CSL Cart...

[MADrigal]

Update: I just checked my "old" CV Memory Map and noticed something about the 10 and 12K ROMs.

8KB games load into $A000, as we all know. Hopefully the data doesn't need to be mirrored to $8000.

10K games load 2K into $7000 (and eventually mirror them to $7800). And the remaining 8K are loaded much "higher" in RAM ($A000-$BFFF), leaving a blank space of 8K, that's $8000 to $9FFF.

In the same way, 12K games load 4K into $7000-$7FFF, and again there's blank (or mirrored) space in $8000-$9FFF.

In total we have 4K in $7000-$8000, 8K blank (or mirrored), and 8K program. Total is 20K.

For this reason, a game of 8+ KBytes, must be loaded in a 20 KBytes RAM area, that's $7000 to $BFFF.

Obviously I'm speaking about known commercial games for the CV only.

[@username@]

In total we have 4K in $7000-$8000, 8K blank (or mirrored), and 8K program. Total is 20K.

Or - you could simply do 2x BLOAD - and save the 8k of nothing.

[MADrigal]

> Or - you could simply do 2x BLOAD - and save the 8k of nothing.

...and save lots of loading time, which is no bad at all!

Sure that's what you would do on a L2001 tape, not on an EPROM unfortunately.

[Scouter3d]

Hi,

I will try to post a full Laser 2001 Memory map soon...

But in short: The Laser has 16K real Memory, he uses 4K of them for the 1K compatibility with the CV at $0000 (i think 4K was easier to address then 1K)...
the 16K (including the 4K!!!) are mirrored on $4000 and $8000...

If you are lucky to own the 16K Expansion, the first 4K are still mirrored at $0000 and at $4000 then follow unmirrored 12K and then unmirrored 16K

The CSL will have no 4K cut away, as the CV already has his own 1K, so full 32K from $4000 up

If a cartridge is inserted in the Laser 2001, it replaces both 16K Banks (ROM0, ROM1) with ROM (no mirroring), but there are still 4K of RAM at $0000

Hope this explains it for the first go ;0)

Will try to create a Picture, as they say more than thousand words...

TOM:0)

[Scouter3d]

Hi,

Here a little update...

Loading wav's from my Notebook to the CSL now works perfectly!
Also the "big" 20Kb of "Chopper Rescue" can be loaded and played ;0) (which proofs, that the 32K RAM are working as they should... ;0))
Now also "Demo/Select" Mode works on the CSL (CV Carts need "Reset" pressed to be started, but on the Salora/L2K1 pressing Reset enters Basic...) So really all comercial CV Carts will be possible to be loaded from TAPE or Soundcard... even Basic! ;0)

The CSL Cart Hardware (Cartridge + Tape interface) works flawless! => Next step will be to create professional PCB's...

Will Keep you updated!

PS: We will try to keep the Selling Price of the Cart low, but provide you with a perfect Hardware/Software combination in a nice shine (collectable ;0)) package with really useable instructions... Part of the Profit will go to "Rote Nasen" Clowndoctors, who visit childs in Hospitals and bring fun and laughter! Creating this Project was / is so much fun for us, so we want to share it with those who need it the most ;0)

PSPS: Here a Picture of "Chopper Rescue" loaded from PC Soundcard! So Amazing!

DSCN0690.jpg

[MADrigal]

I love every single word of your post - specially the "red nose" part.

Thanks much to all you guys for bringing this project to reality!

I sign for CSL n. 1

[Scouter3d]

I sign for CSL n. 1

Thought so ;0)

TOM:0)

[MADrigal]

Did you load the 20Kb ROM I sent you? Or did you try a different one to the one I figured and sent?

[Scouter3d]

Did you load the 20Kb ROM I sent you? Or did you try a different one to the one I figured and sent?

Thanks, no, i used one, where the 2K area was mirrored, but then found out it did not Need to be ;0)

TOM:0)

[Mobsie]

Yes, mirrored stuff is not needed. i make the test with ALL carts, all work fine without the mirrored part. No game make the wrong address access.