Apple II (another) MATRIX

A basic program to display a MATRIX like screen. It is written in assembly language only (Merlin).

Credits

• strongly inspired by : NEIL KANDALGAONKAR neilk@neilk.net
• https://github.com/neilk/apple-ii-matrix
• Pseudo random numbers : David Empson - "Random number generator"
• https://www.apple2.org.za/gswv/a2zine/GS.WorldView/v1999/Nov/Articles.and.Reviews/Apple2RandomNumberGenerator.htm
• Robert C Moore - "Random Bytes" (The Sourceror's Apprentice, Volume 1 Number 4 - April 1989)
• https://brutaldeluxe.fr/documentation/thesourcerorsapprentice.html

Features

• Works with ProDOS 8, it should work on DOS 3.3 (not tested with DOS 3.3 nor on GS)
• The program turns on 40 col. mode.
• Use the space bar to toggle between slow and fast mode. The fast mode disable wait loops.
• Use escape key to exit
• Use any other key to pause/unpause

Requirements to compile and run

Here is my configuration:

• Visual Studio Code with 2 extensions :

-> Merlin32 : 6502 code hightliting

-> Code-runner : running batch file with right-clic.

• Merlin32 cross compiler

• Applewin : Apple IIe emulator

• Applecommander ; disk image utility

• Ciderpress ; disk image utility

Note : DoMerlin.bat puts all things together. It needs a path to Merlin32 directory, to Applewin, and to Applecommander. DoMerlin.bat is to be placed in project directory. It compile source (*.s) with Merlin32, copy 6502 binary to a disk image (containg ProDOS), and launch Applewin with this disk in S1,D1.

mA2.s is ready to be compiled on a genuine Apple II, with Merlin 8. It can be imported in a disk image using Ciderpress, then used on an Apple II (c in my case). I use Floppy emu wich is really great, congratulation to Big Mess O'Wire !!!! See "Merlin32 to apple II Merlin 8.txt" to know how to convert a Merin32 source to a Merlin 8 compatible source.

Todo

• End display with "THE MATRIX" (or something else ending with IX!!) in the center.
• Port it on HGR