ZXVGS releases

All ZXVGS releases before 1.00 are beta releases. They must be replaced with new releases in future. Release 1.00 will define standard set of functions for all next releases. (You don't have to check ZXVGS release number when you want to use functions from this set.)

Present set of ZXVGS versions:

Still to do:

• keyboard functions;
• config program;
• (TMX) handling memory extensions with 32kB switching (e.g. 80kB);
• public RSX socket;
• RSX manager;
• overlay manager;
• memory manager;
• loading and saving pictures via RSX;
• function #EF adds default suffix to default filename with no suffix;
• Virtual Disks - access to several filesystems (e.g. cable server and HDD);

• machine code monitor (POKE.RSX);
• 51 columns driver (51X24.RZX);
• code compressor (V00.RZX);
• virtual banks manager RSX (ZXVGSVBM.RZX);
• snapshot loader RSX (SNA.RZX);
• text converter (TXT.RZX);
• TOS A.2 RSX (BA2.RZX);
• Interface 1 RSX (BI1.RZX);
• DISCiPLE/+D RSX (BD1.RZX);

Release 0.35 (2004-08-14)

Other:

• at start AY-3-891X is detected in ZX128 and 2068 modes (formely only ZX128 mode was detected in function #A4;
• (TMX) added support for 2068 ROM (TOS only);
• (TMX,P3M) added initiation of FlashD0 and 4MB RAM upgrades;
• fixed RSX stack handling in RSX support (RSX stack pointer was not preserved while return to BASIC - so the stack could overflow);
• (PEN) <SYMBOL>+<SPACE> used to stop ZXVGS games;
• ZXROM no more has RETI - at #0051 always is EI:RET (JNIPPER1.V00 caused problems); ZXVGS does not support Z80SIO, Z80PIO, Z80CTC etc. in interrupt mode 1 (IM1).

Utilities:

• BZX.RZX - fixed RSX stack handling (several calls of disks command caused stack overflow);
• BZX.RZX - added CAT command - displays raw directory in default system format (one character: "1" for files, "D" for directories, 8 characters of name, space padded, 3 characters of extention); the CAT is dedicated for immediate mode only, please don't use it in programs;

Release 0.34 (2004-05-23) - only P3M, TMX

Other:

• (P3M) Kempston Joystick is detected;

Changes in ROM:

• (P3M) fixed bug in ZXROM made in 0.30 - at #08B0 should be #C3 while was #00 due to unknown reason, what resulted in tape loading error;

Release 0.33 (2004-05-12) - only P3M

Functions:

• added function that displays characters in 64 columns (for test purposes);

Other:

• (P3M) boot ROM reads harddisk geometry and sets its parameters;
• CP/M filesystem upgraded to support 256 records per track, what allows to use harddisks with 63 sectors;

Utilities:

• QTRANS.EXE - added access to Secondary Master as "IDE2:";

Release 0.32 (2003-09-19) - only P3M and WRJ

Other:

• first idea of Virtual Disks (2003-09-18);
• fixed bug in extension change - some .V00 files wasn't available;
• made JETPAC.SV@ file for JETPAC.V00; JETPAC.V00 corrected to not clear high score area at start;
• name of version PL3 changed to P3M, as PL3MEM interface is needed to use this version or changes inside ZX Spectrum +3 similar to PL3MEM; the PL3 version name will be used for ZXVGS capable to run on unmodified ZX Spectrum +3, with only contents of ROM exchanged (ROM0 and ROM1, will use PLUS3DOS or +3e, memory switching will be similar to PEN version);

Utilities:

• QTRANS.EXE - new version uses Virtual Disks to access files inside disks and diskimages; has full functionality of the former version, but can create harddisk diskimages of any size, add more than one CP/M partition in IDEDOS partitioning and access a real harddisk; also can create bootable .SAD diskimages for SimCoupé; for more details and executables see 8bit.yarek.pl/software/qtrans/;
• QDISK - can create CP/M partition in IDEDOS partitioning; for more details, sources and executables see 8bit.yarek.pl/software/qdisk/;
• SHELL.V00 - cursor can be moved one page down and page up;

