C64 Survival Guide

Submitted by Gaelyne on Sun, 06/29/2008 - 14:50.

Gaelyne's Survival Guide for New C64/128 Users

Created 20 April 1997

Please ask permission before using this text in any publications.

Introduction

This was originally a few printed pages that I put together for anyone joining my User Group. I quickly ran out of copies, and for one reason or another I set it aside for quite a long time and almost forgot about it. About 3 times a month, I get Email asking for this type of general information on what to do with a "new " Commodore by someone unfamilar with the computer. Because of this, when I found it on a disk recently, I decided to dust it off and try to update it with information that I didn't have when this was first created. By making it available on the Web, I hope it helps new users and perhaps inspires a few people to take their C= out of the closet and try it out again.

When I began using my Commodore 64, information was hard to find. I didn't belong to a User Group, and when I joined one, I found that many of the members had forgotten how confusing it can be for beginners. This packet was originally designed with the intent to deliver as much fundamental information as possible, without taking up too much space. I suspect that anything over a few pages can seem like too much to new users. With that in mind, I've designed this to be a quick and easy reference guide. Following the disk commands, I've included some helpful general information, and explanations of some terms you may run into when reading software manuals and other Commodore 64/128 related publications.

DOS / Disk Commands

Listed below are standard disk commands for the C64/128. These are the instructions that you give the computer to do something, such as load a program, rename a love letter, or erase a file from your disk drive. When you type these instructions into the computer, the computer sends the message to your disk drive to do the job. The "standard" commands are ones you type in from what's called "direct" mode, meaning that you aren't within a program. If you are in the middle of a program and suddenly realize you need a formatted disk, what to do?? Panic? No. Don't panic. Many programs have what's called a DOS wedge. Look for the word "DOS" or "DISK" within the program, and then once the program is ready (you will either see a "@", ">", or "?"), put the disk to be formatted in the disk drive and type in the DOS Wedge command to format it. I've arranged the commands with the standard ones first, and the DOS Wedge ones second. I've also given a short explanation of what each command does, and why it might be used.

In addition to using the DOS Wedge commands within programs that allow it, you can also load a program that will let you type in the easier to use wedge commands from direct mode, bypassing the need to use the longer, more cumbersome standard commands. Begin by loading the DOS wedge on the Test/ Demo disk which comes with all C= disk drives by typing:

Load "C-64 Wedge",8 <return>

RUN <return>.

The DOS wedge will stay within the memory of your computer until a program you run comes along and wipes it out. The wedge simplifies all of the commands by allowing you to type much less to get what you need done. No quotation marks are necessary; press return after typing in the command.

To make things really easy, there's something called JiffyDOS that you can have installed in your computer that lets you have easy to use wedge commands all the time, without needing to load a special wedge program. See the section about "Fast Loaders and Utility Chips" below.

Format Disk
This prepares the disk for use with our computers. New disks must be formatted before you can use them.

WAIT a minute! Be sure you have the disk that you want to format in the disk drive, because if there's anything you want on the disk, it will disappear FOREVER when you format it!

If you own a Commodore 128 and are using a 1571 disk drive, use the commands in the "Set Modes (1571 or 1541)" section to be sure your disk drive is in the mode you wish it to be in before using this command. When using the 1571 drive while in 128 mode the disk will be formatted on both sides of the disk at the same time. This gives you more blocks free, and you won't have to turn the disk over to format (or use) the other side. You now ONLY put in the front side of the disk when you use it. I had a call from a woman halfway through typing a book, who lost her hard work because she turned her 1571-formatted disk over and formatted it, losing everything she worked so hard on! For more information, see "Set Modes (1571 or 1541)" and "Disks and Disk Drives".

OPEN15,8,15 : PRINT#15,"N0:NAME,ID" : CLOSE 15

DOS Wedge: @N:DISKNAME,ID

The ID is a unique two-character identifier for the disk. It can be numbers, letters or a combination of the two.

