PBJ Wordpak/Wordpak II - Revision history

Barberd at 15:09, 25 March 2026

2026-03-25T15:09:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:09, 25 March 2026
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	This cartridge provides monochrome video out to a monitor connected directly off the cartridge. It patched both extended and disk basic to work with its video output; it had a bootable eeprom (WordPak I only) for patching extended basic and bin images on disk for patching disk basic. The default software provided up to 80x24 of text, much more than the CoCo 1 or 2 was capable of natively. This was helpful for text-heavy applications such as word processing and programming. Additionally, one could create custom fonts using a 8x8 or 8x10 (for the Wordpak II) pixel matrix. One could also set other video modes - the 64 character wide screen was good for porting TRS-80 Model 1 programs. ~~Thought~~ not supported by the provided software, the chip is capable of even higher resolutions than 80x24 if one has a capable monitor.		This cartridge provides monochrome video out to a monitor connected directly off the cartridge. It patched both extended and disk basic to work with its video output; it had a bootable eeprom (WordPak I only) for patching extended basic and bin images on disk for patching disk basic. The default software provided up to 80x24 of text, much more than the CoCo 1 or 2 was capable of natively. This was helpful for text-heavy applications such as word processing and programming. Additionally, one could create custom fonts using a 8x8 or 8x10 (for the Wordpak II) pixel matrix. One could also set other video modes - the 64 character wide screen was good for porting TRS-80 Model 1 programs. Though not supported by the provided software, the chip is capable of even higher resolutions than 80x24 if one has a capable monitor.

	The Basic patches provides a screen editor, some additional keyboard functions, and control codes.		The Basic patches provides a screen editor, some additional keyboard functions, and control codes.

Barberd: /* Wordpak RS */

2026-03-25T01:47:54Z

Wordpak RS

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:47, 24 March 2026
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	===== Wordpak RS =====		===== Wordpak RS =====
	The PBJ Wordpak/Wordpak II only works properly on the CoCo 1 and 2 as its IO addresses conflict with the GIME registers on the CoCo 3. There was also a Wordpak-RS sold directly by Radio shack that uses a different IO base, $FF76, instead of $FF98. It used the very similar R6545 chip. The difference in IO addressing means drivers must be patched for use.		The PBJ Wordpak/Wordpak II only works properly on the CoCo 1 and 2 as its IO addresses conflict with the GIME registers on the CoCo 3. There was also a Wordpak-RS sold directly by Radio shack that uses a different IO base, $FF76, instead of $FF98, which should work on all CoCos. It used the very similar R6545 chip. The difference in IO addressing means drivers must be patched for use.

	===== Implementation detail =====		===== Implementation detail =====

Barberd: /* Implementation detail */

2026-03-25T01:46:57Z

Implementation detail

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:46, 24 March 2026
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	In an fully-integrated system design, the 6845 chip could share memory with the system processor (much like the CoCo 1 and 2's onboard MC6847 video chip). In such a design, the processor could write directly to a shared memory area that is also read by the video chip, making for very fast and efficient screen updates. The 6845 was used on several systems, including the original IBM PC (including the MDA, HCG, and CGA adapters), the BBC Micro, and the Amstrad CPC.		In an fully-integrated system design, the 6845 chip could share memory with the system processor (much like the CoCo 1 and 2's onboard MC6847 video chip). In such a design, the processor could write directly to a shared memory area that is also read by the video chip, making for very fast and efficient screen updates. The 6845 was used on several systems, including the original IBM PC (including the MDA, HCG, and CGA adapters), the BBC Micro, and the Amstrad CPC.

