Message-ID: <96@ssc-vax.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 17-Sep-84 11:40:26 EDT
Article-I.D.: ssc-vax.96
Posted: Mon Sep 17 11:40:26 1984
Date-Received: Tue, 25-Sep-84 04:20:36 EDT
Organization: Boeing Aerospace, Seattle
Lines: 46

Various rumors have been flying around, but it appears
Commodore is going to release the Commodore 16 computer at
the end of the month.  The C-16 is the VIC's replacement- 16K
memory, 128 colors, more advanced BASIC (sorry, a contradiction
in terms).  However, it appears that Commoddore will be selling
the machine at almost a loss-leader price.  The apparent
result is that Commodore is trying to go the TI-99 route;
it is planning to make its money on the software.  As an 
adjunct to this, Commodore is NOT releasing technical info or
machines to the third party vendors.  Initial success of the
machine is very possible, as some large discount chains have
agreed to carry it this Christmas.  Beyond Christmas?  I have
my doubts.

I have a VIC/64 program currently on the market, and I am 
trying to develop a version for the C-16 for release before
Christmas.  I am assuming that the '16 will be close enough
to a '64 to allow use of a '64 assembler to help generate
the code.  Although Commodore has not been selling the
computers to the third party vendors, there have been some
machines released for evaluation.  I am trying to get as
much done on the conversion as I can, before the C-16 is
available.  If anyone has had any experience with these
evaluation machines, or knows someone "in the know", I could
really use the following information:

1.  How much actual user RAM is available?  How much is
underlying RAM?
2.  Does it use the 6502/6510?
3.  It apparently doesn't have the SID chip.  Is there an
individual volume control for each voice, or is it like the
VIC?
4.  Where is the Screen/Color memory located?
5.  What memory location controls character set location?  
Where may custom character sets be located?
6.  Is the hardware interrupt vector (IRQ) located at the
same place as the VIC/64?
7.  Where are the screen horizontal and vertical positioning
control memory locations
8.  Where does the BASIC RND routine start?
9.  Are there any "non-standard Commodore" operating features?

Thanks in advance.  Send all replies to:

		       Ron Wanttaja
		       (ssc-vax!wanttaja)