SpecNext Wiki - User contributions [en-gb]

ESXDOS

2020-09-20T09:30:26Z

Error: added last step

= esxDOS =

esxDOS is one of the operating systems that can be run on the Next. It provides a POSIX-like API to access the SD card as disk and it provides a familiar interface to the disk from BASIC. esxDOS from version 0.8.6 supports the Real Time Clock of the Next; a new version 0.9.x is being written with features like Long File Name (LFN) support. esxDOS currently only supports the so-called USR0 mode in BASIC (single keyword/48K Basic) - there is an experimental .128 command to allow the editor to be started.

You do not need to install esxDOS if you just want to run software designed for it as NextZXOS implements the esxDOS Application Programming Interface (API) so programs will work anyway. This includes running "dot commands". You can copy your dot command files to the /DOT folder of the SD card. Note that NextZXOS already includes several dot commands that are newer than the ones included with esxDOS, so you may want to use these. Many of these work on
both systems. For esxDOS compliant versions, use the ones located under c:/dot/extra.

If you want to use its other features like BetaDisk support or just want to see what it is like you will need to follow the instructions to install it as another identity on the Next.

Instructions to Install esxDos on the Next

1. Download the esxDOS distribution (minimum version 0.8.6) from www.esxdos.org

2. Within NextZXOS, create two folders on the root of your SD card, named "bin" and "sys" by giving:

mkdir "c:/BIN"
mkdir "c:/SYS"
mkdir "c:/TMP"

3. Using a PC, unzip the contents of esxdos.zip.

4. If you have an esxmmc.rom file in what you unzipped, rename esxmmc.rom to esxmmc.bin. If you have an esxmmc.bin file, proceed to the next step.

5. Copy the esxmmc.bin file into /machines/next/ on the SD card

6. Copy the contents of the "BIN" and "SYS" folders in the esxDOS distribution into their respective places on the SD card.

7. You need enter to "ZX Spectrum Next Configuration" menu by hard reset your Spectrum Next. Just holding Reset key pressed for a second. Then as soon as the logo shows press the Space key.
In "ZX Spectrum Next Configuration" menu press "E" and change "DivmmcROM" and "Divmmc HW" to YES by Space key. Then press Enter.

Done! While loading you will see the ESXDOS logo.

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOSKolGrADU Video instruction]

== NMI Browsers ==
=== Integral ===
esxDOS comes with an integral NMI browser written by UB880D which is ready to use, so the alternative browsers below are optional.
=== Bob Fossil ===
There is a new NMI browser for esxDOS written by Bob Fossil, which supports long filenames and has a bunch of extra features. You may wish to try this out. Details and the latest version are available [https://spectrumcomputing.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=2553&sid=31246bac9dd1d521608d819c17f43fc4 here].

Note that this browser is '''''not''''' compatible with NextZXOS (main Next boot personality). It '''''is''''' compatible with esxDOS on the Next (other boot personalities).

=== Dr Slump ===
There is also another NMI browser for esxDOS written by Dr Slump. This one doesn't support long filenames, but has 64 column text and a bunch of extra features. It can be downloaded [http://board.esxdos.org/viewtopic.php?id=94 here].

Note that this browser is '''''not''''' compatible with NextZXOS (main Next boot personality). It '''''is''''' compatible with esxDOS on the Next (other boot personalities).

Tilemap

2020-09-19T00:54:25Z

Error:

== Tilemap ==

A screen mode similar to hardware text linked to the ULA modes which allows for either 40x32 or 80x32 16-colour 8x8 tiles.

The tilemap is enabled using {{NextRegNo|$6B| / 107}}

bit 7: 0=disable tilemap, 1=enable tilemap
bit 6: 0=40x32, 1=80x32
bit 5: 0=attributes in tilemap, 1=no attributes in tilemap
bit 4: 0=primary palette, 1=secondary palette
bits 3-2: reserved (0)
bit 1: 0=256 tile mode, 1=512 tile mode
bit 0: 1=tilemap over ULA

The tilemap consists of two data areas: tile descriptions and an actual tilemap; both of which are located in 16k page 5

=== Tile Description ===

The tile description area is a contiguous list of tile descriptions starting at the location indicated by bits 5-0 of the value in {{NextRegNo|$6F| / 111}}.

