The Atari 130XE set the standard for bank switching on all XL/XE computers. This "bank-switching" is what allows us to have a 130XE with 128K, or an 800XL with 256K. When extra memory is installed in a 64K computer, it must be done in a way that allows small pieces of it, called "banks", to temporarily replace a similar segment of the main memory. It's like having a 256 story building with no elevators or stairs above the 64th floor.
Smartram free install#
While you can install the larger 256K RAM chips, the 6,502 cannot "see" any more than 64K. With 16 bits we can have 65,536 different addresses, or 64K of addressable memory. Located in the Atari's 6502 microprocessor, the program counter tells the computer where to go in memory for instructions or data.
The extra features don't cost more memory:īy the way, for all you 256K 800XL/1200XL users and 320K XE users: I have not tested this with BASIC-XE from OSS/ICD, but it should allow you to use the EXTEND mode with a "1050" RAMdisk! SmartRAMĪlso works with the XE-GM1 and XE-GM2 RAM upgrades for the XEGS from Innovative Concepts. The program will check its own data and write out a RAMDISK.COM file to Dl. Make sure to RUN SmartRAM 2.5 in drive 1 on a disk which includes a copy of the genuine DOS 2.5. The assembler source code is also on this month's Antic Disk so that experienced programmers can adapt it if they wish. This listing is the BASIC translation of an assembly language program.
Boot with a copy of DOS 2.5 and type in Listing 1, RAMDISK.BAS, check it with TYPO II and SAVE a copy to disk before you RUN it. Need to understand SmartRAM 2.5 in order to use it effectively. I will try to explain the function of SmartRAM 2.5 as clearly as possible, but it is complex, requiring some understanding of binary numbers and 6502 assembly language However, you don't
Smartram free upgrade#
You can control any common XL or XE RAM upgrade with just a few bytes of code. It is not difficult to distinguish between them and it's a snap to talk to them. However, SmartRAM 2.5 does not support the Atari 800 upgrades.Īll of the XL/XE upgrades are really very similar. Brilliant's Incredible Atari Brain Transplants, which appeared in the November 1988 issue of Antic. You'll find that SmartRAM 2.5 is more convenient and versatile than Atari's official RAMDISK.COM file.įor a good general description of the various Atari RAM upgrades you may wish to reviewĭr. SmartRAM 2.5 is a powerful RAMdisk that can cake charge of your extra memory, no matter what upgrade you have installed.
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The various XL/XE memory upgrades have many differences, but they also have significant similarities In this article I will discuss how these upgrades are alike and even teach you how to talk to your extra memory so you can experiment with your own software. This BASIC super RAMdisk works on Atari XL and XE computers with a minimum 128K memory and requires DOS 2.5. Super RAMdisk for all XL/XE memory upgrades.īy Tim Patrick Take advantage of your XL/XE's upgraded memory with SmartRAM II.
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