ZCom v 2.00 - Fast Communication Routine for Basic




Created by Johan Rydh

Introduction
Example
Instructions
Troubleshooting
Version History
Future Additions
Legal Disclaimer
Thanks to
Contact me


Introduction

ZCom is a communication routine for Basic programs. It can transfer real/complex variables, real/complex lists, matrixes and strings between TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus calculators, at a speed around 1.22 kB/s trough the I/O port! (The USB port does not work.)

This routine is 100% compatible with:

the TI-83 Plus, the TI-83 Plus Silver Edition,
the TI-84 Plus and the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition

(ZCom v 2.00 is not compatible with earlier versions of ZCom)

This routine is made to replace the communication routine built-in in Basic,
that often doesn't work. This routine should always work!

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Example

Example of Sending a Complex Value:


Example of Sending a String:

Note: These animations were made for an earlier version, now the transfer speed is higher!

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Instructions

ZCom is a communication routine that sends the content of the Ans variable, which can be a real or complex value, a real or complex list, a matrix or a string, and stores it as the Ans variable at the recieving calc. This routine is fully compatible with all members of the TI-83 Plus family and the TI-84 Plus family, you can tranfer data through two different types of these calcs!
(ZCom v 2.00 is not compatible with earlier versions of ZCom)

To send a variable or value, use this syntax:
Variable/Value:Asm(prgmZSEND
ZSend does not wait for any reciever.

To recieve a variable or value, use this syntax:
Time:Asm(prgmZGET:Ans→Variable
Where Time is how long to try to recieve:
0: 150 ms
1: 5,5 s
2: 2 min and 40 s

The variable Theta, Θ, holds the transfer status:
-1: Transfer succesful!
-1: Transfer error or timeout!
-2: Not enough free memory! (Only returned to the recieving calc, the sending calc gets -1.)

To be sure that the transferring was succesful, use a loop construction:

Sending:

Receiving:

:Repeat Θ=1:Repeat Θ=1
:Variable/Value:Asm(prgmZSEND:2:Asm(prgmZGET
:End:End
:Ans→Variable

If you want to use this routine in your program, please give me a credit by run the Asm-program ZCOMLOGO in the beginning of your program.

IMPORTANT!

This routine needs, for the TI-83 Plus, at least OS 1.13!
The routine DOES NOT CHECK for OS version, and an earlier version may CAUSE A CRASH!

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Troubleshooting

You can't transfer a variable:

• Check the cable connection. (You have to use the I/O port.)
• Check that the ZGet is running while you send the variable with ZSend.
• Check the version of ZCom, v 2.00 is not compatible with earlier versions.

One or both of the calcs has "locked":

(The program cannot actually "lock", but it can seems like that.)
• Press and hold ON until the message ERR:BREAK appears.
•• (This takes often some seconds or a few minutes, so it's recomended to take out the cable
•• from one of the calcs and press it to any metal. Then, do the same with the other calc.)
•• DON'T FORGET TO HOLD THE ON KEY!

Note: The run-indicator will not run while running any of these programs, it is not an fault!

I think that this routine should be 100% bug free, but if you find any bug, please tell me!

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Version History

V 1.00: First release with same functions as V 2.00, but with a low speed.
V 1.01: Mostly the same as V 1.00.
V 2.00: A new rewritten version, that both is a lot faster and smaller,
V 2.00: a new logotype was added, and also a new HTML-based ReadMe.

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Future Additions

Function to send pictures and programs.
Communication through the USB port for the TI-84 Plus and the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition.

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Legal Disclaimer

The author assumes no responsibility for any damage or error.

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Thanks to

Sean McLaughlin for the Learn TI-83 Plus Assembly In 28 Days -guide,
where I have learnt much about assembly programming.

Jimmy Nordström who has helped me to test the routine for the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition,
and who has given me some good ideas.

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Contact me

If you have any questions or anything else to report, mail me at
jrydh@hotmail.com
Please set the subject to ZCom 2.00.

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ZCom v 2.00 - Fast Communication Routine for Basic
Created by Johan Rydh
10.2.2004