'C64tips.TXT'


Here some common informations:

  Ŀ
                                                                       
    ***** HINTS ***** TIPS ***** TRICKS ***** BUGS ***** INFOS *****   
                                                                       
  



Something very important has changed about registration:

The registration code from now on is working on every comming up version. That
means, register now and get all upates for free. The registration pay of version
1.0 and further versions will be a bit increased. So I appreciate the support
from people in the early development phase.
I wanna also emphasize that this product is not intended to be a comercial pro-
duct. The test period is more as twice as long as in version 0.9a. No using per-
riod limitation. This means that you can legaly use C64alive (unregistered) as
long as you want (but with a small runtime limitation).

If you want to register, just send a cheque or an international money order
to my adress, filled out in DM's (45 DM) and you will receive immediatly your
registration code. If you prefer your country's currency, you need to add about
20 percent to the corresponding exchanged value of 45 DM. It's necessary to
compensate exchange rate variations. I suggest the use of DM's, because it's
cheaper for you.

I'm happy about everyone who will spend me support (P.R., wishes, ideas, knowledge
,or just comments) about C64alive. It doesn't matter if the person is registered.
Maybe this person will receive a free registration.

See, I wanna create a real C64 successor and so

        	I   n e e d   y o u   g u y ' s  ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
	        ------------------------------------------------

Because, we are able to define the new generation of C64.
(And I try to implement it.   ...shit!!!)

The current versions (0.9a and 0.9as) are optimized in technical details.
Especially the new version 0.9b defines the high end in smooth screen-
output and sound quality. Bug's while running C64 software and disk-handling
(disk images and direct 1541 connect) have second priority, but will be done
till version 1.0.


Version history:

V0.9a		*  a stable integrated version, using 256 color mode and ehanched
			   border (caused many proplems on various system's)

V0.9as		* 16 color version, with new keyboard emulation; a bit faster as
			  V0.9a; need's less XMS-memory but coarse X-smooth-scrolling;
			  and no enhanched border.

V0.9b		* (available in the next month's) new screen resolution (352x238x16)
              with programmable border; constant speed -> now possible to run
              50Hz screen update in every case without slow-down (486/33++).

The newest versions are available first at the internet adress (see docfile).


About software transfering (C64 - PC) and Floppy emulation

A 1541 emulation through a PC-drive is not possible, in case if you want to read
your old C64 diskettes. Disk emulation using the PC-format is starting from the
first C64alive implemented (try the '@P:A:\' command). The PC-floppy controller
765 is using microcode to access the disk drives. The CPU is only telling the
floppy controller via command what to do. It is not possible to use user de-
fined sync-set's (like it would be necessary for the 1541 format). The only
current method to read 1541 format directly is the use of the X1541 software
(using a special cable from the PC to a original 1541 drive). But faster and
more convinient is the use of 'SENDtoPC' and 'REC64.EXE' (because they support
most of the C64 fastloaders and full label conversation is performed).
-> see docfile.

I also noticed in the last the week's some good software pack's for C64alive
'C64progs.ZIP' and 'C64prog2.ZIP' containing over 2MB of tested C64 games, demo's
and tools (try 'allykat', nice raster effects').


Tip's on multi-disk program's

If some files on different diskettes have the same name, you can copy each
diskette in a own directory. If for example the game requires disk II, just enter
the integrated ASM-monitor (CTRL-TAB) and type '@P:..\dirname'. Then jump back
to the programm by typing 'R' (..return). It's not very convienient, but
functionable till I implement a better disk-handling.


That's it. I hope I could help you!

Your's Frank.


PS: Some programs (arkanoid, think twice...) may stuck because of a raster
    interupt proplem. If a CIA and a VIC interupt are comming together, one
    interupt is lost. If you change the interupt-check in the programms
    assembler code (via integrated asm-monitor) the programm will possibly
    run. If you have information about interupt-priority on the C64 or if
    you know someone who have, please write.


