RAMLink

Provides up to 16 Megabytes of ultra-fast RAM disk storage and a Real-Time Clock option 

Operates up to 400 times faster than a 1541 

Nonvolatile - retains programs and data even when the computer is turned off 

Plugs into cartridge port and responds to all standard disk drive commands 

Includes cartridge pass-thru port and a RAM port for Commodore REU's or GEORAM 

What is RAMLink?

Having been described as "...a device so clever, so slick and so thoroughly neat that it can only be described as revolutionary" (-Conrad Tillman, Geoworld), RAMLink incorporates a powerful mix of today's latest technology with CMD's proprietary RL-DOS to provide an expandable, power-backed RAM disk. 

 

RAMLink is far more than an "REU" or a power back up. RAMLink brings a fresh new concept in high speed storage, employing the latest technology and a proven operating system packed with features. It is truly the most powerful and versatile storage system ever created for a Commodore. 

Expandability, Flexibility and Capacity

In its base form, RAMLink is a compatibility and power backup interface for Commodore 17xx series REU's and GEORAM. In this state RAMLink has no internal RAM and is reliant upon the RAM capacity of your REU. Unlike other RAM devices, when the computer is switched off RAMLink's own power supply maintains the memory in the REU. 

 

RAMCard is the internal expansion board used to transform the RAMLink interface into its own self contained power/battery backed RAM disk. RAMCard is a 'daughter' board which mounts internally in RAMLink and has four industry standard SIMM sockets on it. Each socket is capable of housing either a 1 Mb SIMM for capacities up to four megabytes or a 4 Mb SIMM for capacities up to sixteen megabytes. With the installation of the optional RAMCard, RAMLink becomes an expandable RAM disk with capacities up to 16 MB. You may also combine the use of RAMCard with a REU. The optional Real-Time Clock time and date stamps files are stored in RAMLink. 

RL-DOS Makes it Work

Probably the most important feature in RAMLink is its built-in operating system, RL-DOS, which originates from the HD-DOS operating system used in the CMD hard disk drives. RL-DOS actually creates a RAM-based disk drive which is fully partitionable. Partitions are a means of organizing large amounts of memory by breaking it up into smaller segments. There are several types of partitions to choose from. Emulation mode partitions mimic 1541, 1571 and 1581 disk drives and provide great compatibility. Native mode partitions provide the most versatility because they can range in size from 256 blocks to 16 MB and incorporate MS-DOS style subdirectories. 

Additional Features

In addition to the RAM Port, RAMLink provides a Pass-Thru port which can be used with many commercial utility cartridges and interfaces. RAMLink also has a parallel port to provide parallel access to CMD HD Series hard drives, making it capable of transfer speeds far greater than any other drive ever available for the Commodore computer. A version of the JiffyDOS Kernal is also built into RAMLink which makes executing frequently used commands easy and convenient. 

Benefits

Compatible with Existing Software - Since RAMLink is seen as a standard disk drive on your system and accepts all standard Commodore DOS commands, you'll be able to use it with much more software than other RAM devices. This same compatibility makes it is easy for you to start using RAMLink right away. 

 

Ultra-fast Operating Speed - Because RAMLink is essentially a disk drive based in RAM, it operates very quickly, delivering speeds up to 20 times faster than a 17xx series REU using Commodore RAMDOS, and up to 400 times faster than a standard Commodore 1541 disk drive. You'll load and save programs at blindingly fast speeds, and access data files so quickly that you'll never want to go back to floppies again. 

 

GEOS - Everyone knows that RAM disks transform GEOS into a faster and much more usable environment, and no other RAM device performs as well as RAMLink under GEOS. Have instant access to all of your GEOS applications, even boot GEOS from RAMLink in seconds using CMD's geoMakeBoot utility (see GEOS section). 

 

Power Backup - Since RAMLink has its own power supply, it retains programs and files stored in its RAM even when you turn off your computer! And since it draws no additional power from your computer, it won't lead your computer's own power supply to an early grave. 

 

Optional Battery Backup - An optional battery pack is also available for RAMLink. When attached, it is constantly recharged by the power supply and is there to protect you when the lights go out! No need to worry about loss of data if you suffer a power loss. 

 

Built-in JiffyDOS Kernal Routines - The computer portion of JiffyDOS is built directly into RL-DOS, allowing RAMLink to take advantage of JiffyDOS-equipped disk drive. (See the hardware section for details on JiffyDOS.) 

 

Partitions and Subdirectories - Keep your programs and data organized with up to 31 separate partitions and an unlimited number of subdirectories. A full set of DOS commands make it easy to move between partitions and subdirectories, and to find and view files anywhere on RAMLink. 

 

CMD Native Partitions - Give your programs the ability to store more data than ever before with the extended storage capacity provided by CMD Native partitions, which can be as large as the amount of available RAM! 

 

Emulation Modes - Use more software on your RAMLink with the increased level of compatibility provided by partitions which mimic the track and sector layout of standard Commodore disk drives (1541, 1571 and 1581), and which accept the commands specific to those devices. 

 

Autobooting - RAMLink's unique Auto-File feature will allow you to run any program from any device on your system at power-up; even on a 64 or 128 in 64 mode! This means you can start using a program just seconds after turning on your computer without entering a single command! And if you use a Commodore 128 computer, you can even define separate Auto-Files for 64 and 128 modes. 

 

Device Swapping - Our unique SWAP feature allows you to easily exchange device numbers with your current floppy disk drives using device numbers 8 or 9. This allows you easy access to RAMLink when using programs which have limited device number support. 

 

Simple Utilities - A complete set of easy-to-use utility programs for partitioning and copying files and whole disks are included free with RAMLink. Software for GEOS compatibility is also free of charge.