CoCopedia - The Tandy/Radio Shack Color Computer Wiki - User contributions [en]

CoCo Quick Reference

2026-03-27T12:34:00Z

Farna: link to Tandy's Little Wonder

{{NavHelp}}
If you are looking for information or help with the Tandy/Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer (CoCo), here is where to start.
== I want to save my old CoCo software ==
If you have old Color Computer software on cassette tapes or floppy disk, you can get this software copied over to a PC/Mac/Linux machine and run it in a [[Emulators|Color Computer emulator]].

== I want to get rid of my old CoCo stuff ==
If you have old CoCo hardware or software that you need to get rid of, your first step should be to check the [[Internet Resources|Buy & Sell section here]]. You can also e-mail the hundreds of members on the [[CoCo Mailing Lists]].

== I want to get my CoCo running again ==
If you are trying to get a CoCo running again, and need help or replacement parts, here are some resources. Details to be added.
* [[Cloud-9]] produces hardware add ons for the CoCo, including SCSI/IDE/compact flash hard drive interfaces, PS/2 keyboard interfaces, memory updates, and much more. They also offer replacement DISK BASIC ROMs that support hard drive access, or remote DriveWire access through BASIC.
* If you want to expand without buying new hardware, check out the '''free''' [[DriveWire]] project. It allows a PC/Mac/Linux machine to act as a remote disk system for the CoCo. Current DriveWire allows the CoCo to print to a virtual printer on the PC, copy files to/from disk images on the PC, and even play MIDI music files through the PC. There is also support for internet access, allowing a terminal program on the CoCo to "dial" out to remote internet systems.
* Check out Darren Atkinson's [[CoCoSDC]] floppy drive interface replacement. This cartridge emulates a real Radio Shack disk drive controller but writes to disk image files on an SD card instead of a real floppy. You could plug up your old floppy controller and the CoCoSDC (using a Multi-Pak) and then archive all your old floppies to SD card for easy backup. Then, you could have thousands of CoCo floppies available from one cartridge.
* Download a copy of "Tandy's Little Wonder" from https://colorcomputerarchive.com/repo/Documents/Books/. The most recent version is the Second Edition (2006). This book has history, repair information, and a "survival/user" guide (in Appendix, page 100 of Second Edition) that will be very helpful.

== I want to meet other CoCo folks ==
* Attend the yearly [[Chicago_CoCoFEST!]], hosted by the Glenside Color Computer Club.
* Contact other CoCo users on the Internet via e-mail. See [[CoCo Mailing Lists]].

== Is OS-9 still around? ==
* [[NitrOS-9]] project.

== Is there anything new going on with CoCo stuff? ==
* The yearly [[Chicago_CoCoFEST!]] conventions are still going.
* 2014: Darren Atkinson's [[CoCoSDC]] floppy drive replacement that uses SD cards instead of diskettes.
* 2014: CoCo 3 RGB to VGA adapter project.
* Software!

== I want to run old CoCo software, but don't have a CoCo ==
* Run a selection of CoCo 1 and 2 software in a web browser using the JS Mocha online emulator: https://www.haplessgenius.com/mocha/
* Run even more CoCo 1, 2 AND 3 software in a web browser using the Online XRoar Emulator at the Color Computer Archive site. Browse various sections and many items have links to play/run the software right in a browser: https://colorcomputerarchive.com
* Check out the various free [[Emulators]] that let you do this on a PC, Mac or Liunx machine (even a $25 Raspberry Pi).

Where are they now?

2026-03-27T12:28:51Z

Farna: changed url for ramblerguy.com

{{NavPeople}}
Ever wondered where former CoCo people went to? Here's a place to create a list of notable CoCoists and what they did after the CoCo. Please put your entries in alphabetical order, sorted by last name.
* Alan Dekok - former NitrOS-9 team member. http://www.freeradius.org
* Frank Swygert - former publisher of "the world of 68' micros", author of "Tandy's Little Wonder". http://www.ramblerguy.com

Where are they now?