Short New or Short Format
If a disk has already been formatted, but you want to erase what's on it and use it as if it were a new disk, you can use this command to "new" it:

OPEN15,8,15 : PRINT#15,"N0:NAME" : CLOSE 15

DOS Wedge: @N:DISKNAME

Viewing the Disk Directory
Many times, it's handy to see what's on a disk directory. You can also load program directly from a directory listed to the screen. See "Loading from the directory" for more information. Note that the command below will erase any program you are currently using from memory. Also see "Selective Directories"

LOAD "$",8 <return> LIST

DOS Wedge: @$

Scratch File
Eventually the time will come when you will want to erase a file from your disk. For instance, you've written a letter to your boss telling him (or her) what you REALLY think of them. Now you've had a change of heart, and decided that it would be best to erase that right off your disk just to be sure it never gets in the wrong hands. DO NOT use this command on disks that have splatted files. Splatted files show up in the disk directory with a "*" next to it's file type. See "Validate" for more
information.

OPEN15,8,15:PRINT#15,"S0:FILE"

DOS Wedge: @:FILENAME

Rename File
Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, a file may be saved to disk with the wrong name. This is how you can change it's name. Remember, type the NEW name first, and the OLD name last.

OPEN15,8,15 : PRINT#15,"R0:NEWNAME=OLDNAME" : CLOSE15

DOS Wedge: @:NEWNAME=OLDNAME

Copy File (same disk)
This command is similar to the rename command (above), but it's used to make a backup copy of a file on the same disk, giving the backup file a different name. If I wanted to change a program, but wanted to keep the original safe, I would probably use this command first, and then make changes to the backup copy.

OPEN15,8,15 : PRINT#15,"C0:NEWFILE=OLDFILE" : CLOSE15

DOS Wedge: @C:NEWNAME=OLDNAME

Save a File
Every once in awhile, even nonprogrammers (like me) need to make a small change in a program and then save it to disk.

SAVE "FILE",8

DOS Wedge: <-FILENAME

Note: the <- is the backarrow key that's just above the CONTROL key.

Verify File
Once you've saved a program to disk, it's a good idea to make sure it's "all there", and that it saved correctly.

VERIFY "FILE",8

DOS Wedge: 'FILENAME

Save AND Verify a File
This command will save time by saving and verifying a file at the same time. Note the colon between the commands.

SAVE "FILE",8:VERIFY "FILE",8

DOS Wedge:<-FILENAME <RETURN>'FILENAME <RETURN>

Note: the <- is the backarrow key that's just above the CONTROL key.

Load A Program
How a program is loaded depends on what kind of program it is - whether it is a BASIC program or a Machine Language (ML) program. Many ML programs have a short (1 block or so) BASIC program that loads the rest of the program into memory. Commands that end in "8,1" load ML programs. You can also use "8,1" to load BASIC programs, since the computer ignores the "1" if it's not needed. If in doubt, use the "8,1" command. Also, the "8" stands for the disk drive number. If your disk drive is another number, substitute that number instead, but keep in mind that some programs were designed to run only from disk drive #8. See also "Wildcards" and "Loading from the directory".

LOAD "FILE",8 or LOAD "FILE",8,1<RETURN>

Type RUN <return> to start the program. Alternatively, you can type LIST <return> to list a
BASIC program to screen.

This command loads either the first program on the disk, or tries to reload the last program that's in memory (if there's a program in memory):

LOAD "*",8,1

This command ALWAYS loads the first file on a disk:

LOAD ":*",8,1


DOS Wedge Program Loading Commands:

/FILENAME

loads a file on disk. You still have to type RUN <return>

%FILENAME

loads and runs a machine language program (load "filename",8,1)

^FILENAME

loads and RUNS a file on disk. The ^ character is the up arrow, which
is next to the RESTORE key.

Shift and Run/Stop (press keys at the same time) loads and runs the first file on a disk.

Validate
This is a pretty hefty command. Think of it as the overbearing housekeeper. This command cleans up the disk, deleting areas that aren't in use. If you've scratched a file from disk, validating the disk will positively remove all remnants of it from your disk. There are ways to get a scratched file back, but NOT after you have used this command.

If you are a GEOS user - Do not use this command to validate disks that you have used within GEOS. GEOS stores files differently, and this command can ruin GEOS files. DO use this command on non-GEOS disks that have splatted files. Splatted files show up in the disk directory with a "*" next to it's file type. These are files that were improperly saved.

