To: 999 (all members)
From: K5B (David J.MacGraw)
Subject: 512 and DOS+ Part 1
8BS is now distributing and extending
the BBCPD 512 collection of DOS+ based
software. This remarkable system uses
an Intel/AMD 80186 microprocessor, but
runs all I/O activity in the BBC host
via the Tube. It is capable of running
many of the older DOS programs but not
those needing better than CGA displays
or mega-bytes of memory.
The occasional article on 512 and DOS+
topics is, hopefully, not out of place
in this magazine and any contributions
from other 512 users would, I'm sure,
be welcome. Questions, tips, problems
and solutions, enhancements, software
reviews/compatibility and so on would
all be of benefit to other users.
I am by no means an expert on the 512
(or the BBC for that matter!) and use
it mainly at home in a Master 128 with
a 20M Hard Disc (½ ADFS, ½ DOS+) and a
twin 5¼" floppy disc drive. I used it
initially as a 'hands-on' introduction
to the world of PC's but it is proving
to be a valuable aid in understanding
the inner workings of the M128 as well!
The following are probably essential
for any 512 user:
BOOKS: 512 User Guide c/w disc
by Chris Snee.
512 Technical Guide c/w disc
by Robin Burton.
(Both are available for hire from
Richard Chamberlain's Book Loan offer.)
HARDWARE: 1 meg.memory expansion PCB
Solidisk and Essential Software
once produced and fitted these.
(If there is sufficient interest,
a new version could be produced.
Watch this space for details.)
SOFTWARE: DOS+ v2.1 and supporting s/w
as supplied by Acorn.
PCCE, Mouse Driver and
512 Technical Information
by David Harper.
(Available from 8BS: disc 512-3-1.)
OSCLI, RAMDISC and PRTSCRN
utilities by Essential Software.
A hex.File Viewer/Editor
A text File Viewer/Editor
A file compression utility
Many of the other programs produced by
Essential Software put the 512's twin-
processor system to good use, MEMOPAD
being perhaps the best example. This
uses the host's SWRAM as an instantly
accessible notepad (for 'in-program'
note-taking, memos, instructions etc.)
with printing and filing facilities.
CPFS+ is another winner. This uses the
512 as a large, very fast ramdisc (BBC)
filing system and/or printer buffer.
TIP: The !Boot file given on page 175
of Chris Snee's User Guide doesn't work
if CPFS(+) is fitted. Use this version
instead: (supplied by Robin Burton)
*BASIC
*CO.TUBE
?&FEE0=&A0:?&FEE0=&20
?&FE4E=&7F:CALL!-4
On my setup, which uses Pineapple's ADU
ADFS management rom, I move the cursor
block in the *MENU screen to the 'DOS'
directory (containing the above !Boot
file) and press Shift/Copy/G. This then
automatically enters the directory and
EXEC's the file, which resets the 512,
simulates a Hard Break, installs and
starts up DOS+.
This concludes my first 512 article. I
hope to include various tips etc. in
future contributions and would welcome
any comments or suggestions as to the
content of this occasional series from
all other 512 users.