	However, shared access from both the processor and video chip requires synchronization logic (which is what the CoCo's SAM chip does). However, the expansion port doesn't provide the necessary connections to extend this capability into a cartridge. Fortunately, the SY6845E chip (as opposed to the MC6845 it was based on) also has a "Transparent Address Mode" that allows writing to separate dedicated video memory. This made for a much simpler interface doable with a cartridge, but also meant the software was more complex: changing a single character on screen required 5 writes, a status read, and then the final write. The chip does have auto increment logic that reduced the writes when writing sequential data		However, shared access from both the processor and video chip requires synchronization logic (which is what the CoCo's SAM chip does). However, the expansion port doesn't provide the necessary connections to extend this capability into a cartridge. Fortunately, the SY6845E chip (as opposed to the MC6845 it was based on) also has a "Transparent Address Mode" that allows writing to separate dedicated video memory. This made for a much simpler interface doable with a cartridge, but also meant the software was more complex: changing a single character on screen required 5 writes, a status read, and then the final write. The chip does have auto increment logic that reduced the writes when writing sequential data.

	Like the SY6845E, the R6545 chip used by the Wordpak RS also supported Transparent Address Mode. Be aware the similar 6545'''-1''' chip does '''not''' support this. Keep the distinction between the 6545 and 6545-1 in mind when looking for datasheets; search results often return the wrong one.		Like the SY6845E, the R6545 chip used by the Wordpak RS also supported Transparent Address Mode. Be aware the similar 6545'''-1''' chip does '''not''' support this. Keep the distinction between the 6545 and 6545-1 in mind when looking for datasheets; search results often return the wrong one.

Barberd: /* Implementation detail */

2026-03-25T01:46:14Z

Implementation detail

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:46, 24 March 2026
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	===== Implementation detail =====		===== Implementation detail =====
	In an fully-integrated system design, the 6845 chip could share memory with the system processor (much like the CoCo 1 and 2's onboard MC6847 video chip). In such a design, the processor could write directly to a shared memory area that is also read by the video chip, making for very fast and efficient screen updates. The 6845 was used ~~this way~~ on several systems, including the original IBM PC (including the MDA, HCG, and CGA adapters), the BBC Micro, and the Amstrad CPC.		In an fully-integrated system design, the 6845 chip could share memory with the system processor (much like the CoCo 1 and 2's onboard MC6847 video chip). In such a design, the processor could write directly to a shared memory area that is also read by the video chip, making for very fast and efficient screen updates. The 6845 was used on several systems, including the original IBM PC (including the MDA, HCG, and CGA adapters), the BBC Micro, and the Amstrad CPC.

	However, shared access from both the processor and video chip requires synchronization logic (which is what the CoCo's SAM chip does). However, the expansion port doesn't provide the necessary connections to extend this capability into a cartridge. Fortunately, the SY6845E chip (as opposed to the MC6845 it was based on) also has a "Transparent Address Mode" that allows writing to separate dedicated video memory. This made for a much simpler interface doable with a cartridge, but also meant the software was more complex: changing a single character on screen required 5 writes, a status read, and then the final write. The chip does have auto increment logic that reduced the writes when writing sequential data		However, shared access from both the processor and video chip requires synchronization logic (which is what the CoCo's SAM chip does). However, the expansion port doesn't provide the necessary connections to extend this capability into a cartridge. Fortunately, the SY6845E chip (as opposed to the MC6845 it was based on) also has a "Transparent Address Mode" that allows writing to separate dedicated video memory. This made for a much simpler interface doable with a cartridge, but also meant the software was more complex: changing a single character on screen required 5 writes, a status read, and then the final write. The chip does have auto increment logic that reduced the writes when writing sequential data