2026-03-27T12:26:59Z

Farna: Added Frank Swygert

Francis Swygert

2026-03-27T12:18:30Z

Farna: Publication download locations

Francis (Frank) Swygert conceived and published [[World of 68' Micros |"the world of 68' micros"]]. He also published several other CoCo publications, including "Tandy's Little Wonder" - a complete CoCo history and reference guide - and wrote a couple programs, the major one being a genealogy database for the CoCo3, "The CoCo Family Recorder". This was later ported to BASIC-09 by another party. Publications are available for free download (personal use only, no sales or posting to other sites or inclusion in databases without written permission) at https://colorcomputerarchive.com/repo/Documents/Magazines/World%20of%2068%20Micros/.

A full copy of "Tandy's Little Wonder" is available as a PDF download at https://colorcomputerarchive.com/repo/Documents/Books/. This is not only a complete history of the CoCo, but a "survival" guide as well, with use instructions and repair info. It's the best available guide for the new user and old hand as well.

Frank was born December 8, 1961. He served in the USAF from 1983-2007, retiring as an E-7 (Master Sergeant). He now lives in his home town of Batesburg-Leesville, SC. He is still in the hobby publication business, currently producing a small AMC/Rambler magazine ([http://www.amc-mag.com/ http://www.ramblerguy.com/]).

[[category:People]]

World of 68' Micros

2026-03-27T12:15:23Z

Farna: Contact info and publication download locations updated

"The World of 68' Micros."

From website:
"We offer support for all Motorola based computer systems and microcontrollers, and the OS-9 operating system."

==General Information==
This magazine was published on a bi-monthy basis.

Managing Editor:[[Francis Swygert |Frank G. Swygert]] 
Email: farna@att.net (current as of April 2026)

Associate Editor:
[[Stephen Disney]]

Publisher:
[[FARNA Systems / 68' micros]]
Address when publishing "World of 68' Micros":
Warner Robins, GA 31099-0321

Current address:
430 Horse Cove Road, Gilbert SC 29054 (as of 03/27/2026)

Published "AMC Magazine" 1997-2015 and several AMC/Rambler (car) related books. Published "Tandy's Little Wonder" (Color Computer history and maintenance/repair guide) in 1993, second updated edition in 2006. Both available for free personal use from https://colorcomputerarchive.com/repo/Documents/Books/.
Still holds copyright to "world of 68' micros", but gave Glenside Color Computer Club reprint rights and all masters to "world of 68' micros" shortly after publication ceased. All issues are currently available (for personal use only) in PDF file format from https://colorcomputerarchive.com/repo/Documents/Magazines/World%20of%2068%20Micros/

==Issues==
First Published: August 1993 
Last Published: mid 1999 
Number of Issues Published over 6 years: 33

==Background==
I'm the person who conceived of and published "the world of 68' micros" -- [[Francis Swygert|Frank (Francis) Swygert]]. The title is correct -- it was officially in all lower case to emphasize "micro" computers. For shorthand I often used "268'm" (two - the world of) in messages on Delphi and in the magazine. I started thinking about something like this when Falsoft started printing Rainbow on newsprint. I didn't think Rainbow would last long after that. I'd been working with a friend who owned a print shop for a while and had self-published a book on AMC cars (my first passion, even before the CoCo or other computers -- in fact writing about the cars is why I bought a CoCo, for word processing). I thought that if Rainbow stopped publishing, I should be able to put something nice out. I wouldn't have the overhead and needs of a decent sized publisher like Falsoft had become, but would be more like when Falsoft started.

One day I decided to contact Falsoft about possibly taking over Rainbow since it obviously wasn't making them money. I actually got a letter with Lonnie Falk's phone number and an invitation to call. In case no one remembers, he was the owner of Falsoft and started Rainbow as a photo copied newsletter. We talked a bit and I laid out my plans. The problem was Lonnie didn't want to let anyone take over Rainbow. He started it, he wanted to finish it. The main thing is he didn't want someone taking over then possibly giving it a bad reputation, especially if it folded shortly after, which was a possibility. He had no idea who I was at the time or what my capabilities or determination were, so his position was completely understandable. We discussed my getting the mailing list, but he was a bit reluctant about that too. He ended up offering to sell it at market rate, which would have busted my budget! Luckily I called just in time -- unknown to subscribers, the last issue of Rainbow was being set up right then. Lonnie let me know I had just a couple weeks to get an ad in the last issue -- at their market rate, of course.

