View source for Fixing the Forget-Me-Not Clock software

'''Fixing the Forget-Me-Not Clock software'''

Techie Allison has found that by tweaking a few bytes inside the FMC_II.PRG file, you can get past it's problem of only lasting until 1999.

The hardware RTC (Real-Time Clock) is fine, it's just the software that can't set it. 


'''SOLUTION'''



FINDINGS

''Location:'' 000D87
''Original Value:'' 63h

When clicking DOWN, this is the maximum year value we roll around to. If the year is 80, and we click down, it rolls round to 99. This is that '99 value for the year 1999.


''Location:'' 000D7D
''Original Value:'' 50h

When clicking DOWN, this is the lowest value we can go before it rolls over. This is the minimum year. This is that '80 (1980) value. When we hit this number, it rolls around.

''Location:'' 000EF2
''Original Value:'' 50h

When click UP, this is the value we roll around to. Clicking on '99 will rollover to this number.

''Location:'' 000EE7
''Original Value:'' 63h

This is the maximum year we can go to, when clicking UP.


'''PROPOSALS'''

Ideally we want to count from 00 to 99 and to rollover from 99 to 0.

The following changes are to be made;

''Location:'' 000D7D
''Original Value:'' 50h
''New Value:'' 00h

''Location:'' 000EF2
''Original Value:'' 50h
''New Value:'' 00h


'''TESTING'''

Within Steem seems functional. Occassionally causes bombs. No clock cartridge. But counters apparently functional.

On a 4Mb STFM... IT DOES NOT WORK!!!

'''FAILURE!!!!!'''

When setting the FMCII cartridge. ANY number BELOW 80 causes an error, "Incorrect number of days in month."

'''CONCLUSION'''

We CANNOT have the counter running from 0 through to 99.


'''PROPOSALS'''

Revert to original idea, of setting past 1999. 80 must be the MINIMUM value. 128 will be the MAXIMUM value, thus a maximum year of 2028

''Location:'' 000D87
''Original Value:'' 63h
''New Value:'' 80h

''Location:'' 000EE7
''Original Value:'' 63h
''New Value:'' 80h


'''MAXIMUM YEAR OF FMCII'''

Testing indicates that 2059 is the maximum year. We will therefore release this as FMCII_9F.PRG. 9F is 159 in decimal.

For the patched version of FMCII.PRG, you'll need to visit the thread on the Atari Forum [http://www.atari-forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=9651]


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[[Category: How To]]