Barberd: /* Implementation detail */

2026-03-25T01:45:13Z

Implementation detail

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:45, 24 March 2026
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	However, shared access from both the processor and video chip requires synchronization logic (which is what the CoCo's SAM chip does). However, the expansion port doesn't provide the necessary connections to extend this capability into a cartridge. Fortunately, the SY6845E chip (as opposed to the MC6845 it was based on) also has a "Transparent Address Mode" that allows writing to separate dedicated video memory. This made for a much simpler interface doable with a cartridge, but also meant the software was more complex: changing a single character on screen required 5 writes, a status read, and then the final write. The chip does have auto increment logic that reduced the writes when writing sequential data		However, shared access from both the processor and video chip requires synchronization logic (which is what the CoCo's SAM chip does). However, the expansion port doesn't provide the necessary connections to extend this capability into a cartridge. Fortunately, the SY6845E chip (as opposed to the MC6845 it was based on) also has a "Transparent Address Mode" that allows writing to separate dedicated video memory. This made for a much simpler interface doable with a cartridge, but also meant the software was more complex: changing a single character on screen required 5 writes, a status read, and then the final write. The chip does have auto increment logic that reduced the writes when writing sequential data

	Like the SY6845E, the R6545 chip used by the Wordpak RS also supported Transparent Address Mode. Be aware the similar 6545'''-1''' chip does not support ~~the necessary Transparent Address Mode~~. ~~Be aware of~~ the distinction when ~~referencing~~ datasheets ~~as well~~; search results often return the wrong one.		Like the SY6845E, the R6545 chip used by the Wordpak RS also supported Transparent Address Mode. Be aware the similar 6545'''-1''' chip does '''not''' support this. Keep the distinction between the 6545 and 6545-1 in mind when looking for datasheets; search results often return the wrong one.

	===== Links =====		===== Links =====

Barberd: /* Links */

2026-03-25T01:35:56Z

Links

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:35, 24 March 2026
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	===== Wordpak RS =====		===== Wordpak RS =====
	The PBJ Wordpak/Wordpak II only works properly on the CoCo 1 and 2 as its IO addresses conflict with the GIME registers on the CoCo 3. There was also a Wordpak-RS sold directly by Radio shack that uses a different IO base, $FF76, instead of $FF98. It used the very similar ~~6545~~ chip. The difference in IO addressing means drivers must be patched for use.		The PBJ Wordpak/Wordpak II only works properly on the CoCo 1 and 2 as its IO addresses conflict with the GIME registers on the CoCo 3. There was also a Wordpak-RS sold directly by Radio shack that uses a different IO base, $FF76, instead of $FF98. It used the very similar R6545 chip. The difference in IO addressing means drivers must be patched for use.

	===== Implementation detail =====		===== Implementation detail =====
	In an fully-integrated system design, the 6845 chip could share memory with the system processor (much like the CoCo 1 and 2's onboard MC6847 video chip). In such a design, the processor could write directly to a shared memory area that is also read by the video chip, making for very fast and efficient screen updates. The 6845 was used this way on several systems, including the original IBM PC (including the MDA, HCG, and CGA adapters), the BBC Micro, and the Amstrad CPC.		In an fully-integrated system design, the 6845 chip could share memory with the system processor (much like the CoCo 1 and 2's onboard MC6847 video chip). In such a design, the processor could write directly to a shared memory area that is also read by the video chip, making for very fast and efficient screen updates. The 6845 was used this way on several systems, including the original IBM PC (including the MDA, HCG, and CGA adapters), the BBC Micro, and the Amstrad CPC.

	However, shared access from both the processor and video chip requires synchronization logic (which is what the CoCo's SAM chip does). However, the expansion port doesn't provide the necessary connections to extend this capability into a cartridge. Fortunately, the SY6845E chip (as opposed to the MC6845 it was based on) also has a "Transparent Address Mode" that allows writing to separate dedicated video memory. This made for a much simpler interface doable with a cartridge, but also meant the software was more complex: changing a single character on screen required 5 writes, a status read, and then the final write. The chip does have auto increment logic that reduced the writes when writing sequential data.		However, shared access from both the processor and video chip requires synchronization logic (which is what the CoCo's SAM chip does). However, the expansion port doesn't provide the necessary connections to extend this capability into a cartridge. Fortunately, the SY6845E chip (as opposed to the MC6845 it was based on) also has a "Transparent Address Mode" that allows writing to separate dedicated video memory. This made for a much simpler interface doable with a cartridge, but also meant the software was more complex: changing a single character on screen required 5 writes, a status read, and then the final write. The chip does have auto increment logic that reduced the writes when writing sequential data

			Like the SY6845E, the R6545 chip used by the Wordpak RS also supported Transparent Address Mode. Be aware the similar 6545'''-1''' chip does not support the necessary Transparent Address Mode. Be aware of the distinction when referencing datasheets as well; search results often return the wrong one.

