<![CDATA[Discussion Forum for all things Microbee - All Forums]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/ Fri, 11 Sep 2026 09:53:26 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Someone's Fast & Easy Bitmap Graphics]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1087.html Wed, 09 Sep 2026 22:55:24 +1000 someone]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1087.html a slight mod of a 128K DRAM Coreboard and Alpha Plus Base board is configured to punch a neat hole in the memory map for easy PCG access.
e.g PCG being accessed at memory location 8000-BFFF or part thereof.
Bank #0 at 8000-87FF
Bank #1 at 8800-8FFF
Bank #2 at 9000-97FF
Bank #3 at 9800-9FFF
Bank #4 at A000-A7FF
Bank #5 at A800-AFFF
Bank #6 at B000-B7FF
Bank #7 at B800-BFFF

Doing this removes the onerous task of tracking & changing PCG banks continually.
A dedicated I/O port is used to augment the existing memory paging scheme to switch in the PCG.
In conjunction with someone's RA3 mod for 8X8 High PCG memory support and enabling Colour RAM, one can perform fast and easy bitmap graphics.

A useful configuration is:
0000-7FFF used for switched DRAM pages
8000-BFFF used for PCG
C000-EFFF used for DRAM (non-switched)
F000-F7FF used for CHAR or ATTR RAM
F800-FFFF used for COLRAM]]> a slight mod of a 128K DRAM Coreboard and Alpha Plus Base board is configured to punch a neat hole in the memory map for easy PCG access.
e.g PCG being accessed at memory location 8000-BFFF or part thereof.
Bank #0 at 8000-87FF
Bank #1 at 8800-8FFF
Bank #2 at 9000-97FF
Bank #3 at 9800-9FFF
Bank #4 at A000-A7FF
Bank #5 at A800-AFFF
Bank #6 at B000-B7FF
Bank #7 at B800-BFFF

Doing this removes the onerous task of tracking & changing PCG banks continually.
A dedicated I/O port is used to augment the existing memory paging scheme to switch in the PCG.
In conjunction with someone's RA3 mod for 8X8 High PCG memory support and enabling Colour RAM, one can perform fast and easy bitmap graphics.

A useful configuration is:
0000-7FFF used for switched DRAM pages
8000-BFFF used for PCG
C000-EFFF used for DRAM (non-switched)
F000-F7FF used for CHAR or ATTR RAM
F800-FFFF used for COLRAM]]> <![CDATA[Backup Utility?]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1086.html Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:51:27 +1000 shane.crozier]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1086.html
In later versions of the B-Shell in the repository - I've noticed the option 0 points to a backup program rather than the CCP 

Do we have a copy of this backup software in the repository too?]]>
In later versions of the B-Shell in the repository - I've noticed the option 0 points to a backup program rather than the CCP 

Do we have a copy of this backup software in the repository too?]]> <![CDATA[Microbee Poke and Peek colour registers for color basic 6.35p]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1085.html Wed, 09 Sep 2026 05:44:08 +1000 taren0305]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1085.html
Current foreground colour
Code:
POKE 156,n
Current background colour
Code:
POKE 157,n
Half-intensity background
Code:
POKE 158,n
I was curious where the microbee stored its colour address, so went on a hunt. its same as poke 646,? on commodore64.. much faster then color ??]]>
Current foreground colour
Code:
POKE 156,n
Current background colour
Code:
POKE 157,n
Half-intensity background
Code:
POKE 158,n
I was curious where the microbee stored its colour address, so went on a hunt. its same as poke 646,? on commodore64.. much faster then color ??]]> <![CDATA[EDUC-8 Construction Manual has been updated]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1084.html Mon, 07 Sep 2026 12:57:53 +1000 ChickenMan]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1084.html ACMS-WA for making individual page scan available. The Manual is A4 in size and 84 pages long.

The copy of this manual we have in the Repository has a number of pages where a section of the text is unreadable.  These have all been replaced by cleaner & readable pages from the ACMS-WA resource.

The front cover inside page was also absent but has now been included.  Its just an advert but does complete the manual.

So in the MbeeTech Repository in the Vintage\EDUC-8 folder we replaced

educ_8_construction_manual.pdf]]> ACMS-WA for making individual page scan available. The Manual is A4 in size and 84 pages long.

The copy of this manual we have in the Repository has a number of pages where a section of the text is unreadable.  These have all been replaced by cleaner & readable pages from the ACMS-WA resource.

The front cover inside page was also absent but has now been included.  Its just an advert but does complete the manual.

