[Coco] NitrOS9 and B&B XT-RTC

[Bob Devries]

> Superdriver docs will explain the HDB-DOS partition access.

Gene's explanation was concise, and (as usual) accurate. Maybe he'll let you 
include that in your docs :P

> As it is not impossible to do with out a floppy, it GETS VERY ADVANCED 
> quick. I recommended a DW cable as well but the customer knew better than 
> I and didn't want to force a sale....Later on o na follow up order he then 
> changed his mind.....Water over the dam. He had never even had a CoCo 
> before and was expecting to build a boot 10 minutes into it. Not 
> realistic.

Actually, the man is very knowledgeable about computers and OS details. The 
Coco is only the latest addition to his collection of "retro" computers, and 
he is a quick study.

> The CDF issue caught us by surprise and Chris was quick to address. I will 
> speak to Boisy on this.

Ah, so maybe I can expect to hear from Chris soon?

> I use VED, hands down, very good, the best???? YMMV I haven't purchased 
> any from Bob in many years and now are out. So maybe he will release, 
> don't know. Free tools get you so far, or write your own....by the time 
> you are done you forgot why you wrote it in the first place, it seems. :)

I'm a very big fan of VED also, having used it since very early in its 
history. I'd love to see Bob van der Poel release it to the Coco community, 
but that's his call.

> Luis has done some really GREAT work in this area. He started out at 
> ground level and now....I think he's got it. :)

I must have missed his email about that. I searched my own storage of Coco 
emails, but came up blank.

> Some of this is our fault as the docs might lean toward expert level. By 
> the time we get to writing the docs, I am WAY beyond wanting the project 
> to be over........I dislike to write....it isn't easy for me. I can do it 
> but I would rather design hardware. Something on my next release will try 
> and do a better job. I do believe that SuperDriver and HDB-DOS are very 
> well done...... :)

I know how hard it is to strike a balance between writing for new users and 
"old hands". I used to edit the Australian OS9 Newsletter (along with Don 
Berrie and Gordon Bentzen).

> Anyway so many hours in the day and I am working on the next generation 
> product. Makes our current product line look slow.......Quite a learning 
> curve so lots of time in databooks......and test code.

Hmm, sounds interesting.....

Regards, Bob Devries
Dalby, QLD, Australia