Release 0.31 (2003-05-22) - first ASP version

Functions:

• config: #A2 (get config) and #A3 (set config) - only for joysticks (#80..#83), mouse (#84), printer (#7F, setting ignored) and release number reading (#A2);

Other:

• (PL3) new ZXROMPL3.ROM doesn't damage boot sectors anymore;
• (PL3) updated to work on PL3MEM and use IDE intefaces;
• (MB2) Kempston Mouse is detected;
• memory banks are tested whether ULA slowes Z80 in them;
• defined meaning of BC in functions #A6 and #A7 (still not official);
• (PEN) can use harddisk now; however in RealSpectrum 0.96.16 the ZXIDE128 isn't available in Pentagon mode, so the ZX128 mode with Beta 128 must be used;
• (PEN) DSKHNDLR.ZXIDE128 located at #3900 in TR-DOS ROM;
• corrected directory reading;
• (TMX) removed loading of "A0:ZXVGSTI.RSX" (added in 0.16);
• (TMX) GEOS mouse driver replaced with Kempston Mouse one;

Utilities:

• CPM22QED 1.15 SAM can use the Atom interface;
• CPM22QED 1.08 UPB is released;
• QTRANS.EXE creates a .HDF file with fixed geometry 198/5/17 and one 8330kB CP/M partition on it; also the "ZXVGSPL3.SYS" is saved as boot file;
• (PL3) PL3MEM simulation under Warajevo (in TS2068 mode);
• (ASP) ZXATASP simulation under Warajevo (128kB RAM in TS2068 mode);
• (UPB) added one #7FFD bank in Warajevo extension - not enough memory for more;

Release 0.30 (2003-03-04)

Functions:

• config: #87 (fast mode) and #88 (3.5MHz mode) are ignored;
• config: #A5 (open and close sound device), #A7 (select screen mode);

Other:

• (MB2) IDE 128kB (by Pera Putnik) harddisk support;
• black and white mode for requesters - use <INV VIDEO>;
• corrected #F0 function - now remembers that there's no PRINTER.RZX;
• function #A3 has function number in D and its setting in E;
• funtion #BF returns current bank in E, its mode in D and number of opened banks in B;
• ZXVGS tries to load the "*.SV@" file (with game high scores) just after the "*.V00" file; then saves it on every ZXVGS menu appearance;
• banks switched with #7FFD port are tested now - 80kB Wonder is recognized;
• corrected ROM patch for tape loading redirection - loading from real tape is also possible;

Utilities:

• BZX.RZX allows to change directory with LOAD *f syntax and reports F Invalid file name when directory name is used with other syntax (note: directory name always ends with "/" or ":");
• INFO.V00 made with z88dk displays ZXVGS configuration;
• Z88 Development Kit (z88dk) can be used for making ZXVGS applications - see http://z88dk.sourceforge.net;
• QTRANS.EXE - converts ".CPM" extension to ".COM" while making diskimage;
• SCL.RZX loads better - file was closed without changing "opened" flag;

Release 0.29 (2001-08-20) - first UPB and MB2 versions

Bugs:

• (PL3) the disk browsing doesn't work;

Functions:

• files: #E0..#E7 load the RSX and call its entry +#0F for unknown extension;
• RSXes: #AC no more activates RSX, #AF can be used to activate RSX;
• printer: #F0..#F6 load PRINTER.RZX and call its entry +#0F;

Other:

• the RSX can use internal filename buffers of ZXVGS;
• the START.V00 (if found) is loaded immediately after system reset;
• (TMX) 80kB extension is recognized (but not seviced correctly);
• (TMX) added checksums in cable transfer protocol;
• (WRJ) corrected "*.V00" files loading in ZXVGSC1;

Utilities:

• BMP.RZX loads "*.BMP" files (only 256×192, two colours);
• EPRSONFX.RZX created - rename it to PRINTER.RZX before use;
• Z80.RZX can also load the screen from a "*.Z80" file;
• ZXVGSLPT.COM works with both new and old cable protocol;
• QTRANS.EXE makes diskimages and copies them to disk;

Release 0.28 (2001-03-19) - versions: SAM, TMX, WRJ

Functions:

• files: #EA and #EB can operate without requester;

Utilities:

• BMP.RZX started;
• BZX.RZX returns #FF for +#0F calls;

Release 0.27 (2000-09-14) - versions: SAM, TMX, WRJ

Other:

• removed problems with RSX loading (relocation map length calculation);
• (TMX) tested TR-DOS traps on /M1 controlled EPROM;
• (TMX) the "ZX:SHELL.V00" is now loaded always from server;
• (TMX) removed some mouse drivers (Kempston and YAMOD.8250);
• (TMX) added keyboard test, activated with top button while reset;

Utilities:

• SHELL.V00 displays more data about the program;
• ZXREAD.EXE reads also 160kB TOS A.2 disks;
• ZXVGSLPT.COM requires ZXVGSTSR.COM and makes some order while quit;

Release 0.26 (2000-09-07) - versions: SAM, WRJ

Functions:

• disks: #CB (erases file or empty directory);
• banks: #B9 (bank number for DE=0); #BC (opens 32kB banks correctly);

Utilities:

• $B.RZX executes TR-DOS functions: #01, #02, #03, #05, #0B, #0E, #12; generates fatal error when directory is readed; USR 15619 no more hangs the system;
• MAKERZX.COM works properly when main code length is #XXF7;
• MKVGSVGS.EXE takes data from "C:\ZXVGS\MKVGSVGS.SYS";
• SHELL.V00 displays icons types #01 and #02;

Release 0.25 (2000-06-21) - versions: PEN, WRJ

Other:

• ZX128 compatibility requiment is possible while opening a bank;
• (WRJ) works on both Warajevo 2.0 and 2.51;

Utilities:

• $B.RZX keeps filename in safe place;
• ARTSTDIO.V00 uses now ".SCR" extension as default for screens;
• BZX.RZX uses now ".SCR" extension as default for SCREEN$;
• MKVGSVGS.EXE excludes files with some file extension (MS-DOS, archives);
• SCL.RZX loads "ABSTRACTION" megademo;
• Z80.RZX opens banks and selects them using system functions;

Release 0.24 (2000-06-02) - versions: SAM, WRJ

Other:

• fatal error is generated for undefined functions;
• "SHELL.V00" is no more needed - the requester appears when file not found;
• (WRJ) all ZX128 banks are available for program; banks work now;

Changes in ROM:

• (WRJ) JP #3881 at #056C, one POP BC removed and CALL #05E7: JP #056F at the end of tape loading crack;

Utilities:

• $B.RZX correctly executes TR-DOS #05 function (for main file only);
• BLK.RZX created from TAP.RZX;
• TAP.RZX checks and corrects value in I register;
• Z80.RZX selects correct ZX128 bank after loading snapshot;

Release 0.23 (2000-04-13) - versions: SAM, WRJ

Other:

• (PEN) corrected data exchanging in section D;
• (WRJ) release of ZXVGSTSR is checked now;
• (WRJ) #C2, #C3 and #C4 functions are tested;
• (WRJ) corrected data exchanging in section D;

Changes in ROM:

• (WRJ) added modifications for TR-DOS emulation;
• (WRJ) RET restored at #0052 for better compatibility;

Utilities:

• (SAM) MIDI fileserver (ZXVGSMPU) is started;

Release 0.22 (2000-01-05) - versions: PEN, PL3 (1st), SAM, WRJ (1st)

Functions:

• disks: #C2 (returns directory entry in format "%.1l%-8.8n%3.3e"), #C3 (selects directory), #C4 (gives free disk space and directory level), #C5..#CF (return error);

Other:

• function #C2 no more gives free disk space;
• added dummy drivers for AMX and AY mice;
• (PL3) there are troubles with some ZXVGS games;
• (TMX) changed OPEN frame - no more compatibile with old servers;
• (WRJ) without #C2..#C4 functions, problems with memory banks;

Changes in ROM:

• patch for "*.TAP" files corrected - C is preserved now for tape loading;
• (PL3) made and tested ZXROMPL3 (with FDC info as screen garbage);

Utilities:

• Z80.RZX runs snapshots of Z80 3.05; calls menu before running;
• TAP.RZX works better now;
• ZEBRA.V00 is corrected (due to #C2 function change);