OPEN15,8,15:PRINT#15,"V":CLOSE15

DOS Wedge: @V

C-128 Standard Disk Commands

While the above commands will work with the C128, it has additional commands that can be used. Any text appearing in brackets [ ] is optional, and "Udevice" means the disk drive number such as
8, 9, 10 and so on.

Format Disk

HEADER"name"[,id] [ON Udevice]

HEADER"name",x1 ON U8

Directory

F3 or

DIRECTORY [ON Udevice]

DIRECTORY ON 8 or

CATALOG [ON Udevice]

CATALOG ON U8

Scratch File

SCRATCH "file" [ON Udevice]

SCRATCH "file" ON U8

Rename File

RENAME[Ddrive]"oldname"TO"newname"[,Udevice]

RENAME "oldname"TO"newname",U8

Copy File

COPY "oldfile" TO "newfile" [ON Udevice]

COPY "oldfile" TO "newfile" ON U8

Verify File

DVERIFY "file" [ON Udevice]

DVERIFY "file" ON U8

Load File

DLOAD "file"or F2+"filename" or RUN "file"

Save File

DSAVE "file" or F5 + "filename"

Validate

COLLECT [ON Udevice]

COLLECT ON U8

A Few 1571 Disk Commands

1571 disk drives have TWO modes, either 1571 mode or 1541 mode. See Disks and Disk Drives for an explanation of the two different modes. Sometimes you will want to set the 1571 disk drive so it will work in the mode you want it to be in. These are the commands that you need to use.

Set 1541 Mode
OPEN15,8,15,"U0>M0":CLOSE15

DOS Wedge: @U0>M0

Note: If you have a C128 and a 1571 drive, and change to 64 mode by holding down the C= (Commodore Key), the 1571 disk drive will be set in 1541 (Single-Sided) mode. When in 1541 mode, the disk drive only formats or reads ONE side of the disk at a time, as if it were a "true" 1541 disk drive.

Set 1571 Mode
OPEN15,8,15,"U0>M1":CLOSE15

DOS Wedge: @U0>M1

Note: If you have a C128 and 1571 drive and type "GO64" to change to 64 mode, your disk drive will STAY in 1571 (double-sided) mode. See "Format Disk" for further information and warnings.

Reset Disk Drive (1541 drives)
Resets the blinking light on the disk drive when an error has occurred.

OPEN15,8,15,"U;":CLOSE15

DOS Wedge: @U;

Reset Disk Drive (1571 and 1581 drives)
OPEN15,8,15,"UJ":CLOSE15 or

OPEN15,8,15,"U:":CLOSE15

DOS Wedge: @UJ or @U

Other DOS Wedge Commands

@

Reads error channel of the disk drive and reports it's findings in code form. You want to see it report "00, ok,00,00". You will have to grab your disk drive manual for more information on the codes returned, and their meanings.
@#N

For 2 or more disk drive systems. This changes the default disk drive to another number from the usual 8. N (n can be drives 8, 9, 10, 11, etc)
@i

Initializes the disk. Essentially, if you've been using a program, and take the disk out and put another one in, this is a polite way of telling the computer that you've changed disks, and for the computer to forget all about the disk you had been using. The computer, being stupid and very literal, assumes it knows where everything is on a disk after accessing it. If you put a new disk in, and save a program or file, it assumes you're using the first disk, and writes the stuff to it where the first one had empty space available. The second disk may have important stuff in the same location, which would be destroyed. This is a good command to use to avoid this problem.
@Q

Quits the wedge program (it remains in memory)
SYS 52224

Restarts the DOS wedge



Hints Tips and Tricks


Wildcards

Wildcards, or "pattern matching" can give you less to type and help make your disk commands much easier. For instance, if you want to load a program but can only remember the first three letters of it, you can type in those letters with an asterisk (*) behind it instead of the whole name. The same goes for scratching files, but you must be careful, as the computer will do exactly what you tell it to do. You can easily scratch files you didn't intend to erase when using wildcards.

  • LOAD "V*",8 - will load the first file on the disk that begins with the letter V.
  • OPEN15,8,15:PRINT#15,"S0:F*" - this will scratch EVERY file on the disk which begins with the letter "F" in its' file name.
  • @S:ABC* - this will scratch EVERY file on the disk which starts with "ABC" in its' file name.

