Re: Altered C64 Kernals: what is the best way to test them?

On 2014-11-03 21:50, Ruud@Baltissen.org wrote:

> I created three alternative Kernals for the C64 based on V3:
> - one without the cassette recorder routines
> - one without the RS-232 routines
> - one without both of them
> Reason: to be able to add my own functions like, for example,
> integrating the software of an IEEE interface cartridge into the
> Kernal.
> But I still haven't any idea if I accidently erased some routines
> needed by what ever software. The only way to find out is to run a
> lot of programs and to wait until it goes wrong. So I hope that some
> of you know a program that if that one runs fine, 99% of all
> programs (that don't use the RS-232 and/or cassette interface) for
> the C64 run fine.

Ruud, as you probably remember I am "invested in Dolphins". Why would 
that matter? Because DolphinDOS did exactly the same - they removed both 
the tape and RS-232 routines and still kept the compatibility very high. 
I hardly ever had to turn it off. Usually when something insisted on 
reading some bytes from ROM (like the "$") for directory listing (really 
- sic!) ;-)

So if you do a diff between the original and Dolphin KERNALs it may give 
you an idea about what you can overwrite and keep the compatibility. 
Sure it's not a 1:1 but maybe it can help.

> Other question: if YOU had to ommit routines, what would you prefer
> to keep: the RS-232 or the cassette interface?

Depends. But I'd probably drop RS first. IIRC they weren't that useful 
and good communication software used their own anyway? Anybody correct 
me if I am wrong on that.

-- 
SD!

       Message was sent through the cbm-hackers mailing list