You know, I understood the thing about not wanting someone to continue Rainbow as Rainbow, or with any type of official endorsement from Falsoft, but I never did and still don't understand him not either giving me the mailing list or negotiating something I could afford. I was promising to continue to support customers and CoCo enthusiasts that he was abandoning with little warning (though financially the company pretty much had to). As I recall, the only notice (except for the newspaper style issues) was in the very last issue. Renewals were taken just one issue prior, then those renewals were filled with a Tandy DOS machine magazine -- no refunds. I even offered to have Falsoft print a postcard for all the CoCo users and I'd pay printing and postage, and never see the mailing list, but he was unwilling to do anything to help the remaining CoCo people. That never did sit well with me... in case you couldn't tell.

I had a limited budget to start the venture, but it did pay off. Not like it eventually paid off for Falsoft, but enough to make it a nice "paying hobby", or rather a hobby that paid for itself. I made enough that I didn't drop a dime from my household budget in the magazine (except for start-up costs), was able to keep my CoCo and PC (you couldn't produce a magazine of any quality on a CoCo, but I did use the CoCo for many tasks -- Delphi mail and the mailing database, for example) up to date, and even paid for many trips from Georgia to Chicago for the CoCoFests. I usually made a few hundred dollars at the fests after expenses with back issue, book, and software sales. So I was happy -- this was a hobby venture from the start, and I had no allusions that it could grow into anything more. The CoCo community was still thriving at the time, but no one can argue the fact that it was obviously dwindling as time wore on.

The day came that I finally decided I no longer had time to print 268'm -- after seven years of publishing. The last fest I went to had cost me a couple hundred dollars, and I had other interests as well. I didn't bail because I was no longer making money -- except for the fest trip I was still making a bit. In the end I was working for about $2.00 an hour putting 268'm out. My original goal was to do it with no out-of-pocket costs, and I was still doing that. Time for my family and other interests, and a lessening of my interests in the CoCo in general, are the reasons I decided to cease publishing.

When I stopped printing "268'm" (early 1998), I did consider the fact that I had a loyal subscriber base that still had an interest in the CoCo. No offense to Lonnie Falk, but I didn't want to just suddenly drop support like he did. I tried to find someone to take the publication over at no cost by announcing that fact in the magazine, and letting subscribers know that I wouldn't just stop printing without warning. After about six months I found a taker, Stephen Disney. We made an arrangement where I paid for the printing and mailing of the next two issues, and forwarded all renewal funds from the take-over date on. I usually received enough renewals to cover printing and mailing costs between issues even at that late stage of the game, so that plan should have given a little extra to start off. We did discuss all business aspects, and that the magazine alone would be little more than a break-even proposition -- I didn't want anyone having a false hope of making any money off the deal, it would basically be a hobby that paid its own way.

Unfortunately Stephen ran into problems and only printed another issue or two after the printing money ran out (4-5 total), and around 100 subscribers lost a little money -- some the entire $20 subscription price, but most half that or less. I never could get in touch with Stephen again. It's possible that after the announcement that I was personally getting out of publishing that a lot of people simply didn't renew. The two issues printed after I left off were as nicely done as I had printed, in my opinion (the deal included a copy of PageMaker software and templates to ensure reasonable quality and little change in appearance at first -- and no start-up costs). Not getting enough renewals to cover printing and postage expenses would have been disheartening to say the least, but I think Stephen had some personal problems (a divorce?) that caused his sudden disappearance from the CoCo community.

I do realize that something like that is what Lonnie Falk did not want to happen, and is why he didn't assist me with continuing where "Rainbow" left off. I started to type "take the place of Rainbow", but that wouldn't be correct. I don't think anything could have done that for two reasons -- 1) Rainbow's well deserved reputation, and 2) there just wasn't that big of a CoCo community any more. In retrospect, however, I think 268'm would have lasted longer and reached a lot more people if he had, and the CoCo community would be the stronger for it. But no one can divine the future, and you just don't know what others are capable of until you've seen them work.

I sold my two custom CoCo3s years ago, around 1998. I considered keeping them, but thought it better to let someone who was still interested in and had the time to play/work with the CoCo have them. I'm an old car nut too, and have always hated seeing a car sitting and rusting away because someone was going to "fix it up one day" -- but you just knew it would never happen. I didn't want that happening to my CoCos -- I'd rather know someone got a bit more enjoyment from them before they were permanently retired. If anyone has one of them, by the way, I'd like to know what became of them! They would be easy to spot -- one was in a modified Tandy 2000 case with a space cut out for a 3.5" floppy drive, and the other was in a Kaypro II metal "luggable" case painted blue with a red and a green stripe on it.

