Re: Best ROMs for 41
Message #2 Posted by Vieira, Luiz C. (Brazil) on 5 Mar 2006, 4:59 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by Geir Isene
Hi, Geir;
although I use my HP41's since the 80's, I was only able to go deeper after being in contact with the MoHPC contributors/gurus. The last improvement I heard about the HP41 prior to buy an HP42S and an HP28S (and got caught by RPL...) was the Advantage ROM. I was neither aware of the fact that specific, third-part modules were developed to allow users to create their own applications with M-CODE.
Well, now I have an MLDL2000, a NoVRAM and a NoV32. For now, the NoVRAM is programmed to work as a Clonix, but I'll probably change that.
Because the MLDL2000 was my, say, 'first` acquisition, I've been using it extensively and also because it allows easily configuration changing (3 microswitches allow selecting one amongst eight user-defined configurations), I tested many combinations with it. In time: does anybody know about a big chart where all possible conflicts may occur? I mean, not only the duplicate XROM numbers, also the functions/programs names. I am compiling a list myself, but there are so many sources that I could not put them all togheter. Also, there are some rare modules that are not available to us, poor mortals...
Because I am an electrical engineer and I like designing, one of the modules that recently called my attention was the AECROM. It has almost everything I wish I had in a calculator to either study or practice Engineering. The lack of matrix and complex number arithmetic might be easily spressed with the Advantage ROM.
The functionalities added by the CCD ROM are amazing, mostly when dealing with catalogs and ALPHA entry. I also like very much the CCD's matrix data handling, but I have to accept that the Advantage ROM resources do that better.
If M-CODE and program development are the subject, please add the HEPAX to your list. Unless Diego tell me I'm wrong, in this case I think that the NoVRAM or the NoV32 will be better choices than the Clonix, because you'll have 16KAM (NoVRAM) or 32KRAM (NoV32) to store whatever you want with HEPAX extended functionality. One of the configutrations I use with MLDL2000 (and soon with the NoV32) is exactly that: HEPAX in port# 5, all ports from 8 to 15 (Fh) addressed to RAM pages. Either case, it is plenty of memory to dare almost 7 times with NoVRAM or about 15 times with NoV32 of the main HP41 memory that can be instantly recovered, without the need of using external devices. And if you have an HP41CX, you can still have the full Extended Memory range (with two X-Memory Modules) and define the HEPAX in the 7th. port. If, by any reason, you need to use an HPIL with your HP41CX, just reconfigure your module and set HEPAX in the 8th. port. Yeap, unfortunately you'll loose 4KRAM, but you'll still have at least 12KRAM (NoVRAM) or 28KRAM (NoV32). And remember, you can use any of these 4KRAM blocks to develop M-CODE with either the HEPAX or the David Assembler + Labels.
From your list, the modules I did not use so far:
PPC
ALPHA ROM
HPIL Development ROM
I uploaded the surprinzing TOOLBOX and SANDBOX and tested a few functions of them, and also got some moments with the 41Z ROM, all of them by Angel Martin. But these modules need respectfull attention, not only a simple `trial and error` keystroke fooling. I must read about them prior to go ahead with, and all information about them is already available.
Well, I wrote too much, but remember : these words could only be written after having these modules, meanning a few months ago. I'm far from being the expert guiding you, I'm only trying to tell that experimenting is also a good way to find your best approach.
Good luck and best regards.
Luiz (Brazil)
Edited: 5 Mar 2006, 5:08 p.m.
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