Re: "Partner 128" by Timeworks Inc.

On 9/26/2022 10:17 AM, groepaz_at_gmx.net wrote:
> Hello fellow hackers!
>
> In the past days i have started to fix and enhance the cartridge emulation in
> the C128 emulator of VICE. Related to that, i am looking for more info on one
> of the cartridges:
>
> "Partner 128" by Timeworks Inc.
>
> This one is rather obscure, as there is a cable going from the cartridge to
> joystick port 2. There is also a button at the cartridge. It appears to have a
> simple "freezer" functionality, and that cable appears to play a role in that.
>
> Now if you google for this cartridge a bit, you can actually find pictures,
> some related d64, a pdf of the manual, and even a ROM dump. So far so good.
>
> Unfortunately the dump "out there" appears to be broken - so the first request
> is for a dump that has NOT the following checksum:
>
> $ crc32 partner128.bin
> e165bdb6
I have the actual cart here, so I think I can help with pics and dumps.  
Let me see if I can pull the cart apart.
>
> Another big question is: What is this mysterious cable really doing?
> Interesting things would be:
>
> - Pictures of the inside of the cartridge (that hopefully show where the cable
> is connected to.)
> - If the cable is not connected, how does this actually affect it's operation?
I cna take pics.  The 128 is buried at present, so will take a bit to test.
>
> Obviously having a schematic of the cartridge would be ideal - that is a
> request for someone who not only owns the cartridge, but is also able to open
> it and desolder some components eventually. Besides having too much time :)
Indeed.
>
> Additionally, since the manual is kindof vague at times, there are more
> questions:
>
> - how exactly do you bring up the "partner menu"?
I read the manual.  You hit the button
> - what exactly is the button for?
Above
> - the manual mentions ESCAPE but not exactly when to press/hold it, whats that
> about?
Not sure, where does it say that?
> - the manual mentions holding CTRL when the cable is in port 1 (?). what does
> that do?
My manual says it has to be in port 2, so no idea.
>
> If you own the cartridge please speak up, we can help with dumping and further
> inspection. Let's preserve this obscure thing :)
Jim
>
> --
>
> http://hitmen.eu                 http://ar.pokefinder.org
> http://vice-emu.sourceforge.net  http://magicdisk.untergrund.net
>
> Wir leben alle unter dem gleichen Himmel, aber wir haben nicht alle den
> gleichen Horizont.
> <Konrad Adenauer, CDU>
>
>
>
>
>

-- 
Jim Brain
brain_at_jbrain.com
www.jbrain.com