	===== Links =====		===== Links =====
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	* [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1988_rsc-19.html?fb3d-page=27 1988 Radio Shack Catalog Entry]		* [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1988_rsc-19.html?fb3d-page=27 1988 Radio Shack Catalog Entry]
	* [https://vgamuseum.info/images/doc/misc/synertek_sy6845e.pdf SY6845E Datasheet]		* [https://vgamuseum.info/images/doc/misc/synertek_sy6845e.pdf SY6845E Datasheet]
			* [https://www.apteryx.de/downloads/oct/65xx/R6545-CRTC.pdf R6545 Datasheet]
	* [https://sites.google.com/site/tandycocoloco/wordpak-rs Teardown and build your own clone](based on the Wordpak RS)		* [https://sites.google.com/site/tandycocoloco/wordpak-rs Teardown and build your own clone](based on the Wordpak RS)

Barberd: /* Implementation detail */

2026-03-24T16:14:06Z

Implementation detail

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:14, 24 March 2026
Line 16:		Line 16:

	===== Implementation detail =====		===== Implementation detail =====
	In an fully-integrated system design, the 6845 chip could share memory with the system processor (much like the CoCo 1 and 2's onboard MC6847 video chip). In such a design, the processor could write directly to a shared memory area that is also read by the video chip, making for very fast and efficient screen updates. However, shared access from both the processor and video chip requires synchronization logic (which is what the CoCo's SAM chip does). However, the expansion port doesn't provide the necessary connections to extend this capability into a cartridge. Fortunately, the SY6845E chip (as opposed to the MC6845 it was based on) also has a "Transparent Address Mode" that allows writing to separate dedicated video memory. This made for a much simpler interface doable with a cartridge, but also meant the software was more complex: changing a single character on screen required 5 writes, a status read, and then the final write. The chip ~~did~~ have auto increment logic that reduced the writes when writing sequential data~~. The 6845 was used on several systems, including the original IBM PC (including the MDA, HCG, and CGA adapters), the BBC Micro, and the Amstrad CPC~~.		In an fully-integrated system design, the 6845 chip could share memory with the system processor (much like the CoCo 1 and 2's onboard MC6847 video chip). In such a design, the processor could write directly to a shared memory area that is also read by the video chip, making for very fast and efficient screen updates. The 6845 was used this way on several systems, including the original IBM PC (including the MDA, HCG, and CGA adapters), the BBC Micro, and the Amstrad CPC.

			However, shared access from both the processor and video chip requires synchronization logic (which is what the CoCo's SAM chip does). However, the expansion port doesn't provide the necessary connections to extend this capability into a cartridge. Fortunately, the SY6845E chip (as opposed to the MC6845 it was based on) also has a "Transparent Address Mode" that allows writing to separate dedicated video memory. This made for a much simpler interface doable with a cartridge, but also meant the software was more complex: changing a single character on screen required 5 writes, a status read, and then the final write. The chip does have auto increment logic that reduced the writes when writing sequential data.

	===== Links =====		===== Links =====

Barberd: /* Wordpak RS */

2026-03-24T16:00:50Z

Wordpak RS

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:00, 24 March 2026
Line 13:		Line 13:

	===== Wordpak RS =====		===== Wordpak RS =====
	The PBJ Wordpak/Wordpak II only works properly on the CoCo 1 and 2 as its IO addresses conflict with the GIME registers on the CoCo 3. There was also a Wordpak-RS sold directly by Radio shack that uses a different IO base, $FF76, instead of $FF98. It used the very similar 6545 chip. The difference in IO addressing means drivers must be ~~updated to~~ use ~~either~~.		The PBJ Wordpak/Wordpak II only works properly on the CoCo 1 and 2 as its IO addresses conflict with the GIME registers on the CoCo 3. There was also a Wordpak-RS sold directly by Radio shack that uses a different IO base, $FF76, instead of $FF98. It used the very similar 6545 chip. The difference in IO addressing means drivers must be patched for use.

