SECTION 2

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2. Overview of the Commodore C128 Personal Computer

TABLE OF CONTENTS

* 2.1 OVERVIEW OF THE COMMODORE C128 PERSONAL COMPUTER

* 2.1.1 C128 MODE
* 2.1.2 C64 MODE
* 2.1.3 CP/M MODE

* 2.2 SWITCHING BETWEEN MODES

* 2.2.1 MODE SWITCHING CHART

2.1 OVERVIEW OF THE COMMODORE C128 PERSONAL COMPUTER

The Commodore 128 Personal Computer offers three primary operating modes:

  • C128 Mode
  • C64 Mode
  • CP/M Mode

2.1.1 C128 Mode

In C128 Mode, the Commodore 128 Personal Computer provides access to 128K of RAM and a powerful extended BASIC language known as BASIC 7.0. BASIC 7.0 offers over 140 commands, statements and functions. C128 Mode also provides both 40 and 80 column output and full use of the 92-key keyboard. A built-in machine language monitor allows you to create and debug your own machine language programs. In C128 Mode you can use a number of new peripheral devices from Commodore, including a new fast serial disk drive (the 1571), a mouse, and a 40/80 column composite video/RGBI monitor (the 1901). You can also use all standard Commodore serial peripherals.

2.1.2 C64 Mode

In C64 Mode, the Commodore 128 operates exactly like a Commodore 64 computer, allowing you to take full advantage of the wide range of available C64 software. You also have full compatibility with all C64 peripherals.

C64 Mode provides BASIC 2.0 language, 40 column output and access to 64K of RAM.

2.1.3 CP/M Mode

In CP/M Mode, an onboard Z80 microprocessor gives you all the capabilities of Digital Research's CP/M Plus version 3.0, plus several new capabilities by Commodore. The Commodore 128's CP/M package, called CP/M Plus, provides 128K of RAM, 40 and 80 column output, access to the full keyboard, including the numeric keypad and special keys, and access to the new Commodore 1571 fast serial disk drive as well as standard serial peripherals.

Chapters II, III and IV, which include Sections 3 through 15, tell you how to access and use the capabilities of the three powerful and versatile operating modes of the Commodore 128 Personal Computer.

2.2 Switching Between Modes

The following chart tells you how to switch to one mode from another.

NOTE: If you are using a Commodore 1901 dual monitor remember to move the video switch on the monitor from the COMPOSITE or SEPARATED to RGBI when switching from 40 column to 80 column display. Reverse this step when switching from 80 to 40 columns.

2.2.1 MODE SWITCHING CHART


FROM
TO OFF C128 40 COL C128 80 COL C64 CP/M 40 COL CP/M 80 COL
C128 40 COL 1. Check that {40/80} key is UP.
2. Turn computer ON.
 1. Press {esc} key; release.
2. Press {x} key.
OR
1. Check that {40/80} key is UP.
2. Press {reset} button.
 1. Check that {40/80} key is UP.
2. Turn computer OFF, then ON.
 1. Check that {40/80} key is UP.
2. Remove CP/M system disk from drive, if necessary.
3. Turn computer OFF, then ON.
 1. Check that {40/80} key is UP.
2. Remove CP/M system disk from drive, if necessary.
3. Turn computer OFF, then ON.
C128 80 COL 1. Press {40/80} key DOWN.
2. Turn computer ON.
 1. Press {esc} key; release.
2. Press {x} key.
OR
1. Press {40/80} key DOWN.
2. Press {reset} button.
 1. Press {40/80} key DOWN.
2. Turn computer OFF, then ON.
 1. Press {40/80} key DOWN.
2. Remove CP/M system disk from drive, if necessary.
3. Turn computer OFF, then ON.
 1. Press {40/80} key DOWN.
2. Remove CP/M system disk from drive, if necessary.
3. Turn computer OFF, then ON.
C64 1. Hold {C=} key DOWN.
2. Turn computer ON.
OR
1. Insert C64 cartridge.
2. Turn computer ON.
 1. Type GO 64; press {return}.
2. The computer responds: ARE YOU SURE? Type {y}; press {return}.
 1. Type GO 64; press {return}.
2. The computer responds: ARE YOU SURE? Type {y}; press {return}.
 1. Turn computer OFF.
2. Check that {40/80} key is UP.
3. Hold DOWN {C=} key while turning computer ON.
OR
1. Turn computer OFF.
2. Insert C64 cartridge.
3. Turn power ON.
 1. Turn computer OFF.
2. Check that {40/80} key is UP.
3. Hold DOWN {C=} key while turning computer ON.
OR
1. Turn computer OFF.
2. Insert C64 cartridge.
3. Turn power ON.
CP/M 40 COL 1. Turn disk drive ON.
2. Insert CP/M system disk in drive.
3. Check that {40/80} key is UP.
4. Turn computer ON.
 1. Turn disk drive ON.
2. Insert CP/M system disk in drive.
3. Check that {40/80} key is UP.
4. Type: BOOT.
5. Press {return}
 1. Turn disk drive ON.
2. Insert CP/M system disk in drive.
3. Check that {40/80} key is UP.
4. Type: BOOT.
5. Press {return}
 1. Check that {40/80} key is UP.
2. Turn disk drive ON.
3. Insert CP/M system disk in drive
4. Turn computer OFF, then ON.
 1. Insert CP/M utilities disk in drive.
2. At screen prompt, A> type:
DEVICE CONOUT = 40COL
3. Press {return}.
CP/M 80 COL 1. Turn disk drive ON.
2. Insert CP/M system disk in drive.
3. Press {40/80} key DOWN.
4. Turn computer ON.
 1. Turn disk drive ON.
2. Insert CP/M system disk in drive.
3. Press {40/80} key DOWN.
4. Type: BOOT.
5. Press {return}
 1. Turn disk drive ON.
2. Insert CP/M system disk in drive.
3. Check that {40/80} key is DOWN.
4. Type: BOOT.
5. Press {return}
 1. Press {40/80} key DOWN.
2. Turn disk drive ON.
3. Insert CP/M system disk in drive.
4. Turn computer OFF, then ON.
 1. Check that {40/80} key is UP.
2. Turn disk drive ON.
3. Insert CP/M system disk in drive
4. Turn computer OFF, then ON.
 1. Insert CP/M utilities disk in drive.
2. At screen prompt, A> type:
DEVICE CONOUT = 80COL
3. Press {return}.

NOTE: If you are using a Commodore 1902 dual monitor, remember to move the video switch on the monitor from COMPOSITE or SEPARATED to RGBI when switching from 40-column to 80-column display; reverse this step when switching from 80 to 40 columns. Also, when switching between modes remove any cartridges from the expansion port and any disks from the disk drive.

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