Each tile description is a 32 byte block of 4-bit values describing the indices of each pixel of a tile in row major order.

=== Tilemap ===

The tilemap begins at the location stored in bits 5-0 of {{NextRegNo|$6E| / 110}}.

This map either consists of either pairs of tile numbers and tile attributes, or a list of tile numbers. If no attributes are present (bit 5 of Nextreg $6B=1) then the attributes for all tiles come from {{NextRegNo|$6C| / 108}}.

==== Tile Attribute ====

bits 7-4: palette offset
bit 3: mirror X
bit 2: mirror Y
bit 1: Rotate
bit 0: In 256-tile mode ULA over tilemap, in 512-tile mode bit 8 of tile number

=== Additional Registers ===

{{NextRegNo|$1B| / 27}}
bits 7-0: Coord. of the clip window
1st write = X1 position
2nd write = X2 position
3rd write = Y1 position
4rd write = Y2 position
The values are 0,159,0,255 after a Reset
Reads do not advance the clip position

{{NextRegNo|$2F| / 47}}
bits 7-2: Reserved (0)
bits 1-0: MSB X Offset
Meaningful Range is 0-319 in 40 char mode, 0-639 in 80 char mode

{{NextRegNo|$30| / 48}}
bits 7-0: LSB X Offset
Meaningful range is 0-319 in 40 char mode, 0-639 in 80 char mode

{{NextRegNo|$31| / 49}}
bits 7-0: Y Offset (0-255)

{{NextRegNo|$43| / 67}}
bit 7: '1' to disable palette write auto-increment.
bits 6-4: Select palette for reading or writing:
000 = ULA first palette
100 = ULA second palette
001 = Layer 2 first palette
101 = Layer 2 second palette
010 = Sprites first palette
110 = Sprites second palette
011 = Tilemap first palette
111 = Tilemap second palette
bit 3: Select Sprites palette (0 = first palette, 1 = second palette)
bit 2: Select Layer 2 palette (0 = first palette, 1 = second palette)
bit 1: Select ULA palette (0 = first palette, 1 = second palette)
bit 0: Enable Enhanced ULA mode if 1 (0 after a reset)

{{NextRegNo|$68| / 104}}
bit 7: 1 to disable ULA output
bit 6: 0=select the ULA colour for blending in SLU modes 6 & 7
1=select the ULA/tilemap mix for blending in SLU modes 6 & 7
bits 5-1: Reserved (0)
bit 0: 1=enable stencil mode when both the ULA and tilemap are enabled
(if either are transparent the result is transparent otherwise the
result is a logical AND of both colours)

=== More info ===
[https://www.specnext.com/tilemap-mode/ Article about Tilemap Mode]

FAQ

2020-09-19T00:49:52Z

Error: I have repeatedly seen user questions about bad screen in Pentagon mode. I think it is worth including this in the FAQ.

== I am using HDMI and I get no picture ==
When the Next boots hold down D for DIGITAL (HDMI) – Mode 7 50hz / 60hz can be selected. N selects the next frequency, ENTER selects it and saves. ONLY PRESS ENTER if you actually see a screen like the one below. N is NOT necessary as the testscreen will automatically go to the next mode albeit slower.
[[File:Figure02-TestScreenMode7.png|thumb|ZX Spectrum Next Test Screen]]

You will also get an audible intermittent tone so you know your audio is working. It's possible your display can lock onto both modes but only one being able to lock onto the audio. Choose the one with the tone before pressing ENTER.

== I am using VGA and I get no picture ==
When the Next boots hold down V for VGA – Mode 0-6 50hz / 60hz can be selected. VGA0 is the
preferred mode as this has accurate timings. 1 – 6 are also accurate timings but increase slightly
in speed. N works as above but there are 12 possible configurations you can choose from. You'll start at VGA0@50Hz, next one will be the same at 60Hz and so forth. ENTER again selects and saves the changes. Audio is also being produced during the VGA Test Screen phase, however you will need powered speakers (or earphones) plugged in the audio out connector at the back of your Next.

