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Minimum Requirements Are:-
--------------------------
Stock AMIGA A1200(HD), 68EC020 and upwards.
A FULL, standard, OS3.0x+ installation.
A FULL, Python Version 1.4x minimum installation, available on
AMINET.
(Designed to work around OCS, as the ABSOLUTE minimum graphics.)
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To do:-
-------
1) Continuing with the Data-Logger, saving data in ~#?.CSV~ format.
2) More documentation, including a manual for the Data-Logger.
Keep an eye on the URL for the latest version of Data-Logger:-
http://amiga.serveftp.net/Test_gear/Archives/
IT WOULD BE REALLY NICE FOR SOMEONE TO EMAIL ME; GOOD OR BAD!!!
wisecracker@tesco.net
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History:-
---------
15-05-2007.
-----------
Version 0.01.01. Added the experimental 'Call' and 'Jump' commands to
access YOUR own machine language routines/programs. 'Data-Logger' now
at Version 0.10.00.
01-05-2007.
-----------
Version 0.01.00. Added more documentation. Continued with the
'Data-Logger' project now at Version 0.00.16.
15-04-2007.
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Version 0.00.07. Added more documentation. Continued with the
'Data-Logger' project now at Version 0.00.14. Added another 'Experimental'
command, 'RMB', for right mouse button detection. Added the 'Val' command.
01-04-2007.
-----------
Version 0.00.06. Added the FREE semi-serious application, 'Data-Logger'
main archive. Added more documentation. Added another experimental
gadget/widget.
15-03-2007.
-----------
Version 0.00.05. Started a 'Gadgets&Widgets' drawer with some working
ideas/examples. Added even more documentation. Started a semi-serious
application using these ideas; a Data-Logger. Download the latest from
the above site. Re-arranged the directory structure.
(This is fast becoming an application addition rather than a fun idea.)
01-03-2007.
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Version 0.00.04. More snippets added. More useful documentation added.
01-02-2007.
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Version 0.00.03. More snippets added. 'User-Contributions' drawer added
to the 'Plugins' drawer.
20-01-2007.
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Version 0.00.02. More snippets added; make it GPL, due to the number
of downloads from AMINET within 4 days... :)
04-01-2007.
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Version 0.00.01. First upload to AMINET, (a taster upload)... :)
(Clr.py, Coloured-Text.py and Font.py.)
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Some extra items are available and related to this archive but are NOT
required - ALL are on AMINET...
Peek-Mem.lha
Peeking memory and registers using Python.
Poke-Mem.lha
Poking memory and registers using Python.
PAR_Python.lha
Accessing PAR: as 'VOLUME' using Python and requiring NO knowledge of the
parallel port at all.
PAR_READ.lha
This IS NEEDED from AMINET to access PAR: as a 'VOLUME'.
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AS WE LOWLY A1200+ USERS HAVE NOT GOT 'Tkinter' THEN SEE WHAT I AM UP TO!
Some sample code to extend the capabilities of Python 1.4x, (2.0x), for
the classic AMIGA range of computers. These REQUIRE an AMIGADOS Shell
for them to work and Python started from that Shell. READ the Manual for
more information about this.
IMPORTANT:-
-----------
I have LIMITED everything to the classic AMIGA AND its 16MB boundary ONLY.
Also LIMITED to the OCS chipset, as even an old style A500 can have at
least a 68020 or greater CPU accelerator card and OS3.0x installed, and
be able to run Python 1.4x to 2.0x successfully.
Enjoy finding simple solutions to often difficult problems... :)
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Installation:-
--------------
Just copy ALL OF THE CONTENTS of the ~Python_Enhancement~ drawer to the
~PYTHON:~ volume and away you go... :)
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Why Did I Do This Idea Using Executables?:-
-------------------------------------------
You might be wondering WHY I decided on using executables to do various
things inside Python?
Well the answers are VERY simple...
1) PRIMARY REASON... TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT!!!
2) SECONDARY REASON... Access to HW directly or indirectly as Python
CANNOT do this on its own... :(
3) Attempt to make a running Python program look a little prettier... :)
4) No third party special LIBRARY(s) is/are needed, where source code
is often unavailable.
5) Similarly for DEVICE(s) and HANDLER(s).
6) YOU can EASILY generate YOUR OWN executable(s), NO MATTER HOW TRIVIAL
IT/THEY IS/ARE and add it/them to the 'Plugins' section.
