29 Jun
1997
29 Jun
'97
9:17 a.m.
1. Record format: open (depending on software for
EPROM programmer);
S-records, Intel Hex, binary.
I suppose just about anything is good, as there are plenty of utilities
to convert the different formats.
2. Submission & storage: UUEncoded image file
e-mailed to "repository";
ROM/EPROM chips sent by snail mail and returned. All submissions should have
as much info about the source computer as possible (board revisions, date of
mnaufacture, etc.)
I think that anything doing with the chips (purchasing, programming,
shipping) should be left to the person that needs them. Sure, not very
many people on the list have programmers, but there are enough kind souls
that would do the programming. Anyway, having a policy concerning
shipping and supply may turn into a big headache.
3. Requests & withdrawls: by e-mail to those with
programmers; by mail for
those supplying their own chips; e-mail request with no chip sent.
See above.
4. Cost: nominal (cost of postage and EPROM).
Doing any more may actually be legally shakey.
Additional thought...
How will additional required information be tied to the ROM images (as in
manufacturers part numbers, revision levels, serial numbers,
corresponding hardware information, etc.)? ROMS (and PALs) often change
as the circuits get minor "improvements" (ECOs).
William Donzelli
william(a)ans.net