Before anyone asks, I no longer have any of the magazines, books, or software I once sold available. Copies of "268'm" are now available as PDF files on the CoCo-Archive file site (https://colorcomputerarchive.com/repo/Documents/Magazines/World%20of%2068%20Micros/). Several other FARNA publications ("Tandy's Little Wonder", "Mastering OS-9", and OS-9 "Quick Reference Guides") are also on the CoCo-Archive file site available for free downloading (https://colorcomputerarchive.com/repo/Documents/Books/). I retain copyright to all publications and programs, but am making them available freely for personal use only. No sales or posting to other sites without my specific permission (which I have given to a couple sites).

Comments? My e-mail is farna@att.net (updated 03-27-2026)

==Reference==
*[http://web.archive.org/web/20021219132513/http://www.home.pon.net/kf6ntg/68micros/ 68micros]

[[Category:Publications]]
[[Category:Magazines]]

26-3029

2013-12-23T16:13:47Z

Farna: /* Controler */ added info on 3029 mod for hd drives

==Controler==
This model was introduced for use with the CoCo 2 (as it lacked the original CoCo's +12V power supply), and is also mounted in a long cartridge. Early 26-3029 controllers had a Fujitsu MB8877A (5-volt only equivalent of the WD1793) and are capable of high density 3.5" drive operation. Mike Pepe has a page showing how he upgraded a 26-3029 controller: [http://www.doki-doki.net/~lamune/computers/coco/hd-floppy/]

Note that most 26-3029 controlles use the WD1773 floppy drive controller chip which IS NOT capable of operating high density floppy drives.

==Drive==
26-3029 'Color Computer Mini Disk'
This drive model had a white case, but was still a full-height, vertically-mounted assembly. These first two styles have 34-pin card-edge connectors on their rear panels rather than captive ribbon cables. The addition of extra drives required using additional case/power supply/drive units.

26-3029

2013-12-23T16:12:54Z

Farna: /* Controler */

==Controler==
This model was introduced for use with the CoCo 2 (as it lacked the original CoCo's +12V power supply), and is also mounted in a long cartridge. Early 26-3029 controllers had a Fujitsu MB8877A (5-volt only equivalent of the WD1793) and are capable of high density 3.5" drive operation. Mike Pepe has a page showing how he upgraded a 26-3029 controller: [1]

Note that most 26-3029 controlles use the WD1773 floppy drive controller chip which IS NOT capable of operating high density floppy drives.

==Drive==
26-3029 'Color Computer Mini Disk'
This drive model had a white case, but was still a full-height, vertically-mounted assembly. These first two styles have 34-pin card-edge connectors on their rear panels rather than captive ribbon cables. The addition of extra drives required using additional case/power supply/drive units.

26-3022

2013-12-23T16:10:11Z

Farna: /* Controller */ added 3029 HD mod info

{{NavHardware}}
==Controller==
the 26-3022 Mini-Disk System was the first production release of a disk controller/drive for use with the original Color Computer.

The controller is based on the Western Digital WD1793. It features an analog data seperator circuit, infamous for its inherent unreliability and has multiple potentiometers which are used to calibrate various delay and timing features of the disk-side interface. It requires a +12 volt DC supply to operate, and is thus not compatible with a CoCo 2 or 3 unless a Multi-Pak Interface (or other source of +12V) is used or the CoCo or controller are "hacked", also contains the Disk BASIC ROM chip, and the necessary interface logic.

The 26-3022 controller was though to be the only one capable of being modified (though with considerable difficulty) to allow use with high-density 3.5" floppy drives. Early 26-3029 controllers had a Fujitsu MB8877A (5-volt only equivalent of the WD1793) and are also capable of HD drive operation. Mike Pepe has a page showing how he upgraded a 26-3029 controller: [http://www.doki-doki.net/~lamune/computers/coco/hd-floppy/]

All subsequent controllers use the WD1773 controller chip, do not use the unreliable analog data separator, do not require +12V (so they will work with any CoCo model), and are capable of double-density operation only.