Selective Directories

Viewing only certain types of files on the disk directory can make it easier to look for files on your disk directories. You can look at program files, sequential files, or files that begin with a certain letter. Here are a few examples. If using the standard commands, don't forget to type LIST when the READY prompt appears!

  • LOAD"$0:*=P",8 - the "P" stands for Program files. This will display only program files when you list the directory.

    JiffyDOS: @$*=p
  • LOAD"$0:*=S",8 - the "S" stands for Sequential files. This will display only sequential files when you list the directory.

    JiffyDOS: @$*=s

  • LOAD"$0:*=R",8 - the "R" stands for Relative files.

    JiffyDOS: @$*=r

  • LOAD"$0:*=U",8 - the "U" stands for User files.

    JiffyDOS: @$*=u
  • LOAD"$0:A*",8 - only files that begin with the letter "A" will display when the directory is listed.

    JiffyDOS: @$a*
    This is a VERY handy command!

You aren't limited to looking for just the first letter of a file name, you can search for files that begin with any number of characters, up to the limit of 16 characters. So, if you were looking for "loveletter", you could use this command to find it:

LOAD"$0:LOVELET*",8

JiffyDOS: @$lovelet*

Printing a Disk Directory

LOAD "$",8 <RETURN>

OPEN4,4:CMD4:LIST:PRINT#4:CLOSE4<RETURN>

JiffyDOS: @p<RETURN> F1 <RETURN> @p <RETURN>

Loading from the directory

Load and list the disk directory. Cursor up to the program name you want to run. Type the word LOAD over the blocks (the numbers to the right of the program name), then cursor over just past the second quote mark and add:

,8: or ,8,1: <and press return>

DOS Wedge and Jiffydos: Load and list the directory as described above and cursor up to the program name. Press the ^ (up arrow) key (for BASIC files) while the cursor is on the leftmost cursor postion on the same line as the program name. The program is loaded and RUN. To just load the program, use the backslash key (/), and to load and run an ML file, use the % key.


Easy program loading

LOAD "FILENAME",8:

After typing the colon, hold down the shift key and press the RUN/STOP key. Once the program loads, it will run automatically!


Ignoring Drive #8

I have a 128D, and the built in 1571 drive (device #8) doesn't work. There are times when I need this drive to be "invisible" to the system. Maurice Randal of geoFAX fame taught me this very useful tip:

OPEN15,8,15,"U0>g;":CLOSE15

JiffyDOS: @"u0>g"

When you type this command, use CONTROL-G instead of the letter by itself. You will see a reversed character g when you type it in. Drive #8 will be ignored until you reset the computer.


C=64 Reset

This is "warm" starting the computer without turning it on and off. Keep in mind that this does not reset your disk drives, or printer which might have been reprogrammed by the last program you ran.

Type: SYS 64738

Easy Viewing

  • Using the Control, Commodore and number keys, you can change the colour of your text and screen. It may be worth doing this, even on a monochrome monitor or black & white TV because some colour combinations are easier to view than others.
  • If viewing a long directory or program listing, you can slow down the output by holding the CONTROL key down. To stop the listing, press the RUN/STOP key.

C128 80 Column Monitor Info

  • You can find used monochrome monitors for under $50 at swap meets, pawn shops, and rummage sales. Between two monitors, you can have both 40 and 80 column abilities with the 128, by using a Video / Audio switch box that Radio Shack carries. You can also use a monochrome monitor in 80 column mode and use a tv set for 40 column mode.
  • If all you want is 80 column computing on the 128, and colour isn't important to you, pick up one of the used monochrome monitors available and either make an RGB adaptor cable, or ask someone who is experienced in soldering to make you one. You need a male DB-9 plug (Radio Shack part number 276-1537). Connect the center wire of your monitor's video cable to pin 7 of the DB-9, and connect the shield to pin 1 or 2. If your monitor didn't come with a cable, pick up standard video / stereo cable and an RCA jack along with the DB-9 plug at Radio Shack, and create your own. The total cost for this cable is right around
    $2.50.
  • You can switch between 40 and 80 column modes by pressing the run/stop and restore keys at the same time. Or press ESC (don't keep it held down), then press the x key.
  • If you're using an 80 column monitor, be sure to type the word "FAST" so that you will kick the 128 into 2 mhz mode. If you do this in 40 column mode, the screen blanks, because the computer utilizes the 80-column chip to use FAST mode.
  • Sometimes it's hard to tell if a program is supposed to be a 40 or 80 column program. If in doubt, try switching from 40 to 80 column mode, or vice-versa.