Release 0.21 (1999-11-22) - versions: PEN, SAM

Other:

• corrected "double exit" and phantom headers (see 0.19);
• (PEN) DSKHNDLR.FDCBETA1 moved to #3600;
• (PEN) BZX.RZX works now;

Utilities:

• Z80.RZX runs snapshots of Z80 1.45;
• MKVGSVGS.EXE creates the "VGS.VGS" files (with no end marker);

Release 0.20 (1999-11-18) - only PEN version

Bugs:

• (PEN) RSX can't work correctly;
• (PEN) loading file with header doesn't work;

Other:

• corrected RST 8 entry for hookcodes #00..#7F;
• added and tested Kempston Mouse driver;
• (PEN) works reading from disk, still a lot of bugs;

Utilities:

• (TMX) cable server for pc works better (changed some ACK frames);

Release 0.19 (1999-10-03) - versions: PEN (first demo), SAM, TMX

Bugs:

• first time to exit to system the exit must be selected twice;
• phantom headers not work while writing to non existing file;

Other:

• RSX being resided in memory is no more loaded again;
• phantom headers for "*.SCR" and "*.ROM" files;
• system files are now loaded from "ZX:" disk instead of "A0:";
• it is adviced no more to use the "du:" CP/M path syntax;
• (PEN) source created, ZXVGS menu appears;
• (PL3) final form of hardware changes, ZXVGS menu appears now;
• (TMX) selects "J3 mouse" when server mouse not available;

Utilities:

• (TMX) cable server for pc works faster (5um MMX 200MHz test);

Release 0.18 (1999-09-14)

Other:

• banks are cleared now while opening (bug in former releases);
• (SAM) corrected overlay loading (no more damages in section B);

Utilities:

• (TMX) corrected cable server for pc - works slow (on 5um 166MHz);

Release 0.17 (1999-09-11)

Other:

• function #AF no more resets second time;
• menu no more appears when ZXVGS started with filename;
• after fatal error "<C>ontinue" displays again fatal error message;
• (SAM) SAM mouse selected when Kempston joystick not found;

Utilities:

• Z80.RZX loads correctly whole ZX128 memory from file of Z80 2.01;
• (TMX) new cable server for pc, sends mouse status;

Release 0.16 (1999-08-16)

Other:

• menu no more appears while loading via RSX (#AF function);
• tested SAM Mouse;
• the loading utility is now "A0:SHELL.V00";
• function #FE displays message on red background;
• (TMX) AY autodetection;
• (TMX) changed numbers of server functions #80..#84;
• (TMX) "rs<X>" loads "A0:ZXVGSTI.RSX";

Changes in ROM:

• patches for TR-DOS #3D13 and #3D30 entries;

Utilities:

• BZX.RZX adds now default extensions;
• started Z80.RZX;
• started $B.RZX;
• started ZXREAD, the program for files conversion from disks saved by TOS;

Release 0.15 (1999-07-30)

Made functions of:

• mouse: #84 (also server mouse tested);
• printer: #F0 (control strings), #F4 (translates CR to CR LF);
• rsxes: #AF (can load also RSX);

Other:

• functions #D0..#D4, #D8 and #D9 tested with TAP.RZX;
• removed error in #D1..#D3 functions (made in 0.12 release);
• common code of functions #F0..#F6 for all hardware;
• lowercase disk drive letter is also recognized;
• (SAM) #8C function removed to TAP.RZX, #7E code reserved instead of #8C;
• (SAM) at start function #AF is called with file name given as CP/M parameter after ZXVGSSAM;
• (TMX) changed #D8 and #D9 function frames (old servers are no more compatibile);
• (TMX) Kempston joystick autodetection (Sinclair 2 if not found);
• (TMX) BZX.RZX removed from EPROM (was added in 0.11 release);

Changes in ROM:

• designed and tested changes of ROM of ZX Spectrum 48kB for TAP.RZX;

Utilities:

• MAKERZX uses ".RZX" extension for output file instead of ".RZZ";
• added TAP.RZX as "*.TAP" tape simulation loader;
• (TMX) new cable server for Amiga computers (files, mouse, printer);

Release 0.14 (1999-07-20) - only SAM version

Made functions of:

• files: #D9 (seeks also from end of CP/M file);
• (SAM) tape files: #8C (error);
• (SAM) printer #F7 (sends byte to LST: of CP/M, tested);

Other:

• some random features due to harddisk failure; :-)
• internal config function (#A3);
• added SAM mouse driver (not tested);
• (PL3) first hardware changes, ROM file preparation, source created;
• (SAM) ZXVGS starts now from file "ZXVGSSAM.COM", ZXROM contents is inside this file;
• (SAM) "*.TAP" file is selected as parameter after ZXVGSSAM;

Changes in ROM:

• (SAM) patches for "*.TAP" files, working loader code;

Utilities:

• added some info inside MAKERZX;

Release 0.13 (1999-05-24) - only SAM version

Made functions of:

• (SAM) mouse: #84 (tested: joystick, serial, Amiga);
• (SAM) printer: #F0 (printer control strings);
• (SAM) rsxes: #AE (returns dummy project filename for E=0);

Other:

• (SAM) simple RSX relocator;
• (SAM) changed internal structure of code - more space for RSX;

Utilities:

• first release of MAKERZX for CP/M;

Release 0.12 (1999-04-02)

Made functions of:

• files: #D0..#D5, #D8, #D9 (not tested; bug: no way to open file);

Other:

• changed memory allocation for system areas;
• (TMX) blocked call of #83 server function for VGSSHELL.V00;
• (TMX) added OUT #1FFD,#04 for ZX+3;
• (SAM) code was damaged by tape loading cross - corrected;
• (SAM) first mouse tests;

Utilities:

• (TMX) first release of cable server for pc;

Release 0.11 (1999-03-11) - only TMX version

Made functions of:

• banking: #BA (returns code that selects bank);
• system: #FE (quit with message);
• RSXes: #AF (loads program instead of #FE function);
• banking: #BC (open a bank), #BD (close a bank), #BE (closes all banks), #BF (gives right values in D and E); virtual banks still not available;
• files: #EE and #EF work also with fileserver;
• (TMX) banking: #B0..B9 (select a bank);

Other:

• (SAM) number of banks and ZXVGSC2 marker were in the same byte - corrected;
• (TMX) autodetection of ZX128 banks, also 144kB;
• (TMX) BZX.RZX placed in EPROM;

Changes in ROM:

• (SAM) removed code for disk instructions in BASIC (added in release 0.03);

Utilities:

• VGSSHELL.V00 reads also keyboard and translates filenames to "dotted form";
• added BZX.RZX (simple BASIC extension) as beta RSX;
• (TMX) fileserver for Amiga computers is available;

Release 0.10 (1998-11-07) - only SAM version

Made functions of:

• disks: #C2 (gives free space for E=0);
• files: #E8 i #E9 (load and save of screen - ordinary CODE files);

Other:

• (SAM) function #A4 rocognizes SOUND AY-3-8910/2 chip;
• system resets AY-3-8910/2 chip, if it is recognized;
• improved banking - bank 0 is opened automaticly;

Release 0.09 (1998-07-24)

Made functions of:

• (SAM) banking: #BF (gives A=10 - now number of additinal banks over 48kB);
• files: #E7 (defines shift for files with header);
• files: #EE and #EF (simple fileselector), #EA i #EB (SaveGame);

Other:

• (SAM) default is now SAM 512kB (was 256kB);
• own keyboard reading, additional keys of SAM not recognized;

Release 0.08 (1998-02-16) - only TMX version

Other:

• (TMX) corrected menu;
• (TMX) AY is silenced while menu call;

Release 0.07 (1998-02-14) - first TMX version

Made functions of:

• (TMX) banking: #B0..#B8 ignored, #BC is only imitation, #BD..#BF ignored;
• (TMX) programs: #F8 (load overlay) i #FE (load program);
• (TMX) files: #EC (load file with no header);
• (TMX) joysticks: #80 (Kempston), #81 (Sinclair 2);
• (TMX) system: #FC (menu call), #FD i #FF (exit);

