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Please Note: The information in this document has just been translated over from the printed version (14-Aug-98) and is being reviewed. There are errors! This notice will go away once all the obvious errors are corrected. From there, this document will be upgraded over time.
FLOPPY.CO, and FLOPPY vs. TS-DOS. If you have a Tandy Portable Drive (TPDD), you are probably using FLOPPY.CO. If you are using a Tandy Portable Disk Drive 2 (TPDD2), you are probably using FLOPPY. In both case, these disk operating systems (DOS) are not 100% compatible with the Ultimate ROM II programs ... and several other programs, as well. To recommend switching to TS-DOS on either option-ROM or disk.
Traveling Software built some interesting features into their disk operating system, TS-DOS, that are quite easy and obvious to use on all computers. There are some features, however, who's application go unappreciated.
GLOBAL FILE TAGGING
Section 5 of the manual presents "Tagging" but does not explain that use of the [G] (Global Tag) feature is a great way to dedicate a specific set of files to one disk.
Example: Let's say you use a specific set of files (more than one) for each customer or project (entity), and that the sum of the bytes of all files in the set is within available RAM for your computer. Using a separate disk for each entity, simply [G] to tag all files for that entity to load or save. In this manner, you use your disk as a file-folder for each entity. Your computer becomes your desktop for that entity at that time, only.
DUPLICATING TS-DOS
Section 3 of the manual discusses "Copying DOSxxx.CO to RAM and disk" but does not elaborate why this is a good idea. TS-DOS has three names: DOS100.CO for Model 100/102 users, DOS200.CO for Model 200 users, and DOSNEC.CO for NEC 8201 users. These are the filenames looked-for on the resident disk in the drive by the TSLOAD.CO file and the TS-DOS feature of the Ultimate ROM II and Sardine ROMs. By coping the appropriate DOSxxx.CO file to all your data disks you avoid having to insert your original boot disk each time you wish to use your DOS. This will save your original from possible damage through constant use.
Although you may copy the DOSxxx.CO file onto all your disks, you can not directly copy the boot-sector of your original TS-DOS disk. However, you may use the backup feature of FLOPPY.CO or FLOPPY--the DOS supplied by Tandy--to make an "image" copy of your entire TS-DOS disk, thus making an exact, bootable copy.
Note: A backup of any boot disk is always available for $5 from Club 100, of course.
DOS-ON So, why is this feature so nice? Because, you will always "know" that you have a "backup" of your RAM file as you work. It is well known that our trusty laptop computers suffer from occasional cold starts. TS-DOS users who "practice safe computing" all the time never worry about loosing files.
Another application of the DOS-ON feature is the ability to boiler-plate letters.
Example: Let's say you write lots of reply letters. Over the years you've developed a whole bunch of specific paragraphs that you continually use throughout your letters. Then let's assume that you have each paragraph in a separate file, under a numbering system (i.e., P1.DO, P2.DO, P40.DO) on one or more specifically marked disks; and you have a printout of the filenames/brief descriptions of these paragraphs.
Now, you need to compose a letter. You want a signon, paragraphs 4, 20, 17 and 37 in that order, followed by a signoff. You start by opening a TEXT file. Then, with your DOS-ON, drive on, and specific disk in the drive, simply merge each paragraph into the open file; one right after the other. Tap your BASIC programers will also like the DOS-ON feature since it allows sequential access to files directly from disk. Again, simply add 0: to your OPEN and CLOSE file commands of, e.g., OPEN"0:filename"FOR ... whatever ... INPUT, OUTPUT, APPEND.
MODEL 200 COLD START RECOVERY MODEL 100/102 COLD START RECOVERY The call is: CALL 63013,0
THREE TS-DOS TRICKS WITH THE URII Trick #1: Load the DOS100.CO file into the memory of your machine, then save it onto every data diskette you use. This will relieve the burden of having to find and use your TS-DOS master disk each time you choose to access the drive.
Trick #2: Load the DOS100.CO file into the memory of your machine and leave it there. The URII looks at RAM, first, for TS-DOS. Thus, you don't even need your drive connected to jump into your DOS for file maintenance.
Trick #3: Load and run TS-DOS. Once in the DOS, select the function key marked, DOS-OFF. This will turn it ON. Having your DOS ON means that a portion of TS-DOS will remain in HIMEM for use while in a .DO file and in BASIC. With the DOS ON, you may update any .DO file to storage without leaving that file. Here's the process:
Assuming you have turned your DOS ON and are once again at the URII menu (or even the normal Model 100 menu). Select or create a .DO file, and enter that file. Edit the file as you would normally. To update your disk storage, place formatted data disk in your drive, turn on the drive, select function key Notes about this method . . . Since I use the DOS-On method when using the URII chip, I start each of my .DO files by editing the name of the file at the top of the file--then reference that entry--just so I don't forget each time I go to save.
If you use View80, you may not use the DOS-ON function as well. Both View80 and TS-DOS require the same memory addresses and thus can not work concurrently.
Resetting your Model 100 and URII chip upon a cold start.
Enter BASIC and key the following, substituting the correct information within the quotes, i.e., hh = hour, mm = minute, ss = second (a 24 hour clock), xxx = Mon, Tue, Wed, Thr, Fri, Sat, or Sun, mm = month, dd = day, yr = year. Hit enter after each entry.
Section 6 of the manual presents the "The Resident Portion of TS-DOS" but does not explain the usefulness of this feature. With the DOS turned on you do not have to leave your active TEXT file to access your disk. Simple turn the disk on, tap your
The Model 200 TS-DOS ROM has a secret, hidden feature. None of the other TS-DOS ROM's have this feature. It was discovered quite by accident by one of our Club 100 members. Let's say you suffer a cold start on your Model 200 (any bank). If you have a TS-DOS ROM installed you simply go into BASIC and key the following command: CALL 921,146 In a few moments you will be returned to the main menu where a file called RECOVR.DO will greet you. Within that file is the entire contents of memory. Simply cut and paste your way to your lost text.
Again, just by accident, a club member discovered that the Model 100/102 TS-DOS ROM also has a cold start recovery call.
Unless you know otherwise, you would do the following process to save work in progress: Edit your file, exit your file and return to the URII menu, insert your TS-DOS disk, turn on your drive, select TS-DOS from the menu, respond to the HIMEM prompt with Y for yes, wait for the DOS to load, swap disks, save your file, turn off your drive, return to the menu, and reenter your file. Yes, this works but look at all the steps. There must be a better way.
The entire contents of the resident .DO file will be saved under the name you entered. If the file already exists, the old file on the disk will be completely overwritten by the new data. You will not be warned. It will simply do its job. If you accidently give the name of a different file--one you don't want to loose--that's just too bad!!
Examples
TIME$="hh:mm:ss" 08:14:23 15:00:00
DAY$="xxx" Mon
DATE$="mm/dd/yr" 07/07/94
MAXFILES=1 ...this helps certain functions
CALL63013,1 ...this calls the URII ROM