Cromemco Unix? - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

1 Feb 2007

--------------Original Message:
Message: 28
Date: Thu, 1 Feb 2007 15:04:25 -0500
From: dave06a at dunfield.com
Subject: Re: Cromemco Unix?

...
 >     Is there any reason of which you are aware
that would prevent the
> use of Cromix on a Z-2? 
...
 I don't see why - All it needs (at least the Z80
version) is the ZPU,
enough memory (a 256KZ works nicely, or a few 64KZs I think are
OK as well) and I/O card and disk controller like 16FDC (those are
the cards that I have) - all the standard Cromemco cards would
work in a Z2 (I think I've had them all in my Z2 at one point or another,
although I don't recall if I've ever booted Cromix up on it). 
...
 Dave 
------------Reply:

Since they were S-100 systems and could have pretty well any cards installed,
functionally the model doesn't really mean much except for the floppy size and the 
number of floppy drives, I/O connectors and card slots.

You might have some problems with older boards. Minimum revision levels:

ZPU: 	Any
64KZ: 	Rev J
TU-ART:Rev E
PRI:	Rev E
4FDC:	Rev C
16FDC:	Rev E
IOP:	Rev C
Quadart:Rev C

128K is the minimum for one user. Each additional user requires an additional
64K with a maximum of 6 users (although you could have >64 ports if you can
find room for the I/O cards and connectors). Hard disk recommended for any
*real* use.

AFAIK Cromix came in 3 versions with numerous revisions:
11 series is for the Z80; AFAIK latest revision was 11.27 
20 series is for the 68000 (slooow, use 30 if possible)
30 series (later changed to 1xx, i.e. 153=30.53) is for 68010 and higher, although
at least the early versions will also run on the 68000.

Note that with some exceptions and depending on the hardware,
20 and 30 series will still run Z80 programs.

Also note that the 30 series has provisions to read & write PC & UNIX format 
diskettes.

And of course the languages (BASIC, COBOL, Fortran etc.) were also updated
for the newer CPUs.

mike