==Drive==
The disk drive is a TEC (Tokyo Electric Corp.) (or Texas Peripherals?) drive mechanism unit encased in a gray-silver-colored enclosure, matching the exterior of the original CoCo (and other early TRS-80 machines and peripherals). The drive unit stands vertically, making it taller than it is wide, with a simple linear power supply and a 5.25" full-height, single-sided (in most cases), double-density, half-height (in most cases) floppy drive. The drive is capable of accessing about 37 tracks, so a 35 track limit was imposed in Disk BASIC. This resulted in a capacity of approximately 160 kilobytes per disk.

The drive unit has an AC power, power switch, fuse and power cord and in the front an activity LED.

A captive (in most cases) ribbon cable exits the drive unit, terminated in a 34-pin card-edge connector which attaches to the controller pak.

Even though the drives and controllers were sold as packages, they can be interchanged almost universally.

These drives are not the most robust, and many that are out there are probably in need of work. (if they work at all)

[[Category:Hardware]]

26-3022

2013-12-23T16:08:05Z

Farna: /* Controler */

{{NavHardware}}
==Controller==
the 26-3022 Mini-Disk System was the first production release of a disk controller/drive for use with the original Color Computer.

The controller is based on the Western Digital WD1793. It features an analog data seperator circuit, infamous for its inherent unreliability and has multiple potentiometers which are used to calibrate various delay and timing features of the disk-side interface. It requires a +12 volt DC supply to operate, and is thus not compatible with a CoCo 2 or 3 unless a Multi-Pak Interface (or other source of +12V) is used or the CoCo or controller are "hacked", also contains the Disk BASIC ROM chip, and the necessary interface logic.

The 26-3022 controller is the only one capable of being modified (though with considerable difficulty) to allow use with high-density 3.5" floppy drives.

All subsequent controllers use the WD1773 controller chip, do not use the unreliable analog data separator, do not require +12V (so they will work with any CoCo model), and are capable of double-density operation only.

==Drive==
The disk drive is a TEC (Tokyo Electric Corp.) (or Texas Peripherals?) drive mechanism unit encased in a gray-silver-colored enclosure, matching the exterior of the original CoCo (and other early TRS-80 machines and peripherals). The drive unit stands vertically, making it taller than it is wide, with a simple linear power supply and a 5.25" full-height, single-sided (in most cases), double-density, half-height (in most cases) floppy drive. The drive is capable of accessing about 37 tracks, so a 35 track limit was imposed in Disk BASIC. This resulted in a capacity of approximately 160 kilobytes per disk.

The drive unit has an AC power, power switch, fuse and power cord and in the front an activity LED.

A captive (in most cases) ribbon cable exits the drive unit, terminated in a 34-pin card-edge connector which attaches to the controller pak.

Even though the drives and controllers were sold as packages, they can be interchanged almost universally.

These drives are not the most robust, and many that are out there are probably in need of work. (if they work at all)

[[Category:Hardware]]

Francis Swygert

2013-10-01T13:48:34Z

Farna:

Francis (Frank) Swygert conceived and published [[World of 68' Micros |"the world of 68' micros"]]. He also published several other CoCo publications, including "Tandy's Little Wonder" - a complete CoCo history and reference guide - and wrote a couple programs, the major one being a genealogy database for the CoCo3, "The CoCo Family Recorder". This was later ported to BASIC-09 by another party. Publications are available for free download (personal use only, no sales or posting to other sites or inclusion in databases without written permission) at ftp://maltedmedia.com/coco/MAGAZINES/FARNA/.

A full copy of "Tandy's Little Wonder" is available as a PDF download at ftp://maltedmedia.com/coco/BOOKS/Tandy%27s%20Little%20Wonder/. This is not only a complete history of the CoCo, but a "survival" guide as well, with use instructions and repair info. It's the best available guide for the new user and old hand as well.

Frank was born December 8, 1961. He served in the USAF from 1983-2007, retiring as an E-7 (Master Sergeant). He now lives in his home town of Batesburg-Leesville, SC. He is still in the hobby publication business, currently producing a small AMC/Rambler magazine (http://www.amc-mag.com/).

