Distribution: Public Domain, Emailware.
============================================================================
Requirements Are:-
------------------
Standard A1200.
Standard Kickstart 3.0x and Workbench 3.0x or better.
~PAR_READ.lha~ IS REQUIRED from the hard/hack drawer of AMINET.
(Dice-C is optional and in the dev/c drawer of AMINET.)
(vbcc is also optional and in the dev/c drawer of AMINET.)
============================================================================
These are the executables and the EXTREMELY SIMPLE C(++) source code to
access PAR: as a ~VOLUME~ in read mode only. It is purely for my
experimental use only to use the PAR: DEVICE as a VOLUME. For more detailed
information about PAR: as a volume download the required ~PAR_READ.lha~ from
the hard/hack drawer of AMINET. This archive also includes an ARexx program
that does the same sort of thing.
These executables WILL ONLY run from the CLI/Shell and WILL hang if the
special hardware is NOT connected. The VERY SIMPLE hardware construction
instructions are inside the ~PAR_READ.lha~ archive in the hard/hack drawer
of AMINET. THIS ARCHIVE IS REQUIRED FOR CORRECT OPERATION AS WITHOUT IT
THE ~-ACK~ WILL NOT GET CONTINUOUSLY TOGGLED!!!
The purists out there will say that this is not quite the conventional way
of coding in C but anyone who knows me also knows that I don't stick
rigidly to ANY conventions. It is purely a starting point for those of you
out there wanting to experiment with home built external hardware through
the parallel port. NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE PARALLEL PORT IS REQUIRED AT ALL TO
OBTAIN ANY 8 BIT BINARY DATA SITTING ON IT, BUT THE VERY SIMPLE HARDWARE
FROM THE ~PAR_READ.lha~ ARCHIVE IS REQUIRED.
Now released with a default ~a.out~ executeable from the latest version
of ~vbccm68k.lha~, (circa 17-07-2006), for classic AMIGA machines.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
History:-
---------
26-07-2006.
-----------
Version 1.00.04. Modified the simple code to print a decimal value for
the character grabbed, from 0 to 255, instead of printable extended ASCII
characters. (Recompiled using ~vbcc~ and ~Dice-C~.)
24-07-2006.
-----------
Version 1.00.03. Minor text correction.
23-07-2006.
-----------
Version 1.00.02. Added ~vbccm68k~ variant and minor alteration of code to
suit both ~vbccm68k~ and ~Dice-C~ C compilers. Another executeable generated
called ~a.out~ from ~vbccm68k~.
18-05-2006.
-----------
Version 1.00.01. Added ~Dice-C~ executeable as a running file, ~PAR_READ~.
06-12-2005.
-----------
Version 1.00.00. First upload to AMINET.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The archive is now Public Domain/Emailware and you may modify them as you
please for your OWN experiments. See below.
(Original idea and (C)2005 goes to B.Walker, G0LCU.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT:-
-----------
The Legal Stuff:-
-----------------
These programs are Public Domain and no profit will be made from them,
also all of the files must remain unaltered and intact including this
one. The author is not responsible for any damage to, or loss of, or
failure of equipment or data caused in any way by the use of these
programs. There is NO warranty with the use of these software releases
and YOU USE THEM AT YOUR OWN RISK.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Testing Evaluation:-
--------------------
An A1200 in 2MB, 6MB and 10MB modes using trapdoor memory AND/OR
PCMCIA memory expansions.
(It should work on an A500+ and A600 using KS2.0x but I haven't
tried it.)
All test conditions were/are running STANDARD KS3.0x and using
standard ~topaz 8~ fonts throughout.
I have no idea what a strange configuration setup will create so refer
to the ~The Legal Stuff~ above.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
WARNING.
--------
1) DISCONNECT any faulty equipment under test from the MAINS supply.
2) If a DC supply is used do NOT reverse polarity the connections.
3) Do NOT power up any electronic item until it is safe to do so.
4) CHECK and RECHECK all of your construction and repair work thoroughly.
5) Handle ALL tools used with care.
6) Beware of ALL types of solvents, glues and etching fluids.
7) NEVER leave a soldering iron switched on unattended.
8) KEEP everything OUT of the reach of small children.
9) Switch OFF the AMIGA before disconnecting or connecting any hardware.
10) And finally read 1) to 9) again.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:-
---------
Mr Barry Walker, G0LCU,
70 King George Road,
Loughborough,
Leicestershire,
LE11 2PA,
England.
Email:- wisecracker tesco.net
URL:- http://homepages.tesco.net/wisecracker/G0LCU.HTM
Author of the ~TestGear?~ projects in the ~hard/hack~ drawer of AMINET.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
A very useful HardWare related site, (C) Anthony Hoffman, for
modifications, schematics, repairs and the like is:-
http://amiga.serveftp.net/
============================================================================
|
