TI-H: DriverLESS Memory Expander

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TI-H: DriverLESS Memory Expander

Hello!

I was wondering if anyone had ever considered a PIC or COP controlled 
memory expander that uses 100% TI-Protocol. It could send and recieve 
files using the standard link screen, but one file, maybe a TI-BASIC 
program file with the name EXPANDER could be a command file

Here is how I see it would work...

You type a command into the first line of the program and the argument 
would be the second line. For example, the TI-BASIC file with the words 
NEWDIR in the first line and an 8 character file name in the second line 
could create a new directory. DIR in the fisrt line and nothing in the 
second would set the expander to send a TI-BASIC program with a list of 
all the files, directories, and their contents. Typing DIR and a 
directory name would set it to send a TI-BASIC program with just that 
directory listed in it. Typing CD and a directory name or periods (.) to 
go backwards one or more levels would control what dirrectory you were 
in. Typing DELETE and a file or directory name would delete that file. 
Typing GET and a filename would set the expander to send a file of that 
name if it exists. You would simply send the file EXPANDER and when the 
expander reads the header, instead of storing it to the active 
directory, it would read the first command to the end of the line and 
then the file/dir name or periods. It would create new directorys, 
select the active directory, send a copy of the whole expander or just a 
specific directory, delete a file or entire directory, or tell what file 
you want to get. Once you tell it what to do with the EXPANDER file, you 
send or recieve your file using the standard link screen.

Is there ANY chance of building an expander like this. Maybe you could 
have it simply recieve a backup file to. If your calc crashes, reset it, 
create a file called EXPANDER using the program editor, type in the 
command to set the directory and send it then type BACKUP or whatever 
the calc names those things. Maybe, to send backups, it could ask what 
filename you would like to use for it, just so you can identify it and 
have multiple backups.

Preferably, it would run on any calc, and didplay only files with the 
specific calc's header.

This command thing would ELIMINATE the need to memorize the file names 
or buy a $20 LCD to slap on it. You could probably even create a driver 
that would use TI-Protocol or maybe even switch into a higher speed 
custom protocol. You could store the expander ASM program to the 
expander and copy it only when you need it or even restore it after a 
crash if you can first run a backup off of it!

Is this a possibility. I know it hasn't been done, but If no one else 
will try, I WILL. I will buy the equipment and the books I'll need to 
learn ASM and microcontrolers, because I'll need to learn it for one of 
my future college courses anyway (get ahead! =)!!!

Thanks!


Richard Piotter

email:

E-Mail:
richfiles1@hotmail.com
richfiles@usa.net

The Richfiles:
<A 
HREF="http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Lakes/5081/Richfiles.html">The 
Richfiles TI Page</A>
<A HREF="http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Lair/8510/Richfiles.html">The 
Richfiles Model Building Page</A>


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