A Word About Fast Loaders and Utility Chips

You can have DOS wedge commands available all the time without the need to load the special DOS wedge program. You have several options. One is to purchase a fast load cartridge to put into the cartridge port in the back of the computer. There are many fast load cartridges around for the 64, mostly on the used market. Another option is to have a chip added to your computer. The easiest method I know of to have ALL the DOS wedge abilities, plus extra goodies like having your disk drives operating much faster, is with JiffyDOS.

JiffyDOS involves adding a chip to your computer and disk drive(s). It works exactly the same in both 64 and 128 modes, and can be turned on or off if necessary (and it's RARELY necessary). JiffyDOS isn't cheap, but in terms of time saved, and ease of use, it's very much worth it. If you plan to spend time with your computer, you can increase your productivity and make your life easier with JiffyDOS. It's was made by Creative Micro Designs. You can find JiffyDOS on auction sites online or search via Google for it.

CMD has also recently come out with an accelerator for the C64, and the C128 version is on the horizon (due out in April 1997). The SuperCPU increases the computer's speed up to 20mhz. It plugs into the cartridge port and includes the computer portion of JiffyDOS.



Ten Computer Commandments

  1. Do not plug in or unplug any program cartridge while the computer is on. This can destroy the computer or cartridge or both.
  2. Do not move, pack, transport, or turn the disk drive upside down without the protector card that came with it (or a junk disk) inserted in the drive and the latch down. This keeps the head protected from damage.
  3. Avoid plugging the computer into the same outlet with appliances that suddenly draw or stop drawing large amounts of current. Protect your equipment with a surge protector or line filter.
  4. Do not touch the surface of a floppy disk, don't flop it around or bend it and for gosh sakes, don't spill beverages on it. Don't leave disks near any source of a magnetic field (speakers, magnets, etc).
  5. Only make backup or archival copies of programs and disks for your own personal use. Do not sell or give away copies of copyrighted programs. It's stealing.
  6. Register shareware programs. Shareware authors have helped keep our computers alive, and if you use their programs, please pay them their due.
  7. Don't blame the computer, program or programmer. Remember, a computer only does what YOU tell it to do.
  8. Save your work to disk every half hour or more often. You never know when a power outage will occur.
  9. Read the documentation for software before loading it. Reading the instructions will save you time and perhaps even your sanity.
  10. Be content with your computer. The only way to keep abreast of computer progress is to buy a new one every other week. Be glad with what you have and make the most of it - because it can sure do far more with it than even it's original engineers ever imagined.



No Zaps Allowed!

Static Electricity can ruin your computer. This can happen when you have static electricity discharge as you plug in a joystick into the joystick port, or touch the computer after walking on carpet, especially in the winter time. Buy a cheap static mat/strip and make sure your hand or wrist will contact it whenever you touch any part of your computer equipment. Or, discharge the static electricity on something metal before touching the computer or equipment. The cost of a static mat is small in comparison to the cost of a computer repair, and if you place it where you cannot help but touch it, you won't need to worry about forgetting to touch something metal.

Make it a habit to unplug your computer from the outlet during thunderstorms. Also disconnect your modem from the phone line during storms. A surge protector will protect against a lot of things, but not lightning striking the ground causing a large spike of electricity to run through your home's circuit.




Disks and Disk Drives


What's the difference between the 1541, 1571 and 1581?

The 1571 disk drive is a double-sided drive, which means it formats and uses both sides of the disk at the same time, and you have 1328 blocks free to work with after formatting.

The 1541 drive is single sided, meaning it only formats 1 side of the disk at a time; you have to notch the other side of the disk (put the square hole in the side of it), and format the other side separately. It also means the disk drive can only access one side of the disk at one time. You must manually turn the disk over for the disk to see the contents of the other side. The 1541 disk drives format each side of the disk with 664 blocks free.

