SMART RAM: a versatile RAM expansion cartridge up to +37k
Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2020 9:49 am
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SMART RAM: it's arrived!
1) It's a "whole RAM": all areas that a VIC can select from a cartridge are covered by this RAM expansion
2) It's easy: a simple 3-position selector lets you choose the configuration as follows:
--- side A) +24k Basic (+8k BLK5, +3k low ram, +2k I/O areas) [total of +37k]
---central) no expansion
--- side B) +3k basic low ram (+2k in I/O areas) [total of +5k]
Note: the 3 positions represent all the three possible configurations that the VIC20 operating system recognizes.
3) It has a RESET button for easy restart of the VIC without any powering off and on again
4) Its shape simplifies the removal and dimensions allow it to be hidden inside the cartridge door. It can also be assembled inside a common cartridge shell by simply remoting the button and the sliding lever (they do not need to be unsoldered to remote)
5) Not expensive at all!
Good,
but MCes is not happy if a "modder/hacker's hole" is not present: SMART RAM is easy for those who want it to be easy, but for all the others....
6) Simple MODDING to deselect specific areas permanently (removing the related DESOLDERABLE JUMPER) or temporarily, by soldering a DIP-SWITCH (you have a soldering iron, haven't you?)
7) simple HACKING to reconfigure the action of the slide lever selections
(if you happen to have also some wires and diodes at home)
Diodes: BAT85 suggested, but also 1N4148 will work
SMART RAM: it's arrived!
1) It's a "whole RAM": all areas that a VIC can select from a cartridge are covered by this RAM expansion
2) It's easy: a simple 3-position selector lets you choose the configuration as follows:
--- side A) +24k Basic (+8k BLK5, +3k low ram, +2k I/O areas) [total of +37k]
---central) no expansion
--- side B) +3k basic low ram (+2k in I/O areas) [total of +5k]
Note: the 3 positions represent all the three possible configurations that the VIC20 operating system recognizes.
- Default (exemplification)
4) Its shape simplifies the removal and dimensions allow it to be hidden inside the cartridge door. It can also be assembled inside a common cartridge shell by simply remoting the button and the sliding lever (they do not need to be unsoldered to remote)
5) Not expensive at all!
Good,
but MCes is not happy if a "modder/hacker's hole" is not present: SMART RAM is easy for those who want it to be easy, but for all the others....
6) Simple MODDING to deselect specific areas permanently (removing the related DESOLDERABLE JUMPER) or temporarily, by soldering a DIP-SWITCH (you have a soldering iron, haven't you?)
7) simple HACKING to reconfigure the action of the slide lever selections
(if you happen to have also some wires and diodes at home)
Diodes: BAT85 suggested, but also 1N4148 will work
- A) example of reconfiguration
- B) example of reconfiguration
