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Program:  rom8x v0.1
Category:  DOS Utilities
Purpose:  83+/84+ ROM Packer
Author:  Andree Chea
E-mail:  andree@ss.ticalc.org

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rom8x is a program that will pack the minimum amount of code from your calculator into a ROM file for use with TilEm.  It does not require a specific linking software, as everything on the calculator-end is saved into a program which is sendable via all computer<->calculator linking software.  It supports the 83+/83+SE/84+/84+SE calculators.  As of this writing, the ROM images created with this program are supported in TilEm v0.971.  Future/previous version compatibility is not guaranteed, although it should work.

Note:  I will refer to the 83+/83+SE/84+/84+SE as 83+BE/83+SE/84+BE/84+SE, respectively.

Getting the Dumps
====================
For the 83+BE/83+SE, you need only 1 dump, but on the 84+BE/84+SE, you need two.  Here are the steps and programs that you need to send to your calculator.  It is STRONGLY recommended that you clear your RAM prior to running these programs, or have at least 17KB of RAM free.

Note:  Asm( is located in the Catalog, accessible by pressing [2nd]+[0]

83+BE
	- Send G83BE2.8xp to your calculator.
	- Run it by using Asm(
		- Your homescreen should have the following line:
			Asm(prgmG83BE2
	- Program D83BE2 should be created:  send this to the rom8x directory on your computer via your linking software.

83+SE
	- Send G83SE2.8xp to your calculator.
	- Run it by using Asm(
		- Your homescreen should have the following line:
			Asm(prgmG83SE2
	- Program D83SE2 should be created:  send this to the rom8x directory on your computer via your linking software.

84+BE
	- Send G84BE1.8xp and G84BE2.8xp to your calculator.
	- Run G84BE1 by using Asm(
		- Your homescreen should have the following line:
			Asm(prgmG84BE1
	- Program D84BE1 should be created:  send this to the rom8x directory on your computer via your linking software and then delete it from your calculator.
	- Now, delete D84BE1 to free up RAM
	- Repeat for G84BE2, again, sending D84BE2 to the rom8x directory.

84+SE
	- Send G84SE1.8xp and G84SE2.8xp to your calculator.
	- Run G84SE1 by using Asm(
		- Your homescreen should have the following line:
			Asm(prgmG84SE1
	- Program D84SE1 should be created:  send this to the rom8x directory on your computer via your linking software and then delete it from your calculator.
	- Now, delete D84SE1 to free up RAM
	- Repeat for G84SE2, again, sending D84SE2 to the rom8x directory.

The manual that comes with your calculator will explain how to clear your RAM or delete programs.

Errors on the Dumps
====================
You may encounter an error or two when using the programs on the calculator:

"You do not have 16KBs of RAM free."
	You do not have enough free RAM.  Try deleting/archiving some programs, or clear your RAM.

"Program D????? already exists."
	The program was already on your calculator.  Delete/backup the D????? program and try again.

Packing the Dumps
====================
Now that you have the respective dumps for your calculator, it is time to pack them into a .rom file.  Make sure the dumps are in the same directory as rom8x.exe, and open a command prompt.  Navigate to the rom8x directory (using 'cd' and 'dir') and type:

"rom8x [calcType]", where [calcType] is either:
	-p for 83+BE
	-s for 83+SE
	-4 for 84+BE
	-z for 84+SE

If all goes well, a message should pop up saying that "x?.rom was successfully created."  Now, paste that .rom file to your TilEm directory and start TilEm.

Errors in Packing
====================
"Could not open x?.rom for output"
	This file is probably being used by another program: close that other program and try again.

"Could not open D8??E?.8xp for reading"
	Either it doesn't exist in the rom8x directory, or it is being used by another program.  Move it and/or close the other program and try again.

"Error reading D8??E?.8xp"
	There was a fault somewhere while reading.  Make sure the file is an actual dump from the calculator.  If it persists, try getting the dumps from your calculator again.

"Could not write to x?.rom"
	For some reason, the data could not be written.  Check if there is any "Read only" status and try again.

Sending the OS
====================
You may be wondering why TilEm still doesn't work.  That's because rom8x only creates a "bootable" ROM image, meaning you still will need to provide an OS.  These OS upgrade files end with a .8xu extension, and, if you have TI-Connect installed, you can get them from TI-Connect's home directory on your computer.  Otherwise, go and download them from TI's website, http://education.ti.com/us/product/apps/latest.html#83p, or, if that link doesn't work, their home page, http://education.ti.com.  Please read TilEm's readme for info on sending an OS upgrade file.

Final Notes
====================
Not much to say, other than I hope this helps somebody!

Disclaimer
====================
By running this program, you agree to not hold me responsible for any damages that this program may cause.

ROM images are copyrighted by TI and should not be distributed.  I am not responsible for any issues that arise with your (mis)use of this program.

Bugs
====================
-?

If you find any, please report them!

Version History
====================
20050802	Version 0.1
-First Public Release

Future Versions
====================
-Support OS upgrade file (.8xu) integration into the ROM
-Source?

Credits
====================
Benjamin Moody (a.k.a. FloppusMaximus) for supporting the 84+ in TilEm and for various support answers :)
Various beta testers for testing this package.

Contact
====================
Any questions, comments, problems, criticisms? PLEASE send them all to:
andree@ss.ticalc.org

(2*b)||!(2*b); that = theQuestion;
Thank you for downloading!