Changes

Expanding from CPC 464 to CPC 6128 Spec

30 bytes added, 21:23, 2 September 2017
Step-by-step instructions<BR>
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 = Step 1. =There are two ways to replace the CPC 464 ROM chip.<BR>
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:A. While everything is switched off and if you have the right set of tools and have any electrical knowledge, remove six screws from the keyboard and carefully take the keyboard a part. Look for the CPC 464 ROM chip with the letters printed "IC103 AMSTRAD 40009" which is already soldered onto the motherboard. Here comes a real challenge.... <BR>
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= Step 2. =Now you have a choice to do the following option:<BR>
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* A. Replace the AMSDOS / CP/M bootstrap ROM with ParaDos ROM inside the disc interface (optional, but it allows you to use the full capacity on 3.5" disc drive). '''RECOMMENDED''' to do so, if you're either using upgraded CPC 464+ to 6128+ spec or unexpanded CPC 464 without CPC 6128 OS/BASIC ROM installed with both DDI-1 3" and 3.5" external disc drives connected only.
* B. Leave the [[AMSDOS]] / CPM bootstrap ROM inside the [[Media:Gerald_DDI-1_MF0004B.jpg|disc interface]] (if you want to use DR. LOGO 2 & 3 on upgraded CPC 464) and put ParaDOS ROM inside the Rombo ROMBOX with other ROMS (as shown below).
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= Step 3. = Connect all the peripherals to "[[Connector:Expansion_port|Expansion]]" port connector (located at the back of the keyboard) in the following order:<BR>
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* [[Dk'tronics_memory_expansion|DK'tronics 64K RAM pack Memory Expansion]] (removable RAM chips) >> upgraded to [[Media:Upgraded64kRAM.JPG|256K]] - [[Upgrading_a_Dk%27tronics_RAM_Expansion|instructions]]
* 3.5” External disc drive with external power supply, [[Side Select Switch|side switch]], READY signal and a drive lead with 34 way IDC Male connector (34 pins sticking out) to the back of DDI-1 disc interface and place this disc drive on top of DDI-1 external disc drive - if you not sure how to, then follow "[http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Adding_3.5%22_drive_to_CPC464 Adding 3.5" Disc Drive 'B' - For CPC 464 Series with DDI-1 only!!]" instructions.<BR>
 = Step 4. =Follow the "READY signal" instructions (if necessary) for 3.5" disc drive Ready signal test.<BR>
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After all that, your fully expanded Amstrad CPC 464 to CPC 6128 spec set-up should look similar like this as shown below: <BR>
Now you have a choice to play games or save / load programs from tape, either 3” or 3.5” discs! As software is concerned, its the same as CPC 6128 with a few add-ons included. <BR>
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= Note:<BR>=
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This idea originally comes from [http://www.obsoletecomputermuseum.org/amstrad/ David Cantrell's CPC 464] at [http://www.obsoletecomputermuseum.org Obsolete Computer Museum] but he didn't write out the instructions how to do it like I did. Its took me months of research to work out how it works on my own CPC 464 one by one and writing it out on rough paper, after I have looked at his web site for the first time and thinking that "Wow! That's what I always wanted on my CPC 464" while I was searching for Amstrad CPC 464 Specs on Internet. Now its here on this web site and I'm very proud that it works perfectly on my expanded CPC 464.<BR>
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[[Image:CPC46426128_dualROM.JPG|thumb|600px|centre|Another upgraded Amstrad CPC 464 except with dual Amstrad CPC 464 & CPC 6128 OS/BASIC ROM Chips fitted inside older CPC 464 keyboard, a 464 / 6128 Mode switch on left hand side and 2 x 3" FD-1 drives (DDI-1) - purchased from eBay on 4th March 2012. Both PARADOS ROM replaced inside disc interface & Dk'tronics 64K RAM pack (SMD version) wasn't included in the part of the package and it was purchased separately.]]<BR>
== Links ==
[http://www.retrocomputers.eu/2012/06/25/amstrad-cpc464-upgraded-to-a-cpc6128-how-to/ How to convert a Amstrad CPC464 into a CPC6128. | Retro Computers]<BR>
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