Re: How do I boot a Model 4 from disk?

Blake Patterson wrote:
On Apr 27, 12:20 am, "Bill Plenge" <B_Ple...@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Blake Patterson wrote:
On Apr 26, 11:59 pm, "Tom Lake" <tl...@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
"Blake Patterson" <blakes...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in
messagenews:19008afd-f196-4da2-b5f8-fdfa05e8cb20@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I just received a TRS-80 Model 4 from eBay. My first TRS-80 ever
(and I've been into computers since '82). How do I boot it from
disk?
I have TRSDOS 6, LDOS, etc. But I turn the machine on and am greeted
by "CASS?" and then a request for sys memory levels and then a
prompt. The two drives are spinning at this point. How do I boot the
DOS?
If you're getting the CASS? message without holding down the Break
key,
either the disk drive interface is defective or the Break key is
stuck down
somehow. A working Model 4 should display a Diskette? message if the
Break key isn't held down.
Tom Lake
Several keys are bad: 2 r j ; z v b ...BREAK seems to work tho - it
CR's when I hit it.
So is the disk system dead? Steps to diagnose? Oy... Tnx. :-(
bp
Sounds like your problem is caused by the keyboard issue. The Model 4 would
boot to Model III cassette mode if a certain key was held down at power on.
That's why you were getting the Model III message. I don't remember what
key it was, it's been a long time. It sounds as if once the keyboard issue
is resolved it should fix your booting to disk problem too.

Best,
Bill

I see dated photos of this unit on the eBay auction item listing.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260230790905

It would seem something in shipping caused this to happen - certain
keys to die and perhaps something sticking preventing booting in
normal disk-based mode. I wonder what it could be? Opening up the
unit worth anything here? Thanks...



bp


You could try unplugging the keyboard from the system board to see if it boots from disk then(connects to the right side of the system board when the front of the unit is facing you).


-CN
.

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