Gooday Gaming Guests - Starting at the Very Beginning with Basic

Episode Date: December 12, 2024

Luckily, I have Zippy my AI Professor to help.

so this afternoon I decided to talk about basic language programming only because I had a disaster this morning with my TRS-80 model 3 head that ship damage although the buyer was pretty good about it so far so we're trying to get some sort of a refund through shipping damage not sure that's gonna happen but I already planned on taking I had two heads so we're gonna go to TRC programming learn some basic it's gonna do I was originally going to just use books to learn again. However, I have ANO, so I can do that a lot easier. So, let's start with the basics when I turn this on, what to do. So, we'll go to Zippy and we'll see if this memory is at least upgraded.

I don't know how to get to the other stuff that's supposed to be on there. Let's find out. Hit that again. Hello? Hello? Hey, Tom. How's it going today? Good. We want to talk

about TRS-80 Model 4. Sure, let's dive into the TRS-80 Model 4. It's a classic computer from the 1980s. Are you working on a specific project with it or just looking to learn more about it? What did you say? No problem. The TRS-80 Model 4 was notable for its all-in-one design, combining the monitor and keyboard into a single unit. It featured improved graphics and memory compared to its predecessors. Is there anything specific you'd like to know or discuss about the TRS-80? Does it have the upgrade memory to it?

Upgrading the memory on a TRS-80 Model 4 can definitely help improve its performance. Did you upgrade it to 128K or even more? Yeah, the 128. Nice upgrade. With 128K of memory, the Model 4 can handle more advanced software and multitasking. Are you planning to use any specific programs or games with the upgraded system? I'm just trying to see what to do once I turn it on. First thing I see is it says KSS with a question mark.

Ah, exactly. The cassette prompt indicates the system is waiting for a program to be loaded from a cassette tape. If you have software on a floppy disk, you can boot from that by pressing the appropriate key at startup. Are you looking to load a program or explore the TRS-80's basic language? Basic language, yes. Great. No problem. Once you're at the cassette prompt, you can enter the basic language by pressing the break key

or by typing system and pressing enter. From there, you can type in basic commands or low programs. What would you like to try first? Um, now it's not doing it. The red light comes on on the disk drive. Got it. The red light on the disk drive means it's trying to access a disk. If it isn't booting, you might want to check if there's a bootable disk in the drive. If there's no disk, it might be expecting one. Do you have a bootable floppy disk, Handy? It would be, what, DOS of some kind? Yes, exactly. It could be TRS-DOS or a similar operating system for the TRS-80. Once you have a bootable DOS disk, you can insert it into the drive and reboot the computer. Once you have a bootable DOS disk, you can insert it into

the drive and reboot the computer. Then it should boot into the DOS environment. Let's give that a try if you have a disk ready. Before it was doing, it wasn't showing the red light and it was just showing the cassette. Why did it change? It could be related to the boot sequence or a loose connection. If the computer was previously showing the cassette it prompt and is now trying to access the disk drive, it might be because it's detecting the presence of a disk. You might want to check if the floppy disk drive connections are secure and whether there's

a disk in the drive. If no disk is inserted, it should go back to the cassette it prompt. Hmm. No, it kind of lost, it kind of lost. Oh, no, there it is back to the cassette it prompt. That makes sense. If the drive bay is open and there's no disk, the system defaults back to the cassette it prompt. If you ever want to boot from a floppy disk, just insert it and close the bay before powering up. For now, it looks like you're all set to start exploring basic or low programs from tape. So I don't have a cassette, so I just hit enter to skip that?

Exactly. Just press enter to skip the cassette prompt and go into the basic environment. Once there, you can start writing and running your own basic programs. Enjoy experimenting with it! So it says memory size question mark. Once there, you can start writing and running your own basic programs. Enjoy experimenting with it! So it says memory size question mark. Great. When it prompts memory size, you can usually just press enter to accept the default maximum memory available. Then you'll be in the basic prompt and ready to start programming or exploring commands. How do I see how much memory it has?

You can use the fre0 command in BASIC. Just type print fre0 and press enter. That should display the amount of free memory available. Give it a try. So you said again, print what? fre? Yes, exactly. Type print fre zero and press enter that will show you the amount of free memory in the system is the ee or just e it's fre just the letters f r and e followed by zero Are those in quotes?

I think they are Let's see if that goes F-R-E Were those in quotes? No quotes needed Just type Print F-R-E. Were those in quotes? No quotes needed. Just type print F-R-E zero exactly like that and press enter. That will give you the free memory. Oh, I keep getting the S-N-X error. It sounds like there might be a syntax error.

Let's make sure everything is correct. Type print, then a space, followed by fre, then zero. Make sure everything is in uppercase letters. Give it another shot. Same. I get the syntax. You sure it's not free, fre? Ah, my mistake. The correct command is indeed printfray0.

