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Last modified on 1 November 2012, at 17:03

MegaFlashROManager

Revision as of 17:03, 1 November 2012 by TFM (Talk | contribs) (→‎Weblinks)

The program MegaFlashROManager for FutureOS and AMSDOS/BASIC (on disc or as ROM) allows the management of the 512 KB Flash-ROM (=Pseudo-ROM) of the MegaFlash developed by Bryce of FutureSoft. You can load/save all 32 ROMs at once. And every single 16 KB Flash-ROM can be managed individually. This software was developed by TFM of FutureSoft. Versions for both OS and all CPCs are available now.

MegaFlashROManager


MegaFlashROManager provides the following functions:

  • Park or Unpark ROMs: This is done by manipulating the Byte at &C000. A parked ROM will not be initialized by the firmware.
  • Load ROM(s) (one or all 32): This function allows to load a 16 ROM (or 16 ROMs of 16 KB at once) and to install it in the MegaFlash.
  • Save ROM(s) (one or all 32): Saves one or all ROMs to disc or hard disc. This feature can be used to create backups.
  • Copy ROM(s): Allows copying the content of one ROM select (16 KB) to another. You can use this function for example to copy the BASIC ROM to all free ROM selects.
  • Shift ROM(s): Shifts a 16 KB ROM from one ROM select to another, the old ROM select will be filled with &FF bytes.
  • Erase ROM(s): Deletes a 16 KB ROM with &FF bytes.
  • Test ROM(s): Provide information about a ROM like Type, Version, Mark, ROM name etc. Further you can install the correct checksum to a changed ROM. The ROMs at position 0 (usually the BASIC ROM) and 7 (usually AmsDOS) are protected.
  • Protect Flash: It will switch on the Software-Data-Protection (SDP), it renders the Flash inaccessible.
  • Initialize Flash: Now, this function deactivates the SDP, so the Flash can be freely written. This function is especially important if you use a new Flash, which factory setting is: SDP = on.
  • Test Flash: This protocol is intended to check the integrity of the 512 KB Flash in a relatively sophisticated way. But it takes 6 minutes. Further, currently this function can't be used due to interferences which corrupt ROMs.

The version for FutureOS is slightly advanced and more quick than the version for BASIC. The difference in comfort and speed is OS dependent (file handling f.e.).

The 128 KB version has a multi language interface for: English, French, German, Dutch and Spanish. In addition a version that fits in an single 16 KB ROM has been released. If desired this ROM can in addition contain the BOOSTER routine (Inicron) to initialize all 32 ROMs. The 64 KB version - mainly developped for the CPC464/664 - allows to select the language at startup.

File-names must be entered in the format "0A:filename.ext". The number is the user number followed by the drive letter and a semicolon":". Then 8 lettes filename, a dot "." and finally the 3 letters extension. With Control-TAB you can switch the editing mode to overwrite.

Downloads

The Source Code to Flash a 16 KB ROM can be found here:

- Media:Flash.dsk

Weblinks

  • Download it at [http://www.FutureOS.de]. Go to the Download section. Latest Release date was October 2012. Version 1.44 can be downloaded as now.