SVI 738: 80 column mode in BASIC?

Resident (58)

26-10-2018, 19:34

I have only experience with plain MSX1 computers but has recently got myself a 738. Does BASIC support 80 column mode on this machine? If so, how can I use it? Tried "width 80" in screen 0 but got a syntax error.

By Wierzbowsky

Guardian (3597)

27-10-2018, 18:16

MSX1 don't have 80 columns in text screens. There was, however a DOS based utility that allowed to do that at least on YIS503II MSX1 machine in MSX-DOS. It's some sort of a hack, but it worked. I have no time to analyze how it was done, but if someone wants this utility, I can share.

By skumlerud

Resident (58)

28-10-2018, 09:23

Yes, but the 738 has the 9938 VDP and is capable of 80 columns in cp/m and MSX-DOS. Just wondered if BASIC also supported this.

I'm planning to upgrade the VRAM, VDP and ROMs to MSX+ so I assume 80 columns will be supported in BASIC then.

By Grauw

Ascended (10768)

28-10-2018, 09:37

Funny how for the CX5MII it is the other way around; it does work fine in BASIC (width 80), but in DOS it doesn’t scroll the screen properly (with key on at least).

The functionality is added to Basic by a small ROM built-in to the CX5MII which sets up a bunch of hooks. Could try to use that ROM on the SVI.

By rderooy

Paladin (686)

28-10-2018, 10:10

I think the 80 column mode was only supported with the special DOS and CP/M versions that came with it.
https://www.msx.org/wiki/Spectravideo_SVI-738

By gdx

Enlighted (6212)

28-10-2018, 11:04

Upgrade the SVI 738 to MSX2 to get 80 column mode. It's easy because the v9938 is already inside.

By NYYRIKKI

Enlighted (6067)

28-10-2018, 15:57

I also remember that I've seen such a program (WIDTH80.BIN) for SVI-738 BASIC, but unfortunately I can't give you a link. Like Grauw suggested the CX5MII ROM might be good way to go, but requires a flash cartridge or custom loader around it. MSX2 upgrade is also working solution.

By skumlerud

Resident (58)

29-10-2018, 08:57

Yes, I plan to upgrade to MSX2+. Just waiting for the new VDP and RAM-chips to arrive

By NYYRIKKI

Enlighted (6067)

29-10-2018, 14:59

skumlerud wrote:

Yes, I plan to upgrade to MSX2+. Just waiting for the new VDP and RAM-chips to arrive

BTW I've made MSX2+ ROM for SVI-738 with Norwegian keyboard layout. If you need it, please drop me a mail. (in profile)

By skumlerud

Resident (58)

29-10-2018, 21:04

Great Mail sent.

By HansO

Paladin (672)

05-11-2018, 08:54

The SVI.738 System disks contains programs to enable 80 column mode ins MSX-DOS and in Basic.

For MSX-DOS there is WIDTH80.COM, for Basic there is BASIC80.BAS loader and binaries

See http://msx.hansotten.com/special-msx-hardware/svi-738-xpress/ for the disk images.