== I'm using an HDMI display and a game's graphics appear garbled ==
Some games (specifically ones with multicolour or border effects - eg. Nirvana/Bifrost engine games, certain demos particularly ex-Soviet demoscene ones) require precise timings as with a regular Spectrum. Due to the nature of HDMI displays and the lack of internal buffering on the Spectrum Next display hardware currently these will not work properly and require a VGA or RGB display.
This is expected to be fixed in a future edition of the core/distribution but until then, there are a few alternative solutions:
a. An extra Spectrum core that implements precise HDMI timings by removing some of the Next's extra features.
b. Use of OSSC hardware which takes the Next's RGB/VGA display and converts it to HDMI independently
c. Use of the ZXHD or TkPie hardware expansions (only for standard Spectrum modes at 3.5MHz clock)
Next specific programs do not have this issue as they're made taking the current HDMI timing differences into account and will continue to work in the future when the most appropriate HDMI solution is implemented.

== My monitor shows wrong image with Soviet timings(Pentagon) ==
Pentagon has a non-standard screen refresh rate of 48.828Hz, some monitors do not support it. In some cases, can help manual picture settings in menu of your monitor.
Another solution to the issue is to buy a monitor that is compatible with Pentagon timings. User-generated list of compatible monitors located here: http://www.nedopc.com/zxevo/zxevo_supported_monitors.pdf
As a rule, monitors from this list are available on the secondary market at a low cost. Before purchasing desirable testing monitor with Pentagon mode.

== HELP! My <insert game name here> doesn't work while it works on my <insert older Spectrum model here> ==
This is most likely due to a specific incompatibility of said program with the Next's extra hardware. The NextZXOS loader module, provides a lot of options for loading software catering to each model's idiosyncracies but also gives you the option to disable almost all Next extra hardware in order to make it work. If, after trying everything, the software doesn't work, you need to inform the team using the official gitlab repo "Issues" (registration is required) and provide a link to a copy of your program. The team will look at the specific issue and respond/fix the issue as soon as possible.

== What classic files can I load on my Next? ==
[[File:Spectrum-plus-3-tape-lead.jpg|thumb|ZX Spectrum Next/+3 Tape Lead]]
The Next supports TAPs (preferred), SNAs, DSKs, Z80s which can be loaded from the browser
menu by selecting them with the cursor keys and ENTER (or a joystick and Fire) -OR- by using the SPECTRUM command. (See Chapter 20 in the manual for details).
Place the files on your SD card and pick from the Browser.
If you are using an external tape player then you require a cable from player to the EAR/MIC
socket of your Next. A Tape Tester is provided from the main menu of NextZXOS – Select More
and Tape Tester.
When you are ready to load a real tape choose the Tape Loader and press PLAY on your player.
The cable follows [https://store.activeconsult.co.uk/shop?olsPage=products%2Fear-mic-cable&page=2 the +3 standard] and MUST be monophonic from the TAPE deck side. Do not try a straight mono cable as used in the Spectrum 128 and earlier as it will not work.

== How can I load TZX files? ==
TZX files can be loaded if you have a pi0 or an external TZX player. If you have a pi0 please see
below for more information. Before asking for help please have this information ready 

== My LED does not go out when I unplug the power! ==

[[File:Next HDMI PSU.jpg|thumb|Remove ALL cables]]
Some TVs will back-power the Next through the HDMI cable, so it’s important to '''REMOVE ALL CABLES''' after a firmware
update and to turn off completely. If your TV/Display has multiple inputs try using one of the other ones as usually NOT ALL HDMI ports exhibit this behaviour.

The back-power situation also happened in one case with I/O serial cable used at joystick port, general rule seems to be "if it has own power, and is connected to Next, it may back-power it" - in case of problems to power-cycle the Next properly, unplug all such cables/peripherals first and try again.

== How do I update my Next? ==
Zero day distro is [https://www.specnext.com/latestdistro/ here]. To update your Next, extract the contents of the distro to your SD card. Power down the Next,
Press and hold U and power on until you see the Updater screen and follow the instructions. As
above if you are using HDMI you need to remove all cables when instructed to power off your
Next.

== How do I update the Pi in my Next (NextPi)? ==
NextPi can be downloaded [https://zx.xalior.com/NextPi/ here], and you can use [https://www.balena.io/etcher/ Etcher] to write this to a 1GB SD card.