[[category:People]]

Getting Started with DriveWire

2013-10-01T13:43:24Z

Farna: /* DriveWire 4 */ added documentation wiki link

== Forward ==

DriveWire is a server side application used in Windows, MacOS (or Linux for DriveWire 4) to provide a disk emulation server for the Tandy/TRS-80 Color Computer series of home computers manufactured during the '80s & '90s.

DriveWire allows the mounting of virtual disk images on a PC style computer, to provide floppy disk emulation. Real floppy disk hardware is becoming difficult to find these days, so applications like DriveWire provide CoCo users a much needed storage method for enjoying their Color Computers again. This Wiki page will attempt to provide the basic information needed to configure a DriveWire system for your CoCo.

Out of respect for software authors, this Wiki page will not host or directly link to any files - links will only take you to the webpages where these files already exist, and can be downloaded from.

Also, DriveWire 4 is a 100% drop in replacement for DriveWire 3. DriveWire 4 simply (or not so simply) adds far more capability to an already excellent application.

One more thing to keep in mind - DriveWire 3 and 4 can be used as a floppy disk emulator. However, there are some software packages that simply will not run when using floppy emulation. This is due to the author creating their own disk access routines, instead of using the RS-DOS DSKCON routines. Until a successful hardware emulator is created that can accurately emulate the WD1773, then we are stuck with this situation.

== DriveWire 3 ==

DriveWire 3 acted solely as a virtual disk server for a CoCo. Written by Boisy Pitre and sold thru [http://www.cloud9tech.com Cloud9], DriveWire3 is a great tool for those needing just a virtual disk server. The DriveWire 3 PC server software can be downloaded [http://www.frontiernet.net/~mmarlette/Cloud-9/Software/DriveWire3.html Here].

[[DriveWire 3 Quick-Start Guide]]

Contents of the [[DRIVEWIRE.ZIP]] file.

[[DriveWire 3 Troubleshooting]]

== DriveWire 4 ==

DriveWire 4 is a Java version of DriveWire, written by Aaron Wolfe, and has similar functionality to DriveWire 3. However, Aaron has added many other features including: mounting of Internet based disk images, TCP, web server, MIDI control, print to a PC printer (emulates Epson MX-80 from CoCo side, compatible with most Epson and generic printer drivers for the CoCo) and many more.

To use DriveWire 4, you'll need a recent version of Java - as DriveWire 4 is written in Java, it is OS agnostic; meaning it should run on anything that runs a Java VM, including a Raspberry Pi running Linux. You can get a [http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp JavaVM (here)] for most any type of popular operating system.

You get get the most recent version or DriveWire 4 by visiting [https://sites.google.com/site/drivewire4/ Aaron's website] and following the links. As you'll soon see, DriveWire 4 supports several computing platforms including all versions of the CoCo. The documentation Wiki for DW4 can be found here: [http://sourceforge.net/apps/mediawiki/drivewireserver/index.php?title=Main_Page DW4 Wiki].

== The DriveWire Cable ==

Before you can use DriveWire 3 or 4, you will need to connect your CoCo to a computer being used as a DriveWire server. You will need a Coco Serial (bit-banger) to DB-9 serial cable. Again, [http://www.cloud9tech.com Cloud9] sells these cables. Conversely, you may build your own based upon the following diagram:

[[File:CoCo-serial-cable.png]]

Also, if you have a more modern PC, it's most likely not to have the needed DB-9 serial port. As an alternative, you can puchase USB to Serial (DB-9) converters. These range in price from about $10 - $20 and can be purchased from most any electronics supply house. If they don't have it on the shelf, ask someone and they can most likely order it for you. You will still need the cable above as this is just an adapter to be able to connect it to PC's with no DB-9 serial port.

Alternatively, you can also still purchase an add-on PCI or PCIx serial card. TigerDirect and NewEgg still stock a large selection of these cards. The internal serial cards tend to offer better data transfer rates than the USB to Serial adapters in testing.

----

Once you have downloaded the DriveWire software and connected the CoCo to your PC with the correct cable, you'll need to boot the CoCo with an HDB-DOS ROM image. This can be done with a ROM Pak with an HDB-DOS EPROM from Cloud9 (or someone else); loading thru the cassette port (from either a real cassette player or as a .wav file from a PC), an EPROM placed in a floppy controller or even an HDB-DOS ROM loaded from a .BIN file. Again, all of the files can be downloaded from the [http://www.frontiernet.net/~mmarlette/Cloud-9/Software/DriveWire3.html Cloud9] DriveWire3 page.