So in the MbeeTech Repository in the Vintage\EDUC-8 folder we replaced

educ_8_construction_manual.pdf]]> <![CDATA[TI-83 Boulderdash on the Microbee]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1083.html Fri, 04 Sep 2026 23:27:24 +1000 brizza]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1083.html
.zip   BDV5_v2.zip (Size: 4.22 KB / Downloads: 0) Anyone up to testing this game? I can't get past the Fireflies in Cave B :-\ 
p.s. i will one day :-)

update: noticed that AZ ,. were a bit sluggish so have updated the file to v2.  It's a little faster aswell. 
Finally got past cave B and onto cave F without an issue.

.jpg   20260904_230617_resized.jpg (Size: 310.91 KB / Downloads: 13) ]]>
.zip   BDV5_v2.zip (Size: 4.22 KB / Downloads: 0) Anyone up to testing this game? I can't get past the Fireflies in Cave B :-\ 
p.s. i will one day :-)

update: noticed that AZ ,. were a bit sluggish so have updated the file to v2.  It's a little faster aswell. 
Finally got past cave B and onto cave F without an issue.

.jpg   20260904_230617_resized.jpg (Size: 310.91 KB / Downloads: 13) ]]> <![CDATA[More Fun with AI]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1082.html Thu, 03 Sep 2026 03:02:25 +1000 brizza]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1082.html p.s.sorry about the previous post, deleted by mistake.

.zip   worm_v2.zip (Size: 4.15 KB / Downloads: 11)

.zip   snake.zip (Size: 3.26 KB / Downloads: 12) ]]> p.s.sorry about the previous post, deleted by mistake.

.zip   worm_v2.zip (Size: 4.15 KB / Downloads: 11)

.zip   snake.zip (Size: 3.26 KB / Downloads: 12) ]]> <![CDATA[Question re 0x40-0x4F CF controller range]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1080.html Mon, 31 Aug 2026 10:47:27 +1000 Graham72]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1080.html
Hoping somebidy can explain for a compact flash edition the correct listing of FDC / CF control address lines.

Some references 0x40 , others 0x44.

A full listing would be appreciated. Thanks g]]>
Hoping somebidy can explain for a compact flash edition the correct listing of FDC / CF control address lines.

Some references 0x40 , others 0x44.

A full listing would be appreciated. Thanks g]]> <![CDATA[FileServer II Board & 56k Bee]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1079.html Sun, 30 Aug 2026 23:29:17 +1000 shane.crozier]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1079.html
The Fileserver II board has connectors on it to match the 40 way (128k Bee) and 50 way (56k Bee ) Server machines

If I'm not mistaken the 56k Microbee drew power from the disk enclosure via the 50 way cable?  - But pins 49/50 in the FileServer II board go to ground and D0 on the PIO?  Were the 56k bee's modified differently to use the FileServer II boards and get their power from a different source?]]>
The Fileserver II board has connectors on it to match the 40 way (128k Bee) and 50 way (56k Bee ) Server machines

If I'm not mistaken the 56k Microbee drew power from the disk enclosure via the 50 way cable?  - But pins 49/50 in the FileServer II board go to ground and D0 on the PIO?  Were the 56k bee's modified differently to use the FileServer II boards and get their power from a different source?]]> <![CDATA[ELITE for Microbee]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1078.html Sun, 30 Aug 2026 21:48:25 +1000 Graham72]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1078.html
A quick perusal of the game and discussion with gemini : 

Rom version tricky - but possible.

Running a disk-based implementation via CP/M changes the equation significantly, offering massive technical advantages for a complex simulation.

Why Disk/CP/M Makes It More Feasible
  • The 57 KB TPA: Moving away from standard ROM constraints gives code and workspace breathing room, allowing multi-file modularity rather than cramming everything into a tiny interpreter space.
  • External Asset Streaming: Instead of hardcoding all 8 galaxies, ship data tables, and text strings into RAM simultaneously, individual sectors or files can be read from disk on demand (e.g., loading a specific solar system's economy or loading mission scripts only when triggered).
The Catch: Interpreter Speed Still Applies

While disk access solves the memory and data storage hurdle completely, interpreted BASIC execution speed remains a bottleneck for true 3D wireframe rendering. Even with plenty of TPA headroom, calculating matrices line-by-line in an interpreter will still choke the frame rate during active dogfights.
A Viable Hybrid Design
To make it work effectively under CP/M:
  1. The Engine Core: Write the 3D projection, hidden-line clipping, and line-drawing routines in Z80 machine code.
  2. The Glue & Economy: Handle the trading matrices, galaxy procedural generation logic, and interactive space-station menus in Disk BASIC.
  3. The Data Files: Use CP/M sequential or random-access files to store planet descriptions, market price tables, and save-game commanders.

