TESTING THE CMD RAMLINK
latest additions and/or corrections 3-14-2013
TESTING THE CMD RAMLINK
latest additions and/or corrections 3-14-2013
RAMLink plugged into a computer takes longer to boot because it's installing
its full native partition size as default at boot time. Note that if the internal
SIMM board is bad or is unplugged, the computer will boot quickly to its normal
opening screen. Note that JiffyDOS is installed because it's on the main board
and the RL DOS enables it. Note: if the computer's JiffyDOS is not switched off,
the RL-computer will not boot.
An initial test of the RL will show the RAM size (of the SIMM board or/and a
RAM cart if used) on the screen if you press the F1 key. That's the standard
JiffyDOS directory read command of the default RAM drive #16. If a disk drive is connected, F1 will read device 8 (the disk drive) but you can switch between drive
8 and the RL drive 16 with CTRL-D or with the swap button on the RAMLink.
For further tests, load RAMTOOLS from the utilities disk to delete the
default RL partition (which is the full size of all memory installed), then make
a new partition to emulate a 1541 (or other drive), and finally use MCOPY on the
disk to copy an entire program disk over to the 1541 emulation partition. Use the
device 8 swap button and run the program from the RAM disk. It loads very fast.
If the plug on the RAMLink-to-computer connector is dirty or oxidized, the
computer may boot to a blank screen or a screen jumbled with characters. Use a
pencil eraser (the replacement kind that has a triangular shape) to "polish" the
connector contacts, then try the boot again. The contacts are copper and should
look shiny when clean.
If you encounter any problem with bootup or use of the RAMLink, try using
the jumper cable supplied with the RL unit. The system will usually work without
it but sometimes it is required to make the timing between devices more accurate.
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