Acorn Computers Limited PLUS 1, User Manual

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6 Dealing with
problems
The following is a brief guide to diagnosing problems that may occur when using the expansion
interface, and details of solutions which can be reached without technical assistance or voiding
the warranty. Do not open the Electron computer or Plus 1 cases, as any modifications you
make to this equipment may void the warranty. If in doubt, consult your dealer.
Improving processing speed
With the Plus 1 attached, the Electron has considerable extra processing to do, supervising the
extra facilities. This will usually not be noticeable, but the following steps may be useful to
minimise the speed decrease:
– Use
MODE
s 4 to 6, as advised in the
Electron User Guide.
– Turn off any ADC channels that are not needed (see 'Using the analogue interface from
BASIC', chapter 3).
– Disable all servicing of input and output via the Plus 1, using
*FX163,128,1
and re-
enable servicing with
*FX163,128,0
when required.
Problems which may not be faults
Tape filing system commands aren't working– you must switch to the tape filing system (
*TAPE
RETURN) after using cartridges (see chapter 5).
Tape loading error – to reduce data errors, avoid using
MODE
s
0 to 3 while loading and saving
to tape. If you are using the tape for data storage (
PRINT#, INPUT#, BPUT#,
BGET#
), try the suggestions for improving processing speed given above, for the duration of
the tape operations.
Cannot return to BASIC from a cartridge – some cartridges are protected against piracy by
disabling the BREAK key. To use BASIC, remove the cartridge and then press BREAK. See
chapter 5 for further details.
Programs that cannot run with the Plus 1, but work without it – try the suggestions for
improving processing speed, above.