I am interested in coding the 2/3 if someone is proficient coding the space battles etc in machine code.

Any takers?]]>
A quick perusal of the game and discussion with gemini : 

Rom version tricky - but possible.

Running a disk-based implementation via CP/M changes the equation significantly, offering massive technical advantages for a complex simulation.

Why Disk/CP/M Makes It More Feasible
  • The 57 KB TPA: Moving away from standard ROM constraints gives code and workspace breathing room, allowing multi-file modularity rather than cramming everything into a tiny interpreter space.
  • External Asset Streaming: Instead of hardcoding all 8 galaxies, ship data tables, and text strings into RAM simultaneously, individual sectors or files can be read from disk on demand (e.g., loading a specific solar system's economy or loading mission scripts only when triggered).
The Catch: Interpreter Speed Still Applies

While disk access solves the memory and data storage hurdle completely, interpreted BASIC execution speed remains a bottleneck for true 3D wireframe rendering. Even with plenty of TPA headroom, calculating matrices line-by-line in an interpreter will still choke the frame rate during active dogfights.
A Viable Hybrid Design
To make it work effectively under CP/M:
  1. The Engine Core: Write the 3D projection, hidden-line clipping, and line-drawing routines in Z80 machine code.
  2. The Glue & Economy: Handle the trading matrices, galaxy procedural generation logic, and interactive space-station menus in Disk BASIC.
  3. The Data Files: Use CP/M sequential or random-access files to store planet descriptions, market price tables, and save-game commanders.

I am interested in coding the 2/3 if someone is proficient coding the space battles etc in machine code.

Any takers?]]> <![CDATA[ETI 9668 EPROM Programmer]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1077.html Sun, 30 Aug 2026 15:41:20 +1000 shane.crozier]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1077.html
It plugs into the IO Port (has a 15 way DIN) and is able to program 2716/32/64 and 2532 eproms.]]>
It plugs into the IO Port (has a 15 way DIN) and is able to program 2716/32/64 and 2532 eproms.]]> <![CDATA[Some Microbee Games from RobertK]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1076.html Sun, 30 Aug 2026 13:06:56 +1000 ChickenMan]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1076.html RobertK for making these games available to run on the Microbee. They are some old classic puzzle games converted to run on the Microbee. Hes also made them available to run on 50+ other classic 8 bit Z-80 computers, including the Excalibur 64, Sorcerer, Systen-80, Super-80 and Pencil II.

These were released a year or so ago, so thought it would be good to put them on the one bootable Microbee disk. The EPB is not a game but allows you to browse through the planet data of the Elite game that runs on the Spectrum, Amstrad, MCX, etc. Anyone up for a Microbee conversion of the game?

The games are -

Sokoban (Premium & Std versions) see - https://sourceforge.net/projects/sokobanrk/
H-Tron - see https://sourceforge.net/projects/h-tron/
Master Mind - see https://sourceforge.net/projects/mastermindrk/

Elite Planet Browser (EPB) - see https://sourceforge.net/projects/elitepb/

So in the MbeeTech Repository in the Microbee\Software\Games folder we placed

RobertK_Games_ss80.dsk]]> RobertK for making these games available to run on the Microbee. They are some old classic puzzle games converted to run on the Microbee. Hes also made them available to run on 50+ other classic 8 bit Z-80 computers, including the Excalibur 64, Sorcerer, Systen-80, Super-80 and Pencil II.

These were released a year or so ago, so thought it would be good to put them on the one bootable Microbee disk. The EPB is not a game but allows you to browse through the planet data of the Elite game that runs on the Spectrum, Amstrad, MCX, etc. Anyone up for a Microbee conversion of the game?

