ALTAIR 8800 micro Users Manual
© Briel Computers 2010 page 33
Chapter 10: Special front panel functions
Having a front panel gives the operator the ability to control the system. Everything from programming
memory, to performing firmware updates. Here is a list of the current special front panel functions and the
conditions to use them.
Boot loading a file:
This is the power up sequence that is used to load BASIC or other custom saved file programs. To use this setup
you must have a binary (.bin) file stored on an SD card installed in the SD card slot with the power up.
Place address switch 11 up and the other 15 switches all down.
Turn up AUX switch and make sure PROTECT is down.
Now you can power on the Altair 8800 micro to begin the boot loading procedure. The boot loader will prompt
you for a file name. You must enter a file name using standard 8.3 naming procedure.
For example: 8kbas.bin
NOTE: There is no backspace when typing in the filename. If you make a typing error, you must power
down the unit and start over
Once the file name is found on the SD card it will begin loading the file into memory. You will see the memory
location lights increasing until the entire file has been loaded or 32K reached.
Backing up memory to a file on the SD card:
Use this front panel feature to backup your memory at any time. The backup feature will backup all of the lower
32K of RAM including BASIC and BASIC programs if entered into memory.
Lift the STOP switch so the CPU is stopped.
Lift AUX and PROTECT switches so they are both up.
Lift STEP and release to enter memory storage mode.
At this point you will be prompted to enter a file name to store the memory to.
NOTE: It is important that you enter a file name extension otherwise it will create a file that you can not
access or delete.
One example name is: memory.bin
NOTE: There is no backspace when typing in the filename. Use caution when entering the filename.
Make sure to use the standard DOS 8.3 file naming scheme. Once the file is stored, you can lower the
PROTECT switch and continue programming.
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