The 1581 drive uses 3.5 inch disks, formats and uses both sides of the disk at the same time, and gives you 3,160 blocks free after formatting.

A block is a section of a disk that can hold up to 256 bytes of information. The first two bytes are used for other purposes, so each block holds 254 bytes of usuable space for storing data.


What's an FD Drive, RamLink or HD Hard Drive?

Creative Micro Designs have created these drives for use with the C64 and C128.

The FD Series drives are similar to the 1581 disk drive, in that they accept 3.5 inch disks, and are completely compatible with the 1581. Originally, there were two types of FD drives, the FD2000 and FD4000. The later has been discontinued. In addition to being compatible with the 1581 drive, FD2000 also allows you to use High Density disks and format the disks so they have partitions that emulate other Commodore disk drives such as the 1541 and 1571. The disks can also be partitioned so you can use any amount of disk space (up to the capacity of the disk) in one "native mode" partition. This space can have subdirectories so you can keep some files separate from others while still sharing the same amount of total disk space. It's similar in many ways to UNIX and MS-DOS style partitioning. A HD disk formatted to use the total space in a native mode directory will have over 6,000 disk blocks available for use.

The RAMLink can be described as a virtual disk drive, since it behaves as disk drive, but data is stored in chip based memory. It plugs into the cartridge port and can have from one to 16 megabytes of memory using standard SIMM chips. It's an extremely fast way of using the Commodore, since one of it's failings is disk drive speed. With files stored in RAM, they load almost instantly. The RAMLink allows you to partition the memory into emulation and native mode partitions as described in the previous paragraph. The RAMLink has a pass-thru port so you can have additional cartridges and has a special port so you can also use an REU (RAM Expansion Unit) in combination with the RAMLink. When used with a SuperCPU, the speed of disk access can be described in seconds rather than in minutes. The SuperCPU has a passthrough port so you can plug the RAMLink into it.

The HD Series Hard Drive is a hard drive for Commodore users that lets us store hundreds of programs and files on it that can be easily accessed. As with the RAMLink and FD drives, the total space of the HD is partitioned into smaller, more manageable sizes, with emulation and native mode partitions. Each native mode partition can be up to 16 megabytes, and that's a lot of disk blocks! You can copy to the emulation mode partitions using a whole disk copier, and then run programs from the hard drive instead of from disk.


What kind of disks to buy

1541 and 1571 Drivess



When you buy disks, look for disks that say "Double-Sided Double-Density" on the box. Sometimes this appears as "DS/DD" on the box. Do not buy the "High-Density" disks. They were not designed for our computers. Besides, they cost more!

1581 Drives



You'll need Double-Sided Double Density 3.5 inch disks. Don't by the HD 3.5 inch disks for use with the 1581.

FD2000 Drivess



You can use Double-Sided Double Density or High Density 3.5 inch disks with this drive. FD4000 drives can also use a special Enhanced Density disks.


General Disk Tips

  • It will help you keep track of your data if you name your disk by the date, and then you'll always know when you created your disk.
  • Never touch the circle in the middle of the disk!! This is where the data is stored, and you could ruin all the information on the disk. Keep the disks dry, out of excessive heat and cold, away from magnets and pet fur. Don't let anyone chew on them (kids, puppies, etc.), and basically treat them with care. Don't store them next to your monitor, radio, or telephone, because there's magnetic material in these items.
  • Save yourself time and format all your new disks at one sitting. Then when you need a disk while running a program, you'll have one ready to go.
  • The write protect tabs that come with each package of disks that you buy are handy for more than covering up the notches on your disks. You can also use them for page markers in books. Especially computer books!



