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Messages you should not normally see | |||||
File not found | File not saved properly | ||||
Last file failed | File in Use | ||||
ABOUT | Disclaimer | ||||
FAQ | |||||
Design and contact details |
Towards the end of the 1990's Thierry Peycru decided to experiment with the 1M INTEL flash chip. Using the existing 32K EPROM PCB and using dental moulds to make the physical card, he proved that the Z88 could be used to program the chip using a BBC BASIC program.
Although that program worked what was needed was a Z88 application, Gunther Strube volunteered to write this and the subsequent revisions of the BBC BASIC Flashstore.
Theirry's introduction read
Thanks for purchasing the 1M (1024K) or the NEW 512K RAM/Flash card.
Now, you will have a lot of room to save your files.
The Z88 erases the Flash card, you no longer need an EPROM Eraser.
Unlike RAM packs, FLASH CARDS AND EPROMS retain their memory even when power is removed. This makes them the ideal small file backup device for the Z88.
Individual files do not get deleted on their own. When you save the same file again to the card, the new file gets saved and the old file gets marked as deleted. It is still there taking up space and can be recovered. There is even an 'Erase file from Card' in FlashStore but again this only marks the file as deleted. The only way of removing files is by formatting the file area which removes all the files.
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The BBC BASIC Flashstore was then re-written and is now supplied as an Application. It is like the Filer (on the Z88) to save and fetch files.
This introduces a new concept for the Z88. In the past, applications used to be in a ROM and the files were stored on a separate EPROM. Flashstore splits the Flash card into two areas.
INTEL stopped making Flash EPROM chips in 2002. At the end of 2004 AMD made a similar chip, but threatened to stop manufacture in 2010. The AMIC chip was added to the list of devices ensuring continuity.
Gunther re-wrote this program so the Flash card could still be used on the Z88 and added more features whilst he was at it. The INTEL stocks are exhausted, the AMD and AMIC versions are now being used. The only differences is that they can be written to or erased in any slot instead of just slot 3.
Rakewell supplies 1M and 512K Devices but Flashstore supports the following chips which is displayed in the information window.
INTEL AMD AMIC
I28F004S5 (512K) AM29F010B (128K)
I28F008SA (1024K) AM29F040B (512K) AMIC29F040B (512K)
I28F008S5 (1024K) AM29F080B (1024K)
Flashstore is able to fetch files on EPROM packs in any slot. You should continue to use the Filer rather than Flashstore for all the other functions.
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The version number of the application is found by pressing the
HELP |
All messages are factual i.e. they tell you what is happening. What they don't tell you is what you should do if you get an unusual message.
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Usually caused by a spelling error. Use the interactive FILE AREA window to 'point & shoot screen' so that it picks up the correct name.
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Usually happens when the target file has no room to be saved.
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File not saved properly - will be re-saved. Error. File was not marked as deleted.
This message indicates that the Flash card is not working correctly, usually because of a dirty card slot connector. If this message comes up a lot, please contact Rakewell so that we can check the card.
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If this appears you have a file that has not been closed properly, usually by the Filer. You can clear this either by doing a soft-reset or PURGE in the INDEX.
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We will not in any event be liable for any loss, including consequential loss, caused by any error, defect or inaccuracy in our hardware and software, including but not limited to loss of profit or
loss of contracts.
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Design Zlab - Thierry Peycru and Xavier Thomas
Software Zlab - Thierry Peycru
Interlogic - Gunther Strube
Production Rakewell Ltd - Vic and Gill Gerhardi, Tony Firshman
Rakewell Ltd Tel +44 (0) 1296 632491
E-mail: vic@rakewell.com
Web: http://www.rakewell.com/
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