== MORE TO COME ==

Getting Started with DriveWire

2013-10-01T13:36:16Z

Farna: /* DriveWire 4 */ added print capability

== Forward ==

DriveWire is a server side application used in Windows, MacOS (or Linux for DriveWire 4) to provide a disk emulation server for the Tandy/TRS-80 Color Computer series of home computers manufactured during the '80s & '90s.

DriveWire allows the mounting of virtual disk images on a PC style computer, to provide floppy disk emulation. Real floppy disk hardware is becoming difficult to find these days, so applications like DriveWire provide CoCo users a much needed storage method for enjoying their Color Computers again. This Wiki page will attempt to provide the basic information needed to configure a DriveWire system for your CoCo.

Out of respect for software authors, this Wiki page will not host or directly link to any files - links will only take you to the webpages where these files already exist, and can be downloaded from.

Also, DriveWire 4 is a 100% drop in replacement for DriveWire 3. DriveWire 4 simply (or not so simply) adds far more capability to an already excellent application.

One more thing to keep in mind - DriveWire 3 and 4 can be used as a floppy disk emulator. However, there are some software packages that simply will not run when using floppy emulation. This is due to the author creating their own disk access routines, instead of using the RS-DOS DSKCON routines. Until a successful hardware emulator is created that can accurately emulate the WD1773, then we are stuck with this situation.

== DriveWire 3 ==

DriveWire 3 acted solely as a virtual disk server for a CoCo. Written by Boisy Pitre and sold thru [http://www.cloud9tech.com Cloud9], DriveWire3 is a great tool for those needing just a virtual disk server. The DriveWire 3 PC server software can be downloaded [http://www.frontiernet.net/~mmarlette/Cloud-9/Software/DriveWire3.html Here].

[[DriveWire 3 Quick-Start Guide]]

Contents of the [[DRIVEWIRE.ZIP]] file.

[[DriveWire 3 Troubleshooting]]

== DriveWire 4 ==

DriveWire 4 is a Java version of DriveWire, written by Aaron Wolfe, and has similar functionality to DriveWire 3. However, Aaron has added many other features including: mounting of Internet based disk images, TCP, web server, MIDI control, print to a PC printer (emulates Epson MX-80 from CoCo side, compatible with most Epson and generic printer drivers for the CoCo) and many more.

To use DriveWire 4, you'll need a recent version of Java - as DriveWire 4 is written in Java, it is OS agnostic; meaning it should run on anything that runs a Java VM, including a Raspberry Pi running Linux. You can get a [http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp JavaVM (here)] for most any type of popular operating system.

You get get the most recent version or DriveWire 4 by visiting [https://sites.google.com/site/drivewire4/ Aaron's website] and following the links. As you'll soon see, DriveWire 4 supports several computing platforms including all versions of the CoCo.

== The DriveWire Cable ==

Before you can use DriveWire 3 or 4, you will need to connect your CoCo to a computer being used as a DriveWire server. You will need a Coco Serial (bit-banger) to DB-9 serial cable. Again, [http://www.cloud9tech.com Cloud9] sells these cables. Conversely, you may build your own based upon the following diagram:

[[File:CoCo-serial-cable.png]]

Also, if you have a more modern PC, it's most likely not to have the needed DB-9 serial port. As an alternative, you can puchase USB to Serial (DB-9) converters. These range in price from about $10 - $20 and can be purchased from most any electronics supply house. If they don't have it on the shelf, ask someone and they can most likely order it for you. You will still need the cable above as this is just an adapter to be able to connect it to PC's with no DB-9 serial port.

Alternatively, you can also still purchase an add-on PCI or PCIx serial card. TigerDirect and NewEgg still stock a large selection of these cards. The internal serial cards tend to offer better data transfer rates than the USB to Serial adapters in testing.