The games are -

Sokoban (Premium & Std versions) see - https://sourceforge.net/projects/sokobanrk/
H-Tron - see https://sourceforge.net/projects/h-tron/
Master Mind - see https://sourceforge.net/projects/mastermindrk/

Elite Planet Browser (EPB) - see https://sourceforge.net/projects/elitepb/

So in the MbeeTech Repository in the Microbee\Software\Games folder we placed

RobertK_Games_ss80.dsk]]> <![CDATA[Ouch! Component costs increasing!]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1075.html Sun, 30 Aug 2026 12:43:41 +1000 shane.crozier]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1075.html
Not sure if this is a result of US tariffs or just devaluation of the aussie dollar but if this keeps up, electronics is going to be a luxury hobby before too long]]>
Not sure if this is a result of US tariffs or just devaluation of the aussie dollar but if this keeps up, electronics is going to be a luxury hobby before too long]]> <![CDATA[A cheat sheet for AI]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1074.html Sat, 29 Aug 2026 20:22:27 +1000 Graham72]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1074.html
Over the past twelve months I have developed a shorthand, terse way of communicating with AI where it groks (old timers will get the reference, not Elon Mushy groupies) my phrases. Often I just post links to 

Almost best edition of Your Computer evah

and

online BASIC reference

or say refer to past chat about xxxxxx.

Others can't refer to my past chats, also I delete chats older than 60 days. I post cryptic comments eg: shell menu all captial I render strangely in inverse. Like a box ? then click basic635> canvas collapse. also a little houskeeping: synthetic cpm A etc should be rendered in red.

My brain is crazy!

so anyway here is a file you can upload to AI and then specify it uses it for a Microbee Basic Program that you give an outline too. 

Maybe its too terse. Feedback sought. Cheers G

PS i know some will thinks its heresy. I think of it like a lawnmower - I cant create the parts or build it.
but I can change the fuel, the oil, change the blades and spark plug. And my wife only knows how to start it.

.txt   AIHELP.txt (Size: 7.23 KB / Downloads: 14) ]]>
Over the past twelve months I have developed a shorthand, terse way of communicating with AI where it groks (old timers will get the reference, not Elon Mushy groupies) my phrases. Often I just post links to 

Almost best edition of Your Computer evah

and

online BASIC reference

or say refer to past chat about xxxxxx.

Others can't refer to my past chats, also I delete chats older than 60 days. I post cryptic comments eg: shell menu all captial I render strangely in inverse. Like a box ? then click basic635> canvas collapse. also a little houskeeping: synthetic cpm A etc should be rendered in red.

My brain is crazy!

so anyway here is a file you can upload to AI and then specify it uses it for a Microbee Basic Program that you give an outline too. 

Maybe its too terse. Feedback sought. Cheers G

PS i know some will thinks its heresy. I think of it like a lawnmower - I cant create the parts or build it.
but I can change the fuel, the oil, change the blades and spark plug. And my wife only knows how to start it.

.txt   AIHELP.txt (Size: 7.23 KB / Downloads: 14) ]]> <![CDATA[Sokoban for Microbee]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1073.html Sat, 29 Aug 2026 10:48:07 +1000 brizza]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1073.html Tried AI that provided a MWB listing but it's full of errors. Have also tried RK Sokoban which works fine in UBEE512 but on my Freemium the video is compressed into a couple of static horizontal lines. 
Thanks.]]> Tried AI that provided a MWB listing but it's full of errors. Have also tried RK Sokoban which works fine in UBEE512 but on my Freemium the video is compressed into a couple of static horizontal lines. 
Thanks.]]> <![CDATA[Microworld Basic 2650 Modules for BINBUG and PIPBUG]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1072.html Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:14:28 +1000 ChickenMan]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1072.html
For BINBUG this module serves as an interface between MicroWorld BASIC Version 1 and a 2650 computer using BINBUG V3.6 as a monitor. The module uses the monitor keyboard input routine CHIN, and contains its own video driver routine for the DG64O VDU.

For PIPBUG this module serves as an interface between MicroWorld BASIC Version 1 and a 2650 computer using PIPBUG as a monitor. It contains its own serial input/output routines running at 1200 baud.

Both documents describe how to use the modules and includes assembler listings for each module.

So in the MbeeTech Repository in the AppliedTech-Pre-Microbee\Software_2650 folder we placed

microworld_basic_2650_module_for_binbug.pdf
microworld_basic_2650_module_for_pipbug.pdf]]>
For BINBUG this module serves as an interface between MicroWorld BASIC Version 1 and a 2650 computer using BINBUG V3.6 as a monitor. The module uses the monitor keyboard input routine CHIN, and contains its own video driver routine for the DG64O VDU.

For PIPBUG this module serves as an interface between MicroWorld BASIC Version 1 and a 2650 computer using PIPBUG as a monitor. It contains its own serial input/output routines running at 1200 baud.

Both documents describe how to use the modules and includes assembler listings for each module.

So in the MbeeTech Repository in the AppliedTech-Pre-Microbee\Software_2650 folder we placed

microworld_basic_2650_module_for_binbug.pdf
microworld_basic_2650_module_for_pipbug.pdf]]>