== I have a pi0 but cannot get TZXs to load ==
You will require a new updated '''dot/pisend''' and '''nextzxos/tzxload.bas''' from the
[https://gitlab.com/thesmog358/tbblue git repository]. These need to be placed in the correct folders on your SD
card. These files have updated after the distro was released. 
You can check if the pi0 is correctly responding by going into Command Line and running “.term”
You should see Terminex, press SYM+SHIFT+B to switch to 115,200 baud and press Enter. If you
see the words “SUP>” then your pi0 is ready. You can quit Terminex by pressing SYM+SHIFT+Q

To load a TZX, place some TZX files on your SD card and you should be able to select the files
from the Browser and the Next should do the rest. If you come across a game that doesn’t work
please let us know.

I have problems loading TZXs: 
 
Are you on the latest core / NextZXOS? 
Have you updated to the latest git distro? [https://gitlab.com/thesmog358/tbblue/-/archive/master/tbblue-master.zip git repository] 
What video mode are you using? (VGA0/HDMI etc) 
What game didn't work? (You need to supply the exact name) 
Where did the loading fail? Did the game load fine but crash etc? 

== How do I sort the contents of my SD card? ==
You will need to use a tool on a PC such as [http://www.anerty.net/software/file/DriveSort/?lang=en DriveSort] (Windows) or [https://fatsort.sourceforge.io/ FatSort] (cross OS compatible)

== Where do I buy RTC / Mouse / Memory / Wifi / Pi0 / Inline Power Switch… ==
ActiveConsult sell most of these products and can be found [https://store.activeconsult.co.uk/shop?olsPage=products&page=1 here].
SCART cables can be purchased [https://coolnovelties.co.uk/coolnovelties/sinclair-zx-spectrum/312-zx-spectrum-next-analog-rgb-scart-cable-0705693507088.html here], also here: [https://www.retrocomputershack.com/] NOTE that you will need to boot your ZX Spectrum Next and press the R key to set up the SCART output.

== What controller / joystick / gamepad can I use? ==
[[File:Atari-2600-Paddles.jpg|thumb|Atari 2600 Paddles]]The Next supports any “Atari” standard joystick or gamepad, along with Master System and
MegaDrive pads. A good option is the [https://www.amazon.co.uk/8Bitdo-Wireless-Gamepad-Original-Genesis/dp/B07HB1XFQW 8bitdo wireless MegaDrive pad].
You '''CANNOT''' use the '''Sinclair Branded SJS-1''' joysticks sold for +2/2A/3 ZX Spectrums as they require a special adapter.
If your joystick has both black and grey plugs, '''DO NOT''' plug in the grey plug, as that only works on +2/2A/3 ZX Spectrums and will damage your Next.

The Next also supports [https://www.atariage.com/controller_page.php?ControllerID=3&SystemID=2600 Atari 2600 driving controllers]. These are digital quadrature rotary encoder devices, identifiable by the word "driving" and picture of a racing car. [https://www.atariage.com/controller_page.php?SystemID=2600&ControllerID=2 Atari 2600 paddles] (identifiable by the word "paddle" and picture of tennis rackets) contain analogue potentiometers, which are '''NOT''' physically compatible and could damage your Next.

== How do I change the CPU speed/ Scanlines etc? ==
The following keys combinations can be used to : 
NMI + 1 Hard reset 
NMI + 2 toggle scan doubler 
NMI + 3 toggle 50 / 60 Hz 
NMI + 4 Soft reset 
NMI + 7 Toggle scan lines (25/50/75%) 
NMI + 8 Toggle CPU speed (3.5/7/14/28) 
NMI + 9 NMI menu 

== Where can I download games / roms ? ==
[https://spectrumcomputing.co.uk/ Spectrum Computing] and [https://www.worldofspectrum.org/ World of Spectrum] are good places to start

== My internal keyboard is not responding – help!==
First turn off the Next completely and remove all cables and try again. Failing that a keyboard
cable may have become loose. You can watch a video on how to open your Next here: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLDz4AjL3rA

== My ps/2 keyboard is not responding – help!==
Edit your '''c:/machines/next/config.ini''' file so that '''ps2=0''', or use a [https://store.activeconsult.co.uk/shop?olsPage=products%2Fps2-keyboard-mouse-splitter ps/2 splitter].

