DREAM 6800 COMPUTER

bits are relevant. For example, to show FX29 and DXYN instructions, as explain- trot will return to the instruction
the hex value of V6, we would use an ed. While this may be confusing at first, following the particular "DO" state-
1629 followed by a DXY5, where X and it makes for a very versatile language, as ment (2MMM) that called it.
Y are again arbitrary. The F629 sets up I you will come to appreciate. Everything discussed in the last few
to point to the symbol corresponding A small part of a program, called a paragraphs is illustrated in the follow-
to the value of V6 (LSD). subroutine, can be accessed several ing program, plus the use of the timer
Another useful instruction, FX33, lets times from different parts of a larger and tone instructions, so you can see
you find the 3-digit decimal equivalent program. Further, a subroutine can how easy it is. Have a close look, and try
of any variable; e.g: F433 would store 3 "call" other subroutines (known as to understand its workings. The
bytes in memory, at the location subroutine nesting). Each subroutine program counts down V3, converting it
specified in I. To display this 3-digit must end with a RETURN statement to decimal, showing it, and bleeping,
number, you will need to be familiar (00EE) so that, upon completion, con- every second.
with another pair of instructions: FX55
and FX65. 0200 63FA V3= FA start counter at 250
FX55 takes the values of variablesVO 0202 A240 1=240 point to workspace
up to VX (incl.) and stores them in 0204 F333 MI= DEQ,V3 store dec. eq. of V3
successive memory locations, indexed 0206 F265 VO:V2 =MI Load same into V0:V2
by I. FX6S does the reverse, i.e. re-loads 0208 6418 V4=18 set display position
the variables from memory.These 021A 6510 V5=10
powerful instructions n.ot only extend 021C F029 I = DSP,V0 display V2
the number of available variables, but 021E 222C DO 22C
also let you perform array processing. 0210 F129 I =DSP,V1 display VO
Note that the pointer (I) auto 0212 222C DO 22C
increments with these two instructions, 0214 F229 I =DSP,V2 display V1
i.e. I is advanced by the number of 0216 222C DO 22C
variables stored or loaded (X+1), 0218 6602 V6=02 bleep for 2x20 msec
provided that a page boundary is not 021A 1618 TONE=V6
crossed. (A "page" is 256 bytes.) Also 021C 6630 V6=30 wait for 48x20 msec
note that if X=0, only one variable 021E F615 TIME=V6 (total 1 sec)
(VO) is affected. 0220 F607 V6 =TIME check timer
We can therefore use F256 to load 0222 3600 SKF V6=00
variables VO, V1 and V2 from memory at 0224 1220 GO TO 220
I. If we had previously used an F433 to 0226 73FF V3=V3-I-FF decrement counter
store the 3-digit decimal equivalent of 0228 0010 ERASE clear screen
V4 in memory at I, then VO, V1 and V2 022A 1202 GO TO 202 repeat . .
would now contain the "hundreds", 022C D455 SHOW 5@V4,V5 subr. to show digit
"tens", and "units" (resp.) of the value 022E 7404 V4= V4-1-04 move "cursor" right
of V4. These can be displayed with the 0230 OGEE RETURN

Here is a substitute circuit for the 6875 clock chip:

4MHz 7474 2.2k
CRYSTAL VCC

01, MPU

2/8-7404

5
2a ,1110
2F0 0 1/6-7404 9 02, MPU
20 ((MBE)
(2MHz)

111)1,010 002. BUS

1/6.7404
VCC VCC
114 114 114
7437 7404 1474
10ki
JZ J7
_ 1 EST RST 0 RESET
NOTE: REMOVE 2.2uF TANTALUM CAPACITOR FROM PCB

Just before the July issue was due to be run on the presses, the shortage of 6875 clock chips became apparent. It seems that it
could be several months before Motorola, Inc, USA is able to restore supplies. In the meantime, designer fti.J. Bauer has
produced a substitute circuit for the 6875 using cheap and readily available. TTL ICs. This circuit may be built up on a small
section of Veroboard and linked to the DREAM PCB via a ribbon cable fitted with DIL plug (16-pin) and IC socket, in the
6875 position. When the time comes, the TEL circuit can be discarded and the 6875 plugged in, instead. Note that the reset
circuitry must also be changed slightly, as noted on the circuit above.
104 Microprocessors & Personal Computers