The fray function in BASIC is used to determine the amount of free memory. Just type it as printfre0 without quotes and press enter. If you're still getting an error, make sure you're in the BASIC prompt. How do I get to the basic prompt? To enter the basic prompt, after turning on the TRS-80 and seeing the Cassetted prompt, just press the break key or type System and press enter. That should take you to the basic prompt where you can enter commands like print fre0. So if I type in System I get a question mark. If you're getting a question mark after typing system, it may mean the command wasn't

recognized. Let's try pressing the break key to see if that pings you into the basic prompt. It's often labeled as break or pause on the keyboard. Give that a try. There's also a reset button as well. Brings you back to cassette. Got it. Pressing the reset button usually restarts the system, bringing you back to the cassette it prompt. After resetting, you can try pressing the break. What's that? No worries.

Just to recap, after resetting the system, you can press the break key right away to enter the basic prompt this should take you into the programming environment where you can run commands give it a try all right so all right so I still haven't gotten anywhere, but we'll keep playing around. All right, so I bought books to learn basic programming. That's a great idea. Books on basic programming can be super helpful for learning the language and writing your own programs. It's a fun and rewarding way to explore the capabilities of your TRS-80.

Have fun experimenting with it. So then AI came along, so it's kind of a jump, makes it a lot easier. to explore the capabilities of your TRS-80. Have fun experimenting with it. So then AI came along, so it makes it a lot easier. Absolutely. AI and modern programming tools can make learning and coding much more accessible and enjoyable. Combining the fundamentals of basic programming with modern tools and AI can give you a great foundation and help you create some really cool projects.

Enjoy exploring... So the thing is, how do you interface new technology with old? So AI prints out a program for you, but then I have to type it all in. That can be a challenge. One approach is to use modern tools to emulate or simulate older systems.

There are emulators that can run TRS-80 software on modern computers, allowing you to copy and paste code directly. Alternatively, you might be able to find hardware solutions or adapters that connect older systems to modern devices. It's all about finding the right combination of tools and techniques that work for you. So what's the first option you said? I could take something and copy it? Yes, you can use an emulator to run TRS-80 software on a modern computer. Emulators mimic the original hardware, allowing you to run programs and code as if you were on the original machine. This way, you can copy and paste code directly into the emulator. Right, but then if you want to actually do it on the original system itself. For running your programs on the original TRS-80 hardware, you could type in the code manually.

Another option is to transfer programs from a modern computer to the TRS-80 using a compatible storage medium or a specialized adapter. Some enthusiasts use serial connections or other methods to load software onto the TRS-80 from modern devices. This also has a free HD boot on it. Upgrade. With a free HD boot setup, you have more flexibility to load and run software on your TRS-80. It's a great way to bridge the old and new, allowing you to experiment with a variety of programs and setups. Enjoy exploring all the possibilities. How do I access that? To access the free HD boot, you typically need to ensure the correct software is installed on your storage device and that it's properly connected to your TRS-80. Once everything

is set up, it should boot automatically from the storage device. You might need to follow specific instructions or configurations depending on your setup. Do you have a specific setup guide or instructions for your free HD boot? I had somebody install the little chip on the board. That's all I know. Got it. With that setup, it sounds like your TRS-80 has been modified to use modern storage solutions. To access it, you may need to check for any specific instructions or commands provided by the person who installed the chip. This could involve a special key combination or a procedure to boot from the modified storage. You might want to consult any documentation or ask the person who did the modification for more details.

Oh, so it's not just like I just type some command in and get to it? I have to boot from it? Yes. Typically, you would boot the system using the modified setup. The system should be configured to recognize the new storage solution at startup. Once it's set up correctly, the system should automatically boot from the new storage. If it doesn't boot automatically, there might be a specific command or key sequence needed to initiate the boot process. So it would be something that before I turn it on, I would hold down certain keys and then turn it on, and then it would boot to that

kind of thing? Exactly. Some modifications or expansions require holding down certain keys or using a specific key combination during power up to boot from a particular device. If you have documentation or instructions for your specific modification, it would help clarify the exact key combination or procedure needed to boot from the Free HD. What if I lost it, can you find it? Unfortunately, I don't have access to specific instructions or files. However many enthusiasts and communities dedicated to vintage computing might have resources

or forums where you can find guidance. Searching online for TRS-80 modifications or joining vintage computer forums could be helpful. Have you tried reaching out to the person who did the modification? He's actually in Australia. His name is Ian, like the only guy in the world that works on TRS-80s. It's impressive that you found someone like Ian who specializes in TRS-80 modifications. If you have his contact information, reaching out to him might be the best way to get detailed instructions or support. It's great to have experts in the community who can help with these vintage

systems. Do you think he'll reach out? Oh, I definitely will. And then there's also, he added an extra board, a Turbo graphics board on here. That's awesome. The TurboGrafx board likely enhances the graphical capabilities of your TRS-80. Combining that with the free HD boot setup opens up a lot of possibilities for exploring software and games. It's great that you have such a customized system. Enjoy experimenting with all those enhancements. I just don't know how to get to any of them.