----

Once you have downloaded the DriveWire software and connected the CoCo to your PC with the correct cable, you'll need to boot the CoCo with an HDB-DOS ROM image. This can be done with a ROM Pak with an HDB-DOS EPROM from Cloud9 (or someone else); loading thru the cassette port (from either a real cassette player or as a .wav file from a PC), an EPROM placed in a floppy controller or even an HDB-DOS ROM loaded from a .BIN file. Again, all of the files can be downloaded from the [http://www.frontiernet.net/~mmarlette/Cloud-9/Software/DriveWire3.html Cloud9] DriveWire3 page.

== MORE TO COME ==

CoCo Quick Reference

2013-03-29T12:30:45Z

Farna: /* I want to meet other CoCo folks */ added info

{{NavHelp}}
If you are looking for information or help with the Tandy/Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer (CoCo), here is where to start.
== I want to save my old CoCo software ==
If you have old Color Computer software on cassette tapes or floppy disk, you can get this software copied over to a PC/Mac/Linux machine and run it in an emulator. Details to be added.

== I want to get rid of my old CoCo stuff ==
If you have old CoCo hardware or software that you need to get rid of, you should e-mail the Color Computer mailing list. Details to be added.
* E-mail hundreds of CoCo users on the CoCo mailing list.

== I want to get my CoCo running again ==
If you are trying to get a CoCo running again, and need help or replacement parts, here are some resources. Details to be added.
* The [[DriveWire]] project allows you to use a serial cable to hook a CoCo to a host PC/Mac/Linux machine and use it as a remote disk system. Current DriveWare allows the CoCo to print to a virtual printer on the PC, copy files to/from disk images on the PC, and even play MIDI music files through the PC. There is also support for internet access, allowing a terminal program on the CoCo to "dial" out to remote internet systems. And it's FREE.
* Cloud-9 produces hardware add ons for the CoCo, including SCSI/IDE/compact flash hard drive interfaces, PS/2 keyboard interfaces, memory updates, and much more. They also offer replacement DISK BASIC ROMs that support hard drive access, or remote DriveWire access through BASIC.
* Download a copy of "Tandy's Little Wonder" from ftp://maltedmedia.com/coco/MAGAZINES/Tandy%27s%20Little%20Wonder/. The most recent version is named "CoCobook-TLW2.pdf". Read the "1 READ ME FIRST.txt" file first. This book has history, repair information, and a "survival/user" guide that will be very helpful.

== I want to meet other CoCo folks ==
* Attend a CoCoFEST! For information on the next CoCoFest visit http://www.glensideccc.com/. The CoCoFest is typically held sometime in April every year, currently in Lombard, IL (west side of Chicago). This is the only "large" gathering of CoCo "nuts" in the U.S. While it's not as big as it was back in the CoCo's hey-day, it's still a "must attend" to meet other die-hard CoCo enthusiasts and to see new CoCo developments (yes, there is still new hardware and software being developed!). You can also pick up many used items to complete your system or collection.

* Subscribe to a CoCo Mailing list. There are two, the CoCo-List (MaltedMedia List) and a Yahoo list.

'''The MaltedMedia list (http://five.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/coco/)'''
To subscribe to the MaltedMedia list, send an email to
coco-request@maltedmedia.com
with 'subscribe' in the subject line. You will receive a password and
further information. You can also use this link:
http://five.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/coco/

'''The Yahoo list (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ColorComputer/)'''
To subscribe to the Yahoo list, visit the page at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ColorComputer/
Posts from Yahoo are forwarded to the maltedmedia list.

The mail-to-news gateway from maltedmedia is working through this free
news server:
news.gmane.org
The newsgroup is:
gmane.comp.hardware.tandy.coco
You can also use this link on some news clients:
news://news.gmane.org/gmane.comp.hardware.tandy.coco
Web access is here:
http://news.gmane.org/gmane.comp.hardware.tandy.coco

Postings to the gmane newsgroup are automatically spam-checked. Email
addresses on the group are also encrypted, so private email may only be
sent by subscribers and email addresses will not be harvested.

Note for Eudora users: Please turn off the X-Sender header if you're
worried about your address being harvested. Here is a utility that works
with Eudora versions 3 to 6:
http://www.geocities.com/edit_x/

== Is OS-9 still around? ==
* NitrOS-9 project.

== Is there anything new going on with CoCo stuff? ==
* CoCoFEST still going.
* [[CoCo-X] project.

More to come...

2006-01-16T14:42:37Z

Farna: