be widely publicized and
sold in our firm, we can note the sound
fee General Sound (GS). This
music blaster, which
designed to work with any ZX Spectrum-compatible PC
48/128/256/512 and provides high-quality playback of digital
music files in the format *. mod, but also play some
digitized "samples". Basis for GS was derived scheme of musical
card from your computer Amiga 500 +, and therefore the quality
of music is virtually no GS is inferior to the famous music
quality computer Amiga. GS uses in its own processor and
installed it on 128Kb of RAM, thanks What he does not take away
resources from basic computer processor.
Structurally the GS is designed as a slot for computers with
the system bus in the standard Scorpion. At the moment,
released for 4 games supporting all possible GS, as well as a
professional music editor for GS. You can also use any samples
from the IBM PC and Amiga. The set comes detailed guidance on
connecting and programming GS and 2 diskettes music and games
for him.
Main technical characteristics of General Sound:
Processor Z80H, 12mHz
-128KB RAM (expandable to 1MB)
ROM 32KB (expandable to 512K)
Frequency of 44 kHz the interrupt
-4 Eight-channel is not dependent regulation gromkos ti (6 bits
per channel)
And finally, another nice touch for us since.
According to a survey conducted by
among the subscribers of the online
Mail (conference ZX Spectrum
network FidoNet), today nearly
half (~ 47%) Spectrum-compatible computers in Ex-USSR -
Scorpio 256. The poll had a
to some extent provided by 12 cities. Of course, we
understand that such surveys do not
always give unbiased information, but nevertheless they are at
least reflect the relative (to be fair - for second place
Profi - 11%). Moreover, because our computer is constantly
develops and, most importantly,
mass-produced - this ratio has been steadily changing in
favor of Scorpio. All that I write
to say that
any event any manufactured
We more or less successful peripheral device is most popular in
its class, and even so is the de facto or otherwise standard in
its field. (I hope the same will happen with GMX). And many
users who want to have Spectrum, conforming to the present day,
sooner or later come to think about what they
need to switch to the Scorpion. Topics
more than that and we, in turn,
albeit slowly, but eliminate those
weaknesses in our computer
that someone interfered to stop it your choice. Therefore,
urge all those who have not yet decided
which computer it will work on, move on
Scorpio and join efforts in
support and development of our computer, especially from the
point of writing new programs
and support manufactured peripherals. Especially because
smart and intelligent animals so much, but the actual finished
works are so few. Only demos, demos and demos ... After
reviewing the most interesting article in the ZX-REVIEW over
the past two or three years, we can conclude that almost all
ideas that have been proposed by various authors to embed
various features in ROM, if Organization standard calls
in ROM, to create an electronic
drive with the most frequently used applications and much more,
in one way or varying degrees long (and in some cases even
earlier) are implemented in Scorpio and its embedded software.
Simply, many of the suggested are not familiar with our
developments.
For further details and detailed
to see what's what we
work has been done over the years, what programs and the
literature we distribute, as soon as possible all this order
and receive on mail, please send your request to:
199048 Saint-Petersburg, PO Box 083,
Zonov Sergey; or
phone (812) -298-0653, 1723117 (order department, from 10 to
14), 251-1262 (service center, with
10 to 19) or by e-mail: 2:5030 / 529.16.
All deficiencies embedded software, and
and what opportunities
you would like to see him, and in
Basically the computer can
communicate by phone at (812) -1301995, preferably by e-
email:
FidoNet: 2:5030 / 25.1,
E-mail: moa@deeds.spb.ru
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