*HELP returns "Bad Command" and CTRL+BREAK does soft reset

[SevernWolf]

Bought a Model B issue 4 today and briefly tested it before I order some caps for the PSU.

It powers on and BASIC commands work, but *HELP returns "Bad Command" and CTRL+BREAK does a soft rather than a hard reset. I've tested CTRL+G and it produces a beep so it's not the CTRL key at fault.

The only ROMS fitted are OS and BASIC and it seems pretty stock.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

[Pernod]

It powers on and BASIC commands work, but *HELP returns "Bad Command" and CTRL+BREAK does a soft rather than a hard reset. I've tested CTRL+G and it produces a beep so it's not the CTRL key at fault.

Sounds like it's running an old OS, what does *FX0 tell you? Suspect it'll be OS EPROM 0.10.

[SevernWolf]

Sounds like it's running an old OS, what does *FX0 tell you? Suspect it'll be OS EPROM 0.10.

Thanks. Yes it's OS EPROM 0.10. Does that version of the OS not have *HELP?

Any idea on the CTRL+BREAK problem?

[Pernod]

Thanks. Yes it's OS EPROM 0.10. Does that version of the OS not have *HELP?

No *HELP, doesn't support other ROMs, and suspect you'll also have BASIC1 (type REPORT after power-on will say 1981). This sounds like a very early machine that hasn't been upgraded in any way, and is not very useful in this state.

You should upgrade them to OS1.20 and BASIC2.

[hoglet]

Any idea on the CTRL+BREAK problem?

In OS 0.1, a hard break was generated by pressing BREAK twice in quick succession.

In OS 1.0 this was changed to CTRL+BREAK.

Dave

[SevernWolf]

Thanks, both. I'm very pleased it's not broken.

I've used a few Beebs in my time and never come across OS 0.1 before.

I'll locate some OS1.2 and BASIC2 ROMS. In fact, maybe it's a good excuse for me to buy an EPROM burner!

[maniacminer]

Get an eraser if you're going down the EPROM road...