Making Modules for the 41...

[JasonG]

Hi there,

Now, this may be a silly or FAQ but is there any sensible method of making a multi-rom-module module? That is, to combine several module ROMs in one module to save space in the top of the 41?

I have seen the Sandbox and MLDL2000 discussed but I am really not sure as to what each of these are.

Regards

JasonG

[Christoph Klug]

Dear Jason,

the answer is using a burned 16KByte Zeprom-Module or the new 24KByte Clonix-Module.

For example with the Clonix you get the following HP41 port configuration :

Port 1 = Clonix (up to 6x4KByte module or 3x8KByte Module)

Port 2 = Double X-Memory

Port 3 = IL-Module = the gateway to PC or the rest of world

Port 4 = free for your application...

Regards - Christoph Klug

[Miki Mihajlovic]

Just to second to what Christoph said, Clonix is your best bet today. Zeprom modules are difficult to come by these days since they are out of production for over 15 years, while Diego makes his wonderful Clonix modules as we speak. To learn more about it see http://www.iespana.es/clonix-41/clonix.htm

Personally, I have two of them and I don't remember having this much fun with my shoes on since my first rides in Disneyland.

1234 to delete

[Jon]

Hi:

I think I will buy a clonix, but I have a question.
Can I write my own programs in the clonix? Does anybody have any experience with it?

Thanks in advance

Jon

[Miki Mihajlovic]

You sure can put your own code (FOCAL or MCODE) into a ROM iamge and write them into Clonix. I have done several of those related to my own engineering displine as well as some general purpose ones.

[Diego Diaz]

Hi all, ... I've heard my name...

Just come back home. Yes, I know it's very late... 1:00am here.

Jason, if you're interested I'll be happy to answer your questions and/or address you to the required info. Please feel free to mail me, just remove the *NOSPAM* anagram from my e-mail address above.

Please let me borrow your thread for contacting some friends... ;-)

Christoph, Miki, thanks for your kind words, I'm glad to know you enjoy my little "gadget".

I've already (this very afternoon in fact) got an *old* 386 40Mhz, I'm planning to use it (supposed it works...) for testing Clonix and your nice HP-IL/PC interface board, Christoph; due to a unusual Clonix heating behavior reported by Miki two weeks ago.

Jon, I think you've reached the right person here, Miki has got a nice and clean method to produce FOCAL code image files, suitable to be loaded into Clonix's memory.

Again thanks and best wishes from Spain.

Diego.
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[Jon]

Hi Miki:

I am afraid I am an absolute beginner. I have no idea what MCODE or FOCAL is.
Could you make me know which software do I need?
Is there any document that I can use as manual?

Best Regards

Jon

[Miki Mihajlovic]

Hi Jon,

FOCAL stands for Forty One CALculator language i.e.. programmable RPN commands from keyboard. Those would be 'normal' (and some less normal - synthetic) program lines that you use to make a program on your HP-41. To generate synthetic instruction you really do not need anything else but basic HP-41, create a byte grabber and off you go. However, it is much easier with the help of CCD ROM (my all time favourite ROM) or Zenrom.

MCODE stands for Machine CODE programs and they are much trickier. You need an assembler, MLDL RAM and lot of knowledge on how HP-41 really works. David assembler is probably the best although Zenrom and Assembler3 also work great. Now for the MLDL RAM, Clonix can set aside 512 bytes of MLDL RAM and for a small things and just playing around that is OK. If you need to write something bigger then you need a RAM box (ERAMCO or W&W software products) or a HEPAX module. Be warned that any of these things are extremely difficult to come by even on eBay and of course providing that you can outbid Matthias ;). There is also a new MLDL2000 that is coming soon and that we all are anxiously awaiting.

There is however, simpler and cheaper (free) way to all of this. Download any of the great HP-41 emulators for PC ( EMU41 or V41), load any of the ROM images and RAM boxes you want and you have a nice development system.

As for my procedure to create your own ROM images from FOCAL programs all you need to get is Leo Duran's great conversion utility hp41uc.exe and HP's SDSII. You can find them at the 'other great HP site'. It all comes down to one .BAT and one .DEF file that I can send you if you are interested.

Miki 1234

[Meindert Kuipers]

All,

After a week of skiing and skating in Austria, far away from computers and this forum I am now back online. The MLDL2000 will go through some final testing during the next two weeks, after which I will be able to finish the PCB layout.

A quick summary: the MLDL2000 will give you room for 63 ROM images and 16 RAM images for storing all your favorite ROMS in just one card reader housing. The RAM images can be used for developing your own MCODE. In addition a USB interface allows connectivity with a PC for exchanging ROM/RAM images and to control the behaviour of the MLDL2000

Meindert

[Ángel Martin]

Meindert, those specs are made in heaven!

It's going to be incredible, say goodbye to the RAMBOXes for ever!!

Best,
AM

[Werner]

Hi Meindert,

that's really the best specs one could ever wish.
USB and 63+16 times 4k ... great!
I am really looking forward to holding such a device in my hands.

So, thank you and good luck for further proceeding,

Werner

[Jon]

Hi Miki:

Sorry for the delay. I have been out this weekend.

PLEASE send the files !!!

Thanks in advance

Jon