A Short Glossary


Cold Start:
This is what you do when you first turn the computer on.
Warm Start or Warm Boot:
This is when the computer is set back to it's original state without turning the computer on and off.
Boot
This is a term used to describe loading a program into the computers' memory. Many times there are small "boot" programs that are used to load many other small programs that make up an entire software package.
What is an Operating System?
This is the OS in the word DOS (Disk Operating System). Without an operating system, the computer is incapable of doing anything. It is the operating system, that's a program either written onto a chip, as the Commodore 64/128 operating systems, or found on a disk, such as in GEOS. Each operating system has it's own set of rules.
What is GEOS?
GEOS stands for Graphic Environment Operating System. GEOS is the Commodore equivalent to Windows for the IBM, or the Apple Macintosh operating system. Pictures are used to represent programs. By using a joystick or mouse and clicking on the pictures, you can load and run programs, format disks, copy files, etc. Most people either love using GEOS, or dislike it intensely. It is not a program, it is an Operating System, and this means it uses the Commodore in a totally different way from the Native Commodore operating system.
What is an REU?
An REU is a Ram Expansion Unit that plugs into the cartridge port of the Commodore 64 or 128. Commodore made three different types of REU's. The 1700, 1764, and 1750. For some unknown reason, Commodore stopped making these units prematurely. Other companies manufactured similar devices, and call them clones. The REU most users prefer is the 1750, as it came with 512K extra RAM, and this can now be upgraded to have up to 2 megabytes of RAM. Under normal use, the REU is used as an extremely fast disk drive. Programs are copied to the REU, and run. These devices are practical for using with slow programs such as GEOS, and with some word processors, to make dictionary sub-programs operate with lightning speed. One of the limitations of an REU is that what is stored in it will disappear when the computer is turned off. To use a 1750 REU with a C64, your C64 needs a heavy duty power supply, because the RAM Expansion Unit is
powered by the computer.
RAMLink
RAMLink is a Ram Expansion device that is also plugged into the cartridge port of the Commodore 64 or 128, but it has a slot so that you can plug in an REU. RAMLink runs on a separate power supply so even when the computer is turned off, it still holds the programs and files stored within it and the REU in memory. Available with a battery backup unit, it can retain files and memory even during power outages. One RAMLink can hold up to 16 megabytes of memory - the equivalent of approximately 98 1541 formatted disks!

If you are using your Commodore for serious work, such as running a business, or writing, a 4 (or more) megabyte RAMLink and battery backup would be a solid investment. Programs that normally take minutes to load are loaded in seconds using RAMLink, and your information is saved with equal speed. Because it holds data and programs in a semi-permanent state, within a year it can save you 100's of hours normally spent waiting for the disk drives to load or save programs.

128 Terms to Know

Autoboot:
When the 128 is first turned on, it searches the disk in drive #8 and if it finds a program designed for "autobooting", it will load and run it immediately, without any intervention on your part. This is known as autobooting.

What Makes a Program Autoboot?

The 128 searches the disk in drive #8 for a special sector on the disk that contains information about which program to load and what should be displayed on the monitor screen while it loads. If it finds this sector, it will begin booting. There are public domain programs available to create this sector, and it is not difficult at all. All you need is a disk with the program you wish to autoboot on it. Load and run the program to create the autoboot sector, and follow the prompts. Usually it will ask you the name of the program to boot, if it is a BASIC or Machine Language Program, and for the message you wish to have displayed while the program is loading. It will create the special sector for you. Good autoboot creation programs will ask if you want to create a special file to protect the boot sector. You should do this, as otherwise if you validate the disk, the autoboot sector will be overwritten. You can name this file anything you want. I usually name mine "boot protect", so I know why it's on my disk.

BLOAD/BSAVE:
Under normal usage, a regular computer user shouldn't really need to deal with Bload and Bsave. The B stands for binary. What these two commands do is either load or save a Machine Language file. Most Machine Language programs, in their finished form, are loaded with a BASIC boot program, which the end user (you or me), loads with either the DLOAD or RUN command. In other words, if you're not a programmer, don't worry about it.
DLOAD/RUN:
As mentioned above, these are the usual commands to load or run a BASIC program. See the standard disk commands above for the correct syntax.
What is CP/M?
CP/M is another operating system available on the Commodore 128. It stands for Control Program for Microcomputers. Before the IBM's became popular, CP/M was the standard operating system for many different brands of microcomputers. The most beneficial aspect of this system being that programs written in CP/M on one brand of computers worked on other brands of computers as well. Many complex business programs were designed to work within this system, and are still available today. There are still new programs being written for this operating system today. One of the most detailed programs written for CP/M includes the Church of the Latter Day Saints (Mormon's) Genealogy program. another one is WordStar, a word processing program.



