[Coco] PBJ Word-Pak

[KnudsenMJ at aol.com]

In a message dated 4/6/06 6:28:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time,  
webmaster at coco3.com writes:

>Does  anybody know of any Disk BASIC software that can use the  
>Word-Pak?  Also, is NitrOS-9 equipped to use this cartridge  already or do I 
>need to painfully build a boot disk just to try it  out.

You must be talking about a Nitros for Level 1, Coco 1/2.  No need for  the 
WorkPak on a Coco3, except the characters are a little crisper, and maybe  you 
can run TWO monitors, graphics and text simul'ly (I may have sort of tried  
that once).
 
Actually, the text was crisp because I was using a better monitor, though I  
was already using a B/W composite monitor with the Coco1's monochrome output,  
using a 2-transistor circuit that I cobbled up.
 
You do need a device descriptor and driver in your boot, and some way to  
switch OS9 into using the WordPak.  I did own one once, may have sold it,  maybe 
still have it.  I ran DynaStar just fine on it under L1, till I got  my Coco3 
and L2.

I'm  interested in experimenting with this thing so if anybody has the  
technical specs for a programmer, let me know.


Just find the old drivers and DD.  ISTR the Pak has a built-in relay  to 
bypass the Pak and send the Coco's output direct to the monitor, which keeps  you 
going until you get the Pak working, without repeatedly jerking cables  
around.  Good luck, Mike K.