Support for Cromemco TU-ART

[steve42]

I have a Cromemco TU-ART as the serial board in my Altair. It's worked great so far, but up to this point I've been writing all my own software. I'm gearing up to add disk storage capability now and looking forward to using CP/M, BASIC, and all the wealth of standard software out there, which I gather is mostly geared to the expectation that one is running the more standard MITS serial board. Am I right in imagining that I need to switch to one of those to avoid having to custom-patch all the ROM monitors, CP/M BIOS, and everything else, or was TU-ART actually a widely supported board that might work AS-IS with the usual ROMs and CP/M and such?

[AltairClone]

Unfortunately no, the TU-ART was not supported by software that ran on the original Altair FDC. You’re looking at patching code or picking up an Altair compatible serial board.

Mike

[toml_12953]

I have a Cromemco TU-ART as the serial board in my Altair. It's worked great so far, but up to this point I've been writing all my own software. I'm gearing up to add disk storage capability now and looking forward to using CP/M, BASIC, and all the wealth of standard software out there, which I gather is mostly geared to the expectation that one is running the more standard MITS serial board. Am I right in imagining that I need to switch to one of those to avoid having to custom-patch all the ROM monitors, CP/M BIOS, and everything else, or was TU-ART actually a widely supported board that might work AS-IS with the usual ROMs and CP/M and such?

If you're going to replace the TU-ART anyway, might I suggest the 2SIOJP? It's completely compatible with the Altair 2SIO plus it has extra features that you can read about here:

https://deramp.com/2SIOJP.html

Since it's made of all modern parts, it should be more reliable than a vintage board. I have two in my Altair 8800c and have had no electrical or compatibility problems with them at all.

[steve42]

If you're going to replace the TU-ART anyway, might I suggest the 2SIOJP? It's completely compatible with the Altair 2SIO plus it has extra features that you can read about here:

https://deramp.com/2SIOJP.html

Since it's made of all modern parts, it should be more reliable than a vintage board. I have two in my Altair 8800c and have had no electrical or compatibility problems with them at all.

I have one on its way to me as I type this. Looking forward to trying it out.