Old Color Computer Emulator Update News

Version 1.30    

Version 1.30 of the COCO emulator has several bug fixes and enhancements.

• Fixed timing problems with HSYNC interrupt.

• Fixed cycle count errors in TFR, SWI, SWI2 & SWI3 instructions and NMI, IRQ & FIRQ interrupts

• Fixed error in CLR (memory) instruction which didn't read memory before clearing it. (caused problem in Arkanoid)

• Fixed errors in Audio/Wave recorder 'END' didn't advance to end of file when first loaded "Force Motor On" message was not displayed

• fixed error in snapshot screens that allowed more characters to be entered than could be displayed.

• Minor corrections to fonts.

• Made changes to JV3 routines to use existing buffer area to save memory space.

• A new feature has been added to the Audio/Wave recorder. Tape copy option allows copying audio tapes directly to a virtual tape.

Version 1.22

Version 1.22 contains one error fix.

• fixes an error that caused the emulator to lockup when selecting a cartridge (very rare).

Version 1.21

Version 1.21 contains one enhancement.

• Added RS-232 & Modem status lights that were left out of the v1.20 update.

The on-line documentation has been updated.

Version 1.20

Version 1.20 contains one error fix and one enhancement..

• fixed the floppy disk rotation speed which was emulated a little fast.
• added support for the RS-232 & Modem Paks in version 1.20.

I have added the RS-232 & Modem cartridges to my COCO Software Pages. I have also made a new section for COCO disk software.

Version 1.10

Version 1.10 of the COCO emulator has some major changes and a few bug fixes.

• Fixed error in fonts that caused semi-graphic modes 8-24 to display text incorrectly.
• Fixed error in PIA0 routines that could cause joystick problems.
• Completely changed the keyboard emulation of COCO joysticks. Check the keyboard and joystick sections in the on-line documentation for additional info.
• Added new point and shoot cartridge selection screen. Check the on-line documentation for additional info.
• Added ability to handle ROM cartridges of up to 64k. An example of one can be found in the new COCO software pages.
• The distribution has new font and keyboard files, be sure to install them.
• The program packs are no longer in the distribution. Go to the COCO Software Pages to download them.

I have also updated the documentation and added the COCO Software Pages.

Version 1.01

Version 1.01 of the COCO emulator has a couple of changes..

• Changes to the enhanced instructions and memory mapped functions.
• Added memory mapped PC mouse functions.

I have also finished the documentation for the new Color Computer emulator.
There is also technical information about the COCO and the emulator, including file layouts and memory maps.

Version 1.00

Version 1.00 of my new Color Computer emulator has been posted. All the standard hardware is supported plus the Multi-Pak, Floppy Disk Controller & Orchestra-90. There are no DOCs for the emulator yet but it is based on the Model 1/III/4 emulators so most of the functions are the same as in the TRS-80 emulators. If you are unfamiliar with my other emulators check the TRS-80 on-line documentation for an idea of how the new emulator functions. Check the Color Computer 1 & 2 Emulator Info Page for all the currently supported features.

There is no documentation for the Multi-Pak Interface. The F4 key brings up the Multi-Pak screen and then you can then insert up to 4 cartridges and select them using the Multi-Pak select switch (just like a real Multi-Pak).

Note: To use the virtual floppy drives you will have to insert the disk cartridge into the selected slot and reboot.

In addition to the normal reset key (F10) the COCO emulator has a new power-up reset (Shift-F4). This new function clears the CPU memory so the system does a cold boot like at power-up. Use the power-up reset after changing cartridges or running programs that leave the COCO in an un-resetable condition.

This version is still a work in progress. There are likely to be bugs (undocumented features) and functions may change in future releases.