7) YOU can code to YOUR ability, NOT professional standards so long as
YOUR executable does what YOU want, NOT what others THINK you want.
(I use ACE Basic, VBCC, Dice-C, A68K and others, plus other commercial
types, e.g. DevPac2/3, Hisoft Basic, etc...)
8) My executables are able to be called from the CLI as normal and work
the same as if they were called from Python, therefore they can be
put into the 'Startup-Sequence' for example IF so desired.
IN THEORY THESE EXECUTABLES COULD WORK UNDER 'PHP' AND OTHER SCRIPTING
LANGUAGES THAT CAN EXECUTE A 'system(<command>)' CALL. THEY EVEN WORK
WITH A CLASSIC AMIGA AREXX PROGRAM RUNNING IN AN AMIGA SHELL!!!
9) ANYONE can join in NOT just coding experts and their buddies. Your
command(s) and code will be just as important as mine or anyone elses.
10) Get KIDS involved in SIMPLE coding and learning about programming.
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AMIGADOS Error Reports:-
------------------------
When calling commands that use the RC, (RETURN CODE), to pass values
back to Python, AMIGADOS error reports are printed. Those of you who are
experimenting with my ideas may have found ways around this.
There are a number of ways to help alleviate this problem... :)
These AMIGADOS error reports are NOT bugs as the RC is designed to
generate errors according to the value passed to AMIGADOS.
As you can/will see I use this method for easy transfer of 8, 16 and 32
bit data from these commands to Python.
I will explain methods as a 'cure' in due course; in the meantime however
enjoy finding simple solutions to often difficult problems... :)
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General Assumptions:-
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That You Should Have A Basic Knowledge Of:-
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1) How to set up the AMIGA.
2) How to BOOT up the AMIGA into either a CLI, (Command Line Interface),
or a WorkBench screen.
3) How to use the Keyboard.
4) How to use the Mouse.
5) How to start programs from the CLI or WorkBench.
6) The general operation of WorkBench, windows and requesters etc...
7) How to format a floppy disk.
8) How to create a BOOTABLE floppy disk.
9) Safely connecting ANY external equipment to the AMIGA.
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IMPORTANT:-
-----------
The Legal Stuff:-
-----------------
These programs are Public Domain and no profit will be made from them,
also all of the files must remain unaltered and intact including this
one. The author is not responsible for any damage to, or loss of, or
failure of equipment or data caused in any way by the use of these
programs. There is NO warranty with the use of these software releases
and YOU USE THEM AT YOUR OWN RISK.
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Testing Evaluation:-
--------------------
NOT PROVEN!!!
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An A1200(HD) in 2MB, 6MB and 10MB modes using trapdoor memory AND/OR
PCMCIA memory expansions and OS3.0x+.
A(n) HP Pavillion Notebook, model number dv2036ea, running Windows XP
SP2 and AF2005/WinUAE in 68040+ JIT mode with FULL sound enabled.
All test conditions WERE/ARE using standard ~topaz 8~ fonts throughout.
I have no idea what a strange configuration setup will create so refer
to the ~The Legal Stuff~ above.
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WARNING.
--------
1) DISCONNECT any faulty equipment under test from the MAINS supply.
2) If a DC supply is used do NOT reverse polarity the connections.
3) Do NOT power up any electronic item until it is safe to do so.
4) CHECK and RECHECK all of your construction and repair work thoroughly.
5) Handle ALL tools used with care.
6) Beware of ALL types of solvents, glues and etching fluids.
7) NEVER leave a soldering iron switched on unattended.
8) KEEP everything OUT of the reach of small children.
9) Switch OFF the AMIGA before disconnecting or connecting any hardware.
10) And finally read 1) to 9) again.
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Contact:-
---------
Mr Barry Walker, G0LCU,
70 King George Road,
Loughborough,
Leicestershire,
LE11 2PA,
England.
Email:- wisecracker@tesco.net
URL:- http://homepages.tesco.net/wisecracker/G0LCU.HTM
Author of the ~TestGear?~ projects in the ~hard/hack~ drawer of AMINET.
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A very useful HardWare related site, (C) Anthony Hoffman, for
modifications, schematics, repairs and the like is:-
http://amiga.serveftp.net/
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aminet net>