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[DM12] Future enhanced firmware?

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2017 5:46 pm
by cbzeller
Hello,

I was wondering if there are any plans to release an updated firmware for the DM12 series to add access to extended memory? It would be great to be able to use the extra program lines and/or cash flow registers like on the HP 12C platinum.

Re: [DM12] Future enhanced firmware?

Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2017 9:37 am
by Michael
I'm sorry to tell you this is not going to happen in the near future.
Hacks like that require intens disassembling the ROM code and lots of debugging.

Re: [DM12] Future enhanced firmware?

Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2017 3:24 pm
by cbzeller
Hi Michael,

Thanks for the reply!

Do you think it would be possible to get the 12C Platinum ROM running on the DM12 hardware? I have no idea if a ROM dump even exists for the 12CP or what its legal status would be, so forgive me if this is a silly question.

Re: [DM12] Future enhanced firmware?

Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2017 3:34 pm
by grsbanks
cbzeller wrote:
Thu Dec 21, 2017 3:24 pm
Do you think it would be possible to get the 12C Platinum ROM running on the DM12 hardware?
That would be a "no".

The 12C Platinum and the 12C are two completely different machines under the bonnet.

The original 12C is based on a NUT processor. The DM1x hardware emulates that processor and is therefore able to run the original machine's ROM.

The 12C Platinum is based on an ARM processor that is nothing like the NUT processor, so the DM1x hardware is totally unsuitable.

There may also be legal ramifications. I know that prior to a certain date, if there was no copyright notice in the ROM then it was fair game, you could use it. I would not be surprised if the 12CP was produced after that date and/or the ROM (not that it is usable) contains a copyright notice.

Re: [DM12] Future enhanced firmware?

Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2017 3:42 pm
by Michael
grsbanks wrote:
Thu Dec 21, 2017 3:34 pm
... a certain date, if there was no copyright notice in the ROM then it was fair game ...
see http://nonpareil.brouhaha.com/microcode ... ht_status/

Re: [DM12] Future enhanced firmware?

Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2017 4:02 pm
by cbzeller
That makes sense. Thank you for the explanation.