I assume we would just come on to that. It makes sense to expect that. Typically, after the modifications are installed, there might be specific steps or instructions to access the enhancement. If you have any documentation or can reach out to Ian for guidance, that could help clarify how to utilize the TurboGrafx board and Free HD boot. Meanwhile you can explore some TRS-80 forums or communities to see if others have shared similar experiences. Yeah so I'll just

have to I may have the documents but I can always contact them directly. I was just playing around with today. That sounds like a great plan. Experimenting and learning as you go can be a lot of fun. If you need more details or run into any issues, reaching out to Ian could help clarify things. Enjoy your time tinkering with your TRS-80. What comes in after basic programming? What was the next programming language? For the TRS-80, some popular languages and systems after BASIC were machine language and assembly language for more advanced programming. There's also CPM, an operating system that expanded the TRS-80's capabilities. Later models and users also explored languages like Pascal and Fortran.

Each of these languages and systems offers unique features and capabilities. Have you considered exploring any of these? First I have to learn to get back to BASIC because that's what I grew up on but I don't remember any of it. Starting with BASIC is a great way to get back into programming. It's beginner friendly and will help you build a solid foundation. Once you're comfortable, you can explore other languages and systems at your own pace. Take your time and enjoy the process. I think I do have something like COBOL on a disk somewhere.

That's interesting. COBOL is a language that's typically used for business applications, but having it on a disk for your TRS-80 could be a fun way to explore something different. It's always exciting to rediscover what software you have and what you can do with it. Have fun exploring your collection. And then when it comes to games, certain things had certain graphical graphical limitations yes the trs80 had certain graphical limitations compared to later systems games and programs had to be designed within those constraints but many developers created impressive games and software despite those limitations the simplicity and ingenuity of those early games are part of what makes them so charming and nostalgic today.

So my thing says RadioShack TRS-80 Model 4, however on the screen it says RadioShack Model 3 Basic. Why is that? The TRS-80 Model 4 is backward compatible with the Model 3. When you power it on, the Model 4 typically starts in Model 3 mode by default, displaying the Model 3 basic prompt. To access the Model 4's enhanced features and capabilities, you typically need to load a Model 4 specific operating system or software. And what is that? To access the Model 4 mode, you'll typically need a Model 4

operating system like TRS-DOS 6.0 or LDOS. You can load these from a floppy disk. If you have such a disk, you can insert it into the drive and reboot the computer to load the Model 4 OS. Once loaded, you'll have access to the Model 4's enhanced features and capabilities. Okay, so that's why I never understood why it defaulted to Model 3. So I have to have a disk in order to upgrade it. Even though I have all the other things added to it, it still hasn't upgraded it. Exactly. The Model 4 defaults to Model 3 mode to ensure

compatibility with older software. To fully utilize the Model 4's enhanced features, you'll need to boot from a disk with the appropriate operating system. Once loaded, you'll have access to the full capabilities of the Model 4, along with any additional

hardware enhancements you've installed. Once I learn how to boot from that free boot, will it be in there, you think? Yes. If the free HD boot setup includes a Model 4-compatible operating system, you should be able to access the Model 4 features once you boot from it. It's all about making sure the correct software is in place. Once you get that working, you'll have everything you need to explore the full potential of your TRS-80 Model 4.

So I also have a Model 4P. What does that boot to? Model 3 as well? The Model 4P, like the Model 4, also defaults to Model 3 mode. It was designed to be compatible with Model 3 software as well. To access the Model 4 features on the Model 4P, you would also need to load a Model 4 specific operating system from a disk or another storage medium. Once loaded, it will provide access to the enhanced features of the Model 4. With the Free HD and TurboGrafx setup on the Model 4P, you'll have a great system once everything is connected and working. Spot wiring a couple of things should help ensure everything functions smoothly.

Once you're set, you'll be able to enjoy all the enhancements and explore everything your upgraded TRS-80 has to offer. Great, thank you. Awesome. So we'll work on it. I've got to find some things for you all right so that's a little thing i'm working on a little bit of basic programming and trs80 101 basically i didn't even know why it always defaulted always said model 3 basic now i understand it makes sense so there's actually another one i gotta figure out i may have a disc so we'll look around for that in a little bit. All right, so that's my afternoon computing we're doing today on TRS-80. I'll talk to you guys later. All right, bye.