Where are 'modules' documented?

[hsilop]

I am new to this 'module' idea. There is a tiny bit about them in the DM41X Quick Reference guide, but I still don't understand how they are supposed to work. I assume each module is a suite of programs, but how do I get access to them? I have managed to add the GAMES module into 'Page 8 bank1' but what next? CATALOG n doesn't show anything new. How to make this module 'visible' to the calculator?

Dazed and confused ... but having fun!

[HPMike]

I am new to this 'module' idea. There is a tiny bit about them in the DM41X Quick Reference guide, but I still don't understand how they are supposed to work. I assume each module is a suite of programs, but how do I get access to them? I have managed to add the GAMES module into 'Page 8 bank1' but what next? CATALOG n doesn't show anything new. How to make this module 'visible' to the calculator?

Dazed and confused ... but having fun!

Hello. Modules are an emulation of the physical ROM modules that could be plugged into a real HP-41CX calculator. As such they become extensions to the calculator and are independent of the internal memory. Think of them as separate packages of programs that can be loaded into memory for execution when called, but are not part of the CATALOG of programs that reside permanently in memory. By the same token, programs can be stored as RAW files on the FAT disk, but until you actually load them into memory, they do not appear in the DM41X CATALOG. To better understand the concept, I suggest that you read the HP-41CX manual. Also, there's a bit more information in the DM41X User Manual https://technical.swissmicros.com/dm41x ... er_manual/

Edit - Correction, they appear in CATALOG 2, whereas user programs appear in CATALOG 1.

[Thomas Okken]

Aren't they supposed to show up in CATALOG 2 ?

[rprosperi]

Modules (or .mod files) are modern file versions of the original Application ROM PAC (i.e. physical) modules. They provide a s/w method to "plug-in" an application pac ROM, by holding the contents of the old ROM modules.

So, if you plug the MATH.mod file int the 41X, it is exactly the same as inserting the MATH PAC ROM into your 41CX. When you do a CAT-2 and examine the contents, they are the same, and the programs act the same.

In the 80's, HP released about 25 ROM modules (most of these came pre-installed in the 41X), but there were many more created by other companies, hobbyists, writers, etc. right up until today, and in all there are more than 500 different modules in circulation.

I believe the .mod file format was created by Warren Furlow who wrote the V41 emulator and maintains the hp41.org website. Other prior emulators allowed you to install .rom files, which were similar file versions of the 4KB ROM images used in the 41, however some Application PACs actually contained more than 4K, so more then 1 ROM was needed; for example the Advantage module includes 3 x 4K ROMS. The .mod format simplifies the logistics of collecting, combining and installing mod files by providing a single file for each physical module.

hth

[hsilop]

Aren't they supposed to show up in CATALOG 2 ?

Aha! I can see 'GAMES 1A' listed under CATALOG 2. I guess that's progress.

[HPMike]

Aren't they supposed to show up in CATALOG 2 ?

Yes indeed, I didn't know that. Thanks !

[Thomas Okken]

Aren't they supposed to show up in CATALOG 2 ?

Aha! I can see 'GAMES 1A' listed under CATALOG 2. I guess that's progress.

OK! Next, try stopping the catalog with R/S, then using SST and BST to move to the module you want, then hit ENTER to list its contents.

[hsilop]

Aren't they supposed to show up in CATALOG 2 ?

Aha! I can see 'GAMES 1A' listed under CATALOG 2. I guess that's progress.

Okay, stumped again. What do I do now?

[Thomas Okken]

Aren't they supposed to show up in CATALOG 2 ?

Aha! I can see 'GAMES 1A' listed under CATALOG 2. I guess that's progress.

Okay, stumped again. What do I do now?

Try stopping the catalog with R/S, then using SST and BST to move to the module you want, then hit ENTER to list its contents.

[hth313]

Press R/S inside CAT 2. Then to view the contents of the module header shown press ENTER. You can use R/S to start and stop the rolling display, SST/BST when stopped to single step in the catalog.

You may want to consult the Games application pac manual. There are scans available as pdf and similar. http://hp41.org contains a lot of things, http://hpmuseum.org also has a DVD with loads of stuff. There are probably other places you can find it too.