The GGLABS T232 is very popular for debugging legacy RS-232 connections. In this article we will describe a few debugging tips and show how to emulate some of the common cable configurations.
The Microsoft Softcard was the first card to allow CP/M software to run on the Apple II. It was originally developed to simplify the porting of Microsoft Basic to the Apple II. It turned out to be a great success and at some point in time it was the most popular CP/M platform in use.
This success prompted the development of many compatible cards. Some exact copies, some enhanced or cost reduced. The GZ/80 is a modern implementation of a Softcard compatible card.
As 2018 just ended, our staff would like to wish all our customers, friends and suppliers a happy new year. We are very thankful for all the support we received so far and hope to continue in 2019.
In 2018 we shipped our products to 39 different countries. The most popular products were the RAMGS/8, the CGA2RGB and the T232.
GMT (GGLABS Memory Test) is a new developed memory test for vintage computers optimized for speed and coverage. The code is based on the test algorithms described in "Testing Semiconductor Memories: Theory and Practice" by A.J. van de Goor. The program is mostly in C plus small sections in assembly. It is free software and released under the GPL v3 license.
Both the commodore 64 and the 128 have a software UART implementation that limits the useful speed to 2400 bauds. To work around this limitation Dr. Evil Labs and later CMD produced the SwiftLink232 and Turbo232 cartridges based on the 6551 ACIA chip. Both of these have been out of production for a very long time. GLINK232T is a modern replacement for the CMD Turbo232 allowing the commodore 64/128 to communicate at speeds up to 230400 bauds.
The apple IIgs is the most advanced computer in the Apple II series. Equipped with a 65c816 8/16-bit CPU with 24-bit address space it could address up to 16MB of memory. The original rom 01 model shipped with 256KB of fast RAM, the revised rom 3 shipped with 1MB (both had an additional 128KB of standard RAM and 64KB of sound RAM). RAMGS is a newly designed 8MB expansion card for this great classic computer.
The geoRAM is a 512KB memory expansion for the Commodore 64 and 128 designed by Berkeley Softworks for use with GEOS. While not as fast as the Commodore REU due to its lack of DMA capabilities, it still provides a significant performance boost. GRAM/4D is a 4MB geoRAM compatible cartridge based on a two 4Mx4 DRAM devices.
GGLABS and our good friends at FLIRC will be at the Bay Area Maker Faire. This year the faire will be 3 days from May 18th to the 20th. As usual Friday is dedicated to educators and makers while Saturday and Sunday are the general admission days. If you plan to attend the faire feel free to stop by and say hi.
The Minipro TL866 is very popular among hobbyist because of its low price and ease of use. Its list of supported chips is however somewhat limited compared to more expensive professional programmers. The E2R16v2 adapter adds support for the ROM pinout compatible EPROM of the 27C400/800/160 and C322 series.
GLINK-LT is a modern clone of the Commodore VIC-1011A RS232 User Port adapter for Commodore 8-bit computers. The adapter is fully supported by the standard Commodore BASIC at up to 2400 baud. Jumpers allow the card to be configured as a UP9600 for 9600 baud operation in Novaterm and Striketerm. A reset button and a 5V header are also provided for added convenience.