== How do I install pi0 / Wifi / RTC / Memory? ==
As above a guide on how to open your Next can be viewed. Also read the appropriate Chapter in the manual.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLDz4AjL3rA here].

== How can I get the expansion bus working with external hardware? ==
By default, the Next disables the expansion bus, as external hardware can conflict and is unlikely to run at CPU speeds faster than 3.5MHz. The bus can be enabled and and individual conflicting internal hardware disabled through Next registers 128 and 130..137 (manual pages 270..271). [https://www.specnext.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1482&p=9701&hilit=RAM+music+machine+expansion+bus#p9701 Here] is a detailed example of getting the RAM Music Machine working, and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU9NTQqQ1fg here] is a video demonstrating unsing Interface 1/microdrives.

== Can I use Amstrad/Sinclair SJS-1 joysticks with the Next? ==

'''NO!''' [https://rk.nvg.ntnu.no/sinclair/computers/peripherals/sjs1.htm SJS-1 joysticks] have fundamentally incompatible wiring compared with the standard Atari-wired joysticks the Next uses. Using them on the Next will short the 5V line to ground, potentially damaging your Next. Bin them, sell them, or keep them for your original +2, +2A or +3, where they will work fine but still be quite rubbish.

== Why don't my VGA/joystick sockets have hex nuts to screw the cable in? ==
VGA sockets with hex nuts are typically bolted to a metal chassis. On the Next there is no chassis to screw onto, so you would just be screwing into the connector which is a VERY bad idea. The Next sockets are only fixed tight with small solder pads.
VGA cables are heavy and will put a lot of leverage on the VGA PCB pins, and likely to fracture the PCB or pins on the VGA socket. An unscrewed cable will still stay firmly in the socket during normal use, but will safely unplug if you yank the cable or leverage the plug.

== I thought I had the latest version of the distro? ==
Go by the version numbers of the firmware, core and NextZXOS when deciding if you have the latest version. Ignore the post date on the [https://www.specnext.com/latestdistro/ latest distro] page. Wordpress post dates don't automatically update when existing posts are edited.

== Why doesn't the manual have a table of contents / index ==
Short answer: It didn't fit in the box as the boxes were made way before the manual was completed.
Long answer: TL;DR :)

== Where can I download a copy of the manual with a ToC and index? ==
Right here : https://www.specnext.com/zx-spectrum-next-user-manual-first-edition/

Myopian's [https://www.cs.hmc.edu/~oneill/specnext/manual-fixed.pdf fixed version] displays correctly in Safari, and can be read directly in browsers.

== Further Spectrum Next Video Guides ==
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2lCM2mJCG_AonDyHJfqjxFR5VoqBWqoh

== Essential Lesser-Known Technical Docs ==
* The master [https://gitlab.com/SpectrumNext/ZX_Spectrum_Next_FPGA/-/blob/master/cores/zxnext/nextreg.txt nextreg] and [https://gitlab.com/SpectrumNext/ZX_Spectrum_Next_FPGA/-/blob/master/cores/zxnext/ports.txt port] lists are kept up to date, and fully describe the Next hardware for developers.
* The [https://gitlab.com/thesmog358/tbblue/-/blob/master/docs/extra-hw/pinouts/pinouts.txt pinouts] list has detailed information on connectors.
* The [https://gitlab.com/thesmog358/tbblue/-/raw/master/docs/nextzxos-changelog.txt NextZXOS change log] details what was new and fixed in each version of NextZXOS/NextBASIC.
* The four [https://gitlab.com/thesmog358/tbblue/-/tree/master/docs/nextzxos NextZXOS PDFs] have detailed information on the NextZXOS and esxDOS APIs, NextBASIC sysvars, and NextBASIC syntax.
* varmfskii's [https://raw.githubusercontent.com/varmfskii/zxnext_code/master/zx_next_notes/zxnext_notes.pdf ZX Spectrum Next Programming Notes] are an attempt to consolidate the Next programming interface into a single location.
* Myopian's [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dB8fKIfByGJTts409Ud8ly450a6SLPnLZc-nCBghBl8 API spreadsheet] summarises NextZXOS/IDEDOS entry points along with calling conditions.
* Myopian's [https://www.cs.hmc.edu/~oneill/specnext/dot-cmds.html dot command summary] collects together help and readme text for NextZXOS dot commands in one handy place.