	===== Implementation detail =====		===== Implementation detail =====

Barberd at 15:59, 24 March 2026

2026-03-24T15:59:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:59, 24 March 2026
Line 12:		Line 12:
	See manual linked below for register list and typical initialization. Registers are used to modify resolution, cursor types, etc.		See manual linked below for register list and typical initialization. Registers are used to modify resolution, cursor types, etc.

			===== Wordpak RS =====
	The PBJ Wordpak/Wordpak II only works properly on the CoCo 1 and 2 as its IO addresses conflict with the GIME registers on the CoCo 3. There was also a Wordpak-RS sold directly by Radio shack that uses a different IO base, $FF76, instead of $FF98. It used the very similar 6545 chip. The difference in IO addressing means drivers must be updated to use either.		The PBJ Wordpak/Wordpak II only works properly on the CoCo 1 and 2 as its IO addresses conflict with the GIME registers on the CoCo 3. There was also a Wordpak-RS sold directly by Radio shack that uses a different IO base, $FF76, instead of $FF98. It used the very similar 6545 chip. The difference in IO addressing means drivers must be updated to use either.

	Implementation detail: In an fully-integrated system design, the 6845 chip could share memory with the system processor (much like the CoCo 1 and 2's onboard MC6847 video chip). In such a design, the processor could write directly to a shared memory area that is also read by the video chip, making for very fast and efficient screen updates. However, shared access from both the processor and video chip requires synchronization logic (which is what the CoCo's SAM chip does). However, the expansion port doesn't provide the necessary connections to extend this capability into a cartridge. Fortunately, the SY6845E chip (as opposed to the MC6845 it was based on) also has a "Transparent Address Mode" that allows writing to separate dedicated video memory. This made for a much simpler interface doable with a cartridge, but also meant the software was more complex: changing a single character on screen required 5 writes, a status read, and then the final write. The chip did have auto increment logic that reduced the writes when writing sequential data. The 6845 was used on several systems, including the original IBM PC (including the MDA, HCG, and CGA adapters), the BBC Micro, and the Amstrad CPC.		===== Implementation detail =====
			In an fully-integrated system design, the 6845 chip could share memory with the system processor (much like the CoCo 1 and 2's onboard MC6847 video chip). In such a design, the processor could write directly to a shared memory area that is also read by the video chip, making for very fast and efficient screen updates. However, shared access from both the processor and video chip requires synchronization logic (which is what the CoCo's SAM chip does). However, the expansion port doesn't provide the necessary connections to extend this capability into a cartridge. Fortunately, the SY6845E chip (as opposed to the MC6845 it was based on) also has a "Transparent Address Mode" that allows writing to separate dedicated video memory. This made for a much simpler interface doable with a cartridge, but also meant the software was more complex: changing a single character on screen required 5 writes, a status read, and then the final write. The chip did have auto increment logic that reduced the writes when writing sequential data. The 6845 was used on several systems, including the original IBM PC (including the MDA, HCG, and CGA adapters), the BBC Micro, and the Amstrad CPC.