Other:

• (TMX) works communication between TI-of-TTL and Timex FDD 3000;
• (TMX) file "VGSSHELL.V00" is loaded from EPROM;
• (TMX) work: "<B>asic", "<C>ontinue" and "<L>oad";
• (SAM) changes for share source code with TMX;
• (SAM) bad SAVE *... for files over 8kB - corrected;

Release 0.06 (1997-05-25)

Made functions of:

• banking: #B8 (E=0..2), #BB (copies section C, instead function #BE), #BC (copies section C), #BD..#BE (ignored), #BF (returns 5);

Release 0.05 (1997-01-04)

Made functions of:

• disks: default path #C0 and #C1;
• files: #E5 (save file with header), #EE (simple fileselector on CP/M CON:);

Other:

• improved functions #E0..#E3, now all headers are 9 bytes long, compatibile with Microdrive;
• improved selecton of CP/M user areas 10..15 (were translated to 8..10);
• changed register for file handle (concerning functions #D0..#DF);
• for functions #E4..#E6 the length of file is now in BC (formely in DE);
• functions #E0..#E3 return length readed from header in DE;

Changes in ROM file:

• added code for SAVE *...;
• improved reading files in BASIC - free space before RAMTOP was wrong calculated;
• improved reading from tape - code from SAMROM (#E670) after recognition of ZX header changes E to #11, what caused wrong calculation of the address after readed block (in IX), now DE is calculated instead of IX;

Release 0.04 (1996-05-03)

Made functions of:

• joysticks: #82 (SINCLAIR II);
• files: #EA i #EB (ignored), #EF (primitive fileselector in CP/M);

Other:

• changed organization of switching - now functions #80..#82, #A4, #B0..#BD work faster;

Release 0.03 (1996-03-21)

Made functions of:

• files: #E0, #E1, #E2, #E3 (set or read header), #E4 (load file with header), #EC (load file without header);
• programs: #FE (load and execute);

Other:

• now file "A0:VGSSHELL.V00" is loaded to load a program;
• ZXROM is loaded from A0:VGSSAM.ROM;
• menu allows jump to BASIC (instead reset then continue to do it);
• headers for files "*.BZX" and "*.CZX" are now Microdrive compatibile;
• disabled code for "p<O>ke";
• (PLD) successful test installation (without #E0..#E4 functions);

Changes in ROM file:

• BASIC intrpreter recognizes now
  • LOAD *f
  • LOAD *f CODE [i][,j]
  • LOAD *f DATA @[$]()
  instead standard instructions without asterisk (syntax is compatibile with TOS A.2 for Timex FDD 3000 specification);

Utilities:

• first release of VGSSHELL.V00;

Release 0.02 (1995-11-13)

Made functions of:

• banking: #B0..#B2 (selection), #BF (copies section C, returns 5);
• printer: #F4 (ignored);
• joysticks: #80 (port #FFFE), #81 (keys <F8>, <F5>, <F4>, <F6>, <F8>);

Changes in ROM file:

• loading from tape (at #0562) is crossed to SAMROM code (#E670); in accordance to this loading is now breakable with <ESC> key, but in some programs also <SPACE> key must be pressed (alone <ESC> can be recognized as tape error); the fix simulates values of DE, IX, H and C flag, leaves interrupts off, imitates SA/LD-RET (tests <ESC>), if it had to be called (HL=#053F on entry);

Release 0.01 (1995-07-28)

Made functions of:

• joysticks: #80 (SINCLAIR II), #81 (port #FFFE - <CNTRL> and arrows);
• hardinfo: #A4 (returns #0B);
• printer: #F0..#F3 (ignored);
• overlays: #F8 (load), #F9..#FB (ignored);
• control: #FC (menu call), #FD,#FE,#FF (exit);

Other:

• <F9> pressed while executing of functions #80..#9F causes menu mode;
• before disk functions (#F8) and menu mode the SAA 1099 is resetted;
• menu allows to reset emulator, to load a program "*.V00", to return to emulation (if possibile), to poke byte to address (#0000..#FFFF - only bank 0), and to quit to CPM22QED;

Start of coding: 1993-12-02