15 replies to this topic

[Rigel]

Hi,

I finally acquired an SB-87 cable, and downloaded the Calipso (cool!) and FA 123 software. I decided to check if Pascal compiled code runs on AFX. I wrote the simple code:

uses CRT;
begin
clrscr;
write('Hello world');
for n:=1 to 100000 do;
end.

(Turbo Pascal 7.0)

Although straightforward, I should explain that this program should clear the screen, print 'Hello world' on the screen, and pause for a few seconds. I packaged the hello.exe file into hellowor.cfx using Calipso and loaded this into AFX with FA123. It succesfully took its place in the main menu of the AFX with the default Calipso icon. When executed, nothing appeared on the LCD but the unit paused for a period approximately as I calculated for an 8 MHz 286. I then changed the iteration value to 200000, and it paused for twice as it did for 100000.
This proves that Pascal generated .exe programs really works on the AFX, except for screen I/O (and probably for many other things!).

Could anyone tell me how I can get around this? Should I write directly on video RAM? Where is it in the memory?

[2072]

video ram is located at 0x1A20:0

[Brazzucko]

For what I know C and assembly Works fine, how many languages Works in the AFX?

[huhn_m]

but why should someone want to program in pascal if he has to
make the screen access and everything else in asm or c?
the programs are a big deal larger and slower!

[Rigel]

Hey,

I'd like to thank 2072 for the address!

Pascal is very well capable of doing great job all in itself, and I don't think I will delve into asm or anything for simple memory I/O routines. That's the crucial point here.. I assume any compiler that generates real mode DOS executables will be okay.

After Pascal, there comes the time for PROLOG, my favorite

Thank you all. Now I have to deal with some peeking poking..

[superna]

i think you can use pascal but with new graphic routines in asm

the advantage of turbo C is that he uses current DOS routines to write on the screen

[Martin]

Try another program, which will:
- not use CRT
- or disable direct video access (put "directvideo:=false;" to the beginning of the program)

this would force I/O routines to use DOS handler.

[Brazzucko]

So the best language for the AFX are assembly and C++ right?, right now I?m studying C++?..

[BiTwhise]

For small handheld devices like this, compact code is the most important factor as to deciding what language is most suitable

assembly will naturally reign superior in both compactness, and speed of exectution.. however, it can be very time consuming when it comes to developement

as for C, it's a very compact, and efficient language, and lets you mess around with anything you want (so no limitations)
C++ adds objects and all that stuff, so programs increase in size, and speed of exectution is slower (that is, if you take use of the c++ features). For the calc I would stick with pure C over C++.. though, if you really wanna go all the way, assembly is the thing

[Brazzucko]

I choose C and C++ because I can get help, ?everyone? knows C, but assembly it?s not so used, or I?m wrong?

I know that assembly it?s the best for the calc, see for example the platinum, a very good game in a very small size?.

[BiTwhise]

Not many ppl program in assembly

In normal computer programing it's not of much use. It's time consuming, and you usually have tons of clock cycles to waste anyway

Only in rare cases, operating systems, compilers, special algorithms, inner loops, and games developement (espacially for console) do you see assembly programming nowadays

[Brazzucko]

So considering this the C and C++ is the best choice isn?t?

I want to be sure of my decision to not find in the end that I loose my time?..

And that I don?t make a GREAT friend lose his time to teach me?.

[2072]

You won't wast your time learning C. This old language is still very used nowadays. When you know C you can learn other languages easily. Because a lot of programming laguages have a lot in comon with C.

So learn C, C++ is usefull for HUGE programs where you have a very complex organization but C is better for programs like we do on AFX.

[Brazzucko]

I know that and thanks for you give this new motivation, I will learn C?.