	Links:		===== Links =====
	* [https://colorcomputerarchive.com/repo/Documents/Manuals/Hardware/Wordpak%20Users%20Manual%20(PBJ%20Inc).pdf Manual]		* [https://colorcomputerarchive.com/repo/Documents/Manuals/Hardware/Wordpak%20Users%20Manual%20(PBJ%20Inc).pdf Manual]
	* [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1988_rsc-19.html?fb3d-page=27 1988 Radio Shack Catalog Entry]		* [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1988_rsc-19.html?fb3d-page=27 1988 Radio Shack Catalog Entry]
	* [https://vgamuseum.info/images/doc/misc/synertek_sy6845e.pdf SY6845E Datasheet]		* [https://vgamuseum.info/images/doc/misc/synertek_sy6845e.pdf SY6845E Datasheet]
	* [https://sites.google.com/site/tandycocoloco/wordpak-rs Teardown and build your own clone](based on the Wordpak RS)		* [https://sites.google.com/site/tandycocoloco/wordpak-rs Teardown and build your own clone](based on the Wordpak RS)

Barberd at 15:54, 24 March 2026

2026-03-24T15:54:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:54, 24 March 2026
Line 12:		Line 12:
	See manual linked below for register list and typical initialization. Registers are used to modify resolution, cursor types, etc.		See manual linked below for register list and typical initialization. Registers are used to modify resolution, cursor types, etc.

	Implementation detail: In an integrated system design, the 6845 chip could share memory with the system processor (much like the CoCo 1 and 2's onboard MC6847 video chip). In such a design, the processor could write directly to a shared memory area that is also read by the video chip, making for very fast and efficient screen updates. However, shared access from both the processor and video chip requires synchronization logic (which is what the CoCo's SAM chip does). However, the expansion port doesn't provide the necessary connections to extend this capability into a cartridge. Fortunately, the SY6845E chip (as opposed to the MC6845 it was based on) also has a "Transparent Address Mode" that allows writing to separate dedicated video memory. This made for a much simpler interface doable with a cartridge, but also meant the software was more complex: changing a single character on screen required 5 writes, a status read, and then the final write. The chip did have auto increment logic that reduced the writes when writing sequential data. The 6845 was used on several systems, including the original IBM PC (including the MDA, HCG, and CGA adapters), the BBC Micro, and the Amstrad CPC.		The PBJ Wordpak/Wordpak II only works properly on the CoCo 1 and 2 as its IO addresses conflict with the GIME registers on the CoCo 3. There was also a Wordpak-RS sold directly by Radio shack that uses a different IO base, $FF76, instead of $FF98. It used the very similar 6545 chip. The difference in IO addressing means drivers must be updated to use either.

			Implementation detail: In an fully-integrated system design, the 6845 chip could share memory with the system processor (much like the CoCo 1 and 2's onboard MC6847 video chip). In such a design, the processor could write directly to a shared memory area that is also read by the video chip, making for very fast and efficient screen updates. However, shared access from both the processor and video chip requires synchronization logic (which is what the CoCo's SAM chip does). However, the expansion port doesn't provide the necessary connections to extend this capability into a cartridge. Fortunately, the SY6845E chip (as opposed to the MC6845 it was based on) also has a "Transparent Address Mode" that allows writing to separate dedicated video memory. This made for a much simpler interface doable with a cartridge, but also meant the software was more complex: changing a single character on screen required 5 writes, a status read, and then the final write. The chip did have auto increment logic that reduced the writes when writing sequential data. The 6845 was used on several systems, including the original IBM PC (including the MDA, HCG, and CGA adapters), the BBC Micro, and the Amstrad CPC.

	Links:		Links:
Line 18:		Line 20:
	* [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1988_rsc-19.html?fb3d-page=27 1988 Radio Shack Catalog Entry]		* [https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/c1988_rsc-19.html?fb3d-page=27 1988 Radio Shack Catalog Entry]
	* [https://vgamuseum.info/images/doc/misc/synertek_sy6845e.pdf SY6845E Datasheet]		* [https://vgamuseum.info/images/doc/misc/synertek_sy6845e.pdf SY6845E Datasheet]
	* [https://sites.google.com/site/tandycocoloco/wordpak-rs Teardown and build your own clone]		* [https://sites.google.com/site/tandycocoloco/wordpak-rs Teardown and build your own clone](based on the Wordpak RS)