C128 Specific Information

Go to 64 mode:

Type: GO64

When prompted, are you sure, type Y and press return. OR

Press and hold down the C= (Commodore) Logo key while turning the computer on or pressing the reset switch.

128 Mode:

Type SYS 32800,123,45,6 <return> to see the message programmed into the 128's permanent memory.


How to Save Money and Have a DOS Wedge in 128
Mode

A friend of mine told me about a neat trick built into the F8 Machine Language Monitor key, and since then, I've been looking for some documentation of it in my books, and have yet to find it. It's one of the best kept secrets I know of, and I'm going to let the cat out of the bag. Using the built in ML monitor on the 128, you can type "@," and follow it with most of the DOS wedge commands, and it works like a charm to format disks, new a disk, scratch, validate, and rename files. To get out of the monitor, type X <return>. Below are the commands I've tested myself with my 128. You wouldn't want to load and run or save a file under normal circumstances with this method, but it does make a few things easier.

128 Mode ML Monitor DOS Commands

@,n:diskname,id      Formats a new disk.

@,n:diskname	     Quick formats a previously 
                     formatted disk.
@,$		     Lists disk directory.
@,s:filename	     Scratches a file.
@,r:newname=oldname  Renames a file on the disk.
@,v		     Validates the disk.
@,i		     Initializes the disk in the drive.
@,uj		     Resets the disk drive 
                     (1571 disk only).
X		     Exits the monitor back to BASIC.


128 mode F-Keys



Unlike The C128 comes with the Fkeys already defined to serve specific
functions.

F1 GRAPHIC      Not a very useful command, 
                for general use.
F2 DLOAD"       Type in the filename and the quote.
F3 DIRECTORY    Lists disk directory.
F4 SCNCLR       This clears the screen.
F5 DSAVE"       Add filename and quote.
F6 RUN          Runs a previously loaded program.
F7 LIST         Lists a BASIC program or directory, 
                if loaded.
F8 MONITOR      An easy way to use DOS commands 
                (described above).


128D Device Number Change

If you have a 128D computer with it's built in 1571 drive, and another drive, there will come a time when you will want to boot a program from your other drive. This program will swap the device numbers of your drives so you can boot from the other drive.

Type this program in 128 mode!

10 REM:SWAP 8/9 BY DAVE KROHNE

20 CD=8:ND=10:GOSUB 100

30 CD=9:ND=8:GOSUB 100

40 CD=10:ND=9:GOSUB 100

50 OPEN15,8,15: PRINT#15,"I0":CLOSE15

60 OPEN15,9,15: PRINT#15,"I0":CLOSE15

70 PRINT"DEVICE NUMBERS ARE NOW SWAPPED":END

100 OPEN15,CD,15: PRINT #15,"U0>"+CHR$(ND):CLOSE15:RETURN



Supplies:

JiffyDOS, RAMLink, FD Series drives HD Series hard drives, SuperCPU accelerator, Monitors, Fast Load Cartridges, Disk Drives, Software and other accessories:

Creative Micro Designs

15 Benton Drive

P.O. Box 646

East Longmeadow, MA 01028

1-413-525-0023 Information

1-800-638-3263 Orders

Call and order catalogs from these places:

Software Support International 1-800-356-1179

Software Hut 1-800-848-0079


Credits

Disk Commands, DOS Wedge Info

RUN Special Issue #2 1986

The Big Tip Book For The Commodore 64/64C/128

John Annaloro and Bert Kersey

The Beagle Brothers

Bantam Books Copyright 1987

128 Device Number Change by Dave Krohne, Cactus Communicator, Upland CA

Ten Commandments adapted from a 1993 article in Greater Omaha Commodore Users Group newsletter.

Copyright and Trademark Notices:

Unless otherwise noted, all text is copyright 1997 Gaelyne Gasson.

JiffyDOS and RAMLink are registered trademarks of Creative Micro Designs, Inc.

Commodore 64, 64C, C-128, C-128-D, 1541, 1571, 1581, 1700, 1764, and 1750 are trademarks or registered trademarks of Escom GmbH, owner of the Commodore logo and technology.

GEOS is a trademark of Berkeley Softworks (now GEOworks).

IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines.

Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple.

CP/M is a registered trademark of Digital Research Corporation.

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